Rolfs Insurance Services

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No Non Flood Zones in Florida – Understanding the Risk

There are no non-flood zones in Florida. Florida is one of the states most prone to flooding, and every property owner should be aware of the risks and understand how flood insurance can help protect their investment.

Many Floridians assume that they do not need flood insurance because they do not live in a designated flood zone. However, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, and even areas not considered high-risk have the potential to experience flooding.

In Florida, all areas are at risk of flooding, whether from hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rain, or storm surges. This is due to the state’s low elevation and proximity to water bodies such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Even inland areas can experience flooding from heavy rain, dam failures, or rapid snowmelt.

While some areas may have a lower risk of flooding compared to others, it’s essential to remember that every property in Florida is at risk of flooding. Flood damage can be devastating, and the cost of repairs can be overwhelming for property owners who are not adequately insured.

As an independent insurance agency, it’s our responsibility to educate and advise our clients on the importance of obtaining flood insurance to protect their property from potential flood damage. While homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, flood insurance can be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurance companies.

In conclusion, it’s crucial for Floridians to understand that there are no non-flood zones in the state. All properties in Florida are at risk of flooding, and it’s important to be prepared and protected by obtaining flood insurance. We are here to help our clients navigate the process of obtaining the right insurance coverage for their specific needs.

This article contains information which was generated by artificial intelligence and has been professionally reviewed before release to the public.

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Commercial Insurance: Essential for Businesses of All Sizes

Commercial insurance is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. It provides protection against a variety of risks and helps companies recover from financial losses in case of accidents, natural disasters, lawsuits, and other unexpected events. Whether you own a small business or manage a large corporation, having the right insurance coverage is critical to your success.

There are several types of commercial insurance that you should consider when creating your insurance plan. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common types of commercial insurance, explain what they cover, and highlight why they are important. Businesses should review their insurance coverage annually since coverage terms can vary depending on many factors. Standard policy coverage terms serve as the basis for the following examples.

Property Insurance

Property insurance is designed to protect your business’s physical assets, such as buildings, equipment, inventory, and other property. This type of insurance typically covers losses due to fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other events. Property insurance can also cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing your property if it is damaged.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects your business from financial losses in case you are sued for damages or injuries caused by your products, services, or operations. This type of insurance covers the cost of defending against lawsuits, as well as any settlements or judgments that may be awarded. Liability insurance is essential for businesses of all sizes, as lawsuits can be costly and disruptive.

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance covers the loss of income that your business may suffer due to a temporary shutdown caused by an insured event, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other unforeseen event. This type of insurance can help keep your business running by covering expenses such as rent, employee salaries, and other operating costs while your business is closed.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law in many countries, including the United States. This type of insurance provides financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation insurance covers the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages for affected employees.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, protects your business against lawsuits related to professional services. This type of insurance is important for businesses that provide professional services, such as consultants, accountants, and lawyers. Professional liability insurance covers the cost of defending against lawsuits, as well as any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Product Liability Insurance

Product liability insurance protects your business against lawsuits related to the products you sell. This type of insurance covers the cost of defending against lawsuits, as well as any settlements or judgments that may be awarded. Product liability insurance is especially important for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell products, as lawsuits related to products can be costly and disruptive.

Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance provides protection against losses due to cyber attacks, data breaches, and other types of cybercrime. This type of insurance covers the cost of responding to a cyber attack, as well as the cost of notifying affected customers and repairing any damage to your business’s reputation. With the increasing number of cyber attacks, cyber liability insurance has become an essential type of insurance for businesses of all sizes.

Transportation Insurance

Transportation insurance protects your business against losses related to the transportation of goods and products. This type of insurance covers the cost of replacing lost or damaged goods, as well as any legal costs associated with transporting the goods. Transportation insurance is important for businesses that rely on the transportation of goods to deliver products to customers.

In conclusion, it’s important for businesses of all sizes to have the right insurance coverage. Without it, they may be exposed to significant financial risks that can jeopardize their ability to continue operating. However, with the right insurance coverage in place, businesses can protect themselves and their assets, and have peace of mind knowing that they are prepared for unexpected events. It’s also important for businesses to work with experienced insurance professionals who can help them understand their coverage options and make informed decisions about their insurance needs. By taking a proactive approach to insurance, businesses can help ensure their long-term success and financial stability.

This article contains information which was generated by artificial intelligence and has been professionally reviewed before release to the public.

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Rolfs Insurance Services Included In the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting 2022 Best Practices Study

Pembroke Pines, FL, November 6th, 2022 – Rolfs Insurance Services is part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group.

Each year since 1993, the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

More than 2,600 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 282 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories. 

The agency was nominated by either a Big “I” affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by the Big “I” in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance. The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the highest performing agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

Rolfs Insurance Services was founded in 1997 and offers a wide range of insurance products including personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance as well as life and health coverage with professional guidance and advice.

For further information, please contact Rick Rolfs of Rolfs Insurance Services at 954-251-3312.

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.

Reagan Consulting is a financial and management consulting firm specializing in services to the insurance distribution system.  Clients include the leading brokers, agents, and bank-insurance programs in the United States.  They provide thought leadership to the banking and insurance industries through perennial research, seminars, and other industry forums.

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Tips to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

Here are some basic questions and answers which you should consider when looking at the cost of homeowners insurance and your home or home improvements.

How can comparing quotes help homeowners save money on expensive endorsements or additional coverage like flood insurance?

Comparative shopping is always prudent. Certain carriers have appetite for risks that other carriers do not and the premiums are commensurate with that appetite. The current Florida insurance marketplace does not offer a wide variety of choice in that many carriers are not freely writing insurance, but for those that are, it is a good idea to see what they have to offer to optimize coverage for the best possible premium.

Is it possible and wise for a homeowner to compare insurance companies based on more than just cost, such as the percentage of claims that are denied?

It is always prudent to seek multiple offers of insurance. Comparing factors such as financial solvency, coverage terms, conditions, and limitations is smart but not always easy to do. A good agent with knowledge of these things can make this easier for a client to understand as the layman may find this very challenging without a deep knowledge of the issues. This information for comparison is not always readily available in the public forum.

What are your top tips for saving on the cost of homeowners insurance?

Cost savings are best achieved with full wind mitigation, water leak mitigation, theft deterrence such as a central station monitored alarm system, and the obtaining of multiple offers of insurance to the extent to which they are available. Today many people are doing without valuable endorsements, such as, replacement cost coverage on contents in order to save money as well as attempting to reduce the dwelling coverage by working the replacement cost estimate. While these moves can produce savings they also may leave the insured without proper coverage in the event of an occurrence. Premium savings must be carefully considered in terms of the risk/reward benefits.

How does the home’s construction type impact insurance or other costs?

Construction type as well as the year built of the dwelling are significant factors which impact the cost of insurance. Typically, masonry constructed homes are less expensive to insure than frame constructed homes while homes with steel reinforced concrete roof decks are less expensive to insure than homes with wood truss roofing systems. Homes that have opening protection that meet the Miami-Dade County code are less expensive to insure than those homes that do not have these features. When looking for a home with insurance premiums being an escalating ongoing cost, it is important to find a dwelling that has the best construction type and features to maintain the lowest possible insurance costs.

Call us at 954-251-3312 or contact us for more information or to have a more detailed discussion regarding your specific situation.

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Spring Maintenance for Your Home

When springtime rolls around in Florida, almost everyone thinks of cleaning. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that, after all), but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.

So, when it’s time to set your clocks ahead for daylight-saving time and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, give your home a checkup, too. Here are some suggestions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

Interior and appliances

• Check the basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping.
• Pull your dryer out and clean the exhaust hose and vent (lint found here is a common cause of house fires).
• Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency.
• Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
• Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.

Roof, siding, windows

• Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary.
• Go into the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof might be leaking.
• Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might need new paint to protect against the effects of weather.
• Check for leaks around window and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills.

Yard and exterior

• Check for signs of rodents and other pests.
• Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home.
• Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs.

Remember, winter weather can cause significant damage that is easy to spot, but it often results in wear and tear that homeowners can miss if they aren’t looking closely. It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn’t turn into something more serious.

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Your First Spring Garden

How to Create Your First Garden This Spring

From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Florida residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat.

Wherever you stand on the issues surrounding today’s food supply, however, there are several good reasons to start your own garden:

  • You’ll know exactly where your food was grown, and what went into growing it.
  • You and your family can enjoy great-tasting vegetables — better than store-bought, some believe.
  • Many people find gardening provides both physical and mental benefits and gives them an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Finally, there’s that sense of satisfaction that comes with eating food that you have grown yourself!

Clearly there are plenty of benefits to gardening. But, how do you get started?

Here are some important tips from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, which, like similar services around the country, provides helpful community resources on agriculture and other topics.

Pick the Right Site

“Choosing a garden site is as important as selecting the vegetables to grow in it,” according to the OSU Extension website. “All vegetables need sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil, and they will contract fewer diseases if the site has good ventilation.”

Here’s what to consider before marking your garden plot:

  • Sunlight. Look for a shade-free site. Vegetables need a minimum of six hours of sunshine a day.
  • Soil. How is the natural vegetation? If weeds and grass are healthy on the site, the soil will probably be good for vegetables, too.
  • Surroundings. The roots of trees and large shrubs can suck nutrients away from your vegetables.
  • Proximity. Make it easy on yourself, with water access nearby. Otherwise, you might be less enthusiastic about caring for your garden.

Choose What to Plant

Check with a local gardening organization or search the Web for what vegetables are best for your specific situation and climate. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to plant, according to the OSU extension:

  • Season. Plant your seeds at the right time to avoid damage from temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Follow the instructions on the seed packet.
  • Depth. If you plant your seeds too shallow, they can wash away or dry out, but if they’re too deep, they might not come up at all.
  • Spacing. Each plant needs its share of sunlight, nutrients and water. Don’t make them fight for it! Putting seeds too close together usually results in smaller vegetables, too.

Water Wisely

The best way to water is by monitoring your garden, rather than simply adhering to a set schedule. Follow guidelines for your specific plants, and avoid these common problems, as noted by the OSU Extension website:

  • Frequent, shallow watering. This can promote root development in surface layers of the soil, making plants very susceptible to stress and damage.
  • Overwatering. Yes, you can “drown” plants; too much water can leave little to no oxygen in the soil.
  • Postponing watering. Check your plants regularly. If they appear to need water, don’t wait.

For more specific advice on gardening in Florida, check with the local university extension program. And, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy homegrown food. You just need to be willing to put in a little time and effort — and get your hands dirty!

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Home Insurance Rates Are Skyrocketing in Florida. Here’s Why.

Despite legislative reforms passed during the 2021 Legislative Session, Florida’s homeowners have continued to see dramatic property insurance rate increases. At the same time, the insurance industry is losing billions to unnecessary lawsuits from third-party contractors. In the first three quarters of 2021, financial results show that property insurance had $1.22 billion in underwriting losses.1

So, what does this have to do with your property insurance rates going up? Everything.

Florida’s insurance marketplace has been plagued by unscrupulous cottage industries whose business model is capitalizing on consumers’ insurance policies. Bad actors in the construction, roofing, public adjusting, and legal industries have used abusive solicitation and marking tactics to manipulate the claims process for their benefit.

Only 8.15% of all U.S. homeowners claims were opened in Florida in 2019. Yet, Florida accounted for more than 76 percent of property claim lawsuits in the U.S.2

Between 2013 and 2020, Florida’s property insurers paid out fifteen billion in claims costs. Only eight percent of that was paid to consumers, while 71% was paid to attorneys.3

In 2020, Florida’s homeowners paid $651 more than people in nearby states like Georgia and Alabama. This year, that gap is projected to grow to $866.

The cost of bad actors and third parties filing false or inflated insurance claims is passed along to all of us.

Tasha Carter, Insurance Consumer Advocate

If you’re one of the thousands of homeowners in Florida who can’t afford property insurance rate increases, NOW is the time to tell your elected officials to ACT.

1. Guy carpenter Industry Financial Reporting
2. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Market Conduct Annual Survey (MCAS) Report
3. Florida's P&C Insurance Market: Spiraling Towards Collapse
Information provided by the Florida Association for Insurance Agents

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Want a Safer Home? Consider these Inexpensive Fixes

Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too.

But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can handle to make your home safer – whether you’re handy or not. And you won’t have to break out the power tools (or any tools at all in some instances) or worry about getting in over your head.

Water Works
You need running water in your home – but not water running in your home, if you know what we mean. Even minor leaks can cause major problems, from higher water bills to damage requiring costly repairs (maybe even the kind you can’t tackle yourself). Here are some easy ways to make sure your water stays where it should:

  • Check your appliances. They’re the most common source of water leaks in homes, so it’s worth taking a look at least once a year to check for problems. And the hoses that come with your washer and dishwasher can mean big trouble – they break down over time. Look for kinks and cracks, and replace if needed. Consider using reinforced hoses, too; those with steel braiding or mesh won’t hold up forever, but they’re stronger than rubber or plastic.
  • Watch the pressure. Water pressure that is set too high can cause pipes, hoses and water lines to leak or burst. Inexpensive gauges are available at home-improvement stores to test your pressure.
  • Consider installing water sensors. These can alert you to a leak or other problem soon after it occurs – some can even send messages to your smartphone.

Keep Your Family (and Your Guests) On Their Feet
Millions of Americans – many of them older adults – are injured in falls each year. About 2.5 million were hurt in 2013 alone, according to the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Look around your home. Should you make some of these fixes?

  • Reduce clutter. Everything from small pieces of furniture to area rugs can pose a hazard, so make sure they’re in appropriate places and out of the way if possible.
  • Add stability to stairs. Make sure stairways have sturdy rails, and maybe even non-slip strips, particularly outdoors.
  • Let there be light. It’s hard to walk safely when you can’t see obstacles or potential trouble spots. Make sure your home is well-lit, and don’t forget night lights, too.

Give Everyone Some Air
Pollution isn’t just an outside thing – the air in your home can be unhealthy, too. But helping people breathe a little easier isn’t hard when you follow these steps:

  • Test the air (and your detectors). Make sure you have working carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors and test them regularly. Also, consider testing your home for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be dangerous over time.
  • Check your filters and ducts. Keeping your furnace filter and air ducts clean will keep your air cleaner as well. And consider adding some of nature’s air filters: plants.
  • Keep your home clean. Dust doesn’t just build up on the furniture – it ends up in the air as well. Regular cleaning means cleaner air (just be sure to use safe products).

Home improvement doesn’t have to mean a kitchen remodel or finishing the garage. Making your home safer, in fact, just might be the best improvement of all.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user CORGI HomePlan used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

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Selling on Amazon.com? We can help!

Amazon sellers which exceed a certain amount of gross proceeds in sales are required by Amazon to obtain liability insurance (review the Business Solutions Agreement with Amazon for complete details). We have access to the appropriate markets which provide this coverage through companies with excellent financial strength as rated by AM Best, the industry standard for determining an insurance carrier’s financial strength.

When is this insurance coverage required by Amazon?

Amazon makes the process as easy as possible for their sellers. The complete details of their requirements are located within the Business Solutions Agreement which can be located on their seller central website. Amazon may also send an email denoting their insurance coverage requirements, why their insurance coverage requirements apply, and explaining how to communicate proof of insurance to them, typically via seller central. Amazon commonly requests that their sellers obtain and maintain liability insurance with a limit of at least $1 million per occurrence and in aggregate, and cover liabilities caused by or occurring in conjunction with business operations, including products, products/completed operations and bodily injury.

Well, how much will this insurance coverage for Amazon cost?

Probably much less than the average cost of insurance coverage. These policies are primarily rated based on estimated total gross annual revenues. Therefore, higher gross annual sales would equate to a higher insurance premium. Another factor which affects the cost of this coverage are the products which are being manufactured and/or sold. This is accounted for by insurance companies under what is referred to as a class code.

There are also other factors and details which contribute to the cost of insurance. In order to determine the precise cost call us at (954) 251-3312 or click here to get in touch and we’ll provide a formal offer of insurance which will satisfy Amazon’s seller insurance requirements. Please also feel free to contact us for additional information.

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Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

There’s a ticking time bomb in your South Florida house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Rolfs Insurance Services are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Washing Machine
Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer
Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator
If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.

Gas Grills
At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Rolfs Insurance Services are happy to help.

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Hurricane Preparation & Resolution | A Plan for Before & After the Storm

Hurricane preparation is frequently on the minds of Floridians as hurricanes are often racing towards our shoreline. When under a hurricane warning or hurricane/tropical storm watch, the forecast track may put us all in peril as the looming storms threaten property damage, mass power outages and communications breakdowns.

Hurricane preparation prior to a storm arriving.

Clear the immediate area of debris that could potentially become airborne. Install hurricane shutters, and take photographs to illustrate the quality of your property prior to damage caused by a storm. Safeguard and prepare beforehand when the threat of a disastrous storm is imminent.

In the wake of a storm’s passing, if property damage has occurred:

  1. Take immediate steps to keep additional loss from happening.
  2. Take photographs evidencing the property damage.
  3. Save all receipts and keep track of all expenses associated with securing the property from additional damage.
  4. Immediately report the loss to your agent, or if communications and electricity are unavailable, report directly to the insurer.

Additional tips & related safety information may be found at The United States Department of Homeland Security website https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Listed below are the claims phone numbers for many of the insurers that we represent.

In the event that we are not contactable please call your insurer directly to report the loss as it is imperative that claims be reported immediately.

AIG1-888-760-9195
American Bankers Insurance Company1-800-654-4895
Anchor Insurance1-844-365-5588
Bankers Insurance Group1-800-765-9700
Burns & Wilcox813-558-9560
Chubb1-800-252-4670
Citizens1-866-411-2742
Edison Insurance Company888-683-7971
Elements Property Insurance Company1-866-709-8749
FedNat1-800-293-2532 & press 2, followed by 2
Florida Peninsula866-549-9672, option 3
Frontline1-800-675-0145
Geovera1-800-735-8086
Heritage Property & Casualty1-855-415-7120
Homeowners Choice1-866-324-3138
Intact Specialty1-877-248-3455
Ironshore1-800-466-9165
Lexington Insurance Company1-800-931-9546
Mercury1-800-503-3724
MetLife1-800-854-6011
National Specialty Insurance Company844-878-2567
Olympus Insurance Company1-866-281-2242
Onebeacon Entertainment1-877-248-3455
Progressive1-800-776-4737
ProSight Specialty Insurance Company1-800-774-2755
Pure1-888-813-7873
Safeco1-800-332-3226
Safehold Special Risk1-800-842-8917
Safepoint Insurance1-855-252-4615
Scottsdale Insurance Company1-800-423-7675
Southern Oak Insurance Company1-877-900-2280
Tower Hill1-800-342-3407
Travelers Insurance Company1-800-238-6225
United Property & Casualty Insurance Company1-888-256-3378
Universal Insurance Company of North America1-866-999-0898
Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company800-470-0599
Vault1-844-388-5677
Velocity Risk Underwriters844-878-2567
Weston Insurance1-877-505-3040
Wright Flood Insurance Group1-800-725-9472

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Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Water Damage

Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry.

Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many areas of the country, and they help keep things green, even if they keep you inside. But when they get heavy, it’s time to start thinking about the potential impact all that water has on your home. The first step is finding and fixing any immediate problems as soon as it’s safe to do so. Then, you’ll want to take measures to prevent those problems from happening during the next downpour!

A homeowners insurance policy may provide coverage for water damage with or without limitations, but does not provide coverage for flooding. Obtain flood insurance coverage to insure your home for floods.

Where is all that rain going? Check the roof and gutters to avoid interior water damage.

Your roof and gutters form a key line of defense for your home – and in a storm, they’re vulnerable, because so many things can damage them. Trees, hail, and other objects can create weaknesses that might lead to leaks in your roof, so check for missing shingles and other issues. And keep your gutters clear so all that water drains properly.

Are you checking everywhere? wind driven rain can lead to water damage from the exterior walls and openings.

Water dripping from the ceiling is hard to miss. Water in your crawl space, however, can easily go undetected because hardly anyone ever checks there. Don’t forget to look down there after a storm (or have a professional do it) to make sure everything is nice and dry. If you do see moisture, you’ll want to get it out with a sump pump as soon as possible to avoid further water damage.

And don’t just look up – another place to check is your home’s exterior, whether it’s siding, brick, or another material. Weak spots can be hard to see, so look at various times of the day in different lighting conditions.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the elements out, too. Consider purchasing electronic water sensing devices to detect interior water intrusion. Should water make its way inside your home these water sensors can alert you to help immediately begin mitigating any water damage. The most basic water sensors can be purchased for as little as $10 a sensor.

What about around your property?

Storm water has to go somewhere, and if your property doesn’t drain well, or if runoff goes toward your foundation, you could have problems. So watch for patterns, and grade property so it drains away from your home if possible. Always be wary of hillsides and tilting trees after heavy storms, because the land might not be stable.

And don’t forget to keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. This can prevent flooding both on the streets and your own property.

What should you do during the storm?

During powerful storms, stay inside. This is not the time to check your roof, your exterior, or your property unless there’s an emergency and you know it’s safe to go out. Monitor your interior, making sure no water is getting in. If it is, do what you can to alleviate the situation in the moment, even if it means just placing something under a leak to collect the water to prevent further water damage. For more serious problems, though, remember that safety is the most important thing. If your basement is flooding, for example, don’t go down there – you could be trapped and even drown.

Thankfully, powerful storms only hit once in a while. Preparing for them, however, should be on your mind a lot more frequently, because the next one could be tomorrow.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Victor U used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

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Certificate of Authenticity…

A certificate of insurance is a document which evidences proof of insurance to its holder. It conveys an indication of insurance coverage including special designations such as additional insured status to its holder, as well as endorsements which may or may not extend and/or limit coverage. It is a legal document used to consummate contracts such as leases or loans, and may be utilized to imply coverage with regard to municipalities and other public entities to facilitate the issuance of permits for construction or other public events. The question is, how does a consumer know that the certificate is authentic?

One day, in walked a man with a document in his hand and he was looking for “you know who.” He said he was from the Division of Insurance Fraud Investigations and he needed to verify if a certificate had been issued by our agency. Upon a scan of our database and an examination of the form looking for tell-tale diagnostic signs as to whether or not it had come from our system, it was determined that the form was not produced by us. A sworn statement was requested and given to the investigator as a result of this due diligent process for use in the continuation of the investigation surrounding the potential fraud. Since insurance is woven into the fabric of our society and is mandated by law as well as in the support of business relationships, this kind of crime tears at the fabric of the public good. When fraud is discovered it should be reported to the proper authorities as these acts cost us all money, time and aggravation.

It is up to the consumer to mitigate this kind of skullduggery.

Prudence dictates that when requesting a certificate of insurance from a third party, that the document should be forwarded directly from the issuing agent to the certificate holder in order to prevent or limit the potential for chicanery. The document should be examined and understood by the holder, and if any questions should arise either the issuing authorized agent should be contacted and questioned or your own agent may be used as a resource to limit the possibility of shenanigans.

At Rolfs Insurance Services we provide our clients with advice and consultation when it comes to these matters. Feel free to talk to us if questions should arise when faced with these kinds of issues. Think of us as in your inner circle of advisors for knowledge and consultation with regard to these kinds of questions.

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2021 COVID-19 Update from Rolfs Insurance Services

2021 COVID-19 Update from Rick Rolfs, President of Rolfs Insurance Services

We begin the new year hopeful that business operations will normalize not just for our agency but for everyone else as well. Unfortunately, while some of our staff continue operations at our Pembroke Pines office, we are still not accepting office visits for the foreseeable future. As always, we are available via phone, email, our website, and are also contactable via a majority of social media websites (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

Thus, we’d like to take this opportunity to put faces to our names for those of you who have not yet visited our website or social media pages. The core of our staff is located on the our team page of our website. Here, we have included head shots of ourselves and a short snippet explaining who we are or what we do. Vicki handles the majority of our commercial lines operations while Kyle handles the majority of our personal lines operations. Of course, I am also involved in all departments of the agency’s operations with my assistant Lee. Bonnie, my wife, is our receptionist and fields the majority of our phone calls. Admittedly, this page is slightly outdated. As many of you are aware, Ralph Russo is enjoying retirement and is doing well.

Late last year, with great pride and pleasure we welcomed my son Ryan to the business. We are overjoyed to have him on our team. He is knowledgeable and a strong addition to the agency. It’s a good possibility that some of you have already met him on the phone as he is part of our core team that is still working from the office.

Our agency’s off-premise producers have also remained strong during this crisis. Nancy, Jon, Kevin, Bill, Maria, Frank, Ray, and Patricia are invaluable assets to our agency.

Luckily, none of our staff has contracted the COVID-19 virus at this time. We expect the availability of vaccinations to greatly help in getting our office operations back to “normal.” Please be safe in 2021 and beyond, and do not hesitate to give us a call at 954-251-3312 to discuss insurance, with questions, or to keep in touch. We wish everyone wellness and success in the year ahead.

2021 COVID-19 Update from Rolfs Insurance Services

Below (from left to right): Lee, Vicki, Nancy, Kyle, Ralph, Rick, and Bonnie

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Jewelry Insurance Coverage Explained

A ring from a loved one. A bracelet handed down through generations. A watch or necklace marking a special occasion. Every reason why you treasure a piece of fine jewelry is a reason why it should be insured. However, calling it “jewelry insurance” may be a stretch. You don’t need a separate policy to insure your jewelry. You just need to ensure you have the right personal property coverage from your homeowners, condo, or renters insurance. Jewelry coverage helps protect the investment you’ve made in your favorite pieces by helping you replace them if you experience a loss that’s covered by your policy. But, the coverage is only for certain instances and set dollar amounts, so double check what coverage you have and learn more about insuring jewelry below.

Know What Your Existing Insurance Policy Covers

If you already have personal property coverage as part of a homeowners, renters, or condo policy, you likely already have some form of protection for your jewelry. The typical insurance policy will cover you, up to your policy limit, for jewelry that’s stolen or damaged in certain incidents, such as a fire at your home. However, the typical policy will not cover everyday damage, such as a stone falling out of its setting.

In addition to knowing when you’re covered and when you’re not, it’s also important to know how much you’re covered for. Your insurance policy may cover each individual piece of jewelry at a set amount, such as $1,000 per piece. Or, it may cover your jewelry collection as a whole, such as $3,000 for all pieces. Check your policy or schedule an insurance review with a local agent to better understand what kind of jewelry coverage you have.

Calculate the Value of Your Jewelry Collection in Today’s Dollars

To determine whether you have enough jewelry insurance, you need to know how much your pieces are worth. Keep in mind that your pieces may be worth more now than when you bought them. The value of precious metals and precious stones can increase over time, so have your pieces appraised about every three years.

Use these appraisals, as well as receipts for recently purchased items, to add up the value of your collection. Then compare it to how much jewelry replacement coverage you have on your homeowners insurance, condo insurance or renters insurance.

Decide Which Items Require Additional Coverage

If the jewelry coverage on your policy is lower than the value of your collection, you’ll likely want to purchase additional coverage. For example, you may have a $2,000 pair of diamond earrings, a $7,500 engagement ring and an insurance policy that covers jewelry loss – no matter how many pieces – at $3,000. If both pieces are lost in a single incident, you’re short $6,500 of coverage.

To fill this gap, you can insure high-value items individually, as part of your homeowners insurance, condo insurance or renters insurance. This is known as “scheduling valuables” or adding a “rider” or “endorsement” to your policy. To do so, you will likely need a recent receipt or appraisal establishing the value of each item.

Once scheduled, if an item is damaged or lost in a covered incident, you’ll be covered for the full scheduled amount. Typically, scheduling an item also gives you broader coverage. A lost stone that isn’t covered under your homeowners policy, for example, is likely covered under a policy rider.

Catalog Your Jewelry in a Home Inventory

Once you arrange coverage for your high-value jewelry, it’s important to create a home inventory or update an existing one to catalog your valuable belongings. This isn’t as important for your scheduled pieces because your insurance company has a record of their value. However, for any unscheduled pieces that are lost or stolen, you’ll want a record of their worth.

Ideally, your home inventory will include photos, receipts, appraisals, descriptions, brand names, etc. of all valuable personal property, not just your jewelry. That way, if there’s a loss, you’ll already have the documentation needed for a personal property claim in place.

A home inventory can be as simple as a Word document (save it to the cloud or a flash drive in case your computer is damaged or stolen). Or use a Web program or mobile phone app, such as the home inventory app, to help you catalog your belongings.

Insuring jewelry is easy and affordable, so talk to an agent or carrier. You may pay as little as $10 a year for each $1,000 of coverage. So, if you get something special for Valentine’s Day this year, in addition to flashing it to your friends, think about protecting it, too.

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Rolfs Insurance Services Included In IIABA’s 2020 Best Practices Study

Pembroke Pines, FL, September 5th, 2020 – Rolfs Insurance Services retains its Best Practices status, once again becoming a part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States. This status comes by participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Best Practices Study group. The annual survey and Study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

Since 1993, the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, have join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.

The selected Best Practices agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year. This is the second year of the current three-year study cycle, where over 1,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study in 2019, but only 262 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.

Rolfs Insurance Services was founded in 1997 and offers a wide range of insurance products including personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance as well as life and health coverage with professional guidance and advice.

For further information, please contact Rick Rolfs of Rolfs Insurance Services at 954-251-3312.

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing more than 25,000 agency locations united under the Trusted Choice brand. Trusted Choice independent agents offer consumers all types of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products—from a variety of insurance companies.

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Boat and RV Insurance New Product Offerings in Florida

Boat and RV insurance just got better. There are exciting new product offerings for Florida boat and RV owners.

RV: Expanded protection because roaming homes need steady coverage*

Progressive’s Pest Damage Protection℠ — Provides coverage for damage to motor homes and non-stationary travel trailers caused by rats, mice, insects, birds, other non-domesticated animals, or other rodents and vermin.

Progressive’s Roof Protection Plus ® — Provides coverage to repair or replace the vehicle’s roof if it malfunctions, even if the cause is wear and tear. This coverage also includes damage to other parts of the vehicle caused directly by the roof’s malfunction.

Increased acceptability for boats:*

  • Horsepower — Up to 700 HP for single engines/1,400 HP for twin engines on cruisers, motor yachts and ski/wake boats with inboard engines
  • Engine Configuration — Triple engines are now acceptable on certain outboard motor boats

Progressive’s Hurricane Haul Out coverage — Reimburses for 50% of the cost incurred to haul out a boat due to tropical storm or hurricane conditions.

Boating Safety

Here are some boating safety tips for when you’re out on the water.

Choose the right types (and sizes) of life jackets—and make sure everyone wears them.
There are different types of life jackets for various activities, such as vest-type jackets for calm, inland waters, offshore jackets with additional buoyancy designed for rougher water, and even some made for waterskiing, kayaking, etc. Think about what you’ll be doing, where you’ll be headed, and who will be with you, so you have the ones you need. (Click here for a great guide.)

Each individual on board (even pets) should have a life jacket that fits properly, and most important, they should wear it at all times—there probably won’t be time to throw one on when something bad happens unexpectedly. According to the Coast Guard, in most cases of boating-related drowning, life jackets were on board but they weren’t worn by victims.

Make sure you have other key safety equipment on board.
There are plenty of other items you should have (or consider having) on your boat to increase safety. Fire extinguishers are required on most boats, even small vessels, so make sure you have the right type and that you know how to use it. If you have an enclosed area on your boat, you should install a carbon-monoxide detector.

Cell phones don’t always work well when you’re out on the water, so a VHF radio can ensure you’re able to call for help—it might be a good idea to get an emergency position-indicating radio beacon in case you get lost, too. And finally, you should always carry an anchor and signal lights, even if you aren’t planning on being out at night.

Use common sense, both before and after you launch the boat.
Keeping your boat’s systems and equipment (including safety gear, of course) in good shape is the first step to preventing problems, so put in the time to perform inspections and maintenance tasks as needed. Then, before any trip, no matter how quick, check the weather. Look for wind and small-craft advisories in particular.

When you hit the water, the fun can begin! But keep in mind that a quiet, enjoyable day can change in just an instant, too. So don’t speed. Don’t drink or allow excessive distractions. Remember that there are other people out there too, and that when everybody does their part, boating is a lot more fun—and a lot safer—for us all.

*Coverages and discounts may vary. Products and programs may not be available for all situations. Please contact or call us at 954-251-3312 for more information.

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Hurricane Season: Planning and Preparation for Severe Storms

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has begun (June 1st to November 30th, 2020). Now is the time to create or update a disaster plan in preparation for severe storms and hurricanes. The following links include various resources from government agencies, our advice for protecting life and property, and additional insurance related advice for the hurricane season.

FEMA hurricane season guides for everyone and for businesses

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made available downloadable documents for individuals and businesses to help prepare for the hurricane season. Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. Click on the links below to download these useful guides.

Getting ready, forming a hurricane plan, and what to do in the event of a storm

Below are links to articles which I’ve written that provide further guidance for the storm season.

Ready.gov/hurricanes

More resources provided by Ready, a National public service campaign, can all be found at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes which has been updated with additional helpful information due to the Coronavirus.

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A Contract of Indemnity: The Real Meaning of Insurance

Insurance means different things to different people. Wikipedia (via multiple sources) once defined insurance as:
The equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another in exchange for money. It is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. An insurer, or insurance carrier, is selling the insurance; the insured, or policyholder, is the person or entity buying the insurance policy. The amount of money to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage is called the premium. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice. The transaction involves the insured assuming a guaranteed and known relatively small loss in the form of payment to the insurer in exchange for the insurer’s promise to compensate the insured in the case of a financial (personal) loss. The insured receives a contract, called the insurance policy, which details the conditions and circumstances under which the insured will be financially compensated.

At its heart insurance is simply the transfer of risk for a premium.

An insurance policy is a contract of indemnity which means an obligation by a person (indemnitor) to provide compensation for a particular loss suffered by another person (indemnitee). Indemnities form the basis of many insurance contracts; for example, a car owner may purchase different kinds of insurance as an indemnity for various kinds of loss arising from operation of the car, such as damage to the car itself or medical expenses following an accident. In an agency context, a principal may be obligated to indemnify their agent for liabilities incurred while carrying out responsibilities under the relationship. While the events giving rise to an indemnity may be specified by contract, the actions that must be taken to compensate the injured party are largely unpredictable and the maximum compensation is often expressly limited. The question is, how does the academic definition of insurance translate into the real world?

The true essence of insurance is claims handling.

Much like the Pulp Fiction character Mr. Wolfe in Quinton Tarantino’s famous movie, when you pick up the phone and call for help after a calamity has happened the peace of mind in knowing that assistance is on the way is what trust is all about. The trust in a relationship with your agent and your insurance carrier is at the heart of coverage.
At Rolfs Insurance Services our goal is to build trust through the strength of knowledge delivered with integrity to provide protection. If you have friends or family that may be able to utilize our services with this underlying philosophy kindly forward a copy of this newsletter to them. It is our purpose and pleasure to help others while providing peace of mind to those who do business with us.

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Mysterious Disappearance or a Theft Insurance Loss?

One of the common covered perils under a property policy, such as homeowners insurance, is theft. A theft is evidenced by forcible signs of entry or exit from the location in which the loss occurred. This evidence can include things such as a broken window, a pried open door, or scratches or marks on a window or door frame where a thief attempted either entry or exit from a location. If these physical signs are not present then a loss may be categorized as mysterious disappearance.

Where a property policy typically provides coverage for theft it does not insure against mysterious disappearance.

Personal inland marine as well as commercial inland marine type policies which specifically schedule or provide blanket coverage to objects generally do grant coverage for mysterious disappearance. Property which is scheduled on a personal inland marine floater generally include jewelry, fine arts, silverware, furs and other items which usually increase in value over time. The mechanism by which an insured or insurer agree to the value of these objects is an appraisal which typically must be updated every two to three years. Commercial inland marine policies which are designed for items that are in motion such as contractor’s equipment, tools and other mobile machinery are scheduled and a value assigned so that a loss may be properly covered.

These are the types of nuances in coverage that we at Rolfs Insurance Services strive to explain and educate our clients to be sensitive to.

Open communications and conversations where we get to know our clients’ needs are key to developing a proper plan of insurance in order to provide correct coverage. Please do not hesitate to give us a call or send an email with respect to this or any other issue where you may have a question. If you have any family, friends or other acquaintances that may need assistance with any insurance question we would be happy to provide assistance.

Call Rolfs Insurance Services to get an informed choice that provides peace of mind,
and the knowledge that you have proper financial protection in place — 954-251-3312

Contact Info

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10011 Pines Blvd
Suite #201
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024
954-251-3312 office
954-241-6772 fax

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