Who Needs Flood Insurance?

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Flooding is something that happens often, and not always where you think it will. Flooding is the most common disaster in the U.S., and it’s also the one that costs the most in damages. Homeowners in the U.S. end up owing millions of dollars in damages every year thanks to floods. If you are interested in getting flood insurance, call us today at Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County.

Where Flooding Happens

Flooding can be caused by a number of factors. It can happen with storm surge, snowfall that melts, excessive rains, clogged storm drains, broken dams, etc. Many people think that because they don’t like near the water, they aren’t in danger of being flooded. However, nearly every county in the U.S. has experienced flooding in the past 25 years. Flooding can happen just about anywhere, and it’s important to be protected in case it happens to you. Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding. That’s why flood insurance is so important. 

Getting Flood Insurance

It’s a common idea that you only need to have flood insurance when you live in a high-risk flood zone. It’s important insurance to have if you live in one of these zones, but it is important in other areas as well. More than 20% of the country’s flood claims are from areas that are not in high-risk areas. That makes it important for people outside of those zones to have coverage as well. If you do live in a high-risk area and have gotten assistance in the past for flooding, you may be required to have this insurance. If you don’t, you may be ineligible for other disaster aid in the future. 

Get Your Flood Insurance

If you think you may need flood insurance, you can call us at Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County. 

Why condo insurance is a must-have in Florida

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If you are a condo owner in Pinellas County or are considering making a purchase soon, Zenith Insurance Group can help you with all of your condo insurance needs. Purchasing insurance for your home can feel like a lot because of the different options that are available. We don’t want you to feel like you are drowning in information, and are here to help you make the decision that is right for your needs.

Why condo insurance is so important

Because there are a number of different residences within the condominium, it’s important to know exactly what coverage you need when it comes to protecting your home. Our team will review your needs with you in order for you to determine what type of policy and what coverage level is appropriate for your condo unit.

There are a lot of different ways that a condo board can operate, and different insurance requirements depending on the building and its board and by-laws. Typically, common areas and the structure itself will be covered by the condo policy and your private insurance will cover your unit.

What many residents may not realize, is that there are oftentimes clauses that make owners responsible for any damage to their unit, regardless of who is responsible for the damage. Having comprehensive coverage can help to protect your condo unit if there is damage caused by a covered event. 

We are here to help! 

Zenith Insurance Group is proud to serve the needs of our friends and neighbors in the greater Pinellas County area. If it’s time to review your condo insurance, or you’re making a new purchase, call or stop by today. 

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice for you

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Drivers in Florida need to have the protection that auto insurance provides. How much protection you need depends on a few different factors. Basic insurance is what is mandated by the state. Florida is a no-fault state, so there is a little more involved in basic insurance beyond just the liability insurance mandated.  Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County, Florida is dedicated to operating with honesty and integrity and is locally owned and operated. 

Basic Auto insurance in Florida is Property Damage Liability insurance (PDL) and PIP (Personal Injury Protection). Both of these must be a minimum of $10,000. You must get this insurance from an insurance agent licensed to do business in Florida and maintain it continuously while your vehicle is registered in the state. 

This basic insurance provides for your own medical expenses in the event of an auto accident and damage to the vehicle of someone in an accident where you are at fault. $10,000 is not a lot of coverage when it comes to repairing or replacing a vehicle. If it is a relatively new vehicle, it could be two or three times that amount. If the injuries in an accident exceed the PIP limit of the other driver, you could be sued for those costs. 

You need to discuss the amount that will protect you and your assets from legal action with your insurance agent. 

If you have an auto loan, you will need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to what the state mandates. Even if you don’t have an auto loan, if you count on your vehicle to go about your daily activities, having this coverage is important. If you might have difficulty coming up with the amount of money you would need to repair or replace your vehicle, this insurance is vital. 

Contact Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County for all your auto insurance needs. 

How commercial insurance can save my small business

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Florida is a popular place to do business and ranks among the top states for business friendliness. Not only is it tax-friendly, but the cost of doing business in the state and labor are both affordable. That doesn’t mean, however, that it is any less risky to be a business owner in Pinellas County. Commercial insurance can help protect your small business and  Zenith Insurance Group has a knowledgeable team to offer guidance. 

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to risks that threaten all businesses. Protecting your business is doubly important. 

Getting your business back up and running

Having commercial property insurance offers the protection your small business needs if it gets hit by a covered peril. If your machinery, building, office equipment, inventory, and raw materials are damaged or destroyed, how will you keep your small business from folding? If you have commercial property insurance, you will have the funds to be back up and running in no time at all. 

Protect your assets

Small businesses are popular targets for legal actions. If you have commercial liability insurance, you will have the money you need to pay a judgment against you and the legal fees that result from defending yourself. You can be sued by a customer, a vendor, or even an employee, and your assets would be in danger and even your entire business without commercial liability coverage. 

Pay your bills

If your business is not able to operate because of a covered peril, your obligations are not going to go away just because your income has. Commercial business interruption insurance can give you the money you need to pay your bills and meet your payroll expenses while your business recovers. 

Contact Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County to discuss the type of commercial insurance that works best for your small business.

How commercial insurance can save my small business

Posted on by admin

Florida is a popular place to do business and ranks among the top states for business friendliness. Not only is it tax-friendly, but the cost of doing business in the state and labor are both affordable. That doesn’t mean, however, that it is any less risky to be a business owner in Pinellas County. Commercial insurance can help protect your small business and  Zenith Insurance Group has a knowledgeable team to offer guidance. 

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to risks that threaten all businesses. Protecting your business is doubly important. 

Getting your business back up and running

Having commercial property insurance offers the protection your small business needs if it gets hit by a covered peril. If your machinery, building, office equipment, inventory, and raw materials are damaged or destroyed, how will you keep your small business from folding? If you have commercial property insurance, you will have the funds to be back up and running in no time at all. 

Protect your assets

Small businesses are popular targets for legal actions. If you have commercial liability insurance, you will have the money you need to pay a judgment against you and the legal fees that result from defending yourself. You can be sued by a customer, a vendor, or even an employee, and your assets would be in danger and even your entire business without commercial liability coverage. 

Pay your bills

If your business is not able to operate because of a covered peril, your obligations are not going to go away just because your income has. Commercial business interruption insurance can give you the money you need to pay your bills and meet your payroll expenses while your business recovers. 

Contact Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County to discuss the type of commercial insurance that works best for your small business.

Things that home insurance doesn’t cover

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Florida is a popular place to live. It is more than just the warm weather that attracts people, it is the affordability. That is why so many retirees head south when they retire. Florida has its own unique risks for homeowners and having a good home insurance policy is a must. At Zenith Insurance Group in Pinellas County, we are independent insurance agents, which means we work for our customers, not the insurance companies. We have relationships with many top carriers to make sure our customers have lots of choices. 

Flooding

Without a doubt, the most significant thing that home insurance excludes is flooding. Flooding is a major danger in many parts of the country and causes major damage. Home insurance does not cover flooding. In order to have protection, you will need to buy a specific flood insurance policy either through the NFIP or through a private company. 

Sewer backup

What could be more disgusting than having your sewer back up into your home? Finding out that it is not covered by your home insurance certainly may come as quite a shock. You can, however, purchase a rider to have this protection. 

Earth movement

In some parts of the country, the worry here is earthquakes or landslides. In Florida, the main concern with earth movement is sinkholes and they are not covered under your home insurance. Again, you could add a rider to include sinkholes or get a dedicated sinkhole policy. 

Owner neglect

This covers quite a lot of areas, including pest infestations. If you have termites or carpenter ants, your home insurance won’t cover the damage. Mold is also not covered except in certain circumstances. It is up to you as a homeowner to maintain your home. 

In Pinellas County,  Zenith Insurance Group is the insurance company to contact when you want to discuss your home insurance needs. 

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