Three of the biggest mistakes you could make when you purchase boat insurance

Boat insurance is important to have for boat owners in Naples, FL. If you are a boat owner, we can help you find the right insurance solution at Pro America Insurance.

The following are three of the biggest mistakes you could make when you purchase boat insurance. Avoiding these mistakes is essential for protecting yourself financially.

Thinking home insurance will cover your boat

Home insurance is not meant to be used as your sole source of boat coverage. While home insurance coverage might cover damage to your boat while it’s on your property, it’s not going to cover anything when your boat is off your property.

Most likely, you bought your boat to use it off your property. That’s why investing in boat insurance coverage is so important. 

Picking a deductible amount that’s too high

The amount of your deductible is one of the most important considerations when it comes to your insurance policy.

A deductible amount that’s too high could create financial problems for you if you end up needing to file a claim. That’s why it’s important to choose a deductible amount that you will always be able to pay out of pocket. 

Canceling your policy during the offseason

Boat owners are often tempted to cancel their policy during the offseason to save money. However, this is never a good idea. Your boat could become damaged while it’s in storage. If you cancel your policy, you won’t be compensated for the damage that occurs while your boat is in storage during the offseason. 

Contact us today to learn more about boat insurance in Naples, FL. At Pro America Insurance, we can help you find the right boat insurance policy. 

What coverage comes with a full motorcycle insurance policy?

The Naples, FL area is always widely considered to be a great place to live in or visit. When you are here, there is warm weather for most of the year, which can also make it a great place to own a motorcycle. If you are looking to get a motorcycle here, you should ensure that you get into a quality insurance policy as it will provide you with several forms of insurance coverage. 

Coverage for Liability Risk

One form of coverage that comes with a standard motorcycle insurance policy is coverage for liability. Even if you are a very reliable and careful motorcycle rider, there is going to be a chance that you could cause an accident. If this occurs, you will have to pay for any damages that are caused. When you get a motorcycle insurance policy, you will receive coverage that will give protection if you are at fault for an accident that causes damages.

Coverage for Asset

Another reason that people should get an insurance policy for their motorcycle is that they will get coverage for their assets. A motorcycle can be a very big purchase that you will want to protect as well as possible. If you invest in a full policy that offers collision and comprehensive coverage, it can ensure you and your motorcycle are covered for a wide range of issues that could result in a loss including theft or accident damage. 

If you are going to get a motorcycle in the Naples, FL area, it is a good idea to speak with the team at Pro America Insurance to discuss your insurance needs. When you call Pro America Insurance you will get a lot of guidance and support. This will ensure you and your motorcycle remain properly covered and protected at all times. 

What type of life insurance is best for me

Life insurance offers several benefits depending on the type of insurance that you purchase. The main reason for purchasing life insurance is the death benefit. It benefits your loved ones if you are taken from them. Life insurance does offer more than that however, it offers cash value that can be borrowed against. If you are someone who has trouble saving, it can get you off to a good start. At  Pro America Insurance in Naples, FL, we are locally owned and operated and have been in business for 35 years. 

Whole Life

Whole life insurance is insurance that stays with you for your whole life, it doesn’t end. It has some advantages especially when it is purchased young. First, it will never go up in price, that’s right it stays the same forever. Second, it earns dividends. While it isn’t the best way to save, it is a way to save. Third, you can borrow against your policy and that can come in handy if the need ever arises. 

Term Insurance

Term life insurance lasts for a term, It can be 10 or 20 years. The price is usually a lot lower than whole life but when the term is up you have nothing to show for, you are strictly paying for protection. At the end of the term, you may be able to extend the policy but not at the same price. 

Life insurance needs are something that changes over the years. You may end up not just buying one type of insurance. Both types may have a place in your long term financial plans. At Pro America Insurance in Naples, FL, we are full-service independent agents and we can offer you policies from top carriers. Stop by our office or give us a call to discuss your life insurance needs. 

What Coverage is Included with Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance has two main components: workers’ compensation and commercial auto coverage. In Florida, businesses are required to carry at least state-mandated minimum coverage in both types of policies. For those not in the know, workers’ compensation is required for any Florida business that has four or more employees – regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. Additionally, if your business is in the construction industry then even one employee means that you must have workers’ compensation insurance. In short, this policy helps pay for any medical bills associated with an employee’s workplace injury or illness. Next, any vehicle that is owned by the commercial enterprise must have commercial auto insurance to the tune of $10,000 property damage liability per accident and $10,000 personal injury protection. Although it is not a state requirement, if you require employees to use their personal vehicles for work purposes then be sure to inquire about hired and non-owned auto insurance because the vast majority of personal auto policies exclude business use.

In addition to workers’ compensation and commercial auto coverage, there are additional insurance types that you may want to consider purchasing if they’ll benefit your business. Examples include cyber liability insurance which helps pay for the damages associated with a data breach or cyberattack, professional liability insurance that provides coverage for client lawsuits because of a mistake or omission, and much more. By working with a trusted company like Pro America Insurance in Naples, FL you’ll have access to a plethora of options and a team of professionals that know the insurance industry like the back of their hands. For help in choosing the perfect policy for your business, give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. 

Does My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Me If I Work from Home?

As we adjust to the so-called new normal, many Naples, FL residents are now working from home as telecommute employees. If you’re working for an employer from the comfort of your guest bedroom or dining room table, you might have questions about how your homeowner’s insurance coverage extends to your new situation. Here’s what you need to know.

Your Employer’s Coverage is Primary… Sometimes

In most cases, the insurance your employer has for the business is primary over your homeowner’s policy if you’re involved in an incident during work hours. However, there are limitations.

For example, if you’re injured while working as a remote employee inside your own home, your company’s worker’s compensation insurance may or may not cover your medical bills. If the computer you use for work is supplied by your employer, their policy might cover any accidental damage or theft. But if you use your own device for business, this would fall under your homeowner’s insurance.

But what if you’re self-employed? Does this matter? The answer, is yes. In this case, you would need separate business insurance as any work-related activities you do are typically not covered under your home policy. However, there are exceptions to this rule for gig workers.

Confused, yet? It can be a really muddled picture when you get down to it and almost everyone has a different set of circumstances that need to be evaluated. Thus, if you’re working from home, it’s important to talk directly to your homeowner’s insurance agent at Pro America Insurance about your current situation. From there, they can help you work out the best plan to suit your needs.

Are you ready to learn more about coverage for your Naples, FL home? Please contact our Pro America Insurance team for details.

Is having boat insurance in Naples always a necessity?

If you are in the Naples, FL area, it could be a very good idea to invest in a boat. When you have a boat here, you will be able to enjoy access to the ocean and other local waterways. Those that are in the market for a new boat should also consider their boat insurance needs. There are several reasons why getting a boat insurance policy could be a necessity for you.

Required by Local Marinas and Waterways

One of the reasons why getting a boat insurance policy could be a necessity for you is because it could be a requirement of local marinas and waterways. Whenever you operate a boat, there is a chance that you could cause an accident. Local marinas and waterways will want you to have insurance coverage to ensure you can pay for damages caused in an accident.

Required by Lenders

Another reason why you may need to have a boat insurance policy is that your lenders are requiring it. If you have decided to finance your boat with a loan, the lender will very likely have insurance requirements that you need to meet. This will include having a full insurance policy that will provide coverage for a variety of different situations that could result in a loss for you. 

As you are shopping for a boat insurance policy in the Naples, FL area, it is very important that you consider all of your insurance needs. The team at Pro America Insurance can help you to get into a policy that provides the right type and level of coverage. When you work with Pro America Insurance, they will be able to assess your individual situation and needs and then explain your options to ensure you get a policy that protects your boat and offers peace of mind. 

The Curtains Came With The Home, Does My Condo Insurance Cover Them?

In Naples, FL what you’ll always hear about condo insurance is that, if it’s outside of the building, the condo association’s or management’s insurance will cover it. If it’s inside the building, that’s where your personal condo policy kicks in. But the line can be a bit blurry. If your home came pre-furnished, it might not always be clear what property is covered by which policy.

For example, we’ll take the curtains. Okay, chances are, you’re never going to file an insurance claim just for a set of curtains, but replacing them will be part of the deal if there’s a fire or something.

The question comes down to ownership. In an apartment, those curtains would certainly be covered by your landlord’s policy, not your rental policy. You’re not going to be modifying those curtains, you’re not going to take them with you when you move out, and it’s not going to be your insurer who has to replace them in a fire. They belong to the landlord. And that extends to any pre-furnishings in the apartment.

With a condo, it comes down to whether you’re a renter or a buyer. If you’re buying, then everything in your home is technically yours. The seller isn’t going to sell you a condo and then come back a year later to collect the curtains. Even if you’re still paying your mortgage off, that’s your property to protect and replace as you see fit. If you’re renting, then the scenario isn’t much different from an apartment, and curtains and other furnishings will be on your landlord’s insurer to cover.

So, to put it simply:

  • Renters: Those curtains are your landlord’s responsibility
  • Buyers: Those curtains are your responsibility

If you’re still shopping around for condominium insurance in Naples, FL, get in touch with Pro America Insurance. At Pro America Insurance we can help you to find a policy that fits your needs whether you’re renting or buying.

How to properly insure a motor home

Congratulations on buying a classic motorhome. It is now time to tour the world and visit family & friends. However, Naples, FL roads can quickly become dangerous if you do not have insurance. At Pro America Insurance, we recommend buying a type of coverage known as Recreational Vehicle insurance coverage or RV insurance. So, how much insurance do you need to insure your motorhome adequately? Read on to find out.

How to insure your motorhome.

Keep in mind that your motorhome is your home away from home. That means that in case of an accident, loss, injury, or theft, you will want to make sure that you have enough coverage to restore your motorhome back on the road. As a first time RV owner, you need to know some of the most common RV accidents to help guide your coverage purchase. The following are some of the most common accidents in Naples, FL.

  • Poorly calculated turns

  • blind spots 

  • rollovers

  • overloading or poorly balanced loads

  • Runaway trailers 

  • poor estimations from inexperienced drivers

How much is the real cost?

A class A motorhome is the largest RV we have on the roads. That also makes them some of the most expensive vehicles to insure. However, there are a few factors that your insurance company will consider when calculating your premiums. Such factors include:

  • Your age and driving record

  • The value of your Rv

  • Whether you use your RV as a place of residence or for occasional vacationing

  • Where you live and the security level there

  • How much coverage you need for personal possessions

When comparing quotes, always make sure that you fully understand your policy. Don’t sign the policy if you are not sure about certain coverages. If you have never driven a motorhome before, it is also prudent that you consider more liability.

Let Pro America Insurance help you get the best out of your RV insurance. Contact us for more information, quotes, or questions.

Flood Insurance FAQs

At Pro America Insurance in Naples, FL, we know that flood insurance is an important part of protecting your investment in your home. Most homeowner’s policies do not cover floods, so a separate flood policy is needed.

Do I Really Need Flood Insurance? 

Many homeowners question if they really need flood insurance. Even if you don’t live near a body of water, you need flood insurance. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. Your home is more likely to be damaged by a flood than by fire. 

Will Damages be Covered Through Federal Disaster Assistance?

If a federal disaster is declared, the government may pay for the damages to your home. However, only 10% of disasters are declared as federal natural disasters. Even if government assistance is provided, it is a loan that must be paid back. Flood insurance covers the damages regardless of a disaster being declared.

What if Other Areas Were Damaged?

If other areas of your home were damaged that weren’t directly due to the flood, you will need to file a separate claim on your homeowner’s insurance. For example, a strong storm causes your home to flood and damages your roof. You’ll need to file a flood claim and homeowner’s claim. 

What is Covered Under Food Insurance?

Most policies cover direct physical damages and flood-related damage due to erosion. The structure of your home and basement are covered. Essential equipment that is normally found in the basement is covered as well. However, personal belongings stored in the basement or lower level of your home are not normally covered. 

If you need flood insurance, contact Pro America Insurance in Naples, FL. We can answer any questions you have about flood insurance and help you choose the policy that best suits your needs. 

Boat Insurance Add Ons You Should Know About.

Boating is not at all like driving a car. This is why boat insurance is vastly different from automobile insurance as well. Boat insurance is not a legal requirement in the state of Florida, but most boaters know the value of keeping some coverage and add ons for their watercraft. At Pro America Insurance we want you to have exactly the coverage you need for peace of mind and safety out on those Florida waters all year round. We are happy to provide the people in and around Naples, FL with premium insurance services. 

Boat Insurance Add Ons

  • On Water Towing and Fuel Services — Do you have a contingency plan for breaking down or running out of gas? This add-on brings the most peace of mind. 
  • Wreckage Removal, Including Pollution Clean Up — This is an important one because you are legally required to remove your boat after a wreck and clean up any fuel spills. 
  • Water Sports Coverage — Water tubing and skiing leave many opportunities for personal injury. If you have a policy you may be protected if you are hurt on the water, and you will be further protected from litigation if a guest is injured, up to your policy limits. 
  • Fishing Equipment Protection — Your expensive fishing gear or other items you "carry on" the boat may be able to be insured under this add on. Be sure to make sure your coverage is for exactly the items you have purchased by keeping documentation and receipts with your insurance policy. 

Contact us a Pro America Insurance if you have any questions about boat insurance, boat insurance add ons, or insurance in general. We serve the community of Naples, FL with premium insurance services for their boat, vehicle, home, life, and more. Call today.