What Type of Water Damage Does Flood Insurance Cover?

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Do you know what flood insurance covers in Cincinnati, OH?

Living in a high-risk area for flooding makes it all the more important to have the right insurance coverage. In this blog, we’ll look at how Advantage Insurance Network can help keep your home safe from surface water, groundwater, and sewer backup damage.

Surface Water Damage

Storms and heavy rains can lead to surface water damage, typically covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. But if your area has a higher risk of flooding, investing in a separate flood insurance policy for comprehensive protection is essential. This coverage includes protection from water that enters your home or business due to heavy rains, snow melts, and overflowing rivers and streams.

Groundwater Damage

Groundwater can also be damaging to homes. This type of water damage occurs when moisture seeps through the ground into your property – even if there hasn’t been any rain or standing water present. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover this kind of damage, so opt for a separate flood insurance policy to ensure you’re safe.

Sewer Backup Damage

Even if your house isn’t flooded with surface water or groundwater, sewer systems can still back into homes due to clogged lines or torrential rains. Regular homeowners’ policies rarely cover sewer backup damage, so investing in flood insurance is essential to stay protected in a high-risk area. With the right coverage, you’ll be financially secure in case of a sewer backup.

If you live in Cincinnati, OH, or any other high-risk area for flooding, don’t leave yourself exposed! Contact Advantage Insurance Network today and learn more about getting the right coverage for your home with flood insurance.

Top Three Fire Risks in Your Home

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A solid home insurance policy is one of the best ways to ensure you always have the resources to provide a safe place to live for you and your family. However, even more important is preventing disaster risks in the first place. At Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help clients make great choices concerning their homes and safety. Keep reading to learn about the top three fire risks to your home. 

Outdated Wiring 

Older homes with outdated wiring are at an increased risk for fires. Over time the protective coverings on wires can start to wear away. Pests and rodents can also compromise these protective coverings as well. When these protective coverings are compromised, it can lead to sparking and fires. If you have an older home, you should have the wiring evaluated by an electrician for safety. You should also have major electrical components, such as outlets and breaker boxes evaluated as well to ensure they are up to code and in safe working order. 

Unsafe Practices 

Another risk to your home would be unsafe practices or behaviors involving fire or heat. This can include flicking cigarette butts into the yard or trash, leaving candles unattended, poor fireplace safety, improper use of space heaters and electric blankets, and more. Everyone in your home must be well-versed in safe practices concerning these topics and anything involving fire or heat. 

Outdated Heating Systems, Including Fireplaces 

Another considerable fire risk is the heating system of your home. When systems are outdated, your home is put at risk. This includes fireplaces that are not built to modern codes or fireplaces that are not kept properly cleaned. If you have an older heating system, consider upgrades to keep your home safe. 

If you would like to learn about our home insurance services, please contact us at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. 

Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value For Your Boat Insurance

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Regarding shopping around for boat insurance, there are two significant distinctions to consider in potential policies. Loss settlement is the amount paid to you for a loss claim. The loss settlement types between different policies include agreed and actual cash values. There are pros and cons to each type of loss settlement, and talking to one of our agents at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH will help you determine which is best for your boat ownership lifestyle.

Agreed Value

Pros:

  • These policies pay a set amount named in your policy for a total loss claim.
  • Partial loss claims may be paid out based on replacement cost – a depreciation of lost or damaged items is usually not factored in the settlement.

Cons:

  • Generally, this policy comes at a higher premium cost.
  • Your deductible applies to loss settlement payout.
  • Some items that experience higher wear and tear may be subject to depreciation consideration when determining a payout for loss.

Actual Cash Value

Pros:

  • Generally, these policies come with more affordable premiums.

Cons:

  • Your deductible applies to the loss settlement payout amount.
  • The current market value of your vessel determines the maximum claim payout.

Our agents at Advantage Insurance Network are experts in boat insurance. They can answer any questions about boat insurance, including the difference between agreed value and actual cash value loss settlement. As a boat owner in Cincinnati, OH, you owe it to yourself to give us a call today. If you already have a boat insurance policy, we can help you evaluate your current coverage and vessel usage and help you determine whether your coverage matches your needs.

Motorcycle insurance FAQs

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Here are some of the top questions people have asked about motorcycle insurance.

Motorcycle insurance FAQs

What motorcycles cost the most to insure?

A sports bike is the type of motorcycle that costs the most to insure. Like with other types of insurance, your motorcycle insurance costs depend on many factors. The kind of motorcycle that you own is one of those deciding factors. 

Why is motorcycle insurance so low?

Motorcycle insurance is cheaper because it costs less for the insurance company to cover motorcycles. Since motorcycles are significantly smaller than a car, they cause less damage and are easier and cheaper to repair.

Does motorcycle insurance cover dropping the bike?

It depends on what type of coverage you have for your policy. If you only have liability coverage, your dropped motorcycle will not be covered. It is a good idea to check the extent of the damage to decide if it is even worth filing a claim. If the damage is extensive and you file a claim, it will be filed under comprehensive and collision coverage.

Is it worth it to insure a motorcycle?

Yes, it is worth it to insure your motorcycle. Most states require you to have liability coverage. You could get a fine and lose your license if you don’t have the minimum requirements. If you use your motorcycle a lot, it is also beneficial to have comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. Without these, you would have to pay for everything out of your pocket, which could get expensive.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network

Contact us for more information about motorcycle insurance at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH.

Tips for driving in winter weather

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Winter weather can be tricky to navigate, especially for inexperienced drivers in the Cincinnati, OH area. To help make your winter drives go a bit smoother, here are some tips from sat Advantage Insurance Network to consider: 

  1. Make sure your vehicle is ready. Make sure your tires are correctly inflated and filled with winter-grade anti-freeze. It’s also important to check the condition of your windshield wipers, battery power, and brakes before taking off on a cold day. 
  2. Check the forecast and plan accordingly. Winter weather can bring unexpected conditions, so it’s good to know what you’re up against before you hit the road. 
  3. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Winter roads can be slippery, so leave earlier than usual to give yourself enough time to get there without rushing through icy patches or snow drifts. 
  4. Slow down and increase your following distance from other vehicles while driving in wintry conditions; stopping on icy roads takes more time and space than on dry pavement. 
  5. Be aware of road closures or restrictions due to extreme weather conditions that could force you into alternate routes or delays in reaching your destination. 

No matter how prepared you think you are for winter driving, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when the weather turns cold—it’s better to be safe than sorry! For more tips on driving in winter weather, or if you have any questions about your insurance coverage, call us at Advantage Insurance Network today. We proudly serve the Cincinnati, OH area and would gladly answer all your questions. 

Six Strange Things Covered by Home Insurance

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You probably know the basics of home insurance coverage. However, you may be surprised by some of the things your home insurance policy could cover. Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, offers home insurance policies. We can explain the top six unexpected things covered by home insurance coverage. 

1. Falling Objects

Standard home insurance policies cover falling objects. This includes asteroids and space debris. It also covers "blue ice," which is toilet water flushed from airplanes. 

2. Damage due to Religious Phenonemon 

Damage from religious phenomena is unlikely, but you are covered under your homeowner’s policy. For example, if you have a religious statue that suddenly begins releasing blood or water, and this damages your walls or floor, you are covered. 

3. Damage from Wild Animals 

If a wild animal damages your home, you are covered. For example, if a grizzly bear breaks your window looking for a snack, your policy will cover the damages. 

It’s important to note that wild animals apply to animals that are not considered domesticated and aren’t your pet. 

4. Drone Damage 

Drones have become popular in recent years. However, they can cause damage to other’s property or person.

For example, if you fly your drone into your neighbor’s car, the liability portion of your homeowner’s policy will cover the cost of repairs. 

5. Spoiled Food

If a power outage costs you the food in your fridge, your homeowner’s policy can cover the cost of replacing the food. Most policies offer up to $500 to replace spoiled food items due to a power outage. 

6. Dog Bites 

Dog bites make up about 30% of homeowner’s liability claims. If your puppy bites someone on your property, the policy will cover their medical expenses and civil liability judgments up to the coverage limit.

However, some policies exclude certain dog breeds because they are thought to have a higher risk of aggression. Before getting a dog, you should make sure that you are covered.

Home Insurance with Advantage Insurance Network

Advantage Insurance Network offers home insurance and other policies in Cincinnati, OH. If you need a home policy or would like to know exactly what is covered in your policy, contact us today. 

Why should an Ohio company obtain commercial insurance?

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The Cincinnati, OH area is a populated metro area that offers a lot of chances for a business to be successful. If you want to run a business here, having insurance is necessary. There are various good reasons to obtain this coverage in Ohio. 

Reduce Business Liability Risks

A critical reason any business has a proper commercial insurance plan is to reduce liability risks. Businesses today will take on many risks when selling a product or service. If the use of a product or service leads to an illness, injury, or other challenges, the business can be held liable. However, if they are insured, they will have proper support in place to mitigate the risk. 

Protect Assets

Businesses should also have this insurance to protect their assets. Any business will need to purchase assets to run a business. If you are not insured, you could hit a financial challenge if these assets are lost or damaged. With a commercial policy, you will have coverage against many risks that could cause a loss. 

Stay in Good Standing

Having commercial coverage is also necessary to ensure you stay in good standing. Most businesses will have insurance requirements and obligations. If you carry commercial coverage, you will comply with these requirements. This can help you avoid penalization or reputational damage. 

Businesses in the Cincinnati, OH area must ensure they get the right insurance. Since this is such an important decision, it would be wise to begin your search by calling the Advantage Insurance Network. The team with Advantage Insurance Network will give any guidance that is necessary to build a plan that will meet your needs and cover your organization.

Four things you shouldn’t assume about condo insurance

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You need to purchase condo insurance if you live in a condo in Cincinnati, OH. We can help you meet your condo insurance needs at Advantage Insurance Network.

Unfortunately, Ohio condo owners sometimes make assumptions about condo insurance that are not accurate. The following are four things that you shouldn’t assume about condo insurance. 

You don’t need condo insurance if you have HOA insurance coverage.

HOA insurance coverage will cover the overall structure of the building in which your condo is located.

It’s essential for you to realize that your HOA insurance coverage won’t cover you for what goes on within your individual unit. That’s why you need condo insurance even if you carry HOA insurance coverage. 

A condo insurance policy will cover you for any natural disaster damage.

Condo insurance will only cover you for certain types of natural disaster damage. A standard condo insurance policy won’t usually cover you for flood damage. In many cases, a standard condo insurance policy also won’t cover you for earthquake damage. 

Condo insurance only protects you financially regarding damage to your property.

In addition to protecting your property, condo insurance protects you regarding liability expenses. It’s essential that you don’t underestimate how expensive liability costs can be if you get sued after an injury that occurs within your condo unit. 

It’scostlye to purchase condo insurance.

You shouldn’t worry that condo insurance will be unaffordably expensive. If you shop around, you should find that it’s possible to acquire condo insurance at an affordable cost. 

Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network if you’re in need of a quote on a condo insurance policy. We’re happy to help you adequately insure your condo in Cincinnati, OH. 

Riders You Can Add to Dwelling Fire Insurance

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You might think that you’ll only need the minimum dwelling fire insurance since you rent each apartment or flat in the building you own. Still, Advantage Insurance Network would like to suggest a few riders to add to your policy that will help you when the inevitable happens. We can help you customize your policy to protect your real estate investment.

What Typical Dwelling Policies Include

Your renters each carry renter’s insurance as long as you require it in your lease. Their policy only protects their belongings and liability.

Your dwelling policy protects the structure of the building from various perils, including fire, tornado, hail, snowstorm and ice damage, etc. It also offers you liability coverage. The riders you can add increase your coverage to include changes in the home and unexpected municipal issues.

Building code coverage

If your building starts in an up-to-code state, your dwelling coverage pays to repair your damaged house, so it returns to its original state if you file a covered claim. If your home is in a state that’s not up to code, you’ll need to pay the difference out of your pocket – unless you add this rider to your policy. With building code coverage, your insurance pays the extra for you to meet local building codes.

Water backup coverage

Water backup coverage doesn’t cover floods; it covers when the sewer backs up, a drain backs up, or a sump pump fails to function. It covers the damage from the water back up and the clean-up costs.

Identity theft restoration coverage

Although you don’t reside at a home you rent to others, you may occasionally get mail there. That leaves you open to identity theft. Adding ID theft coverage means your policy covers the cost of restoring your identity. With this rider in place, the insurance company reimburses you for legal fees, document mailing costs, and lost wages when you file a valid claim.

Construction/Renovation coverage

A temporary rider for construction or renovation covers your home when you make changes to it to increase curb appeal or remodel the interior. The coverage only lasts while the home undergoes the project.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network

Contact Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH for a dwelling fire insurance review. Let us help you determine which riders best serve your situation and update your policy so you stay fully covered.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

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If you live in Cincinnati, you know we’re no strangers to severe weather. From flash flooding to the more traditional long-term flooding, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. But what does flood insurance cover? Let’s look.

What Does Flood Insurance in Ohio Cover?

Flood insurance covers the physical structure of your home and any personal belongings damaged by flooding. This can include things like furniture, clothing, and appliances. It’s essential to keep in mind that there are limits to what is covered.

Flood insurance will also typically cover any repairs to your home because of flooding. This can include things like drywall, flooring, and electrical work. Again, it’s important to remember that there may be limits to what is covered. Your Advantage Insurance Network agent can help you understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy.

What Isn’t Covered by Flood Insurance?

While flood insurance will cover some of the damage caused by flooding, there are some things it doesn’t. For example, flood insurance rarely covers the cost of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable because of flooding. Most policies don’t cover the cost of landscaping or other external features, like pools or decks.

It’s also important to remember that flood insurance has a waiting period before it goes into effect. This waiting period is typically 30 days from purchase. So if you’re in the middle of a storm and need coverage immediately, flood insurance probably doesn’t help you out.

Flooding is always possible here in Cincinnati, OH, so it’s essential to be prepared. While flood insurance won’t cover everything, it can help you recover financially if flooding damages your home or belongings. If you’re considering purchasing flood insurance, talk to an independent insurance agent at Advantage Insurance Network, who can help you find the right policy for your needs.