Blog entries

Navigating a Theft Claim

Stephanie Magruder — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:58:30 +0100

When the economy takes a down turn, insurance agents usually see an increase in the number of theft claims reported. While we wish that no one had to experience a robbery, here are some tips to make your claim go more smoothly.

-Know your coverage! In most cases a standard Homeowners policy only includes a minimal amount of coverage for commonly stolen items such as fine arts, electronics, and jewelry. You might need to schedule these types of belongings for a s...

Flood Insurance

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

If you are considering purchasing flood insurance, you should keep in mind there is a 30 day wait for the coverage to start if you do not purchase it during the closing on your property or when refinancing. If you need Hurricane Guide, we have extras in our office for you to pick up.

Car Rental on Auto Insurance Policy

Patricia Magruder — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:19:26 +0100

When going on a trip, it is wise to have car rental on your policy. Suppose you start you 4 day trip on Friday night after work. You are 100 miles from home and someone runs a red light and hits your car. Your car is no longer driveable. What do you do?

If you have car rental on your policy, you will be able to continue your journey.

Workman's Comp Fraud

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Disturbing numbers indicate that Workman’s Comp fraud is on the increase. Based on a recent Tampa Tribune article, one in five workers report there is workman’s comp fraud in their own workplace.

Billions of dollars are lost in fraud cases and this loss in passed down to the consumer.

Independent companies are hired by insurance companies to investigate workman's comp claimants to determine if they are actually injured.&nb...

2011 Hurricane Season is Open!

Stephanie Magruder — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:26:47 +0100

The 2011 hurricane season is starting, and we urge all of our friends and neighbors to be prepared. You can review Hillsborough County's 2011 Hurricane Guide at http://www.tbrpc.org/tampabaydisaster/hurricane_guide2011/HG_2011.html

Hurricane Preparation

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0100

With hurricane season fast approaching, it is wise to prepare now in case you are unfortunate enough to experience damage. Even minimal planning will be helpful.

If a hurricane develops, your area will experience high winds and heavy rains. It is wise to have a plan developed where you would take only what is necessary, figure out where your destination would be and share this with friends or relatives. Have an emergency bag available&nb...

Auto Premium Factors

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 20 May 2011 05:00:00 +0100

What goes into determining my auto premium?

Many factors are used by insurance companies to calculate the premium they will offer to a customer.

Some of the factors are age, credit, driving record, type of car, annual mileage and even the zip code you live in. These ratings vary from company to company so it is not unusual to get a different premium from one company to the next.

Auto Insurance Discounts

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Auto insurance companies provide many discounts to assist drivers in reducing their auto policy premiums.

Of course one of the more obvious is if the driver or drivers have clean accident free records. But there are many others that might apply. Low mileage, owning a home, and having multiple vehicles on a policy are a few.

Have your agent review these discounts with you. You may not have qualified at the time you originally started your poli...

Why Buy Disability Insurance

Patricia Magruder — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:07:33 +0100

Both males and females are more likely to suffer a disability than die at an early age. Many employers offer this important coverage, but if your does not, you should consider purchasing the coverage on your own. Think of how your family will survive if your income is suddenly discontinued. Mortgage payments, medical expenses, food expenses etc. will continue even if you are no longer able to work.

Since many companies offer this important coverage, you...

Coverage While Borrowing A Car

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0100

I borrowed my neighbor’s car. Does my insurance cover their car?

The vehicle’s insurance policy is primary in the case of an accident. The driver’s insurance policy will not cover the damage to the neighbor’s car. If the neighbor has regular use of the car, (say an elderly woman owns th...

Rental Car Coverage

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Does my auto insurance automatically cover my newly purchased vehicle?

Not always. Not all policies cover a newly purchased vehicle and must be added prior to you taking the car off the lot to ensure you have the coverage you need. Most car dealers will require the vehicle to be added before allowing you to drive it off t...

Newly Purchased Auto

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:06:37 +0100

Does my auto insurance automatically cover my newly purchased vehicle?

Staged Auto Accidents

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Florida Now Number One in Staged Auto Wrecks

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) says Florida now holds the top spot in the country in questionable insurance claims for what appear to be staged accidents. The number went up 77 percent in the first half of last year compared with the same period in 2009. The prime spots for the crime in the state are Tampa, Orlando and Miami.&nb...

Using Your Auto for Delivery Jobs

Patricia Magruder — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:04:58 +0100

When you start an auto policy, one question that is important is how do you use your auto? Is it used to commute back and forth to work? Are you in sales and travel from customer to customer or is it used for personal errands?

Your rate is based in part on the answer to that question. But what happens if your son or daughter or even you decide to use your car to deliver goods? Perhaps pizza, newspapers or maybe even mail. This chan...

Share A Smile Day

Patricia Magruder — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Believe it or not March 1 is Share A Smile Day. This is really easy, costs nothing, and makes others feel good.
What better way to celebrate a day. So you are not a morning person? That's Okay. Just start smiling when you are finally awake.

Random Acts of Kindness

Patricia Magruder — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0100

I love this one!

January 17 is RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

I think this one should be celebrated everyday. Play it forward. This is so easy....we all can smile at someone. You never know....you're smile may make their day. And it will make you feel better too and help to brighten your day. Especially if they smile back.

Hold the door open for someone.
Let someone get in line in front of you.&nb...

Car Rental Coverage

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Is it important to add Car Rental Coverage to my auto policy?

The cost for this coverage is very reasonable and there are several reasons it is important to have the coverage. If your car is damaged in an accident and is not driveable until the repairs are completed, you would be without a car for that length of time. And some repairs take several weeks if not a month when parts need to be ordered and the repairs cannot be continued until the parts are in.

Thank a Mailman Day

Patricia Magruder — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Did you know what day February 4 is?
Now wait for it.....

It is Thank a Mailman Day!

So....you can leave a thank you note in your mailbox maybe with a cookie or brownie or something. Or if you see them on the street doing their rounds be sure to say hi and thank them for their hard work.

Auto Comprehensive Coverage

Patricia Magruder — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Auto Insurance

Why should I carry Comprehensive Coverage on my auto policy?

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle under many circumstances. If someone vandalizes your car, or during a storm, a ...

National Popcorn Day

Patricia Magruder — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Our country is wonderful!   We are always finding ways to celebrate something and brighten our day.

Guess what January 19th is? It is             NATIONAL POPCORN DAY!!!

If you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop in our office for your free bag of popcorn and say "hi".   We'd love to see you.