 The existence of apps like Airbnb has led many people to start renting their homes out on a short-term basis. While this can represent a new income stream for homeowners, it can also lead to insurance complications if you do not have the correct insurance policy on your property.
Does homeowners insurance provide coverage if you are renting your home for a short period of time? If not, what are your best options for getting the compensation you need if a guest causes damage to your property? Learn what you need to know from expert Palm Beach County public adjusters. What Kinds of Damage Do You Need Coverage For? There are two major things you need to be prepared for when renting out your home:
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover Damage Caused During Short-Term Rentals? A standard homeowner insurance policy will not cover damage caused if you are regularly renting your property. For this, you would need a dwelling policy. It is important to review your policy, because you may be required to inform the insurance company before renting or even add an endorsement to obtain coverage. If you sustain damage to your property and believe your policy covers the damage caused during a rental period, you should consult with a public adjuster. They will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to review your policy and assist you with filing an insurance claim. Getting Covered for Damage Caused During a Short-Term Rental If damage occurs to your property while you are renting it, there are several options available to you. First, you need to determine if the damage is covered by your policy (e.g., a natural disaster, fire damage or water damage that occurs while you were renting your property). If your insurance policy does not cover the damage, you might still be able to receive compensation elsewhere. For instance, Airbnb offers host damage protection for up to $1 million. It is important to note that AirCover for Hosts will not provide coverage for damage that is covered under a typical homeowners insurance policy like hurricane damage. In order to receive coverage by Airbnb, you are required to provide evidence of the damage. If you plan on renting your home, it is important to perform an inspection ahead of time. This way, you will document the condition of your property prior to anyone staying in your home and proof that any damage that occurs happened during the rental. Looking for Palm Beach County Public Adjusters You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we work with residential and commercial property owners to help ensure you receive everything you are entitled to for your insurance claim. We have decades of experience in the insurance industry, and our reputation speaks volumes. Now, more than ever, insurance policies cover less and less. We are always happy to help you gain a better understanding of what your policy does and does not cover. Please do not hesitate to contact us or call (561) 288-6434.
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 Whether you own a residential or commercial property, it is crucial that you properly insure this significant investment to protect yourself and your belongings, and It is just as important to be fully aware of what your coverage entails.
When purchasing property insurance, the first step is to read the policy in its entirety, especially when it comes to the topic of water damage. Insurance claims for water damage can take many different forms, and if your specific issue is not covered, you will be responsible for all costs associated with repair and replacement of your damaged items. Determining the root cause of water damage, reviewing whether your policy covers the damage, as well as understanding any limits that may exist on that coverage can be a challenge. Here, we break it down for you so you can understand your policy. Types of Water Damage Covered Under Most Policies Water damage is often not covered by insurance policies, or the coverage you do have may not fully address the damage you may encounter. For instance, internal water damage caused by broken pipes or water heaters, such as damaged walls or flooring, is frequently covered. However, your property might not be covered by your insurance policy if the water damage was caused by inadequate upkeep or a flood. The two common types of insurance coverage are dwelling coverage and personal property coverage. While personal property coverage will cover you for damaged to your belongings like furniture etc., dwelling coverage assists in covering the damage to the interior of your property like walls and flooring. Is Water Damage Coverage Limited By Insurance? When a catastrophe happens, many people believe that the full cost of water damage will be covered by their insurance. All too often, once the insurance company’s field adjuster visits your property to evaluate the damage, the insurance company informs you that your policy has a limit. For example, you may be told your policy is limited to $10,000 but the overall damages will cost several thousands of dollars or higher. In fact, some insurers are now starting to completely eliminate water damage coverage for buildings older than 40 years. However, you may be given the choice to pay an extra premium to have limited water damage coverage included in your policy. Some insurance companies have also refused to provide water damage coverage if the plumbing is older or original to the property. In those cases, they have requested the plumbing be changed and upgraded in order to provide water damage coverage. So, if you have cast iron plumbing, they may request you change the plumbing system to PVC pipes. Erosion of Coverage When you buy residential or commercial property insurance coverage, you expect to be covered when and if you need to file an insurance claim. However, is possible that when you do need to file a claim, you are then shocked to find out that you are not fully covered. We refer to this as the insurance industry's constant erosion of coverage. Insurance companies are either placing limits on coverage or excluding coverage all together. For example, there are some policies with coverage limitations for leaks of any kind that go on for a period of 14 days or more, whether hidden or not. Some insurance companies have added language to their policies that says that the damage caused in the days preceding the 14 days will not be covered if this limit applies. We Are Here to Help You Understanding what you are and are not covered for is crucial. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we provide free insurance policy reviews and coverage recommendations to help ensure you have the necessary property coverage. If you need assistance filing a water damage claim or any other property damage claim, we are ready to help! Call us today at to (561) 288-6434 or contact us here get started.  Who doesn't love a summer full of beach getaways, picnics, and pool parties? The failure of your air conditioner while temperatures are at their highest, however, may be the quickest way for your summer fun to be ruined. To guarantee you have a comfortable, cool house to unwind in after all your outdoor activities, you need to make sure your HVAC unit is properly maintained throughout the year.
Ensuring that your HVAC system is in good operating order may not be at the top of your summer “to-do list” but it’s important to make sure your family is cool and comfortable throughout the sweltering summer. How to Maintain Your HVAC System for Summer Take these six preventative steps and examine your HVAC system in advance, so you can rest assured that you’ll be set for the summer heat. 1. Schedule Annual Maintenance Checks The best course of action to ensure your home is cool and comfortable for summer is to choose a reliable HVAC service to clean and check your system on a seasonal basis. You surely do not want to have no air conditioner during the hottest time of the year, and there are experts who can assist in identifying and diagnosing potential problems. 2. Clean and Change Your Filters Regularly The simplest and most efficient thing you can do to maintain the health of your HVAC system is to take good care of your filters. Clean air can circulate uniformly throughout the house when the air filter is properly maintained. It is crucial to inspect your air filter regularly for pet hair, grime, and other debris that can accumulate in the air ducts, so homeowners with pets or carpeting should check the filter more frequently. The filter can also become clogged with dust and pollen, which can cause the unit to perform less efficiently, increasing your electricity costs. If you use your air conditioner all year long, as most Floridians do, you should consider changing your filters every month. For disposable filters, write the date on the filter when you replace it, and make checking your filters a habit by coupling it with any other regular monthly occurrence, such as paying a bill. 3. Check for Cracks Around the House An HVAC system must work harder to make up for cool air that escapes through any cracks or holes in your walls, doors, or windows. This escaping air is typically the main reason for a spike in summer utility expenses. Perform a basic search around your home and seal up any cracks that you find with insulation, weather stripping, and/or caulking where necessary. 4. Clear the Area Around the Unit Outdoor condenser units can collect debris over time. Leaves and twigs can accumulate at the base, and it can become the perfect home for critters in the cooler months. As part of your yearly maintenance, make sure your air conditioner is turned off, and remove any debris you see close to the exterior unit's base. 5. Utilize Ceiling Fans If you have ceiling fans located throughout your home, this can be a great asset for your HVAC system. Fans may allow you to keep your thermostat a few degrees higher with the consistent air flow supporting the unit. In addition, if you set the blades to turn counterclockwise, ceiling fans can minimize the amount of hot air that rises, thus allowing the air conditioning unit to turn on less often. 6. Let the Unit Rest The question of whether it's preferable to keep your air conditioning at a constant temperature or to raise it while you're away from home has generated some discussion. The simple answer is that by keeping the temperature constant when you are home and allowing your system to rest while you are gone, you will save the most money and energy. Review Your Property Insurance Policy In addition to the previous suggestions, there’s one more important property maintenance task that you should not skip: reviewing your property insurance policy. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we offer several services to assist you in property insurance reviews. We take pride in providing you peace of mind with the knowledge that your home is protected. Get back to what’s most important this time of year and enjoy summer with your family. We can assist you, whether you need a pre-loss property inspection or help with filing an insurance claim. To find out how we can best serve you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.  Working as insurance adjusters in South Florida means we have seen the results of a variety of DIY projects. It is common for property owners to want to renovate their own home. After all, these renovations can increase property values while improving quality of life.
That said, you may be wondering: does your homeowners policy cover a room that you renovated yourself? The answer will vary based on the specifics of both the situation and your policy. What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? Homeowners policies vary, and it is important to examine your specific policy to determine what is covered. That said, these policies typically cover unexpected expenses. For instance, if a leak occurs after a renovation has been completed, the damage should be covered if the leak is not a result of workmanship. For all intents and purposes, policies typically treat projects the same whether they were performed by an owner or a contractor. Given this fact, it is worthwhile to ask: how do insurance companies typically address situations where contractors cause damage in a home? Workmanship Exclusions Insurance policies typically have a workmanship exclusion, which means that companies can deny insurance claims if the damage was caused by:
To put it simply, insurance policies are primarily designed to cover sudden and accidental losses. If the damage could have been foreseen and prevented, such as by doing the proper job, you likely do not have a valid insurance claim under your policy and would be denied coverage. If you file the proper permits, abide by the law, the work was done properly and you did not cause the damage, there is a good chance that your damages would be covered under your policy. Are There Any Exceptions to Workmanship Exclusions? Even if the workmanship exclusion prevents coverage for damage caused by neglect during the project, you may still be able to receive coverage. Many policies state that coverage is still provided if a “resultant peril” covered under the policy caused the damage. While an insurance company is unlikely to pay for a leak caused by faulty workmanship, you may be able to file an insurance claim if a hurricane or other peril caused damage unrelated to the leak. Finding the Right Contractor If you choose to hire a contractor, it is important to make sure you vet them thoroughly. Here are some of the qualities to look for in a contractor:
Looking for an Insurance Adjuster in South Florida? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance, we work with residential and commercial property owners who want the best results for their insurance claims. We have decades of experience as public adjusters, appraisers and umpires. Do you have any questions about your claim or your coverage? Are you in need of qualified representation for your claim? Please do not hesitate to contact us today.  You have found the perfect place to rent in the Sunshine State and you are excited to move in, but have you obtained a renter’s insurance policy? Many people make the mistake of assuming their landlord’s homeowner’s insurance will cover their assets and skip renter’s insurance altogether. Truth of the matter is the landlord’s policy covers only the physical structure of the rental property and will not protect you or your personal belongings as a tenant.
Generally speaking, renter’s insurance offers financial protection for people who rent in lieu of owning a home. Renter’s insurance safeguards you when your personal belongings are destroyed, vandalized, or stolen. It may also provide liability coverage for accidents or injuries sustained by guests. Renters insurance is a recommended solution to easing the financial risk associated with property damage but understanding how to properly exercise your policy rights can be challenging as a tenant. Here are a few things to consider when reviewing policy options. What Does Your Renter's Insurance Cover? In short, renter’s insurance covers what you own. Coverage for some of the most common causes of property damage and loss, such as theft, vandalism, water damage, and fire, is your responsibility as a renter, which makes this such an important topic. Personal Property Personal property coverage ensures your personal belongings are protected. For example, if your living room furniture is ruined due to water damage from a pipe that burst while you were at work, your renter’s insurance policy has you covered up to the limits of your policy. An important benefit is that personal property coverage may cover items even if they are not in the residence at the time of loss. For instance, belongings may be covered if they are stolen from your car or damaged in a move. Loss of Use Renter’s insurance covers losses caused by named perils. These perils typically include fire, lightning, smoke, vandalism, explosion, windstorm, hail, water, theft, and more. If disaster strikes and you cannot stay in your home because of covered losses, your loss of use coverage provides reimbursements for temporary housing and additional living expenses. Liability Coverage If someone is injured in your residence or anyone on your policy causes damage to someone else’s property or to their belongings, this coverage protects you. It also may protect you if you cause damage to another property. Medical Protection This type of insurance covers reasonable medical expenses for someone injured in your residence. What Renters Insurance Does NOT Cover There are plenty of things renter’s insurance will not cover, such as structural damage to your rental unit. This is why it is much cheaper to have renter’s insurance than homeowner’s insurance. Some other examples of items likely not covered by renter’s insurance include expensive jewelry and business equipment. However, you have the ability to apply coverage add-ons when you purchase renter’s insurance. Similar to homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance policies can add endorsements (also called riders or options) to strengthen your coverage of personal property. Common endorsements are for jewelry and electronics. How Much Coverage Should You Have? This answer can be complicated and varies from person to person. There is no minimum coverage amount that is right for everyone, but you will want enough renter’s insurance to protect yourself and your belongings against several risks. You will want to take an inventory of your belongings to evaluate your current coverage. Make a list of everything and estimate each item’s worth. This inventory should be as specific and thorough as possible, listing each item’s model number and price. Include possessions such as computers, electronics, clothes, and furniture. Then, you can determine the amount of coverage you will need to replace those items if they are ever stolen or damaged. The inventory can help you figure out how much coverage you need, but it will also become very important when filing an insurance claim. We are also Personal Property Appraisers and can assist you with the proper valuation of your personal belongings. Are You Looking for a Public Adjuster to Help Navigate Your Policy? Choosing the proper renter’s insurance coverage and navigating how to file a claim can be challenging and time-consuming. Experienced insurance adjusters can be your best resource, as they have the knowledge and expertise necessary to understand renters’ insurance policies and their complex language. Having a public adjuster on your side not only guarantees an advocate for your best interests but also helps ensure you get everything you are entitled to for your claim. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge and experience to obtain the best possible settlement for your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can best help you.  There are more lightning strikes in Florida than anywhere else in the US. This puts our state at high risk for fires. If a fire has damaged your Florida property, you are going to need to file an insurance claim.
As South Florida public adjusters, it is our role to help you file your claim accurately, and get you covered and paid for everything you are entitled to receive under your policy. Below I will explain the likelihood that your policy covers fire damage, as well as explaining some of the steps you can take to prevent fire damage in the future. Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Fire Damage? It is always important to check your policy to see exactly what it covers. That said, a homeowners insurance policy typically covers fire damage. This includes fires started accidentally in your home, as well as fires caused by lightning and also wildlife fires. There are some exceptions to coverage, the biggest being if you started a fire in your home with the intent of causing damage to it. Acts of war are also not covered by insurance. The amount of coverage you can receive may be dictated by your dwelling limit and your personal property limit. How to Protect Your Home from Fire Damage The only thing better than receiving the proper claim payment for damage is not needing that payment in the first place. There are several steps you can take to mitigate the likelihood of fire damage:
Filing a Fire Insurance Claim with Your Insurance Company If your property has been damaged by a fire, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. In this situation, a public adjuster can help you document all the damage and assist with the submission of the necessary information. On average, people who hire public adjusters get 500% more of a settlement on their claim. If your claim is underpaid, a public adjuster can assist and reopen your claim. If the insurance company remains unconvinced by the evidence and documentation submitted, most insurance policies allow for a dispute resolution such as appraisal. If needed during the appraisal process, an insurance umpire can help settle the dispute and find a fair resolution for both parties. Looking for a Public Adjuster in South Florida? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance, we are committed to helping our clients understand their coverage and get you everything you are entitled to under your policy. We have decades of experience representing residential and commercial insurance claims. We also provide free insurance policy reviews. Please do not hesitate to contact us today. We are always happy to help.  Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) exclusions are common in commercial general liability policies and may prevent coverage in certain situations where EIFS’s are utilized in construction. It is important to be aware of these exclusions and understand how they can impact you and your property or business.
What are EIFS's? EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System, is an energy-efficient integrated exterior insulation and synthetic stucco system. In most cases, insulation board is bonded to the outer wall surface using a specially designed adhesive. A water-resistant base coat is then put on top of the insulation and a finish coat is applied on top of the finish coat. However, due to the lack of a built-in moisture management system, EIFS has become well-known in the building world as putting homes at risk for damage. The tendency of EIFS to trap water behind a building's walls has resulted in numerous insurance coverage disputes over the years. As a result, many insurers have included an EIFS exclusion in their commercial general liability policies, which excludes coverage for property damage caused by the use of EIFS in construction. How Common Are EIFS? EIFS has been commonly employed in commercial and residential construction for decades. EIFS has grown in popularity as a cost-effective way to insulate both residential and commercial construction projects. Furthermore, the material is extremely flexible, allowing for increased design flexibility. However, EIFS can be a significant source of loss and is not being used in modern construction as commonly as in the past. What is the Associated Risk? Many systems tend to trap moisture for a variety of reasons, including incorrect application or installation, material incompatibility, and failed or inadequate caulking. These weaknesses can cause:
Such events can necessitate large-scale reconstruction or complete replacement of elements of a structure. EIFS Exclusions Explained As a result of the overt risks, EIFS related damages may be excluded from commercial property insurance coverage. The most common exclusion language excludes coverage for losses involving the designing, making, preparing, selling, installing, distributing, maintaining, repairing, or adjusting of structures designed with EIFS, just to name a few. A loss involving a policyholder's product or work linked to EIFS may even be excluded from coverage. Finding an Insurance Adjuster to Help You Understand Your Commercial Insurance Policy EIFS Exclusion Getting in touch with a licensed insurance professional is an excellent first step if you need help understanding your commercial insurance policy, the EIFS exclusion or if you need to file a claim. Reliant Insurance Adjusters treat all our client’s property damage claims as if they were our own. While other firms may provide similar services, our honesty and integrity speak for themselves. We are committed to providing the professionalism, knowledge, and experience necessary to obtain the best possible settlement for your claim. Contact us for assistance today.  As a public adjuster in Fort Lauderdale, we are here to help you get all the information you need to file a claim with your insurance company. Pre-loss inspections are one of the tools we use to help you get the proper results for your insurance claim.
If you are a condo owner, it is useful to understand when you should get a pre-loss inspection, and what exactly we look for during this service. How Pre-Loss Inspections Benefit Condo Owners Prepare for Hurricane Season As a property owner in Florida, you are likely aware of the trouble that hurricane season can cause. Having your unit inspected beforehand narrows the window of time during which damage to your property could have occurred. This is important because policies are specific about what they cover. If the insurance company believes your unit sustained damage due to a maintenance issue, your claim is less likely to be covered. A pre-loss inspection adds clarity and proof to your claim, which allows you to show that the damage was not present prior to the loss or damage occurring. Give You a Better Understanding of Your Insurance Coverage Even putting hurricane season aside, a pre-loss inspection can be very helpful. It gives you a deeper understanding of the condition of your property. More important, if there is an existing problem that is hidden and unknown to you, our pre-loss inspections give you the opportunity to repair it and protect your property from further damage. What to Expect from a Pre-Loss Inspection of a Condo Unit If you have a standard HO-6 policy, pre-loss inspection will document the condition of the interior of your property. The association owns the building and their insurance policy will provide coverage for the exterior of the property, therefore, the exterior would not be included in this type of report. Before we begin our inspection, we will explain what is and is not covered in your HO-6 policy. There are certain elements covered in the policy such as your wall coverings, cabinetry, tile, flooring etc. as well as appliances and personal belongings. We will then prepare a report. This documentation can include both photos and videos. Having this information will help you in the event you need to file a property damage insurance claim with your insurance company. If you do not want to file the claim yourself, or you need help with your insurance company, we are here for you. Looking for a Public Adjuster in Fort Lauderdale? At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to making the insurance claims process as effective and simple for you as possible. We understand that it can be frustrating and difficult to document your damages and negotiate with your insurance company while you are going through repairs to your property. We have decades of experience handling insurance claims and providing public adjusting services to our clients. We specialize in residential and commercial insurance claims whether it is a new claim, underpaid or denied claim. We also provide free policy reviews. Contact us here if you have any questions.  One of the most overwhelming things that can happen to a property owner is to be unprepared for potential property damage and to discover that the cause is not covered by their insurance policy.
Water damage caused by seepage is the leading cause of non-weather-related property owner’s insurance claims in the state of Florida. Because, water damage coverage has evolved dramatically over time, and insurance companies handle these claims differently, it is important to be familiar with your policy. Here are some helpful facts to guide you as you evaluate your coverage. Seepage Coverage Explained In the context of property insurance, seepage refers to water damage that develops over time as a result of a slow leak of water. Often times, this is discovered to be due to a broken pipe in a wall or floor. Seepage may not seem like a huge issue, as compared to flooding or other natural disasters, but a slow leak over time can create significant damage that may be difficult to remediate. What is not covered? You should educate yourself on the risks of water damage to your property and understand the different categories of damage. For example, a leaky pipe or other damage caused by a lack of maintenance is not covered in your property insurance policy. Insurance companies consider seepage to be the result of a lack of maintenance rather than a sudden and accidental event. A simple definition to remember is … damage due to lack of maintenance, neglect or wear and tear, as well as flood-related damage, are not covered by your property insurance policy. What is covered? Water damage caused from a leak within your property is covered such as a sudden and unintentional discharge from a broken pipe, accidental overflow, air conditioner leak, or water damage caused from a windstorm or hurricane. Water Damage Risk Most seepage risk can be avoided with regular property care and routine checks of the plumbing and HVAC system and keep an eye on your entire property for damp spots on walls or flooring. Early detection of a broken or leaking pipe can help to limit the extent of the damage. You may not even need to file a property damage insurance claim if you identify these minor problems right away. If you have a leak and it is hidden and unknown but continues for days, weeks or even months, and you sustain significant damage to your property, the damage may or may not be covered. Some policies have wording that excludes damage that is unknown whether it is hidden or not. What to Do if You Discover Water Damage If you discover water damage, it is important to stop the leak and prevent your property from further damage. There is a difference between flood and water damage. Flood water enters the property from the exterior inward, where water damage originates from within the property. You should review and understand your insurance coverage to verify that your property is properly insured. You can also schedule a free consultation with Reliant Insurance Adjusters to walk you through your policy and coverage. If your property has sustained damage, or your insurance claim has been underpaid or denied, call us today. We are experienced, licensed, and bonded public adjusters who work for you, not the insurance company. We are here to help. Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.  If you are filing a claim, you want to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve. This can be complicated, both because of the details of the policy and the nature of determining how the damage occurred.
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we provide the services necessary so you receive full settlement of your claim. Along with offering public adjuster services in Broward County, we also offer appraisal and umpire services. Let me explain when you might need an umpire, as well as the qualities you should look for from that umpire. When Umpires Are Necessary When you and your insurance company are not be able to come to an agreement on the amount of your claim, some policies are written with an appraisal and umpire clause, also known as an alternative dispute resolution. An umpire is called in when both the appraiser for you and the insurance company are unable to reach an agreement. Similar to an arbitration agreement, an umpire clause allows for a third-party to come in and resolve the dispute. The exact process will vary depending on your policy, which is why it is important to speak with an insurance professional. That said, the umpire will typically become part of an appraisal panel, consisting of the umpire, as well as representatives for both the insured and the insurance company. Only two of the three members need to agree to resolve the claim. How Do You Find the Right Insurance Claims Umpire? The umpire has a major impact on how much the property owner receives for their claim settlement, which means it is essential to work with an umpire that both parties agree to and trust and who will be fair and unbiased. There are several qualities to look for from any umpire that you are considering:
In most cases, the appraiser for the insurance company and your appraiser, will both have lists of acceptable umpire candidates. They normally share their lists and agree to a mutual and acceptable umpire in the event they are not able to reach an agreement. Looking for an Umpire or Public Adjuster in Broward County? You have come to the right place. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we are committed to helping our clients receive the proper claim settlement. The claims process can be very complicated and daunting, and we are here to relieve you of the burden. Whether you have a new, underpaid or denied claim, or you just have a question, we are here to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help you understand your insurance coverage. |
AuthorKaren Schiffmiller Archives
August 2022
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