Del Duke Insurance Group

08/07/2023

Perfect time to post about water damage with storms headed our way!

Often times we throw the word Flood around like it has an understood meaning, but as with many words these days, there are different meanings and uses for them. No longer can we rely on the Webster Dictionary (remember that?) to specifically define words and their meanings…

First up…Floods: Did you know that the Federal Flood Insurance Program defines it as a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land? This Flood definition can vary, but regardless of if the water comes in from the outside (and a hole was not caused from a storm in your roof or a window) then you probably will need Flood Insurance to be made whole again.

Next is Water Back-Up: This is when there is a sump pump failure, drain clog or sewer overflow. Most Homeowner Insurance policies do not include water back up automatically. So, it’s wise to review your Homeowners policy, and if you cannot find an endorsement listing this type of coverage, it might be time to think about adding it to your coverage. Especially with all the rain we’ve had this year, now is a good time to review your insurance portfolio.

06/28/2023

Going out on the boat this Summer? Did you know...

1. Why You Need Boat Insurance

It is important to note that, Homeowner’s insurance does not typically cover your boat or any other watercraft liability. In some cases, Homeowners insurance may cover a boat, but this is usually for small boats that have no engine like a canoe, a kayak, or a rowboat. If you own a boat, you should have a separate watercraft insurance policy. Since your boat has nothing to do with your house, and your boat like your car is mobile so it needs a separate insurance policy. This is especially important if you desire physical damage coverage to your boat and it’s contents.

2. What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance typically covers the hull of the boat, inboard or outboard engine(s), boating supplies and fishing equipment, dinghies, medical coverage for injury, liability coverage for property damage and bodily injuries you might be legally responsible for. Wreckage removal (aka a “sunken” or “stranded”) of a boat should be included along with pollution liability, as fuel(s) can escape a capsized or damaged boat quite easily.

3. Is It Covered If It’s Out Of The Water?

Your boat is also covered if it is out of the water in dry storage, or as a result of being hauled out of the water in the emergent situation of an impending hurricane. When it is hitched to a car being transported, the liability of it is covered by your auto insurance, but the physical damage to the boat would need to come from the watercraft policy.

06/26/2023

With all this rain we have been having are you prepared for all this Summertime storms?
1. Make sure the sump pump(s) at your home or business actually work! Oftentimes homeowners have waited until a storm to find out that their sump pump(s) are either inadequate or functionally broken. So, manually filling up your sump with water from a hose & faucet will help to see if the pump is actually working; in fact, sometimes people hook up a hose to the bottom of their hot water heater drain and empty it into the sump. (We hear this can also increase the longevity of your hot water heater.)
2. Gutter downspouts & the ground – obviously cleaning the debris out of your gutters is an ongoing process, but also important is the direction and length of the downspouts and making sure the water is draining away from the base of any buildings. A skilled landscaper can come in handy here, if not yourself!
3. Trim tree branches that are in close proximity to your home or fence(s) – broken windows can be minimized this way, as well as damaged fences AND SIDING that are hard to replace or easily match. For larger limbs and trees, contacting several local reputable “tree trimmers” is a must, since the pricing and quality of job can differ significantly. And, while you might be at-it, consider removing the stump too to prevent tripping hazards and/or future costs when you want to plant something there.
4. Tying down or securing items that can be blown around – whether it’s an umbrella or tall potted plant, when the wind whips, many items become projectiles. In areas along the water, securing watercraft (in or out of the water) is a must. If removing outdoor furniture is challenging, tying the furniture together so it is heavier overall together is another solution.
5. Teach the family where fire extinguishers are, the main water valve, and gas valve – simply knowing where your fire extinguishers are located is only part of the plan, but how to use them and making sure they’re actually “Full” when you need them is crucial. Also, knowing how to turn off the water main and gas valves can, not just save a lot of property from damage, but also save lives especially in earthquake prone areas.

06/19/2023

What you need to know before going away or down to the shore.

Renting out your house/condo this summer? Landlords, here are some items to check off that list.

Are You Underinsured? Every tenant that comes and goes is a crap-shoot for the "underinsured" landlord. The blame game begins when someone gets hurt on your property. When the parents of a high school soccer star parents rent for the week and they slip on your deck, bangs up their knee, then misses out on their scholarship to a Big 10 school, your nightmare might just be underway.

Lack of Coverage. Are you a condominium owner renting out your unit? Nothing hurts more than thinking you have coverage when you don’t. Condominium Associations carry what’s called a Master Policy, but many condo owners would be shocked to learn that this coverage is limited for individual owners.

Tips for renters for your Summer rentals...

Is Any Damage Covered? When people find out you rented a spot “down the shore,” those crazy relatives and friends have a way of showing up at your door. Maybe the dog you were told not to bring bites a neighbor. Or your cousin forgets to turn off the BBQ, starting a fire on the deck. Or the kids spill grape juice on the sofa. The damage may not be covered under the short-term policy the realtor required you to have – or even your Homeowner’s policy.

What Is Loss of Use? Should any of your damage cause the landlord to miss out on future rental opportunities, don’t be surprised if they look to you to make up for their “Loss of Rental Income,” including their basic, ongoing expenses of operating a rental home. Your Homeowner’s policy doesn’t provide that type of protection.

04/25/2023

Are you headed to the shore during this hot spring? Here are some tips to remember before heading down to your shore house.

So before you grab the keys to your big summer vacation, contact us today to discuss protecting yourself against the summer shore realities.

Tips for Tenants

Get everything in writing.

Review your lease – know the provisions and restrictions in place.

Notify the landlord of safety issues immediately.

Obtain an Umbrella policy.

Request to have your own insurance coverage extended to the rental unit or purchase Renters Insurance.

Do an onsite assessment of what you’re renting and take video or photos

Identify the local authority contact info (police, fire, hospital, etc)

Bring some cleaning supplies

Have a first aid kit

Bring along extra bottled water or Gatorade

Have your own supply of paper goods (toilet paper, etc)

04/14/2023

Are you headed to the shore during this hot spring? Here are some tips to remember before heading down to your shore house.

1. Is Any Damage Covered? When people find out you rented a spot “down the shore,” those crazy relatives and friends have a way of showing up at your door. Maybe the dog you were told not to bring bites a neighbor. Or your cousin forgets to turn off the BBQ, starting a fire on the deck. Or the kids spill grape juice on the sofa. The damage may not be covered under the short-term policy the realtor required you to have – or even your Homeowner’s policy.
2. What Is Loss Of Use? Should any of your damage cause the landlord to miss out on future rental opportunities, don’t be surprised if they look to you to make up for their “Loss of Rental Income,” including their basic, ongoing expenses of operating a rental home. Your Homeowner’s policy doesn’t provide that type of protection.
3. What’s Excluded? Before you pack up the car with bikes, jet skis, golf clubs, fishing rods, and more, be sure you understand how they are insured. There may be limitations to the coverage you have away from home.

03/22/2023

Did you know that there is so much that an Umbrella coverage covers?

For many people, protecting their assets and their families is a top priority. This is why many people purchase many different kinds of insurance policies; however, there are times when that basic insurance policy is not enough…
This is where a Personal Excess Liability Insurance policy can help protect you.
A Personal Excess Liability Insurance policy, often referred to as an “Umbrella,” is a type of insurance that can provide coverage over and above your Automobile, Homeowners, Dwelling Fire, Rentals, and Watercraft Insurance policy(ies). When an Automobile Insurance policy is not enough to cover damages being claimed against you, that’s where an Umbrella can offer additional protection.

Read more below.

Real life examples and why everyone needs Umbrella insurance

03/15/2023

Blog Alert! Do you know what an Umbrella Coverage covers? NO? Click here to read why you need this type of policy.

02/21/2023

Did you know some of these fun facts about insurance?

-Insurance contracts began in 1347! It was in Genoa, Italy. Most contracts back then were over large estates or plots of land.

-Starbucks pays more for employee health insurance than it pays for coffee.

-An insurance company offered a cash reward to anyone who could capture the Loch Ness monster!

-Celebrities started insuring body parts in 1920. Silent movie star Ben Turpin started the movement by insuring his signature crossed eyes.

-The word "insurance" originally meant an "engagement to marry".

-There is such a thing as wedding insurance. It covers a venue or vendors dropping out on the couple.

-Fire departments have ties to insurance companies. They used to only put fires out for specific homes and policyholders. Glad that one changed!

02/15/2023

Did you know we have a blog? We are so much more than just insurance; we are your go-to for information on your house, car, shore home, etc! Join our mailing list, for monthly updates.

The latest insurance articles, insight and news from Del Duke Insurance Group.

02/09/2023

Are you ready for the Super Bowl?! We are! We have our snacks and game day plan, have a safe, fun and exciting day this Sunday at 6:30! Go Eagles!!

01/25/2023

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