Home Insurance: Your Guide to Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Your home is likely your most valuable asset. It’s where you keep your family safe and warm, and it’s a place where you create memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why protecting your home with the right insurance policy is essential. This article will discuss the different types of home insurance policies available and the coverages included in each one.

Types of Homeowners Insurance

You can get three main types of home insurance policies from Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL. These are HO-0, HO-A, and HO-B. HO-0 is the most basic type of policy, and it only covers the structure of your home. HO-A is a bit more comprehensive, covering the structure of your home and your personal belongings.

Finally, HO-B is the most comprehensive type of policy, and it covers both the structure of your home and your personal belongings, as well as any damage that may occur to your home due to a covered event.

How to Choose the Best Covers

Each type of policy has different coverages, so it’s important to choose the one that best meets your needs. For example, HO-0 policies only cover the structure of your home, so if your personal belongings are damaged in a fire, you would not be covered. HO-A and HO-B policies cover the structure of your home and your personal belongings, but they differ in the coverage they provide.

A Short Guide to Homeowners Insurance

When choosing a home insurance policy, it’s important to work with an experienced agent who can help you select the right coverage for your needs. We have over 20 years of experience helping our clients find the perfect home insurance policy at Zot Insurance Agency. We’ll work with you to understand your unique needs and choose the best policy for you. Contact us today to get started.

Do Homeowner’s Policies Cover Plumbing Issues?

At the Zot Insurance Agency, serving Davie, FL, we have heard just about every question imaginable about insurance. One of the most frequent is if plumbing problems are covered by their homeowner’s policy. The answer really isn’t a straight-forward yes or no so we’ll go over various issues and how they generally are seen by adjusters.

Plumbing Issues Generally Covered

  • Pipes that burst suddenly without warning
  • Burst plumbing systems or appliances
  • Pipes that are frozen, but the home is heated and maintained

Plumbing Issues Sometimes Covered

  • Improperly installed plumbing that malfunctions
  • Plumbing leaks or mold that is in the walls or floors
  • Old pipes or corroded pipes that burst

Plumbing Issues Hardly Ever Covered

  • Galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes that are outdated and obsolete
  • Sewer line backup or sump pump backup
  • Pipes that freeze in a home that isn’t heated or maintained
  • Preventable mold growth or pipe leaks

A rule of thumb is that things that happen suddenly are usually covered more than things that have taken time to malfunction.

Keep in mind also that if you have $6000 in damages but a $1000 deductible, you’ll have $5000 to use to help whereas a $1200 plumbing bill on a $1000 deductible may not be worth the possible increase in your premiums. Talk with an insurance professional to make sure that you are not only properly covered, but have the right deductibles for your situation.

If you’re in the Davie, FL area, we at the Zot Insurance Agency are here to help answer your questions and make sure that your policies are exactly what you need for your unique situation. Call or come by the office to speak with us.

Is Home Insurance Required in Florida?

You have made huge of your money as well as your time and passion into the home you chose to purchase so you will want to protect it properly. The home insurance agents at the Zot Insurance Agency in the Davie, FL area stress the importance of having home insurance in place.

While home insurance is not required in the state of Florida, you will more than likely be in violation of your mortgage contract with the lender that you borrowed the money from to purchase your home if you do not have the proper amount of home insurance coverage in place. Your lender can actually create a policy for your home if you do not have home insurance and tack the premiums onto your mortgage payment and more than likely that policy will be a lot more expensive than if you obtain home insurance on your own.

Even if you do not owe money on your home or paid cash to purchase it, having a good home insurance policy in place is still a great idea. Home insurance will cover not only your house and outbuildings on the property, such as a garage or shed, but it will also cover your personal possessions, appliances, computer equipment, and anything else you have inside the home.

We never know what the future holds and a home insurance policy will protect your house from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and a fire. Most home insurance policies do not automatically cover flooding or earthquakes, but you can get additional coverage added to your home insurance policy that will cover those types of incidents that can occur.

To decide upon the proper home insurance coverage options to be included in your policy, you should consult with a trusted insurance agent. The home insurance agents at the Zot Insurance Agency in Davie, FL are ready to assist you in creating the best home insurance policy for your situation. Call for an appointment today!

Keeping Your Home Cool During the Summer

Summers in Davie, FL can get hot, and the costs associated with cooling off your home can rise exponentially. There are many ways to help keep your home cool during these hot summer months. Some methods work better than others, so you may have to try the different techniques to see which works best for your home. While keeping your home cool, you not only save energy but also help your cooling system last longer. 

In addition to keeping your home cool, call our experts at Zot Insurance Agency to learn how to protect your home. 

Block Out the Sunlight

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day when sunlight is hitting the home. Black-out curtains provide added sun-blocking measures to help keep the inside of your home cool. Keep things closed until the afternoon, and when shade starts covering the house, you can open up windows to bring in cooler air. 

Bring In Cool Evening Air

Temperatures cool off at night, and this is the time to open up your windows and take advantage of the cool evening air. Then, when the sun goes down, open up the windows and bring in that cool air. Once the home is cooled off, close the windows to keep the cooler air trapped inside. 

Create a Cross Breeze

Depending on your home’s setup, you may be able to use fans in the early mornings or late evening hours to create a cool cross breeze. The fans will help keep the air in the home moving, which can create a cooling effect. If using ceiling fans, set them to spin counterclockwise to push cooler air down. 

Hopefully, this summer, you stay cool and comfortable in your home in Davie, FL. For information about protecting your home and homeowners insurance policies, contact the experts at Zot Insurance Agency. The agents there can help answer all of your insurance-related questions. 

How To Choose the Right Home Insurance Policy?

With so many different types of home insurance, it can be hard to choose the right coverage to protect your home. In order to help you make the right choice, Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL has pulled together a list of several tips to ensure that you have got the right policy for your insurance needs and at the right price:

Assess Your Needs

Before you start shopping around, it is important to understand what your requirements are. You can gather the necessary information online or talk to an agent, who will help you to find out what type of home insurance you actually need. 

Shop around

In order to find the best coverage, you should shop around. Start with looking for the most reputable insurance companies and then make a list of all home insurance policies that are available and that meet your requirements. Then, compare all the policies you found on the basis of insurance needs, deductibles, price, and exclusions. 

Know What Is Exactly Covered

Many homeowners do not even know what exactly is covered by the home insurance policy. Therefore, the first thing you should do is to contact your insurance agent and find out what your coverage provides. Every policy is unique and you may be surprised by what is and what is not actually covered. 

Get a Perfect Policy You Need to Protect Your Home and Yourself

Choosing the right home insurance policy may be a challenging task, especially if you have never done it before and do not know where to start. If you have any questions or doubts, Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL is ready to help you find a policy based on your preferences, insurance needs, and budget. Our insurance agents are qualified and knowledgeable enough to help you make the right choice. All you need to do is to visit our website or give us a call. 

3 Ways to Protect Your Home From a Break-in

Every homeowner looks for ways to protect their homes from break-ins and other types of vandalism. In Davie, FL, local residents can contact the agents of Zot Insurance Agency whenever questions arise concerning break-ins and ways they can keep their homes secure. With today’s technology, keeping your home and family safe has never been easier.

Install a Home Security System

DIY and professionally installed home security systems are a great way to protect your home. Many home security systems also include home automation features that allow for timers to be used to turn lights on and off per your daily routine. These advanced systems also allow you to use apps to connect with your homes’ video cameras and doorbells.

Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting that is strategically placed in landscaped areas and motion-sensitive lights are great for keeping your home well-lit to avoid burglars from gaining unhindered access to your home. Dusk to dawn lights that turn on after the sun goes down is also available. 

Tell Your Neighbors When You Will Be Away

If you plan on leaving on vacation, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your home. Most are very observant and will be more than happy to keep watch over your home and report any strange activity to the proper authorities.

The agents of Zot Insurance Agency understand how important it is to keep your home safe from break-ins. Residents who live in the Davie, FL area can rely on them for sound advice and helpful hints concerning different ways to keep burglars from gaining access to their homes. Call the agents today and learn effective ways to keep your home safe and secure.

Why do I need to get home insurance for my Florida home?

The Davie, FL area can be a great place for anyone to work and live. If you are going to move to this area of Florida, there are a lot of important decisions to make. One important choice will be whether you should buy or lease your home. If you do decide to purchase a property, you need to make sure you get appropriate insurance in place. There are several reasons why you will need to get home insurance in Florida.

Required by Lender

One reason to get a home insurance policy in Florida is that your lender will likely require it. A mortgage lender today is going to have requirements around your insurance needs. This will often include making sure that you have a year premium paid in full at loan closing. Additionally, you may need to escrow for the payments for the next annual policy on a monthly basis. 

Condo Rules

Many people in Florida choose to live in condo communities. While these offer a variety of amenities, they also come with their own set of rules. One rule will govern your insurance requirements. Most of the time, they will want you to have a full policy to ensure you can cover liability claims and rebuild your property. If you do not have evidence of this insurance at all times, you could face penalization. 

It is clearly very important that people in the Davie, FL area get a proper home insurance policy. When you are looking for your next home insurance policy, you should reach out to the team at Zot Insurance Agency to further discuss your needs. The insurance team at Zot Insurance Agency can help you to get into a policy that provides you with the protection you need for yourself and your property. 

What are the Benefits of Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance can bring homeowners peace of mind in many ways. Often, it can be the difference between getting something repaired or fixed or having to make do with some damaged or worn out part of your home. Like most insurance, homeowner’s insurance can prevent you from having to pay out of pocket for damage or other unforeseen circumstances regarding your house. The Zot Insurance Agency helps homeowners of Davie, FL understand the benefits of homeowner’s insurance and choose the type of coverage that compliments their unique situation.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

In essence, the homeowner’s insurance is property insurance. It protects your private home or residence. Like auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance is also designed to cover damage to other people’s property while on your property as well as injury to others that may take place on your property. 

In Short…

Think of homeowner’s insurance as packaged coverage. It covers damage, liability, and legal situations that involve your home and its property. It protects both the homeowner and others from unforeseen injury and property damage that may take place at your home or on your property. This coverage even extends to cover damage or injury to others from your household pet. 

How Does it Work?

The best way to explain homeowner’s insurance is by likening it to a group of bundled coverages that all fall under one hat. This insurance can help repair your home, or if your home is damaged, destroyed, or uninhabitable, replace it. Homeowners insurance can even replace your possessions as well. If you have personal items that become damaged or stolen, homeowner’s insurance often covers these types of circumstances. Another benefit is the coverage that can replace or compensate someone for damage to someone else’s property while in your home or on the premises. It can also cover visitors who may sustain an injury in your home or on the premises. 

We want you to understand homeowners insurance and why it’s a wide investment. Give us a call.

How Much Home Insurance Is Enough?

When it comes to shopping for home insurance, some advance planning is required. This means knowing the value of the home as it sits, and deciding which type of policy works best for that particular situation. There are a few different types to choose from. However, it is crucial to understand that some policies may not cover all of the repair or replacement costs if there is a covered incident.

How Much Insurance is Necessary?

The amount of coverage needed can depend on a few different factors. First, determine if the policy should be replacement cost insurance or face value. Although face value may save on premiums, it may leave homeowners paying out of pocket expenses for labor and other items necessary to complete the project. The next thing to consider is the value of the home and an accurate inventory of personal contents items if there is a contents clause or add-on included in the policy. For those who have a substantial amount of belonging, contents insurance is a must to avoid potential losses. Consult with a professional insurance agent before deciding on a policy. They can help guide clients through the process and outline the meaning of the terms and conditions. 

Working With an Agent

The process of working with a skilled home insurance agent is much easier and less stressful than trying to navigate shopping for home insurance without assistance. They have answers to all the important questions and can help negotiate additional coverage while helping avoid pitfalls and gaps in coverage. Those who are looking for quality home insurance near the Davie, FL area can rely on Zot Insurance Agency to provide one on one customer service to help secure top quality insurance. 

Don’t wait to get the coverage necessary to have peace of mind. Call or stop by Zot Insurance Agency serving Davie, FL today, and have home security tomorrow. 

How much home insurance do you need?

Home insurance in Davie, FL is not an option. While you certainly have the choice of going without insurance, you may reconsider the notion after learning about the repercussions of such a decision. Those who go without home insurance in the Sunshine State run the risk of experiencing significant financial loss when natural disasters occur. You may also find yourself in a money bind if a visitor injures himself on your property while you are uninsured. 

It is best, then, to have enough indemnity coverage to ensure that you pay as little as possible from your personal finances when the unexpected happens. How much home insurance do you need, though? An agent from Zot Insurance Agency can help. 

The basics about home insurance

Home insurance is an indemnity policy specifically for your single-family home. You cannot use your home assurance plan to pay for auto incidents on the road. There is, however, often coverage for events that cause damage to your car while it is parked in your home’s driveway or garage. The average standard home insurance policy covers: 

  • Personal Property

  • Personal liability for bodily injuries occurring at the residence

  • Other structures (such as garages and sheds) on your property

A standard home insurance policy does not cover natural disasters such as flooding caused by hurricanes. You need to purchase special coverage for such incidents. 

Is flood insurance required in Davie, FL?

There is no official law that requires Florida homeowners to obtain flood insurance. Your mortgage company, however, may mandate that you have flood insurance, especially if you reside in an area prone to inclement weather. 

You should consider purchasing a home insurance policy with flood insurance regardless of whether such is a state law. You may find yourself on the hook for thousands if a storm passes through the town and destroys your home. 

The agents at Zot Insurance Agency can help you find the home insurance policy that works best for your lifestyle, whether you live in Florida or another state. Call us today to get started with a quote and have your questions answered!