Water Damage – The New Hurricane?

The following article was written by Steve Hall, the owner of East Coast Insurors and one of our Elite agency partners. In the article below, Steve gives some very helpful advice on how to mitigate water related losses. With 40 years in the insurance business, Steve has seen many trends in this industry and water seems to be big on his radar. In addition to the suggestions Steve offers below, an important part in protecting yourself from financial loss due to water damage is to make sure you thoroughly read your policy. Many Florida carriers have policies containing exclusions or limitations that apply to water damage. Many times, these gaps [Read More...]

Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Change Your Battery Now

It hangs in your hallway, measures just six inches round, and it can save your life. No matter where you call home, a smoke detector must be part of the décor. Home is the place you feel safe, yet home is where most fire-related deaths occur. In the seconds it took you to read this far, somewhere in the U.S., a fire truck is on its way to fight a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported 484,500 structure fires in 2011, causing nearly 2,700 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have one or two smoke alarms in your home. That’s great! [Read More...]

Leaving Home? Keep Burglars at Bay

Whether leaving for the season, or just for a long vacation, be sure to take the necessary precautions around your home to prevent a burglary while you’re away. Here are some key tips to ensure your peace of mind while you travel: Temporarily stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you while you are gone. Use motion sensors on lights outside of your house so they turn on if someone walks by. An obvious, but sometimes overlooked, item is to ensure all your doors and windows are locked before leaving. Put automatic timers on lights in your home and set them to go on [Read More...]

Homeowners Spring Checklist: Basic Things Every Homeowner Should Do to Protect Your Investment

Outside Your Home Ensure your sprinklers are operating correctly. – Sprinkler heads are often broken by lawn mower blades or sometimes break down after a long life. Broken sprinkler heads can lead to bigger and costlier problems, especially a hefty water bill! Run a test to be sure all heads are working properly and none are broken before beginning to water your yard for spring. Also, sprinklers hitting your house can cause water intrusion and unsightly discoloration to the paint on the sides of your home. You can have a professional come to inspect your system for around $75. Clear out gutters and downspouts. – Are there trees near your [Read More...]

Best Beaches of the Southeast

The weather is finally heating up and it’s time to head to the beach. Whether you’re looking for a great spot for the whole family, or a relaxing getaway, we’ve got the four best beaches of the Southeast to help you find your new vacation destination. Siesta Key, FL Just south of Sarasota, Florida lies the soft white sand of Siesta Key beach. Its silky powder beaches are a touch of paradise between your toes. The waters of the Gulf are tranquil and calm, which makes it wonderfully kid-friendly. There are beachside picnic areas and playgrounds making Siesta Key a great family destination spot. Looking for something a little more [Read More...]

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

Did you know that water damage is one of the most frequent causes of loss to homeowners? In one study by a major insurance carrier, 60 percent of water damage claims the company analyzed occurred due to wear and tear and human error1. Maintaining your home and its appliances can help to prevent severe and expensive water damage to your home and treasured possessions. Since most homeowners policies cover only sudden, accidental water damage, preventative maintenance is a must for the savvy Florida or South Carolina homeowner. Damage from worn-out materials or a leak that continues over time may not be covered. Paying for these repairs out-of-pocket can be costly, [Read More...]

April 2013 Agency Spotlight: East Coast Insurors, Palm Coast & Ormond Beach, FL

Your home is your castle and at Frontline Homeowners Insurance, we know you would not trust such an important investment to anyone and neither would we. In our spotlight this month, we introduce East Coast Insurors, who is celebrating their 38th anniversary this July and is one of our Elite Agency Partners. All this experience means they know just how to protect you against the special risks of living in Florida’s Volusia and Flagler counties. Steve Hall, owner of East Coast Insurors, began his career in insurance in 1973 as an underwriter, giving him insight into the operations side of the business. However, in 1975, he felt a call to [Read More...]

Home Fire Safety Precautions Reduce Damage and Save Lives

In 2011, 13,910 Americans suffered injuries and 2,520 Americans died in residential fires. Residential fires are responsible for 66 percent of U.S. fire fatalities each year and many of these tragedies were preventable1. Here are some of the most common ways that fires start: Cooking, both indoor and outdoor (the leading cause for injury-causing residential fires)2 Arson Burning candles or incense Smoking Electrical (contractor repairs and fires originating from major appliances and small electronics such as toasters and hair-dryers) Wildfires Let’s look at some of the ways to help prevent a fire or stop the fire from spreading before it injures or kills. The Importance of Smoke Detectors Every home [Read More...]

What is the Difference Between a Captive Agent and an Independent Agent?

There is a big difference between a captive insurance agent and an independent insurance agent. For price-savvy consumers who want to receive the most value for their insurance purchasing dollars, deciding whether to use a captive agent or an independent insurance agent should be their first assessment. First, let’s look at the differences: Captive Agents Represent Limited Choices Captive agents typically represent only one company and are limited to the products, placement guidelines and pricing structure of that one company. Because the parent company owns the agency, there is little choice in products. Only if the parent company offers that product or access to that product can you rely on [Read More...]

March 2013 Agency Spotlight – Lowcountry Insurance Services, Beaufort, SC

While living on the coast gives you opportunities that you would not have otherwise, it also comes with greater risks to your home. That is why it is so important to have an experienced agent working with you to provide you with the best policy for your home. Our March Spotlight Agency, Lowcountry Insurance Services Inc., has just that! In fact, their staff holds 431 combined years of experience. Frank E. Gibbson, who continues to serve as owner and president, established Lowcountry Insurance Services Inc. in 1977. Then, in 1980, Frank won the Young Agent of the Year award from the South Carolina Independent Agents Association. Over the past 36 [Read More...]