How Employee Growth Affects Your Commercial Insurance Needs

As your company expands and more employees come on board, your responsibilities undoubtedly increase. This is especially true in the case of insurance. At Abney Insurance, proudly serving the Winter Garden, FL region, we recognize that business expansion brings exciting opportunities. However, it also necessitates changes to your existing commercial insurance policies.

Adjusting Coverage for Expanding Businesses

When you hire extra staff, your liability risks elevate. An increased workforce implies an elevated potential for workplace accidents or claims. It’s crucial to review your general liability and workers’ compensation policies to ensure they sufficiently cover your enlarged team. By amendment of coverage limits, you can safeguard your business against unexpected incidents.

Taking Care of Property and Equipment

Business growth often necessitates additional equipment and office space. Therefore, it’s essential to update your commercial property insurance in sync with these changes. Whether you’re leasing additional office spaces or buying new machinery, your policy should be adjusted to account for these assets, thereby avoiding gaps in coverage.

Considering Cybersecurity

Rising employee numbers equate to an increase in the volume of data processed, inducing greater exposure to cyber risks. Adapting cyber liability insurance is a wise move, offering an effective shield against data breaches and cyber-attacks. Concurrent training of your employees in cybersecurity best practices can also stave off potential threats.

Periodically Reviewing Your Policies

Regularly reviewing your existing insurance policies is essential as your business evolves. Adopting this proactive strategy will identify potential areas requiring adjustment, reinforcing the comprehensiveness and timeliness of your coverage. Consulting with experienced insurance agents can make this process more seamless and effective.

At Abney Insurance, we take pride in supporting your business growth by offering tailored insurance solutions for businesses in and around the Winter Garden, FL, neighborhood. Contact us today to discuss your evolving insurance needs, ensuring you are fully protected at every stage of the growth journey.

What is “Other Structures Coverage” on a Home Insurance Policy

Other Structures Coverage

At Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, we understand the importance of protecting your home and property when a covered incident occurs. When consumers shop for home insurance coverage, the main concerns are often the home and its contents. However, knowing that the other structures surrounding your home are protected should the unthinkable happen and how much this coverage pays is equally important.

What "Other Structures" Mean In Your Insurance Policy

"Other structures" in your insurance policy refer to features such as a fence, an in-ground swimming pool, a detached garage, or a gazebo. This coverage generally activates under the same conditions as your home insurance. For instance, if your home insurance covers circumstances such as fire, theft, falling objects, or wind damage, your other structures will likely be covered under the same conditions.

That being said, we always recommend having a conversation with your insurance agent to thoroughly understand what’s covered in your policy. This dialogue will give you peace of mind that you’re completely protected when the unexpected happens on your property.

The Coverage Payment: How Much?

Typically, "other structures" coverage pays a percentage of what your home is insured for. For example, if your home has coverage worth $450,000, and other structures cover stands at 10%, you can receive up to $45,000 for damages to your other structures following a covered incident. This financial protection can give you a sense of security when dealing with property damage.

Other Factors to Consider

When other structures on your property suffer damage, it’s likely that the valuable items you keep inside them will be damaged, too. Rest assured, those items fall under your personal property coverage, so you need not stress about the contents of your other structures, such as a detached garage.

Contact Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL for Assistance

At Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, we understand that ensuring protection for your family, property, and finances can be overwhelming. But there is no need to stress. Contact us today at (407) 877-6110, and we will put your mind at ease. We will listen to your unique situation and provide the information you need to make the best decision to safeguard your home and other structures.

From Repairs, Claims, Accidents and More Auto Insurance Makes a Difference

Every driver who gets behind the wheel is subject to becoming involved in an accident. In fact, anyone who owns a vehicle could experience damages without ever leaving their driveway or garage. These are a few of the many reasons why people rely on auto insurance. People from Winter Garden, FL rely on the trusted and professional team at Abney Insurance for all their auto insurance needs. The right auto insurance can make a difference for you and your vehicle when dealing with repairs, claims, accidents, and more.

The Benefits of Getting the Right Auto Insurance

In the case of any minor accident, such as a fender-bender, the cost of repairs can be anything but minor. If you sustain an injury or are involved in an accident that causes injuries, the medical bills can be staggering. These are just a few examples of situations where having auto insurance can make a difference. Having auto insurance is about more than just legality – it’s about being prepared for whatever comes your way, on the road or in your driveway.

Auto Insurance Solutions in Winter Garden, FL

If you live in or around the Winter Garden, FL area and have questions about auto insurance, our team of friendly and professional agents at Abney Insurance can help. There’s no telling when you might need insurance, but when you do, it’s reassuring to know that it’ll be there. Contact us today to learn more and get the coverage you and your vehicle need to feel and to remain protected from all the unforeseen events you might encounter – both on and off the road- with Abney Insurance today.

Commercial Insurance Claims for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can devastate businesses, inflicting considerable property damage and disrupting operations, particularly in Winter Garden, FL. It’s crucial to promptly and accurately file a commercial insurance claim for recovery. Grasping the necessary steps and typical challenges can contribute to a smoother claims process.

Assessing Damage and Documentation

The primary step following a natural disaster is to evaluate the damage. Recording the damage is vital in supporting your insurance claim. Moreover, accumulate any applicable financial records, such as receipts, invoices, and past maintenance records, to validate the worth of the lost or damaged property.

Immediate Reporting

Swift reporting commences the claims process and validates compliance with policy stipulations. To fortify your claim, supply your insurer with all mandatory documentation, including photos, videos, and financial records. Early engagement with your insurance company can pave the way for a smoother claims experience.

Understanding Policy Coverage

Deciphering the specifics of your commercial insurance policy is imperative. Comprehending what is covered and the policy restrictions can help you set realistic expectations for your claim and prevent unexpected surprises.

Working with Adjusters

Fully cooperate with adjusters by granting them access to your business premises and addressing any queries they may possess. A comprehensive and transparent evaluation by the adjuster is necessary for a just settlement. Transparent communication can keep the process flowing seamlessly and ensure you receive compensation to cover the damage expenses.

Managing Repairs and Business Continuity

Maintain detailed records of all repair expenses and related costs, as your policy may cover them. Additionally, concentrate on business continuity planning to minimize operational interference and ensure a swift recovery.

Abney Insurance Helps Guide You

Abney Insurance is here to guide you and showcase how commercial insurance can provide long-term benefits. We serve the Winter Garden, FL, region. Reach out to us today.

Three Risks Home Insurance Can Protect Against

Home insurance can protect your home against various risks, ranging from bad weather to break-ins. Here are three risks that most homeowners’ policies cover if a house is damaged or destroyed.

1. Natural Disasters

One of the most important risks that home insurance can protect against is certain natural disasters. Should your home be damaged by severe weather or other disasters, your policy may pay to repair the damage.

In Winter Garden, FL, it’s especially important to make sure your policy includes coverage for high winds and hurricanes. We at Abney Insurance can help you find a policy that does.

You should also be aware that two potential disasters normally aren’t covered by standard homeowners policies. Both floods and earthquakes are excluded by most of these policies. If you need coverage for flooding, we can find a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or private market. Coverage for earthquakes is also available but less commonly purchased in Winter Garden, FL.

2. Fire and Smoke Damage

A fire is a devastating event that can lead to a significant loss of property and life. Home insurance policies usually include coverage for damage caused by fire and smoke, providing funds for repair, replacement, and even temporary accommodation while your home is restored.
Loss of life, of course, falls under life insurance. We at Abney Insurance often recommend getting at least enough life coverage to pay your mortgage off (and likely more).

3. Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism can occur unexpectedly, leading to substantial repair and replacement costs. Home insurance may help repair any damage done during a burglary and assist with replacing what’s stolen.

Secure Your Home with Confidence

Contact our agents today to ensure your home insurance covers the risks you need.

Types of Liability Coverage You Need in Your Auto Policy

When you own a vehicle, it’s essential that you have an auto insurance policy. Your vehicle lender requires it, and the state requires it. Several coverage types can be included in an auto policy, and two of them are types of liability coverage. It’s essential for many reasons to have liability coverage. It’s crucial for your financial future and those on the road around you who may end up in an accident with you. While getting liability coverage is the minimum type of coverage you need, you should also have other types, such as collision and comprehensive coverage. Call us at Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, for an auto policy.

Property Damage Liability 

This required type of coverage pays for the repairs needed to someone else’s property after you cause an accident that damages that property. Typically, this coverage pays for someone else’s car repairs after you have an accident with them. However, it can pay for other types of property damage as well. If your vehicle ends up on someone else’s property, this coverage can pay for damaged landscaping or damage done to a building. 

Bodily Injury Liability 

This type of liability pays for the bodily harm that is caused to someone else after they’re in an accident with you. This can be another driver, a pedestrian, etc. When you’re found at fault for an accident, paying the medical bills that come from it is your responsibility. Medical bills can be extremely high, even when injuries aren’t that bad, so it’s never a good idea to go without this coverage.  

Get Your Auto Policy

When you need an auto policy, we can help. Call Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, to find out more.

What You Need to Know About Commercial Insurance Policies

If you have a business in the Winter Garden, FL area or are thinking about starting one, you need to make sure you have the right commercial insurance policy. Abney Insurance can help with that by providing accurate information from reputable agents. Not every business needs a commercial policy, but most do, and you don’t want to be caught without it when you need it. Here’s what to consider about commercial coverage.

Working with an agent can give you knowledge and insight, along with quotes from several different insurers. Then, you can make the best decision for your specific needs. You want to understand the level of coverage you’ll be getting and its specifics. An office and a factory don’t need the same kind of policy, and that’s true for a construction company, a restaurant, or nearly any other kind of business.

Since your company is also unique to you and your details, you want to ensure that your policy is designed for your actual business, not just for a typical business in your industry. That way, you’ll get what you need from your policy, including plenty of peace of mind for the future. An agent is the best choice for finding your new commercial coverage or updating the policy you already have because they can review everything with you before you select a policy or make changes.

Contact us today if you’re in the Winter Garden, FL, area and looking for a commercial insurance policy. At Abney Insurance, we want to help you and other business owners in the local area get the right coverage to meet their needs.

Biggest Dangers on the Road for Modern Drivers

Each year, more than five million car accidents occur in the United States. If you spend a lot of time on the road, there’s a good chance that you could end up in a wreck at some point. If you have the right auto insurance plans, however, the damage might be covered. Either way, it’s still important to understand the dangers modern drivers face. If you live in or near Winter Garden, FL, contact Abney Insurance to explore auto insurance policy options.

Biggest Dangers on the Road for Modern Drivers

Other Drivers

There’s no way around it: other drivers are a major risk. You can be the perfect driver, always following the law and driving defensively. Yet if another driver breaks the law or is reckless, they could hit you. Further, these days you also have to worry about AI drivers. While in theory, people are always supposed to be in control, some drivers are letting AI take over.

The Weather

Bad weather can cause many different issues. Rain can reduce visibility and make the roads more slippery. Ice can cause people to lose control of their vehicle. When driving in poor weather, it’s best to take things slow.

Road Debris

While local authorities may work to keep roads clear, the simple fact is that there are so many miles of road that it’s hard to keep everything clear. Among other things, road debris, such as broken-off car parts and nails, can pop tires and cause people to lose control. Make sure you always keep an eye out for debris on the roads.

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you want to learn more about the dangers of driving or are considering auto insurance policies, feel free to get in touch. Abney Insurance serves Winter Garden, FL, and other communities nearby, and our agents would be glad to help.

Four Things to Know about Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is essential when owning a business. Also known as business insurance, it protects you, your business, and your employees. While there are basic commercial insurance options in Winter Garden FL, you can add more depending on your type of business, number of employees, and so on. The more you know about commercial insurance, the better decisions you can make about obtaining commercial insurance in Winter Garden FL.

Four Things to Know about Commercial Insurance

  • Know Which Employees Are Covered

Considering workers’ compensation insurance in Florida, most companies are mandatorily required to carry this commercial insurance. In today’s world, you may have temporary employees, full-time and part-time in-house employees, or remote-work-from-home employees. Knowing which type of employees need coverage helps you avoid penalties.

  • Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements

If your business uses commercial vehicles for transportation or delivery, you need to be aware of the limits. They are $10,000 in personal injury and $10,000 in property damage liability. If you have passengers in the vehicle or transport hazardous materials, you are required to have more than these basic limits. Additionally, you can choose more coverage optionally for other specific business needs.

 

  • Commercial Health Insurance

Florida’s law does not require a business to offer health insurance. However, the "Employee Health Care Access Act" provides the availability of commercial health insurance for small business owners for their employees. ERISA, COBRA, and ACA  are federal organizations that also guide employee health benefits.

  • Extreme Weather Insurance for Businesses

Florida is known for hurricanes. However, there is no explicit coverage for hurricane damage. Instead, businesses piece together a patchwork policy with Abney Insurance.

Abney Insurance assisst in creating coverage for extreme weather or other commercial insurance needs Email us , or visit the website for a free quote.

Understanding the Timing for Home Insurance When Buying a House

When buying a new house in Winter Garden, FL, one of the critical steps you will need to take is acquiring home insurance. Here’s a look at when in the home-buying process you’d likely do this.

When to Shop for Home Insurance

You can begin shopping for home insurance once you have a signed contract to purchase a house. You don’t have to start immediately, and might not if you’re more focused on a home inspection and survey. It’s important to not delay shopping for insurance too long, however.

Contacting an insurance agent with enough time before your closing date ensures that you’ll be able to shop around. Asking an agent to check policies for you is the easiest way to find the right coverages and premiums for your new house. It doesn’t take an agent too long to do this, but they may need a few days if there are specific questions or issues that arise (e.g. if the home was built using unusual construction methods).

If you’re still unsure when to start looking for insurance, consider contacting us at Abney Insurance once your property survey is ordered. This should be enough time to find a policy, is usually a lull in what needs to be done, and lets you first take care of the most pressing matters.

Get a Binder Before Closing

At closing, you’ll need to provide a “binder,” This is simply a document that shows you have insurance in place. It’s something your insurance agent can provide you with. While agents can get binders in a single day most of the time, plan on taking care of this several days before closing. That way, you’ll have some wiggle room in case something happens.

Have Questions? Consult With Us

If you’re purchasing a house in Winter Garden, FL, contact us at Abney Insurance. One of our agents will be happy to help you find insurance for your new house — and congratulations!