Do You Need Commercial Insurance if You Rent Your Business Building Instead of Owning?

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Most business owners rent retail space, office space and other sites for operations. Owning such properties is egregiously expensive so it makes financial sense to rent. However, some question whether renting necessitates commercial insurance.

Is Insurance Really Necessary?

If you are renting a storefront, office or other site for business operations, you still need insurance. Most landlords in and near Winter Garden, FL require that renting businesses, also referred to a commercial tenants, obtain insurance.

The logic in requiring insurance as a business owner renting a space is that it mitigates the financial cost of liability. If insurance were not obtained, a single lawsuit could lead to tens of thousands or even millions of dollars in damages and legal fees.

Though commercial insurance isn’t guaranteed to cover the entire cost of unfortunate events, it is a financial windfall in the event of an injury or natural disaster. If such insurance weren’t in place, both the business owner and the landlord renting the space would be on the hook for causally related costs.

Reassurance for Landlords

Put yourself in the position of an owner or landlord of a commercial space. You want to protect your property against damage. Therefore, you require that prospective tenants provide proof of commercial insurance. Such proof typically takes the form of a certificate of insurance as evidence of liability, business interruption, workers’ compensation and other commercial coverage.

Though it might be possible to find a landlord without a commercial insurance requirement, they are few and far between. If you are launching a startup or short on cash, it might be possible to share part of the cost of commercial insurance with other tenants or possibly even the property owner/landlord.

Contact Abney Insurance for an Affordable Quote

Serving the Winter Garden, FL area, our insurance providers offer extensive coverage at fair rates. Give Abney Insurance a call for your personalized quote.

Do Fix-and-Flip Companies Need Home Insurance?

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Fix-and-flip companies or contractors navigate in a very strange area when it comes to real estate. They aren’t a construction company in the traditional sense. However, they’re also not traditional homeowners. They’re also not planning on holding onto the property as a landlord or a homeowner. This can make it difficult to understand what they’ll need to navigate the process. For example, do they need home insurance, or is there another type of insurance that flippers should acquire when they go to flip a property?

If you operate a fix-and-flip business, we’ll help you understand the requirements needed for a successful flip. Need insurance? Come to us at Abney Insurance, serving Winter Garden, FL, for all of your coverage needs.

Is Home Insurance Right for Fix-and-Flip Companies?

If you’re researching your insurance needs as a flipper, you will quickly discover that you do need home insurance. While the way you go about ownership and investing in real estate differ from other types of real estate investors, home insurance is essential to protect your investment while you’re working on it and whle you retain ownership over the property. The right insurance policies will cover you should anything happen to your property during or after renovations. 

Protect Your Next Flipping Project With Abney Insurance

Whenever you need home insurance, the team here at Abney Insurance, serving Winter Garden, FL, will work with you to make it happen. Contact us to compare quotes.

What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

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If you’re a Florida driver, the state laws say you must buy auto insurance. Many Florida drivers come to Abney Insurance for help choosing the right auto insurance policy, including coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists.

If you live near Winter Garden, FL, our team can help you find the best policy for your needs. We’ve been working with Florida drivers like you since 1993.

What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

Being in a car accident can be overwhelming. If you find out the other driver had no insurance, you might fear that you won’t receive any funds to cover your medical expenses. According to the Dolman Law Group, one in four Floridians doesn’t have any auto insurance, despite the state mandate. Some auto insurance policies make provisions for uninsured and underinsured drivers with a clause called uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

When your auto insurance policy includes this coverage, your insurance company will help if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough. It can cover medical expenses, lost wages if you can’t work, and money for pain and suffering. The total amount will be determined after an evaluation by your insurance company.

Call Us for an Appointment

Don’t risk driving without proper insurance. Our team at Abney Insurance will take the time to find the ideal insurance options for you. Drivers near Winter Garden, FL, have been relying on our experience and helpful service for over thirty years. Call us for an appointment and let us help you get safely on the road.

Do I Need Separate Policies if I Live in One of My Duplex Units and Rent the Other?

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One of the perks of owning a duplex in Winter Garden, FL, is the option to live in one of the units while renting out the other. This arrangement can provide a steady income from tenants while allowing you to ensure the property is well-maintained. A common question is whether you need separate insurance policies for the rental unit. Our agents at Abney Insurance can explain the coverage options and help you secure the policies needed to protect your home and rental property.

Homeowners Insurance

When you own a home in Winter Garden, FL, you typically have homeowners insurance, which covers the structure, personal belongings, and liability. However, in the case of a duplex, while homeowners insurance covers your residence, the rental unit typically requires its own separate coverage, referred to as landlord insurance. Most homeowners policies do not include rental property coverage because rental units face unique risks that are not addressed by standard homeowners insurance.

Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance provides an additional layer of protection for your property and finances. Unexpected events, such as hurricanes, fires, or vandalism, can occur and leave the rental unit uninhabitable. In such cases, landlord insurance compensates for the rental income you lose during the downtime. Additionally, landlord insurance covers liability risks, such as accidents involving tenants or visitors on the property, which could result in claims for medical expenses.

Contact Us

Ensuring your home and rental property are fully protected is essential, and that’s where we come in at Abney Insurance. Don’t take chances with inadequate coverage. Call us today, and we’ll provide a quote and answer any questions you have about your insurance options.

Does Your Business Need Cyber Insurance?

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Does your business store personal data on computers or in the cloud? Do you use computers to communicate with customers and business partners? If so, purchasing a cyber insurance policy could be a smart decision. While Florida law does not require Winter Garden, FL, business owners to carry cyber insurance, having it can make the difference between recovering from a cyberattack and facing financial devastation. Experts estimate that a cyberattack occurs every thirty-nine seconds, and this frequency is expected to increase to one attack every two seconds by 2031.

What Is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance provides financial protection for businesses in the event of a data breach, ransomware attack, or hack. Coverage varies depending on the policy, but basic coverage typically includes compensation for ransomware payments, costs associated with repairing IT hardware and software, and risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood of future attacks and preventive measures. It may also cover lost revenue during downtime, the cost of notifying customers about the breach, and the provision of credit monitoring services. Additionally, third-party cyber insurance offers extended coverage, including legal fees, settlements, judgments, and fines.

Contact Abney Insurance for More Information

Abney Insurance offers cyber insurance along with other types of commercial insurance to help Winter Garden, FL, business owners safeguard their companies against unforeseen incidents. If you’re interested in learning more about our cyber insurance options, exploring policy bundles, or obtaining quotes, give us a call. Our team will help you review your options and select the coverage that best suits your specific needs.

The Basics of Comprehensive Auto Insurance: What It Covers and Why It’s Important

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At Abney Insurance serving Winter Garden, FL, our passion is protecting homeowners. We strive to ensure homeowners understand how home insurance safeguards against certain liability issues. If you’ve paid off your home and are considering cancelling your home insurance, we urge you to reconsider, based on the following information.

Potential Coverage

Comprehensive insurance typically includes protection against:

  • Theft – If your car is stolen, comprehensive coverage can help pay for its value.
  • Vandalism – Scratches, broken windows, or other deliberate damage are usually covered.
  • Weather Damage – Hail, wind, lightning, and fallen trees can all cause serious harm to your vehicle.
  • Fire – Whether caused by an engine issue or an external source, fire damage is typically included.
  • Natural Disasters – Events like floods, tornadoes, and wildfires are generally covered, depending on your location and policy terms.
  • Animal Collisions – If you hit a deer or another animal—a common risk in states like Michigan—comprehensive insurance usually covers the repairs.

Importance of Comprehensive Coverage

Even if you’re a cautious driver, many risks to your vehicle have nothing to do with your driving. A sudden hailstorm, a falling branch, or a stolen car can result in thousands of dollars in damages or loss. Comprehensive coverage offers assurance by protecting against these unpredictable threats.

Securing comprehensive auto insurance with the help of Abney Insurance serving Winter Garden, FL, helps you prepare for the unexpected, covering damage and loss that can happen even when your car is parked in your own driveway.

Commercial Insurance Options for Dentists: What They Need

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Abney Insurance knows that Winter Garden, FL, businesses need high-quality commercial insurance to stay strong. For example, dentists (like you) need strong protection to keep their facilities running and to minimize serious risks, including financial and legal issues due to their practice.

Dental Insurance is a Specialized Policy

No, we’re not talking about dental health protection but commercial dental insurance! In other words, coverage designed specifically for dental experts like you! Typically, they provide a lot of the same protection levels common in commercial protection, including things like:

  • General liability protection that covers your office in lawsuits (bodily injury, property damage, etc.)
  • Commercial property insurance to protect your facility (dental lights, tools, instruments, chairs, etc.)
  • Business income insurance to keep your business solvent if you can’t operate for a while
  • Workers’ compensation coverage for your employees (such as your hygienists and assistants)
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP) that keeps you safe from a broad range of dangers
  • Cyber insurance policies that kick in if your records get hacked by any cyber criminals
  • Malpractice insurance, though, typically this comes as a different policy or rider

What Kind of Dental Specialists Need Insurance?

Frankly, all dental experts need high-quality commercial insurance to stay safe. Some offices offer comprehensive services (do you?), while others provide more specific or limited support. If you fall under any of these headings, you should call us to learn more about your protection:

  • General practitioners
  • Hygienists
  • Periodontists
  • Pedodontists
  • Prosthodontists
  • Oral surgeons
  • Endodontists
  • Orthodontists

Take Care of Your Practice

As a dentist, you’re used to helping others. Now, help yourself by calling Abney Insurance. We can help Winter Garden, FL, medical specialists like you find high-quality coverage options that make sense. Work with us, and we’ll do whatever we can to ensure you find policies that work for you.

Filing A Criminal Insurance Claim That Pertains to Your Place of Business

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Are you prepared to file a criminal insurance claim? Learn about the procedures you need to follow if your business is broken into.

Understanding Commercial Insurance Coverage

Your commercial insurance policy may offer protection against criminal activities. Incidents resulting in damage or loss will likely qualify for an insurance claim. However, the claim process involves a standard procedure that must be followed.

Any criminal activity needs to be thoroughly documented. This documentation should detail what happened and include information about the discovered damage.

Initial Steps to Take

Upon discovering that your business has been broken into, your priority should be to ensure the premises are safe to enter. It’s advisable to file a police report, which will provide the necessary documentation to support your insurance claim.

If you discover criminal activity, contact your insurance agent immediately. The agent will handle the necessary paperwork.

The Inspection Process

Next, an inspection will be conducted. You can be present during this process. The inspector may have questions about what you discovered and the extent of the damage.

The inspection report determines whether your commercial insurance claim is approved. If it is, you’ll need to consult with a contractor capable of restoring your business. The restoration process may be conducted in stages.

Contact an Insurance Agent in Winter Garden, FL

For more information about filing a commercial insurance claim, connect with one of our agents at Abney Insurance. Our agents can address your concerns and guide you on what to do if you need to file a claim.

How Employee Growth Affects Your Commercial Insurance Needs

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As your company expands and more employees come on board, your responsibilities undoubtedly increase. This is especially true in the case of insurance. At Abney Insurance, proudly serving the Winter Garden, FL region, we recognize that business expansion brings exciting opportunities. However, it also necessitates changes to your existing commercial insurance policies.

Adjusting Coverage for Expanding Businesses

When you hire extra staff, your liability risks elevate. An increased workforce implies an elevated potential for workplace accidents or claims. It’s crucial to review your general liability and workers’ compensation policies to ensure they sufficiently cover your enlarged team. By amendment of coverage limits, you can safeguard your business against unexpected incidents.

Taking Care of Property and Equipment

Business growth often necessitates additional equipment and office space. Therefore, it’s essential to update your commercial property insurance in sync with these changes. Whether you’re leasing additional office spaces or buying new machinery, your policy should be adjusted to account for these assets, thereby avoiding gaps in coverage.

Considering Cybersecurity

Rising employee numbers equate to an increase in the volume of data processed, inducing greater exposure to cyber risks. Adapting cyber liability insurance is a wise move, offering an effective shield against data breaches and cyber-attacks. Concurrent training of your employees in cybersecurity best practices can also stave off potential threats.

Periodically Reviewing Your Policies

Regularly reviewing your existing insurance policies is essential as your business evolves. Adopting this proactive strategy will identify potential areas requiring adjustment, reinforcing the comprehensiveness and timeliness of your coverage. Consulting with experienced insurance agents can make this process more seamless and effective.

At Abney Insurance, we take pride in supporting your business growth by offering tailored insurance solutions for businesses in and around the Winter Garden, FL, neighborhood. Contact us today to discuss your evolving insurance needs, ensuring you are fully protected at every stage of the growth journey.

What is “Other Structures Coverage” on a Home Insurance Policy

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Other Structures Coverage

At Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, we understand the importance of protecting your home and property when a covered incident occurs. When consumers shop for home insurance coverage, the main concerns are often the home and its contents. However, knowing that the other structures surrounding your home are protected should the unthinkable happen and how much this coverage pays is equally important.

What "Other Structures" Mean In Your Insurance Policy

"Other structures" in your insurance policy refer to features such as a fence, an in-ground swimming pool, a detached garage, or a gazebo. This coverage generally activates under the same conditions as your home insurance. For instance, if your home insurance covers circumstances such as fire, theft, falling objects, or wind damage, your other structures will likely be covered under the same conditions.

That being said, we always recommend having a conversation with your insurance agent to thoroughly understand what’s covered in your policy. This dialogue will give you peace of mind that you’re completely protected when the unexpected happens on your property.

The Coverage Payment: How Much?

Typically, "other structures" coverage pays a percentage of what your home is insured for. For example, if your home has coverage worth $450,000, and other structures cover stands at 10%, you can receive up to $45,000 for damages to your other structures following a covered incident. This financial protection can give you a sense of security when dealing with property damage.

Other Factors to Consider

When other structures on your property suffer damage, it’s likely that the valuable items you keep inside them will be damaged, too. Rest assured, those items fall under your personal property coverage, so you need not stress about the contents of your other structures, such as a detached garage.

Contact Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL for Assistance

At Abney Insurance in Winter Garden, FL, we understand that ensuring protection for your family, property, and finances can be overwhelming. But there is no need to stress. Contact us today at (407) 877-6110, and we will put your mind at ease. We will listen to your unique situation and provide the information you need to make the best decision to safeguard your home and other structures.

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