Merrill Insurance Resources and Guides

The Official Merrill Insurance helpful Guides and Resources page for our clients in Lake County, Florida. We hopes the provided below provide valuable tips and helpful information to help keep you and your loved ones safe and happy for many years to come.  Please sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates!

Merrill Insurance is a full-service, family-owned Independent Insurance Agency that specializes in caring and responsive service, and to provide affordable coverage. With the understanding that people can purchase insurance from any agency, Merrill Insurance has built its foundation upon being innovative, experienced and prudent. The underlying philosophy: While a respected reputation is the key to attracting clients, long-term relationships require the continual innovation that comes from experience and prudence.

As such, when clients need help the most — when even their best friends can’t do anything but put their arms around them — The Merrill family and staff  is there to deliver both strategic and personalized assistance.

Check out our comprehensive Hurricane Prep Guide

We’ll help you get ready for the summer’s severe weather (including supply checklists, pre-storm prep, and more), learn how to weather the storm, and what to do afterward in case of damage!
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Flood Damage Policy Guide

It’s extremely important to know that Flood damage is not covered in a normal homeowners or renters policy, and in when heavy rainfall is normal and extreme weather events are increasing in frequency, a flood policy can save you from the financial devastation of a flooding event, which averages around $37,000 for an inch covering 2,000 square feet, and increases drastically with deeper water left standing.  Learn more about flood insurance, what it does and doesn’t cover, and schedule an appointment to talk to us about buying a flood policy!
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Assignment Of Benefits Fraud is an increasing serious problem in Florida

Assignment of Benefits, or AOBs, have been a part of Florida’s marketplace for more than 100 years, but loopholes in the way it is being used in the marketplace are driving up costs for homeowners across the state due to unnecessary litigation associated with certain AOB claims.

It is critically important to understand the risks involved when signing an Assignment of Benefits authorization; you are essentially handing over all of the rights and benefits of the insurance policy you paid for, and if your company disputes a claim made as a result of an AOB, you can be on the hook for the balance. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from possible AOB fraud.
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Florida’s trees – many of them hundreds of years old! – are beloved for their beauty, cooling shade, and the wildlife they attract.

However, like any living thing, they must be cared for and maintained; trees, especially large old-growth trees with a wide root span, can cause catastrophic damage and/or injury when loose branches fall or the tree uproots in a storm.
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Are your valuables fully covered?

A standard homeowners policy includes coverage for the items inside – including valuables like jewelry, artwork, firearms, and more – lost by perils such as fire, windstorm, theft and vandalism.

However, to keep coverage affordable, there are special limits of liability – a limitation within your policy wording that states how much the maximum will be paid for certain predefined items.  For instance, since jewelry is easily stolen, the standard policy limit of liability for theft is $1,000 – the maximum that would be paid out with a standard insurance policy, no matter what the value of the stolen piece itself actually was.
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Travel Safety Tips

Sun and sand, mountains and fresh air, a city of glittering skyscrapers or a countryside full of stars…wherever you like to get away, there’s nothing like traveling! Be fully immersed in the experience so you don’t forget any of it – but also be aware so you’re not targeted by a thief or scammer while you’re away, souring the memories you’d rather make.
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Spring Cleaning & Home Maintenance

As the relatively cooler temperatures give way to Florida’s famous sunshine and warmth, it’s a good time to roll up your sleeves for some spring cleaning and home maintenance, to make sure everything is safe and sound after the months of winter could have taken a toll (and maybe add a little curb appeal in the process!)
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Easy, Everyday Water Conservation Tips

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, water conservation is good for you, the community and our future – and the changes you make to support water conservation don’t need to be drastic or difficult. Read on to find out all the different ways you can implement a few small changes that will contribute to a big impact!
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Distracted driving injures and kills thousands of people yearly.

In an ever-connected society, we think a quick call, text, or social media check on the road won’t hurt anyone. Keep reading to learn what distracted driving actually is, how much hands-free devices actually help, and what you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe!
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Check out our comprehensive Renters Insurance Guide and Why You Need it

Most homeowners have insurance policies that will cover them in the event of theft or damage from a fire or natural disaster.  As a renter, whether you’re in a home or apartment, you’re also at risk of property loss due to those events…but according to the Insurance Information Institute, less than half of renters carry equivalent coverage.
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Fall and Winter Home Maintenance

While Florida is known for mild and pleasant Fall and Winter seasons, it’s still a great time to take care of a few things around the house! This guide will help you get your home and property clean, safe, and secure for the colder weather.
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Halloween Safety Tips

Candy, costumes, tricks, and treats…Halloween is fun for kids, teenagers, and adults alike! The festivities also leave a lot more ways to get hurt, though, so read on for common sense tips to keep everyone in the community safe while they celebrate.
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Home Security

Will you be traveling this holiday season? No one wants to come home to a disaster like vandalism, a break-in, or worse. Our guide to home security while you are away will make sure the only thing you have to worry about when you return is unpacking your bags.
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