According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than twice the average number of fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year. Fireworks are at fault for two out of every five of those holiday fires. Here is something most homeowners do not know: if fireworks are illegal in the area where they live and they still choose to celebrate with fireworks, any resulting fire damage may not be covered by their homeowners insurance. To preserve coverage under your Alabama, Florida or South Carolina homeowners insurance policy, it is important that your family observes any fireworks restrictions in your area. Firework laws [Read More...]

The following article was written by Steve Hall, the owner of East Coast Insurors and one of our Elite agency partners. In the article below, Steve gives some very helpful advice on how to mitigate water related losses. With 40 years in the insurance business, Steve has seen many trends in this industry and water seems to be big on his radar. In addition to the suggestions Steve offers below, an important part in protecting yourself from financial loss due to water damage is to make sure you thoroughly read your policy. Many Florida carriers have policies containing exclusions or limitations that apply to water damage. Many times, these gaps [Read More...]

Outside Your Home Ensure your sprinklers are operating correctly. – Sprinkler heads are often broken by lawn mower blades or sometimes break down after a long life. Broken sprinkler heads can lead to bigger and costlier problems, especially a hefty water bill! Run a test to be sure all heads are working properly and none are broken before beginning to water your yard for spring. Also, sprinklers hitting your house can cause water intrusion and unsightly discoloration to the paint on the sides of your home. You can have a professional come to inspect your system for around $75. Clear out gutters and downspouts. – Are there trees near your [Read More...]

Did you know that water damage is one of the most frequent causes of loss to homeowners? In one study by a major insurance carrier, 60 percent of water damage claims the company analyzed occurred due to wear and tear and human error1. Maintaining your home and its appliances can help to prevent severe and expensive water damage to your home and treasured possessions. Since most homeowners policies cover only sudden, accidental water damage, preventative maintenance is a must for the savvy Florida or South Carolina homeowner. Damage from worn-out materials or a leak that continues over time may not be covered. Paying for these repairs out-of-pocket can be costly, [Read More...]