Author: agentinsure

Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?

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Many people do not realize that flooding is not typically covered under their home insurance policy. Floods, caused by heavy rainfall and overflowing lakes and rivers, are typically excluded under these policies. However, there are umbrella or add-on policies you can purchase that cover your home against flooding. McCormick Insurance Inc. is often asked if those in the greater Pembroke Pines, FL area should invest in this type of insurance. Here is some information you may want to know if you are on the fence about flood insurance.

Florida mostly swamp lands. As such, when it rains, the area is prone to flooding and it can flood quickly. Most of Florida falls into some category of a flood plain according to the FEMA official map. This means that flooding is likely to occur at some point in time in the area. As such, flood insurance may be a wise investment to make if you live in the greater Pembroke Pines, FL area.

If you are not sure whether you should purchase flood insurance, ask yourself if you can afford to repair your home and replace any damages lost without being financially affected. If you can afford to make the repairs that flooding caused to your home, and replace your flooring, furniture, electronics and home goods without being negatively financially affected, you may choose not to invest in flood insurance. But if you are a middle-class individual, you likely cannot afford to take this kind of financial hit. As such, flood insurance is a smart investment for you.

If you are ready to purchase flood insurance in the greater Pembroke Pines, FL area, now is a great time to call McCormick Insurance Inc. Our agents can help you determine if flood insurance is right for you and how much coverage you need.

Reasons to Buy Life Insurance With Us

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At McCormick Insurance Inc., serving Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding area, we encourage residents to purchase life insurance, so they’re covered in the event something happens. We also encourage residents to choose us. We strive to give our clients an experience different from other life insurance providers. 

1. More Than a Client 

We treat our clients like they come first because, without them, we wouldn’t have a business. We value them and their opinion. We encourage them to take an active role in their life insurance policy, and we always treat them with the respect they deserve. 

2. Addressing Questions and Concerns

During a meeting or phone call with us, clients get their questions answered and their concerns addressed. We want clients to be in charge of their policy and feel confident in what we provide. 

3. Dependable Coverage

We provide our clients with coverage their loved ones can depend on. We understand the devastation your loved ones are going through after you pass, so we make sure we provide the coverage quickly, so they have one less problem to contend with. We ensure they receive what they’re entitled to.

4. Options to Accommodate You

We let you customize a policy to meet your needs and budget because we understand each one of our clients have special needs; they’re not all the same. We want our clients to feel as though they’re getting exactly what they want with us, no more or less. One of our representatives will discuss your options and help you find the ideal policy for you. 

To learn more about life insurance policies through McCormick Insurance Inc. or to receive a quote, contact us today by calling 954-602-5741. We serve Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding area. 

 

How to Avoid Boat Selling Scams

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There are many boat scams out there today, and many are just new variations of some old tricks that have been out there for decades. Boat scams take place across the country, even in the Pembroke Pines, FL area. Here is some boat selling red flags to help you avoid a scam.

The Escrow Scam

You’re working to buy a boat, and the seller suggests using an escrow service. They will give you the escrow service with a name that sounds legitimate like Escrowprotect.com or GoogleMoney.com. You visit the website, and it looks realistic enough, but the whole thing is a fake. Once you transfer the money, you won’t hear from the seller again.  Now you have no money and no boat.

Email Fraud

Many boat selling scams involve emails, which can be an alert in itself and should make you cautious. Some clues that the seller is a scam is in the email, so pay attention and look for these items:

  • Poor use of language and grammar errors
  • No phone contact because they are out of the country
  • An email address that has a string of numbers after a normal looking name
  • No interest in haggling over the boat price
  • Demands to use a specific business, such as escrow or shipper, and won’t be swayed
  • The use of several different email accounts with different names and locations
  • No concern about the title or other necessary documents
  • Asking you to wire transfer money within a few hours or you’ll lose the deal

McCormick Insurance Inc.

McCormick Insurance Inc. provides boat insurance for boaters in the Pembroke Pines, FL area.  Our agents are experienced and can help you find the boat insurance to protect your investment. Contact us today to discuss your boat insurance policy.

5 Ways to Minimize the Risk of Home Water Damage

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If you have home insurance coverage from McCormick Insurance Inc. chances are your home in Pembroke Pines, FL is protected against water damage. By taking measures to prevent water damage, however, you may never have to file a water damage claim. Here are a few ways you can prevent water from causing damage to your home.

Fix Indoor Water Leaks

Even small water leaks can cause a lot of damage over time. Left unchecked, water leaks can rot wooden cabinets and floors, stain ceilings and walls and produce mold. By fixing indoor water leaks immediately, you can minimize the risk of water damage.   

Roof Maintenance and Repair

Check your roof annually for signs of missing or damaged shingles that can allow water to leak through and damage your property. Roof maintenance is key to protecting your home and personal goods from rainstorms.   

Maintain Landscaping

When planting trees or shrubs, avoid areas close to water lines as their roots could burst underground pipes and cause water to seep into your home. The more careful you are with your landscaping, the fewer chances of invasive shrub or tree roots damaging water pipes and causing water damage to your home.     

Clear Out Gutters

Clearing out gutters and downspouts periodically will prevent rainwater from backing up on your roof or spilling onto the side of your home and causing structural damage to your property.

Avoid the Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners

If you suffer from clogged drains, use a drain snake to clear the clog as opposed to chemical cleaners. Chemical cleaners can dissolve your water pipes, producing leaks that can cause water damage to your structure.

For more water damage prevention tips or information on home insurance to protect your property, contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL.

What You Should Do After A Car Accident

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By itself, a car accident is a traumatic event. But you need to think about the days and weeks after the incident and the harm that can ensue. Protect yourself from any potential medical, legal, or financial problems by following these tips.

Make sure everyone is okay.

After you’ve shaken off the cobwebs, make sure that you and everyone in your car are okay. Make a note of even the slightest pain because that may morph into something else later on. Then check on any other parties involved such as the driver of the other vehicle or pedestrians that may have been hit. It’s important not to engage in any long conversations because anything you say may be used against you. If there are any injuries. call “911” immediately so first-responders can administer treatment.

Make a record.

Using the memo or notepad functions on your smartphone, write down a detailed description of the accident from your point of view. Encourage your passengers to do the same. Note the date, time, weather, speed, surroundings, people involved, and what you believe happened. Then use your camera to take pictures or video of any damage to vehicles and property as well as people involved and injuries. Don’t forget to get shots of the environment, traffic signs, or any potential witnesses.

Exchange contact information.

Exchange contact information with all parties involved including names, addresses, phone numbers, and license plates and the names of any agents and insurance companies, such as McCormick Insurance Inc. serving Pembroke Pines, FL.

Contact your insurance company.

Before other parties have left, contact your agent at McCormick Insurance Inc., serving Pembroke Pines, FL. She will be able to advise you on what additional tasks you need to perform at the scene and how to proceed after the accident is cleared. She may request copies of any records you made to help with the claims investigation.

Tips for Building a New Home

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If you are going to be building a new home, there are many things you will want to keep in mind, especially if this is the first time you have ever built a home. Let’s take a quick look at what you should keep in mind and several tips for making sure your home gets built right the first time around. 

You need blueprints

First and foremost, you need to make sure you have detailed blueprints for your home. From the thickness of the walls to where the plumbing will be dug into the ground, everything has to be mapped out to ensure your home is built correctly. If you are wanting to create the layout of your home, you can always create your own blueprint and then take it to a professional to have the other pertinent parts of the blueprint that are needed, such as plumbing and electrical details. 

Team up with the right contractor

It is also imperative that you team up with the right contractor because you want to make sure the company can meet all of your needs and preferences. Take for example that you are wanting to achieve a certain look — contemporary. If so, you need a contractor that has much experience in building contemporary looking homes. The contractor you choose should also have the proper type of insurance; this helps ensure you are protected in the event the contractor does something wrong during the construction process. 

To learn more about building a house and protecting it with proper home insurance coverage, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. serving the Pembroke Pines, FL area. 

 

Common Auto Insurance Myths

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Many people think that they understand auto insurance but in reality, there are many myths that people believe are the truth. When you are looking at auto insurance in Pembroke Pines, FL, you need to know what is true and what is not. To help you know the differ nice between myth and fact, take a look at these common myths from McCormick Insurance Inc.

  • Your credit score is not taken into account. In fact, most areas do look at your credit score to see if you will be able to pay the premiums. Your credit score can directly impact the cost. The lower your score, the higher your premium, and vice versa.
  • Older people pay more. Actually, the opposite is true. The younger someone is, the more of a risk they are to insure. Because of this, as people get older, they develop more of a driving maturity and their rates tend to go down. You may even get an added discount when you are over the age of 55.
  • Red cars are more expensive to insure. Most companies don’t even look at the color of the car when they are determining rates. Instead, they look at the body style, the make, model, and the age of the vehicle. They also look at the age of the driver as well as driving history. The color of the car has no bearing on the insurability so it is not taken into account for rates.

Auto insurance is a necessity if you have a vehicle and drive it around. If you do not already have one, you can reach out to McCormick Insurance Inc. for a free quote. They serve the Pembroke Pines, FL area and can make sure you get a policy that meets your needs and your budget. 

What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Residents Who Live in Pembroke Pines, FL

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Residents who live in Pembroke Pines, FL can find out the minimum insurance requirements for their vehicles from the knowledgeable of McCormick Insurance Inc. Having the amount of insurance required by law protects both you and your property from damage and liability. Even residents who only live in the state of Florida for only half a year must have insurance coverage that either meets or exceeds the state’s minimum requirements. If you have questions about whether or not you are legally covered in Florida, talk to a reputable insurance agent. 

According to Florida state law, the minimum coverage for auto insurance includes personal injury protection for $10,000 and property damage liability of at least $10,000. When an individual has been convicted of certain traffic offenses or has been involved in accidents involving certain factors, such as drugs or alcohol, the Department of Motor Vehicles may require the person to add bodily injury liability coverage to their policy. While this protects the insured’s property, it also protects the property of others as well as any bodily injury that may be caused in the event of an accident.

The agents of McCormick Insurance Inc. offer their services to the residents of Pembroke Pines, FL. It is important to make sure that your vehicles are at least covered by the minimum amount of insurance on your vehicle. Without the right amount of insurance, you can be fined by the courts if you are involved in an auto accident. It is important to make sure both you and your property are full protected according to the laws of the state of Florida. 

Practical Tips to Reducing the Cost of Your Home Insurance Premium

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Reducing home insurance costs provides consumers with extra funds to spend on personal wants or needs. Here are a few practical ways homeowners in Pembroke Pines, FL can save on home insurance prices without compromising their coverage.

Get Rid of Redundant Coverage

Carefully review your policy to see if it covers items you no longer have or need. If your policy covers an old storage or garden shed that’s not being used, you can save money by eliminating this structure and its coverage. You could also drop coverage on land to reduce insurance costs. By personalizing your policy with McCormick Insurance Inc. you ensure you have coverage for the most important aspects of your home and save money on your insurance premium.

Bundle Policies

If you own more than one home or vehicle, you can bundle your policies with the same insurance company to save on insurance costs.  

Improve Home Security

Installing extra security features such as alarm system, security cameras, smoke detectors, dead bolts, etc. could qualify you for a discount on your home insurance premium. By talking to your insurance agent, you can get a better idea of what security and safety features make you eligible for reduced prices on your homeowner’s insurance.

Make Home Improvements    

Home improvements that enhance home safety such as upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, installing storm shutters and fortifying your home’s roof can help lower insurance costs. Improving the safety and security of your home is an investment that has long-term benefits in the form of reduced costs for home insurance.    

Before making changes to your home or policy, discuss your options with McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL. Your McCormick Insurance agent can give you greater insight into a personalized home insurance package that’s within your financial means.  

McCormick Insurance Inc. Helps Drivers in the Pembroke Pines, FL Area with Secure Auto Insurance

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The State of Florida has mandated that everyone who operates a motor vehicle has insurance. Public safety has made car insurance a trending requirement to drive nationwide. But coverage minimums tend to be low and may not be enough if a major accident occurs. That’s why at McCormick Insurance Inc. our professionals are committed to helping members of the Pembroke Pines, FL, community design a policy that meets your needs. Our professionals will work closely with you to avoid many of the pitfalls that come with being underinsured.

Minimum Coverage

Many people take out the minimum liability insurance in order to meet the state’s requirement. The minimum coverage is only $10,000 per person for injury in Florida. Property damage coverage is also very low at $10,000. When you consider the high cost of health care, loss of life and the price of a new car, it’s quite possible that a minimum policy could fall far short. That could leave you with paying a large sum out of pocket for a new car or strapped with tremendous medical bills.

Uninsured Motorist

Drivers are not required by law to have uninsured motorist coverage. After all, everyone is supposed to have a policy. Unfortunately, sometimes policies lapse and not everyone conducts themselves responsibly. Although each policy holder looks to their own insurance first in Florida, sometimes negligent drivers need to be held accountable for things like permanent injuries. If they don’t have coverage or enough coverage, having your own added protections may be a better route than a costly and time-consuming lawsuit.

Creating a suitable auto insurance policy or upgrading and existing one means considering your individual needs. At McCormick Insurance Inc. we work hard to provide members of the Pembroke Pines, FL community with secure auto insurance. We are available to help you protect yourself against potential losses.