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Does Home Insurance Cover Floods?

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Floods can be devastating, causing extensive damage to homes and personal belongings. If you have home insurance, you may wonder whether it includes flood coverage. The professionals at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Iowa, are here to help you understand your home insurance policy and answer your questions.

Are Floods Covered by Home Insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood protection is typically provided through a separate policy offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and made available to the public through a network of insurance agents.

What Is Covered by Home Insurance?

Standard home insurance policies cover a variety of disasters, including:

  • Fire
  • Wind
  • Lightning
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Riot
  • Explosion
  • Hail
  • Damage caused by vehicles

To understand the specific coverage provided by your home insurance policy, request a copy of your policy from your insurance agent or ask them directly for clarification.

Why Choose Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency for Your Home Insurance Policy?

The professionals at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Iowa, are dedicated to helping you find the best insurance policy for your needs. We work with multiple insurance carriers to ensure you receive a policy that offers the right level of coverage for your situation.

By partnering with various carriers, we can compare policies to find one that fits your budget, provides comprehensive coverage, and gives you peace of mind. Contact us today to speak with one of our trained professionals and get started with your home insurance policy.

Your Tour Business Needs Umbrella Insurance: Here’s Why

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Touring companies require high-quality liability protection to ensure their safety and avoid potential lawsuits. For example, obtaining an umbrella insurance policy from Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can ensure your operation is fully protected from liability risks during one of your trips.

The Risks of Running a Tour Company

Iowa may not be known as a dangerous state, but it is filled with natural beauty and attractions that draw tourists. As a touring operator, you can earn a good income by showcasing these stunning areas. However, running a touring business comes with inherent risks, including the possibility of injuries and other liabilities.

Are you automatically at risk just because you run a touring company? Not necessarily. However, like any business, there’s always some level of risk, especially when you’re responsible for guiding people. That’s why it’s crucial to expand your liability protection with a high-quality umbrella insurance policy.

What Is an Umbrella Insurance Policy?

An umbrella insurance policy provides additional liability coverage beyond your standard business insurance. It kicks in when your primary coverage limits are exceeded. For instance, imagine one of your customers is injured during a tour, and their lawsuit demands compensation far beyond what your basic liability policy covers.

Without umbrella insurance, you would need to cover the remaining costs out of pocket, which could jeopardize your business. With an umbrella policy, your coverage extends further, helping you avoid financial strain and ensuring your business remains protected.

Secure the Umbrella Policy You Need

If you operate a tour company in Iowa and want to safeguard your business, contact us at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. We’ll help you find an umbrella policy that offers comprehensive coverage to reduce your risks and keep your company running smoothly.

Navigating the Rising Risk of Cyber Threats in Auto Insurance

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Advancements in car technology have opened a new avenue for cybercriminals to wreak havoc on drivers. Self-driving cars, electric vehicles, connected cars, and electronics plugged into the vehicle can malfunction if a hacker manages to crack the code. The auto insurance industry is aware of this threat, and we have investigated whether auto insurance coverage in Iowa has been adjusted to account for this alarming trend.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Cybercrime?

Cybercrime coverage is more prevalent in the commercial auto insurance industry. Few partner carriers in the personal auto insurance industry offer protection against vehicle cybercrime, primarily because these threats are relatively new. However, we at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. encourage you to inquire about it.

Auto insurance companies that offer this coverage may refer to it as "cyber for auto" or a similar term. These are add-on riders that cover viruses, malware, ransomware, identity theft, and cyber attacks. They cover labor, towing, transportation expenses, and more to recover identity and repair affected auto systems. However, they do not cover injuries, property damage, and vehicle damage caused by cybercrime. Standard auto insurance will cover these instead. Coverage for data breaches is less certain.

Why is This Coverage Needed?

Modern cars contain approximately 100 million lines of code, which are written into the vehicle to manage and control various parts. They may also rely on phone apps for operation. If hackers gain control of the code or phone app, they can lock you out of the car, disable the vehicle, or send false notifications to mislead you. This can lead to accidents and instill fear and confusion in drivers.

Cyber threats and attacks are extending beyond the internet, threatening every technological advancement we use in our vehicles. Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. is at the forefront of addressing this issue. Car technology exists to simplify our lives, so don’t let hackers complicate it. Visit our office in Iowa or contact us for more information.

Can I Add My Children to My Health Insurance Policy in Iowa?

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If you have children in Iowa, understanding how to protect them with adequate health insurance is vital. With escalating healthcare costs, preventative care and proper coverage have become more important than ever. At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., we’ll collaborate with you to ensure your entire household is properly covered and cared for with your health insurance policy.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent in Iowa?

In Iowa, children are considered dependents until they turn 26. This means that your children can remain on your existing health insurance policy even after they turn 18, leave home, or enroll in college. Additionally, stepchildren, adopted children, and newborns can also be added to an existing health insurance policy you hold.

When Can I Add My Children to My Policy?

You can add your children to your health insurance policy during Open Enrollment, which typically lasts from November to January each year. Special Enrollment Periods, or SEPs, also exist in Iowa for certain circumstances. After a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as a marriage/divorce, loss of other coverage, or a new birth or adoption, your children can be added to your insurance policy. If you’re unsure of your options, speaking with a trusted agent who handles your insurance can help you make an informed decision.

The more familiar you are with health insurance policy rules and regulations, the easier it will be to find coverage that’s adequate for your entire household. Whether you have school-aged or college-aged children, we can help you protect your whole family with the right insurance policy in place. To learn more about health insurance coverage options for your children in Iowa, contact Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. today.

Does Home Insurance Cover a Boat?

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Purchasing a boat insurance policy is the most comprehensive way to insure a watercraft, but sometimes a homeowners insurance policy will provide sufficient coverage for your boat. There are three main aspects to review when checking whether your home insurance policy covers your boat.

1. Review Home Insurance Policy Terms

Home insurance policies that provide coverage for boats often limit their protections to small watercraft. It’s not uncommon for a policy to only cover non-motor boats or maybe also powerboats up to a certain horsepower (e.g., 50 hp). The boat can also have a length requirement.

These terms vary from one policy to the next, so you’ll need to check your specific home insurance policy. If you’re located in Iowa, our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. agents can review your policy’s specifics.

2. Consider Potential Boat Damage

You’ll want the boat insured for its full value in case it is destroyed or stolen.

If your boat meets your home insurance policy’s stipulations, it would most likely be covered as personal property. Ensure the personal property coverage limit isn’t lower than the boat’s value. The total personal property limit probably isn’t too low, but a specific lower limit might apply to boats.

3. Consider Potential Liability Risk

Even if you have a small boat that’s wind- or paddle-powered, you should still consider potential liability risks. A friend could fall off a dingy and drown, for example. Your home insurance policy almost certainly offers liability protection for accidents, but double-check that the coverage applies to potential boating accidents.

Find Insurance For Your Boat in Iowa

If your home insurance policy provides sufficient coverage for your boat, then there’s no need to purchase additional protection. If you need more coverage, boat insurance policies are highly customizable and affordable. We here at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can help you with each type of policy if you’re located in Iowa. Contact us today.

Umbrella Insurance: When Almost Isn’t Enough

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Insurance can provide a sense of safety and security for those who fear the worst. For optimists, insurance is a smart investment against the most unlikely of events. For everyone, however, insurance is the solution and help they need when unexpected, unplanned, and unwelcome events occur. That’s why people from all around Iowa turn to the trusted and professional team at the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. for all their umbrella insurance questions and needs.

Umbrella Insurance for All the Problems You Do and Don’t Expect

We may not be shocked if we get into a fender-bender. Some things we may not necessarily anticipate but know are possible. What we can’t predict, however, is how other drivers may respond or react. We know that winters in Iowa can be tricky, and an occasional slip or fall isn’t surprising. What we can’t plan on, though, is the claim that follows when someone slips and falls on your property.

These are a few examples of how umbrella insurance can help with those liability issues you can and can’t expect. These are also reasons why people from Iowa choose the trusted and experienced team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. for all their umbrella insurance questions. When almost isn’t enough, and for all the expected and unexpected events in life, umbrella insurance can offer the protection you need.

Protection and Umbrella Insurance Solutions in Iowa

Do you call the beautiful state of Iowa home? Do you have questions, or would you like to learn more about umbrella insurance and how it could benefit you? We can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our friendly and professional team for all your umbrella insurance needs at the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency today.

What is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on an auto insurance policy?

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At Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa, we understand that auto insurance terminology can be confusing. So, we’re here to clarify some of the terms you might hear from agents or see on your policy paperwork. Today, we’d like to explain coverage for uninsured motorists.

Only uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for bodily injuries (UMBI) is available in Iowa.

Many clients wonder if they need uninsured motorist coverage on their auto policies. While it’s a legal requirement in Iowa, the state allows you to reject the coverage by signing an "Uninsured Motorist Rejection Form." This form indicates that the agent has explained the coverage and its benefits to you, and you’ve chosen to reject the coverage. However, given the increasing number of uninsured drivers, why you would reject such coverage is worth considering.

If you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you could be left to cover medical bills for any injuries sustained during the accident. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage provides funds (up to the policy limit) to pay for any medical bills resulting from an accident with an uninsured motorist, whether you were the only one in the vehicle or there were multiple passengers.

Uninsured motorist coverage also provides the same medical coverage if you’re in an accident with a hit-and-run driver who caused an accident and fled the scene.

UM coverages are usually equal to or less than your liability bodily injury coverage on your policy. For instance, if you carry the state minimum liability for bodily injury ($20,000 per person or $40,000 for an accident), your UM coverage will mirror this coverage, at the least.

We’re Here to Help

To learn more about your auto insurance policy and the benefits of uninsured motorist coverage, we’re here to help. Call Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa at (614) 939-3404.

Why You May Need Catastrophic Health Insurance

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Health insurance is essential for everyone. Unpredictable health issues can arise, and having health insurance ensures you get the help you need. Among various types of health insurance, catastrophic health insurance is one that offers several benefits for those without health insurance. If you’re interested in health insurance in Iowa, contact us at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Covering High Medical Costs

Catastrophic health insurance is designed to cover high medical costs but typically doesn’t cover minor ones. This type of policy usually has a high deductible, meaning that only very expensive costs will be covered by the policy. Regular medical costs wouldn’t be covered by the policy, but they would count towards the deductible. If a medical expense is extremely high, it would meet the deductible and could be covered by the policy. Many healthy individuals opt for this coverage as a safety net in case of a severe injury or illness.

Lower Health Insurance Costs

One of the significant benefits of a catastrophic policy is its lower cost compared to a traditional policy with a lower deductible. Because the benefit is less likely to be used, it costs less. This type of insurance is popular among self-employed individuals on a budget.

Securing Health Insurance in Iowa

Health insurance is a necessity, as future health conditions are unpredictable. If you don’t have health insurance or are considering switching policies, we can help. To learn more, contact us at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. in Iowa.

Making your home a safer place during the holidays

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During the holiday season, families tend to gather together in homes. Making sure that everyone is safe is your job as the host. Family can run the gamut from newborns to the elderly. Making sure everyone has a great day and a safe holiday is a big order. In Iowa, you can count on our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. to make sure that one thing you won’t have to worry about is your home insurance.

Make sure the exterior of your home is well-lit and clear

People will be coming in and out of your home, and it needs to be a safe walk. Make sure everything is clear and well-lit. There may be weather to worry about depending on where you live, so be prepared.

Food safety

Food poisoning is one of the biggest dangers in your home during the holidays. It is tempting to thaw your turkey on the counter and then stuff it, which is risky at best. After serving food, it needs to be kept at temperature or refrigerated as soon as you are done eating. Avoid leaving it out to let everyone pick at the leftovers. If you are having eggnog, buy it pasteurized or buy eggs that are safe to eat raw.

Protect the pets

Poinsettias are beautiful, colorful, seasonal, and poisonous if your pets ingest them. If you must have them, they should be placed where no pets can get to them.

Protect the kids

What would the holidays be without the kids? Ensure that any medications or poisonous chemicals are under lock and key or high above the reach of adventurous little ones.

Iowa residents can count on our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team to provide the personalized service you deserve.

Umbrella Coverage for Personal Needs and Business

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Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. provides two types of umbrella insurance to Iowa residents. These are commercial and personal umbrella insurance. Depending on your situation, you may need one or both types. This blog will help you understand these two types of insurance and determine which one or both you need.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Some businesses carry a higher liability risk than others. For instance, professionals like doctors, dentists, chiropractors, lawyers, and certain business consultants face potential lawsuits due to malpractice. These professionals often opt for maximum malpractice coverage. However, adding umbrella coverage can ensure the business doesn’t have to pay out of pocket if a lawsuit occurs. Commercial umbrella insurance protects all employees in the business, not just the owner.

Personal Umbrella Insurance

Consider a personal umbrella policy if you engage in high-risk liability personal activities. This could include coaching children or teens in sports or running a home-based hobby or business that involves other people, such as yoga classes or a consultancy where clients visit your home. Individuals who volunteer in community activities, like planning and executing community events, or those who volunteer for political campaigns also need umbrella coverage.

Contact Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Today

We live in a society where lawsuits are common. Your altruism or the nature of your service business in Iowa can increase the risk of being sued for malpractice. Let Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. help you protect your financial assets with an umbrella policy.

Contact us today to find out whether you need commercial, personal, or both types of umbrella insurance. If you run a high-liability risk business, such as a law firm, and you volunteer in your community, you likely need both types of insurance.