How does auto insurance work in Florida?

The state of Florida has different terms regarding auto insurance. Read on to understand how things would work if you are involved in an accident in Naples, FL.

The No-Fault System

The state of Florida is a no-fault state, which means that your insurance policy will pay even if the incident is not your fault. Say, for example, someone rear-ends you while you are waiting at a red light. Your indemnity plan will pay for damages and injuries immediately instead of you being forced to wait for the offender’s assurance policy to kick in and make recompense for damages.

The no-fault system is especially useful when the offending party does not have insurance. You do not have to suffer the brunt of paying out-of-pocket for repairs to your car or for medical bills just because someone decided to drive without proper assurance. Another benefit of the no-fault system is the simplicity. There is no need to opt into an underinsured/uninsured plan, which means that you know that you are covered.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Florida

You cannot drive a vehicle legally in Naples FL and throughout the state without first obtaining an auto indemnity plan that pays at least $10,000 for personal injury and $10,000 for property damage. Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) is a separate form of coverage that the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require drivers to purchase.

Let Pro America Insurance Help

It is important to note that, although the state minimum requirements are $10,000 for personal injury and property damage, it may be beneficial for you to buy more assurance. Imagine yourself having to pay thousands in out-of-pocket expenses for an accident that costs well over the $10,000 policy limit. Such is a possibility when you choose the bare minimum in insurance plans in Florida.

The experts at Pro America Insurance can help you find the auto policy that works best for your lifestyle in Naples, FL. Call them today for a quote!

Can You Still Buy Life Insurance When You Are Over 60 Years Old?

Once we are past the age of 60, there are a number of concerns that must be addressed. When Naples, FL residents meet with Pro America Insurance, they are typically concerned about their ability to obtain life insurance when they are over 60. 

What Changes Do We Need To Be Aware Of?

After the age of 60, the life insurance policies that we are able to purchase change significantly. During our younger years, every possible life insurance policy is available to us. Whether you are looking for a 10-year term, a 30-year term or even a 40-year term, there is no shortage of potential options.

Obviously, 30-year terms and 40-year terms are not as readily available once we are over the age of 60. The terms of the policies that you are able to purchase are capped. Anyone who is over the age of 60 and looking to purchase a term life insurance policy that stretches longer than 25 years will not be able to do so. 

How Can I Obtain The Insurance That I Need?

There are a few key aspects of determining the form of life insurance that you need. For example, those who are already out of the workforce may need a different form of life insurance. Those who are still actively working should purchase a term life insurance policy that offers coverage until retirement.

Estate planning needs must also figure into the equation during this decision making process. Applicants who are over the age of 60 years old must start to plan for what will take place after they have passed on. In these instances, lifetime policies are the best course of action. 

Over the age of 60 and looking for additional guidance when it comes to your life insurance options? Naples, FL residents who fall into this category are urged to contact Pro America Insurance as soon as possible. 

When Can You Purchase Commercial Insurance?

You purchase a commercial insurance policy when you are a business owner to protect you against losses arising from the damage to property, injury to employees or potential lawsuits. The well-being of your business is dependent on the type of commercial insurance plan you have. In case a loss happens, you have to ensure your business can recover fast, and reduce a loss of income that may bring financial ruin.

Insurance requirements in Florida

In the state of Florida, employers are not needed to buy coverage for all aspects of their business. However, specific kinds of insurance covers are state-mandated.

  • For instance, Florida companies with at least 4 employees are needed to have worker’s compensation coverage. In the case of a construction company, insurance is needed for even just one member of staff, including the owner of the business.
  • Given that your company operates vehicles for business purposes, commercial automobile insurance is mandatory.
  • Moreover, if your business profession is susceptible to lawsuits, it is wise to consider policies like general liability insurance as well as a professional liability insurance. General liability insurance is beneficial in the event that may be a delivery guy slides on some water on your business premises and breaks his wrist, a young model having a photo shoot at your studio suddenly falls due to some wires and twists her leg, or your marketing team designs a slogan that is seen as slander by others.
  • Commercial property insurance is needed to protect your company property from accidental damage and theft.

Pro America Insurance is licensed in Naples, FL, and are capable agents can assist you in identifying the best, cost-effective coverage for your business.

The type of industry you are operating in is significant in knowing possible insurance covers and limits. Whether you are a personal trainer, a dental hygienist, or an IT company, Pro America Insurance, Naples, FL can help you get a commercial insurance cover that suits your assets, risks, and needs efficiently.

What does home insurance cover in the instance of a hurricane?

Hurricanes, no matter how large or small, bring devastation. You especially suffer the brunt of tragedy if you are one of the unfortunate souls who loses your home during the heavy gusts of wind coupled with intense rainfall. With so much heartbreak involved in the aftermath of a hurricane, you want to make sure that your insurance policy is all-inclusive of damages to your Naples, FL home. The staff at Pro America Insurance can help you ensure that your policy is one that pays for expenses related to repairing and rebuilding after the devastation of a hurricane.

Does a standard homeowners’ insurance plan cover hurricanes?

The average homeowners’ insurance plan in Naples, FL may not cover every aspect of a hurricane. Flooding is a major factor that most basic assurance policies do not cover. You may find yourself out of luck, then, if the majority of damage incurred by a hurricane is due to flooding. Some homeowners’ insurance plans leave out natural disasters altogether, which means that a provider will not pay for anything upon getting wind that your losses are due to a hurricane.

What can you do?

The best homeowners’ insurance policies cover everything from natural disasters to fires. You should search your policy to see if there is an additional allowance for natural disasters and flooding. If no such notation exists in your paperwork, then you should contact your insurance policy provider immediately to learn about options for those living in areas where hurricanes frequent.

The agents of Pro America Insurance are happy to answer all of your questions regarding flood as well as natural disaster assurance. Call them today to go over the details of your current homeowners’ indemnity policy and to find the plan best suited for your lifestyle.

Can Insurance Protect Your Vehicle from Storm Damage?

The simple answer is that it depends on the type of policy that you have.  Whether you are considering changes to an existing policy or looking for new coverage, the knowledgeable team at Pro America Insurance works with individuals and businesses throughout the Naples, FL area to get the best coverage for their needs. 

Most vehicle owners have the required liability insurance as mandated by the State of Florida.  While this covers the auto repairs and medical expenses of the other party when you are in a wreck that you are found responsible for, they don’t cover your own expenses.  By adding collision and comprehensive auto policies, you are better protected should an accident or ‘act of God’ event occur.  It is these policies that will help you to recover quickly from a severe weather event.  The comprehensive insurance policy is designed to provide coverage in natural disasters.  It provides monies for repairs, for instance, when a tree limb falls on your vehicle.  It can go further when the damage results from hurricanes, tornadoes and hailstorms.  These policies are also created to protect from dangers such as fire, civil unrest, theft and damage from striking an animal. 

While comprehensive and collision auto insurance policies cover a broad range of events, it’s still important to talk with your agent at Pro America Insurance for the details about specific coverage.  They have lived and worked with individuals and businesses in the Naples, FL area so they understand the challenges that vehicle owners face every day.  They can help you find the adequate coverage you need at the price that suits your budget.  When you have questions about a current policy or available insurance options, give them a call then go visit their agents. 

When to Know if You Need Flood Insurance

Unless you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you likely do not think about getting flood insurance. However, just because you are not in an area that floods often does not mean that you should not have it in place. There are a lot of ways that a flood can happen in or near your home so you want to make sure you are always covered. this is especially true in Naples, FL, served by Pro America Insurance. These are just some of the reasons why you should consider getting flood insurance. 

  • Your home insurance may not cover it. More often than not, home insurance policies do not have flood insurance included with it. This is something that you need to purchase separately. It is worth taking a look at to know you are covered. 
  • If you or your neighbors have an above ground pool, a flood can happen at any time. If the pool were to break and the water all came out, it may just end up in your home and having damaged all of your belongings. 
  • If your pipes burst, you could have a flood inside your home. While this tends to happen more in the winter months, it can still happen and it can quickly cause a flood inside your home and a ton of damage. This can even happen if a bathtub or sink is left with running water. 

As you can see, getting flood insurance is always a good idea. If you are interested in learning more about your options and getting a free quote, be sure to reach out to us here at Pro America Insurance, serving Naples, FL. We will work with you to find the perfect flood insurance policy so you are protected. 

What to do when your home is going to flood

As anyone knows, Florida is a prime target for hurricanes. With hurricanes and sometimes other sorts of storms, flooding can come. Pro America Insurance serving Naples, FL has a few suggestions about what to do if you think your home is going to flood.

You should try to take your valuable possessions on the second floor of your home if you have one. If you have a one-story home, elevate your possessions off the floor as high as possible. The items you move to higher locations could include your furniture, but certainly any electronics you might have such as televisions or desktop computers, as well as clothing and other items that might get ruined by prolonged immersion in water.

If the storm is judged to be severe enough to cause home flooding, government authorities will likely ask you to evacuate. Do not ignore such instructions. If you have to leave your home, have a “go bag” that will include important documents, family photos, laptop computers and the hard drive out of your desktop. You should be aware of your evacuation route and have an idea of where you are going to end up. Remember, hotels and motels in a safe zone are likely to be booked by the time you get there. You might wind up in a shelter until you are allowed to return to your home.

It should go without saying that you need to carry flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered by your ordinary home insurance and has to be bought separately.

For any questions about flooding or flood insurance or to purchase a policy, contact Pro America Insurance serving Naples, FL.

How to Get the Right Amount of Condo Insurance

When it comes to ensuring your home, whether it is a single family home or a condo, you want to make sure that you get the right amount of coverage so that you always know you and your biggest investment are protected no matter what. The last thing you want to do is get the wrong amount of coverage only to find out after it is too late. Here at Pro America Insurance, serving Naples, FL, we want to make sure that never happens to you. Use these tips to ensure you always have the right amount of condo insurance for your condo.

  • Get coverage equal to the value of your condo. The value of your home may not be the same amount that you paid for it. You want to make sure that you have coverage for the value so that you are not missing out on anything that could cause a problem later.
  • Reevaluate the value. Value changes over time and since it is not the amount that you paid for it, you should make sure that you have the right value every few years. You can do this by taking a look at the market or even updating the value when you do upgrades in your unit.

Now that you know how to determine the right amount of condo insurance for your condo, it is time to make sure that you actually have the right amount of coverage. Here at Pro America Insurance, serving Naples, FL, we can help you ensure that you have the right amount of coverage. We can also get a free quote for you to ensure that you are not paying too much for your coverage. Contact us today to get started and get your free quote.

Life insurance: Can it pay out to a minor?

When talking with Pro America Insurance to set up a life policy, there are some things you should know about paying out to a minor. Technically, this is legal. But it’s not advisable. In Naples, FL and pretty much everywhere else in the US, the minor will be the legal beneficiary, but they won’t be given the money until they come of age.

This means that the money will be held either by their guardian or in lieu of direction, a hired legal professional who will manage the money until they are of age, which can get very expensive. Both of these options might seem less than preferable, especially since the child’s legal guardian can do whatever they like with the money in the meantime.

The best option for paying out to a minor is to instead payout to a trusted adult with the instructions that they are to hold onto this money for the juvenile beneficiary. This needs to be an adult that you would trust with your life because there is no way of legally guaranteeing that they will uphold their end of the deal. You can have them sign a contract, but since the policy won’t pay out until you’ve passed, there might not be anyone around who is interested in enforcing the contract.

If you have the utmost faith in the child’s parents, then there’s nothing to worry about. But if you have any doubts, and you want to make sure that your grandson or niece or goddaughter has a little something to put towards college, name your trusted adult when you call Pro America Insurance.

What happens if I have a fire or burglary and I don’t have an inventory?

Being a victim of a burglary or fire is incredibly frightening and stressful. Unfortunately, before you have time to catch your breath you will find yourself trying to make up your losses. One of your most important tasks if your home in Naples, FL suffers a major loss is filing an insurance claim.

Pro America Insurance advises every customer of the importance of making an inventory. You can make a list of all your important valuables, including appliances and jewelry, and even save receipts. Then keep all of your paperwork somewhere separate and safe so that you can get to it when you need to. You can even use your smartphone to take pictures.

If you didn’t make an inventory, or if your list was lost or destroyed, filing a claim will not be as simple, and will definitely not be as fast. There are a few things you could do to try to speed it up.

You could simply try to create the list from memory. This is not an easy process, and you are bound to leave things out. It is also possible you may overestimate the value of some of your items, such as appliances which were older than you remembered.

Get a copy of your policy and carefully go over the limits. You may be underinsured because there are limits on some kinds of valuables, like jewelry.

If a disaster strikes your home in Naples, FL, don’t panic. Call your insurance company immediately to let them know what happened, and get any advice on what to do next. Don’t worry about rushing into a settlement, because you want to get what you deserve on your claim. If you have any questions or would like to talk about obtaining a homeowners policy, contact Pro America Insurance today.