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I’m Buying a House In a High Risk Flood Area. Should I Get Flood Insurance?

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When you buy a home in a high-risk flood area, it’s crucial to ensure you have the resources to rebuild in the event of a flood. This is why many homeowners turn to flood insurance when purchasing a property. If you need flood insurance, the professionals at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, servicing South Kingstown, RI, can help you secure the policy you need to assist with repairs or recovery after a flood.

Why Should You Get Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance provides financial support during the rebuilding or repair process after a flood damages your home. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, making flood insurance essential if your home is at high risk of flooding.

Is Flood Insurance Required to Buy a Home?

If you are purchasing a home in a high-risk flood area, your mortgage lender may require you to obtain flood insurance. If flood insurance is mandatory, your lender will inform you during the application process.

In such cases, it’s important to start searching for flood insurance early in the home-buying process. Applying for flood insurance ahead of time ensures you have a policy in place when your loan is ready to fund.

What Are the Advantages of Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance offers critical financial assistance during recovery after a flood. Many homeowners lack the funds to fully rebuild their homes or address the aftermath of a flood. Having flood insurance can make these disasters more manageable.

Do you need flood insurance? If so, contact the professionals at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, servicing South Kingstown, RI. We’re here to help!

What You Need to Know About Condo Insurance if You Rent Out Your Property on AirBnB

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Renting out your condo on Airbnb can be a great way to generate income, but it also introduces new risks and responsibilities. Standard condo insurance may not cover short-term rentals, leaving you financially vulnerable if an issue arises. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your property.

Standard Condo Insurance May Not Cover Rentals

Most traditional condo insurance policies are designed for owner-occupied or long-term rental properties. If you rent your condo short-term through platforms like Airbnb, your insurer may classify it as a business activity—and exclude coverage for related claims. Always review your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Consider Short-Term Rental Insurance or Endorsements

Some insurance companies offer specific coverage for short-term rentals. You can either purchase a separate policy or add an endorsement to your existing condo insurance. This type of coverage can protect you against guest-related damages, liability claims, and loss of rental income due to covered events.

Understand Airbnb’s Host Protection Policy

Airbnb provides limited coverage through its Host Guarantee and Host Protection Insurance. However, these programs have exclusions and should not be used as a replacement for personal insurance. They may not cover intentional damage, wear and tear, or high-value items, making it essential to have your own comprehensive policy.

Check Condo Association Rules

Before listing your unit, review your condo association’s bylaws. Some associations restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Violating these rules could result in fines or legal consequences, so it’s essential to remain compliant.

Protect Your Investment

Renting out your condo can be a profitable venture, but it also comes with unique risks. Ensure you have the right insurance coverage in place so you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.

Learn About Condo Insurance with Kingston Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown

At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we proudly serve South Kingstown, RI, and we’d love to help you explore your condo insurance options. Contact us or visit our office today to learn more about our services.

Why Auto Insurance Reviews Matter More in September Than July

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When searching for auto insurance in South Kingstown, RI, it’s important to consider reviews. Choosing a reputable company with affordable premiums can make all the difference. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we’ll explain why reviews matter more in September than in July—and what to look for when evaluating them.

What to Look for in Reviews

Reviews can provide valuable insights into an insurance company, but it’s important to look beyond pricing. Many reviews focus solely on cost, which can be misleading since premiums often vary based on factors like driving history or zip code.

Instead, focus on these key aspects:

  • Customer Service: Look for comments about the company’s responsiveness and helpfulness.
  • Claims Handling: Pay attention to how quickly and efficiently claims are processed.
  • Ease of Use: Check for feedback on the usability of the company’s website or mobile app.

Since the insurance company will handle any future claims you make, it’s crucial to choose one with a strong reputation for reliability and service.

Pay Attention to the Date of Reviews

The timing of reviews can also be significant. For example, July is a month when many insurance premiums increase, which can lead to negative reviews from frustrated customers. Additionally, July is peak tourist season, meaning more people are on the roads and accidents are more frequent.

By contrast, September tends to be a calmer month, making reviews left during this time more reflective of the company’s true performance. For honest and balanced feedback, prioritize reviews written in September.

Let Professional Agents Help

Navigating the many insurance companies available can be overwhelming, and choosing the wrong one could be costly. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, our agents are here to help. We’ll not only build a policy tailored to your needs but also provide quotes from top-rated companies.

Contact us today to get started and let us help you find the right auto insurance coverage in South Kingstown, RI.

Common Signs It’s Time to Update Your Boat Insurance

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As a boat owner in South Kingstown, RI, you have numerous responsibilities. These include preparing the boat for the summer, safeguarding it for offseason storage, and ensuring it’s adequately insured due to the risks associated with boating. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we often encounter boaters who discover they’re underinsured when it’s too late. Here are three signs indicating it’s time to update your boat coverage policy.

1. Upgrades to Your Watercraft

If you’ve replaced the engine, updated the features, or made any improvements to your boat, its monetary value will increase. Consequently, you need to update your boat insurance to reflect this value and ensure your boat is properly insured. Remember, this also applies when you upgrade the safety gear on your watercraft.

2. Boating in New Waters

If you’ve relocated your boat from a lake to open waters like an ocean, you need to update your insurance. Boating on the ocean carries more risk, so insurance companies may not cover you if your policy states you’re only using the boat on a lake or a river. You should also update your coverage if you’re staying on lake waters but moving your boat to another state.

3. New Operators

Has your child reached the age to drive the boat? Do you occasionally let your friend or neighbor take it out? Whenever you add new operators to the boat, you need to reflect that in the insurance policy. You may not be covered if your boat sustains damage while someone other than the person listed on the policy is driving it.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, contact us at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown, RI, today to update your watercraft insurance policy. Reach out to us as soon as possible to learn more about how we can assist you.

Do You Have the Recreational Insurance You Need for this Summer Vacation Season?

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Have you recently purchased a new RV or travel trailer? Are you excited about hitting the road and enjoying nature away from the stresses of home and work? There are numerous fun places you can travel to from South Kingstown, RI without having to spend a lot of time on the road. Perhaps you already own an RV, but haven’t reviewed your insurance policy for several years. Now is the time to ensure that you have the recreational insurance you need to keep your stress-free summer vacation that way.

Understanding Recreational Insurance

Recreational insurance is a broad term that covers insurance for your temporary home away from home, such as an RV, a "fifth wheel" camper, or a travel trailer. This type of coverage is distinct from insurance you need if you live in your camper year-round. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we can help you with that type of insurance, too, but that’s a topic for another day. Recreational insurance also applies to seasonal vehicles not covered under your homeowners or automobile policies. This might include a snowmobile, a jet ski, or a boat.

Like most US states, Rhode Island requires you to carry liability insurance if you have an RV that you drive. This is the only type of insurance that you are legally bound to carry. If you’ve financed your RV, camper, trailer, or boat, your lender will virtually always require you to carry insurance to cover the cost of replacing the item should it be damaged by things like weather, a road accident, or other covered reasons. Even if you paid cash for your recreational vehicle or "toy," you’ll likely want insurance to cover it for these events. The average cost of a new RV in the US ranges between $30,000 and $300,000. That’s a lot of money to leave unprotected.

To learn more about recreational insurance and to ensure that you have the coverage you need for your summer travels, contact Kingston Insurance Agency LLC. Our management team has a combined 100 years of experience in helping South Kingstown, RI area residents with their insurance needs.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Passengers On Your Bike?

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Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience; for many riders, sharing that experience with a passenger makes it even better. But before you invite someone to hop on the back of your bike, it’s important to know whether your motorcycle insurance covers them in the event of an accident. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, serving residents in and around South Kingstown, RI, we help riders understand their coverage so they can confidently hit the road.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance and Passenger Coverage

Not all motorcycle insurance policies automatically cover passengers. While liability insurance is required in most states, it typically only covers damages or injuries you cause to others, not the person riding with you. If you regularly ride with a passenger, you’ll want to ensure you have guest passenger liability coverage or medical payments coverage in your policy.

Guest passenger liability helps cover medical expenses for your passenger if they’re injured in an accident where you’re at fault. Without this coverage, your passenger might have to rely on their own health insurance, which could lead to high out-of-pocket costs. On the other hand, medical payment coverage helps pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault.

Why Passenger Coverage Matters

Even the safest riders can’t control everything on the road. If an accident happens, having the right coverage ensures that both you and your passenger are protected from unexpected expenses.

At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, proudly serving the communities in and around South Kingstown, RI, we’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance policy for your needs. Contact us today to review your coverage and make sure you and your passengers stay protected every time you ride.

Businesses and Professions That Should Consider Umbrella Insurance

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Umbrella insurance offers protection from certain legal challenges, covering lawyers’ fees and court costs, but its primary purpose is to extend the liability limits of personal or commercial insurance policies. Every policy limits the total payments for covered hazards, with the policyholder left responsible for overages. Umbrella insurance steps in when the cap is exceeded by paying for additional liabilities incurred. If you need more information about umbrella insurance and how it can benefit you, talk to Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, serving the South Kingstown, RI, area.

Which Professions Need Umbrella Insurance?

Professionals with office space, such as physicians and lawyers, risk someone falling and becoming injured during an office visit. Auto dealers, restaurants, and retailers that welcome the public to their premises face similar risks.

Occasionally, accidents result in liabilities exceeding the policy limits of those professionals and businesses, leaving them responsible for paying the difference. However, those holding umbrella insurance can rely on the umbrella policy to pay the difference.

Other businesses that benefit from umbrella policies are those whose work occurs on others’ property. Virtually all skilled trades fall into this category. Electricians, roofers, plumbers, and contractors regularly risk damaging property or injuring others. Delivery businesses and anyone operating vehicles for their work face liability for damage or injuries in work-related motor vehicle accidents.

Another category of businesses that need umbrella insurance is those whose contractual obligations with government or private companies require them to carry it.

Working With The Kingston Insurance Agency LLC

The Kingston Insurance Agency LLC team serves the insurance needs of individuals and businesses in the South Kingstown, RI, market. Call (401) 433-9442 or drop by our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to supporting your insurance needs.

When a Slip-and-Fall Turns into a Lawsuit: How Umbrella Insurance Protects You

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Slip-and-fall incidents on your property can escalate quickly from an unfortunate accident to a costly legal battle. If a visitor or worker is injured on your premises, you could be liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In severe cases, the costs may exceed the limits of your standard homeowner’s or liability insurance. Umbrella insurance offers an essential layer of protection, shielding your finances from significant risks in South Kingstown, RI.

Extending Your Liability Coverage

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage that kicks in once the limits of your primary policies are exhausted. For example, if your homeowner’s insurance covers $300,000 in liability but a slip-and-fall lawsuit results in a $500,000 judgment, your umbrella policy would cover the $200,000 shortfall. This extended coverage ensures that your savings, investments, and other assets are not at risk.

Providing Coverage Beyond Standard Policies

In addition to extending existing coverage, umbrella insurance also provides protection against claims not typically covered by standard policies. This may include legal defense costs, judgments for pain and suffering, or compensation for emotional distress. These additional benefits can be crucial in high-stakes lawsuits, where damages often go beyond physical injury expenses.

Affordable Peace of Mind

Despite its broad coverage, umbrella insurance is surprisingly affordable, offering substantial protection at a fraction of the cost of increasing liability limits on individual policies. It is particularly beneficial for homeowners with significant assets or those frequently hosting guests, where the risk of accidents may be higher. Having umbrella insurance ensures that a slip-and-fall lawsuit won’t derail your financial stability.

Contact Kingston Insurance Agency LLC for Your Insurance Needs

Kingston Insurance Agency LLC underwrites policies to meet customers’ needs. We serve South Kingstown, RI, and the surrounding cities. Contact us today.

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate, and Why Does It Matter?

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Understanding flood insurance can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial to grasp key elements like a Flood Elevation Certificate. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, proudly providing flood insurance to residents in and around the South Kingstown, RI region, we’re here to help you understand why this certificate is so important for protecting your home.

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?

A Flood Elevation Certificate is an official document that specifies your property’s elevation relative to the estimated height floodwaters might reach. It includes details about your building’s location, flood zone, and the lowest point of elevation. This certificate is essential for determining your flood insurance rates, as it helps assess the risk of flooding to your property.

Why Does It Matter?

The certificate plays a pivotal role in how much you pay for flood insurance. Properties located in high-risk flood zones with lower elevations typically face higher premiums. By providing accurate elevation data, this certificate can potentially lower your insurance costs if your property is elevated above predicted flood levels. It ensures you’re not overpaying and that your coverage is tailored to your actual risk.

How to Obtain a Flood Elevation Certificate

You’ll need to hire a licensed surveyor or engineer to get a Flood Elevation Certificate. They will conduct a detailed assessment and provide the necessary documentation. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we can guide you through this process and connect you with trusted professionals.

Secure Your Peace of Mind By Purchasing Flood Insurance

Don’t leave your property unprotected. Contact Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, serving the South Kingstown, RI area, today to learn more about flood insurance and the benefits of obtaining a Flood Elevation Certificate. Let us help you safeguard your home with confidence.

Is It Time to Update Your Condo Insurance Policy?

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Updating Your Condo Insurance Policy in South Kingstown, RI

If you’ve been residing in a condo in South Kingstown, RI for some time, it might be the perfect opportunity to review and update your condo insurance policy. Circumstances and policy options can evolve over time, and consistently maintaining the right coverage is crucial. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we are committed to helping you select a new policy or update your existing one to safeguard your future. You can experience greater peace of mind in your home with the appropriate coverage.

Our dedicated agents comprehend the nuances of condo living and its pleasures. We also understand the importance of having the best coverage options and believe in giving you a choice. That’s why we provide quotes from multiple insurers, enabling you to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Your current policy might be ideal, but a better one could be available. Collaborating with us will assist you in making an informed decision, allowing you to implement any necessary changes or updates.

Updating your condo policy is a straightforward and convenient process when you connect with us. We’ll compare your existing policy and the options for updating it with other policies that might serve you better. Having choices for something as valuable as insurance is vital. You don’t have to settle for anything less than a high-quality insurance policy that you feel confident about, ensuring that your condo is adequately protected.

Contact us today at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC if you’re in the South Kingstown, RI area and need to update or change your condo insurance policy. We are ready to work with you to protect what matters most and keep you feeling secure and comfortable.

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