Homeowner’s Liability Insurance: What is and isn’t Covered

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Homeowner’s liability insurance is a crucial part of any homeowner’s insurance policy, and lenders will require that you purchase this form of insurance if you take out a loan to buy a home. Even so, homeowners in Evergreen Park, IL, should understand how the policy works to ensure they always have sufficient coverage.

What’s Covered?

Homeowner’s liability coverage provides personal liability and medical expense coverage. These forms of insurance cover legal costs if a homeowner is sued for an accident that happens at his or her home. It may also cover incidents involving accusations of libel and slander. Furthermore, homeowner’s liability insurance covers medical bills if a third party is injured on a homeowner’s property. Coverage can include not just hospital bills but also lost wages, pain and suffering (if the case goes to court), and death benefits.

What Isn’t Covered?

Homeowner’s liability insurance doesn’t cover the homeowner and family members living with him or her in the house. It also doesn’t cover intentional injuries or damage to property. Dog bites may or may not be covered by some policies, so pet owners would do well to read the fine print before picking a policy. Furthermore, homeowners in Evergreen Park, IL, who run a business from home should bear in mind that homeowner’s liability insurance will never cover accidents or other incidents related to business operations.

Contact Martin Insurance Team for More Information

Martin Insurance Team serves homeowners in and around Evergreen Park. We offer multiple homeowner’s insurance options to make it easy for you to pick the policy or policy bundle that best meets your needs. Contact us to find out more or to get policy quotes.

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

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Evergreen Park, IL, is a fantastic place to run a business, but it is also susceptible to thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding. In addition to implementing measures to protect your business from damage, you’ll also want to ensure you have the right commercial insurance policies to protect your commercial assets if disaster strikes.

Natural Disaster Coverage

Coverage varies depending on your chosen policy, and your deductible will determine how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket before the insurance company provides compensation. However, generally speaking, commercial property insurance typically covers wind damage. It won’t cover flood damage, so you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Other important coverage forms include comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance and business interruption insurance. Commercial property insurance won’t cover damage to business vehicles, even if they are parked on the business premises. Business interruption insurance provides compensation to keep your business afloat until the disaster passes and you’re able to resume regular business operations.

If you run a business from home, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover damage to business assets or inventory in your home. Talk to an insurance agency about commercial policies to keep all your assets properly covered.

Contact Martin Insurance Team for Expert Insurance Advice

Martin Insurance Team offers insurance policies and policy bundles to business owners in and around Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Evergreen Park, IL. We’re a full-service, one-stop shop that’s ready and able to meet all your commercial insurance needs at the best possible price. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer or get quotes on specific policies.

What is the importance of having uninsured and underinsured motorists on an auto policy?

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At Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, we frequently encounter clients asking if it’s important to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policy. The answer is a resounding "YES!" When you’re on the road, you can’t be sure if the driver next to you has sufficient insurance coverage to cover damages if they cause an accident that harms you or your vehicle.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an additional feature you can add to your policy to ensure you and your passengers are protected if you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage will cover bodily injuries to you and any passengers up to the policy limits and repair any damage to your vehicle. However, this coverage is subject to policy limits (usually mirroring but not exceeding your liability bodily injury and property damage limits). Under UM coverage, you are required to pay a property damage deductible to have your vehicle repaired.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the party at fault for the accident doesn’t have enough liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage to cover the extent of the injuries and damages they caused. UIM will pay up to the policy limits (typically below or at the same limits of liability you carry).

For More Information

To learn more about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages or if you have other questions about your auto insurance policy, give us a call at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, at (780) 330-4404. We also have offices in Fort Myers, FL, and service the Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and Naples areas.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Extreme Weather Events in Evergreen Park, IL?

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The increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the country has prompted homeowners to reassess their current home insurance policies. They want to ensure they have sufficient coverage to protect their most valuable assets from such events.

With advice from the insurance professionals at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, you can discover how to safeguard your home from the escalating threat of extreme weather.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Extreme Weather Events?

A robust home insurance policy is one of the best ways to shield your home from the devastating financial impact of blizzards, heavy snowstorms, wildfires, and other extreme natural disasters. A comprehensive home insurance policy can cover your home’s structure, including roofing, siding, plumbing, and other essential components. Without adequate insurance, you could face costly out-of-pocket expenses for repairs, replacements, relocation after severe weather events, and even liability claims.

Consult with a knowledgeable and trusted local insurance agent to determine if your existing home insurance policy covers damages caused by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, such as burst pipes, flooding, fire damage, and wind damage.

Secure a Comprehensive Home Insurance Quote in Evergreen Park, IL

With spring rapidly approaching, the potential for severe storms that can cause property-damaging tornadoes and devastation increases. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home and family from the devastating effects of extreme weather events in Illinois.

Contact the insurance professionals at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park to review your existing home insurance policy, determine if you have sufficient homeowner’s insurance coverage, and get a quote for a comprehensive home insurance policy today.

When Your Auto Insurance Policy Needs Gap Coverage

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Most auto insurance policies include comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to protect your vehicle from damage. However, these may not cover the full amount you owe on a car loan or lease. That’s where gap coverage comes in.

Understanding Comprehensive, Collision, and Gap Coverages

The two main coverages that protect against vehicle damage are comprehensive and collision. Comprehensive coverage is generally for incidents not involving another vehicle (e.g., animal strikes, falling trees, burglaries, etc.), and collision coverage is generally for accidents with other vehicles.

Each of these protections usually provides coverage up to your vehicle’s fair market value at the time of the incident. That amount isn’t necessarily equal to what you owe on a car loan or lease, however. In many cases, the value of a vehicle is less than what’s owed.

Gap coverage is so-named because it can fill in this gap—the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth. If your vehicle is totaled in either a comprehensive or collision claim, it’s gap coverage that may help pay off the remaining loan or lease.

When Gap Coverage is Needed

Gap coverage is typically required if you have a vehicle loan or lease and your outstanding obligation is more than the vehicle’s value. There are several reasons why this is often the case:

  • Vehicles have become more expensive to purchase in recent years
  • Vehicles still depreciate in value quickly after purchase
  • Loan and lease down payments can be quite small
  • Loan and lease monthly payments can also be relatively small

When these factors make you "upside down" on your vehicle, meaning you owe more than it’s worth, lenders will almost certainly require gap coverage. We at The Martin Insurance Team have helped many drivers determine whether they need this coverage.

Get the Auto Insurance Coverages You Need

Gap coverage is just one auto insurance protection you might need. For help insuring a vehicle in Evergreen Park, IL, contact us at the Martin Insurance Team.

Why You Should Update Your Home Insurance When Remodeling

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A remodeling project is often the result of years of hard work and saving, bringing joy upon completion. However, remodeling not only increases risk during the process but also generally enhances your home’s value. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect the value of the work and your home overall. The Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, will work with you to provide insurance coverage to protect your family throughout your time in your home.

Updating Your Insurance Before Remodeling

While home insurance policies generally provide basic protection during the remodeling process, you should consider supplementing your policy before starting the work due to the increased likelihood of accidents. Some home insurance policies require you to notify the agent before the job begins, and failing to do so can affect your coverage. Since remodeling brings certain hazards and injury risks, you should enhance your home insurance policy or add umbrella insurance.

After the work is completed, you may have more square footage, enhanced appliances and fixtures, or other changes that increase your home’s value. It’s important to update your policy to reflect those changes, ensuring everything is properly insured.

Some home additions, like pools and hot tubs, increase risks and must be identified on your policy. Conversely, updating your home’s plumbing, HVAC, and wiring can lower your risks and premiums.

Regardless of your planned changes, speak with your agent to ensure your home has the right coverage before, during, and after the process.

Working with the Martin Insurance Team

Your home is likely one of your most significant investments and should be protected against unforeseen events. Let the Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, assist with your insurance needs. Call (708) 330-4404 today to discuss your options.

How Personal Umbrella Insurance Protects You From Unexpected Liability

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One of the best ways to protect yourself in life is through a personal umbrella insurance policy. If you’re in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and interested in learning more about this type of insurance, the Martin Insurance Team is here to help. We can explain your options, highlight the value of increased coverage, and help you choose a policy that suits your needs.

An Extra Layer of Protection

Just as an umbrella protects you from the rain, an umbrella policy provides additional coverage in the event of a claim. Your auto, home, and other insurance policies all have limits; if those limits are exceeded, your assets could be at risk. With umbrella coverage, you’ll have insurance that goes beyond the claim limits of your other policies.

Ongoing Peace of Mind

Umbrella coverage provides more protection and contributes to your peace of mind. Having adequate coverage for life’s unexpected events reduces worries, allowing you to focus more on the people and things that matter most to you. Working with an insurance agent can help reduce worry and give you more confidence in your coverage.

Our Agents Are Here to Help

Contact us today at Martin Insurance Team if you live in the Evergreen Park, IL, area and are looking for a personal umbrella insurance policy. We can provide quotes from multiple insurers and help you select the right one for your lifestyle and situation. Umbrella coverage adds a layer of protection that can increase your peace of mind for the future.

What Does Landlord Liability Insurance Cover?

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Whether you rent out a vacation cottage or a multi-unit building, landlords need to protect themselves and their property from potential lawsuits due to injuries or property damage. At Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, we aim to help landlords safeguard their properties and themselves from unforeseen events. Here’s how landlord liability insurance works.

Property Damage Coverage

Damage to your property can occur in various ways, from tenants and appliances to natural disasters. A disgruntled tenant might damage their unit, or a malfunctioning appliance could cause a fire. A landlord liability policy typically covers These issues and others, helping restore your property to its original condition.

Accident Liability Protection

If a tenant or visitor gets injured due to a maintenance issue, a liability policy covers their medical care costs and any legal costs you may incur from a lawsuit. Maintenance issues can arise from poorly maintained buildings, conditions not resolved promptly (like ice on sidewalks), or hazards like loose steps or rugs.

Loss of Rental Income

If a disaster renders your property uninhabitable until repairs are made, you can get reimbursement for your lost rental income. The key point is that the building’s condition prevents tenants from living there, causing a loss of income.

Get Your Investment Property Covered with the Martin Insurance Team

Landlord liability insurance is a powerful tool for protecting you against unforeseen events and bad-faith actors. Whether you’re a landlord in Evergreen Park, IL, or the surrounding towns, we can find the right coverage for you. Contact us today to speak to one of our agents and learn more.

Why People Opt to Hire Construction Companies that Carry Contractors Insurance

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At Martin Insurance Team, serving the greater Evergreen Park, IL area, we are committed to helping construction companies and contractors get the commercial products they need, including contractors insurance. If your business doesn’t already have this type of insurance, you may wonder why you should consider it. Here are some reasons people hire construction companies with contractor insurance.

Safety First

People like to hire construction companies with insurance because it keeps everyone safe. If a worker gets hurt while fixing something, the insurance will pay for their doctor bills and lost wages. This way, you don’t have to worry about paying for accidents that happen on the job.

Protection for Your Stuff

If the construction company accidentally breaks something in your home, their insurance will cover the costs to fix it. This means you won’t have to pay for any damage they might cause. It’s like a safety net for your property.

Legal Help

If someone sues the construction company, their insurance will pay for the lawyers. This means you don’t have to worry about the legal stuff if something goes wrong.

Money Matters

Hiring a company with insurance shows they are responsible and have their finances in order. This means they are less likely to have money problems that could delay or cancel your project.

Ready to Learn More? Reach Out to Us Today

Now that you know why people opt to hire construction companies that carry contractors’ insurance, you may be ready to get your own policy. The Martin Insurance Team, serving the greater Evergreen Park, IL region, is here to help you. Call or stop by today to get started.

How to Protect Your RV From Rain and Snow Damage During the Winter

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Many people enjoy their RVs during the spring to fall months. But once it gets cold, they often put it away for the season, opting to stay home. Here at The Insurance Outfit, serving the greater Chester, NJ area, we have seen rain and snow damage RVs that are not properly stored or protected from the elements. Here are some tips to help you adequately protect your RV from winter weather when it’s not in use.

Use a Good Cover

Buy a strong cover that fits your RV well. This cover will keep rain, snow, and ice off your RV and help prevent water damage and rust. Make sure it’s made for tough weather and freezing temperatures.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Check your RV for any cracks or holes. Use sealant to close gaps around windows, doors, and vents. This stops water from getting inside and causing damage. Also, check the roof seals to ensure they are in good shape.

Clean the Roof

Before winter, clean your RV’s roof and look for any damage. Fix any cracks or holes to keep water out. A clean roof helps stop snow and ice from building up.

Drain Water Systems

Empty all the water tanks and pipes to stop them from freezing and breaking. RV antifreeze can be used in the plumbing to protect the pipes from the cold. Make sure all the water is out before storing your RV.

Ensure Your RV is Protected With The Help Of The Insurance Outfit

Having the proper insurance protection for your RV is important if the unexpected happens. Here at The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ, we can help ensure you’re fully protected. Call us now to learn more.