Multi-Line Insurance Agency

Multi-Line Insurance Agency
WWW.EMERGEINSURANCE.COM - FLORIDA INDEPENDENT COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS & PERSONAL LINES INSURANCE AGENCY

Friday, December 5, 2014

Avoid Making These Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage

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When purchasing a new home it can be easy to be swept up in the joys of home ownership, particularly if you are a first time homeowner. Owning a home can upgrade your lifestyle and give you a sense of accomplishment; and with all that in mind many rush through the mortgage application process.

 While this is an exciting time it is important to take your time and realize that things done in a rush could slow your mortgage application process down. It is important to consider some missteps before you begin your application process that could possibly delay your application review, or even get you declined by a lender.

1.       Fail to Get Pre-approved

Buying a home is the largest purchase most will make in their lives, and before making any large purchase it is always wise to prepare. The best way to prepare when looking for a home is to get pre-approved to see if you even qualify for mortgage financing.

2.       Altering Your Credit Behavior 

Some believe if you pay off all of your bills on time, that makes it ok to use a large chunk of your credit. Too much credit is bad for your credit score and mortgage approval, because it seems to the lender that you rely on borrowing money. 

3.        Overlooking the Fine Print

Many are very eager to apply for a mortgage when they have not fully researched it, and end up being approved for a mortgage they really didn't want. Rushing when applying for a subprime mortgage is a major waste of time for both you and your lender.

4.       Bending the Truth

It may not seem like a big deal if you embellish about things like income, or credit score on a mortgage application, but in these post financial crisis days it can really hurt you. Nowadays lenders can find just about anything in your financial past, so it’s a good idea to be completely truthful.  



EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Thursday, December 4, 2014

How Does An Equity Affect Your Credit Score?

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Many people believe that every inquiry affects a credit score however, that is not the case.  Don’t be fooled, certain types of inquiries do affect your credit score. To help keep a good score it is important to know what credit inquiries make an impact, and which ones do not.

The most often inquiry that will not affect your credit report is a soft inquiry. These inquires have nothing to do with a consumer’s attempt to get credit, and are not harmful to the report at all. Things like credit checks made by potential employers are examples of soft inquiries.

A hard inquiry is used if a person is attempting to get a loan, and it does have an effect on a person’s credit report. This information can be seen in the future by a bank, or any other lender. Whenever a person applies for a mortgage, car loan or credit card they are considered hard inquiries, or an attempt at a loan. Problems can arise if a person attempts a large amount of hard inquiries in a short amount of time. Lenders may think that the consumer is trying to obtain as much credit as possible.

In order to avoid excessive hard inquiries on your credit report it is a good idea for you to run your own credit report to see where you stand before trying to obtain a credit card or loan. It is also a good idea to wait awhile if you are turned down for a credit card before you attempt again.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

How to Change a Tire

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For most drivers changing a tire is a first time experience, or one that doesn't occur often.
Whether changing a tire for the first time, or as a refresher, here is advice from experts at one of the quality auto insurance companies we represent.



EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Monday, November 3, 2014

Top Eight Mistakes People Make While Towing

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The idea of hauling something huge behind your truck or SUV may sound like a fun adventure, but for those who aren't familiar with the complexities of towing, it can actually be pretty intimidating! According to Complete Trailers LLC, there are eight common mistakes people make while towing. To avoid costly damages, read this list before you hitch and go:

1.     Overworking Your Engine

The number one mistake people make is overworking their tow vehicle. Overextending your vehicle can start a landslide of engine problems. This mistake could lead to a meltdown on the side of the road and potentially require a brand new transmission.

To avoid this, keep an eye on your pressure, temperature gauges, and exhaust gas temperature gauges.

THERE ARE EIGHT COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHILE TOWING. TO AVOID COSTLY DAMAGES, READ THIS LIST BEFORE YOU HITCH AND GO.

2.     Wrong Weight Distribution Bars

If you don't have your weight distribution bars set up right, you're bound to have your vehicle and trailer bouncing from each other. Your ride will be bumpier than usual and the hitch and frame can be damaged from this too.

And when it comes to weight distribution bars, bigger is not better. The bars with chains are tunable and come in various strengths and weights. If you properly load the correct bar size, they'll be parallel to the trailer's frame.

3.     Not Checking or Maintaining Brakes

Brakes are the most essential and most overlooked safety system.

Trailer brakes don't self-adjust like the brakes on your tow vehicle. In fact, they must be manually adjusted by you. Additionally, trailer brakes wear out just like any other brake does, so be sure to check for wear and tear regularly.

4.     Poorly Loaded Vehicles
It's crucial for safety and damage prevention to always put a balanced load on your trailer. Read up on weight restrictions and follow them closely because if you don't, your tow vehicle won't last very long.


5.     Wrong Ball/Ball Mount
Make sure that you have the right ball and mount for your trailer. There are three different sizes of balls: 1 7/8 inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches — each with a different weight rating. Using the wrong mount or ball will pitch your trailer up or down on your axles and it also puts extra stress on your brakes and tires, which eventually reduces your breaking ability. If you use multiple trailers, carry multiple mounts.


6.     "Racing" While Towing
We know how exciting it is to get to a destination, but remember, slow and steady wins the race! Speeding up or down a grade is the last thing you want to do because it'll ruin the longevity of your tow vehicle.


7.     Low-Pressure Tires
If you maintain the right tire pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer, you'll have even tire wear, which means you're less likely to have blow-outs from overheating. This scenario is especially dangerous when it happens on your rear trailer tires, so make sure to pay special attention to them. Tires degrade more quickly when not in use. Before you hitch and go, remember to always inspect your tires and pressure.


8.     Not Lubing Your Components
Like any well-oiled machine, taking preventative measures with your trailer and tow vehicle goes a long way. Axles and all pivot points where steel meets steel (or rubber bushings meet steel) should be greased.
EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY wants you to travel and tow safely contact us to help you choose the right insurance for your hitching adventures.


Article courtesy of Foremost Insurance

 EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Why You Should Buy Replacement Cost

There are only a few exceptions that a quote will go out from this agency without replacement cost included. Watch and understand why that's important to you.


EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Monday, October 20, 2014

On Sale!! - Boat Insurance

We offer boat and watercraft insurance from four major carriers. We can find the coverage and sale price for your budget.



Contact us for your boat, watercraft, RV, motorcycle or insurance needs for any of your toys.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

What Auto Coverages Do I Need?


Before you begin the search for that dream car you've been eyeing, lets have a conversation about auto coverage. These days its important to know just how much insurance you need to insure that you are truly taken care of in an accident.

 

At Emerge Insurance Agency we make sure to take our time with our clients. We insure that they understand exactly what they are getting, and we make sure to inform them on exactly what they need.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884

Friday, October 17, 2014

Should You Have A Commercial Auto Policy

Some businesses find out they need a commercial auto policy to late.  A commercial auto policy is a wise risk management strategy for most businesses.



Let us help you assess your needs and risk exposures.
EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Insurance for the Dog Owner

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It is absolutely essential for every dog owner to have homeowners insurance or renters insurance, and that the insurance policy does not exclude accidents caused by the dog. Dog owners must review their homeowner and insurance policies to make sure that they have protection against canine-inflicted injuries -- and should not purchase insurance polices that exclude it.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Protect Your Family From Dryer Fire


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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers.  Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard.

"Clothes dryers are an appliance that make our lives easier but we often take them for granted. We shouldn't," said Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks. "We need to maintain them and most importantly have their vents cleaned."

Facts and figures
In 2010, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries and $236 million in direct property damage.
Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 4%.
The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Eight percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction.

For additional tips on how to keep your dryer in proper working order to prevent fires, watch the video titled, “NFPA Safety Tips – Clothes Dryer Safety” or download their safety tips flier.

We encourage you to share this information with your family and friends. In our opinion, everybody is so busy, the focus is on taking care of the pile of clothes in the laundry room and we don’t take time to think about the importance of proper maintenance. Or we see or hear a story like about a dryer fire and think it will never happen to us.

Source:
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/dryers-and-washing-machines

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Friday, October 10, 2014

A Florida Business Should Consider Business Interruption Insurance

Watch and listen to this Florida business owner's experience with the need for business interruption insurance.



Call to discuss your business's exposures and need for protection before that "what if" happens.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884

Unbiased Motorcycle Insurance Buying Tips

Here are some tips for buying motorcycle insurance  from someone not in the insurance industry. 



Call us for a motorcycle insurance quotes from Progressive, Safeco Insurance, General National (new name for GMAC), and Foremost.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Your Credit Score and Insurance Companies

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It can not be stressed enough how critical it is to maintain a high credit score.  Your good credit score it important not only for lending opportunities but also other cost-saving opportunities. 

Insurance companies derive an “insurance score” based on your credit score. It’s part of the process with out exception. Rest assured, however, it’s considered a “soft hit” and will not impact your credit score in the same way when trying to secure financing.

If your credit score is low, insurance companies views you as a poor risk when it comes to paying your bills on time. If you do not pay your bills on a timely basis, costs to maintain and administer an insurance policy becomes much more expensive to the insurance company. Insurance companies will charge you for this risk and some will decline to even provide a quote.

One way to prove  insurance companies wrong is to agree to set up your policy on an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) basis. This keeps your account current and in force. Credit bureaus like to see that you pay your bills on time. This will help to avoid blemishes for late payments as well as any potential collection agency issues.

But, we are not the expert in building credit or repairing credit and encourage you to ask the experts for advice. 


Here is a list, as provided by Experian, of items on a credit report and how long it could affect your credit:

1. Open accounts with no negative payment history: remain indefinitely as long as they are open and active.

2. Closed accounts with no negative payment history: remain 10 years from the date they are closed. Positive accounts remain on your credit report longer than negative accounts.

3. Late payments remain seven years from the original delinquency date. A single late payment is deleted at seven years. If there was a series of late payments (not paid at 30 days, or 60 days, or 90 days) and then brought current, the payments would be deleted seven years from the first one missed in the series. If the account was never brought current and charged off and placed for collection, the entire account will be deleted based on the date the account became late and was never again current. This is known as the original delinquency date.

4. Collection accounts remain seven years from the original delinquency date of the original account. Collection accounts are treated as a continuation of the original debt and are deleted at the same time.

5. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is deleted seven years from the filing date because at least a portion of the debt is repaid. Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains 10 years from the filing date because none of the debt is repaid.

6. Civil judgments remain seven years from the filing debt. A civil judgment is essentially a debt you owe through the court.

7. Unpaid tax liens remain 10 years from the filing date. Once paid, the lien will remain seven years from the paid date.

8. Inquiries: remain two years from the inquiry date. However, the impact of inquiries on credit scores is minimal and decreases rapidly.

There are several tips that could help you when trying to repair your credit. They include but are not limited to:

1. Pay down your credit cards.
2. Don’t carry big balances.
3. Reuse an older credit card to reflect the longevity of your credit history.
4. Dispute smaller or older negatives.
5. Eliminate significant errors listed on your report.
6. Add an installment loan (auto, mortgage loans) vs. revolving credit (credit card) to your financials to prove your reliability to pay bills.

We encourage you to  work with a professional if you need to pursue building or repairing your credit whether personally and/or for your business.


EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
907-677-5884

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Making Your Life Greener - Can Save You Money

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Many household items serve multiple purposes saving you money, time and they are all chemical free.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

12 Ways to Save Money

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Here are 12 practical tips to save more of your hard earned money:

  1. Save your loose change. Putting aside fifty cents a day over the course of a year will allow you to save nearly 40% of a $500 emergency fund. 
  2. Keep track of your spending. At least once a month, use credit card, checking, and other records to review what you've purchased. Then, ask yourself if it makes sense to reallocate some of this spending to an emergency savings account.
  3. Never purchase expensive items on impulse. Think over each expensive purchase for at least 24 hours. Acting on this principle will mean you have far fewer regrets about impulse purchases, and far more money for emergency savings. 
  4. Use debit and credit cards prudently. To minimize interest charges, try to limit credit card purchases to those you can pay off in full at the end of the month. If you use a debit card, don't rely on an overdraft feature to spend money you don't have. With either approach, you'll have more money available for emergency savings. 
  5. Are you looking for an effective way to establish a budget? Beginning on the first day of a new month, get a receipt for everything you purchase. Stack and review receipts at the end of the month, and you will clearly be able to see where your money is going. 
  6. It pays to practice preventative dental care, since a good cleaning routine helps prevent fillings, root canals, and dental crowns, which are expensive and no fun. 
  7. Most people don’t track what they spend and may not realize when expenses add up to more than their budget can handle. To keep track of what you spend, put what you think you should spend for the month on transportation, food, entertainment, etc., into envelopes. This will help you avoid buying things you don’t need, and what’s left over can go into saving. 
  8. Take advantage of discounts and/or incentive programs provided through your employer. For example, if the company you work for offers discounted rates for computers, fitness center memberships, movie tickets and passes to summer festivals, take advantage! Check your corporate intranet or talk to your human resources representative. And don’t forget the best deal of all – investing in your 401(k)! 
  9. One way to establish a savings discipline is to “save” an amount equal to whatever is spent on nonessential indulgences. Put a matching amount in a cookie jar for expenditures for beer, wine, cigarettes, designer coffee, etc. If you can’t afford to save the matching amount, you can’t afford the $4 super almond low-fat latte. 
  10. Take the amount the item costs and divide it into your hourly wage. If it’s a $50 pair of shoes and you make $10 an hour, ask yourself, are those shoes really worth five long hours of work? It helps keep things in perspective. 
  11. Aim for short-term savings goals, such as setting aside $20 a week or month rather than long term savings goals, such as $200 over a year. People save more successfully when they keep the short-term goal in sight. 
  12. Save money by buying items online, in bulk. Some companies even offer free shipping on large orders. Clearance items are sometimes available, and good savings can be found on non-perishable groceries and diapers. This saves time and money! - 

See more at: http://americasaves.org/for-savers/make-a-plan-how-to-save-money/54-ways-to-save-money#insurance

904-677-5884

Distracted Driving - Talk To Teen About Texting

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Talk to your children about texting and driving. And please set a good example yourself while behind the wheel, and don't drive distracted.                                      



Key Facts and Statistics
  • The number of people killed in distraction-affected crashes decreased slightly from 3,360 in 2011 to 3,328 in 2012. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, this was a nine percent increase from the estimated 387,000 people injured in 2011.
  • As of December 2012, 171.3 billion text messages were sent in the US (includes PR, the Territories, and Guam) every month.(CTIA)
  • 10% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
  • Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes. (NHTSA)
  • At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.(NOPUS)
  • Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times. (VTTI)
  • Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. (2009, VTTI)
  • Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)
  • A quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive. 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving. (UMTRI) 

904-677-5884

Monday, September 29, 2014

Your Driving Habits Can Save You Money

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Usage Based Auto Insurance

As a certified Progressive Insurance Snapshot agency, here is how it works:



  • Plug -Day 1
    The Snapshot device fits right into a little port in your car, generally located below the steering wheel.
  • Drive - Days 1-30
    Progressive  looks at your driving habits to see if you could be saving more. You can track your projected savings online.
  • Save - Day 31
    Now your rate is fully personalized; any discount you earned is in full effect. Simple! 



And you can also test drive Snapshot without switching your current auto insurance! How? Just call us and it will take 5 minutes to sign you up for a test drive.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Five Huge Insurance Mistakes People Make

Five big mistakes to avoid when making decisions about your homeowners insurance.


We are specialists in Florida homeowners insurance. Most importantly our ability to shop the market among most of the top-rated companies, allows us to meet your needs for protection and affordability.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884



Thursday, June 26, 2014

Home Based Bussiness

The United States has experienced a rapid growth in home-based businesses in the last decade. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are now more than 11 million home-based businesses in the country, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming years.

But if you run a home business, losses associated with that business may not be covered under your homeowners policy unless special coverage endorsements are added. Some insurers sell an endorsement that covers losses associated with a home-based business. We can quickly find out if such an option is available.




Call us for a risk assessment of your home-based business.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Progressive RV Coverage

It isn't just a car, it isn't just a mobile home, it is an expression of your way of life. Because of that, regular auto insurance just won't cut it. With Progressive RV insurance you can be assured that you will be covered with things like, Total Loss Replacement, Vacation Liability, Pet Coverage, and Disappearing Deductibles.


At Emerge Insurance Agency we offer a wide variety of different plans including Progressive. Call, email, or visit our website for a quote.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884

What Exactly is Flood Insurance?

Living in Florida, flood insurance is certainly something you've heard a bit about. But you may have questions as to what it covers. Or, you may think that your homeowners policy covers flood.


At Emerge Insurance we have a wealth of knowledge on different insurance policies that would fit you best. Call us for a free quote.



Tuesday, June 24, 2014

How Should I Insure Expensive Items In My Home?

A clear route of communication between you and your insurance agent is extremely important, especially when making sure that expensive family possessions are covered. When you buy that new HDTV, along with that $10,000 surround sound system your first call should be to your insurance agent.


At Emerge Insurance we pride ourselves in our easy accessibility, and dedication  to our clients. Call us for a free quote.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Should I Drop My Full Auto Coverage?

Depending on your vehicle you may be wondering if you need to keep full coverage, or simply just liability insurance. If you have a newer car it is wise to continue full coverage. However, when a vehicle is 8 or more years old, and depreciates significantly you may not need everything included in full coverage.
  

We are experts in the area of Florida auto insurance. We shop the market and find the appropriate coverage, and premium based on the client's unique needs.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Monday, June 23, 2014

PIP Coverage. What Is It? And Why It's Required in Florida.

If you live in Florida, whether you know it or not, you are required to get Personal Injury Protection Insurance Coverage; sometimes called "no-fault" coverage. Being that PIP is a requirement in this state it's important to understand just what it is.


Emerge Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency, meaning we are not beholden to only one insurance company. We have the ability to survey the market for the best policy suitable for clients.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Do You Know Everything You Need To Do When Filing An Auto Insurance Claim?

More than 220 million motor vehicles clog America's roads today, making it likely that someday you will have an accident and file an auto insurance claim.

The good news is that in most auto accident claims, personal injury isn't the problem.

Sixty-three cents of every claim dollar goes to [pay for] physical damage on your car, Every insurance claim requires some kind of proof of damage or injury before a carrier will pay, and this video offers very helpful guidance.


Claims forgiveness? We have companies that offer that feature. As an independent insurance agency, we are able to help you find coverage and affordability to me your unique needs.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Saturday, June 21, 2014

In What Month Do The Most Car Accidents Occur?

In the United States, summer is the season with the most car accidents. Historically, August has had the highest number of accidents followed, for some odd reason by October.

It is important that you and your family members know what to do when an car accident occurs. This will protect you legally and help expedite claims payment for an accident.


Heard of "claims forgiveness?" We have several auto insurance companies that offer that, as well as diminishing deductibles based on your driving record.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884  

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Home-Based Business

The United States has experienced a rapid growth in home-based businesses in the last decade. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are now more than 11 million home-based businesses in the country, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming years.


But if you run a home business, losses associated with that business may not be covered under your homeowners policy unless special coverage endorsements are added. Some insurers sell an endorsement that covers losses associated with a home-based business. We can quickly find out if such an option is available.



Call us for risk assessment of your home based business. 

 EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Do You Have Enough Homeowner's Insurance

A Home is the largest investment most people make in their lifetime. About two out of every three homes in America is underinsured. The average underinsurance amount is about 22%, though some homes are underinsured by 60% or more.


Call us for a Replacement Cost Analysis of your home and contents. Make sure your home is covered for all its worth.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-588
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Your First Question Should Be How Much Insurance Is Needed.

Shopping for the right amount of car insurance requires some homework, and an evaluation of how much coverage your wallet can handle.

You can always pay less for car insurance, but its important to remember that you typically get what you pay for.

Shopping online has led to a growing number of drivers being underinsured, only finding out once they have a claim.



We are experts in the area of Florida auto insurance. We shop the market the appropriate coverage and premium based on the client's unique needs.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Friday, June 6, 2014

Florida Insurance Commissioner - Hurricane Preparation

Commissioner McCarty Recommends Floridians Prepare for Hurricane Season and Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance Coverage. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty recommends Floridians begin preparing now for the 2014 hurricane season and also encourages the purchase of flood insurance for enhanced protection of homes and businesses. 

Generally, a standard homeowners or business insurance policy does not cover damage from a flood, requiring the additional purchase of flood insurance to fully protect a property. A typical flood insurance policy takes 30 days to become effective, so Floridians should consider making a purchase by May 1, 2014 in order to have coverage in place for the start of hurricane season on June 1, 2014.

“Due to Florida’s geographic proximity to water, both on the coast and inland, flooding poses a serious and frequent threat to Floridians,” said Commissioner McCarty. “I strongly recommend that Floridians consider purchasing flood insurance, even if it is not already required by the mortgage lender. Talk with your agent about the appropriate coverage for your home and belongings.” 

Flood insurance is federally administered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and is available to homeowners, renters and business owners who live in a community participating in the NFIP. Floridians make up the largest concentration of flood insurance policyholders in the NFIP. 

The NFIP allows the purchase of up to $250,000 for property damage and $100,000 for personal contents. Excess flood insurance can be purchased from a private carrier for homes valued at more than $250,000. NFIP coverage is also available for commercial structures at $500,000 for building coverage and $500,000 for contents coverage. Check with your insurance agent for more information about access to the NFIP. 

Significant rate increases in NFIP policies over the past 12 months were recently ordered to be rolled-back and planned annual increases to be moderated. “The fact is, now is the time to buy a flood insurance policy if you need one,” said McCarty. 

In addition to the NFIP, there are a limited number of private insurance companies in Florida that offer this type of coverage. The Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) supports expanding the private flood insurance market in Florida to provide more affordable coverage and is working with the Governor’s Office and Legislature as they consider alternatives to address this important issue on behalf of Floridians.

For information about insurance companies in Florida who are currently writing primary or excess flood insurance outside of the NFIP, a list is available that is based on information filed with the Office. The companies represented on the list may only write a limited number of policies or certain types of flood policies, such as for high value homes. The list can be accessed at: www.floir.com/Sections/PandC/FloodInsurance/FloodInsurance.aspx

Commissioner McCarty has also prepared a video message to consumers with hurricane preparedness tips. The video is available on the Office’s new “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage, which also features important contact and consumer information from the Department of Financial ServicesFlorida Division of Emergency Management and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This webpage will be updated throughout the 2014 hurricane season to include any Executive Orders issued by the Governor and/or Emergency Orders issued by Commissioner McCarty.

To learn more, visit the new Hurricane Season Resources webpage.
EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY
904-677-5884

Friday, May 30, 2014

Hurricane Season 2014: What Florida Residents Need to Know


As a native Floridian I have seen my share of hurricane seasons in this the storm prone peninsular of ours. Each year around November I take a collective sigh of relief with the rest of my Florida neighbors. In my thirty years as a Florida resident, I have been blessed to have yet had any serious damage done to my home or cars. I know many others in the state often do not fair quite as well. Although a chill comes down my spine at the beginning of each season, I also feel a sense of calm. I know that my home and cars are covered, so what ever happens I will be taken care of. Can you say the same? Here are a few things you should know about your insurance coverage going into this years hurricane season.

Do I Really Need Flood Insurance?

"Well I live on a hill, and I really don't see the need in getting flood insurance." Considering most standard homeowners insurance policies do not include flood insurance it is very important that you know if you are covered. You may not be covered and feel as if you don't need flood insurance. I would definitely advise you to be careful. Many people have gone this route only to regret their decision down the line.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Hurricanes produce storms, many of these storms produce hail. For people with cars in their drive ways, or who live in apartments I would hate to hear that you called your insurance provider for a claim on the damage, only to find out you are not covered.  

I have an Older Home. Do I Need to Upgrade My Policy?

This is a popular question that depends greatly on the age of the home, and where it is that you live. It is defiantly an important question. Depending on where you live you may be required to rebuild damaged parts of your home to new community standards; which is often more expensive.

Emerge Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency, meaning we are not bound to a single insurance provider. We have the ability to survey the market and find the plan that fits you the best. Call, email, or visit our website for a quote.


EMERGE INSURANCE


Monday, May 5, 2014

The Value of An Independent Agent

When it comes to providing insurance, independence is a serious asset. As an independent insurance agency, we are not bound by the plans of a single insurance company. We have the flexibility to survey the entire market and select plans that are best suited for our clients. 


Declare your own independence, and let us help you with your specific solutions for life's what ifs.

EMERGE INSURANCE
904-677-5884
www.emergeinsurance.com