Getting Florida Auto Insurance after a DUI

If you have been convicted of a DUI in the state of Florida, it will stay on your record for 10 years. During this time, purchasing insurance can certainly be difficult. While some insurance companies may be lenient if it is your first offense, you may find yourself in the high-risk pool. You may even be required to pay high rates for minimum coverage.  

Your First Offense

If this is your first conviction for a DUI, then you may not notice much change as far as your Florida auto insurance goes as long as you continue to pay your premiums on time. Even if your driver’s license is suspended, you might be able to continue to pay for your insurance as you normally would in order to keep it effective. This often depends on the insurance companies as some will drop your policy soon after learning that your license was suspended. If this happens, then you’ll really have a problem because you’ll be forced to shop for a new insurance carrier with not only a DUI on your record, but also a cancellation.

High Risk Insurance

Most of the time, if you are convicted of a DUI, you will be required to pay much more for Florida auto insurance because these insurance carriers will view insuring you as a risky endeavor. In some cases, and generally if you are reinstating your license after a suspension, the court may order you to file an SR-22 document. This is often confused as a separate type of insurance, but it is actually a document you must file when the courts have ordered you to maintain a certain minimum in the form of liability insurance. This means that you will pay much more for basic coverage than other drivers for the entire time that the SR-22 is kept on file.

What are High-Risk Pools?

High-risk pools are maintained by each state and are essentially an assigned-risk pool for risky drivers. Each Florida auto insurance company is required to handle its portion of this pool, whether it will earn a profit or be required to absorb a loss because of it. When you cannot find a private insurance company to insure you, you will likely land in this pool. Regardless, there are insurance companies out there who are required to provide you with coverage, albeit at a much higher rate—and only for the absolute minimum coverage that is necessary in the state of Florida.

Improving the Situation

In many cases, there isn’t much you can do to improve your insurance rates after filing an SR-22 or falling into the high-risk pool until your DUI has come off your driving record or you are no longer required to keep the SR-22 on file. You’ll likely just have to bite the bullet and pay the higher rates. However, in other cases, and especially if you have been with the same insurance company for a long period of time and have maintained a good driving record other than the DUI, you may be placed on what is known as a ‘probationary period’. During this time, you will pay higher rates; however, if you do not receive a single traffic ticket or violation, your insurance rates will go back to normal.

The best way to avoid getting stuck with high Florida auto insurance rates due to a DUI is to simply avoid drinking and driving. Unfortunately, once your rates have gone up or your insurance carrier has cancelled your policy, high rates are simply something you will have to live with until your driving record returns to normal. 

Florida Renters Insurance offers Peace of Mind

Those who own their homes understand the importance of covering these structures—and all of the valuable things within them—against losses due to fire, flood, storm damage and more. Florida renter’s insurance offers most of the same benefits with one very notable exception: it does not cover the structure itself.

Homeowner’s vs. Renter’s Insurance

Florida renter’s insurance is a lot like homeowner’s insurance because it offers many of the same coverage types. If the home you are renting is struck by lightning, catches fire due to issues beyond your control or is damaged due to a flood or storm, your landlord is responsible for all of the structural damage that occurs. However, the insurance your landlord carries will not cover your personal losses for things like furniture, electronics and more. All of this responsibility falls on you, so it is good to know that renter’s insurance is quite easy to obtain and often more affordable than many individuals may think.

Choosing a Coverage Amount

The cost of the Florida renter’s insurance premiums will vary somewhat based upon several different factors, including the types of coverage you choose and the overall value of your property. Before purchasing coverage, go through your home and take pictures of all of your valuable items. If you own things of extraordinary value, be sure to have them appraised and documented. Then, add up the value of all of your belongings and purchase a policy that will cover more than this amount. You may choose to purchase a policy that will pay the replacement cost of these items or one that will give you the actual cash value of your items in the form of a check following a loss.

Liability Coverage

Most Florida renter’s insurance policies also include liability coverage. Liability insurance will protect you if someone is injured or suffers bodily harm while inside your rented home. For example, if you are hosting a birthday party and a friend trips over a rug, falls and breaks his or her hand, you could be at risk for being sued. Liability insurance is available for this very purpose, and the amount of coverage you choose will have a direct impact on the cost of your premiums. You may choose $10,000 in liability coverage for a lower premium; you may also choose $50,000 in liability coverage for a broader coverage range, but this comes with a higher premium.

Other Things that May Be Covered

There are numerous other benefits associated with Florida renter’s insurance, such as the ability to cover items that you take with you when you travel. This should be examined closely, however, as not every policy covers items like engagement rings, cell phones, suitcases and more. Renter’s insurance can also cover you in the event of a theft, but it is still up to you to determine whether or not you want to receive the actual cash value of the stolen property or the replacement cost.

Although your rented home’s structure is covered under your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance policy, your personal belongings—and your liability if someone is injured in your home or on your property—are not. Fortunately, Florida renter’s insurance is quite inexpensive and can make replacing items or paying for legal claims simpler and easier. 

Tips for Choosing a Florida Health Insurance Plan

There is no denying that health insurance is important for everyone, especially with new laws that have gone into place over the course of the last year. However, choosing a Florida health insurance provider can certainly be a tedious process. Here are some tips for choosing the best plan for you and your family.

Tip #1 – Choose a Plan that Meets Your Needs

This may sound simple enough, but it is important to consider that not all Florida health insurance plans are created equally. There are three types of plans, including HMO or Health Maintenance Organizations, PPO or Preferred Provider Organizations, and  POS or Point of Service Plans. An HMO plan will require you to use doctors, specialists, surgeons and even hospitals within specific networks. Although this gives you less flexibility, you will enjoy reduced costs. A PPO, on the other hand, gives you the option to use in-network providers at a reduced cost or venture out of network for a larger fee. Finally, a POS plan is a combination of the two that typically requires you to select a primary care physician, but provides you with the option to choose out of network specialists and surgeons with a referral from that provider.

Tip #2 – Consider Your Future Needs

You will need to consider the things that will be happening in the future before you purchase a Florida health insurance plan. For example, if you are planning to have a baby within the next year or two, you will want to choose a plan that includes comprehensive medical coverage. Similarly, if you have selected an obstetrician, you will want to ensure that the plan you choose includes that obstetrician in its network. Please keep in mind that all health insurance providers are now required to include children up to age 26 in their parents’ plans unless they have access to insurance through their employers.

Tip #3 – Premium vs. Out of Pocket Costs

You should also take the time to consider the amount of your insurance premiums when compared to your out of pocket costs. Many Florida health insurance plans are quite customizable in this aspect; you can choose the amount of your deductible, the amount of coverage you will receive during a year and even the amount of your copays in order to fine-tune the cost of your premiums. Those who are young and healthy may be able to trade pricey premiums for higher deductibles, making their coverage more affordable but still available to them in emergency situations.

Tip #4 – Free Preventative Care

One of the most important things to look into when selecting Florida health insurance plans is whether or not free preventative care is offered. These days, healthcare providers and even insurance companies have realized that ensuring people receive the regular care they need—annual physicals for adults and well-child visits for infants and toddlers—can decrease the overall cost of healthcare significantly. Some other things that you may be able to access for free include routine screenings for cancers and other maladies, dental cleanings and even regular hearing screenings.

Armed with the right information and a firm understanding of the various Florida health insurance plans that are available to you can help you select a plan that fits both your needs and the needs of your entire family.  

Florida Life Insurance is Important at Any Age

One of the most common assumptions made by young and even middle-aged adults is that they do not need life insurance, particularly if they do not have children or dependents. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Florida life insurance is important for adults of all ages, whether or not they have children.

Why Everyone Needs Florida Life Insurance

It is a common misconception that life insurance is only important for individuals who have serious health conditions or for those who are of older age. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case and many people find themselves without the Florida life insurance they need whenever they need it the most. Even individuals who are not married and who do not have children will still have funeral and other final expenses that must be paid for, and this burden often falls on parents, brothers or sisters when there is no life insurance. For people with spouses and families, life insurance is priceless as it not only covers final expenses, but it also ensures that families will be able to maintain their lifestyles.

Purchase Life Insurance Sooner rather than Later

The best way to purchase affordable life insurance is to purchase it at a young age when the insured is still healthy. When Florida life insurance providers create policies and prices, they often look at the risk associated with lending to the proposed insured. If the individual is young and healthy, there is little risk involved and this means that even policies with high payouts will be affordable. Conversely, individuals who wait until they are of an advanced age or until they have a potentially life-threatening condition will pay astronomical rates due to the significantly increased amount of risk associated with insuring them.

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance

The two main types of Florida life insurance are term life insurance and whole life insurance. Term life insurance is associated with lower premiums, but it only covers the insured for a certain amount of time before expiring; this means that the insured will need to re-apply for coverage later. Although this type of insurance is cheaper, it can be troublesome and expensive to renew. Whole life insurance is associated with higher premiums, but it never expires and has a guaranteed payout. In fact, whole life insurance builds cash value over time, and this can be borrowed against in times of financial need.

Choosing a Policy

Choosing a policy starts with finding a reputable Florida life insurance provider that has earned a great name for itself and that is well-respected among peers. Then, after answering some simple questions, the proposed insured will be presented with several options that fit his or her budget. Those who do not have much to spend will likely want to look into term life insurance, but they will need to keep in mind that renewal can be expensive and difficult. The best option for most people is whole life insurance, and the insurance agency will take the insured’s income, lifestyle and family status into consideration when determining the amount of coverage that will be necessary.

Individuals who are young and healthy—even those who have yet to start families of their own—often think that Florida life insurance is an expense that can wait. Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen at any time and the most responsible choice is to be prepared for anything. 

The Ins and Outs of Florida Prescription Drug Coverage

There is certainly no denying that health insurance is expensive, and this leads many people to believe that prescription insurance will not fit into their budgets. However, there are many reasons why Florida prescription drug coverage is so important—even for those who do not currently take any medications.

Buy Now, Save Later

The most common mistake that people make when it comes to Florida prescription drug coverage is assuming that since they do not need prescription drugs now, they will never need them in the future. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, the number of Americans that take at least one daily prescription drug has risen from 44% to 48% in the last 10 years. In fact, the same source cites that some 11% of the population takes five or more prescription medications per month. When this is considered along with the rising cost of pharmaceuticals, drug coverage begins to make more sense.

Insurance Costs vs. Out-of-Pocket Costs

Another common misconception regarding prescription medications and insurance has to do with the overall cost. People who do not regularly take medications often feel that it will be less expensive to avoid Florida prescription drug coverage premiums and simply purchase their medications out-of-pocket when the need arises. However, consider this: a one-month supply of the increasingly common depression medication known as Abilify costs $500 a month. Similarly, a one-month supply of Enbrel, a common medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, costs a whopping $1500 a month. Paying relatively low premiums during times when medication is not needed can help people avoid these sudden costs.

Purchasing Coverage

There are generally two ways to purchase Florida prescription drug coverage: with a health insurance package or as a supplemental plan. Either of these can be beneficial; it all depends on the patient’s situation. For example, those who are on Medicare will need to purchase supplemental insurance, but they can opt to purchase it from Medicare directly or on their own through their insurance agents of choice. When considering this insurance, it is best to select an insurance agent who can provide quotes from several insurers at once. This way, individuals can get the best coverage for the lowest prices available through the process of comparison shopping.  

Premium Costs and Co-Pays

The overall cost of prescription drug coverage will vary based upon several factors, including the number of people in the family being covered, the patients’ ages and health conditions, and the number of medications they are already taking. Even with prescription coverage, there are copays involved. However, rather than paying $500 or $1500 for the medications listed above, patients will pay $10 to $30 for generic prescriptions and $20 to $50 for name brands depending upon the coverage and the plan. With a family’s prescription coverage costing about $1200 per year on average, this could be recouped with a single purchase.

It is also important to consider that the cost of Florida prescription drug coverage increases significantly as people age or if they have pre-existing conditions that require treatment with these medications. Therefore, it is imperative to purchase this coverage at a young age and before any health conditions are present. 

Five Tips for Saving Money on Florida Health Insurance

There’s simply no denying that healthcare is expensive as a whole, and the cost of Florida health insurance only seems to back this up. Although health insurance may be one of the most expensive parts of the budget—sometimes even costing more than the mortgage—there are some ways to save money. Here are five tips to get started: 

Tip #1 – Stay Healthy

This may seem self-explanatory, but very few people actually take it to heart. The truth is that Florida health insurance companies offer lower premiums to those individuals who have the fewest claims. This means that the fewer times a family needs to visit the doctor, the lower the premiums will be. Some of the best ways to stay healthy include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, losing excess weight and avoid reckless activity that could result in an injury that requires a doctor’s attention.

Tip #2 – Buy Insurance Before it is Needed

One of the main mistakes that people make when it comes to Florida health insurance is failing to purchase it before a health condition rears its ugly head. Although new legislature will prevent insurance companies from denying an individual coverage due to a pre-existing condition, this coverage will undoubtedly be much more expensive. Insurance is a purchase that is best made while the individual or family is still healthy; this makes the premiums affordable and ensures that there will be a helping hand available if a serious condition arises.

Tip #3 – Choose a Higher Deductible

There are many different types of Florida health insurance plans out there; some pay 100% of certain costs and others are associated with a small co-pay that the insured must pay out of pocket. In either case, there is typically a deductible, or a certain amount of money the patient must spend out of pocket on healthcare costs, that must be paid before the insurance company will start paying for services. Consumers should study the deductibles associated with these policies very carefully before they purchase, and they should be sure to choose the highest deductible that works for them in order to save money on premium costs.

Tip #4 – Opt for Prescription Coverage with a Deductible

Another mistake that Florida residents often make is failing to choose a prescription plan that is associated with a deductible of its own. Here, it is important to find a happy medium when it comes to the deductible amount and monthly premium costs. In most cases, higher deductibles mean lower premiums. This means that insured individuals who opt for a deductible with their prescription coverage will have lower monthly premiums, and they can usually get the deductible covered in a matter of a few months, leaving the insurance company to pick up the tab for the medicines through the rest of the year.

Tip #5 – Most People Cannot Afford the Perfect Plan

When it comes to shopping for Florida health insurance, people all want the same things—great coverage, a wide range of network providers, low co-pays and low deductibles. Unfortunately, while these plans are certainly available, the premium costs are astronomical. To save money, consumers should ultimately decide what is most important to them and look for a policy that provides it. Those who want great prescription coverage may have higher copays when they see a doctor; those who want a vast network of doctors and surgeons may have to sacrifice on the low deductible.

Florida health insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tips and ensuring that their policies fit within their budgets, everyone can find a personalized insurance plan that will be there for them when they need it the most.

Florida Residents Seek Homeowner’s Insurance for the Hurricane Season

From the years 1980 to 2011, Florida ranked the highest in US insured catastrophe losses that were covered by home insurance. It was estimated that some 15% of all claims during those years came directly from homeowners. This is due in part to the hurricanes and thunderstorms that frequent the Sunshine State, and homeowner’s insurance is an absolute necessity here.

Some Facts about Florida Insurance Claims

Seven of the 10 most financially catastrophic hurricanes in US history have impacted Florida. In fact, six of these occurred during the years 2004 and 2005. Hurricane Andrew, the costliest hurricane in US history—even topping Hurricane Katrina—caused $22.9 billion in damage in Florida and Louisiana combined. As of 2012, there was $2.8 trillion worth of property protected by homeowner’s insurance in Florida, and an estimated 15% of Florida homeowners either have no coverage or inadequate coverage. Hurricane season is unpredictable, and homeowner’s insurance is not something to be taken lightly. Floridians should be sure to review their policies annually and make changes when necessary.

Understanding Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding what Florida homeowner’s insurance will and will not cover. In all states, it is intended to cover the structure of the home, certain personal property and some forms of liability. Many policies will even help pay for alternate living arrangements if a home is uninhabitable due to a storm. It is very important to consider that these policies typically do not cover flood damage; this must be purchased separately. While the majority of Florida homeowner’s insurance policies cover hurricane damage—classified as windstorm damage—some damages may be rejected in certain situations and homeowners will still be required to pay a 2% to 10% deductible on damage that is covered. 

Supplemental Insurance Policies

Since typical Florida homeowner’s insurance does not cover floods and still leaves behind a rather large deductible, it may be worth considering the purchase of supplemental insurance. There are some policies that are designed solely to help pick up the out-of-pocket deductible expenses and provide a few other amenities that standard policies do not. Still others will help to cover deductible costs as well as damages caused by floods. Sometimes consumers can choose one company to cover the structure of their homes and another to cover their personal property. Though this may be a bit more expensive annually, it provides better and more valuable coverage in some cases.

Insurance Premium Costs

Homeowner’s insurance premiums can fluctuate wildly based upon several factors. First of all, this insurance is naturally more expensive in Florida since the entire state is susceptible to hurricane damage. The features and characteristics of a home, the home’s overall value, the alarm systems and other protective devices that are installed, the purchaser’s claims history, and even the specific location of the home—meaning the neighborhood and proximity to fire and police stations—can affect the amount a homeowner will pay to keep his or her home protected.

When it comes to living in Florida, hurricanes are simply a part of life. As the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Andrew have pointed out, these powerful storms pack enough punch to decimate entire cities. Florida residents should take the time to review their homeowner’s insurance policies, and they should ask for free quotes if they do not yet have insurance. There are policies for every home and every budget available. 

Flood Insurance for Florida Residents

Flood insurance is often a tricky purchase for many Floridians; many people do not even realize that this is not covered under their traditional homeowner’s insurance policies. However, many people in Florida are at risk for flood damage and should take a look at the various flood insurance options that are available to them.

Understanding SFHA Designations

SFHA stands for Special Flood Hazard Area, and the term is used to help homeowners discern whether or not flood insurance is a necessity. Even though lenders typically dictate the sort of insurance that must be kept on a home while the mortgage is still in place, Florida residents who want to save money can review their flood risk statuses through FEMA’s SFHA guidelines before purchasing insurance. If the SFHA states that the risk is low, then consumers can take this information to their financial institutions and then opt for a level of flood coverage that is optimal for their locations.

Preparing for Flash Flooding  

Springtime is certainly a time to celebrate in Florida. The weather is warmer, tourism is in season, and the time is finally right for swimming, fishing and other watersports. However, this warmer weather also brings with it the threat of severe weather and heavy rainfall that could possibly result in flash flooding. Flash flooding is the top weather-related killer in the country, and it causes more damage to homes than tornadoes, high winds and hail combined. Homes in low-lying are considered high-risk, particularly for consumers who live in south Florida.

Protection from Heavy Rains

Florida is notorious for heavy rainfall, particularly in the spring months. When this heavy rain falls on grounds that are already saturated or on grounds that are not served by adequate storm drains, chaos can ensue. Heavy rains can cause severe flash flooding in localized areas, so purchasing flood insurance is essential in this case. Consumers should take the time to review their current flood insurance coverage and ensure that it is adequate for covering their homes and their possessions.

The National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, is offered to consumers all over the country so that they can protect themselves, their homes and their possessions from damage. The NFIP offers flood insurance to home, business and property owners as long as their communities participate in the NFIP. By participating, Florida communities have agreed to meet and exceed FEMA guidelines for protecting the community from flooding danger. The flood insurance offered through this group can be purchased from multiple insurance providers, but since the policy is between the consumer and the federal government, the rates do not fluctuate from carrier to carrier or from place to place.

Flood insurance is certainly important, but it is something that many consumers believe is included in their standard homeowner’s insurance. Florida residents should remember to contact their insurers at least once per year to discuss their coverage and make changes to their flood insurance policies, if necessary. 

Do You Really Need Dental Insurance in Florida?

Dental insurance is often a matter of choice. While employers all over the state offer their employees medical insurance and discount prescription plans, dental insurance in Florida is not as readily available—at least through employers. Is this a sign that dental insurance is an expenditure that many of us can do without?

Your Smile and Your Health

Multiple studies throughout the last several years have linked the condition of the gums and teeth to various other health concerns. While some conditions such as cardiovascular disease and pregnancy issues may come as a result of poor oral care, gum disease and other issues of the mouth could indicate a much more serious underlying issue like osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS and even diabetes. Dental insurance in Florida is very important not only for your smile, but also for your overall health. Seeing your dentist at least twice per year for regular cleanings may actually help you catch certain disorders in their early stages.

Is it Complicated?

Since many people are familiar with the difficulty associated with navigating endless highways of HMOs and prescription providers, they simply do not want to start the process all over again when it comes to their dental insurance in Florida. However, dental insurance is incredibly easy to understand, and even if the carrier uses a network—or a specific group of service providers whose services are covered under the insurance plan—dental networks tend to be much larger than general healthcare networks. This means that regardless of where you live and regardless of your dental plan, you should have no trouble finding a dentist, understanding your plan, and getting the care you need.

Money-Saving Benefits

Even if you visit your dentist’s office only twice per year and you have managed to stay cavity-free, the aging process causes significant changes within the mouth. This means that gum disease, cavities, and other malaises may rear their ugly heads at any time. Without dental coverage, the out-of-pocket costs for the treatment of these conditions can skyrocket. The average cost of dental insurance in Florida that covers up to 100% of preventative care as well as 50% of dental procedures and orthodontics with a $1,000 annual limit is less than $20 per month for an individual, about $30 per month for a couple, and less than $50 per month for your entire family.

Things to Consider

You should keep in mind that many dental insurance companies work on a reimbursement basis, meaning that you might be required to pay the entire cost of your procedure—with the exception of preventative care—up front and wait for the insurance company to reimburse you. Preventative care is that which prevents dental issues like cavities, so these plans will pay for two cleanings per year. If you need to have a cavity filled, your out of pocket costs will range from 20% to 50%. Finally, if you or someone in your family needs braces, dentures or a partial, you will be expected to pay for half of this.

So, do you really need dental insurance in Florida? If you want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible, then the answer is yes. For a relatively low monthly premium, you and your family will have access to free preventative care and receive huge discounts on major procedures.