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Pets are part of the family–but when something goes wrong, like a dog bite or property damage, homeowners may be surprised to learn how their insurance responds. If you have a dog or other animals on your property, it's important to understand how your homeowners insurance policy treats pet liability.
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As the new year begins, many of us set resolutions to improve our health, finances, or overall well-being. But have you considered making an insurance review part of your goals this year? Taking a closer look at your insurance coverage can ensure you're properly protected, potentially save you money, and help you feel more secure about your future.
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Spring is a time for renewal in Florida, and that often means tackling some DIY projects around the house. But before you dive headfirst into those home improvement dreams, consider the potential hazards lurking beneath the surface. From electrical mishaps to structural risks, spring DIY projects come with a hidden layer of dangers that can turn a fun weekend project into a costly (and potentially dangerous) mess. Let's explore some of the common spring DIY risks and how to avoid them, ensuring your home improvements go off without a hitch.
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Congratulations! You've decided to take the plunge into homeownership. It's an exciting time, but with so much to think about, it can also feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 key things to consider before you embark on your house hunting journey:
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With colder temperatures and snow on the horizon for those located in the northern part of the country, this is the time of year to batten down the hatches as they say. In doing so, one of the most important factors to check is your insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps the cold out, but it also keeps the energy bills down.
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Aside from school starting, September still feels a lot like summer in many regions, with sunny days and a break from the August heat. But once October hits, fall sinks in; the leaves start changing with the colder weather.
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Technology and social trends have driven a wave of telecommuting. Many of us work at home at least on some days while some may work from home all the time. For that reason, more and more homes contain a designated office area; with increasing frequency that area is a room.
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"If you're not getting better, you're getting worse." It's hard to say who was first to utter that phrase but you hear it most used in sports banter. It is a round-about way to say that we're not living in a static world - everything changes and the same is true for factors affecting the costs to replace your home. Your policy might have been up to the task of covering the expense of rebuilding your home at one time. But, chances are, it may no longer afford enough coverage unless it has been changed to reflect the reality of replacement cost. Insurance industry experts and others routinely estimate that up to two-thirds of homes in the U.S. are under insured. For most of us, checking our home's replacement cost periodically is a good idea.
Even though the major shutdowns of COVID are basically over, many employees have adapted the practice of working remotely, at least for part of the work week. This still presents insurance liabilities for both the employer and employee with work performed at home. Because most business general liability policies are written based on employees primarily working at a company's premises, you should have your J.P. Perry agent review your current coverage to see if the policy terms still meet your risk profile.
Flooding causes more property damage than any other weather related event and occurs in all 50 states. You should understand potential flood vulnerabilities you may have at home. The Red Cross or the local planning and zoning department can help you if you are unsure.
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While we covered the basics of homeowner's insurance last week, now we'll take a closer look at the contents portion of insurance policies, also known as Coverage C. This part of your policy applies to the contents of your home and can help to replace or repair those items if they are stolen or damaged due to any of the named perils that apply to your overall policy. But just because your homeowner's policy includes contents coverage doesn't mean you simply need to sign on the dotted line. You should take steps to make sure your coverage will truly be effective should the contents of your home and especially your most valued and important possessions be stolen, damaged, or vandalized.
For any homeowner, a robust insurance policy is a must. But if you're new to homeownership, or if you're thinking about updating your policy, you may not know much about what it does and doesn't cover, along with how to find the best policy for you and your family.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that crime rates increase in the summer. Why? Well, the answer is complex, but researchers have suggested that some of the reasons include:
Having water where it's not supposed to be can be one of the biggest threats to your home. Water damage can be caused by many things, including faulty plumbing, leaking appliances, or just bad weather.
In some areas of the country, having an air conditioner is an absolute necessity. But in other areas, such as in the Rocky Mountain Regions, staying cool indoors takes some diligence and effort. Whether your home is equipped with AC or not, here are some things you can do to keep your spaces cooler this summer.
Should you sell your house without an agent? It depends on many factors. As we enter one of the prime buying and selling seasons of the year, here are some pros and cons of selling your home agent-free, along with a few tips to guide you through the process.
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Summer is coming, and with that, gardeners everywhere are pulling on their gloves, dusting off their shovels, purchasing seeds, and getting into the dirt. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, knowing how to keep your garden properly watered is an important skill to develop. Here are some tips to improve your watering game.
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Getting married this summer? Read on for ways that marriage affects insurance and other financial considerations to handle before tying the knot...
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Thinking about getting a dog or cat for the family, but worried that it might destroy your home, furniture and belongings? Here's how to decide whether you're ready for a pet in the first place, and what you can do to protect your home from your new best friend.
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What would we do without our handy power strips? Those convenient blocks of electrical sockets, which enable us to convert one outlet into several, make it possible to plug in all the gear that we can't live without these days. A typical location for a power strip is the home office, where it helps computers, speakers, printers, monitors, and all sorts of other necessities come to life. But many households have power strips in multiple rooms, if not every room, since there are so many items that require plugging in these days. Hairstyling tools, cooking equipment, and phone chargers come to mind!
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Most people rely on dozens of appliances to support their daily tasks and activities, including small but significant tools like alarm clocks or hairdryers; toasters and stand mixers; and heavy hitters like the dishwasher or washing machine. So, how do you keep your appliances running their best, and getting a good return for your investment by having them work for as many years as possible? Here are a few tips to improve the performance and longevity of appliances.
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You put so much into the interior of your home, and maybe even its landscaping and outdoor spaces. But you may not have considered how the right outdoor lighting can protect your home and its contents; keep you and your family safe as you navigate walkways and entrances in the dark; and elevate your home's exterior and outdoor living areas. Here's what you need to know to begin the process of selecting and installing outdoor lighting for your home.
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As the end of the year approaches, it's a good time to take inventory, reflect on the past, and make plans for future goals. You might consider your relationships, professional life, health, financial situation, or all of the above. Don't forget to also take stock of your insurance coverage and make necessary adjustments based on things that have changed over the past year. Here are some of the most important areas to consider:
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We've all got plans for the holidays and winter season: trips to take, winter activities to try, and the everyday to-do lists that don't stop just because the cold weather has arrived. But difficult conditions have a way of causing plans to go awry or causing damage that we just didn't expect. Here are some of the extra insurance protections you should consider purchasing this season, in case things don't go exactly the way you planned.
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"Call before you dig" is a refrain you may have already heard from Public Service Announcements on the radio or TV. But many homeowners still ignore this basic advice, sometimes with deadly results. If you're planning to dig anywhere on your property, here's what you need to know--and do--to get the job done safely.
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For those who live in snowy climates, winter is on the way. Take advantage of those sunny fall days to prepare your home and yard for frigid temperatures and icy conditions before the snow flies. Making sure your home is well-maintained inside and out will keep you safe and protected through the winter season. Here's how to get ready:
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Americans love their stuff. And most of us have things in storage somewhere: the garage, attic, basement, or a storage unit off site. But what's the point of having all these things if they never get used, looked at, or if you can't even remember you have something you need when you actually need it? Here are some tips for downsizing, organizing and storing your stuff in a way that makes sense:
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Trampolines, swing sets and other backyard play equipment can be scream-your-head-off fun, but also incredibly dangerous. So how do you keep your kids safe, and what can you do to protect yourself in case something happens? Here are some things you should know, and steps you can take to make your backyard a haven for safe play:
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There are many reasons you might have additional buildings or structures on your property. Often, these buildings will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. But in some cases, it makes sense to buy more or different coverage for these buildings or what's inside. Here's everything you need to know about insuring other structures on your property.
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Having a seasonal home in your favorite vacation spot is part of the American dream for many families. But a seasonal home requires maintenance and protection, which is difficult to do when you're not there most of the time. Since second homes and vacation homes often sit unoccupied for months, they can be a target for theft and vandalism. Plus, if a problem occurs, you might not be around to catch it before the damage becomes serious. For these reasons, second homes often carry more risk from the perspective of an insurance company. But that doesn't mean a second home can't still be a great investment. Here's what you should consider when purchasing and insuring your seasonal home.
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Owning a pool takes some time and energy, but keeping it clean both inside and out ensures the safety of your guests and the longevity of your investment. While pool care requires effort, it doesn't have to be painful. Follow these tips for regular upkeep so you can spend more time enjoying your pool than you do maintaining it:
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Trees add a lot to a community and neighborhood in Florida, and they even enhance the value of the properties they inhabit. But if not properly maintained, they can cause safety issues, increase the risk of fire, damage homes, interfere with power lines or plumbing; or become diseased and even die. Whether your trees are new, young or mature, don't leave their health up to chance. Here are some ways to maintain trees on your property.
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Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
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We all love how fresh and wonderful a home can feel after a good spring cleaning; but getting started can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don't have to clean your home perfectly to rejuvenate your living space. Here's how to get maximum results, whether you have a few hours, a few days, or no extra time at all.
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Selling your home this summer? If so, there are some quick cosmetic fixes that can make a big difference, and starting now can help. Should you make major repairs or improvements to your home before trying to sell? Maybe. But regardless of what you choose, there are several things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers that won't require a ton of time and money just a little of each.
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Your roof needs to be replaced. The kids have been begging for a pool and you've finally succumbed to their incessant requests. You've decided to remodel your outdated bathroom and kitchen. Any change to the structure or use of the property will, more often than not, change your policy. However, you'll never know until you contact your insurance company, which you should do before any type of home renovation.
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Let's face it, most of us probably don't think much about replacing everyday household items, the ones we hang onto for months or even years. But hiding in our kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms are many tools and products that should be refreshed on a regular basis to prevent illness and disease, or just to ensure that they're actually working properly.
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There's nothing more magical than seeing a child's eyes light up upon opening a special gift during the holidays. But not all toys are created equal: some can contribute to accidents, injuries, and even cause death in some cases. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 240,000 toy related injuries were treated in emergency rooms around the country. Here is what you need to know to choose safe and healthy toys for your kids.
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As winter approaches, rain, snow, ice, sudden storms, and severe temperatures are on the way in many parts of the U.S. It's time to make sure your home is ready for intense weather by conducting inspections, making repairs, and setting up some winter pre-prep. Here are some important steps to take in the coming weeks:
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Home remodels can test relationships, strain carefully-considered budgets, and push even the most level-headed homeowners to the breaking point. But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether you're just renovating the kitchen or taking on an entire house, here are some ways to get through the process without losing your mind:
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Summer in Florida is officially over. And it may seem tempting to just throw everything in the garage and be done with it until the warmer season rolls around again. But taking the time to put your summer gear away properly will ensure that it doesn't get damaged during the winter season, and make it that much easier to jump right into warm weather recreation and activities when things heat up again.
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It's summertime, and many of us long to spend more time outside. Creating an outdoor living space can make it easier to take advantage of wonderful weather, and bring some simple joy and serenity to daily living. Here are some things to consider when planning an outdoor living space, and how to begin the process.
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Outdoor grilling season in Florida is here, a time to relax on the deck and enjoy some ribs or a juicy burger cooked to perfection on the grill. But even the most experienced grill master should take safety precautions before firing up the grill. Make sure your outdoor entertaining goes according to plan by following these grilling safety tips.
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So you're thinking of buying a pool and imagining those lazy, hot summer days when you'll get to slip into the cool water, sunbathe, play with the kids, and invite friends and neighbors to share in your good fortune. But there's more to owning a pool than just the fun stuff. Make sure that it's truly something you want and are willing to put in the work to maintain. Here are a few things to consider before you "dive in" -no pun intended.
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Unpredictable weather, at least in most parts of the country, is here. Suddenly, regular activities like driving and walking outdoors have become more hazardous. Whether you're going about your daily tasks, celebrating the holiday season, or taking part in fun winter activities, here's how to make sure you're safe and protected.
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Insurance policies are made to be customized for a reason. The business executive has more income and assets to protect from liability claims than the recent college graduate. Families have more people to think about than young single people or an empty nester. And it is worth noting that the single person, the recent college graduate, the business executive and the empty nester can all be the same person...at different times. We all have different pursuits, different incomes, different bank balances at different points in time. The insurance policies that make up your insurance program - your blanket of protection - need to be tweaked from time-to-time so that you are getting the right protection and benefiting from all available discounts.
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After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.
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Have you heard of supermodels insuring their legs or singers taking out a policy on their priceless vocal chords? That's probably not necessary for most people, but many of us probably do have a few valuables that can and should be insured separately.
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For most American families, summer is outdoor celebration time, fireworks time, barbecue time, and fun-in-the-sun-by-the-pool time. If you're the one who happens to be hosting, however, it's important to recognize that these quintessential summer activities present unique risks, as well as potential liability issues.
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Summer in Florida is coming and with it is the opportunity to experience all kinds of warm-weather mishaps. Here are some common summer dangers and how to avoid them.
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A Christmas tree is a non-negotiable tradition for many families during the holidays. But even those who look forward to those twinkling lights and strings of popcorn may have a small child or mischievous cat that makes having a tree difficult and sometimes even dangerous.
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Enormous inflatable bouncy castles also known as bounce houses are often seen at kids' birthday parties and the like. They're colorful, bulbous enclosures where cake and ice cream filled youngsters can jump to their hearts' content, burn off some of the manic sugar buzz, and one would presume stay out of harm's way. In recent months, however, what once seemed to be a benign source of entertainment for the young and young and heart has come to be regarded as a menacing, potentially injurious if not deadly choice for party-day entertainment.
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Between personal motor vehicles, factories, trains, and other sources of toxic fumes, the outside air would seem to be significantly more toxic than the air within our seemingly pristine indoor environments. Unfortunately, this is an illusion. The air you breathe at home or work can be seriously harmful. In fact, according to a study by the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution kills approximately four million people worldwide every year.
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Asbestos is a hidden health hazard that can lurk right in the place where you should feel the safest: home. While those who work in the construction industry are considered the most vulnerable to asbestos exposure, especially repeated exposure, it's important to keep in mind that even very limited exposure-such as what you might experience during a simple renovation project-can have long-term negative effects. Make it a priority to prevent you and your family members from coming into contact with this dangerous material.
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For most of the children in the Florida, the end of August means those lazy dog days of summer are coming to a close, and those books and desks are what will be opening up next. For parents, the back-to-school season is a great time of year to look over insurance policies, and make sure they are up to date. Here are some insurance situations to consider as the kiddos hit the books.
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Sometimes, what appears to be an impenetrably solid roof above your head actually has little openings through which the rain can leak. The same is true of some car insurance and homeowner's insurance policies; they can appear to provide sufficient coverage, but, in the event of an accident of some sort, you may find yourself drowning in debt. To avoid getting soaked by surprising expenses, use an umbrella; umbrella insurance, that is.
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Before winter strikes in Florida, most of us tuck away our summer clothes and bring out the sweaters, coats, and scarves that will keep our bodies cozy when there's a chill in the air. But how many of us take similar steps to prepare our homes for winter weather? Readying your home for winter, also known as "winterizing," will not only help you and your family to stay snug and warm while saving money on energy bills, but it may also protect your home from damage that can lead to costly repairs.
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Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!And your little dog too! The issue of animal liability for Florida homeowners has gotten to be a complicated and somewhat dangerous trap for pet owners. Traditionally, if you had a homeowners policy, the comprehensive personal liability portion would protect you in the event an animal you owned injured someone or damaged their property.Then, insurance companies began asking if you owned a dog and what breed it was. Most companies had a list of breeds that they would not insure so they would either exclude animal liability or not insure the home at all. Now, it is common for companies to exclude animal liability altogether or have a sublimit or $25,000 or some other reduced amount.This is in response to the huge increase in frequency of litigation on these claims and the subsequent growing cost.Some companies will still offer full limit coverage for these claims but their premiums are often higher and they still screen for animals that they think pose a greater than normal hazard. With the rising cost of homeowners coverage in Florida most of us have gotten very cost conscious about the policies we choose to buy, but I would urge everyone to focus on getting the coverage they really need first and only then compare prices.The old saying about “all things being equal I’d rather buy the cheaper one.” rarely holds true.The fact is that Florida homeowners policies all have so many variations that you want to make sure you understand what you are really buying and if you are going to forgo some coverage to save money, make sure you understand the risk so you can make an informed decision! ********About J.P. Perry Insurance ********* Since 1954 J. P. Perry Insurance has been serving the ever changing and sometimes challenging insurance needs of the Jacksonville area. Over 5,800 families, and businesses in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the surrounding areas have entrusted us with their auto, homeowner and business insurance. We think saving you money on your insurance premiums for your car, home, boat, or commercial enterprise is important - but even more important is making sure that you get the best insurance protection possible. We are Jacksonville's Protector!
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e have added video tips to the J P Perry Insurance web site at jpperry.com! Check it out at jpperry.com. They should be playing next on our very own YouTube channel where we can collect video such as commercials, tips and other content like safety and other insurance and lifestyle related information that we think you may like!
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There are plenty of potentially hazardous activities that go along with the holiday season and the start of winter, such as stringing up Christmas lights, navigating the icy roads, and hopping on those skis or other snow sports equipment, just to name a few. This is also the time of year when we break out the snow shovels and ice melt, so that we, and our neighbors and visitors, can safely navigate our walkways and sidewalks.
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First let's tackle the question of whether you need a separate insurance policy for your boat at all. If your boat is small and has limited or no power, the chances are that your homeowner insurance policy will afford you all the protection you need, although you may need to modify, or endorse, your homeowner policy.
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Download Home Inventory Worksheet (Excel) Keeping a home inventory is an important exercise that aids you in three ways:
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Swimming pools are wonderful complements to summer weather. Few things are better than stepping outside your home for a cool dip, hosting poolside parties or watching your kids play themselves to exhaustion in the water. Most of us understand that pools also pose a danger but it is important to understand the extent of that danger, the components and preventative measures we can take to keep our pools safe.
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Maintenance for your vacation or second home is pretty much the same as for your primary residence. There are a few reasons why you may need to take a few extra measures with your second home. You are most likely away from your vacation home for periods of time and, if you have nearby neighbors, they may be away from their homes during the same intervals. Many vacation homes are situated 'away from it all' so, if something were to happen to your home, it's possible no one would notice until too late.
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