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Four Types of Coverage in Auto Insurance

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Auto insurance includes several types of coverage, each designed to protect you in different ways. While liability coverage is typically required, having all four major types of auto coverage in your policy provides comprehensive protection. If you need auto insurance, The Isom Insurance Group, servicing Polk County, FL, is here to help.

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability coverage protects you against claims for injuries sustained by the other party in an accident. It covers expenses such as medical treatment costs and ongoing therapies required as a result of the accident. This type of coverage is generally mandatory.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability coverage pays for damage to the other party’s vehicle or property after an accident. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle or its contents. This type of coverage is also required by law.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle in the event of an accident. While it’s not legally required, it’s highly recommended. This coverage can make the difference between having a functional vehicle and being left without transportation after an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from a wide range of non-collision-related damages, including theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related incidents. It’s especially useful for damage that occurs while your vehicle is parked. Having this coverage ensures you’re prepared for unexpected events.

Get Auto Insurance Today

If your current auto policy doesn’t include all the coverage you need, now is the time to upgrade. Contact The Isom Insurance Group, servicing Polk County, FL, to get started with a policy that provides complete protection.

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Umbrella Insurance: A Wise Choice for Small Businesses?

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The Isom Insurance Group is proud to offer Polk County, FL residents and businesses exceptional commercial insurance, including umbrella liability protection. If you run a small business and don’t have this coverage, you could be putting yourself at serious risk. Here’s why.

Why Even Small Businesses Need Umbrella Policies

Many small businesses believe they can operate without umbrella insurance, which is understandable. Smaller companies often have tighter profit margins and may feel they lack the resources to invest in additional protection.

However, their small size is precisely why they need an umbrella policy. Let’s consider an example to illustrate this point. Imagine you run a small tax preparation business from your home, primarily as a side hustle. Now, let’s say you make a significant error while preparing a customer’s taxes, costing them thousands of dollars or even causing their business to shut down. In this scenario, they could sue you for damages far exceeding the limits of your standard liability coverage.

If this happens, you would be responsible for covering the remaining costs out of pocket, which could jeopardize your financial stability. An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage, offering the protection you need to avoid such devastating outcomes. Small businesses operating on narrow profit margins simply can’t afford to go without this essential coverage.

Protect Your Livelihood

At The Isom Insurance Group, we are dedicated to serving Polk County, FL, and providing high-quality umbrella protection for small businesses like yours. No matter your needs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to secure the policy that will safeguard your business and livelihood.

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When to Review Home Insurance Policies in Polk County

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Living in Florida necessitates a thorough review of your home insurance policy at least once a year. It’s crucial to ensure your coverage is current and that your home and investments are protected, especially in a region where weather-related risks are common. If you reside in Polk County, FL, The Isom Insurance Group is here to help you assess whether your homeowners’ insurance policy adequately meets your needs, whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival.

Optimal Times to Review Your Home Insurance Policy in Florida

For Florida residents, it’s recommended to review your homeowners’ insurance policy during the following periods:

  • Annually: Review your policy yearly or when it’s due for renewal. This allows you to consider potential construction costs, changes in property values, and your personal circumstances or budget at that time.
  • Major Purchases: After making a significant purchase, you may want to ensure your policy adequately covers your new investments, such as electronics, collectibles, and jewelry stored at home.
  • Renovations and Additions: After a renovation or addition, your home’s value is likely to increase. Reviewing and potentially updating your existing policy ensures your enhancements are covered.
  • Life Events: Following significant life events, such as the birth of a child, marriage, or divorce, it’s essential to ensure your insurance policy aligns with your current lifestyle and situation.

Regularly reviewing your home insurance policies is crucial for homeowners, whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer. Being prepared for potential weather-related incidents, natural disasters, floods, and even fires helps maintain your sense of security. To review your home insurance with a trusted agency and agent in Polk County, FL, contact The Isom Insurance Group for your consultation today.

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What Happens If Someone Else Drives Your Car and Crashes?

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Life unfolds quickly, and sometimes that entails entrusting your car keys to a friend or family member. But what happens if they get into an accident while driving your vehicle? It’s a question we frequently address at The Isom Insurance Group, serving the Polk County, FL region, and it’s a crucial one to consider before you find yourself in a stressful predicament.

Who’s Covered—You or the Driver?

In most scenarios, auto insurance follows the car, not the person. That means if someone else is driving your vehicle with your permission and they get into an accident, your insurance typically comes into play first. This is known as permissive use, and it’s a standard part of many auto insurance policies. However, the specifics can vary depending on your particular coverage and the driver’s circumstances.

What If They Weren’t on Your Policy?

Even if the person isn’t listed on your policy, your insurer may still provide coverage, as long as they had your permission to drive. But if they live with you and regularly drive your car, they should be officially listed on your policy. If not, your claim could be denied, or you might face premium increases in the future.

Will It Impact Your Rates?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. If a claim is made under your policy, it could lead to a rate increase, even if you weren’t the one behind the wheel. That’s why it’s important to think carefully before allowing someone to borrow your vehicle.

Suppose you have questions about your policy or want to ensure you’re adequately covered. In that case, The Isom Insurance Group, providing auto insurance to residents throughout the greater Polk County, FL area, is here to assist. Reach out today for a free, friendly auto insurance review!

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Do Renters Need Umbrella Insurance?

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Umbrella insurance can provide valuable additional protection if you don’t otherwise have sufficient personal liability coverage. Personal liability coverage is a standard feature of most renters’ insurance policies, and most renters’ policies offer adequate coverage for those who rent. If you’re a high-net-worth individual who rents, however, you might want additional umbrella insurance protection.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is a supplemental policy that extends liability coverage beyond what a standard renter’s or homeowner’s policy offers. It can protect against major lawsuits, covering legal fees and damages if you’re sued for defamation, someone else’s harm, or another covered liability incident.

The insurance is most often purchased by high-net-worth individuals, who can be targets of lawsuits and have substantial assets to protect. If you’re unsure whether you should get umbrella insurance, our team here at The Isom Insurance Group can help evaluate your situation.

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?

Most people who lease their residence don’t need additional liability coverage beyond what a renters policy provides. People usually purchase a house when they accumulate enough wealth to justify additional liability protection. Umbrella insurance policies are commonly purchased in conjunction with home insurance policies.

However, high-net-worth individuals sometimes lease a residence without a primary home. Doctors might rent while taking a one-year contract somewhere (such as Polk County, FL), business professionals on short-term assignments might not purchase a house, and career-focused professionals who expect to be moving regularly might decide to rent. There are other reasons why wealthy individuals might rent.

If this describes your situation and you’re renting in Polk County, FL, umbrella insurance may indeed be appropriate. Contact us at The Isom Insurance Group for help deciding whether you should get the additional liability insurance protection. Our team of agents will be glad to assist you.

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How Home Insurance Helps When a Guest is Injured on Your Property

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Hosting friends and family is a wonderful way to create memories, but what happens if a guest gets injured while visiting your home? Accidents can happen unexpectedly, whether it’s a slip on a wet floor, a fall down the stairs, or even a dog bite. That’s where your home insurance policy can step in to help. At The Isom Insurance Group, serving the greater Polk County, FL, area, we want to ensure you understand how your policy can protect you in these situations.

Does Home Insurance Cover Guest Injuries?

Most standard home insurance policies include personal liability coverage and medical payments coverage. Personal liability coverage helps if you are found legally responsible for an injury on your property. It can cover medical bills, legal fees, and even settlement costs if the injured person decides to take legal action.

On the other hand, medical payment coverage is designed to cover minor medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. If a guest trips on your doorstep and needs medical attention, your policy may help cover their doctor’s visit without requiring a legal battle.

What Isn’t Covered?

While home insurance provides valuable protection, it doesn’t cover everything. Injuries to members of your own household typically aren’t included, as these are covered by health insurance instead. Additionally, if the injury was intentional or caused by negligence, your claim could be denied.

Make Sure You’re Protected

Accidents happen, but having the right insurance can give you peace of mind. Contact The Isom Insurance Group, serving the area in and around Polk County, FL, today to review your policy and ensure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your guests.

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Drivers are Unpredictable – Auto Insurance Is Not

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Most people drive regularly, but they often overlook the risks they face each time they hit the road. From unpredictable road conditions and mechanical failures to unexpected obstacles, we can encounter numerous unpredictable scenarios. Arguably, the most unpredictable factor on the road is other drivers. This is one of the many reasons why drivers in and around Polk County, FL, trust the experienced team at The Isom Insurance Group for all their auto insurance needs.

Auto Insurance: A Dependable Solution for Unpredictable Roads

Distracted drivers, uninsured drivers, impaired drivers, and bad drivers are just a few examples of other drivers’ unpredictability. The good news is that auto insurance provides a reliable safety net. Drivers from the Polk County area rely on it to keep them and their vehicles safe, including protection from the unpredictability they encounter each time they get behind the wheel. The Isom Insurance Group understands and appreciates these concerns and the risks that auto insurance can help mitigate.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Polk County, FL Drivers

If you live in Polk County, FL, and have questions or would like to learn more about auto insurance for your vehicle, we’re here to help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment for the protection you and your vehicle need at The Isom Insurance Group today. The road and other drivers can be unpredictable – but your insurance doesn’t have to be.

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Do I need to have an umbrella insurance plan in Florida?

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Everyone should be aware of and consider liability risks. One way to protect oneself and reduce liability risks in Polk County, FL, is by investing in an umbrella insurance plan. This type of insurance offers blanket liability coverage, and there are several reasons why you might want to have it.

Protection Against Major Claims

One of the primary reasons to get an umbrella insurance plan is to protect against the risk of a major claim. If you are involved in an accident and it’s deemed your fault, you will be required to pay restitution to the other party. While home or auto insurance plans may offer some coverage, they have policy limits. An umbrella insurance plan provides coverage on top of these plans.

Preparation for Unforeseen Risks

There are many liability risks that can be challenging to insure on their own. In these situations, your other liability insurance plans may not provide support. However, a comprehensive umbrella insurance plan offers blanket support, ensuring you are protected against a wide range of risks and situations.

If you are in Polk County, FL, and considering an umbrella insurance plan, contact us at Isom Insurance Group. Our team understands the value of umbrella insurance and can help you create a new plan. We take a customized approach to understand your needs and provide the best possible coverage.

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How to Pick Home Insurance Based On Your Needs

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The Isom Insurance Group serves Polk County, FL, and beyond and can provide many types of coverage. For example, we can help you narrow your homeowner’s policy and satisfy you. Here’s what you need to do to get the most out of this process with us.

Know What You Need

Talk with us about the cost to fully rebuild your home and other concepts, such as dwelling coverage, inflation, and extended replacement needs. These expenses are essential to consider because the world will change and can significantly impact what your policy covers.

Consider Add-Ons

Extra policy protection may include scheduled personal property protection, sewer and water backup support, equipment breakdown, and home business endorsements. If you fall under any of these headings, consider these, as they provide great value at reasonable rates.

Don’t Forget Disasters

Florida homeowner insurance will protect against some disasters (in a state that experiences many) but not all. For example, floods and earthquakes aren’t covered. Even if we don’t get too many earth-shaking experiences here, floods are far more common due to hurricanes.

Read Policies Very Closely

Sit down and read through your policy to make sure it makes sense. The home insurance declaration page is significant, laying out everything you need to know. Get 3-4 of these from various providers and compare and contrast your options to choose.

We’re Here for You

At The Isom Insurance Group, we can help Polk County, FL, residents understand their homeowner’s policies. We’ll sit down with you, walk through the process, and ensure you know what’s happening. In this way, you’ll get the help you deserve to thrive and minimize potential financial issues if something happens to you.

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Building a Custom Emergency Kit for Your Auto

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The relentless 2024 hurricane season seems unwilling to give Florida a break. After Helene came Milton, and The Isom Insurance Group wants to address hurricane and overall safety preparation that could help keep Polk County, FL, residents safer. Today, we’ll discuss emergency kits for your automobile.

Custom Emergency Kits

Home emergency kits get all the attention, especially during hurricane season, but your car, truck, minivan, SUV, boat, or RV needs an emergency kit, too. Your kit should address the many natural hazards that threaten the state of Florida, not just hurricanes.

This auto emergency kit includes items the home kit doesn’t, like emergency blankets, flares, bottled water for drinking, and jugs of water for the radiator. As strange as it might sound, carrying a life jacket in a Florida auto emergency kit can save lives because, during hurricane season, the state is prone to flash floods and rising water floods.

Essential Emergency Kit Items for Your Vehicle

Your auto emergency kit needs more items than the one you create at home. When you need your emergency kit on the go, it must provide the necessities for any situation. Let’s consider the essentials that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend:

  • Three gallons of water per person
  • Three days of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio
  • Sleeping bag or Mylar thermal blanket
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • Whistle for signaling for help
  • Dust mask
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape
  • Personal sanitation items, including moist disinfecting towelettes, garbage bags, and bag ties
  • Manual can opener
  • Local maps and a road atlas
  • Cloth face coverings/safety masks
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Flares
  • Rope
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Waterproof matches
  • Paper and pencil
  • Soap or hand sanitizer
  • Prescription eyeglasses, contacts, and contact lens solution
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Prescription medications
  • Common non-prescription medications, including pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, etc.

If you have or travel with children, include items relevant to their age, such as infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream for babies, and puzzle books, reading books, or portable games for older children. If you travel with your pet in the vehicle, include water and pet food. Make copies of important legal documents, such as your identification, insurance policies, and bank account numbers, and store them in a waterproof container.

Storing Your Auto Emergency Kit for Easy Access

Organize the essential items in airtight clear plastic bags and label the contents. Place all bags into one or two plastic bins with lids or a duffel bag. Store this kit within reach of the driver’s seat without exiting the vehicle. If your car features seats, you can adjust them to fold down from within, and you can store them in the trunk area. In older cars without this feature, store it on the floor of the backseat.

Contact Our Agency Today

Make your automotive emergency kit before Polk County, FL faces its next emergency. Contact The Isom Insurance Group for an auto insurance review. Let us help you customize your insurance policy to cover the perils faced by Floridians. Contact us today.

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