Since we’re just coming out of Florida’s dry season, Brandon and Tampa homeowners are probably not thinking about the dangers of flooding—and that could be a big mistake. According to Floridadiaster.org, “Flooding is the most common and damaging natural disaster in the country.” And Florida’s geography and proximity to water make it especially vulnerable to flooding. Even so, in 2020, only 22 percent of homes in Florida were covered by flood insurance, according to one estimate. Here are three misconceptions about flood damage that could hurt you: “I don’t need flood insurance because I don’t ..read more

As a Florida landlord, to protect your financial investment, you most likely carry insurance that protects your rental property structures, as well as certain types of liability through Florida rental property insurance, also known as Florida landlord insurance. There’s one more thing you can do to strengthen your protection and it won’t cost you a dime: Require your tenants to carry renters insurance. Why Landlords should require Tenants Carry Renters Insurance While renters insurance primarily benefits your tenants, it also carries significant benefits for you as a landlord. Encouraging or r ..read more

Last month we discussed some of the reasons Florida homeowners insurance is so expensive. Today, let’s see what we can do to make sure we’re not paying more than we have to. Here are nine ways you might be able to save money on your Florida homeowners insurance. Remember, your independent L & M Insurance Group agent is your best ally for finding the coverage you need at the most cost-effective price. If you have questions about your options, please call us at 813-672-4100. Money saving tips for Florida Homeowners Insurance Compare homeowners insurance rates yearly. Once you get your homeo ..read more

We get asked why insurance more expensive every week from clients who are surprised and frustrated when they receive their renewal offer with rate increases from their home or auto insurance company. We’ve previously discussed why Florida home and auto insurance rates are so high (see here and here), but let’s review the situation again. The short answer to the question of rising insurance rates is: you may not have had a claim, but many other Floridians have. Insurance is a “pool of risk,” meaning that by buying insurance, we share the risk by each ..read more

Last month we discussed some of the reasons Florida homeowners insurance is so expensive. Today, let’s see what we can do to make sure we’re not paying more than we have to. Here are nine ways you might be able to save money on your Florida homeowners insurance. Remember, your independent L & M Insurance Group agent is your best ally for finding the coverage you need at the most cost-effective price. If you have questions about your options, please call us at 813-672-4100. Try these money saving tips Compare homeowners insurance rates yearly. Once you get your homeowners insurance renewal ..read more

We get asked why insurance more expensive every week from clients who are surprised and frustrated when they receive their renewal offer with rate increases from their home or auto insurance company. We’ve previously discussed why Florida home and auto insurance rates are so high (see here and here), but let’s review the situation again. The short answer to the question of rising insurance rates is: you may not have had a claim, but many other Floridians have. Insurance is a “pool of risk,” meaning that by buying insurance, we share the risk by each paying a relatively small amount (in relatio ..read more

A house fire can be one of the scariest perils a Florida homeowner can face. House fires are a major cause of injury and death at home, and young children and the elderly are most at risk. It only takes a few minutes for a small flame to become a major fire. Let these fire prevention tips help keep your family safe. How common are house fires? In 2021, according to U.S. Fire Administration estimates, there were 353,500 residential fires, 2,840 deaths, 11,400 injuries, and nearly 9 billion dollars in fire losses. The most common causes of accidental house fires include cooking mishaps; electric ..read more

Hearts, flowers, candy, jewelry—it’s the season of love…and life insurance? Buying life insurance doesn’t sound “romantic.” But it’s actually a practical and lasting way to show your love, because it protects and provides for your loved ones after you’re gone. (And it might even be cheaper than that piece of jewelry you have your eye on…) This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of a secure financial future. Who needs life insurance? No one wants to think about how their loved ones will cope after they’re gone. Losing you would not only be emotionally devastating; it could also cost your loved ones ..read more

As your small business grows, you might consider purchasing a vehicle to use for business purposes. If you or an employee are often using your personal vehicle to drive to multiple job sites or transport clients, a company vehicle can make good sense. Note: Any car, owned by an individual or a business, which is used for business purposes should be covered by a commercial auto policy. Personal auto policies will not cover business use. Please consult your insurance agent if you have any questions about whether or not your usage is considered “business use.” Some pros and cons of the company ve ..read more

While skyrocketing home insurance rates in Florida have gotten all the press lately, Florida drivers are finding the cost of auto insurance is also steadily rising. Major insurers in Florida, such as Progressive, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm, have raised their rates up to 44 percent over the past year. “But I’ve never had a claim!” We hear this lament every day, and we feel your pain! The fact is, you may not have had a claim, but thousands of other Florida drivers have. In addition to the same economic and social inflation factors driving up car insurance all over the nation, Florida ..read more