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386-256-4812

411 Dunlawton Ave
Port Orange, FL  32127
Fax : 386-256-4814

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Renter's Insurance

You do not have to own your property for it to be considered your home in Port Orange. It is often your possessions that are more treasured than the house, especially when renting.

While the landlord may have home insurance covering the structure, your personal belongings are not covered unless you have a renter’s insurance policy in place.

GreatFlorida Insurance has budget friendly renter’s coverage to protect against damage or theft of your small appliances, electronics, computer and entertainment equipment, clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture, bikes and just about anything else you own.

Renter’s insurance is not only created for your possessions but, can offer protection if someone is injured at your rental property as well as  provide living expenses if your rental is damaged and you need to find temporary housing.

GreatFlorida Insurance can cover your rental property whether you live in a condominium, apartment, townhouse or home in Port Orange. Safeguard your personal effects with renter’s insurance today.

Protect What's Yours with Renter's Insurance

Whether you own or rent your home, the fact remains that you want to protect your belongings and your family from life's unfortunate events.

While most people have heard of homeowners insurance, many renters don't know that there are special policies just for them called renters insurance.

Contact a GreatFlorida Renter's Insurance Agent in Port Orange to get more information on a renters insurance policies and to get your free renters insurance quote.

Call 386-256-4812 or take a few minutes to complete our online quote request form.

Why should I get a renters insurance policy?

Even though you may be living in a home that is protected by someone else's homeowners insurance policy, you want to be sure that your personal belongings and liabilities are covered.

If an accident, natural disaster or other unfortunate incident occurs, a renters insurance policy will make it easier to get back on your feet.

How do deductibles work with renters insurance?

Just like with other policies, a deductible is the amount that you agree to pay before your insurance policy begins to pay. However, it is important to note that this applies to personal property claims and not to liability claims.

Additionally, hurricane deductibles are applied differently since storms can cause damage multiple times in one year. Your GreatFlorida Insurance Agent in Port Orange can provide you with additional information on how deductibles work.

What personal items does a renters policy cover?

Renters insurance policies are designed to keep your assets safe. Take a look around your home. You probably have more personal property in your home than you initially realize.

Do you have?

• Kitchen appliances and supplies
  
• Electronics
  
• Clothes
  
• Shoes
  
• Jewelry
  
• Purses
  
• Furniture
  
• Entertainment systems

Protect items such as these with a superb renters insurance policy from GreatFlorida Insurance. Get your quote by calling 386-256-4812.

How about protection against personal liability?

When someone is hurt at your home, it may be as much your liability as it is the landlord's liability.

Not having proper coverage in place can be a costly mistake. Renters insurance will give you the protection you need whether you need to cover attorneys' fees or pay for the medical bills of those injured on your property.

Protection at home and away from home.

Damages and personal liability can by incurred whether you're home or away from home. For instance, if you accidentally set something on fire because of a faulty appliance or lapse in judgment, a good renters insurance policy can help you recover from those damages.

On the other hand, if your home catches on fire, suffers from water damage as a result of an action of your neighbor or building management, or is broken into, a renters insurance policy will be your best asset.

In these instances your policy will cover damaged items as well as pay part of your living expenses should you be forced out of your home due to the damage.

Renters insurance covers your belongings from natural disasters.

Florida is the Sunshine State. Our tropical climate draws visitors from around the world. However, it also leaves us susceptible to severe storms, floods, hurricanes, tornados, etc.

When you rent your home, you are not responsible for damage to the structure, but guess who is responsible for your personal belongings. You are.

The destruction of your home and personal belongings can be devastating. Give yourself and your family the best chance for a second start with proper renters insurance coverage.

You'll also ensure that you'll have financial support to pay for living expenses if you are forced out of your home.

Payment plans available.

Renters insurance can fit most any budget. You have the option of paying for the entire year upfront or paying a deposit followed by quarterly payments. Get more information when you contact a GreatFlorida Insurance Agent.

Get started by making a list and checking it twice.

How can you get started? Before calling GreatFlorida Insurance take inventory of your belongings. From furniture to appliances to electronics to clothes to shoes to clothing to jewelry, these costs can really add up.

Once you have an idea of the total value of your belongings, a GreatFlorida Insurance Agent in Port Orange will be able to put together the best possible renters insurance quote for you.

Get a Quote Online

by GreatFlorida Insurance

4/27/2017

After spending a good amount of money and time planning your ideal trip you might be thinking of  purchasing travel insurance. But, you might already be covered.

“Homeowners insurance, renters insurance, auto insurance and medical insurance follows you on vacation,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance provider. That includes; rental cars, illness, stolen items, lost luggage, accidental injuries and property damage. Before you buy travel insurance, check your policy and see what is currently covered. You want to avoid paying for insurance coverage beyond what is necessary.

Medical coverage

Your current health insurance policy could provide adequate coverage on your travels. Check coverage in the area you are headed. You might be surprised to find doctors and facilities that accept your health insurance even overseas.  The U.S. Department of State urges international travelers to make sure they have health insurance where they are traveling. Many foreign doctors and hospitals require cash payment and emergency medical evacuation can cost up to $100,000. Also, Medicare is not available outside of the country.

While illness is covered during your travels, a pre-existing medical condition might not be. This is a detail you will need to review with your insurance agent.

Lost or stolen items

It is a pain to arrive at your destination without your luggage. The U.S. Department of Transportation limits lost baggage claims to $3300. Keep in mind, airlines account for depreciation of your stuff so if you are traveling with golf clubs or pricey camera equipment you might want to make sure your luggage is covered. Stolen items and lost luggage are reimbursed under your homeowners insurance and renters insurance policy.

“Make sure to know your insurance coverage deductibles and limits before taking off on vacation,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Rental cars

Auto insurance will extend to a rental vehicle. If you cause an accident while driving a rental car, the liability portion of your auto insurance would cover the damages to other cars or property.

Travel insurance

One of the most common misconceptions about travel insurance is the idea that you can cancel for any reason and be reimbursed. Travel insurance will reimburse you on a majority but not all expenses. Like other insurance policies, the amount you pay for travel insurance will depend on a few variables. The type of coverage you choose, how many people are traveling in your party, age, destination and the length of travel. You can expect to pay 5 to 15 percent of the cost of our trip. The deductible amount is usually $200.

Make sure you are not paying for insurance you already own. Check out your current health insurance, auto insurance, renters insurance and homeowners insurance policy to see how much you are covered for while on vacation.

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance for all your insurance needs today.

 

 

The post Are you insured on vacation? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

2/15/2017

Tax filing season is among us. For many, this conjures up feelings of dread. But, money can be saved. Frequently tax credits and deductions are overlooked, costing you money in extra taxes. The Orlando Sentinel reports last year Florida taxpayers missed out on $1.1 billion. Tax credits are typically better than deductions.  In fact, deductions reduce your taxable income while credits reduce your taxes.

“Identifying which tax credits you are qualified for can keep money in your wallet,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent renters insurance agency.

Tax experts agree, the Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most overlooked tax credits. The IRS estimates last year 26 million people received about $65.6 billion under this credit. The average amount received was $2,455 but, it can be worth up to $6,000. Yet, one out of every five workers in the U.S. who is eligible doesn’t take advantage of it.

The credit is available for filers between the ages of 25-64. Eligibility and the amount of the credit are based on adjusted gross income, earned income and investment income. Also, those who are self-employed and own or operate their own business could qualify. Anyone earning less than $54,000 a year should look into this underused tax break.

“Because financial situations change from year-to-year, it is could to check eligibility annually,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent renters insurance agency.

Keep in mind, not all tax credits are for middle to low income families. Another forgotten credit is the Child Dependent Care Credit. You can claim this credit regardless of your income. The amount of the credit is based on how much you spend for child and dependent care and your income. If you are paying someone to care for your children or while you work, or look for work you might be eligible. The credit is also available for the cost of caring for a spouse or another person in your household of any age who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

The Child Dependent Care Credit returns a portion of the money you spend on care and can reduce your tax bill significantly. According to financial management company Intuit, the credit provides up to 35 percent of qualifying expenses, depending on adjusted gross income.

To see if you qualify for these or additional tax credits check out the IRS website.

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance a call if you are looking for affordable and dependable renters insurance.

 

The post Taking Advantage of Tax Credits appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

1/19/2017

A movement is enticing many Americans from their large residences into smaller homes. The appeal of downsizing is tempting everyone from recent retirees, empty nesters to millennials.

“Since the recession, I believe people are looking to simplifying their lives and cut down on expenses,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the current average house size is 2,467 square feet. That is an increase of almost 1,000 sq. ft. since the 1970’s.

Despite overall growth in house size, for the first time since the recession, home size is shrinking. A less is more ideology is taking hold across the country, ushering in the trend of smaller homes.

Downsizing provides a lower maintenance lifestyle that can save time and money. Notably improving on the quality of life.

So, how do you know if downsizing is right for you?

More Money

Money is always a motivating factor. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Unfortunately, financial hardships unexpectedly happen. If you experience a job loss, disability or divorce, could you afford your current lifestyle?

Downsizing can help create breathing room in your budget. A smaller home can mean spending less on your mortgage and for some paying cash for a new place. You will also spend less on utility bills. Obviously, it requires less money to heat and cool a smaller space.

Another key point, downsizing can also reduce consumer consumption. Do you have too much house? Do you have unused rooms that require staging?

 

More Time

Do you Feel overwhelmed by the amount of money and time spent to maintain your home? Many homeowners who have downsized comment that their weekends were consumed with house cleaning and yard work. Now they can clean the entire house in a couple of hours.

“A smaller home can make life more manageable,” comments Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

Less time spent on home upkeep, certainly allows for more quality time doing the things you enjoy.

More Comfort

Creating a more comfortable living situation is an attraction to downsizing. Relocating into a smaller home will force most to get rid of clutter and stuff. A liberating process for some and an anxiety inducing moment for others. Are you prepared to surrender some of your belongings?

Also, some Americans reduce the size of their home and seek out luxury amenities. Creature comforts such as high-end finishes, no stairs or a more centrally located dwelling is a strong pull.

However, downsizing is not for everyone. Is your identity tied to being in a spacious home? Is it necessary to have plenty of room for guests?

Downsizing does not make financial sense in every situation. Homeowners often assume if they sell their current place and move into something smaller, they walk away with money, but that is not always the case.

An article from CNBC on the subject of downsizing suggests taking a look at your monthly costs of housing, rather than size alone. “Downsizing provides less opportunity in low-cost areas.” Locations where home prices, taxes and insurance tend to be lower, you could yield little financial gain.

While many see downsizing as moving backward, it can be a step forward for others.

Whether you live in a spacious dwelling or a cozy home, GreatFlorida Insurance provide competitive rates for homeowners insurance. Give us a call today.

The post Does it Make Sense to Downsize? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

10/5/2016

You know the drill when a storm is coming. Secure outdoor furniture and stock up on batteries, water and non-perishable food items.

“GreatFlorida Insurance regularly compiles storm safety tips for our readers,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency. “Weather is unpredictable despite our best efforts and we want to help people be safe.”

While you are familiar with precautions to heed during a storm to ensure your safety, do you know what NOT to do during a storm? Florida Today, spoke with emergency management officials about activities to avoid during a storm to give you, your family and first responders an easier time while riding out the storm.

• Use a charcoal grill in the house or garage and you could end up with carbon monoxide poisoning. The same goes for gas powered generators.
• Also, don’t connect generators directly to your home’s electrical system. It can electrify lines outside and endanger your neighbors and utility workers.
• Stay home after an evacuation is ordered. Rescue workers will not try to reach you at the height of a storm.

“Consequently, some people stay home during an evacuation to protect their home or valuables, but it is not worth it. Let homeowners insurance do its job,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.

• Go for a ride or walk outside. Dangerous conditions causing flooding, flying debris and falling trees could force emergency management workers from other pressing duties.
• Visit the ER for minor injuries or illness
• Mess with downed power lines
• Drain your pool. The water table can rise from rain and force the pool up, out of the ground.
• Be careless or forget about candles
• Approach animals wandering around after a storm. Even docile pets can be unnerved by a storm and could bite.
• Bring guns, alcohol or pets to a public shelter.
• Lose your cool. Stores will be crowded, gas lines long, and people will be anxious and tempers will be short.
• Venture into the ocean or lagoon. There are always adrenaline junkies wanting to challenge the force of Mother Nature in the water, but it is a battle you rarely win.

To find out the latest information on Florida weather, evacuations, school and government closures and more, check out the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

When a storm hits, it is too late. Let GreatFlorida Insurance secure a dependable and affordable homeowners insurance plan for you.

The post Don’t Do This During a Storm appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

9/21/2016

It’s fall, but you are in Florida. Despite the calendar date, when you wake up tomorrow, you will experience no change in the weather. It is difficult to get enthusiastic about the first day of autumn when it is still 90 degrees outside.

“Florida experiences a slight change of seasons,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency. “Fall means we can soon go outside without getting overwhelmed by the heat.”

While the season is changing, there is no need  for layered clothing despite retailers’ best efforts to sell puffy vests. Not to mention, pumpkin is in every other food product but you are thinking, “Do they make pumpkin flavored iced drinks?”

In spite of a slow start to cooler temperatures, rest assured they are coming. Fall in Florida is the best time to enjoy outside activities and there is no shortage of them. Listed below are some ideas to get the family out of the house and celebrating a new season.

 

Fall Festivals-Food, wine and beer, music and art festivals are happening every weekend throughout the state in the fall.

Fall foliage- North and central Florida boasts fall foliage around the first week in November. The colored leaves will certainly put you in the mood for fall and is worth the drive to one of these parks:

Torreya State Park

Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail

Edward Ball Walkulla Springs State Park

Boost curb appeal. Rake up a few leaves, collect pine cones from your yard and decorate your front door

Grab some local produce and other products from an area farmer’s market.

Camping

Apple picking– Yes in Florida.

Go for a hay ride

Get lost at a corn maze

Visit a pumpkin patch

Hiking

Football Games-There is no problem finding high school, college and pro games throughout the state.

“One of the most anticipated moments in Florida is when windows are opened in the house,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency. “Remember to adjust your thermostat appropriately to save on energy costs.”

Ultimately, it will cool off and when winter arrives, there is no place like Florida.

GreatFlorida Insurance offers the best rates on homeowners insurance for personal property and liability coverage for your home. Give us a call today!

The post Enjoying Fall in Florida appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

8/30/2016

Florida historically experiences the most severe weather over the next eight weeks. August through October is peak hurricane season. Recent tropical activity serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing.

“Seeing the recent devastation in Louisiana, and hearing the heartbreaking stories of loss, will hopefully prompt Floridians to review their insurance policy,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency. “Insurance is designed to help people rebuild their lives.”

Consequently, this is an ideal time for people to contact their homeowners or renters insurance agent to review their coverage. The Insurance Information Institute, III reports that most insurers will not allow changes to be made to insurance policies once a hurricane watch or warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center.

Therefore, it is wise and will put your mind at ease knowing the following information about your renters insurance or homeowners insurance policy. Some questions to ask your agent are as follows:

What is covered?

Is coverage provided for any upgrades or new possessions?

What is the current deductible?

Do I have enough to rebuild my home or replace my belongings?

GreatFlorida Insurance can provide flood insurance to policyholders through the National Flood Insurance Program NFIP. A local GreatFlorida Insurance agent will help you find flood insurance. Protecting your most valuable asset from the most common form of destruction.

Consequently, flooding is the leading cause of disaster in the United States. Florida residents file more flood insurance claims than any other state. Mere inches can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home.

You do not have to live in a high risk flood zone to experience damage. 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from low or medium risk communities.

Unfortunately, many homeowners are under the false assumption that their homeowners insurance would cover loss due to flooding in the home. Flood insurance is not included in a  homeowners policy and must be purchased separately.

Also, many homeowners assume they can collect federal disaster assistance if a flood occurs.  It is only offered when the president declares a major disaster which only happens in half of all flooding situations.

The post Storm Activity Necessitates Insurance Check appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

8/2/2016

Floridians can privately possess everything from alligators to zebras as long as they have a permit. In most cases, neighbors are not legally required to disclose what kind of pets they are housing.

“Exotic animals, like most animals, are curious and unpredictable,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

This impulsive and characteristic behavior can lead to animals escaping and exploring their area, putting neighbors on high alert. Some recent cases include the following:

Last year a woman found her neighbor’s eight foot King Cobra coiled up and hissing under her clothes drier.

A Miami woman was recently attacked by a neighbor’s pet Lemur. The animal caused scratches and bites requiring stitches.

A two-year-old Florida child died after she was strangled by a pet python after it escaped from an aquarium in the home.

While these cases are rare, unfortunate incidents involving exotic pets do occur. News 6 reported, “More than 260 exotic snakes, monkeys, lions, tigers, bears and other captive animals have escaped in Florida over the past decade.” 

Keeping an exotic animal as a pet can pose a threat to your family and neighbors. Florida requires exotic pet owners to carry liability insurance for their animal. Some rare animals can cause injury, spread disease and damage Florida’s eco-system according to The Humane Society.

While dangerous behavior can be expected from a wild animal, what about the behavior of a domestic animal?

“Some communities require dog owners to purchase an umbrella insurance policy for their pet, in addition to the coverage included with their homeowners insurance if they own what is considered a dangerous breed,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.

Dangerous dog breeds include but are not limited to: Rottweiler’s, Pit Bulls and Chows. Unfortunately, aggressive classifications are based on the breed and not behavior history or socialization.

The Insurance Information Institute  claims that dog bites account for one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claims. The average payout for a claim in 2015 was $37,214.

It is important to talk to your homeowners insurance agent to review if your pet is covered on your renters insurance or homeowners insurance, or if additional liability insurance such as an umbrella insurance policy is required.

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance if you have questions about homeowners insurance, renters insurance or umbrella insurance. We will make sure you and your pet are covered.

The post Your Neighbor’s Strange Pet appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.