Category: Home Insurance

As storm season approaches here in the Tampa, FL area, ensuring your house is adequately prepared is essential. Here are some tips from us at Morgan Insurance Services to help you prepare: 

1. Clean out your gutters and downspouts – Make sure that any debris in the gutters is cleared away, as this can cause water to back up against the roof and walls during heavy rainfalls. 
2. Repair any damaged siding or roofing – Check that all your shingles are secure and that any loose boards or siding are properly nailed down. Caulk around windows and doors to help keep moisture from seeping into the house’s interior. 
3. Trim trees and shrubs – Trimming dead branches off trees is essential for reducing potential damage from wind and reducing the chances of them falling on your home if a storm causes strong winds. 
4. Store outdoor items safely – Bring patio furniture, potted plants, toys, etc., inside before a storm hits, or store them in a shed or garage if available. 
5. Know where your main electrical switch is located – It’s wise to know how to shut off power in case of an outage caused by a storm or other emergency situation. 

Following these tips from us at Morgan Insurance Services ensures you are better prepared for storms this season! At Morgan Insurance Services, we are proud to serve the Tampa, FL area and would be happy to help you find a homeowner’s insurance policy that meets your needs and your budget.

Most people have homeowner’s insurance to protect their home and belongings in case of an unforeseen event, such as a fire or burglary. However, some things are not typically covered by standard home insurance policies. Here are some you should definitely know about.

1. Intentional/Malicious Damage

This type of damage is any destruction that is carried out on purpose. It could be something as simple as throwing a rock through a window or spray painting graffiti on a wall. If the damage is done on purpose, your home insurance policy will not cover it.

Always remember that home insurance is designed to protect you from accidental damage, not damage that you do on purpose. If you intentionally damage your property, your home insurance company will not pay for the repairs.

2. Wear and Tear

Another type of damage that is not covered by home insurance is wear and tear. This is the gradual deterioration of your property that happens over time due to use and exposure to the elements.

For example, home insurance will not cover the repair cost if your roof starts to leak after years of exposure to the sun and rain. This type of damage is considered to be normal wear and tear that every homeowner should expect.

3. Flooding

Flooding is one of the most common types of damage not covered by home insurance. This is because flooding is considered a high-risk event that can cause much damage in a short amount of time. Homeowners should consider buying flood insurance to be protected from this type of damage.

4. Acts of War

Another type of damage that is typically not covered by home insurance is an act of war. This could include damage from a bomb or other weapons of mass destruction. If an act of war destroys your home, your home insurance policy will not cover the cost of repairs.

As you can see, several types of damage are not typically covered by home insurance. It’s essential to be aware of these exclusions to ensure you’re adequately protected. If you have any questions about what is or isn’t covered by your home insurance policy, Morgan Insurance Services in Tampa, FL can help. Give us a call today to learn more.

Morgan Insurance Services provides coverage to the Tampa, FL community, as well as the surrounding areas. We strive to help our clients find the policies they need to help minimize risks. We offer flexible policies tailored to your individual needs. We can help you protect your assets.

How Summer Maintenance Impacts Home Insurance

Your Tampa, FL home is a unique asset. Home insurance covers you in multiple ways. The structure of your home is covered if inclement weather moves through the area and causes damage. The interior of your home is also covered, including your walls and flooring. Your personal items are also covered if they are stolen or vandalized. Liability coverage protects you if a guest is injured while visiting your home.

The summer is a great time to perform maintenance on your home. You’ll get to enjoy warm weather. Summer maintenance also has an impact on your home insurance. Inspect your porch to see if there are cracks or other potential hazards. This can prevent you from being involved in a potential liability dispute if someone gets hurt.

Trim the trees and bushes around your home. If you reside in an area that is prone to inclement weather, trimming the trees and bushes could prevent the possibility of them falling into your home and damaging it. It also reduces the likelihood of the trees causing damage to your neighbor’s property, which you would be held responsible for.

If you have a swimming pool, summer is definitely the time to inspect it. Clean and balance the chemicals before using the pool. This can help prevent potential liability issues in the future.

Morgan Insurance Services Will Help You Find The Right Policy

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.

We are coming out of Hurricane season in Tampa, FL. During this time, you should re-evaluate your Hurricane preparedness plan and make sure that your property is properly insured against damage from a Hurricane. Florida’s law requires property insurance to cover damage caused by Hurricane force winds, but it doesn’t necessarily have to include flood damage. If you are not sure what type of policy you have, contact an agent at Morgan Insurance Services today, and we can help assist you in making sure you have the full coverage of your property needs.

Even if you have insurance to cover loss or damage, you should still take some steps and precautions to protect your home from a hurricane.

1. Make a list and take pictures of all belongings in your home and keep it in a safe, waterproof place. This will help you file a claim if necessary.
2. Use sandbags to protect your home from flooding.
3. Bring in loose and lightweight items from outside that could be thrown around in high winds. Such items could be patio furniture and garbage cans.
4. If an object can’t be brought inside for safety reasons, make sure you anchor it down. This could be a propane tank or a small garden shed.
5. Trim branches or remove trees that are close to your house to avoid them from falling onto it.
6. Cover your windows by either boarding them up with plywood that fits to the size of your window or by installing storm shutters.

Having insurance and taking these necessary precautions will help you during a storm. For more information, contact a Tampa, FL agent at Morgan Insurance Services today, so we can make sure you have peace of mind and are fully covered for whatever happens.