Miami FL

Should Newlyweds Merge Their Auto Insurance?

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Conventional wisdom says a newly married couple should merge their auto insurance into one policy to save money, but B & G Insurance in Miami, FL wants to set the record straight on that. You may have joined in holy matrimony in a beautiful service, but, in some cases, you should keep your auto insurance policies separate.

One Problem Driver Ruins the Premium Savings

Most couples save money by putting both drivers on one policy. Married people tend to live longer and drive with added care, a fact born out by actuarial research. That’s why, under normal circumstances, merging auto policies results in lower premiums.

If one driver has a DUI, DWI, or reckless driving history, a joint policy won’t save the couple money and could cost more. The reckless driver’s risky behavior results in too much risk for the joint policy, and the safe driver would see a premium increase.

Talk openly about everything before you marry, including any DUIs or DWIs you incurred. Avoid arguments like those depicted in "The Closer" when Brenda and Fritz get married without Fritz revealing his DUI convictions. Although fictional characters, the show’s writers depicted reality in those scenes. If one of you has a bad driving record, wait seven years from the date of the conviction to merge your policies.

Contact B & G Insurance for Auto Insurance

Discuss important issues honestly before your big day and appropriately insure your vehicles to make life in Miami, FL, more enjoyable. Protect your financial future and your marital bliss with forward planning and honesty. Call or email B & G Insurance today.

Is Commercial Insurance Required in Florida?

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Commercial insurance is not legally required in Florida for all businesses, per se. Still, there are specific types of insurance that some businesses may need to have based on their specific operations and circumstances. Our agents at B & G Insurance, serving the Miami, FL area, understand that you have worked hard to open your own business, and they want to help you protect your investment through the proper amount of commercial insurance.

Commercial Insurance Coverage Options

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In Florida, if your business has four or more employees, you are required under the law to have workers’ compensation insurance. This type of coverage will provide your employees with benefits if they are hurt on the job, protecting you from lawsuits.

 Commercial Auto Insurance

If your business owns or uses personal vehicles for business purposes, you must have commercial auto liability insurance. This type of insurance will help cover accidents and damages involving company-related vehicles.

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance is critical to have as a business owner since it can protect you against claims of negligence or malpractice.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is just as important as professional liability insurance since it can protect you against lawsuits if someone is injured at your business or your business somehow damages their property.

Business Property Insurance

Business property insurance is vital to have in place if you own the physical location where your business is housed. This can also help you out, though, even if you rent the space for your business since it can cover your inventory if it is stolen, damaged, or lost due to covered events, such as a fire or natural disaster.

Contact B & G Insurance in Miami, FL

Our agents at B & G Insurance, serving the Miami, FL area, are ready to assist you in creating the best commercial insurance policy for you and your business. Call today to get your policy started!

Surprising Things Covered by Home Insurance

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At B & G Insurance in Miami, FL, we offer insurance to meet all your needs, including home insurance. Today, we explain some of the more surprising things that your homeowner’s policy may cover. 

Damage to Other Structures on Your Property

You know that your insurance covers the structure of your home. However, you may not know that this coverage also extends to any other structures on your property. 

This is covered if you have a detached garage, shed, or other type of building on your property. 

Legal and Medical Liability 

Your homeowner’s policy also covers legal and medical liability. If someone is injured on your property, the policy will cover their medical expenses. It also covers legal expenses if you are sued. 

This is also covered if someone’s property is accidentally damaged when visiting your home. 

Hotel and Living Expenses

If your home is unlivable for a time, your homeowner’s policy will cover your living expenses, including a hotel or rental and food expenses while you are away from home. 

For example, if you have a fire, your policy will cover your expenses until you can live in your home again. 

Meteorite Damage 

Your homeowner’s policy also covers falling objects, including meteorites. It’s unlikely that a meteorite will fall on your home. However, you are also covered by damage by space satellites, tree limbs, and other items that can fall from the sky. 

Personal Property Away From Home

You know your homeowner’s policy covers your personal belongings, but you may not know that your things are covered even when you are away from home. 

This coverage is typically a percentage of your overall possessions coverage, but it is there. 

Home Insurance with B & G Insurance

If you need home insurance in Miami, FL, contact us at B & G Insurance. Our knowledgeable agents are here to discuss your options and help you select the best policy for your needs. 

Do You Need Trucking Insurance?

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Whether you are the business owner of a trucking company or own and operate your rig, our agents at B & G Insurance serving the Miami, FL area want you to know all about trucking insurance.

What is Trucking Insurance?

Trucking insurance is a specialized type of commercial insurance designed to protect trucking businesses and truck drivers. This type of insurance covers potential risks, liabilities, and damages that can happen with trucking operations.

Much like auto insurance, trucking insurance provides different coverage options for truck drivers and the companies that own the trucks being driven. For instance, liability insurance is required in nearly every state within the United States for a driver to be able to legally drive any vehicle with four or more wheels on public roads, streets, and highways. Liability insurance will cover the other driver’s car and any injuries they sustain in an accident that you cause.

Other Coverage Options of Trucking Insurance

Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is critical if you own a truck or a whole fleet of them. This is due to the fact that comprehensive insurance will help pay for any repairs or replacement of a truck if it is damaged or even destroyed by some horrible situation. Examples of this would be a tornado or other natural disaster, a fire, or an act of vandalism. Your truck can be replaced if stolen through your comprehensive trucking insurance policy.

Collision insurance will help pay for damages to your truck if you collide with another vehicle or object.

Contact B & G Insurance

Our agents at B & G Insurance in Miami, FL can assist you with your trucking insurance needs. Call today to get your policy started and protect the investment you have made in your truck or trucking company.

How Much Renters Insurance is Adequate?

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Whether your landlord requires renters insurance or you have decided to purchase it, you’re likely aware that this type of insurance can be very valuable. If you’ve been dealing with renters insurance for years, then you’re probably quite knowledgeable about the process and how much to purchase that will provide ample coverage. However, if you’ve never had a renters insurance policy before, you might have no idea how much the renter’s insurance is adequate. Here is a quick overview that can help.

Determine How Much Your Property is Worth

You can’t decide how much renters insurance is adequate without determining how much all your belongings are worth. You must calculate the value of 100% of your belongings. That means everything you own: clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. Figuring out the value of some things can be more difficult than others, so if you’re unsure, seek assistance. There are online coverage calculators that can help you come up with an accurate figure. Depending on the insurance company you opt for, the minimum amount of renter’s insurance coverage is $10,000.

Consider the Average Amount of Renters Insurance Coverage

Suppose you’ve used the coverage calculator and are still unsure how much renter’s insurance is adequate for you. In that case, you might opt for the average, around $30,000 for personal property and $100,000 for liability. Liability would be helpful if someone tries to sue you after incurring an injury while on your rental property.  

So, if you’re ready to purchase a renters’ insurance policy, we at B & G Insurance are here to address all your concerns and provide you with a quote and dependable coverage if that’s what you desire. Our licensed insurance agents are not only friendly, but they’re also knowledgeable and eager to please you. We serve the Miami, FL area and are ready to take your call today.  

Does RV insurance cover storm damage?

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RV insurance has many similarities to auto insurance and others to home insurance. However, one thing is clear; not all RV insurance policies are alike, including how they handle storm damage. That means RV owners need to think about the coverage they need and consult with a helpful insurance agent. If you are in the Miami, FL area, the B & G Insurance team will answer all your questions and ensure you have the RV coverage that best meets your needs.

RV Insurance and Storm Damage

Florida requires motorized RVs to carry the same minimum insurance as automobiles. Those requirements include the following minimum coverage:

  • $10,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property liability per accident

Of course, liability insurance does not cover the cost of repairing your RV if it is involved in an accident. That coverage comes from collision insurance and only covers damage resulting from collisions. To cover storm damage, RV owners need a comprehensive policy. Those typically cover damage from the following:

  • Vandalism
  • Plumbing issues and burst pipes
  • Falling branches and trees
  • Hail and wind

Some comprehensive policies cover flood damage, while others do not, requiring you to buy a separate flood policy.

Because RVs have similarities to automobiles and homes, properly insuring your RV can appear complex. However, the process is simplified by consulting with a knowledgeable agent who will discuss your needs and options to ensure you acquire the policy that meets your needs.

Working With B & G Insurance

The friendly team at B & G Insurance, serving Miami, FL, will help you address your RV or other insurance needs. So, give us a call or stop in today to ensure you and your RV have the right coverage.

How a helmet could save your life in a motorcycle accident

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Motorcyclists often take safety for granted when it comes to riding, but a helmet is one of the most essential pieces of protective gear. At B & G Insurance, we remind riders that a helmet could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a motorcycle accident here in the Miami, FL area. 

Modern motorcycle helmets are designed to absorb shock and reduce impact, protecting riders from severe injury or worse. The helmet’s shell also protects against debris like rocks and gravel that can be thrown off the road surface in an accident – something which could cause devastating injuries without one. 

The American Motorcyclist Association recommends that all motorcyclists wear an approved helmet while riding – not only because it is required by law in many states but because it’s their best line of defense against serious injury in an accident. It can even be the difference between life and death. 

A helmet is essential for any motorcyclist looking to stay safe on the road. It could save your life in a motorcycle accident by absorbing shock and protecting you from impact and debris, so always wear yours when you ride!

For more safety tips or to find a motorcycle policy that keeps both you and your bike covered in case of an accident, give us a call today. We at B & G Insurance are proud to serve the Miami, FL area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget. So don’t delay! Call today!

Boating Safety 101

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Owning a boat can bring a lot of joy and fun into your life. However, it is also important to remember that boats can be dangerous when safety is not considered. Your insurance partners here at B & G Insurance want to help you keep yourself and your guests safe on your boat. Keep reading to learn more about boat safety in Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas.  

Life Jackets Are a Must

Your first line of defense in protecting yourself and your guests is always to provide proper life jackets for everyone on board. Some boat owners attempt to cut this corner because they do not wish to invest in quality life jackets for everyone. This is definitely a mistake. The liability risks you take by not providing proper life jackets far outweigh the investment cost. 

Proper First Aid 

As a boat owner, it is your responsibility to provide a fully stocked and up-to-date first aid kit on your boat. When you take any guest on your boat, you take on the responsibility for their safety. If someone is injured in any way on your boat, you are the liable party. You can decrease your risks of liabilities by having the proper first aid supplies in place. 

In addition to this, it is also important that you have basic first aid training as well. This will ensure that you can assist with injuries should they occur and keep an injured guest stable until you get them proper medical treatment. 

Drinking and Boating

Just like regular vehicles, a boat needs a driver that is 100% alert. It is difficult to properly drive a boat if you are intoxicated. There should always be a reliable designated driver on your boat. 

If you want to learn more about boat insurance, please get in touch with us at B & G Insurance, serving Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. 

Umbrella Insurance Basics

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When protecting your assets, you can never be too careful. That’s why B & G Insurance in Miami, FL, offers umbrella insurance. It’s a type of liability insurance that gives you an extra layer of protection beyond traditional insurance policies. Learn more about the basics of umbrella insurance, what it can cover, and why it’s important to consider it as part of your overall insurance strategy.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella Insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage beyond the limits of your existing policies, such as your home or auto insurance. The policy offers protection that helps safeguard your assets should you face a lawsuit or other liability claim that exceeds the limits of your current policies.

What Can Umbrella Insurance Include?

Umbrella insurance can potentially help in various liability claims, including bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. It can also cover claims related to slander, libel, and defamation of character. Additionally, these policies may cover legal fees and other expenses associated with defending yourself against a liability claim. We can walk you through the exact specifics during your consultation.

Why is it Important to Have this Additional Coverage?

Without umbrella insurance, you could be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for any liability claims that exceed the limits of your other insurance policies. This could put your assets, such as your home or savings, at risk. On the other hand, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have something to fall back on if you take advantage of what we have available.

Speak With Our Agents to Learn More

At B & G Insurance in Miami, FL, we understand the importance of protecting your assets. Umbrella insurance will provide an extra layer of protection that helps safeguard your assets and provides peace of mind. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about these policies and how they can benefit you.

Are Some People Required to Purchase Flood Insurance?

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Flood insurance is a government-backed insurance program designed to protect people from flooding related to natural occurrences. Anyone interested in acquiring flood insurance protection who lives in the Miami, FL, area can rely on B & G Insurance to give them the policy options they need to gain peace of mind.

Flood Insurance Protection 

Flood insurance protects homeowners against flooding-related events such as storm surges or seasonal flooding. Some people may be required to carry flood insurance, especially if they have a mortgage through a federally funded loan program. Flood insurance can only be secured through the government.

Other lenders may also require homeowners living in flood zones to carry flood insurance. To determine if flood insurance is required, consult with your lender. If so, our team of insurance agents can provide policies that offer the needed protection for your home.

Flood insurance may be optional for some homeowners. However, individuals living in areas with notable flooding events may want to consider a policy purchase.

Customers seeking flood insurance coverage can consult our expert insurance agents to discover which options best suit their needs. Additionally, the agent can help with policy selection, submission of documents, and even claims. Our goal is to provide top-level customer service to ensure you get protection for the things that matter most.

Reach Out Today 

Anyone in the Miami, FL, area interested in securing flood insurance coverage can count on B & G Insurance to provide them with expert-level service and reliable Insurance coverage. Call or stop by our office to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives. Get the coverage today to give yourself peace of mind tomorrow.