Why do I need condo insurance in Texas?

Congratulations on being a condo owner in the great state of Texas. Owning a condo is a significant investment, and like owning a free-standing home, it needs to be protected. Talking to the agents at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX can help you to be able to relax and enjoy your new home. There are several reasons that you need condo insurance; all of them are important. 

Condo association insurance

Your condo association carries a policy that covers the exterior of the building, so things like the roof and the exterior walls are not your responsibility. They also cover common areas like the parking lot and the community pool, gym, or hot tub. This is all great for you, fewer things to worry about. However, their insurance does not reach inside your walls.  

Your responsibility

If you have a mortgage, your lender will require that you carry condo insurance to protect their investment in your condo. You are personally responsible for your appliances, kitchen cabinets and countertops, bathroom fixtures, and anything inside the exterior walls. Your personal items are also your responsibility to cover, imagine losing your electronics, clothing, and furniture. Loss can come in a variety of ways, including fire and theft. 

Beyond just the loss of everything you own, you need to protect yourself against the possibility of someone being injured while visiting you. Being sued can cost you thousands, and your condo liability insurance will help to make sure that your assets remain safe. 

At the Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, our experienced staff is always ready to help to meet your condo insurance needs. If you live in or near Arlington, TX, why not give us a call or stop by our office for a no-obligation quote. You will be glad you did, and your condo will thank you too!

Life Insurance Buying Tips

Getting life insurance is a smart move whether you’re a young person just out of college or an older person starting a family. Rickey McGill Insurance Agency will get you started with a few insurance buying tips that will help keep you from making some simple mistakes.

Think About Your Beneficiaries

It’s not the best option to name a minor as your beneficiary. The insurance company can tie up the death benefit for a minor are not able to accept life insurance directly. It wouldn’t be available until they’re 18. At that point in receiving a lump sum, the child will have no intermediary to help guide them with their new wealth. You make your child a beneficiary because you don’t want them to worry about money for school or life. But this could make it a little more difficult. When they get the lump sum, they may spend the entire amount within a few years or even months.

Get Comparative Options

When looking at quotes, make sure you comparison shop. You’ll want to look at the cost of the premiums and the terms versus the death benefit. Don’t just look at the lowest premiums. That may not be the best option for your beneficiaries. With the Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, our independent agents can go over several options with you before you make a decision.

How Much Coverage Do You Need

Take a good look at your finances and decide what type of coverage you’ll need. You might consider having at least 6 times your current salary. If you are making $100,000 per year in Arlington, TX, than the death benefit should be $600,000. This would be the amount to cover any debt and funeral expenses that you’ve accrued over your lifespan.

Situations Where You Need Commercial Liability Insurance

When visiting your business, a client falls on loose carpeting, your employee leaves the water running in a customer’s home, someone files a lawsuit claiming misleading information in one of your ads — all these situations can lead to court battles and financial disaster if your Arlington, TX business isn’t properly covered.

To review your coverage to ensure it pays for the associated medical and legal expenses and punitive damages, call Rickey McGill Insurance Agency. In the meantime, here is some information on commercial liability insurance that every business owner should know

What Does Commercial Liability Insurance Cover?

Commercial liability insurance covers your legal defense and damages if you are held liable in a court proceeding. A lawsuit can have many negative impacts on your business and is one of the most frequently used types of coverage.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

Bodily injury and property damage protect you from legal liability and pay for bodily injury or property damage experienced by others. It covers events that occur at your place of business or elsewhere if the incident involves the negligent act of you or an employee.

Personal Injury and Advertising Injury

These types of coverage protect you from liability for several offenses, including libel, slander, copyright infringement, false arrest, wrongful evictions and using someone else’s ad ideas.

Medical Payments

This type of coverage includes injuries for non-employees due to an event that occurs on your business premises or as part of your business activities. Approved medical payments claims pay for surgical, medical, ambulance, hospital and funeral expenses for someone hurt or killed in an accident at your premises or deriving from your business operations.

Contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today to set up an appointment for a quote on general liability and other commercial insurance coverage for your Arlington, TX business.

 

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Damage?

Discovering that your roof has been damaged is never fun. You may notice water stains in the attic or see visual damage as you drive up to your house. Roof leaks and other perils are written into many homeowners policies. However, one of the things your insurance company looks at is what caused the damage at your Arlington, TX property. Rickey McGill Insurance Agency can help you explore what options to choose to protect your home and belongings, but here’s some basic information on homeowners insurance to get you started.

Events That May Be Covered

It’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered by the policy you’re considering. Ask your agent about each policy’s open peril list. This list contains the types of events the insurer pays for, which may include fire and smoke damage, volcanic eruption, lightning, explosions, riots, vandalism, snow and ice weight, theft, bursting pipes, and many other events.

Open perils typically include most sudden and accidental incidents, unless the cause is specifically excluded in your policy. It’s not a good idea to file claims related to normal wear and tear since that’s considered a maintenance issue and the owner’s responsibility. For example, your insurance might pay for damage caused by a storm that topples a tree onto your roof. However, If the shingles on your roof are worn and the roof starts to leak as a result, you may have to fix the damage out of your own budget. 

Some events, like floods, are specifically excluded and require separate policies. Other hazards may be subject to varying coverage due to the risks in your area. Your agent is the best resource for understanding your options for hazards typically excluded from regular homeowners insurance. These events include landslides, mudslides, and earthquakes, as well as flooding, animal infestation, mold and foundation settling, and damage. 

Contact Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today for more information on the types of coverage available for your Arlington, TX home. Feel free to set up an appointment for a quote on covering roof damage and other events.