Recently, Southeast Florida experienced severe flash floods, with roads closing, cars submerged and significant property damage. These flash floods, with nearly 20 inches of rain in just a few hours, not only posed a threat to lives, but also wreaked havoc on homes and personal belongings. Water can easily infiltrate your home and cause significant damage to your valuables.

Flooding is typically defined as “a temporary condition where two or more acres of usually dry land or two or more properties (at least one being yours) are partially or completely submerged due to overflow of inland waters, rapid surface water accumulation, runoff from any source, or mudflows.” 

In many standard insurance policies, it’s explicitly stated: “We will not cover losses caused directly or indirectly by any of the following…” (these exclusions apply regardless of any other contributing factors):

1. Flood, surface water, waves, tides, tidal waves, water overflow from any body of water, or their spray, whether wind-driven or not.

2. Water backing up from sewers, drains, or overflowing from a sump.

3. Subsurface water, including water pressure, seepage, or leaks through buildings, sidewalks, driveways, foundations, swimming pools or other structures.

Though the language may seem complex, the bottom line is straightforward — if water touches the floor, it’s considered flooding. It’s crucial to understand that HO3, HO6, or most other homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood-related damages. For example, if a tidal wave resulting from a hurricane or tropical storm floods your home, your homeowners insurance policy won’t cover the damage. Similarly, damage caused by rainwater flooding your home due to blocked street drains is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

Triton Insurance Group can assist you in finding suitable solutions for your home and your needs. Please contact your agent to explore your options. Our commitment is to provide fast, fair and friendly service. We value your business and are eager to serve you.

At Triton Insurance Group, our top priority is the safety and protection of your family and home. We are one of Florida’s leading homeowners insurance agencies, offering multi-peril policies that cover homes, condos and renters insurance. If you’re interested in becoming a policyholder with Triton Insurance Group, you can request a quote or call 866-400-7674 today!

Note: Please consult your specific policy and speak with your carrier, legal advisor, and/or licensed agent for more detailed information. Insurance policies vary and updates may occur regularly. This information is intended for general reference only.

The post The Dangers of Flash Floods & How to Protect Yourself appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

If you’ve ever wondered how insurance claims work, you’re not alone. This guide is going to help break down the key elements of the insurance claim process you need to know before you can expect a payout on your policies.

How Do Insurance Claims Work? 

An insurance claim is a request filed by a policyholder to a provider asking for compensation for a covered loss. The insurance company will then review the claim, and they can approve it and issue an eventual payout after investigating it, or they deny the claim. 

There are a variety of different insurance types – auto, homeowners, renters, life, business owner and so many more – and each of them has a different claims process when you’ve suffered a loss. While the process may not be the same across all of your different policies, there are a few common threads of the insurance claims process you can keep in mind as a guide to help you through it.

If you’ve experienced damage or injury you believe may be covered by your policy, the first step is always to review the details of your coverage. The more you understand about your rights, the more successful you may be in filing a successful claim.

What Does It Mean to File an Insurance Claim?

Filing an insurance claim usually involves filling out a proof of loss form, which outlines the damage you’ve incurred and the compensation you seek from your insurer. You’ll usually need to provide dollar amounts, and you can also include pictures or videos of the damage if applicable.

To file a successful insurance claim, it’s crucial to understand your policy. Know your coverages, deductibles, and limits. You don’t want to find out that your loss isn’t covered or your damage amounted to less than your deductible after you file. The insurance company would still record it, and you wouldn’t receive any reimbursement.

Depending on the damage you experience, you’ll either want to file an auto, home, or liability claim. While there are minor differences in the claims process with each one, they all generally follow the same format.

What to Expect in the Insurance Claim Process 

Filing an insurance claim can be a complicated and somewhat confusing process. There’s no one-size-fits-all outcome, and how your insurance claim is handled largely depends on the fine print in your policy.

In most cases, these steps represent the general framing and timeline of filing a claim with your insurance company to help guide you through the process. To help, here are five basic tips for filing a successful insurance claim and what to expect from the process.

1. Communicate With Your Insurance Company 

The moment you’ve suffered a loss, regardless of whether or not you’re sure it’s covered under your policy, you should communicate the details to your insurance company. While you may not ultimately decide to file a claim, it’s extremely important to maintain constant contact with your insurance agent.

Not only can your provider help you understand the finer details of your policy during the insurance process, but there may be strict rules regarding the amount of time you have to file the claim at all. 

For instance, you may have only a day or two to file a renters insurance claim after you’ve experienced a loss. But, you may have over a year to file a liability claim. The time frame you have to file an auto insurance claim varies by state and by company. Regardless, it’s almost always best to contact your insurer as soon as possible after you’ve experienced a loss.

Also, your insurer may want to see a police report when it comes to car accidents and theft claims (whether it’s home theft or auto theft). Be sure to contact the relevant authorities when you need to after you’ve experienced a loss.

2. Fill Out and Organize Your Paperwork  

After you’ve officially filed a claim with your insurance company, you may be required to fill out forms or give a statement regarding the accident or loss. These steps will help your insurance company determine the exact details surrounding the peril and decide to what extent your policy covers the damage or injuries.

In some cases, this stage may involve the process of sharing photographs of the accident or damages. Especially when it comes to property damage, it’s important to document as much as you can so you can present it as evidence to your insurance company. Taking photos and videos of what happened is extremely useful, as well as utilizing a home inventory list.

3. Have Your Damages Appraised 

This is the stage where most insurance companies deploy an adjuster or a third-party contractor to assess the full extent of the damages you’ve reported. Your adjuster may want to speak to relevant witnesses and parties, especially in a liability or auto claim, so they may ask you for that contact information.

If you’ve filed an auto insurance claim, this part of the insurance claim process may involve coordinating with a local mechanic or body shop instead of having someone issued to conduct the repairs. 

In a home claim, the adjuster will inspect the damage themselves. They’ll need to visit your property. They’ll ask you questions, like a timeframe of how the damage happened. The adjuster will also determine how much it’ll cost to repair the damage.

In a liability claim, the adjuster may ask you to make a statement on what happened, and they may ask you for contact details for the injured party. The adjuster needs to put together a picture as best as he can of what happened to accurately determine a payout.

4. Pay Your Deductible First 

The final part of the insurance claim process before payment is issued typically involves paying your deductible. Your insurance company won’t approve your claim if your damage amount is lower than your deductible.

In the event of an auto accident claim, if your damages are designated a total loss, the cost of your deductible is typically deducted from the amount of money issued as a payout. If your claim is part of a liability case, your policy deductible may not apply to the issue of payment. 

For a property damage claim, the deductible may vary based on the type of damage you’ve incurred. Wind-related damages sometimes require filing a different deductible than for other covered damages.

Your standard home deductible is usually a fixed amount, such as $2,500 or $5,000. You could pay this for fire damage or theft, for example. But, 19 states (mostly coastal ones) have homeowners also carry a separate hurricane deductible in case of damages from hurricanes. Your hurricane deductible is usually based on a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically between 1-10%.

For instance, if you have $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, and your hurricane deductible is 5% of your dwelling coverage, it would come out to $15,000. So, if you suffered damage from a hurricane, it would need to exceed this amount before you could file a claim.

5. What about the repairs?

For a property damage claim, you’ll receive payment from your insurer once you agree on a settlement amount. If you have a mortgage, the payment will likely be made out to both you and your lender, and the money will be released incrementally during the repairs process so funds are available when needed. You probably won’t just receive a lump sum check.

You can get estimates and choose contractors yourself, even though the insurance company may recommend some. The contractor will bill your insurer for payment.

If you filed a claim for personal property loss, your provider will reimburse you for the actual cash value or replacement cost of the stolen items so you can replace them.

How Do Insurance Companies Pay Out Claims?

Your insurance company will issue reimbursement based on the findings of the adjuster. In property damage or auto claims, this payment will likely go to you. If you have a mortgage or car loan, it may be made out to your lender in case they want to manage or organize the repair process.

In a liability claim, your insurance company will compensate the relevant parties instead of funneling the money through you.

Ultimately, your insurance policy is designed to work for you and protect you from unexpected damages or loss – especially when you need it the most. Your Triton Insurance Group agent will always help you assess the damages in the homeowners insurance claims process and determine the appropriate next steps.

Triton Insurance Group has been providing auto insurance, homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, flood insurance, business insurance, and umbrella policies since 1993. With multiple insurance agency locations in Florida and Tennessee, Triton works with hundreds of carriers and compares rates and coverages to provide you with the best policy at the lowest price. More coverage. More savings. That’s the Triton Insurance Group difference. 

The post What You Need to Know About The Insurance Claim Process appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

Driving around uninsured is both illegal and very expensive. Insurance Institute reports that the average loss per claim on cars is around $4,900. There are many options when it comes to pick from when it comes to Auto Insurance, which is only further reason you should never go without. Within auto insurance you are covered by liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage protects the cost to repair or replace your car if it is totaled or damaged in an accident. Liability coverage will cover the cost of any injuries or damage caused by an accident that you were responsible for. Lastly, comprehensive coverage covers your losses in situations such as theft, flood, fire, or vandalism.

2. Homeowners/Renters Insurance

Homeowners insurance protects more than just your house! From losses of personal items during a hurricane to personal items being stolen- homeowners insurance has you covered! The damages your house experiences during any situation, whether it is caused by a natural disaster or human error such as theft, homeowners insurance has you secured. Homeowners insurance also includes protection and coverage caused by Damages to the home and even unattached buildings like your shed and garage. Liability protection is also included in case of an unexpected injury on the property. The cost of medical bills in the situation of an unexpected accident are also covered.

3. Umbrella Policy

Many people don’t understand the importance behind the Umbrella Policy. The umbrella policy is a type of insurance that creates an extra layer of protection for both you and your assets when you need coverage that exceeds the limits of your homeowners or auto insurance. For instance, if you’re at fault for a multiple-vehicle accident, medical bills and property damages could quickly add up to more than your auto insurance will cover. If you’re sued for the difference, your savings, your home and even your future wages are placed at risk.

4. Health Insurance

Just like securing a safe place to live and clean water to drink, health insurance is an essential key factor in life. If you’re uninsured, you’re putting yourself at risk of being vulnerable to a potential financial disaster. Don’t put yourself at risk to be in that situation. One unexpected severe medical emergency can create up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses.

5. Long-Term Disability Insurance

Slightly over one in four of today’s 20-year-olds will reach a stage of disability before reaching the age of 67, according to the Social Security Administration. Long-term disability is at times not seen as crucial but in all actuality it is. Long-term disability insurance protects you from loss of income if you experience any unexpected and tragic situation which may leave you unable to work for a long period of time. A permanent disability and or illness has the risk of sidelining you and your ability to work. Don’t take any chances.

6. Term Life Insurance

Too many people take life insurance too lightly. Picture this: If you or your spouse were to pass away unexpectedly, how would the remaining spouse proceed with expenses without your income? In times of devastation and grief, your spouse last worry should be about surviving financially in the instance of your absence. According to The Insurance Information Institute, a horrifying statistic of only 70% of Americans carry life insurance. By purchasing a term life insurance policy for approximately 10-12 times your yearly salary, your family has the ability to be worry free when it comes to financial obligations such as house payments and college tuition.

With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensation products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Insurance Types You Can’t Live Without appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck Miami with losses that had never been seen in America before.  Andrew caused most carrier to stop writing property coverage in the state and a state pool the Florida Joint Underwriting Association FJUA (now known as Citizens) was formed to provide coverage for Florida homeowners.  A special hurricane wind deductible percentage was established forcing Florida homeowners to participate in future losses.  It was believed that adding a wind percentage deductible would give the FJUA stability and attract private carriers back to the state.  So how exactly does a wind deductible work?

The wind deductible is a percentage–typically 2, 5 and 10 percent–of coverage A which is the insured Dwelling value.  For example a 100,000 coverage “A” policy with a 10% wind deductible has a 10,000 deductible.  These Deductibles are annual so that if you experience more than one loss in a year you are only assessed the deductible one time.  The wind deductible is assessed when your home is damaged by a named storm/hurricane.  Additionally some carriers have a deductible called “Other Wind” which refers to a non-named storm deductible.  For any other type of covered loss on your policy you will have what is called an “All Other Peril” deductible and this number traditionally is a dollar amount 500, 1000, 2500 or more.

When shopping for hurricane coverage it is important to note that there are minimal savings in increasing a wind deductible on your policy.  The best way to shop for coverage is to receive quotes from multiple carriers as prices vary significantly.  Additionally some carriers give money saving perks such as disappearing wind deductibles.  A disappearing deductible is given to clients with no wind claims for 5 years or more and are free perks.

Home Insurance in Florida is a significant investment knowing your deductible options is important as we head into Hurricane season.

With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensations products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Understanding Your Wind Deductible appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

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Prior to Storm 

Create an Evacuation Plan. This includes the removal of all detachable items from your boat. These items include cushions, dinghies, sails, and any other item you deem necessary. In the circumstance that your boat is docked in a marina- talk to the operator about how to pull your boat from the water and or how to tie it up. 

• Practice Boat Evacuation Drills
• Prepare Emergency Supplies
• Keep Boat Radio Charged
• Secure Important Documents

When the Storm is Forthcoming

On average there are about 12 to 24 hours of advance warning to prepare for a hurricane. One must continue being alert and aware of updates predicting the storms path and behaviors throughout the entirety of the storm. If you plan to keep your boat in the water there are certain guidelines and precautionary procedures that need to be completed. 

• In order to prepare your boat, begin by shutting off the boat’s main electrical system and the removing of the battery. 
• Anchor your boat with at least two anchors and arrange the position to point in the direction of the prevailing winds. 
• In order to counterbalance the effects of a storm surge the anchor lines must be 10 times the water depth at the docked location. 
• Cover the vents to the engine room and also to avoid water from flooding your motor- plug the stern’s exhaust pipes.

With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensations products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Preparing Your Boat For a Hurricane  appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

• Property Damage
• Natural Disasters
• Standard Home Liability
• Extra Money for Living
• Personal Property Coverage (personal belongings)

Cost Factors

• Value of your home
• Crime rate in the area surrounding your home
• Amount of prior claims
• The state in which you live

5 Things You Must Know Regarding Homeowners Insurance

• Decide what kind of coverage is best for YOU
• Understand Actual Cost Value and Replacement Cost Value
• Determine if you want more liability and medical coverage
• Take advantage of the discounting options
• Flood insurance is not included and is usually purchased separately

Get a a FREE quote today!

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With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensations products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Must-knows on Homeowners Insurance appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensations products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Quick Tip Tuesday: Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.

With the tag line “More Options. More Savings”​,​ Triton promotes the ability to offer clients hundreds of quotes from leading carriers. The agency offers home, auto, umbrella, business and worker’s compensations products. Since 1993 Triton Agency has forged a path leading the way through Florida’s very complex insurance environment. Call us today for more information!

The post Quick Tip Tuesday: appeared first on Triton Insurance Agency.