3 Common Auto Insurance Myths Debunked

Buying auto insurance is tough enough without having to worry about how coverage works. Instead, it pays to stay informed and understand the process. Here are three common auto insurance myths and the real truth behind them.

Myth #1: The Color of Your Car Affects How Much You Pay

Perhaps the biggest misconception about auto insurance coverage is that the color of your car affects how much you pay in premiums. In fact, many drivers even shy away from purchasing red vehicles, which pop culture has led some to believe have higher rates than other colors.

Unfortunately, this is not true. Many insurance companies never even ask the color of your vehicle at the time you purchase a policy. Instead, they are more concerned about factors that increase the cost of replacement parts should you have a claim. (Examples include the type of vehicle and any special modifications it has.) Furthermore, your driving history and credit score affect rates more than the type of vehicle you drive.

Lesson: Keep your driving record clean and your credit score up. These two factors are commonly what cause auto insurance rates to be higher.

Myth #2: Personal Property Inside Your Car is Covered by Auto Insurance

One myth most drivers believe is that personal property inside the car is covered under their auto insurance policy—whether it is destroyed in a major accident or stolen by a thief. The truth is, all personal items are covered only under a property policy, such as homeowners or renters insurance. This includes items such as golf clubs, laptop computers, cell phones, handbags/wallets etc. Surprisingly, even your pet is considered personal property.

Lesson: Never leave any personal items of importance in your vehicle unless you have adequate renters or homeowners insurance.

Myth #3: Letting a Friend Borrow Your Car Means His Insurance Will Pay

Another common misconception about auto insurance involves letting others borrow your vehicle—such as friends or relatives that live outside your household. The truth is that auto insurance follows thecar and not the driver.

Lesson: If your buddy, who has a history of tickets and accidents as big as a phone book, asks to borrow your SUV for the weekend, always say no.

Although these are three of the most common myths about auto insurance, there are many others. It is important to contact your local independent insurance agent if you have any confusion about what your policy covers and what it does not.

We know the difference between fact and fiction. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa auto insurance.

Commercial Insurance Can Protect You from Lawsuits

Every business owner does the utmost to avoid a lawsuit, and ethical business practices can help to minimize your chances. Yet some business owners get sued in spite of their best efforts, and lawsuits can wreak havoc on a company's day-to-day operations, as well as its profits.

So what exactly is a business owner to do?

Purchasing commercial insurance—both general liability and professional liability—is the best way to avoid the pitfalls of legal actions. If a suit is brought against your business, your insurance company can either settle with the plaintiff (and pay the costs of the settlement) or take the plaintiff to court. In the latter instance, this insurance protects business owners in four ways.

1. The policy can cover the costs arising from the investigation of a claim, along with the attorneys' fees for representing the defendant in the case.
2. Commercial insurance can cover those costs associated with time missed from work due to court appearances.
3. Your coverage can provide the monies necessary to cover the cost of any judgments or settlements placed against your business, in the event that your case is lost. This includes interest associated with the monies awarded to the plaintiff, as well as medical expenses, if those should be included in the case.
4. Commercial insurance can pay for the premiums associated with any court-ordered bonds in a liability suit.
Businesses today face many complicated circumstances that can eat into their profits and increase their operating expenses. Lawsuits don't have to be one of them. With the right commercial liability insurance, legal costs and fees can be covered in the event that your business faces court action.

Don't let your business get trapped in a no-win situation because you lack the right coverage! Contact us to determine which liability insurance is the best for you and your business.

Get the coverage you need. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa business insurance.

Tips for Buying an RV

You've decided you want to join the ranks of RV owners who travel the highways searching for adventure. Not many can afford a new outfit, and there are plenty of used options to choose from, but how do you know which one to get? To ensure a safe and hassle-free trip, here are some things to look into before writing that check.

1. Make sure it's what you want. You can get a deal on an old class-A motorhome, but if you're traveling cross-country, will it be reliable? On the other hand, if you intend to park it and just enjoy it as a home away from home, then that may be a wise choice.
   
   
2. Check the value. Look up the year, make and model in a NADA guide to determine how much the RV is worth before you buy. Many depreciate quickly, but sellers try to get more than they are worth.
   
   
3. Look outside your area. Sites like Craigslist make it easy to find a deal if you're willing to travel a bit. Just be sure to get pictures and all the information before you head out and be willing to walk away if it's not in the condition you expected.
   
   
4. Check the vehicle history. A motorhome will have a VIN just like any other vehicle and you can get a history report at rvchecks.com. It will provide information including whether the RV was stolen, in an accident, damaged or if there are any recalls from the manufacturer.
   
   
5. Ask for maintenance records. Check things like brakes, belts, tires and other items that are crucial to keeping you on the road. Breaking down on the side of the road can be costly, not to mention annoying.
   
   
6. Check other functions. Make sure the heat, A/C, kitchen appliances, plumbing, holding tanks and hot water heaters are all functioning. Check the roof for leaks, which are a notorious problem for RVs.
   
   
7. Take it for a test drive. Are you comfortable driving the vehicle in all sorts of circumstances? Try out a busy highway and a curvy country road. Remember, you want to do this because it will be fun, not stressful.

Once you find the right RV for you, contact your independent insurance agent to get an RV policy to make sure you're covered in the event of an incident. Then pack a few things and you'll be ready to hit the road!

Protect your traveling home. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa RV insurance.

Flood Insurance Needed With Homeowners Insurance for Total Coverage

Many people believe that the only time flood insurance is necessary is if you live near a river or lake. However, homeowners insurance will not cover flooding.

This can be a little complicated. Most policies will cover water that enters your house if it falls under the provision of "storm driven" flooding. A simple example is that something hits a window and allows rainwater to enter the home, damaging furniture and carpeting.

However, if the damage is the result of rising water, which can be anything from a clogged drainage ditch to excessive rainfall that floods your yard, then the flood insurance policy can apply. Flood insurance is provided or underwritten by the federal government. However, it is sold to homeowners by many insurance companies that also provide traditional homeowners coverage.

In many cases, depending on the elevation of your property or proximity to a river or lake, flood insurance may be required by your mortgage company. Flood insurance policies provide coverage for the actual structure and additional optional coverage for your possessions, with premiums paid on an annual basis.

The cost of the coverage can be affected by several factors, such as location, age of the dwelling and the elevation of the property. When flood insurance is purchased, the policy will cover the value of the home and will be adjusted for inflation each year upon renewal. Coverage of the possessions within the house is provided at different levels from which the homeowner can choose.

Finally, if purchasing flood insurance or homeowners insurance, it is wise to take an inventory of the items in your house, such as furniture, appliances, antiques, computers and any other items of value. This inventory and/or photos of your belongings helps your insurance provider process a claim.

We’ll help you find the right coverage. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa flood insurance.

Summer Road Trips: Advice on Staying Safe

The school year is winding down and for many that means it is time for a summer road trip. Of course, you want to make sure your trip to and from your vacation destination is safe. Here are some tips to help you have an accident-free summer trip!

Planning

Plan as much detail as possible in advance so there’s no need to figure out where you are going while you are driving. Before you leave, map out your trip. Find out if you should expect any extensive construction on your drive. Look into options for places that you can stop and take a break. Consider restaurant options for meals. In addition, if your drive is very long, consider breaking it up into more than one day with a hotel stop in between. If you don't want to stop overnight, make sure you switch drivers so one person doesn't become too fatigued.

Check the Vehicle Condition

Check to make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid and that your last oil change was done recently. Measure the tire air pressure to verify it is adequate. Consider having an inspection done if you are concerned about the way the car is running before you leave. You really don't want to have a breakdown on a highway. If you wind up in that situation, make sure you pull off as far as possible. Getting completely off the highway is ideal since the shoulder is not very safe for car repairs.  

Always Buckle Up

Make sure everyone is properly buckled in the car every time you are driving, including short excursions such as a trip from the hotel to the beach. Children need to be properly restrained in the correct car seat. If necessary, pull off the road to handle a dicey situation!

Consider the drive as part of the adventure and don't try to rush it. Take it easy, enjoy the drive and have a wonderful, safe vacation!

Don’t forget about your coverage. Call Adcock-Adcock Property & Casualty Agency, Inc. at 813-933-6691 for more information on Tampa auto insurance.

Is It Smart To Only Carry the State Minimum Insurance?

Most states require vehicle owners to carry a minimum amount of Tampa car insurance. Failure to have this insurance is a crime in these states with hefty penalties and possible jail sentences for failure to comply. Also, an owner can't register their vehicle without showing proof of insurance.

The good news is that most reputable insurers have put together packages tailored to the owner's home states, and these packages can be very affordable. 

However, is it smart to only carry the minimum amount of insurance required by the state? Does the minimum legal amount give car owners a false sense of security when what they need is realistic coverage?

Quick Survey of State Minimums:

Kansas requires Bodily Injury Liability of $25,000 per person with $50,000 for the accident; Property Damage of $10,000; Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury $25,000 and Personal Injury of $4,500.

Washington requires Bodily Injury Liability of $25,000 per person with $50,000 for the accident; Property Damage of $10,000.

Arizona requires Bodily Injury Liability of $15,000 per person with $30,000 for the accident; Property Damage of $10,000.

Florida requires Property Damage of $10,000 and Personal Injury Protection of $10,000.

New York requires Bodily Injury Liability of $25,000 per person with $50,000 for the accident; Property Damage of $10,000; Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury $25,000 and Personal Injury of $50,000.

Quick Survey of Car Accident Costs:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate in 2010, 32,885 people died and over 2 million people were injured in auto accidents in the United States. Medical costs and lost productivity exceeded $99 billion.  The CDC further estimates that only half of this was paid by private insurers.  The other half? Some was paid by government programs and some by charities. However, about 25% was paid by those involved in the accident. That means about $25 billion in medical bills comes out of pocket.

If an owner carries the state minimum of $10,000 personal injury in Florida and injures someone, they can be held legally liable for the balance of the medical bills. An airlift to a trauma center can be $25,000 by itself. 

And, if the owner is at fault, they can also be held responsible for car repairs. As vehicles become more sophisticated, the repairs become more expensive. When the American Automobile Association (AAA) figured vehicle repair costs into the equation, the CDC number jumped to $163 billion per year. With most states requiring only $10,000 in property damage coverage, a significant amount of repair and replacement risk is being carried by an owner who opts for minimum coverage.

Risk of Assets:

The final consideration is at the heart of insurance - protection of assets. If a car owner causes an injury accident and the insurance limits do not cover the damages, they may find themselves in court. Research into jury verdicts has found that damage awards for auto accident cases involving serious back injuries range from $50,000 to over $400,000. Award on the low end of the scale could wipe out the owner's retirement account or cause loss of their home. Even lower-income owners with no tangible assets can find their wages garnished to pay off a jury award.
 
Depending on the state minimum insurance amounts, whether as a vehicle owner or an accident victim seeking compensation, it may be a recipe for disaster. Only an experienced insurance agent can help a vehicle owner balance the factors of risk aversion and asset protection against cost. Call Adcock-Adcock Property & Casualty Agency, Inc. at 813-933-6691 to make an appointment to review your state's minimum requirements and tailor a plan that offers real protection in case of an accident.

Planning Principles for Choosing Life Insurance

Ray and Anna just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in their recently purchased new home. They are a typical young family with one three-year-old child, another on the way and a playful little dog. Their household expenses are average, and in addition to their monthly mortgage, they also have an auto loan payment to meet. Ray is the main breadwinner since Anna left her job to stay home with their children. They manage their income well and are able to meet their financial obligations. Life is good. Last month Ray looked into a life insurance policy which would protect his wife and child financially if something should happen to him. He was pleasantly surprised at the options and was able to choose a policy for his needs at an affordable rate.

Life insurance is an essential protection plan that ensures your family is financially provided for upon your death. Determining how much protection you need varies, but there are some rules of thumb you can use to consider what your plan should cover.

You and your spouse’s age:  Your age can determine premium rates and the most cost-effective options available to you. The ages of your spouse and children can help estimate the approximate years of income replacement they would need if you’re no longer there. 

Your current income: Depending on your age, and if your spouse and children are older, this may or may not need to be fully replaced, in which case you could start at 50 percent replacement. However, for relatively young families with small children, the payout should be calculated around ten times your annual taxable earnings to assure your family’s expenses can be met for at least the next five years.

Mortgages, loans and other debts: House and vehicle payments, student loans, home improvement loans and/or other types of debts should be calculated and included in your plan.

College expenses: Future education expenses for your children, including tuitions and fees, should be accounted for. Although it’s hard to predict the future of rising costs, look at the current increase in college expenses and predict accordingly what they could be by the time your children reach college age. 

Funeral expenses: This can be a fairly large expense for loved ones to bear without an income plan to help cover these expenditures.

Remember, not all life insurance policies are “one size fits all.” For example, plans that payout for your children may be temporary or until your children become of age and are able to take care of themselves. Other policies designed for a child who is unable to become self-supporting, such as a special needs child, may payout the rest of his or her life. When shopping for a life insurance policy, keep these things in mind for better peace of mind.  

Protect your loved ones. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa life insurance.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Health

While you tidy up your home this spring, remember that it's also a great time to perform some spring cleaning on your health as well. The warm, sunny weather lures us back outside, and most people tend to participate in more physical activities during spring and summer. Heat stroke and dehydration are preventable warm weather risks, but it's a good idea to keep other health factors in check as spring sets in.

Get a Physical Exam

This is a great time of year to schedule your annual physical. Your doctor will check your vitals to ensure that you're in shape for whatever spring and summer have in store. Take the opportunity to discuss any concerns or health issues. Doctors are great resources for learning how to improve your health and they can offer customized suggestions based on your test results.

Review Your Medications

Some medications may cause your body to react adversely to the heat or increased physical activity. Talk with your doctor to see if you're at an increased risk for side effects or even sluggishness. Be sure to discuss not only brands, but also dosage and the frequency with which you take the meds. Additionally, if you plan to travel, particularly overseas, you may need to get certain shots to protect your health.

Improve Your Heart Health

Boosting your cardiovascular stamina not only makes it easier to enjoy warm weather activities, but it also improves your overall heart health. Even something as simple as taking a 20 minute walk each day can increase your lifespan and decrease your waist line. Not to mention, a healthy heart is also linked to lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system, which can help your body stave off illness.
Healthcare is your partner for improved wellness. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa health insurance.

DIY Door Fixes For Your Home

You may not give much thought to the doors in your home, but they provide privacy, quiet and protection from the elements. But one small problem just may be enough to drive you nuts. However, you don't need to resort to living with the problem, or even call a handyman to fix it. There are several issues that you can easily repair yourself. Below are just three examples.

• Squeaky hinges: If the hinges to a door squeal each time its opened, all it needs is a bit of lubrication. You can use WD-40, olive oil or petroleum jelly to fix the problem. Pour a bit of the lubrication of your choice onto a paper towel or rag and rub it all over the hinge, working it into the seams. You can perform this task as many times as necessary to stop the squeaking.
• Loose screws: Some loose screws may simply need to be tightened, while others become loose because the wood around them has rotted or worn. If you're faced with the latter, purchase a 3/8-inch wooden dowel and cut it down so you have a piece for each screw. Remove the screws and drill the existing holes to fit the larger size of the dowels. Coat the dowels in wood glue, insert them into the new holes (saw off any excess length) and give them time to fully dry. Once dry, drill a new, screw-sized hole directly into the dowels and then reattach the door.
• Drifting door: Do you have a door that drifts toward the closed position when you try to leave it open? It's time to realign the doorframe. Start by removing one of the door's hinge pins and hit it with a hammer until it bends slightly. Then, simply reinsert the pin. The bend will cause extra friction and help prevent unwanted drifting.

Protect your home completely. Call Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa home insurance.

Best Cooking Oils for Healthy Living

Advertisers and marketers are clever, tricking millions of people into buying and consuming cooking oils because of their low fat content. But the truth is, many “heart-healthy” cooking oils are bad for other aspects of your health and/or are made with genetically-modified and processed ingredients. So what cooking oils are the best to use? You want an oil that is made with natural ingredients; check the nutrition label for words you can pronounce. These three cooking oils are some of the best available:

• Coconut oil: Raw virgin coconut oil often turns people away because it has the consistency of a paste rather than a liquid. However, coconut oil is a very healthy cooking oil that gives food a delightful tropical note (which can be masked by bolder flavors if desired). How healthy is it? The purest forms of coconut oil are linked to weight loss, heart health, increased metabolism and healthy skin. Though best used for low-heat cooking or baking, refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point that can handle hotter temperatures, albeit with fewer health benefits.
  
  
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil (first cold pressed) contains healthy fats and antioxidants, which gives it anti-inflammatory properties. First cold pressed simply means that the olives are pressed exactly one time, at a temperature no higher than 86 degrees, to extract the purest and best quality oil from the fruit. Olive oil is best for low-heat cooking, making it a great choice for salad dressings and drizzling over pasta and other favorite dishes.
  
  
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil—though higher in polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), which can lead to inflammation if consumed in excess—is a healthy choice when used sparingly. It complements olive oil and coconut oil nicely because its higher smoke point makes it a better choice for frying and other high-heat cooking methods. If you tend to use this oil more often, you may want to purchase a brand that offers avocado oil with low PUFA content for an even healthier experience.

Learn more about how you can stay healthy. Call us at 813-933-6691 for more information on Tampa health insurance.

Improve Productivity by Improving Employee Morale

You’ve heard it before, the economy is still weak. Many businesses have had to cut back on employees just to stay afloat, making it important that fewer employees carry more weight than ever before. But this extra burden puts extra stress on employees. Finding ways to alleviate this stress and improve morale is essential for maintaining a motivated, productive workforce.

Improved morale comes from a variety of sources. Some employees may long for recognition for their good work, while others may yearn for a more lenient schedule. Here are five tips for making your employees feel appreciated, valued and supported:

1. Plan monthly department meetings in which employees can freely discuss successes, areas for improvement and long-term goals. To make this open forum more accessible to shy individuals, provide an anonymous suggestion box so anyone can contribute to the overall goals of the company, even if they don’t feel comfortable verbalizing thoughts. Employees are more likely to work toward goals when they can help create them.
2. Deliver positive feedback whenever recognition is necessary. Most people take comfort in their accomplishments being noticed and rewarded, even if that reward is simply a verbal “job well done.” This can be a big motivator to encourage accomplished employees to keep up the good work.
3. Offer flexibility in regards to hours, time off and the option to work from home. Many people are overscheduled and emergencies can happen at any time, making it hard to work around rigid hours of operation. If an employee needs to visit a doctor or wait at home for a handyman, allow them to make up the time or complete tasks from home rather than forcing him or her to take time off. Showing your employees you care about their personal lives nurtures their company loyalty.
4. Plan annual team-building events and celebrate holidays. Participating in a company-wide game day or a holiday gift exchange can be a fun way to help employees get to know each other on a more personal level. Employees who are more comfortable around each other generally work better together.
5. Offer perks to your employees, which can be almost anything that gives your employees a financial break. Offices can offer free snacks on Fridays, store discounts (if the company is a retailer), company matching for charitable donations and so on. Employees enjoy working for a company that gives back to them.

Learn more about what you can do to ensure you business’ success. Call Adock-Adock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa business insurance.

Insurance for Dog Bite Liability

Over 60 percent of American households own a pet, with dogs being a popular choice. Any dog owner will admit their devotion to their canine, but having a dog increases liability risks. Though most pooches are docile, any animal (humans included) can lash out if provoked. It’s important to understand the liability risks associated with dog ownership, along with what insurance will or will not cover.

About one-third of states mandate that dog owners are “strictly liable” for their dog’s behavior. The rest of the country is more lenient, with a “one free bite” principle mandating that dog owners are liable only if they know about their dog’s tendency to bite. In any state, you are considered liable in instances of unreasonable carelessness; however, you are not held liable if your dog injures an intruder.

Homeowners and renters insurance will often cover dog bite liability, up to policy limits. Most homeowners policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. Dog owners found liable are responsible for reimbursing the victim for medical costs, lost wages, property damage and any associated legal fees. Once your dog has bitten a guest, your insurance provider may charge you a higher premium or exclude your dog from coverage to offset the increased risk.

This may sound unimportant to owners of well-mannered dogs, but dog bites occur more frequently than you may think. Dog bites accounted for over a third of all homeowners liability claims in 2012, costing over $489 million. The average cost paid out per bite was $29,752.

Your dog is part of your family, a loving companion. You wouldn’t dream of rehoming your pal. However, if you notice aggression or unease around strangers, you may find it best to restrain your dog while guests are in your home to prevent unwanted incidents.

Wondering what your state laws are for dog bite liability? Call us at 813-933-6691 for more information on Florida homeowners liability insurance.