What Is Home Insurance?

McCormick Insurance Inc. is helping Pembroke Pines, FL residents to get home insurance covers that take care of their properties in cases of disasters. A home insurance policy is a legal necessity for all property owners in Florida, so, as a new homeowner, you’ll be required to have one.

Home insurance is a very broad term that refers to an insurance policy providing protection coverage or personal liability coverage to property owners. Home insurance is designed to help in financial reimbursement to the renter or the house owner in case of damage and theft.

Several things are covered by home insurance, and having a comprehensive understanding of these things eliminates situations where homeowners are frustrated by insurance companies as they seek financial reimbursement. Some of the issues covered include earthquakes, floods, fire, hurricanes, or any other natural disaster, causing injuries or damages to the property.

Damages and Liabilities Covered

Depending on the insurance company one is working with, there is an expectation that most of the damages will be covered in case of a disaster. Repairing structural damages, replacement of damaged personal house items, and sometimes a total rebuilding of the entire structure are necessary. The home insurance policy also covers any neighbor who has been injured within the property.

However, there are some exceptions to the types of items covered by a home insurance policy. The home insurance cover will not cover costly assets that have been damaged within the property. An additional insurance policy covers such items.

Do You Need Home Insurance?

As a resident of Pembroke Pines, FL, there is no doubt you will significantly benefit by having a home insurance policy. The insurance team at McCormick Insurance Inc. will guide you through the application process while offering additional information you may need on home insurance. Contact us today.

Riders you may want to add to your Florida home

Florida is one of the most popular places to call home. Choosing your home insurance is an important part of the homeowning process. Having an agent you are comfortable with and trust is important.  McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL is an agency you can count on and the entire team will work to make sure you have the best coverage at an affordable price. 

A basic home insurance policy has limitations. Talking to your insurance agent about what is not covered under your policy is important. Just because your policy has limitations, doesn’t mean you can’t be covered for some additional things. You can add a rider to your policy to cover something your policy excludes or has coverage limits which are too low for you. 

Sink Holes

Moving earth is something that homeowners insurance excludes. In Florida especially, sinkholes can be a serious issue. Adding this important coverage to your home policy is an excellent idea. 

Hurricane coverage

Florida is prone to hurricanes and not all home policies have hurricane coverage. With the potential for several hitting the state on any given year, being protected against hurricane damage will give you much-needed peace of mind. 

Flooding

Floods and flood damage are not typically covered on home insurance. You can get an additional policy to cover flooding but some companies are now also offering flood coverage as a rider. Check with your insurance agent to decide which options work best for you. 

Jewelry rider

Most home policies have a very limited amount of coverage for jewelry. If you have a good-sized engagement ring, you may have already exceeded your policy limit. Make sure you have appraisals on your expensive pieces and then get a ride to cover the amount you need. 

These are just a few of the riders you can add to your basic home policy. Give McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL a call to set up an appointment to make sure you have all the home coverage you need for your Florida home. 

Why you need home insurance in Pembroke Pines

The Pembroke Pines, FL area is a great place for anyone to live. Those that are in this area should consider purchasing a home as they will benefit from the long-term value appreciation that occurs in this area. When you do own real estate in the area, it is important that you get home insurance. There are several reasons why you need to have home insurance when you are in this area. 

Ensures Compliance with Agreements

One reason why you will need to have home insurance in this area of Florida is that it will ensure that you are in compliance with all agreements. Anyone that has taken out a mortgage or lives in an area that has a home association is bound to be required to carry insurance. When you get home insurance in this area, you will need to take these agreements into consideration to make sure you get the right policy.

Protects Asset

Even if you are not required by any agreement to carry home insurance, you still will want it to protect your asset. A home is a very valuable and important asset. If it were to be damaged or destroyed, you could lose a lot if you do not have insurance. A home insurance policy will give you coverage to protect against this risk.

Having home insurance in the Pembroke Pines, FL area is a necessity. When you are looking for this insurance, it will always be helpful to work with someone that is experienced. The team at McCormick Insurance Inc. can help you to get into a great home insurance policy that properly protects you and your property. McCormick Insurance Inc. does this by carefully assessing your situation to make sure that you get into the best policy possible. 

Can You Insure a Non-Traditional Home on a Home Insurance Policy?

When it comes to insuring a home there are some stipulations that do need to be met in order to be able to add a residence to the policy. The main issue is, of course, the zoning of the property in question. For those that live in the Pembroke, FL area, the agents with McCormick Insurance Inc. can help you to find the best home policy, no matter what type of home you live in.

For the most part, a home is a place where people live and that is on a property that is zoned as residential. This means that a home must be on a piece of land that is zoned for residential use rather than commercial. With any home policy, your agent is going to come to the home to help value it, to determine what sort of policy is going to protect it best, and to tailor the coverage as needed. This is an essential step and with a good insurance agent, you can get your home insured perfectly.

Even homes that are non-traditional like converted spaces that have been made into homes can be insured on home policies. Say you have a grain silo that has been converted into a home, if the property is rezoned residential and space fits all the safety requirements to be considered a home, then you can insure it on a home policy. You will, of course, need an agent to help you to evaluate your home and make sure it fits the requirements to be insured as a home.

For those in the Pembroke Pines, FL area, the agents with McCormick Insurance Inc. can help you to insure your home, be it traditional or a little out there.

How Home Insurance Protects Your Outdoor Structures

Most homeowners find the need to purchase an outdoor building or shop. Some also find the need for unattached garages. These buildings house outdoor equipment, hobbies, and vehicles. They are often the keepers of high-value purchases being stored securely. No matter if you have purchased a building or plan to do so, make sure that your home insurance policy is aware of the structure so that it, too, can be covered on your policy. For residents living in or around the Pembroke Pines, FL area, McCormick Insurance Inc. has your next policy.

What is considered an outdoor structure?

The traditional shop, shed, or storage building automatically qualifies as an outdoor structure. However, other structures found on private properties also qualify for coverage. If you have a property fence or a pool in your backyard, these structures are also considered outdoor structures and qualify for coverage. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, all of these items are covered just like your home structure and are subject to equal coverage in the event of a disaster.

Disaster Strikes

Often times our outdoor structures fall victim to disaster damages. From wind breaking a rotting tree and letting it fall on these buildings to an accidental fire destroying them, disaster can strike your outdoor structures in a similar manner as your home. With other structures listed on your policy, coverage is available. Under these circumstances, the structures and the contents found within them can be covered. 

Liability

Like your home coverage, liability is also included in these outdoor structures. If a guest should suffer bodily injury in one of the outdoor structures, your home insurance policy will cover the medical expenses or fees associated with the incident.

If you are in the Pembroke Pines, FL area and looking to update your home insurance policy, look no further than McCormick Insurance Inc.  One of our agents would be happy to assist you with a new or updated policy today. 

 

Tips for Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Working on your home’s curb appeal increase the value of your home in case you want to list it. Also, it affords you and your loved ones a comfortable and elegant living space to call home. Your guests will also find the space welcoming.  

Here are a few tips that will make your home’s exterior exceptionally great:-

Get rid of any junk
Any junk on your lawn sticks out like a sore thumb. Such could include furniture, swing sets, old and unused vehicles, garden hoses, and so on. The garbage can should also be out of sight. The idea is to get rid of anything that is not being used and keep the lawn as clutter free as possible. 

Plant some vegetation or shrubs
Hanging plants are a great way of improving your home’s curb appeal, especially when they are strategically placed. In most cases, a house’s foundation may not be as appealing. Should this be the case, camouflage it with flowering or large-leafed plants. Keep the garden free of weeds. If you do not have room for a garden, consider potted plants or flowers. 

Keep any plants or trees pruned
Mowing your lawn is not the only way to keep your yard neat, rather, ensure that the trees and shrubs planted therein are well tended and pruned. Rake any fallen leaves and replace any barren trees on your curb. 

Finally, as you focus on elevating your home’s exteriors, ensure that you take up a home insurance cover. A home insurance cover cushions you financially in case an insured event renders it inhabitable. Besides, having a home insurance policy covers you against claims should someone be injured within your property. 
For a free quote on your Pembroke Pines, FL home insurance coverage, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today. 
 
 

Should You Keep Your Home Insurance Once Your Mortgage Is Paid?

If you financed your home, you are aware that you must maintain home insurance while you are paying off your loan. However, many people are unclear about the specifics of their coverage and the protection a home insurance policy offers. After you pay for your home, you may be wondering if you need to carry homeowners’ insurance. 

Should You Keep Your Home Insurance?

Paying off your mortgage is quite an accomplishment. It means less financial burden and a chance to breathe a little easier. Some may be tempted to free up additional money by canceling their insurance policy. This is a potentially disastrous choice because your homeowners’ insurance protects you from financial losses due to covered events such as fire or theft. You home insurance gives you a layer of protection to help you safeguard from potential losses that could create a devastating loss.

Get The Right Protection

Once of the most important decisions you make as a homeowner is selecting your homeowners’ insurance policy. Not all policies are the same and you must choose an option that fits your individual needs and lifestyle. Reputable insurance providers such as McCormick Insurance Inc. serves the citizens in and around Pembroke Pines, FL. They can sit down with you one on one and outline the fine print and answer any questions you have before you make a decision.

Don’t talk chances with your financial future once your mortgage is paid off. Make sure you continue your coverage with a provider that serves Pembroke Pines, FL and the surrounding areas with quality insurance products that protect you from loss. Call or stop by McCormick Insurance Inc. today and safeguard your financial future.

5 Ways to Minimize the Risk of Home Water Damage

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.

Tips for Building a New Home

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. 

 

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

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.