What type of commercial insurance does a rideshare driver need?

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At Karla Salmon Insurance, we understand that many Oviedo residents have turned to driving for Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy jobs like GrubHub and DoorDash to supplement their income. However, it is crucial to know that these jobs require auto insurance to protect the driver from liability.

Why Platform-Provided Insurance Isn’t Sufficient

While platforms like Uber and Lyft offer some auto insurance coverage, drivers still need their own policy to cover any gaps. Let’s explore what rideshare companies cover and what commercial rideshare insurance covers.

Rideshare companies typically provide liability coverage while you’re working, but there are exceptions, such as Instacart, according to The Ride Share Guy. Car & Driver points out that all these companies have a coverage gap – they don’t cover the time when a driver is between assignments or running personal errands between rides. For these instances, you need rideshare insurance, a type of commercial auto insurance. Rideshare insurance covers this gap time, ensuring you’re covered between your policy and the platform’s coverage if an accident occurs.

Reach Out to Us for Your Commercial Auto Insurance Needs

Contact Karla Salmon Insurance today for a commercial auto insurance review. If you drive for a gig platform in Oviedo, FL, ensure you have the necessary commercial auto insurance to legally drive on Florida’s roads. Your personal auto policy does not cover you while you work for a gig platform, so secure your rideshare policy today.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Why You Should Consider It

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If you’re in the Oviedo, FL area and contemplating whether you need uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, Karla Salmon Insurance is here to assist. Our agents understand that you may have questions about different types of coverage, and we aim to provide answers that help you choose the best policy for your specific needs. Here’s why you should consider uninsured motorist protection as part of your vehicle’s coverage.

Not Everyone Has Adequate Insurance

You might question the need for uninsured motorists’ coverage when insurance is required. That’s a valid question, but unfortunately, not everyone has insurance even though they’re supposed to. Some people also don’t have as much insurance as they might need, which can limit your protection if you need to claim against their policy. Uninsured motorist protection, which also covers underinsured motorists, is an additional way to safeguard yourself.

Boost Your Confidence and Lower Your Risk

Having peace of mind and confidence behind the wheel is just as important as reducing your risk. When you have more coverage, you feel more secure, knowing you’ll have assistance in the event of a claim. We can discuss your policy options and the coverage limits available to you, as well as provide quotes from different insurers so you can feel good about the policy you choose.

An Agent Can Provide Options

Contact us today at Karla Salmon Insurance if you live in the Oviedo, FL, area and are looking for an auto insurance policy that includes uninsured motorist coverage. Whether you want to add that protection to your current policy, have questions about how it works, or are looking for a new policy, our dedicated agents are here to help you find great coverage.

Residential Insurance for Home Furnishings and Entertainment Devices

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If you’re planning to add new furnishings or entertainment equipment to your home, you may want to consider insuring these investments. Some potential problems may require you to file an insurance claim.

Protecting Against Criminal Activity

Theft and vandalism are risks every homeowner should be aware of, especially when owning new furniture and entertainment equipment. If your home is unoccupied, there’s a chance someone could break in and steal or damage your newly purchased items. Adding theft and vandalism protection to your home insurance policy can provide a safety net. If you need to file an insurance claim, the coverage could handle replacing or repairing insured items.

Guarding Against Natural Disasters

Another risk to consider is a natural disaster. Damage from a natural disaster could render your home uninhabitable. Home insurance protection to cover natural disasters could benefit in many ways. For example, coverage may cover the cost of repairing your home and replacing furniture and entertainment equipment destroyed during a disaster. If you’re unable to reside in your home for a considerable amount of time, your insurance coverage may pay for temporary living quarters. You may even be reimbursed for food and other essentials damaged during a disaster.

Contact an Insurance Agent in Oviedo, FL

Contact one of our agents at Karla Salmon Insurance Agency. An agent will welcome you to make an appointment to discuss your home insurance policy and the home furnishings and entertainment devices you will be purchasing.

Which Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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Are you uncertain whether your business requires a commercial insurance policy? You’re not alone. Fortunately, some agents can provide guidance. At Karla Salmon Insurance, we aim to assist all businesses in the Oviedo, FL area by offering reliable commercial coverage. Reaching out to us is the first step towards safeguarding your business, both now and in the future.

Every Business Requires Customized Protection

Regardless of your business type, ensuring you have customized protection is crucial. For instance, an office, a factory, and a restaurant all require different types of coverage, but they all need some form of commercial coverage. If your business involves employees on-site or customers visiting, you should have coverage. The same applies if you have equipment or machinery that needs protection.

Home-Based Businesses May Not Require Coverage

If you operate a home-based business, you might not need commercial coverage. However, this isn’t always the case. Some home-based businesses have clients visiting and may still require the protection a commercial policy offers. The best way to determine the type and level of protection your business needs is to consult with a knowledgeable agent. This way, you can understand your options and make an informed decision.

Contact an Agent for Support Today

If you’re in the Oviedo, FL area and are seeking a commercial insurance policy, get in touch with us at Karla Salmon Insurance. Whether you need a new policy, want to update an existing one, or have questions, we’re here to assist. Collaborating with a dedicated agent can provide you with protection and peace of mind, allowing you to concentrate on meeting your customers’ needs.

Steps to take if you receive a non-renewal notice from your home insurance company in Florida

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It happens almost daily throughout the Sunshine State, including Oviedo, FL. Homeowners are getting letters from their home insurance providers stating that their home insurance is not being renewed.

Many are reaching out to us at Karla Salmon Insurance. They are seeking guidance on what to do next. Here are some tips.

You can contest the non-renewal.

Depending on the reason given for non-renewal, you may be able to contest the non-renewal. If the provider is no longer offering home insurance in the state, there may be little you can do other than seek another provider.

Research your options.

If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to maintain home insurance. This means you will need to find protection elsewhere. This could mean potentially higher premiums, or you may even be asked to improve your home.

You do have options.

Keep in mind that you may still have options. You may have to increase deductibles or limit coverage. If you own your home outright, you could even self-insure, which can be risky depending on your financial situation.

Get the help you need.

There is a difference between getting your home insurance canceled by your provider and getting a "non-renewal" notice. Knowing these differences can help determine your options for future coverage.

If you struggle to maintain home insurance on your Oviedo, FL, area home, contact us at Karla Salmon Insurance. We can help guide you through what can be a frustrating process for many. We look forward to assisting you.

Does Your Policy Cover Your Car in the Event of a Hurricane?

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Liability-only insurance won’t cover your car in the event it is damaged or lost during a hurricane. Your agent at Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL and all of the state, will have to write you comprehensive coverage for that.

Comprehensive coverage is what its name suggests. It protects your car in the event of many different kinds of hazards, including theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters, including windstorms and hurricanes. But there is a catch:

You can’t get comprehensive coverage for your car once a tropical storm watch or hurricane watch has been issued.

Preparation is Key

The time to get comprehensive coverage is before you think you will need it! Protecting your car from wind and high water is always a good idea. Still, if your vehicle is damaged by wind or high water in Oviedo, FL, or wherever you evacuate, comprehensive coverage will protect it. Comprehensive will protect your car in Florida or any other US state.

Potential Hurricane Damage

What kinds of damage can occur during a hurricane? Comprehensive coverage covers your car’s floating away or being crushed by a falling tree. It also covers damage from submersion in water or exposure to salt water. If the wind tosses a large object against your vehicle, you’ll be covered.

It would be best if you kept in mind that unless your policy says otherwise, your payout will consider your vehicle’s blue book value. Depreciation will reduce your payout (unless you get agreed-value coverage on your classic car, which you can discuss with your agent at Karla Salmon Insurance).

Your premiums will likely go up after a claim on your comprehensive coverage, but not as much as if you were in an at-fault accident.

Secure Your Comprehensive Insurance Today

The best time to get comprehensive insurance is always now. Call us today!

Gap Insurance vs. Auto Insurance: What’s the Difference?

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Auto insurance is necessary in most states, but many people don’t realize that gap insurance may also be useful. There is a key difference between auto insurance and gap insurance, mainly that gap insurance helps cover the difference between what we pay and the outstanding principal on a vehicle loan. If you’re still confused, we at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL can help you understand the differences.

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance is a separate type of insurance policy that helps reimburse you if your vehicle is totaled. In many cases, your car may not be fully paid off. If you have standard auto insurance, you may be stuck paying for the remainder of your loan, as auto insurance only provides payments based on the original balance of the vehicle. 

If you’re funding through a car loan, then you’ll likely have added fees, interest, and extra charges added to your loan. Gap insurance is designed to help cover those costs when auto insurance only gives enough for the car’s value. Hence, it can benefit some drivers to purchase gap insurance at an additional charge.

The Main Difference Between Gap and Auto Insurance

Auto insurance and gap insurance serve different purposes. Auto insurance is primarily for accidents and injuries, providing coverage for damage up to a specific limit. On the other hand, gap insurance is specifically designed to bridge the ‘gap’ between insurance payouts and the remaining balance of your vehicle loan. 

Who Needs Gap Insurance?

Not everyone needs gap insurance. In fact, if your vehicle is paid off, then you likely won’t need it. Drivers who have vehicle loans would benefit the most from gap insurance. So, if you’re ready to discuss, our team at Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL is happy to help.

Can You Go Without Home Insurance in Florida?

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These can be challenging for homeowners in Oviedo, FL, and elsewhere in the Sunshine State. Home insurance rates are rising, regulations are changing, and you may have fewer options. This, of course, has led to a flurry of questions at Karla Salmon Insurance. One question that we get increasingly is whether homeowners must carry homeowners insurance.

It is not a legal requirement to carry home insurance in Florida.

Unlike auto insurance in the state, homeowners are not legally required to carry homeowners insurance. If a home, however, has been financed and has a mortgage, the lender will likely require the mortgage holder to carry it.

What if I own my Home Outright?

If you do not have a mortgage, you can choose to “go bare” and go without home insurance. This is also called “self-insuring” because you alone will be responsible for the damage your home may experience. Any and all damage from a fire, storm, vandalism, or theft would be the responsibility of the owner.

The Danger of Self-insurance.

While it may be tempting to self-insure a home you own outright in this time of uncertainty and rising costs, it could be financially risky, especially if you don’t have the financial resources to absorb a significant loss.

You may have Home Insurance Options.

You may have options for changing your coverage and even locating a different homeowners insurance provider. At Karla Salmon Insurance of Oviedo, FL, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation. We may be able to help you avoid having force-placed insurance on your financed home.

Contact us today to discover what we can do for you.

Reasons Why Your Small Business Should Have Crime Insurance

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Full protection is essential for small businesses, even when faced with situations beyond their control. The benefits of including crime insurance in your commercial insurance package may be the critical difference in enabling your business to continue operations. Crime insurance covers acts related to theft, financial losses, and forgery, among others.

Have Property Protected

When your business is attacked, an investigation is conducted by the local authorities and your insurance agency. They may allege negligence in your practices and attempt to deny coverage for the damaged property. However, with crime insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that, given a documented crime, you can receive financial assistance for damages to the property and replacement of lost items.

Protect Assets

With crime insurance, you don’t need to use your assets to restore your business. This can prevent smaller companies from closing. Also, even if your business is significantly successful, you would want to protect your assets without having to downsize or eliminate positions to maintain security.

Assist With Fraud

In instances of fraud or cybercrime, the business needs to rectify the situation quickly, protect customer information, and return stolen funds. This could occur through employee theft or a system hack. With crime insurance, you can protect your business, employees, and customers by incorporating this policy into your plan. It saves you from dipping into the business account or using personal funds to cover these refunds.

If you own a small business in the Oviedo, FL area or surrounding communities, ensure to get a quote from Karla Salmon Insurance for commercial insurance today.

What needs to be included in a new auto insurance plan?

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Those living in the Oviedo, FL, area are going to find that being a vehicle owner is a good option. When you buy a car in this area, you will have an easier time getting around the community and enjoying all it has to offer. If you are going to buy a car, you do need to get insurance for it as well, and one of these plans should include various forms of coverage to ensure you are supported. 

Protection for Car

A form of coverage you will need to have in an auto plan is protection for your car. If you are going to buy a car, you will quickly find that it can cost a lot of money to purchase and maintain, and the best way to protect this investment is with insurance. If you are appropriately insured, you will have support if your car is damaged or stolen and needs to be replaced or repaired. 

Liability Insurance

You also need to ensure you have proper liability insurance in your auto plan. When you have a liability insurance policy, it will offer support if you are at fault in an accident. This can help ensure you can cover damages, but it will also keep you in good standing with the law, which requires you to maintain auto coverage at all times. 

If you intend to drive a car in the Oviedo, FL area, you will likely know that you also need insurance. If you want auto coverage when you are here, our team with Karla Salmon Insurance is a great group to call. Our team with Karla Salmon Insurance will ensure you have the proper support and remain covered.