FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What do I do when I need to file a claim?
Florida insurance companies request you contact them directly by phone or online to submit a claim. You can find claim phone numbers on the back of your insurance card and on policy declaration pages.
If you are unsure about whether or not you should make a claim, give us a call first. During business hours: 239.540.0005. After hours: Susan Schreiber (cell) 239.994.9067.
What is “Accident forgiveness"?
This may be different from what you think.
The accident forgiveness feature is NOT free, even when it is included in an insurer’s standard policy. Insurers obviously need to make up for the premium they lose by foregoing some rate increases. One recent study showed that accident forgiveness often costs drivers an additional 2 to 9%. The reality is, insurers are charging a customer for accidents that haven’t happened yet.
Every auto insurance company that offers accident forgiveness has its own procedure. Some companies automatically offer accident forgiveness as a policy feature, while others make it available as an optional component.
When presented with this option, drivers need to decide whether to pay more for the protection or take the chance that they will not have an accident during the policy term. Insurance agents should be able to help their clients evaluate their alternatives.
How do Independent Insurance agents help grow your business?
Insurance is sold two ways: through captive and independent insurance agents. Captive agents are bound to one company only. Independent agents can shop between as many companies as they want, so they can find you the real best deal for you—not just the best deal one company offers.
Independent insurance agents are small business owners themselves. They know the insurance market inside and out and can help you find coverage designed for your business’s needs. As your business grows, they’ll help your insurance grow with it. Independent insurance agents and small business: a perfect match!
Why do I need Business insurance?
Business insurance in Cape Coral helps your business stay solvent in a crisis. Even if you’ve got a sizeable emergency fund, if your business is leveled by a hurricane or fire (or your reputation has been damaged by a lawsuit), your reserves will run out quickly. Liability insurance will protect you and your business in th event of a claim filed against you.
Business insurance could pick up the tab in the following scenarios, and many more:
-A customer sues over a bad product or poor experience.
-Perishable inventory is ruined after a long power outage.
-A delivery driver gets into a car accident while on the job.
-One of your employees is injured or disabled on the job and requires expensive medical care.
-A natural disaster damages buildings and equipment.
-A business’s reputation is almost as (if not more) important than its cash flow. Business insurance helps protect your reputation, too, allowing you to treat clients, customers and employees right even if things are going horribly wrong.
If you’re seeking funding from a bank or from investors, then they will almost certainly require you to have business insurance. They want to make sure they get paid even in an emergency. Business insurance ensures that you can do that.
If your business operates in a particularly dangerous or litigious field, then it’s especially important to have business insurance to help absorb those high risks. Even tiny home businesses in risky niches like cosmetics, catering and childcare need to at least consider business insurance in Cape Coral, since the “worst-case scenarios” for their business are so catastrophic and legally risky.
What's the bottom line about homeowner's insurance?
Florida homeowner policies cover a wide range of applications. They apply to residential dwellings.
The best value in coverage is afforded to owner occupied primary residence. In other words, the home you live in as your permanent home. When you live in and care for a home, this investment reduces the risk of damage or loss. This high level of care is rewarded with the greatest available coverage at the best rate.
Coverage for newer homes or recently renovated homes is less expensive. The type of construction, design and location all impact the cost of coverage. Secondary or seasonal homes and rental property will have less coverage and higher premiums based on the extra risk factors.
The goal of a homeowner’s policy is to make you whole again after damage from a covered peril. Most things but not all are covered. Most coverage is also based on sudden and accidental actions. Slow, long term wear and tear are generally not covered. The exact perils covered as well as specific ones not covered are written in your policy.
Try not to buy into too much media hype or advertising drama. Florida homeowner insurance companies are made up of Floridians like you and I. They are professional people willing to help. The Florida homeowner insurance industry is one of the most regulated insurance industries. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the Florida Legislature and Governor’s office have worked to protect Florida consumers and maintain a stable insurance market.
Use your independent agent to compare pricing between different providers for the most competitive rates available.
The premium for your home is as individual as you and your home. Comparing it to other homes or other areas is of little value. Be sure to choose an agent willing to guide you through your policy detail. We are ready to help…239.540.0005.
What is the Florida no-fault law (PIP)?
This term is used to describe any type of insurance contract under which their own insurance company, regardless of fault in the incident, pays insureds for losses. Eligible injured parties are entitled to reimbursement of 60% of their verifiable wages and 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, and $5000 death benefit incurred as a result of a covered auto accident. In Florida, this is limited to $10,000 per loss. Florida law requires this coverage.
I’m only renting. Do I really need insurance?
Your landlord insures his property, not yours. Renters Insurance helps protect you and all of your belongings. And it costs less than you think.
Does my home insurance cover liability caused by my dog?
In general, you may not be covered by your home insurance if your dog bites a guest or someone else on your property. Most Florida home insurance policies exclude or provide minimal animal liability. Many breeds of dogs are excluded from homeowner policy liability and some policies do not allow certain breeds at all.
All homeowner insurance providers are different. We are dog lovers, too! We will be glad to help you review your policy. Ask us about our complete dog liability insurance policies.
Is my home in a flood zone?
In coastal Florida, every home is in a flood zone; although some sparsely populated areas inland are not fully mapped and rated. There is a difference between high risk and low risk flood zones. If your home is in a high risk zone, lending institutions such as banks that hold your mortgage will require you to carry flood insurance. No matter what zone you are in, it’s a wise idea for every homeowner to consider flood insurance.
Standard home insurance does NOT cover damage caused by a flood. A separate flood policy should be purchased. Contact us to learn more, 239.540.0005.
What is the contact information for Florida's Property Insurance Companies?
Click here: Contact Information for Florida Property Insurance Companies
How do I contact you?
Susan is available 24 hours a day, 239.994.9067.
Can I get a free quote?
Yes, we are happy to provide you a complimentary quote! Call or email us so we can collect a few details, susan@ssminsurance.com, 239.540.0005. We are also available to review your current insurance policy to ensure you have the right coverage.