Latest news with #AmericanFamilyInsurance
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is lightning damage covered by insurance? Strike sparks fire that destroys Seminole County home
The Brief A lightning strike late Monday night ignited a fire that destroyed a Seminole County home, with neighbors witnessing the rapid blaze. Florida leads the nation in lightning-related insurance claims, stressing the need for proper coverage. Experts urge residents to review their policies, especially regarding deductibles and solar panel protection. SANFORD, Fla. - A home in Seminole County was destroyed after it was struck by lightning late Monday night, sparking a massive fire that left the structure with its roof collapsed and neighbors shaken. What we know A home in Seminole County was severely damaged after being struck by lightning late Monday night, resulting in a fire that destroyed the roof and left the structure unsafe. Firefighters at the scene believe the cause was lightning, though the fire marshal's official report is still pending. Aerial footage from Sky Fox clearly shows the extensive damage, highlighting the collapsed and charred roof. What we don't know While lightning is the suspected cause, the fire marshal has yet to make a formal determination. The extent of the financial loss to the homeowners and whether the family inside sustained any injuries remain unreported. It is also unclear whether the homeowners' insurance policy will fully cover the damages or if there will be out-of-pocket expenses. Big picture view Florida consistently faces a high number of lightning-related incidents and claims. In 2023 alone, the state led the nation with more than $100 million filed in lightning insurance claims. This highlights the ongoing risk residents face during storm season and underscores the importance of reviewing insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage, especially for unique assets like solar panels. Lightning strikes are generally covered by insurance, both for homes and vehicles. A standard homeowners' insurance policy covers damage caused by lightning strikes, including fires and smoke damage, and damage to the structure of the house, garage, shed, or other structures on the property. The policy also covers damage to personal property inside the home, such as electronics, appliances, and furniture, if it's caused by a lightning strike. Some policies offer optional coverage for power surges caused by lightning, according to American Family Insurance. While lightning-related damage is often covered under homeowners' insurance, Floridians should double-check their policies and deductibles. Solar panel owners should also confirm if their coverage includes those systems. What they're saying A house in the Buckingham Estates neighborhood of Sanford was destroyed Tuesday evening after it was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm, responding firefighters told FOX 35 News. Nearby resident Christa Gonzalez described the terrifying moment the strike occurred. "We both jumped out of our chairs and were like, 'Oh my gosh,'" she recalled. "We came out here and they had already gotten their dogs out, and they were fine, but it was scary how fast it happened." Gregory Buck, of National Risk Experts, advised homeowners to check their policies carefully. "You're likely to have either typically a $1,000, $2,500, or even $5,000 deductible for those damages done by the lightning, so yes, you're going to be covered, but know what those out-of-pocket costs are. " STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Seminole County Fire Rescue, Buckingham Estates residents, Gregory Buck, of National Risk Experts, and American Family Insurance.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Always Pay These 7 Monthly Bills Before the First of the Month
Most Americans are in debt. With cost of living still surging and lingering inflation, budgets are tight, prompting many to rely on credit cards for living expenses and groceries. Trending Now: Learn More: With soaring costs affecting everything from housing to cars, food, basic necessities and more, many are tackling multiple debts each month, which can make the task of paying them down seem impossible. Prioritizing which bills should be paid is key, so we've formulated some helpful guidance to help you strategize monthly expense payments. Having a roof over your head should be the top priority. Pay the mortgage or rent every month to prevent being evicted or the bank taking away your home. If you're unable to pay, contact your landlord or lender and have an honest conversation about your circumstances. 'Often, they can point you towards programs that help homeowners or renters who are in similar situations,' per American Family Insurance. The site explained, 'For example, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (Opens in a new tab) has resources and programs to help if you're having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments and can help you avoid foreclosure.' Warren Buffett: Shelter is a necessity, but you don't want to be in the dark. Paying the electric and water bills is also a must in order to properly function and live in your home. Programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program can assist during hard times. It might not feel like it, but grocery prices are starting to level off. That doesn't mean the cost of food is going down, though. It's just not increasing at a significant rate like in previous months, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That said, many struggle to stock their fridge and pantry while juggling numerous debts. Food isn't an option, so this bill must be paid, but there are food pantries across the U.S. that can help if needed. Depending on where you live, you probably need a car, so this is another monthly expense to prioritize. That also includes insurance. According to Rachel Cruze from Ramsey Solutions, if you have high payments that you can't afford or cannot pay off your car in 24-28 months, selling it for a more affordable option is worth considering. She explained, 'Make sure the total value of your car or if you have a family, the total value of all the cars you own does not exceed 50% of your annual salary,' in a recent video. A pile of medical bills is the last thing needed when already dealing with mounting debt. If you're self-employed or don't have a job that covers your health insurance, this is a bill also to prioritize. A lapse in coverage can cause big problems, like avoiding the doctor because it's unaffordable, and a health issue turns into a bigger health problem, or an accident or injury occurs. Health insurance is a must-have bill that can't be skipped. As tempting as it might be not to repay a student loan, Suze Orman, host of the 'Women & Money' podcast, previously told GOBankigRates, 'People need to remember to not put off paying your student loans. It's not going away and it should be the first monthly bill you pay. It's not going to disappear. You can't bankrupt your student loan.' To fit a student loan payment back into your budget, Orman stated, 'Give up eating out or other unnecessary expenses so you can start making your payments.' Credit cards have high interest rates, so paying the statement balance each month is better. However, if that's not possible, talk to your credit card company and work out an affordable payment plan. You don't want to ruin your credit and prevent qualifying for loans down the road, but 'at the end of the day, it's more important to pay bills that keep your family healthy and safe,' American Family Insurance stated. More From GOBankingRatesMark Cuban Wants To Reshape Healthcare -- 5 Ways His Approach Could Save Americans Money5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on Always Pay These 7 Monthly Bills Before the First of the Month Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Up-and-coming artists can now apply to perform during Summerfest this summer
Up-and-coming artists can now apply to perform on the stages of one of the country's largest and longest-running music festivals. Summerfest, presented by American Family Insurance, announced that online submissions for artists to perform during the 2025 season are now open on its website. During the nine-day run on the city's lakefront, the festival features more than 600 artists spanning all genres, from classic rock to country. 'We are excited to partner with Amplead to continue to provide up-and-coming artists a platform to connect with thousands of music fans at Summerfest,' said Scott Ziel, Vice President of Entertainment, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc in a release. Here's what you need to know to apply to play at Summerfest this summer: Online artist submissions to perform during the 2025 Summerfest are now open through March 31. Up-and-coming artists can apply to play a 45 to 60 minute set during Summerfest this summer. There are more than 15 slots available. Applications are free. Click here to start your online application to play at Summerfest 2025, Summerfest will take place over three weekends: June 19-21, June 26-28 and July 3-5, 2025. For more information you can visit or its Facebook, X or Instagram pages. RELATED: Summerfest in Milwaukee adds acts for Juneteenth celebration, including Isley Brothers This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to play at Summerfest 2025: Online artist submissions are open
