The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog

Most Stolen Cars Last Year

Ellsworth Buck

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October 21, 2020

“Every 40 seconds a car is stolen,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports about $6.4 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2019.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) latest “Hot Wheels” report, car thieves have a new favorite target, a Ford Pickup.

The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). They determine the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2019.

Rank Vehicle Thefts Vehicle Year Stolen

1 Ford Pickup (Full size) 38,938 2006

2 Honda Civic 33,220 2000

3 Chevrolet Pickup (Full size) 32,583 2004

4 Honda Accord 30,745 1997

5 Toyota Camry 15,656 2007

6 Nissan Altima 13,355 2015

7 Toyota Corolla 12,137 2018

8 Dodge Pickup (Full size) 11,292 2001

9 GMC Pickup (Full size) 11,164 2018

10 Honda CR-V 10,094 2001

Florida ranked third in states with most vehicles stolen in 2019, according to III. They include the following:

Rank Vehicle Thefts Vehicle Year Stolen

1 Ford Pickup (Full size) 2,383 2006

2 Nissan Altima 1,171 2018

3 Toyota Camry 1,027 2019

4 Honda Accord 966 2018

5 Toyota Corolla 963 2019

6 Honda Civic 824 2016

7 Chevrolet Pickup (Full size) 817 2018

8 Hyundai Sonata 547 2013

9 Hyundai Elantra 521 2017

10 Nissan Sentra 470 2019

“Many car thefts can be prevented with a common sense approach,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency. Removing your keys from the ignition, locking car doors and windows as well as parking in a well-lit area can reduce the chance of your vehicle being taken.

The next level of protection will include an investment. These would be audible or visible warning devices. Popular warning devices include, audible alarms, theft deterrent decals, and steering wheel locks.

Immobilizing devices prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. They include devices such as, smart keys and kill switches. Finally, there are tracking devices. Tracking devices combine GPS and wireless technologies allowing remote monitoring of a vehicle.

Make sure you have comprehensive auto insurance, so your car can be replaced if stolen. GreatFlorida Insurance agents can answer any questions you have regarding the right car insurance, contact us today.

https://www.greatflorida.com/florida-auto-insurance

Florida to Offer a Digital Driver License

Ellsworth Buck

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October 14, 2020

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Florida to Offer a Digital Driver License

Florida residents will soon have access to a mobile version of their driver’s license. Beginning 2021, Florida will be the first state in the U.S. to offer a digital copy to residents of their driver’s license on their smartphone or tablet.

“A mobile driver’s license serves as a real convenience for residents,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is working with Thales, a global technology company to provide the digital driver’s license. And, if you are not ready to let go of your card, don’t worry. It is also considered supplemental the traditional card.

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/government/driving-licence

“I’m excited for this innovative project that will make the state of Florida a national leader in offering secure and trusted mobile identification, which is a priority for our governor, Ron DeSantis,” said Terry L. Rhodes, Executive Director of the FLHSMV. “We have made a sustained commitment to the modernization of nearly every aspect of what our department does and how customers access our services, and Thales will be a great partner as Florida now steps into the future of mobile identification.”

A digital license is valid to verify identity, provide proof of age and driving privileges. Additionally, it is accepted by law enforcement, airport security and for age verification.

Thales says users of mobile driver licenses control what information is displayed from the app depending on the context. For example, to buy alcohol, it only needs to show that the individual is old enough and the mobile driver’s license will just display that information – not the individual’s name, date of birth, or address.

“A mobile driver’s license serves as a convenience for anyone who leaves their wallet at home,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

The digital driver’s license is accessible on a variety of devices including smartphones and tablets, being retrieved through a mobile identification app.

Aside from offering greater convenience, it provides better security. Beneficially, the license will protect against fraud and counterfeiting. Counterfeiting becomes more difficult with a secure digitized credential that can be checked for authenticity rather than just display a digital image of a license that could be easily altered.

Another benefit of the digital license is it never needs to leave your hand.

However, the FLHSMV has yet to announce an exact date for application, sometime beginning 2021.

GreatFlorida Insurance offers comprehensive auto insurance to keep you and others covered. Contact us today.

Make Your Home a Sanctuary

Ellsworth Buck

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October 7, 2020

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Florida is continuing to reopen. However, most people are still spending more time at home. “Our homes have become more important than ever,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Our homes have transformed, becoming classrooms, offices, gyms, entertainment centers and hospital rooms. During this challenging time, we are looking to our homes to bring us a sense of peace, as well as comfort and joy. But all that time in your home might have you feeling bored and uninspired.

https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/6-creative-ways-to-jazz-up-your-front-porch–on-a-budget–

Below are ways to make your home look and feel fresh, without spending much money or hiring a handyman.

Exterior improvements

Paint your front door
Replace your porch light
Paint the exterior trim and shutters
Buy a birdfeeder
Install or change your front door kick plate.

“A kick plate will extend the life of your door,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

Add new house numbers
Put in solar-powered pathway lights
Place a fall wreath on your front door
Get a porch swing or an outdoor chair
Spruce up an area with container plants

Interior improvements

Conquer the clutter

In an article by Psychology Today, they report decluttering makes people feel less scattered and reduces anxiety.

Give new life to your sofa with a slipcover
Update cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom
Install new door handles
Rearrange furniture
Deep clean
Add a house plant or flowers

According to a study done by NASA, plants eliminate toxins from indoor spaces, reoxygenating your home.

Purchase a new blanket or throw pillows for the bedroom or living room
Hang a picture that makes you happy
Buy a rug
Create a warm glow with candles, lanterns or string lights

Your home is your sanctuary. Protect it along with your belongings with home insurance from GreatFlorida Insurance. Contact us today.

https://www.greatflorida.com/florida-homeowners-insurance

New Laws Beginning October 1

Ellsworth Buck

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September 29, 2020

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Several new laws go into effect this Thursday. The 24 laws will be implemented after being passed during the 2020 legislative session.

“Military vets and those drawn to specialty license plates will be most interested in the new laws kicking in Thursday,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/314719-these-are-floridas-most-popular-specialty-tags-heading-into-2020

Among the notable new laws:

HB1135– Revises the state’s specialty license plate program. It includes expanding the potential number of designs from the current 123 to 150 and requiring a minimum of 1,000 sales before new specialty plates can move forward and existing plates can remain in circulation. The bill also creates plates for Auburn University, the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia and establishes a “super tag” template for nine black fraternities and sororities dubbed the “Divine 9:” Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta.

HB133-Makes a series of changes related to towing vessels and vehicles. In part, the bill requires local governments to set maximum rates for towing and immobilizing vessels. It also prohibits counties and cities from imposing fees on wrecker operators or towing businesses.

“This bill will also ensure tow-away zone notices are easier to see,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

HB205-Expands a portion of state law designed to prevent people from misrepresenting service in the military. The bill makes it a third-degree felony to use such misrepresentations to land jobs or political offices.

SB294-Creates the “Florida Veterans Protection Act” to make it a first-degree felony to obtain or attempt to swindle $50,000 or more from 10 or more military veterans.

SB680– Expands a 2017 law that increased penalties for people who remove fins from sharks and discard the rest of the sharks in the ocean. The new law bans the import, export and sale of shark fins but includes exceptions for people who already had federal shark fishing permits as of Jan. 1 and seafood dealers who had federal shark dealer permits. Shark fins are considered a delicacy in parts of Asia.

According to Jim Turner with News Service of Florida, “Many of the measures taking effect this week keep in place exemptions to state-public records laws. Such exemptions often are subject to repeal unless they are re-enacted by lawmakers.”

Those include exemptions related to law-enforcement body camera recordings within private residences, health care facilities or other places where people would expect privacy (HB 7015); email addresses collected by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for vehicle-registration renewal notices and driver-license renewal notices (HB 7001); and information about the identities of victims of child abuse and sexual offenses and minors who are victims of human trafficking (HB 7019).

Source: News Service of Florida

GreatFlorida Insurance covers all your auto insurance needs. Contact us today.

Is Halloween Canceled?

Ellsworth Buck

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September 23, 2020

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While there is no word on the cancellation of Halloween in Florida, it will definitely look different. “No one can really cancel Halloween, but authorities can eliminate certain activities,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

Many Florida HOA’s are considering cancelling trick-or-treating, with no official decisions yet. Some area theme parks have already moved to abandon their Halloween events. Disney World and Universal will not hold their annual celebrations, however Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular is already underway.

According to a Harris Poll survey, 63 percent of adults plan to find creative, fun and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season. Three out of four people surveyed said they had no plans to take their kids door-to-door for candy. Only 27 percent of the 1,790 adults polled said they anticipate seeing kids trick-or-treat on October 31.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween

“When it comes to trick-or-treating, you may be wondering, ‘is it worth the risk?’” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

Members of Congress were curious about fall festivities as well and asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to come out with their recommendations on the safest way to celebrate Halloween.

The CDC guidelines split activities into risk levels for guidance.

Low Risk

Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household
Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children walk outdoors admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home

Moderate Risk

Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard)
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest, if screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard)
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest, if screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Higher risk

Participating in traditional door-to-door, trick-or-treating
Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
Traveling to a fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19

The CDC makes it clear these are supplemental not to take the place of any state or local health and safety laws, rules and regulations for Halloween celebrations.

However you decide to spend your Halloween, stay safe.

GreatFlorida Insurance is committed to protecting you and your belongings from spooky incidents this Halloween. Contact us for all your homeowner insurance needs.

Is the Flu Shot Necessary?

Ellsworth Buck

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September 16, 2020

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Every September, medical professionals remind the public of the importance of a flu shot. This year, they are saying it is more important than ever.

“There is no way to know how bad the flu season will be this year,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.

So, in a year, already plagued with a respiratory pandemic, is the flu vaccine necessary? People are wearing masks, social distancing and staying home. Is the threat of influenza really a concern?

Many healthcare experts report it is possible to get coronavirus and influenza simultaneously. Getting a flu vaccination will help prevent the occurrence of a feared, “twindemic.”

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm

While a flu shot cannot prevent COVID-19, there is hope it might help. A preliminary observational study from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, was released in July suggesting that being inoculated against influenza might reduce the mortality risk of coronavirus.

Researchers examined 92,664 COVID-19 patients in Brazil and looked at outcomes in those who received a flu shot in 2020 and those who did not (Brazil’s peak flu season is April to July). The results showed that those who had the flu shot and got sick with COVID-19 were 17 percent less likely to die from coronavirus complications.

Because the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, they have similar symptoms, fever, sore throat and cough. The loss of taste and smell is the difference with COVID-19. However, it is almost impossible to rule out a coronavirus diagnosis without a test.

“In cases of COVID-19, a quarantine is required before returning to school, work or travel,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency. By contrast, with the flu, quarantine is not necessary with the absence of a fever, because the flu is not as severe.

An additional reason, healthcare experts are encouraging people to get a flu shot is to decrease the burden on the health care system that could once again become strained from two respiratory illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), last year in the U.S. 45 percent of adults received a flu vaccination and 63 percent of children.

Who should get the flu shot? Everyone over the age of 6 months. Those especially vulnerable such as, those over 65 years of age, people with underlying illnesses- asthma and heart disease, pregnant women, caretakers and essential workers.

The best time to get the flu shot is September or October, before the start of flu season.

As a reminder, the flu vaccine is safe for most people. Some experience mild symptoms such as a sore arm, itchy eyes or fatigue after getting a flu shot, but these go away on their own after a couple of days. Every year vaccines undergo rigorous clinical trials reviewed by the U.S. Food Drug and Administration (FDA) before released.

In uncertain times, you can depend on GreatFlorida Insurance homewoners insurance to protect your belongings. Contact us today.

Food Recalls

Ellsworth Buck

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September 8, 2020

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“There are several product recalls this summer from food-borne illnesses, “says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

Recalls include a large nation-wide recall due to a major salmonella contamination in the produce department. Read on for further details to keep you and your household safe.

Onions

The U. S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is analyzing samples collected at Thomson International which has recalled all red, white, yellow and sweet yellow onions shipped to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The onions are being linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 510 people.

The Mayo Clinic reports Salmonella symptoms include, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache and blood in the stool. Most healthy people recover within a few days without specific treatment. In some cases, dehydration can prompt immediate medical attention.

The onions are sold under the following brand names, Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions and Food Lion.

Peaches

A multi-state outbreak of salmonella infections is being linked to peaches. The peaches are packed or supplied by Prima Wawona or Wawona Packing Company. They are sold bagged, in bulk and loose. The peaches are distributed nationwide and sold at Walmart, Target, Aldi and elsewhere.

Also, discard peach salsa labeled as “Perfectly Peach Salsa.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, “If you cannot tell where your peaches are from, don’t eat them. Throw them out.”

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reporting-timeline.html

Soup

“Thankfully, some food recalls are not as life threatening as others, says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

Case in point, thousands of cans of Progresso’s Organic Chicken Noodle Soup, produced by Faribault Food Inc. are being recalled for a misbranding. Instead of chicken noodle, customers found a meatball and pasta product. The products were also reported to have undeclared allergens.

Affected cans have a best by date of “BestByMAY262022” printed on the bottom of the can and a best by date of “09JUN2022,” printed on the product case.

Frozen Shrimp

Kader Exports, is recalling various sizes of frozen cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp due to possible salmonella contamination. The product has been distributed nationwide.

Frozen cooked deveined shrimp sold under the brand names Aqua Star Reserve, Censea, Fresh Market, Kirkland Signature (Costco), Tops, Unistar, and Wellsley Farms (BJ’s Wholesale Club). For details on the specific products being recalled, check out the FDA website.

Pet Food

Three brands of dog food are being recalled. The pet food manufacturer Sunshine Mills has issued a voluntary recall of dog food products due to potentially high levels of aflatoxin, a byproduct of mold.

The FDA reports, “Pets that have consumed any of the recalled products and exhibit symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.”

The dog food in question is sold under the brand names Family Pet, Heartland Farms and Paws Happy Life.

The dog food was sold at retailers nationwide. The list of potentially hazardous products includes “Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavors Premium Dog Food,” “Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor,” as well as “Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food.”

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should discontinue use of the products and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For dependable homewoners insurance contact GreatFlorida Insurance today.

What to Expect This Labor Day

Ellsworth Buck

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September 1, 2020

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“Expect more people,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent home insurance agency.

While Florida is always a popular travel destination, this year it ranks high for travelers flying according to a survey by travel itinerary app, TripIt. Popular spots for visitors include, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Meyers, Miami, Panama City and Key West. The Central Florida area dominates hotel reservations for Labor Day weekend.

Public beaches in Palm Beach will be closed for Labor Day weekend, opening back up Tuesday, September 8. County officials are hoping closing for the holiday weekend will prevent a “super-spreader” event. Islamorada public beaches are also closed through Labor Day.

Most Labor Day celebrations will continue despite warnings from top U.S. health officials Adm. Brett Giroir and Dr. Anthony Fauci that a safe Labor Day holiday will be vital for controlling COVID-19 spread this fall.

“People are clearly seeking a sun-filled vacation after months of quarantine and tedium,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent home insurance agency.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, Labor Day weekend you can ride a bike or float down a river, two activities that make social distancing easy. However, for those wanting to stay indoors, this weekend is an ideal time for our favorite quarantine pastime, online shopping.

Today.com, has scoured the internet for the biggest sales categories to find the best deals from retailers. Read their list below.

Furniture and Home Items-Walmart, Home Depot, Kirkland’s, Frontgate, Rugs USA, Rugs.com, Macy’s Overstock, Wayfair and Etsy

Mattresses-Leesa Sleep, Temper-Pedic, Bear Mattress, Avocado Mattress, Casper, Nectar Sleep, Helix Sleep, Birch Living, Zoma Sleep, Mattress Firm and Purple

Clothing and Accessories-Sunglasses Hut, REI, Anthropologie, Nike, Amazon, Kate Spade, Baublebar, Nordstrom, J. Crew, Dolce Vita, Old Navy, Macy’s, Express, Ted Baker and Shein

Appliances-Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes, Dyson and Wayfair

Outdoor Grills-Amazon, Home Depot, Overstock, Walmart and Lowes

Electronics-Apple, Amazon, HP, Microsoft and GoPro

Whatever activities you decide on this Labor Day, be sure to stay safe. To keep your valuables and home protected, check out home insurance from GreatFlorida Insurance.

Cooling Down a Hot Car

Ellsworth Buck

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August 26, 2020

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You know the familiar feeling of opening the car door on a hot day, only to feel like a blast from a blow dryer in your face. Then you sit down, burning the backs of your thighs on your seat and hands on the steering wheel.

“A car sitting in the Florida sun is scorching,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

A parking garage is not always available, so below are some tips for cooling down your car swiftly.

Seek some shade

Park your car in the shade. Look for a tree or neighboring structure that could be casting a shadow in the parking lot. At least try to shield the sun from entering through your back window.

Crack your window

This may seem risky, but if you are in a safe area it is worth it. A study in Pediatrics, found that cracking the window 5 cm lowered the temperature in a car by about 28 degrees F on a 98-degree day. Measured with the windows fully closed the car measured 150 degrees.

Turn on the AC

This sounds like a no brainer, but make sure the air conditioning is set on fresh air instead of recycled, since it is cooler outside.

Use a sunshade

Sunshades reflect some of the light out of your windows before the interior of the car absorbs it. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSCE) a research institute run by the University of Central Florida (UCF), discovered these shades can reduce the interior of a car by 15 to 20 degrees. Researchers also found the coolest results came when the reflective surface was turned to face the interior of the car. That’s right, backwards.

Car window tint

A good ceramic window tint covers all the windows. While it requires an investment, it is a permanent solution that will drop the internal temperature by several degrees.

Florida tint laws allow your windshield to be tinted with non-reflective tint along the top of the windshield. The front side windows must allow 28 percent of light through, while the back windows and rear window must allow more than 15 percent of light through.

Try the Japanese Door Trick

Roll down the driver’s side window, then open the passenger door, opening and closing it several times. This helps draw hot air out and pull in cool air.

“Regular car maintenance will also make sure systems are running accurately,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

Check the air filter

Check your cabin’s air filter to make sure it is clean. A dirty filter prevents air flow.

Keeping the interior of your vehicle cooled off will protect your investment and keep you and your passengers more comfortable.

GreatFlorida Insurance has been providing friendly service and affordable auto insurance since 1991. We are comprised of independent insurance agents with over 110 offices located throughout Florida. We are committed to helping you make informed decisions about all your insurance needs. Call us at 1-888-478-7801 or visit us online at www.greatflorida.com.

Re-evaluate Your Insurance Policy Before the Storm

Ellsworth Buck

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August 18, 2020

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Re-evaluate Your Insurance Policy Before the Storm

Florida is in the height of hurricane season. While no storms are currently declared hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts a busy hurricane season with 6-10 hurricanes.

This is a good time to re-evaluate your insurance policy. Assessment will confirm if your policy is adequate to repair and replace once a storm hits.

“Waiting until a hurricane watch is issued is too late,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/2020-hurricane-insurance

Homeowners Insurance

Be sure to check that your homeowners policy covers wind damage. Weather.com reports, wind is responsible for most structural damage during a hurricane. Also, look into flood insurance. It must be purchased separately from your homeowners insurance and it takes 30 days to go into effect.

Make sure your coverage limits for belongings and the home’s structure are equal to replacement and reconstruction costs. The actual cash value is the depreciated value from when you purchased an item. The replacement cost is the amount you need to buy the item new.

Ask about temporary accommodations. This pays for additional living expenses such as a hotel and meals if your home is unlivable due to hurricane damage.

Renters Insurance

Your landlord is responsible for the structure of your rental. However, the renter is responsible for damage to belongings. Renters insurance does not always cover floods. “Check your renters insurance, because flood insurance is available for purchase separately and it is really affordable,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Auto Insurance

Comprehensive car insurance covers damage not caused by a crash. This includes, flooding, hail, fallen rocks or trees and vandalism.

GreatFlorida Insurance‘s experienced, independent agents are located throughout the state to answer your questions. They can help you find insurance for your home, auto or rental for the right price. To learn more about our services call 888-478-7801 or go online for a free quote at www.greatflorida.com.