Hurricane Preparedness and Awareness in Venice, FL

While Florida’s warm and bright climate can be enjoyable and luxurious, there may also be times when the weather takes on a different tone. As a resident of the Sunshine State, you must be diligent and thorough in addressing potential risks and exposures, including natural disasters like hurricanes.

5 Tips for Being Prepared for a Hurricane

Although homeowners in Florida may have little control over the weather, they can still take steps to fortify their property and protect their financial interests. When one of these storms is on the horizon, it’s critical to take the following hurricane preparedness steps:

Pack essential hurricane supplies. Prepare a hurricane survival pack in advance. This should include nonperishable food, drinking water, flashlights, radios, batteries and medical supplies.
Remain informed. Monitoring the forecast regularly and adhering to any guidance, including evacuation orders, is essential.
Plan escape routes. If forced to leave your home, be sure you have multiple ways to get to a shelter or other safe location, as some roads could be blocked or flooded.
Fortify your property. Even if you aren’t there, you can potentially limit damage at your home by using storm shutters or plywood to protect windows and doors, and laying down sandbags to limit flooding.
Verify insurance. Insurance for hurricanes can be a complicated subject, but ensuring you have suitable coverage is crucial.

What Is Hurricane Insurance?

Hurricane insurance is not always available as a named product. Still, it may refer to a combination of flood and windstorm coverage capable of limiting out-of-pocket losses arising from these disasters. It’s important to realize that many standard homeowners insurance policies, especially those in areas at high risk of hurricanes, such as Florida, may specifically exclude hurricane-related losses. As such, acquiring endorsements or additional policies is necessary to ensure insurance coverage for hurricanes.

How to Get Hurricane Insurance Coverage

If you’re a homeowner in the Venice, Sarasota, North Port and Wellen Park areas, contact the team at Ramey Insurance Agency today to learn more about coverage options or to compare tailored hurricane insurance quotes.

Wind Mitigation in Venice, FL

WIND MITIGATION IN VENICE, SARASOTA, NORTH PORT, AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Wind Mitigation Discounts for Homeowners Insurance

One weather hazard that almost no home is immune to is wind. This is particularly true in states like Florida, where weather conditions can often lead to high wind speeds. When high winds occur, they can often cause significant property damage that might be extremely expensive to repair.

Though most home insurance policies will cover household damage from wind, the cost to insurers is often enormous. Policyholders are encouraged to make their homes more secure against wind damage. One of the ways to do so is to implement wind mitigation techniques around your property.

Ramey Insurance clients who want to improve their home insurance risk ratings should consider the benefits of a wind mitigation inspection. By having an inspection, you can document your home’s strength against wind damage risks, and you might be able to save on your home insurance premiums. We’re here to help you determine if this inspection is right for you.

For more information about all our homeowners insurance options, click here.

Common Wind Mitigation Insurance Questions

What Is Wind Mitigation?

Wind mitigation is the process of reducing the likelihood of your home suffering damage during windstorms. Homeowners and builders add features to help homes withstand high winds.

Here in Florida, we face considerable risks of hurricanes and other severe storms that could leave widespread areas with considerable wind damage. The costs of repairing wind damage is often astronomical, particularly to home insurers. If you make your home more secure against wind damage, you can often reduce property damage risks both for yourself and your insurance company.

What Is A Wind Mitigation Inspection?

During a wind mitigation inspection, a certified inspector checks your home’s wind-resistant features. These features can be anything from door/window coverings to the way your roof is attached to your home, to how your roof is sealed to prevent water from entering. Though a wind mitigation inspection is not required to get Florida homeowners insurance, it can result in substantial savings.

When you undertake wind mitigation practices, you might reduce the likelihood that you will have to make a homeowners insurance claim for wind damage. Plus, even if you do have to make a claim, the cost might be substantially lower than one on homes that have not undergone wind mitigation.

Either result might prove a lower cost risk to your insurer. Therefore, most encourage clients to do all they can to prevent wind damage in the home. The place to start is by speaking to your insurance agent. For example, if you have replaced your roof within the past 10 years, call your agent. A wind mitigation inspection could save you money.

A wind mitigation inspection form considers seven indicators of your home’s ability to withstand strong winds. All Florida inspection forms ask about the same seven features of the home:

Building code
Roof’s gabling, covering and bracing
Roof-deck attachment
Roof-to-wall attachment
Roof geometry
Secondary water resistance
Opening protection

Once an inspection is done, the report will need to be sent to the agent. The agent will then submit to your carrier where it will be processed for any credits available.

Does A Wind Mitigation Inspection Help Me Save On Insurance?

The safer and stronger your home is, the lower your premiums may be. A wind mitigation inspection can help your insurer gauge exactly how secure the property is. As a result, they might be able to offer you a reduced rate on your plan.

Wind mitigation inspections are usually good for five years. You will periodically have to repeat an inspection to be able to continue to receive savings on your plan.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Venice, FL

Not Every Driver is a Responsible Driver.

Auto insurance can help protect you financially from costly expenses (e.g., medical bills, legal fees) if you’re in a car accident. It can also provide coverage for your passengers and for damage to your vehicle.

Your auto insurance policy may help pay for other drivers’ losses if you are liable for them. In turn, you rely on other drivers’ insurance to compensate you if they are responsible for damages. If you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient coverage to pay for your losses, you could end up paying all your expenses out-of-pocket. Read on to learn more about the protection uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide.

We’re here to help. Contact Ramey Insurance Agency in Venice, Florida, to learn more about our auto insurance coverage.

What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM coverage) can cover you, your passengers and your vehicle if you’re in a car accident with somebody who has insufficient auto insurance or no auto insurance at all. Many states require it. Even when it is not required, some people may purchase UM or UIM coverage to protect themselves from costly losses.

How Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Work?
Your UM and UIM insurance can provide coverage in numerous situations. It may cover hit-and-run accidents, accidents with drivers who don’t have liability insurance or whose limits aren’t high enough to pay for all of the damages and accidents with drivers whose insurance company goes out of business or denies coverage.

Although individual policies may vary, your UM and UIM insurance will generally include coverage for the following, in accordance with your policy terms and limits:

Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Funeral expenses.

Contact Ramey Insurance Agency to learn more about the UM and UIM insurance coverage we provide and to get an insurance quote today.

Uninsured Vs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages arising from car accidents with drivers without auto insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough auto insurance to pay for the extent of damages.

Speak to your insurance agent to learn how much UM and UIM coverage is recommended for you.

Getting Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, you could be burdened with costly property damages and medical bills. Contact Ramey Insurance Agency to learn how our UM and UIM coverage can protect you.

Golf Cart Insurance in Venice, FL

Golf cart insurance is designed for low-speed vehicles typically used on golf courses and on certain public roads. It addresses the unique risks associated with golf cart ownership and operation, helping to manage costs from accidents, damage, theft and liability claims.

What golf cart insurance covers will vary depending on your needs and preferences; however, they may commonly include the following coverage:

Liability coverage may help with expenses if your golf cart causes injury to others or damages their property. This becomes particularly important in Venice communities, where golf carts frequently share spaces with pedestrians and other vehicles.

Physical damage coverage may assist with repair or replacement costs for your golf cart after an accident, vandalism or theft.

Personal injury protection may help cover accident-related medical bills and expenses for you and your passengers, up to the policy’s limits.

Uninsured motorist coverage may offer support if you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who lacks adequate insurance.

How to Determine if I Need Golf Cart Insurance

Several factors help determine whether golf cart insurance makes sense for your situation. First, consider where you operate your golf cart. If you primarily use it on public roads in Venice, Florida, the law may require basic liability coverage. Even when used exclusively on private property, golf carts operated in communities or on golf courses often benefit from liability coverage that helps address potential claims.

Consider your golf cart’s value. More expensive models or carts with significant modifications may warrant physical damage coverage to help with potential repair or replacement costs. If your golf cart is financed, the lender may require comprehensive coverage throughout the loan term.

Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand its limitations regarding golf carts. Many homeowners policies offer limited coverage for golf carts while on your property, but this policy typically doesn’t extend to public roads or other locations.

Get Your Venice Golf Cart Covered

Contact Ramey Insurance Agency today to explore golf cart insurance options tailored to your Venice usage needs.

Personal Umbrella Insurance in Venice, FL

Most personal lines liability policies, such as home, auto, renters or watercraft, have limits up to which it will pay out for covered claims. Having an umbrella insurance policy can help protect you from liability claims or lawsuits that exceed the limits of your current policies. To learn more about personal umbrella insurance and determine whether it’s right for you, contact us today.

Protect Your Financial Livelihood

Personal umbrella insurance can help protect you against potentially damaging liability claims or judgments by covering any liability costs that exceed your existing liability policy limits. For instance, if you cause an auto accident and a third party is injured, your auto insurance may cover the driver’s medical costs and repair costs to their car, up to your policy’s limit. If the medical expenses or property damages exceed your policy’s limits, and it can’t adequately cover the other driver’s bills, an umbrella policy may help cover the additional costs.

Without umbrella insurance, you’re liable for paying any additional expenses out-of-pocket. Also, your assets become vulnerable without umbrella insurance, including your house, car, financial and retirement accounts, and future income.

Contact Us Today

A personal umbrella insurance policy may cover claims that exceed the liability limits of your existing policies. Ramey Insurance Agency can help you evaluate your needs and risks to ensure you have suitable coverage to protect your financial livelihood.

Professional Liability Insurance in Venice, FL

Even the most careful businesses must account for the possibility of a mistake causing harm to a client or customer. A single error can have major consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage and lawsuits.

With these potential ramifications in mind, it’s necessary for all companies providing services or guidance to others to consider acquiring a professional liability insurance policy.

What Does Professional Liability Insurance Cover?

Suppose another party with whom your company does business, such as a customer, partner or client, alleges that you were responsible for an error that resulted in damages. In that case, the resulting lawsuits can be devastating. For example, if a mistake by your accounting department led to financial losses for a client, they may sue you.

Fortunately, professional liability coverage can help. In general, professional liability insurance policies can include coverage for claims arising from:

Negligence
Personal injury, such as libel, slander or copyright infringement
Incorrect advice
Misrepresentation
Most policies can help policyholders recoup costs related to:
Damages
Lost revenue
Legal representation
Disciplinary proceedings
Subpoena assistance

Remember, every policy is different. Work with a member of our team today to find out what a policy may cover for your business.

Get the Right Coverage

Businesses providing services for others are at constant risk of liability suits. This means that, without adequate coverage in place, a single error could devastate your finances and derail your future. Fortunately, professional liability coverage can make all the difference. Contact Ramey Insurance Agency today to construct a policy suitable for your company’s needs.

Mobile Home Insurance in Venice, FL

If you own a mobile home, having insurance coverage is essential. Like any home, mobile homes are vulnerable to various accidents and other incidents. Mobile home insurance can provide a layer of protection against the unforeseen, such as burglaries and weather damage. However, selecting the right policy can be challenging. Our agency can help you learn more about mobile home insurance so you can decide on the best coverage.

What Is Mobile Home Insurance?

Mobile home insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance provider in which you pay an insurance premium for protection against accidents or other incidents, such as vandalism. Depending on your coverage, you may be able to receive financial assistance following a covered loss.

What Does Mobile Home Insurance Cover?

Policies vary among mobile home owners, but standard coverage often includes the following:

Property protection helps insure your mobile home and any adjacent structures on your premises (attached patio, deck, shed, etc.) against losses due to fire, windstorm damage and damage from falling objects, lightning and explosions.
Personal property protection will typically cover losses for removable property such as electronic equipment, bicycles, furniture and clothing up to a certain amount.
Personal liability protection covers losses if someone is injured or something is damaged on your property. A policy may pay for medical expenses for nonresidents of your home and damages or defense costs resulting from other covered incidents.
Loss of use of your mobile home helps cover costs, such as additional living expenses, if your mobile home becomes uninhabitable following a covered event.

Contact our agency today to learn more about your coverage options.

How to Get Mobile Home Insurance

Ramey Insurance Agency is ready to assist you in evaluating your mobile home insurance coverage options. Contact us today to request a quote.

Watercraft & Boat Insurance in Venice, FL

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State, Venice, Florida, offers idyllic opportunities for enjoying the open water. However, while boating can be an enjoyable hobby and enable exciting adventures, owning and operating your own vessel also entails significant financial risk. Your watercraft likely represents a substantial financial investment, and many potential incidents, including accidents on the water and natural disasters, could capsize your plans. Suitable boat insurance should be a top priority.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance may include many familiar-sounding coverages as you could find in an auto insurance policy, but several components and financial protections are tailored specifically toward nautical needs. While your exact coverage needs and capabilities may vary, the following features are often advisable:

Third-party liability coverage may limit financial repercussions if you’re responsible for an accident in which another party experiences bodily injuries or property damage.

Physical damage coverage may help pay for repairs and other structural damage involving your vessel’s hull, engines and equipment, including from incidents like collisions, natural disasters and crime.

Personal property coverage may insure belongings stored on your boat, including fishing equipment, scuba gear and electronics.

Medical payments coverage may offset health care costs if you and your passengers are injured in an accident on the water, regardless of who was responsible.

Uninsured/underinsured watercraft coverage may help you recoup losses if someone else is at fault but lacks sufficient liability insurance.

Emergency assistance coverage may help pay for fuel delivery and other aid if your vessel becomes disabled while on the water.

Am I Required to Have Coverage?

There are no sweeping laws in Florida regarding boat insurance. However, nongovernmental parties may still impose certain requirements. For example, if you’ve financed your boat with the assistance of a lender, they may mandate coverage until you’ve paid off your loan. Additionally, many marinas may require insurance before allowing you to dock or store your vessel.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Venice, FL

Accidents happen in the workplace, no matter what precautions you have in place. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help cover the costs associated with a work-related injury or illness. We’re here to help you sort through business insurance, including workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Contact us today to get started.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of business insurance policy that provides benefits to employees if they suffer work-related illnesses or injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits typically include coverage for paying for medical care and lost wages from time missed from work.

Employers also benefit from workers’ compensation insurance, as it can help protect your business from lawsuits and keep it compliant with state regulations.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Workers’ compensation may provide various benefits to employees who experience an injury or illness, including:

Medical benefits—Employees may receive compensation to cover doctor appointments, hospital visits and medications.
Wage-loss benefits—If an employee cannot return to work at total capacity, wage-loss benefits may help them supplement their lost income. This benefit may last until the employee has recovered or until the wage-loss benefit limit has been reached.
Vocational rehabilitation benefits—Employees may receive access to vocational rehab services to help them learn new skills and reenter the workforce after an injury.
Death/dependent benefits—If an employee loses their life because of a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation may help cover funeral costs and lost income. These benefits are typically provided to the spouse or dependents of the deceased.

Worker’s compensation laws vary by state, which may impact the limits and duration of benefits and the type of employers required to have it. Reach out to an agent to discuss specific requirements for your business.

How to Get Workers’ Compensation

We’re ready to help you secure workers’ compensation coverage for your business. Contact Ramey Insurance Agency today for more information or a quote.

Recreational Vehicle And Boat Insurance in Venice, FL

If you have any type of recreational vehicle, including a motorcycle, RV, boat, or off-road vehicle (e.g., all-terrain vehicle (ATC) or snowmobile), you’ll need to secure additional insurance to properly protect your investment. Determining what and how much coverage you need can be tricky, but that’s why we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.

What Is Recreational Vehicle Insurance?

RV insurance is a general term that refers to a variety of policies used to insure vehicles such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs and travel trailers. Each policy provides unique coverage. Talk to your agent today to discuss specific coverage you may need for your vehicle.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

RV insurance helps provide a layer of protection against liability and property damages. RV insurance varies based on the type of vehicle you have. Talk to your agent to learn more about targeted coverage for:

Boat and watercraft
Off-road vehicles (e.g., ATVs, golf carts, and snowmobiles)
Campers
Coaches
Motor homes
Travel trailers

Is Recreational Vehicle Insurance Required?

Depending on the type of recreational vehicle you own and where you live, you may be legally required to obtain insurance for your vehicle. For example, most RV and motorcycle owners must secure at least the minimum auto insurance required of all drivers in their state of residence.

How to Get RV Insurance

If you’re in need of a rv insurance policy, we’re here to help. Contact Ramey Insurance Agency today to learn more or receive a free quote.