What does flood insurance cover?

Floods are natural disasters that can hit almost anywhere. All it takes is a severe storm and some extended rain and creeks, streams and rivers are overflowing their banks. Hurricanes churn up massive waves in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. All of these result in flooding. As little as one inch of water can cause more than $20.000 in damage to your home. At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown, RI, we are an independent insurance agency that prides itself on providing exceptional customer service to our clients. 

Flood insurance is offered by the NFIP. It is sold in two parts; contents and property. Both of them have set limits on coverage. The parts are sold separately and everyone can choose to have one or both, depending on what your needs are. In order to be eligible to purchase the insurance offered by NFIP, you must live in a community that takes part in their program. 

Content

The limit of coverage for content is $100,000. If this is inadequate, you can look into private flood insurance. Content coverage will reimburse you for the loss of your furniture, clothing, small appliances, electronics, and even some jewelry. Your washer and dryer, window or portable air conditioners, microwave, rugs not permanently attached to your floor are also covered. 

Building

The building portion has a limit of $250,000 which, again, may not be adequate and you can opt for a private insurance provider. In addition to the physical structure of the house, this coverage will pay for the major systems such as heat and cooling, electrical, and plumbing, the foundation, major appliances such as the stove and refrigerator, and the dishwasher, built-in bookcases, cabinets, carpeting, and flooring. 

If you are in the market for flood insurance, contact Kingston Insurance Agency LLC in South Kingstown, RI, and let us help you find the right coverage. 

Why You Need Condo Insurance

Condo insurance is designed to help protect your condominium against all kinds of unknowns. It doesn’t matter where you live; condos are not immune to the risks associated with extreme weather, fire, or liability. There are many reasons why you need to purchase condo insurance in South Kingstown, RI, and three of those reasons are listed below. 

When done reading, give the experts at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC a call today to discuss your condo insurance needs. 

The Condo Association’s Master Policy Does Not Protect You

Many believe that their condo association’s master insurance policy is enough to protect them against anything that can happen. However, this is not true. Condo association insurance protects damage and injuries in common areas. They do not protect against anything that can happen inside your unit. 

Liability Coverage

You want to make sure you are protected against anything that can happen in your unit. For example, if someone comes over and your dog bites that person, or they slip and fall in your kitchen, liability insurance coverage will pay for medical bills associated with the incidents and protect you in the event the other person sues you for damages. 

Loss of Use

Condominiums are connected to many other units, which puts you at greater risk of being forced to leave your dwelling because someone else caused a fire or water damage affecting your unit. If your unit is deemed unlivable, you and your property are covered under your insurance policy. Additionally, your insurance policy will pay for you to stay somewhere while your unit is repaired.  

Condo owners in South Kingstown, RI should reach out to their insurance agent today to ensure they have coverage for their unit. Those without insurance should call Kingston Insurance Agency LLC today to discuss condo insurance options. 

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance covers vehicle damage not caused in an accident. Coverage includes damage caused by fire, theft, weather, and vandalism; however, it does not cover damage caused by hitting another vehicle or object, nor does it cover bodily injury. Those in South Kingstown, RI should speak to an insurance agent at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC to discuss comprehensive auto insurance options and learn more about what is covered. 

What Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover? 

Damage caused to your vehicle by an event other than an accident is covered under your comprehensive auto insurance. Events covered by your comprehensive auto insurance include fire, theft, acts of nature (hurricane, flood, hail, tornado), falling debris (tree limbs), animal damage (hitting a deer), and windshield and glass damage. This insurance coverage does not pay for bodily injury, damage to another vehicle, rollover accidents, or damage caused by hitting a stationary object. 

Does Comprehensive Auto Insurance Have a Deductible? 

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage does have a deductible, which is the amount you selected when purchasing the policy. Ultimately, higher deductibles mean lower rates but more out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim. 

Do I Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage? 

State requirements do not call for comprehensive insurance coverage as a minimum requirement. However, it is generally a good idea to purchase this coverage for your vehicles and your protection. If you drive your vehicle often, have an expensive car, or live in a high-risk area with theft or natural disasters, comprehensive auto coverage may be a great purchase. Additionally, many lenders require comprehensive auto insurance during the length of your auto loan. 

Protect yourself in the event of an unexpected event, such as a storm, fire, or theft, by purchasing comprehensive auto insurance coverage in South Kingstown, RI. For additional help or information about comprehensive insurance coverage, call Kingston Insurance Agency LLC today. 

4 Facts About Home Insurance

When considering a mortgage for your South Kingstown, RI home, looking out for home insurance is the last thing on your mind, yet the two are related. While home insurance isn’t mandatory in Rhode Island, your mortgage lender may require you to carry homeowners insurance as long as the loan facility is outstanding.

Are you interested to learn more facts about home insurance? Stick on as Kingston Insurance Agency LLC shares interesting facts about home insurance.

Home insurance doesn’t cover all damages and losses

Homeowners insurance protects you against several perils, but like other insurance plans, it has exclusions, too. Home insurance doesn’t cover damages as a result of:

  • Floods and earthquakes
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Pest and molds

Furthermore, home insurance provides limited protection to high-value items like jewelry, silverware, and cash. Be sure to check with your agent to purchase additional coverage.

Home insurance covers personal assets

Home insurance isn’t all about liability and structure protection. It protects your personal belongings as well. In case of loss or damage to items like clothing, electronics, and furniture, home insurance can save the day. 

Market value differs from the cost of rebuilding

In many instances, the cost of rebuilding your home exceeds the home market value. As a result, if your home value is the basis of your home insurance, your home may not be covered fully in case of a total loss. Since market value depends on market realities, it’s subject to fluctuations. Where there is a drop in value, you will have fewer funds to rebuild your home.

Remember to update your home insurance

When you undertake significant renovations and additions to your home, don’t forget to update your home insurance plan. The addition of structures like a swimming pool, garage, or shed must be reflected in your home insurance for optimal coverage. 

Do you need home insurance for your South Kingstown, RI home? You can trust Kingston Insurance Agency LLC to protect your beautiful home. Contact us today to speak to one of our agents.

Do I Need Commercial Insurance If I Lease My Business Space?

If you rent your store or office in the South Kingstown, RI area, you’re far from alone. Most business owners operate out of a building they lease rather than own, and this makes a lot of sense. Lower startup costs and leaving the landlord responsible for maintenance and repairs means you get to spend more time running and growing your business! 

But does leasing the property mean you’re off the hook for commercial insurance? At Kingston Insurance Agency LLC, we’re used to hearing this question. But contrary to popular belief, the benefits of commercial insurance extend far beyond the commercial property itself.

Run a store or another business where customers and guests are frequent? A good commercial insurance policy helps keep you protected should they become injured while inside your business. It’s important to realize that while your landlord likely has their own insurance policy on the building itself, their coverage does not actually apply to your business operations. 

Likewise, all of your business property (equipment, stock items, etc.) should be covered under a business owner’s commercial policy tailored just for you. You will also need at least some kind of commercial auto coverage for any company vehicles. 

If you have employees, commercial insurance can be crucial when it comes to worker’s compensation. If one of your staff members is injured while on the job (whether on-site or off), you may find yourself having to pay for their medical bills, time off from work, etc. 

At the end of the day, having a good commercial insurance policy may be the key to preventing major losses when disaster strikes. 

Want to learn more about your commercial insurance options and how you can protect your South Kingstown, RI business? Our team at Kingston Insurance Agency LLC is here to help! Give us a call or send us a message today.