Why Franchises Need Comprehensive Commercial Insurance

You fought hard to get your franchise license. Now it is up to you make sure that the business survives in these economic times. Competition can be intense in St. Augustine, FL.

What will protect your business when the times get tough?

One way to prove you have the acumen to remain in business is to buy Tim Huber Insurance comprehensive coverage. Do not make the mistake of relying solely on the minimum commercial insurance required by your franchising brand. Instead, get more coverage to ensure you can handle any unplanned events.

The Problem

Even if your standard St. Augustine, FL commercial insurance seems adequate you might need more. For example, an accident or lawsuit could cost so much that the parent company may see you as a liability no longer worth backing. Sure, they might allow the insurance to pay off your debts incurred in the lawsuit, accident, or other incidents; however, it is not uncommon for brands to decide to end such a partnership.

You will remain in business, just without their further support. All the hard work you did getting the franchise will have been wasted.

The Solution

To help keep your business from losing its franchise license by some unplanned calamity, always purchase comprehensive commercial insurance. Doing so is a fine way to build a solid reputation within the brand. The main office will know that you are a serious player out to protect both your interests and theirs.

Get More Information Now

Feel free to contact Tim Huber Insurance to learn about ways to save on extended commercial coverage. The helpful agents will lead you through the process. Visit the website today to request a free quote.

 

What You Should Know about Classic Car Insurance

Classic cars are an investment, and in St. Augustine, FL you aren’t going to be driving your classic car throughout the city. Whether you need to run errands or for a daily commute, insurance can still protect your investment that you have spent a lot of time on. Policies will depend on the age of the vehicle, miles driven, and any vehicle modifications. An agent at Tim Huber Insurance can help you determine if you qualify.

In order for classic cars to qualify for insurance, they must fit into three categories. Cars that are produced before 1974 qualify for classic status and can be convertibles; foreign sports cars or 2-door sports cars and certain 4-door sedans can qualify.

  • Classic car insurance differs from regular auto insurance because the value for the car, should anything happen to it, is agreed upon between you and the insurance company. The worth of the car will be judged on appraisals and research conducted by an underwriter. Unlike traditional cars that depreciate in value, classic cars can go up in value when they are well cared for, so different coverage is required.
  • There are strict requirements for how classic cars are stored. You can’t have your classic car just parked outside your home, and it will need to be in a storage area that is designed to protect the car.
  • You can’t use your classic car as your primary vehicle. There is usually a cap on the number of miles that can be driven per year on the car so you won’t be able to use it as your primary car anyway.
  • You can add other options to classic car insurance, like no attendance required, which will provide coverage for your car while it is not in your care. If your car will be displayed at a car show, this is a good option.

Because the rules of classic cars can vary, contact an agent at Tim Huber Insurance, serving the Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL area, to find a policy for your vehicle.

What Type of Insurance Do I Need on a Motorhome?

One of the best ways to tour the country would be to buy and drive a motorhome. While a motorhome is often considered a recreational vehicle that is used for fun, it is also an important asset that needs to be adequately covered by insurance. For those that are in the St. Augustine, FL area, several types of coverage should be included in your motorhome insurance policy. 

Minimum Legal Requirements

When you are getting insurance on your motorhome, the first thing that St. Augustine, FL area residents need to consider are the minimum legal requirements. Similar to other states, motorhome operators in Florida are required to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. In Florida, you will need to have at least $10,000 per accident in property damage protection. You will also need to carry $20,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage and $10,000 per person.  

Property Damage Coverage

In the state of Florida, the amount of coverage you need to comply with the law only includes liability protection, which means you will not receive any coverage for your property. Since a motorhome is a major asset, you will likely be required under any loan you have to have additional coverage as well. If you choose to pursue a property damage coverage policy for your insurance, you will also receive coverage on your motorhome as well as insurance on your assets that are underneath the roof. This could save you a considerable amount of money if your vehicle is stolen or damaged.  

If you are looking to buy a motorhome, you should reach out to the Tim Huber Insurance. Tim Huber Insurance can help you to understand your motorhome insurance needs, the state requirements better, and other factors to help you build the right policy for your situation. 

Ways to Increase What You Get Out of Motorcycle Insurance

How can I get more out of my motorcycle insurance?

When deciding which type of motorcycle insurance to choose, it is important to know where to find the best coverage, what contributes to the cost, the kind of optional coverage available, and the type of coverage that is required. In the US, motorcycle insurance is mandatory because of the high risk associated with operating a motorcycle. Some factors that will determine the cost and kind of coverage you will obtain from Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL include the motorcycle’s engine size, where it is registered, and various other factors.

Take a motorcycle safety course

After you have completed your motorcycle safety course, you can acquire a substantial discount on your policy. Before you sign up with your safety course instructor, it is paramount to make sure that it is an approved insurance course. Also, you may be able to get a discount for renewing your skills even if you have been riding for some time.

Consider a Part-time Insurance

Some motorcycle owners ride their bikes on a daily basis, but if you are an exception, you can save a lot by ensuring it with a seasonal policy. If you are not riding the bike, there is no need to insure it.

Increase the Deductible

If you believe that you are less of a risk because you are a great rider, then you can increase the deductible. This will cut the cost of the policy. However, you should make sure that you can cover the cost of the deductible in case of an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is ideal for you if you are purchasing a luxury bike because it will protect you against fire, theft, and other forms of misfortunes that were not facilitated by accidents.

Maintain a good driving record

Conclusively, before an insurance company determines the cost of your insurance policy, they will review your history behind the wheel. If you have a bad driving record, this could reflect in your insurance coverage costs.

For more information about obtaining the right motorcycle insurance policy, contact Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL. Our agents can answer your questions and help get you started.

 

When Can You Claim Your Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance has been specially designed to protect the holder from significant claims that may exceed the limits of a regular policy.

How does it work?

Umbrella insurance from Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL can help protect your assets in two significant ways: it provides coverage for claims that are excluded from other liability policies and provides additional coverage above the limits of a general policy.

What Does it Cover?

Umbrella insurance covers all of your assets that may be at risk. Such assets include personal property, retirement accounts, real estate, liquid assets, and investments. The umbrella insurance covers your valuables that may exceed the limits. This means if you have valuable jewelry or are involved in an accident with a high dollar vehicle, the cover can go beyond the typical insurance to pay the difference.

Claiming Your Umbrella Insurance

Consider the following hypothetical scenarios that demonstrate when you can claim your umbrella insurance.

  • You cause a 5-car accident and your auto insurance policy isn’t sufficient to pay for all the five accident victims’ replacement cars nor is your personal liability insurance high enough to cater for their medical bills.
  • Assume a group of five customers becomes injured on your business property. You cater for their trip to the hospital, and on arrival, it turns out that they will need to undergo expensive surgeries. They sue your business for compensation, and you aren’t worried since you have a general liability insurance policy. However, it turns out that the compensation rises to the tune of $1 million which your general liability policy can’t cover. At this point, the only option you have is to file a claim with your umbrella insurance provider.

There is a lot to understand when it comes to umbrella insurance. Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL  is here to help educate you on the topics and help you understand how it works. For a quote on umbrella insurance, please reach out to our office.

Is Flood Insurance Worth the Investment

When it comes to protecting your home in Florida, one of the most important things you can do is to get insurance coverage on it. A homeowner’s insurance policy from Tim Huber Insurance Services in St. Augustine, FL will help provide coverage for many events, such as fire and burglary, but in many cases, it will not pay out for claims that are associated with flooding. This is why you should carefully assess whether or not flood insurance is worth the investment. Let’s take a closer look at flood insurance and whether or not you should buy a policy. 

What is flood insurance?

When you buy a homeowner’s policy, it will likely cover a minimal amount of damage that is caused by rainwater (not all policies provide this amount of coverage). What it will not cover, however, is water damage caused by the house being filled with water due to rising bodies of water, like streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes. To obtain coverage for this type of damage, you will need to invest in a flood insurance policy. 

Is flood insurance worth the investment?

If there is little likelihood that your home could be flooded by a rising body of water, then flood insurance may not be worth the investment for you. If, however, you live close to a body of water (whether or not it is prone to rising and causing flooding), then this means there is a chance of flooding and that flood insurance will be a wise investment for you to make. 

To learn more about flood insurance and whether or not it is a good investment for you to make, contact Tim Huber Insurance serving the St. Augustine, FL area.

Need a Tow? Even Your Boat can Run Out of Gas

Do you own a boat and have it moored in the Jacksonville or St. Augustine, FL area? If so, then you probably have boat insurance from a reputable company such as Tim Huber Insurance. But would your policy help you out when things go wrong out at sea? Many policies will provide compensation if your vessel is stolen or lost due to weather, but what if you have a fender bender in the harbor or experienced motor failure while fishing?

Stock Three Simple Things to Prevent the SOS Call

  • Extra fuel can: Maybe you stayed out a little longer than expected. Keeping an extra can of gas or diesel on board can get you to safe harbor on your own
  • New spark plugs: Sea air and salt water create a corrosive environment. When your inboard doesn’t turn over, you may simply need a new spark plug. 
  • Replacement inline filter: Unleaded gasoline is known for gumming up your motors. Sometimes all you need is to change out the filter to get underway.

All of these solutions require just five to ten minutes to gas up or switch out the part and cost only a few dollars. How many hours would you wait for a service vessel to reach you?

Towing and Repair Coverage for Your Boat

If you do break down on the water, you can get towed back into port. However, that can be ridiculously expensive. Dollar signs appear when you bring in your boat for a simple fiberglass repair. Talk to your agent at Tim Huber Insurance about adding towing and repair coverage to your boat insurance policy. Your wallet will thank you. Leaving extra cash in your wallet while cruising the blue waters surrounding St. Augustine, FL.

 

 

 

Condo Insurance with an HOA? How the two will work together.

Living in a condo with an HOA has many benefits. Often there are added amenities for the community, and some HOA’s will offer maintenance free-living. Did you know there can also be the added bonus of having shared insurance from the HOA? In many HOA communities, there are blanket insurance policies that overlap with individual condo insurance. Around Florida, there are many condos and knowing you are covered is essential. The experts at Tim Huber Insurance in St. Augustine, FL are here to help explain basic insurance coverage with condo insurance and an HOA.

Typically, an HOA will have their own blanket liability coverage for the community. This usually covers everything in your condo from the "studs-out," meaning the roof, siding, and exterior parts of the condo would be covered by the HOA master insurance policy in the event of damage from hail or the wind. Personal property or anything from the "studs-in" would fall on the individual condo insurance. For liability claims that may occur in any common areas, such as the clubhouse or pool, condo insurance usually has some element of liability. 

It is always important to check first with your HOA master insurance policy to find out just how much liability coverage you need on your personal condo insurance. It is also important to know that in some HOA communities there is a minimum amount required for personal condo insurance and they may even request a copy of your declaration page.

Making sure your condo is covered for the unknown is important to protect yourself and your loved ones. Tim Huber Insurance, proudly serving the residents of St. Augustine, FL and the surrounding areas, can help unravel any questions on the coverage you may have. Reading through the limitations of your current HOA master insurance coverage and deciding how much coverage is necessary for your condo insurance is a tricky undertaking. Visit the experts today to get started on your new condo insurance policy.

Protecting Your Family With Adequate Life Insurance

Purchasing life insurance is one of the best ways to protect your family against debt and other financial issues that appear as the result of death. It is important to know how much protection is enough to give your family the security they need.

Calculating The Right Amount Of Coverage

When figuring how much coverage you need, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is a loss of income. How much money will your spouse and children need to survive if there is a loss of income? Figure your income for one year and multiply it by 10. You will also need to calculate your total cost of a burial or funeral service plus any outstanding debt. You should round up to the next ten thousand figure and use that as a guide for calculating your life insurance needs.

Finding The Right Company

When looking for reliable life insurance coverage in St. Augustine, FL, you should do business with an established company with a track record of excellent customer service. If you are a resident of St. Augustine, FL, Tim Huber Insurance has the life insurance protection you need. Let our knowledgeable and friendly staff walk you through the process of obtaining life insurance coverage that fits your needs. They can help your family through the claims process as well in the event of death. Call or stop by today for more information and answers to questions you may have about insurance products.

Life insurance protects your loved ones in the event of an unexpected death. It can give them the financial security they need to make ends meet and cover final expenses. Know how much coverage you require and start giving them the security they require for the future. Check out insurance policies in St. Augustine, FL with a reliable agent from Tim Huber Insurance.

Spotting mold in your Florida home

It’s Summer all year round in St. Augustine, FL. It’s lush green trees, blue skies, and sandy white beaches, but, if you’re not careful, mold can rot your floorboards faster than you can flip a burger on the grill out back. There’s not a lot of downsides to living in St. Augustine, FL, but that’s one of them. In some instances, Tim Huber Insurance may cover certain aspects of repair in these cases, but it’s better if it just doesn’t happen in the first place.

So, how do you spot the mold so that it can be handled appropriately?

The good news is that if you can’t see it, you can usually smell it. The distinctive smell that mold produces is thanks to MVOC or microbial volatile organic compounds. This is a gas that mold produces, which creates that musty smell, like a coat left in storage for a little too long.

You can usually find the source of the smell by following your nose. Once you’ve got the area more or less narrowed down, you can pick up a mold detection kit from most hardware stores and even many big box chains.

If you catch the mold early, it’s usually possible to take care of it with a little bit of bleach. For extensive damage, it may be necessary to replace floorboards, drywall, and so on. In more cases than not, a little bit of bleach and elbow grease is all it takes to scrub the mold away.

If you’re looking at any mold damages, check with Tim Huber Insurance to see if you’re covered. Mold can be produced by many causes, and it varies from case to case. Our agents are here to answer and address any questions or concerns you may have. Also, if you are in the area, stop by our office to set up a meeting to talk about how home insurance can benefit your house.