Author Archives: Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need For a Restaurant?

Restaurant owners should consider business property insurance, which can cover the physical building and everything inside.
Liability insurance provides coverage if your business is at fault for injuries others and their property.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required in nearly all states if you have employees.

Question I’m a chef and I’m in the process of opening my own restaurant. When I research restaurant insurance, it makes my brain hurt. Can you tell me what kind of insurance restaurant owners like me should consider?

Answer Here’s the shortest answer to your question (and hopefully it doesn’t hurt your brain). Here are some insurance options that you may want to consider as a restaurant owner:

Property insurance
Fire coverage
Personal property coverage
Business expense coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Specialty insurance coverage

But as you’ve discovered, it gets complicated from there. Restaurants – especially businesses serving alcohol, making deliveries or offering valet parking – have unique risks. The type of insurance coverage you may select can be different, based on things like whether you rent or own the building or space the restaurant is in.

Within those types of insurance, you can get coverage for injuries, accidents and other losses that can happen in a restaurant in two important categories: 1) buildings and equipment and 2) liability.

What about building and equipment coverage?

Whether you rent your building or own it, you’ll want property insurance that protects the full value of the restaurant. If you rent, you may also want to consider property coverage that includes:

fire damage to the property;
personal property, such as appliances, chairs, tables and dishware;
additional business expense coverage, in case you need to relocate while the building is being repaired after a covered loss.

Are there coverage options that I may not even be thinking about?

Whether you rent or own the building, you may also want specialty insurance coverage. This type of insurance is customized coverage for losses that are unique to your business or industry. For example, some clients who own restaurants add sign and glass coverage, because outdoor signs and building glass are expensive and an easy target for vandals. One customer owns a restaurant filled with valuable sports memorabilia — autographed photos, collectible jerseys, balls signed by winning teams. These items are difficult and expensive to replace. He has additional fine arts coverage, which provides coverage against loss for these items.

If you rent the restaurant space and have made improvements to the building that your landlord didn’t reimburse you for, such as upgrading the commercial ventilation system, you may want to consider coverage for those investments in case one of these upgrades or improvements is damaged in a fire or other accident.

choice.

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Questions about Florida Flood Insurance

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Flood Insurance No Comments

CoFlood Insurance

Why Consider Florida Flood Insurance?

Floods are the top natural disaster in the United States. You don’t need to live near a lake, river or the coast to experience a flood. In fact, 25 percent of flood losses come from low- to moderate-risk areas in Florida.

Did you know that eight of the most significant flood events in our nation’s history have occurred in the past two years? And, on average, only two inches of water in your home can cause $7,800.00 or more in damage!

That’s why it’s important to protect your home and valuables with Flood Insurance.

In some flood zones, flood insurance is affordable at about $1.40 per day (average is $503 a year) and is 100% guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Don’t delay: Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period on most new policies.

Flood insurance policies are issued by First Community Insurance Company, which is authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to sell flood insurance.

Common Questions about Florida Flood Insurance

Losses due to flooding are not typically covered under most homeowners policies, so it may be wise to consider adding a Florida Flood Insurance policy for complete protection

Q: Doesn’t my homeowners insurance policy cover flooding?

No. Flood damage is not typically covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

Q: What is covered by flood insurance?

Your flood policy is intended to cover physical damage to your building or personal property “directly” caused by a flood. Please download the attached Summary of Coverage brochure created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Q: I live in a low-risk flood zone. Do I really need flood insurance?

Most likely, yes. It’s a good idea to buy flood insurance even if you live in a moderate-to-low risk area. About 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from areas with low-to-moderate flood risk.

You may qualify for the Preferred Risk Policy, (a lower-cost flood insurance policy) that provides contents coverage beginning at $109 per year and building plus contents coverage beginning at $209 a year.

Q: Why do I need flood insurance, even though my community has never been flooded?

Flooding occurs in moderate-to-low risk areas as well as in high-risk areas. Poor drainage systems, rapid accumulation of rainfall, snowmelt, and broken water mains can all result in flood. Properties on a hillside can be damaged by mudflow, a covered peril under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.

Structures located in high-risk flood areas have a significant chance (26%) of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage. A home mapped in a high-risk area is 2-1/2 times more likely to suffer damage from a flood than a fire in the lifetime of a typical mortgage! For these reasons, flood insurance is required by law for buildings in high-risk flood areas as a condition of receiving a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender.

Q: Why does my mortgage lender require me to buy flood insurance?

Under federal law, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory for all federal or federally related financial assistance for the acquisition and/or construction of buildings in high-risk flood areas (Special Flood Hazard Areas or SFHAs).

The amount of flood insurance coverage required by the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as amended by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, is the lesser of the following:

The maximum amount of NFIP coverage available for the particular property type,
The outstanding principal balance of the loan, or
The insurable value of the structure.

If the property is not in a high-risk area, but instead in a moderate-to-low risk area, federal law does not require flood insurance; however, a lender can still require it. It is also recommended since historically about one-in-four flood claims come from these moderate-to-low risk areas.

Q: Does flood insurance cover flood damage caused by hurricanes, rivers, or tidal waters?

Yes, providing that, if confined to your property, the flood water covers at least two acres. A general condition of flood also exists if two adjacent properties are inundated, one of which is yours.

Q: If my home is flooded, won’t federal disaster assistance pay for my damages?

Not necessarily. Federal disaster assistance typically comes in the form of a low interest loan to help cover flood damage, not compensation for your losses. Even then, those loans are only available if the president formally declares a disaster and must be repaid along with any existing mortgage.

Q: When will my flood insurance go into effect?

Typically there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective.

Note: The information above was obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). View the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website at www.fema.gov. Flood facts source: www.floodsmart.gov.

Now is the time to get a quote on homeowners insurance

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Florida Homeowners Insurance No Comments

Home. It’s your safe haven. It’s where you raise your family and create memories that last a lifetime. L and C Insurance providers can help you protect this prized possession with homeowners insurance that fits your priorities and your budget.

When you’re confident you have the coverage you need to help protect your home and personal belongings, you can focus on those little moments that matter. Getting a home insurance quote today is quick and easy.

What is Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance can help protect you from the unexpected. If your home is damaged, your belongings are stolen or someone gets injured on your property, it can help cover repairs or replacement, temporary housing, legal fees and more.

Why Do I Need a Homeowners Policy?

A homeowners policy is recommended for anyone who owns a home or condo and may even be required by your mortgage lender. You will need separate coverage to help protect your home and personal belongings against damage due to floods or earthquakes.

If the unexpected happens, home insurance can help you restore your life back to normal.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A L and C Insurance representative can help you determine the homeowners coverage that best fits your needs and budget, but a typical policy can cover:

The structure of your home
Other structures on your property (e.g. garage, shed)
Your personal belongings
Additional living expenses if you cannot live in your home due to a covered loss
Your personal liability or legal fees
Limited valuable items (extra coverage can usually be added)

Be sure to explore options to customize your limits and coverages to meet your needs. Your homeowners insurance policy includes coverages in the following categories to help ensure your home and assets are appropriately protected.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage can help pay to repair or rebuild your house if it’s damaged by a covered cause of loss. Some examples of the types of risks that may be covered include:

House fires
Severe weather
Damage from plumbing or appliance leaks
Vandalism/theft

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage can pay you for the personal items in your home that may be damaged or destroyed by a covered cause of loss, which could include:

Your furniture
Clothes
Sporting goods
Electronics

Personal Liability Coverage

Liability coverage can help protect you in the event of a claim and can provide a defense in the event of a lawsuit if you or a family member in your household is responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to others.

Ways to Save on Homeowners Insurance

You could save on your home insurance with a multi-policy and loss-free discounts. You may also save if your home is equipped with qualified smart home technology, security and fire protective devices. There are several insurance discounts you can consider when you explore homeowners insurance coverage to meet your individual needs. Consider the following opportunities for saving on your home insurance.

Multi-Policy Discount

With L and C Insurance Providers, when you have three policies with us, you can save up to 27% on home insurance. These can include auto, umbrella, boat, personal articles floater or Flood Insurance.

Protective Device Discount

You can save by having devices such as:

Automatic water shut-off systems
Smoke detectors and fire alarms
Interior sprinkler systems
Home security systems
Smart or connected home technology that alerts you when a fire, water or burglar event is occurring

Early Quote Discount

You can save up to 10% when you shop early for your policy, depending on how far in advance you shop.

How to Get A Homeowners Insurance Quote

To get an accurate homeowners quote from L and C Insurance Providers, you’ll need a few pieces of information, including:

Your home’s features. We’ll ask for details such as when were your roof and utilities last updated, and what type of construction your home is.
The way you use the home. We’ll need to know if it is your primary home, or a secondary or rental home.
Your current homeowners insurance coverage. We’ll get a better insight into your insurance needs when you share your current provider information and how long you’ve been insured.

These details will help us find the homeowners insurance policy that best fits your needs.

How much does restaurant insurance cost

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Restaurant Insurance No Comments

How much does restaurant insurance cost in Florida?

The cost of restaurant insurance depends on the policies you choose, the unique risks your restaurant faces, and the value of your business property. Cost estimates are sourced from policies purchased by L and C Insurance customers.

Business owner’s policy costs for restaurants

Restaurant owners typically pay about $175 per month for a business owner’s policy (BOP), or a median annual premium of $2,080. The median value eliminates high and low outliers, providing better representation of typical restaurant insurance costs than the average value.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with property insurance, usually at a discounted rate. Pricing is determined by your restaurant’s location, operations, and value of business property and equipment.

This policy may include business interruption insurance, which covers income lost at your restaurant due to an unexpected closure.

Median cost per year: $2,030
Policy limit: $1 million per occurrence
Policy deductible: $1,000

Learn how to save money on your policy, which coverage limits to choose. Call L and C Insurance Providers at 888-913-6988

Workers’ compensation costs for restaurants

The median cost of workers’ compensation insurance is about $125 per month for a restaurant, or $1,480 annually. The cost of a policy varies significantly depending on the state and your business operations.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in almost every state for businesses with employees. Even when it’s not required, it’s a smart purchase in the restaurant industry, where employees routinely cut, chop, and fry in hot oil.

This coverage helps pay medical costs and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job. Most policies include employer’s liability insurance, which protects restaurant owners against lawsuits related to workplace injuries.

Compare restaurant insurance quotes from top U.S. carriers

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Liquor liability insurance costs for restaurants

The median cost of liquor liability insurance is about $45 per month for a restaurant, or $545 annually. This policy protects restaurants that serve alcohol from liability for the actions of intoxicated customers. In some jurisdictions, your restaurant might need liquor liability insurance in order to obtain a liquor license.

Median cost per year: $545
Generic policy limit: $1 million

General liability costs for restaurants

Restaurants pay a median premium of less than $70 per month for general liability insurance, or $805 annually. This policy protects restaurants against customer injuries and customer property damage, along with advertising injuries.

Insureon’s licensed agents typically recommend purchasing a business owner’s policy, which bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance at a discounted rate. It protects your own business property along with covering common business risks.

Median cost per year: $805
Policy limit: $1 million per occurrence
Policy deductible: None

How much does commercial property insurance cost

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Florida No Comments

Cost of commercial property insurance

The size of your building, the value of your equipment, and other factors help determine the cost of property insurance (also called hazard insurance).

Median costs for Insureon customers

The median cost of commercial property insurance is $63 per month or $755 per year with a limit of $60,000 and a median deductible of $1,000. The median offers a more accurate estimate of what your business is likely to pay than the average cost of property insurance because it excludes outlier high and low premiums.

Many Insureon small business customers (16%) pay less than $500 per year and 42% pay between $500 and $1,000 annually for property insurance. However, most customers opt for a business owner’s policy, which combines commercial property insurance with general liability insurance at a discount.

Factors that impact property insurance costs

Geography. This can help your provider determine which environmental risks your business may face, such as flooding, tornadoes, etc. Land value and local law can also affect what premiums you pay.

Size of business premises. A large office or factory building will likely cost more to insure than a single rented room.

Safety and security. Is your business located in a high-crime area? Does your business possess toxic materials or engage in dangerous activities like mining? Do you have stringent security measures? These can all affect insurance rates.

Age of building. Old buildings can be more susceptible to certain types of damage, so they may cost more to insure. For example, a fire caused by old electrical wiring could translate into costly repairs.

Fire protection. Property with easy access to a fire department and fire hydrants may cost less to insure. Sprinkler systems and fire alarms help reduce insurance costs, too.

Type of equipment. Heavy industrial equipment will cost more to insure than an at-home business’s sewing machine.

Age of equipment. You may pay higher premiums if your equipment is hard to repair because of scarce parts, or if it’s more likely to break down because of heavy use. Alternatively, it might be cheaper to repair older equipment than buy state-of-the-art technology.

Property valuation method. Replacement value coverage costs more than actual cash value coverage. The former pays out for the cost of a brand-new item, while the latter pays out for the item’s depreciated value.

Types of hazards covered. A policy that covers open perils costs more than a policy that covers named perils. Open perils coverage protects against all losses except those specifically excluded in the policy. Named perils coverage only protects against losses listed in the policy.

Bundle property insurance in a BOP for savings

To save money, many small business owners opt for a business owner’s policy (BOP). A BOP combines commercial property insurance with general liability insurance at a lower rate than purchasing each policy separately. Fill out Insureon’s free online application to compare quotes for a business owner’s policy.

How do I shop for Florida Restaurant Insurance

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Restaurant Insurance No Comments

3 TIPS FOR FINDING FLORIDA RESTAURANT INSURANCE?

Start Early. To get the best rates on Florida restaurant insurance you will need to shop around. That’s where we come in. Having an agent that understands your business will make this much easier for you. L and C Insurance providers offers specialized programs for the Florida restaurant insurance industry.
Estimate your gross sales, your gross inventory (food costs), and the total dollar amount of your furnishings and equipment.
Insurance costs can be based on total annual sales revenue and/or total square footage of your restaurant, so be sure to have this information available for a quote.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR FLORIDA RESTAURANT INSURANCE?

Restaurant insurance can be diverse, so coverage will vary from one restaurant to another. The basic insurance coverage for a restaurant consists of general liability and property coverage.
General liability insurance will typically protects the restaurant in the event one or more patrons are injured on the premises. For example, slip and fall.
Property insurance would cover a building, and/or the contents inside the building, including all of the furniture, equipment, POS systems, computers, cooking equipment, coolers, etc.
Liquor liability is also recommended for restaurants that serve alcohol. The liquor liability insurance can protect a restaurant in the event a claim occurs that is alcohol related.
Food spoilage can also be purchase to insure your food inventory in the event of a power outage.
If you deliver food, you would also want to make sure you have insurance coverage for the vehicles that the restaurant uses for delivery.

WHAT COVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE ON A FLORIDA RESTAURANT INSURANCE POLICY?

Building Coverage. This covers the building or buildings on the premises. Special Form coverage is the broadest form of coverage. A lot of carriers only offer basic form coverage, which is limited. While you can purchase a “difference in conditions” policy to supplement some of the lacking coverage in a basic policy, the special form is still your best bet if it is available in your area.
Other Structures. This can cover signs or other structures not attached to your building.
Boiler and Machinery. Covers your mechanical equipment.
Liability. This will respond in the event someone is injured on your premises.
Medical payments. This pays in the event there is a minor injury on your premises.
Food Spoilage. If you lose electricity you lose your freezers and coolers. This could cost thousands of dollars if your food spoils.
Business Income. If your business is destroyed by fire or hurricane, business income will pay you for your lost revenues while your business is being rebuilt.

WHAT COVERAGES MIGHT BE EXCLUDED ON A FLORIDA RESTAURANT INSURANCE POLICY?

Flood. No Florida restaurant insurance policy covers flood. If you are in an area at risk of flood you should purchase a separate policy to cover this.
Typically property coverage only applies to buildings. Make sure signs and other structures on the premises are also covered.
Food spoilage is something you must request coverage for. It is typically not covered in a commercial liability policy.
Business income is optional. Most companies need this coverage to stay afloat in the event of a disaster.

HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY ON FLORIDA RESTAURANT INSURANCE?

The best way to save money on your Florida restaurant insurance in Florida is to shop around. Our experts have access to the top Florida insurance companies.
Age of building discount or surcharge. Most companies offer discounts based on the age of the buildings. Newer buildings receive discounts due to more stringent building codes that have been applied in recent years. Older buildings typically receive surcharges based on age. This is due in part to less stringent building codes used in years past.
Territory. Where the restaurant is located can make a substantial difference in premium. Some Florida counties have higher rates than others. Proximity to the coast will also be a factor.
Deductible. You may increase your deductible in order to reduce your premium, but you should carefully consider such factors as how much of a discount you will receive for a given deductible, and how much you can afford to pay for each claim.
Location. If the building is more than 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant and/or more than 5 miles from a fire department you will find yourself paying a much higher insurance rate.
Type of construction. Masonry buildings are less expensive to insure than frame buildings due to their fire ratings.
Carrier appetite. Certain companies experience better claims histories with certain buildings, locations, and age groups. Their rates reflect this by offering lower rates to those groups they have found the best experience with.

How can I pay less for flood insurance in Florida

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Flood Insurance No Comments

Your insurance premium is based on a number of factors but there are a few key actions you can take to pay less for flood insurance each year:

Lower your flood risk.

What you pay for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance often has a lot to do with how much flood risk is associated with your property.

Mitigating your flood risk not only protects your property against flood damage but can also help lower insurance costs. For more information, check out the Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting.

Common flood mitigation options include:

Elevating utilities
Installing flood openings
Filling in basements
Elevating your property
Relocating your home or business

Choose a higher deductible.

Choosing a flood insurance deductible amount is an important decision.

Choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium, but it means you will need to cover more of the cost to rebuild out of pocket (or out of savings).

You may choose different deductibles for building and contents coverage, and the deductibles will apply separately to building and contents claims.

Increasing the deductible on your flood insurance policy to the $10,000 maximum could reduce your annual premium by up to 40 percent. However, using the maximum deductible might not be appropriate or allowable for everyone.

Check with your insurance agent to confirm your deductible coverage amounts and ensure you understand your specific risks and opportunities.

Provide an elevation certificate.

While Elevation Certificates (ECs) will no longer be required to purchase coverage under Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action, a property owner may choose to provide an EC and submit it to their agent to determine if it will lower their cost of insurance. ECs will also continue to be used for floodplain management building requirements, which can affect eligibility for Community Rating System discounts.

Your community may receive a discount from the NFIP.

If your community is enrolled in the Community Rating System (CRS), you may receive a discount on your flood insurance.

The discount is calculated based on the community’s efforts to reduce the risk of flooding. If you have questions about the CRS, call your insurance agent or company.

You can also encourage your community officials to take part in the CRS.

Did you know?

The NFIP may provide funding to help elevate or relocate your home or business – up to $30,000. Ask your insurance agent or company about Increased Cost of Compliance grants.

Higher Building Material Costs

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Home Insurance No Comments

Higher Building Material Costs, Inflation to Impact 2022 Homeowners Insurance Premiums in Florida

Think of insurance rates as units of measure. The insurance rate represents how much must be charged for a unit of risk to cover potential losses, administration costs and other expenses

A premium, on the other hand, is the amount a policyholder must pay to insure their home. The premium is based on the insurance rate but also considers other factors including replacement costs, which are impacted by inflation, building material costs and real estate prices. Unlike insurance rates, annual premium increases are not capped by law.

Every year, property insurers, adjust replacement costs to reflect inflation. For 2022, inflation adjustments for renewal policies are much higher than previous years due largely to higher building material costs brought on by COVID-19-related shutdowns.

These inflation adjustments may increase by 10-25% for Personal Lines policy renewals effective on or after January 1, 2022. Because Insurance companies have a responsibility to its policyholders with replacement cost coverage to make sure they have the resources to rebuild after a total covered loss, most Florida homeowners insurance policyholders will see premiums rise by more than 11% in 2022.

Agents can complete a new cost estimate for Personal Lines policies or provide an alternate valuation document. Policyholders should work with their agents to determine their best coverage options and to make sure they have adequate coverage to protect what may be their most valuable financial asset – their home.

Get a homeowners insurance quote online

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Florida Homeowners Insurance No Comments

Caring for your home and loved ones is crucial. That’s why we offer homeowners insurance you can depend on. From dwelling coverage to personal property protection, we provide homeowners insurance policies to suit your needs and budget. Homeowners’ policies cover:

Dwelling – Coverage that protects the structure of the home (roof, walls, wall-to-wall carpeting, etc.)
Other structures – Coverage for sheds, detached garages and other structures not connected to the main dwelling itself
Personal property – Coverage for personal items (clothing, furniture, appliances, computers, etc.) on and off the premises
Loss of use – Coverage for when an insured has to move out of the home while repairs are made as a result of damage caused by a covered loss

Home insurance can also be used as a means of financial protection. If someone sues after being injured on your property, proper home insurance limits can ensure you won’t be paying their legal fees from your pocket.

We also offer insurance policies for owners of second homes and vacation homes. This way, you, your family and your guests are protected wherever you go.

Homeowners insurance and financial standing

If you own a home and have a mortgage, your lien holder (the bank who is invested in your loan) will likely require you to carry insurance on your home. We often partner with banks to allow members to combine their insurance payments and monthly mortgage bill. This is called escrow. Your agent will be happy to review the details with you.

The average cost of home insurance in Florida is $1,727 per year.

You could save $1,000 or more by comparing quotes from multiple companies.

To find the best homeowners insurance in Florida, we reviewed major insurers and collected thousands of Florida quotes. Progressive ASI offered the cheapest rates, but we recommend homeowners also compare service and coverage from different home insurers to find the best coverage in Florida.

The cheapest home insurance companies in Florida

We surveyed 14 of the largest homeowners insurance companies in Florida in order to find the companies with the best rates. In our research, we collected quotes for a home with $214,000 of dwelling coverage — the median value of an owner-occupied home in Florida — for every ZIP code in the state.

We found a surprising range of premiums. The cheapest Florida home insurance companies offered rates well under $1,000 per year — $519 at Univeral North America and $717 At Progressive ASI

What risks do homeowners face in Florida?

Florida’s position on the Gulf Coast leaves it vulnerable to several major insurance perils, resulting in the highest homeowners insurance costs in the nation. If you live in Florida, we recommend insuring against the most common and expensive perils when buying home insurance.

Wind damage

High winds caused by storms and hurricanes are one of the most frequent and costly causes of property damage in Florida. Fortunately, wind damage is almost always covered by any homeowners insurance policy. However, some coastal homes that are especially susceptible to wind damage may need to purchase a special wind endorsement.

The good news is that state law requires insurers to offer discounts for homeowners who purchase and pass an optional wind mitigation inspection. You’ll receive a list of ways to reduce your home’s risk of storm damage, and if you pass, you’ll get a home insurance discount that more than makes up for the inspection cost.

Free Roof

March 3, 2022

Florida Insurance Quotes LNC

Florida Homeowners Insurance No Comments

“Free” Repairs Aren’t Free; You and Your Neighbors Are Paying

Typically, the conversation goes something like this:

Knock, knock. “Good morning, I’m with (insert company name).”

“We’ve been doing a lot of roof repair work in the neighborhood. Because you live so close by, you may have damage, too. Do you mind if we take a look? The inspection is free, and we don’t need to come inside. If there’s any damage, we can probably replace the whole roof for free. It’s covered by your insurance.”

Over the last few years, policyholders across Florida have increasingly become the targets of such opportunists and unscrupulous marketers who promise to make “free” repairs for worn-out roofs or other items reaching the end of their lifespans. The offers are tempting. After all, that’s what insurance is for, right?

The short answer is, “No.” That’s not how property insurance is supposed to work.

Property insurance protects you financially when the unexpected happens to your home – high winds cause a tree to fall on your roof, a burst water pipe suddenly floods your kitchen, an electrical surge causes a fire, etc. Unlike a home warranty or maintenance contract, insurance does not cover wear and tear on material products that have reached the end of their usefulness.

The fact is that unnecessary “free” repairs are being paid by you and other nearby policyholders through higher property insurance premiums. That’s because insurance rates are significantly affected by reported losses in your local area. When your neighbor gets a “free” roof when they don’t need one, you are going to pay more to protect your own home.

Such marketing activities often increase following a major storm but have been rising recently despite mild storm activity. And they are not limited to roof repair. Water losses not related to storms are another area of concern when relatively minor damage results in unnecessarily major repairs.

If an unsolicited vendor shows up at your home offering a deal that sounds too good to be true, reach out to your insurance agent to discuss the situation and get guidance. Report suspicious or aggressive marketers, contractors or advertising promising you something for nothing.

Remember, when someone says their repairs are going to be paid by “some deep-pocket insurance company,” they may be referring to you.