Condo Living...Are you Insured?

Don't assume that your condo is insured under the Master Insurance Policy.   Master Insurance Policies typically insure common areas such as roofs, walkways and elevators.  Your residence may not be covered.  You need to purchase separate CONDO INSURANCE  to cover your home. 

Naples Florida has become a second home for many people.  And for some the Condo Lifestyle and it's convenience is a perfect fit.  Condo Policies may include liability, personal property loss, additional living expense if your home is uninhabitable because of a covered loss such as fire or water damage, as well as, loss because of theft. Pay Attention, you can even purchase inexpensive coverage called "LOSS ASSESSMENT" that reimburses you for your share of an assessment charge (up to the specified policy limit) resulting from a covered loss to common areas.  Anyone who has indulged in condo living is aware of "Special Assessments".  Special assessments occur when repairs, upgrades or maintenance costs exceed the available funds in the Homeowners Association's coffer. Although potentially burdensome Special Assessments are necessary and common.  They may also occur in the event of a covered loss because of a high deductible or policy limits.  In these cases, Loss Assessment coverage can be a welcomed benefit.


Pro America Insurance Agents are available to discuss your Condo Insurance needs.  Please call 239.434.5500, stop in to either branch 2700 Immokalee Rd, or 2366 Pine Ridge Rd, or get a FREE RATE QUOTE  now.  Let Us Do The Shopping For You!

Time to Review Your Home Insurance Policy

The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

• 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:
  
• 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:
  
• 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.


It is time to review your policies,  coverage, limits and deductibles.  A careful inspection of your Homeowners, Auto and Boat Insurance by a Pro America Insurance Team Member and an assessment of your needs will help insure that you have appropriate coverage  before a major weather events threatens South West Florida.  Understand that once a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for any part of the state of Florida a statement of "NON BINDING AUTHORITY" is issued by individual insurance companies which strips all insurance agents of the authority to bind  new applications or process endorsements (changes) for increased coverage  regardless of effective date.  


You should also be aware of the claims process if a loss is realized.  A careful review of your policy will answer many of these questions.  However, if understanding the fine print becomes a challenge stop in to one of our branches and a Pro America Insurance Agent will happily explain your coverage's. A thorough list of contents and value should be kept along with other important documents in an easily accessible place should evacuation be necessary.  Take the time to Secure your home from storm damage, protect your vehicle and properly store your boat.  Visit the National Hurricane Center for information on Hurricane Preparedness.  Your can register your family, including pets, create a family or business plan and get suggestions for an emergency kit tailored just for you from the Florida Disaster web site.    

Don't delay! Now is the time to review and revamp your Homeowners, Auto and Boat Insurance coverage!  Call our Pine Ridge Office at 239.434.5500 or our Immokalee Branch at 239.596.2400, stop in or request a fast and free rate quote on line. 

Michael Watkins Kills it... Top Producer in Naples Insurance

Michael Watkins earned Top Producer in Pro America's six month bonus competition.  Michael had the highest numbers in Volume of Insurance Policies written and Total Premium for the period December 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011.  Way to go Michael!  Michael has been part of the Pro America Insurance, Naples, FL team since February 2006.  He specializes in Homeowner Insurance and celebrated his 35th year in the Insurance Industry, June 14th.  He has won many awards over the years for excellence, integrity and knowledge.  Namely, the National Sales Achievement Award, which he has won several times, and the National Quality Award.  He has also taught Life Underwriter Training courses.  His many years of experience makes him an essential part of the Pro America Team.  Michael is an avid baseball fan. He humbly calls himself  a "student of the game".  Sadly, his favorite team is The Detroit Tigers not the Philadelphia Phillies.  Michael works in our Pine Ridge Office.  Stop by for a consultation and congratulate him on his accomplishment!  

SARA MASON earns Producer of the Month again!

Kristin Carter congratulates Sara Mason

A big shout out to Sara Mason, Pro America Insurance agent for earning Producer of the Month for two consecutive months.  Sara is a Naples resident and is currently located at our Pine Ridge Office.  


Stop in to congratulate her or if you are one of her VERY happy customers refer a friend and be entered into our WEEKLY drawing for a $25.00 GIFT CARD.  Congratulations Sara!

Win a $25 Gift Card

Pro America Insurance Agency wants to reward all of our loyal customers by offering a REFERRAL INCENTIVE.  We will be having a weekly drawing and the winner will receive a $25 gift card.  To enter the drawing you need to refer a friend to your favorite insurance agent at Pro America.  After your friend comes in for a free consultation your name will be entered into our drawing.  It's that easy!

House Fire Protection - Insurance Protection Class 10

Collier County is experiencing a drought and active wildfires. Insurance companies recognize the risk of loss due to wildfires and classify homes in these areas under "Protection Class 10". Protection Class 10 is severe and includes homes located further than 5 miles from a Fire Station and/or are further than 1000 feet from a fire hydrant. Owning a home located in "Protection Class 10" often means higher premiums and limited choice of insurance companies as only a few companies provide coverage for this class. In Collier County the South East section of Golden Gate Estates is a "Protection Class 10" area.

At Pro America Insurance Agency, Brent Smith writes Naples home insurance policies for a carrier, other than Citizens, that is providing coverage to homes in Protection Class 10 areas. As a consumer, it is important that you have choice when selecting an insurance company to cover your assets and you will find "choice" at Pro America Insurance Agency, Naples FL. We provide you the ability to choose because we represent a variety of the best insurance companies in Florida.

This may be a good time to review your Homeowners Insurance coverage with Brent at Pro America Insurance. Damage caused by fire is an important coverage all homeowners policies include. However, you may want to examine your limits and deductibles as well as your carrier.

There are many simple "do it yourself" preventative measures you as a homeowner can do to protect your property from fire damage. Create a Fire-Wise Home. A Fire-Wise Home has at least 30' of cleared area around it. You want your space to appear lean, clean and green according to The Collier County All Hazards Guide published by the Collier County Emergency Management Department and the Florida Fire-Wise Communities brochure published by the Florida Division of Forestry. Homeowners should prune shrubs and cut tree branches back, remove all dead plant material from around your home and plant fire resistant vegetation that is healthy and green year round. Creating a "shared defensible space" with your neighbors is a great strategy especially for those living on narrow, nonconforming lots, such as some in the Estates. Information on Fire-Wise Homes can be found at www.firewise.org. To receive an All Hazards Guide contact Collier County Emergency Management

Protect Your Naples Area Seasonal Residence

Summer is almost here in Naples, FL and many seasonal residents will be leaving the area and returning to their second home.  Protecting your seasonal residence from damage in your absence can be accomplished with a little advanced planning.  Most northerners are familiar with frozen and burst pipes, but have little experience with excess humidity, a potential problem in Florida’s hot, moist climate.  Damage to seasonal residences from theft, wind or hurricane, flooding and infestations are also common concerns.  No one wants to return next season to a home that has been destroyed or damaged.  There are many preventative actions seasonal residents can take to prevent damage to their homes, autos and boats while they are gone.

 Home Watch Services are very popular.  According to Pro America Insurance agent Michael Watkins, “Some Home Watch Services are very sophisticated.”  He strongly suggests that all seasonal residents take reasonable precautions when leaving, such as, turning the water off at its source, draining pipes, service air conditioning units, retain a home watch service to check the property weekly as well as asking year round neighbors to contact them if they see any suspicious activity on or in the property.  Home Watch Services abound in Naples Florida because of our large seasonal population.  These companies could provide a wide spectrum of services such as;  weekly interior and exterior inspections, alarm monitoring, contractor and repair service supervision, appliance maintenance, airport shuttle service, home reopening and cleaning services , even grocery shopping.  Reputable companies will be insured and bonded.

Understanding your Homeowners Insurance Coverage is very important.  Michael, located at Pro America’s Pine Ridge office, specializes in Homeowners Insurance. While preparing to write this article I interviewed Michael and was impressed by the breadth of his knowledge regarding possible claims, coverage’s and policy distinctions.  Having a knowledgeable agent is essential to protecting your investment.  Prior to leaving the area it is wise to meet with your agent to discuss your coverage’s and prevention strategies.  

Take note, Mold and Mildew coverage is typically limited to $10,000.00 and is only paid if it is part of a covered loss. Additionally, insurance companies follow strict “Occupancy” and “Vacancy” guidelines.  These guidelines can vary by company so it is best to meet with your agent to discuss any guidelines that may apply to you.

Having a positive working relationship with your Naples home owners Insurance Agent is paramount to accessing the best coverage for your investments.  Pro America Insurance Agents spend the time necessary to fully understand your unique insurance needs and will find the best policy with the most complete coverage at a price you can afford.  Schedule an appointment today and Let Us Do the Shopping for You!

Remember to always review your Homeowner’s, Auto or Boat Insurance Policy when determining coverage, or come in to either of our offices and let us review your policy and answer any questions you may have.