Florida is famous for its condominiums. These multi-family homes present a low-maintenance and affordable lifestyle for people from many walks of life. However, they also present some special insurance needs and are open to a variety of insurance claims because there more than one group of people living there. You can lower the risks associated with owning a condominium though, and we have a few ideas about how.
1. Prevent Slips And Trips
Slips and trips are the second leading cause of death and accidental injury. They make up a big part of any insurance company’s expense and cost condominium owners quite a bit in liability insurance.
– Keep walkways and paths free of clutter.
– Check for spills and puddles often and make sure they get cleaned up as quickly as possible.
– Keep cables and wires tied down and covered as much as possible. Ideally, they should never get in walkways, but if they have to be, cover them.
– Keep the condominiums well-lit. Replace burnt out light bulbs immediately and make sure there aren’t a lot of dark corners on your property.
2. Prevent Water Damage
Water is a huge threat to property, and Florida’s penchant for storms and low-lying property does not help. Broken plumbing, clogged drains and flooding can lead to mold infestations and break downs in construction materials.
– Keep drains, whether on the eves of roofs or in the backyard, unclogged. Regularly clean them.
– Make sure your plants can’t get to your pipes. Tree roots can break pipes, so plant them far away from your plumbing, and train the roots towards safer sources of water.
– Be careful about what gets thrown down the pipes. Make sure nobody is pouring grease or big items down the sink.
3. Take Precautions Against High Winds
We might have pointed out that Florida gets storms. These storms come with high winds that turn loose objects into missiles.
– Make sure trees are trimmed so that branches are nowhere near windows or roofs. You don’t want glass windows knocked out by flying tree parts.
– Secure the roof and keep it maintained. Strong roofs don’t lose shingles in storms.
4. Supervise The HOA
Condominiums often have home owner’s associations to help administer the property. They can be handy, but they can also have ulterior motives.
– Have a representative come to the meetings to make sure your needs are being met.
– Check in on them regularly. You will want know how they are enforcing the rules and how they are using their funds.
Finally
Condominiums have many advantages, but they can suffer the same accidents as other types of residential homes. If you would to like to discuss your options for condominium insurance please call us at 561-732-9305 our quoting hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. In addition, you can request a quote online. Please remember, We Handle All the Work, While You Save!
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
