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Larry Burkman Agency

4820 University Dr., Ste. 7
Huntsville, AL 35816

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Are Plumbing Issues Covered by Home Insurance?

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Plumbing is one of the most complex and problematic systems within a home. During your time as a homeowner, you’ll likely run into plumbing issues at some point. The tricky thing about plumbing issues is that it can be hard to know what type of damage is covered by your home insurance and what’s not. We simplify things for you by going into detail about what is often covered and what may be rejected when you’re trying to file a claim. If you’re looking for home insurance to help you cover future incidents, start here with us at the Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas.

What Kind of Plumbing Issues Will Home Insurance Cover?

Your home insurance will often cover leaks or overflows that have taken you by surprise. If a pipe suddenly bursts or starts leaking, if there’s a random overflow somewhere in your home, or if there’s a hidden leak that you weren’t able to detect, you may be able to file a claim and get approved by your policy provider. So, what would home insurance fail to cover when it comes to plumbing? 

You likely won’t be covered by your home insurance if:

  • Your plumbing problem is a result of wear and tear over time.
  • Your plumbing issue is a result of negligence. A great example of this would be failing to take the proper precautions during the winter and ending up with burst pipes as a result.
  • You’re dealing with specific plumbing issues that aren’t covered by your standard home insurance policy, such as sewer backup or issues with a sump pump. 

Keep Your Home in Stellar Condition With the Larry Burkman Agency

Home insurance is crucial to keeping your home in optimal shape, and we can help you find it! Get started with the Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, to get the coverage you deserve. Get in touch and compare quotes with us now.

Can Your Insurance Agent Cancel Your Policy?

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Can your insurance agent cancel your policy? Here, we’ll explore some scenarios where this might apply.

Can Your Insurance Agent Cancel Your Policy?

Once you choose your auto insurance and pay your first premium, it’s your responsibility to keep the policy active. According to Justia, there are several reasons why your insurance agent can legally cancel your policy. For example, when you are applying for insurance, you will be asked if you have had any auto accidents or moving violations. Although you may not remember an accident, if you intentionally conceal an accident or moving violation, the company can cancel your insurance.

Honesty is always the best policy, especially when applying for insurance. If the agency discovers you have misrepresented any information, they can cancel your insurance. And if you don’t pay your policy premiums, the agency has the right to cancel your insurance policy. Regardless of the reason, your agency must notify you before your policy is canceled, according to the Alabama Department of Insurance.

Call Us for an Appointment

Your auto insurance is no good to you if the policy isn’t active. Let our experienced insurance agents at Larry Burkman Agency help you find a policy to fit your coverage needs and budget, so you can stay protected. Call us for an appointment. We’re currently serving Huntsville, AL.

Should You File A Claim For An Accident On Your Property?

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Most business owners in Huntsville, AL think they should file a commercial insurance claim as soon as there’s an accident, but it’s not always that simple. Several factors should be considered before initiating the claims process.

Type of Accident

Typically, you only file a claim with your insurance if you experience a loss, such as property damage. For example, if someone who is not an employee slips and falls on your property, they will likely file a lawsuit. However, if there’s a car accident that doesn’t involve your property, it generally has no connection to your insurance policy.

Cost of Damage

Assessing the damage before contacting your insurance company is important. Determine the extent of the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. Then, reach out to an insurance company, such as Larry Burkman Agency, to check your deductible. If the deductible is higher than the repair cost, it’s often more cost-effective to pay for the repairs yourself rather than filing a claim.

Covered Peril

Commercial policies only cover specific events, often referred to as covered perils. Understanding your coverage is essential so you know which accidents you can file a claim for. This also depends on the type of insurance you have, as there are several types of commercial insurance, each covering different aspects.

For instance, property insurance covers damage to the property, while general liability insurance covers lawsuits resulting from liability. If the accident involves an employee, it’s typically handled as a workers’ compensation case.

Agents at Larry Burkman Agency can help you better understand your policy, including what’s covered. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Huntsville, AL area.

Planning Home Renovations? Find Out if You Should Update Your Home Insurance First

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From kitchen remodels to adding a room, home improvements can enhance the value and functionality of your home. Before you start construction, meet with your qualified agent at Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL. You’ll learn how renovations affect your home insurance policy and have the opportunity to modify your coverage to include the upgrades.

Why Do I Need More Coverage After Renovating?

After building a new addition or redoing the bathroom, consider adding coverage to your policy. Why? Your house becomes more valuable following a major overhaul. You may need additional insurance to protect it against possible risks. Our experienced agents can provide the guidance needed to make an informed decision.

What Home Renovations Typically Require Insurance Changes?

Let’s talk about which renovations typically affect your insurance. Expanding your home, adding a pool or deck, or renovating the kitchen or basement will most likely raise your property’s value and insurance needs. Your agent can explain how these changes compare with your dwelling or liability coverage. For example, replacing your roof or installing a new HVAC system may generate changes to your home insurance needs. Make sure your policy accounts for any new risks and values.

Beyond structure, design and safety features also play a role. Adding rooms, installing a pool or deck, upgrading the kitchen, finishing the basement, or replacing the roof are just a few of the remodeling projects that can increase the value of your home. Safety features, such as grab rails and anti-slip flooring, may significantly reduce risks. High-end designs and finishes make your home aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. To maintain your peace of mind, you’ll want your home insurance to include these improvements.

Before you sign off on the build design, talk to a dedicated agent at Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL.

How Your Auto Maintenance Routine Can Influence Auto Accidents

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Many drivers in Alabama consider car maintenance a means to avoid breakdowns, but routine upkeep does much more than protect your engine—it can also help prevent accidents. Neglecting certain parts of your vehicle can lead to sudden failures that put you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. At Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, we’re here to explain why maintenance matters for safety.

Why Maintenance Matters for Safety

Key components, such as tires, brakes, lights, and steering systems, play critical roles in keeping your vehicle under control. For example, worn brake pads or low brake fluid levels can reduce your car’s ability to stop quickly in an emergency. Uneven tire tread decreases traction, especially on wet roads, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Burned-out headlights or taillights make it harder for you to see and for other drivers to notice your vehicle.

Even smaller issues can impact safety. A cracked windshield can distort your view, while worn wiper blades may fail during heavy rainstorms in Alabama, leaving you vulnerable in poor weather conditions.

Small Checks That Make a Big Difference

Maintaining your car doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple tasks, such as checking your tire pressure monthly, replacing your windshield wipers annually, and monitoring warning lights, can go a long way. Regular oil changes often include inspections that catch potential problems early. If your brakes start squealing or your steering feels loose, don’t wait—have it checked by a professional right away.

Being proactive about car care isn’t just smart for your wallet—it’s essential for staying safe on the road. By keeping your vehicle in top condition, you reduce the risk of accidents and help protect everyone around you. If you have questions about how maintenance is related to your auto insurance or liability coverage, our team is here to assist. Contact Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, today!

Will Commercial Insurance Cover Cost of Returned Merchandise?

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Imagine a customer bought something at your store and now wants to return it. The reason for the return might not even be your fault—it could have been an unwanted gift, a factory defect, the wrong size, or a color that wasn’t as advertised. Perhaps the item was damaged or spoiled during transportation. Regardless of the reason, the customer is always right, and you’ll need to either refund their money or provide an equivalent replacement. But can commercial insurance help cover these costs?

Check Your Policy

Whether commercial insurance covers the cost of returned merchandise depends on the type of policy you have. Here are some scenarios where specific types of commercial insurance may apply:

  • Commercial Property Insurance: If returned merchandise is stolen or damaged, this type of insurance can cover the loss.
  • Product Liability Insurance: If merchandise is returned due to defects, product liability insurance may cover the associated costs.
  • Product Recall Insurance: In the event of a product recall, this insurance can help you recoup losses related to returned items.
  • Business Interruption Insurance: If a disaster like a fire or flood damages your merchandise and leads to a significant number of returns, business interruption insurance may provide coverage.
  • Chargeback Protection Insurance: If a customer claims merchandise was purchased using a stolen credit card and demands a refund, chargeback protection insurance can safeguard your business against such incidents.

Understanding your policy and its coverage limits is essential to ensure you’re prepared for these situations.

Contact Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL

If you’re in the Huntsville, AL, area and need commercial insurance, contact Larry Burkman Agency. Our team is here to help you find the right coverage to protect your business. Reach out to us today!

Tips for creating and storing a home inventory

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Home insurance is all about protecting your house. While you hope you’ll never have to file a claim, having a home inventory will make the process much smoother if you do. At Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, we have the expertise you need to make the best decision about the coverage that suits you best.

Creating a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory can seem daunting. It does take some time, but the value it provides will more than compensate for it. Set aside a few hours, grab a pad and pen, and your phone or camera, and pick a room to start. Write down everything you can see, then start opening drawers, cupboards, and closets. Write down as much detail as possible, including brand names, number of items, and, where possible, model and serial numbers. Take pictures of each room from several different angles.

Go through all the rooms and continue until you’re done. Don’t forget to inspect the attic and basement, if you have them. Attach any receipts or sales slips that you have for any items.

Storing a Home Inventory

Once the inventory is complete, you need to find a safe place to store it. Storing it in your home may not be the best option. A safe deposit box is a good choice. If it must be kept in your home, ensure it is stored in a fire-resistant, waterproof container. Placing a copy of the home inventory in the cloud will allow you to access it at any time from any location, which is beneficial.

In Huntsville, AL, you can count on our team of independent insurance agents at Larry Burkman Agency to be there for you when you need us. Give us a call today.

Is the Minimum Liability of 25/50/25 Enough?

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Alabama is one of the states that requires only minimum liability when you purchase auto insurance. The insurance is split into three types, usually referred to as 25/50/25, which means $25,000 for bodily injury per person, a maximum of $50,000 for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. While this may seem like a substantial amount, with rising costs, it’s worth considering whether it’s truly sufficient. Even if you purchase comprehensive and collision coverages, it’s important to scrutinize the amount of liability you buy. You may want to speak with an insurance agent at the Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL about increasing it.

There’s Coverage, and Then There’s Better Coverage

You may be able to meet the legal requirements to drive with only the minimum liability insurance coverage. You may also decide to buy additional coverage, such as comprehensive, to ensure you’re covered in other types of accidents and events involving your car. But it’s not just the type of coverage that will help protect you; it’s the amount. And that minimum 25/50/25 may not be enough.

Costs are rising, including those for car repair, car rental, medical expenses, and more. If you really want to be sure you’re covered, you need to ensure the amounts you buy are enough. It’s difficult to predict precisely what you may encounter in terms of bills, so arranging for coverage that’s as high as you can afford is better than going with the legal minimum. You may be a careful driver, but ensuring you have coverage for the unthinkable will give you more assurance.

The Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL can help you customize your auto insurance coverage so that your premiums are affordable while your coverage is also as high as it can be. Contact us to arrange for an appointment.

Do One-Person Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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Larry Burkman Agency has assisted many Huntsville, AL companies in finding commercial insurance that keeps them secure. But what if you run a one-person business? Will you need protection? Absolutely! Here’s what you need to know about the insurance type that makes sense for you.

Yes, One-Person Companies Need Insurance: Sole Proprietorship Policies

While it might seem odd to insure a business when you’re the only employee, sole proprietorship protection is critical! It’s available to exactly who the name suggests: firms with only one employee! How do you know if you qualify? Did you file organization articles with Alabama? If not, you count!

Note: Sole proprietor companies and self-employed individuals are different! Typically, self-employed individuals include freelancers and independent contractors who work and get paid by other businesses. Sole proprietors literally own a business and control assets, debts, etc.

Insurance Types You’ll Need

When drafting your sole proprietorship business insurance policy, it’s critical to add a variety of protection types! After all, if you’re the only person liable for your business financially, protecting yourself is critical! Just a few types of insurance you should add to your company include:

  • Liability protection to keep you safe from third-party claims (bodily injury lawsuits, etc.)
  • Professional liability support to pay for negligence or mistakes in your business
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP) that combines liability and property coverage
  • Cyber insurance (if you handle sensitive information for your customers)
  • Commercial auto (especially if you make deliveries, haul tools, transport passengers, etc.)

We’re Ready to Support You!

Do you run a one-person business and need commercial insurance you can trust? Call us at Larry Burkman Agency to get started! We’ll support your Huntsville, AL company by finding reliable commercial protection that keeps you safe and minimizes unnecessary and costly expenses.

Does Home Insurance Cover the Septic?

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Not every home in and around Huntsville is on a town sewer system. If you aren’t, you may be delighted to have your septic system, as it gives you more control, and you don’t have the bills associated with town sewer. The downside is when something goes sideways with the septic, and a lot can go wrong, believe us. From tree roots cracking the pipes to overflows that wreck your lawn (think "Meet the Parents" movie), you may hope that your home insurance covers the septic. Does it?

When Home Insurance Covers Septic Damage

Standard home insurance policies, like the ones available through Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, may cover septic system damage in certain situations. If a covered event occurs, such as fire, vandalism, or something else, the insurance company might be responsible for paying for repairs or replacement.

What Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Home insurance generally doesn’t cover damage caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration. If the septic system fails due to age, rust, or tree root infiltration, homeowners will likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket, which won’t be cheap.

Additional Coverage Options

Some insurance companies offer optional riders or endorsements that can provide extra protection. You should look into these. One common add-on is sewer backup coverage, which may help cover the cost of cleaning up if the septic system overflows into the home.

Understanding what is and isn’t covered under a home insurance policy is essential for homeowners who rely on a septic system. Reviewing the policy details and speaking with an insurance representative at Larry Burkman Agency serving Huntsville, AL can help ensure the right coverage is in place to avoid unexpected repair costs.

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