How Long Will It take for my Insurance Company to Process My Claim After an Accident?

Accidents can occur at any time and are definitely not on the list of fun things to deal with. In Oviedo, FL, if you are involved in an accident, you need to call your agent at Karla Salmon Insurance as soon as possible. An agent will walk you through the claims process and try to move things along as quickly as possible. By providing the agent with the information they need, the process will go much faster.

After an Accident

As soon as an accident occurs, you need to call your insurance agent. They will be able to tell you what information you will need and will instruct you on what photographs to take so that you can accurately document the scene and the various types of damage.

Filing a Claim

Once you have finished with the police, you will be able to go to your insurance company and file a claim. You will need to have the other driver’s information, both personal contact information and insurance. You may also be required to obtain a copy of the police report and any citations that were issued.

Completing the Process

In most cases, processing your claim will go rather fast. Some cases are resolved in less than a week, while others may take two to three weeks to complete. 

Remain in close contact with your agent during the claims process. At Karla Salmon Insurance, residents of Oviedo, FL can rest assured that their claim will be handled as expeditiously as possible. Call your agent today if you have questions about your claim or if there is anything that you need to be doing while it is being processed. 

Commercial Insurance and the Things You Need to Consider

When you are looking to start a company, opening one up in the Oviedo, FL area is a great option. Those that start a company in Oviedo will find that the local market provides a wide range of benefits, including a great local economy and various other incentives. When you are going to start a company in this area, it is smart to acquire a commercial insurance policy. There are many reasons why commercial insurance is a necessity for businesses in this area.

Ensures Assets are Protected

One reason why you need to get commercial insurance is that it ensures that your assets are protected. Any small business will need seed capital to buy inventory and equipment. If you are a growing firm, losing these assets to theft, vandalism, or another form of damage would be devastating. When you have commercial insurance, it will ensure that your assets are all properly protected. 

Provides Coverage for Liability

Additionally, commercial insurance will also ensure that you are covered for liability. If you start a company, you need to remember that there is always a risk that you could be sued. Due to this continued risk, having liability commercial insurance is a necessity. This will ensure that you have protection if you are sued. 

If you would like to start a business in the Oviedo, FL area, you need to make sure that you get commercial insurance. Once you are ready to start shopping for insurance for your company, you should reach out to the team at Karla Salmon Insurance. The insurance team at Karla Salmon Insurance knows all of the risks that exist for small business owners. They can help you to mitigate these risks by finding you commercial coverage that best fits your company’s needs. 

Protect Your Home From Burglary

Homeowners in the Oviedo, FL area are smart to protect their homes from burglary. Follow these helpful tips from the team at Karla Salmon Insurance and keep your family home safe! We are here to address any questions or concerns that you may have about home insurance and protecting your family! The right insurance policy is another way to protect your home and family. Contact us today to learn more about the available options.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe from Burglars

  • Install motion detection lights — light is an effective tool for deterring unwanted visitors to your house.
  • Trim all branches away from your windows — don’t give burglars a way inside!
  • Keep all shrubbery neat and trimmed — thick shrubs can provide cover for a would-be burglar, make sure to keep your landscaping tidy and well-lit.
  • Install a burglar alarm — when you have an alarm system that’s connected to your area’s first responders, you give your family another level of protection.
  • Use light timers when you will be away from home for an extended period of time — a dark house is often an attractive target. By keeping your house lit when you aren’t home you can help to repel robbers.
  • Review your homeowner’s policy — make sure that you have the protection you need before you need it! The right policy provides the peace of mind and protection that your family needs to stay safe. 

If you are in the greater Oviedo, FL area and have questions about your home insurance, contact the team at Karla Salmon Insurance today! We are here to help you protect your home, and will be at your side should your home fall victim to burglary. Let us help you ensure that you have the protection you need.

Home insurance endorsements that you may need

Before you can consider what home insurance endorsements that you need, you have to understand precisely what an endorsement is and which ones are offered. An insurance endorsement is an amendment that is added to a policy that changes specific coverage on the policy. They are sometimes called riders. In order to have a specific endorsement, you may need to change companies, which is why if you live in or near Oviedo, FL, talking to Karla Salmon Insurance is a good idea.  

Some common endorsements include 

  • Animal liability
  • Mold 
  • Flood
  • Hurricane
  • Jewelry 
  • Sinkholes

Some of these endorsements are for things that are very common in Florida. Some home policies cover hurricane damage. Others require an endorsement. It is up to you to read your policy carefully and to discuss specific coverage with your agent. Mold, flood, and sinkholes are all too common and need to be covered in order to have peace of mind. 

If you have more than a piece or two of jewelry, the jewelry endorsement is a must. Typically if you have an engagement ring, that is about the extent of the coverage your policy has. Be sure to get an appraisal for your jewelry and submit it with the endorsement. 

Pets are a significant liability, and some animals are not covered and can’t be covered by an endorsement. If you are a pet owner, you need to check with your insurance company to determine if your breed is among those that can be covered. 

You can only decide the endorsements you need for your Florida home, but if you live in or near Oviedo, FL, Karla Salmon Insurance can help you to make this critical decision. Give us a call or stop by our office and let us make sure that you have all the coverage you need.

Benefits of Getting Auto Insurance in Florida

Oviedo, FL is an excellent place for people to live as it has a great local economy and other local benefits. If you do live in this area of Florida, it is vital that you get auto insurance. There are several benefits that you will receive when you have a car insurance policy in place. 

Liability Coverage

One of the best benefits that come when you get car insurance is that you will receive liability insurance coverage. Even if you think you are a perfect and safe driver, there is always a chance that you could be at fault in a car accident whenever you take your car out on the road. Due to this continued risk, you need to make sure that you always have auto insurance in place. The liability component will protect you in the event you are found to be at fault for an accident that results in damage.

Protects Property

Beyond having the liability coverage, you also need to make sure that your valued asset is covered as well. A car is a critical asset that requires a significant investment to buy. Due to this, you always need to make sure that you get a full insurance policy in place whenever you buy a car. This insurance will protect you from a variety of situations that could result in a loss. 

If you are going to buy a car in Florida, you need to make sure that you have auto insurance at all times. When you are looking for a policy in the Oviedo, FL area, you should make sure that you call the Karla Salmon Insurance Agency. When you do this, the team at Karla Salmon Insurance will help you to figure out what your best insurance options are. This will make sure that you get the best coverage possible. Contact our office for more information.

What Your Teen Should Know About Auto Insurance

Getting a driver’s license is a huge milestone for any teenager. It can also be a time of worry for parents. Karla Salmon Insurance is dedicated to helping our Oviedo, FL families navigate the exciting, and sometimes scary, world of auto insurance for teens. Here we have created a shortlist of important insurance facts every teen driver should know.

Insurance Is Required By Law

Every vehicle you drive in Florida must meet the minimum legal insurance requirement. This means you have to have at least personal injury protection and property damage liability on your car insurance policy. If you cannot show proof of insurance, then you could face conviction, fines, and have your license suspended for violating the law. 

Stay Safe

Florida is a Zero Tolerance state for driving under the influence as a minor. If you are caught driving drunk under the age of 21 you will have your license suspended. Reckless driving (such as causing property damage or texting while driving) also has long-lasting consequences for your driving record. These dangerous activities can have a negative impact on your standing with your insurance provider. Not only could you risk losing your insurance or license, but you are also endangering your life and those around you.

Responsible Driving Is Rewarding

Being a smart, conscientious driver is not only safe, but it’s also rewarding, too. Many communities in and around Oviedo, FL offer special recognition for teen drivers that practice good driving habits. Look into your local chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) for fun and educational driver safety instruction. Taking a driver training course, keeping up good grades, and obeying underage traffic curfews all look fantastic on your record for insurance.

For more teen driver insurance information please contact Karla Salmon Insurance today!

Three Things to Remember When Changing Home Insurance Policies

It’s great that you own a home in Oviedo, FL. Having a place to call your own is a special part of life, but it comes with a few extra responsibilities. One of those is home insurance. Some people find the perfect policy and never have to switch, but for many others, adjusting policies is an inevitable part of life. If you’re in that second group, keep in mind these tips from Karla Salmon Insurance.

Notify Your Mortgage Lender

If your home is still under mortgage, it’s vital to notify your lender that you’re changing insurance policies. There are several reasons for this. The collateral on home loans is the home itself. Every lender is going to want to vet your new insurance policy. Unexpected changes to your insurance policies could look like a lapse in coverage. If they aren’t adequately informed of a switch before it happens, it could end up costing you a lot of extra money you weren’t planning to spend.

Avoid Coverage Gaps

While some switches appear as coverage gaps, other switches can include them. It’s vital to make sure that you will have nonstop coverage. Even a single day between policies is enough to incur hefty fees for any house still under a mortgage. Lenders have special insurance policies that cover gaps like this. Those policies aren’t cheap, and there’s a good chance your mortgage contract makes you responsible for covering that cost.

Understand the Payments

The last thing to remember is that homeowner’s policies are significant. There are plenty of reasons to make a switch, but it’s not like going to a new shop for an oil change. These policies scale to the value of your home, and new policies will often want upfront payment. Altogether, the switch can leave you with a single month where your out of pocket costs are a little higher than normal. It helps to budget accordingly.

If you want to be sure you’re getting a great deal for your home, a conversation with your agent can go a long way. Karla Salmon Insurance in Oviedo, FL has the resources you need to make informed decisions and find the right policy.

Letting Someone Borrow Your Car? What You Need To Know About auto Insurance Coverage

Did you know that if you let a friend or relative borrow your car, that might affect your auto insurance?

If you have car insurance coverage through Karla Salmon Insurance or any other agency, you are responsible for that coverage. If you aren’t behind the wheel of your car, and neither is someone who shares your policy, you may have to deal with unfavorable consequences whether your car is driven in Oviedo, FL or elsewhere.

Auto Insurance Follows The Car

Don’t let your friend talk you into letting him or her borrow your car by telling you that their car coverage will protect them in case of an accident. If your car is being driven, you are the responsible party. Generally, car insurance coverage is tied to the vehicle, not to the individual who is the policyholder.

If the person borrowing your car is a family member who is explicitly covered by your insurance policy (for instance, your spouse), then there’s nothing to worry about. However, your friend cannot be protected by his or her own policy while driving your car; it’s your insurance that remains in effect.

When your Friend Is At Fault In An Accident

If your friend drives your car and the trip goes smoothly, you are both lucky; your car coverage is not impacted. However, if the uninsured driver causes a car accident with your vehicle, your insurance must pay for both your car’s damages and for the other driver’s accident-related costs.

Though you may not need to pay out of pocket, you may see the impact in the form of a premium raise. Your insurance provider may also change your coverage limits. Of course, if you incur any fees directly resulting from the accident, you can sue the person who borrowed your car in order to force them to pay for the damages. However, your auto insurance impact will last for at least a year or longer.

When The Other Driver Is At Fault

That being said, if the uninsured driver of your collides with another car and the accident is deemed the other party’s fault, your insurance is not responsible. in that case, the other party’s insurance pays for the damages to your car, and may even take care of any medical expenses your uninsured driver may endure.

However, if during the car accident report release and subsequent investigation, your car insurer finds out that in fact, you weren’t the person driving your vehicle, your premiums may hit an all-time high anyway.

Ready To Purchase Your Coverage?

If you need to expand your coverage to include any currently uninsured drivers, you can visit Karla Salmon Insurance anytime. We serve old and new customers alike in the Oviedo, FL area.

Is Commercial Insurance a Necessity?

At Karla Salmon Insurance, we have had to talk many Oviedo, FL businesses into purchasing commercial insurance for their business. Many don’t quite understand why these policies are so essential but appreciate buying them once they make the purchase. 

Commercial Insurance is a Wise Investment

Commercial insurance – while not a legal requirement – is typically an excellent idea for most businesses. These policies provide a myriad of benefits. First of all, they help to provide you with financial help in lawsuits and other problematic situations. This coverage helps to keep your money and your investment safe from loss. 

Secondly, commercial insurance is designed to not only protect your investment but keep your company running as well. These benefits are critical if something causes your business to shut down. Without this help, you’ll find yourself without income and struggling to stay afloat and may even trigger bankruptcy.

Policy Types to Purchase 

Commercial insurance comes in many different policy types. The first type you’ll want is a general liability, which helps to protect you from lawsuits if somebody is injured as a result of your business operation. Auto policies are also a great idea if you own company vehicles. 

Other types of policies to consider include life insurance, disability insurance, and workers’ compensation. These all help to keep your employees safe and protect you from their lawsuits. And business interruption insurance pays you if a disaster makes your business impossible to run and you lose profits.

How to Find Great Policies

If you live in Oviedo, FL and you need commercial insurance, please contact us at Karla Salmon Insurance. Our experts have years of experience helping people like you and will work hard to ensure that you get the high-quality policy that your business needs to stay protected. 

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Home Insurance Could Do

The insurance on your Oviedo, FL home protects you from a number of likely threats. The payouts from these policies ensure you can always rebuild or relocate after a major disaster. However, there are other things your policy from Karla Salmon Insurance can do that protect your personal wealth and make life a little easier.

  • When your home needs big repairs, living through the inconvenience of construction can make your life miserable. Some home policies include payment for temporary lodgings due to covered events. Instead of suffering through a mess or paying out of pocket for temporary accommodations, you can enjoy comfortable surroundings at no additional costs.
  • Long power outages can ruin your family’s food supply. When a fluctuation leaves you without refrigeration, your homeowner’s policy could help you restock. Some contracts include coverage for power events that leave your kitchen full of rotten food.
  • Even in the afterlife, your homeowner’s insurance could still be working hard for you. Some policies cover gravestones as well. If the site falls victim to vandals or covered environmental events, the policy helps pay for replacements and repairs.
  • Did your home entertainment plans get derailed by a natural disaster? Your homeowner’s policy might contain a clause that allows you to claim damages for big events on your property that are spoiled by certain circumstances.
  • Your homeowner’s liability insurance has a further reach than your physical property. Any legal actions brought against you that relate to your property can qualify for an insurance payout. These funds help you afford lawyers, court fees, and legal judgments.

Every homeowner’s insurance policy is unique. Talk to the experts at Karla Salmon Insurance for advice on customizing your Oviedo, FL policies to fit your preferences, resources, and circumstances.