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Do You Need to Replace Your Floors? Comparing Hardwood vs. Vinyl Flooring

Replacing your floors is one of the most significant renovation projects you’ll undertake as a homeowner. For many, the decision comes down to hardwood flooring versus vinyl flooring. If you’re struggling with this decision, keep reading to understand the differences between the two and determine which is the right option for your home.

Comparing Durability

When it comes to durability, hardwood is the more durable option, capable of lasting for many decades, while vinyl flooring will need to be replaced more frequently. However, this doesn’t mean that vinyl flooring isn’t durable. You will get many years out of it before it needs to be replaced.

Maintenance Demands

Vinyl flooring requires no additional maintenance beyond your normal sweeping and mopping chores. It will remain resistant to water and spills until the color starts to fade or the vinyl buckles and needs to be replaced. On the other hand, hardwood floors do require periodic refinishing maintenance to address any scratches and wear that have occurred over time. You’ll also need to ensure you’re using a cleaner designed for hardwood when mopping the floor.

What’s the Cost?

Hardwood floors will cost more than vinyl flooring. This isn’t just for the material but also for the cost of labor and installation. They do not install as easily as vinyl flooring planks. Vinyl flooring is more affordable due to the material and the ease of installation. In many cases, vinyl flooring can be installed by the homeowner without the need for a professional.

If you’re in the market for home insurance in the Bronx, NY area and surrounding communities, let us get you a personal quote today. Contact us at L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC today for more information.

Is Your Homeowner’s Liability Coverage Enough?

At L M Insurance &Financial Services LLC, we provide homeowners coverage in the Bronx, NY, and throughout the New York metropolitan area. Homeowner coverage always incorporates liability coverage.

Liability insurance covers you in case of a claim following an injury to a guest in your home due to something you did or failed to do.

In New York, a vast number of homeowner insurance policy claims are related to slips and falls. For instance, someone could claim they fell because you didn’t clear ice or snow from your steps or sidewalk. Injuries could also occur if a guest trips over a cord on the floor or when a spill is left unattended. A crumbling stoop or a rotting board could also lead to actionable injury.

Claims relating to bites and other injuries caused by pets are also common. This can occur on your premises or while you’re out walking your pets.

New York operates on the principles of comparative negligence. That means that even if your guest was 99% responsible for their injury, you can be held liable for 1% of their injuries.

Your homeowner policy will cover court-awarded damages for these kinds of claims up to policy limits. However, there are situations where you might need a higher limit than most homeowner policies provide. For instance, a lawyer will seek the highest award possible if you have substantial financial assets and the plaintiff has a severe injury.

You might want to consider umbrella coverage if:

  • You have a large stock and bond portfolio.
  • You’re cashing out a retirement plan.
  • You’re a high-income individual due to your profession or any other reason.

Your L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC agent can review your homeowner policy to ensure you’re covered for all potential hazards in the Bronx or anywhere else in New York. Contact us today to review your coverage!

Home Insurance for Your Home Office

The Partnership for New York interviewed thousands of employers to find out that about one in ten employees in the Bronx work entirely at home. Over 60,000 people in the Bronx work at home for outside employers. Add to that the thousands of caterers, web designers, salespeople, interior decorators, and other professionals who work from their home offices, and that’s a lot of home offices to ensure.

Here are the five home insurance issues L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC most frequently encounters while serving Bronx, NY.

  • Most homeowner and renter policies don’t cover everything in the home office. Technology, files, and commercial equipment are often excluded.
  • Homeowner policies don’t cover personal injuries incurred when a customer visits your home. General liability or business liability policies will.
  • Homeowner policies don’t cover data breaches. You can incur huge expenses when your computer is hacked. You can be liable for breaches of customer information, like addresses and credit card numbers. L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC can write cybersecurity insurance for the greater Bronx, NY, area.
  • Homeowner policies don’t cover loss of income. Business continuity insurance can help you stay afloat after a fire, a break-in, or a cyberattack.
  • Homeowner policies don’t cover employment practice claims. We can insure you against claims for unlawful employment practices. We can also write liability insurance to cover the actions of your employees when they are working for you.

Who needs home office insurance the most? 

Anyone who works at home needs, a minimum, coverage for computer equipment and hack attacks. Anyone with a home studio with expensive equipment needs additional property insurance, and anyone who deals with the public needs liability insurance.

Let L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC assess your business insurance needs. If you are in the Bronx, NY, or nearby, make your appointment with us today.

What Everyone Should Know About Home Insurance

Practically every mortgage company in the country requires homeowners to have some level of coverage through a home insurance policy. Typically, these policies cover things such as damage to the home’s interior and exterior, personal liability, and theft. Should disaster strike in the Bronx, NY area, home insurance can potentially save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

There are a few things you need to know when shopping for a policy:

What Is Covered

In most cases, if your home faces a disaster such as a fire, hurricane, or other event, the insurance company will cover the cost of repairs and replacements. However, be sure to ask what events and what aspects of your home and belongings are covered as well as how you’ll receive the compensation.

What Isn’t Covered

Though most policies will cover common natural disasters, some events such as floods and earthquakes may not be covered under a general policy. Additionally, some personal items may be excluded from coverage. It’s always best to ask for a list of included or excluded items and events so you know what to expect in a crisis.

How Your Rates Are Determined

Most types of insurance have rates set according to risk factors, and home insurance is no different. Each company has its own formula to assess risks, and because of this, the prices you are quoted can vary dramatically – even from one year to the next.

Get the Coverage You Need With Help From L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC

If you’re in the Bronx, NY area and need help finding the right home insurance policy for you, give the team at L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC a call today! We can’t wait to speak to you.

Four things you’ll love about your home insurance policy

If you own a home in the Bronx, NY, carrying home insurance is important. Are you looking for an insurance provider in your area? L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC provides home insurance policies with plenty of benefits that you’ll love.

The following are four things you’ll love about your home insurance policy:

Home insurance protects the investments you make in your home. 

It costs a lot of money to own a home. Without home insurance, your investment of this money could be lost if your home becomes destroyed or severely damaged.

With home insurance, you know you’ll be compensated for many possible types of damage that can occur. This protects the investments you make in your property. 

Home insurance makes being a homeowner less stressful.

While it’s great to own your own home, it can also be stressful since accidents can happen that damage your home and cost you money.

Having home insurance reduces some of the stress of being a homeowner by offering you financial security. 

Home insurance covers your liability expenses if you get sued. 

Homeowners are often considered liable for injuries that occur on their property. If a guest at your home becomes injured, you could be sued and responsible for the resulting medical bills. 

Home insurance protects the policyholder against liability expenses. This means that home insurance can pay for the expenses that result from a lawsuit against a homeowner. 

Home insurance qualifies you for a mortgage loan.

Mortgage lenders won’t loan a consumer money to buy a home if that consumer doesn’t protect that property with home insurance. 

A home insurance policy is therefore important for qualifying you for a home loan. 

Reach Out To Us

At L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC, we’re available to assist homeowners in the Bronx, NY area. You can get in touch with us for insurance information and quotes on the home insurance policies that we offer. 

Living in the Bronx: Maintaining your Roof

The best type of roof for the Bronx, NY neighborhood depends on several factors such as the style of the building, budget, and personal preferences. However, some of the most common and suitable roofing options for the area include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and flat roofing systems with rubber or asphalt membranes.

These materials are durable, weather-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperature changes and harsh weather conditions that are common in the Bronx. The roofing materials recommended for the area are those that can withstand hot summers, cold winters, and heavy rainfall.

This is why we recommend consulting with a professional roofing contractor to determine the best option for your specific needs.

Finding Coverage for your Roof in Bronx, NY

In some cases, it can be more difficult to get insurance coverage for roofs due to various factors such as the age and condition of the roof, the material used, and the area’s climate and weather conditions.

Insurance companies typically assess the risks associated with insuring a roof and may either charge higher premiums or refuse coverage if the roof is considered too old or in poor condition, or if the area is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, hail, or earthquakes.

To take care of your roof take regular inspections of its surface. Regularly clean the roof of debris and ensure that your ventilation systems are clear. It is also recommended to avoid allowing anyone on your roof, as walking too much on the surface adds unnecessary pressure.

Regardless of your building style or roof age, there is often a path to coverage, so if you are concerned about your roof condition or insurability, then you should contact us so we can review the options available for your home’s needs.

L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC Is Here To Help

At L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC, we are here to guide you through all of your insurance needs. Let us know what we can do to help you feel comfortable with your roof and coverage options. We are available to help.

Common Myths About Home Insurance

Home insurance is one of those things that most people know they need, but don’t really understand. There are a lot of myths out there about home insurance so we’re here to set the record straight. Here are the most common myths about home insurance debunked by L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC in the Bronx, NY.

Demystifying Home Insurance

Myth One: Home Insurance Covers Flood Damage

Many homeowners are wondering if their home insurance will cover flood damage. Unfortunately, most policies exclude flood damage from coverage. Homeowners who live in high-risk flood zones are required to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to be protected from flooding. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, it’s a good idea to purchase flood insurance because any home can be flooded.

Myth Two: Home Insurance Isn’t Necessary

Homeowners insurance is the most essential type of insurance to have. It covers your home and possessions from damage or loss due to fire, wind, hail, vandalism, theft, and more. Most people could not afford to pay out of pocket should their homes and possessions be damaged or destroyed. Home insurance is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your home, family, and personal belongings.

Myth Three: Maintenance Repairs Are Covered By Home Insurance

One of the most common myths about home insurance is that maintenance repairs are covered. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Home insurance policies typically only cover damages that are caused by events that are out of your control, such as fires, storms, and burglaries. So if your roof needs to be replaced due to wear and tear, you will likely have to pay for it yourself.

Contact Us Today

Are you searching for more information on home insurance in the Bronx, NY? Call L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC today. We are available to answer any questions you may have about home insurance and can help you get the right coverage for your needs.

What is included with a home insurance plan?

When you are in the Bronx, NY area, owning a home can be a good long-term option when it comes to housing and preparing for your future. If you want to purchase a home here, it would be wise to also get the right insurance for it. When you do get a home insurance plan, you will receive various forms of coverage that can prove to be helpful in the future. 

What is included with a home insurance plan?

Coverage for Assets

One of the reasons to get a home insurance plan is to ensure your assets are properly covered. If you own a home and personal belongings, losing them in a fire or other form of loss can be a challenging situation. A great way that you can mitigate this risk is by getting home insurance as it will include various provisions to ensure you are able to replace or repair covered assets. 

Liability Support

Any property owner should also be aware of the liability risks that they take on daily. Any type of accident on your property that leads to injury or property damage could result in a liability claim. If this occurs, you may be held liable and responsible for any damages. If you get the proper coverage, you can offset this risk as you will have the support necessary to cover damages.

Contact Us Today

Having a home insurance plan is always a good idea for property owners in the Bronx, NY area. If you want to purchase a home and need coverage, you can start looking for a new policy by calling the team with L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC. There are a lot of choices to make when looking for coverage and L M Insurance & Financial Services LLC can offer the guidance necessary to build an ideal policy. 

What is a home inventory and why should I have one?

As a homeowner, you hope that nothing bad ever happens to your home while knowing that the chances are pretty high that eventually something bad will happen and you will have to file a claim. There is no way in the world to make filing a claim fun, but you can make it easier with an inventory. In Bronx, NY, L M Insurance & Financial Services is your local independent insurance agency and we customize our customer’s policies to suit their needs. 

When your house is hit by a covered peril, you will file a claim. As part of that claim, the insurance company will want to know what you lost in the peril. You will have to supply a list. Imagine trying to construct that when your entire home has been destroyed. You will be traumatized but you will not be able to see what you used to have because it is gone. This is a recipe for stress. 

If you had created an inventory and stored it in a safe place, you would be able to just give the insurance company a copy. What could be easier and less stressful?  You create an inventory by going through each room in your home and documenting the items that are in it. You will also attach any invoices or sales slips to give detailed information. Adding pictures to your inventory is a good option as well. You want to provide as much information as possible. 

Do every room in your house, don’t forget to open drawers, closets, and cupboards. Go to the attic and the basement, the garage, and even the shed. Write everything down. When you are done, store your inventory in a safe place, hopefully away from your home. 

If you live in Bronx, NY talk to L M Insurance & Financial Services about your home insurance needs. 

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