Thomas's Blog

Lowering your auto insurance costs

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:19:50 -0500

Need better coverage but dont think you can afford it? Contact Dennis Insurance Agency today.

A number of things affect the premium price you pay for your auto insurance apart from the obvious detail of how many claims you've made!

Believe it or not, your credit rating is taken into consideration. Occupation is also factor as some occupations produce statistically safer drivers than others. Then there is the total number of miles you travel per year, how far your workplace is from your home and your years of driving experience. Last but not least is whether or not you've ever let your car insurance lapse.

Obviously, some of these factors can't be altered. It's not sensible to change occupations just to reduce your premium a little! But you can change some things and you'll notice the difference in your rate if you do.

If you have a bad credit rating, work hard on restoring it. This will benefit other areas in your life as well! Make sure that you keep your auto insurance current. Find out from your insurer and their competitors just what discounts are available for having an anti-theft device installed, having anti-lock brakes, insuring multiple cars and having other assets, such as your home or home contents insured by the same company. Most insurers offer a variety of discounts.

Of course, the best way to keep the future cost of your auto insurance premiums down is to drive safely!

Florida's Storms Threaten Homes

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:43:13 -0500

With the Atlantic hurricane season just days away, it is NOW time to act on securing your homeowners insurance policy. Hopefully, you have already reviewed your policy’s sufficiency and coverage options for the protection of your family’s home IF and WHEN that first storm threatens the region. But if you haven’t done so yet, do it NOW. If you wait until the first storm hits, you will absolutely regret it because you will not find a company to help you.

In 2008, there were 16 named hurricanes, five of them being major hurricane systems. The pace at which a windstorm or hurricane develops is unbelievably quick. A storm system will often give you very little warning to prepare your home and your family’s escape route.

Choosing an independent insurance agency will give you the peace of mind that your home will be fully protected when a storm hits Florida. Since we are local, we understand the needs of Floridians. Dennis Insurance Agency will work for you – not the carriers, to secure your most valuable asset.

Contact Dennis Insurance Agency to receive a free Florida homeowners insurance quote today!

Is your Mechanic Trustworthy????

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:13:07 -0500

With the crummy economy and many people out of work, chances are you’re not in the market for a brand new car. High car costs, along with astronomical gas prices, are keeping folks away from the dealerships and looking to salvage their old jalopies. Getting a few more miles out of your current clunker will require you to make a few visits to your local mechanic.

Because so many people are skeptical of mechanics and distrusting of their truthfulness, we have provided you with a quick guide to weed out the bad ones and take advantage of the good.

Get referrals. Learning about mechanics through your friends and family is possibly the best way to land a good one. There is nobody I trust more than the people I love and if they tell me their mechanic does good work at reasonable prices, I believe them.

Ask for references. You don’t even need to contact the references that the shop owners or employee provides you with. Chances are, you will find out everything you need to know with how he responds to your asking. So ask, and see how he reacts. A good shop will love to provide you with references.

Use certified techs. Instead of focusing on the outdated magazines and the black and white television in the waiting area, look for signs or reputability. For example, choose mechanics that have certain certifications and approvals.

Demand an explanation of what was performed. You have the right to know what you’re paying for. Ask the mechanic what you paid all that money for. And if you don’t understand the explanation, make him help you understand.

Make sure the repairs are done by book. There are resources online available to anybody who would like to double-check the accuracy of their estimate. Make sure you’re not getting ripped off. Get online.

Make them stand behind their work. If your mechanic doesn’t guarantee that his work will hold up, don’t use him. Visit shops that have good warranties.

Dennis Insurance Agency will provide you with a reliable Florida auto insurance policy for those times when a little help is needed. Contact us today for a free auto insurance quote today!

Commemorating the Earth

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:16:18 -0500

Earth Day is April 22, celebrating the land we share and the air we breathe. It is intended for all the inhabitants of the earth to become more aware of caring for the planet. The day has, historically, helped to broaden the knowledge of environmental programs around the world. The goal of earth day is to create a world that is cleaner, healthier, and safer to live in. But the real goal of earth day is to encourage people to practice earth-friendly habits and to be conscious of the earth and the threats it faces by humanity on a daily basis. If the earth’s human inhabitants collectively come together and care for the world, we can attain the realistic goal of a more harmonious earth.

Dennis Insurance practices green living and business habits and encourages others to do the same. In fact, there are monetary benefits to “going green” around your home and in your life. For example, if you decide to repair your home or build onto your home using environmentally friendly products, you may qualify for certain financial discounts or breaks. So there are dual benefits to going green in your home; one – you will be helping the environment thrive and prosper naturally, two – you will be saving money.

Dennis Insurance is a local, Florida independent insurance agency dedicated to providing you with affordable homeowners insurance to protect your dwelling from all threats. We will analyze your current policy and set up with a new one to help find you a Florida homeowners insurance policy that is affordable and protective. We will also help you learn more about "going green" and saving on your homeowners insurance. Contact us today!

Homeowners Insurance rates to rise in Florida

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:25:51 -0500

Floridians fear the often-discussed spike in homeowners costs as hurricane season approaches. Citizens Insurance, the largest property insurance provider in Florida, and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund do not have enough money to pay claims should a major hurricane strike in highly populated areas. Although the state has not suffered serious hurricane or storm damage in the past few years, relying on hope and luck could be devastating.

Dennis Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency dedicated to providing you with affordable and comprehensive homeowners insurance on your Florida property. Because we’re local, we won’t offer you polices and split town when the going gets tough. We have established trust with Floridians and will provide you with exceptional service and superior homeowners and property insurance products. You can trust us to do the insurance work for you.

The hopeless feeling many Floridians are experiencing is not necessary. Your local independent insurance agency, Dennis Insurance Agency, has a solution for you. Let us help you find an insurer that will conform to your needs. Not the other way around. Visit our virtual insurance office for a free homeowners insurance quote or contact one of our dedicated representatives and get your home protected.

Preparing for Severe Spring Weather

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:19:46 -0500

Spring has finally landed and folks across the nation are crossing their fingers hoping for a calm and inactive season. But the possibility of severe weather is all too real; violent thunderstorms, flooding, hail, rain, wind, and whipping tornadoes.

There are steps you can take to prepare your home and your family from the imminent storms of the spring season:

For Your Family

learn the warning signs
develop an emergency supply kit (water, non-perishables, flashlight, blankets, medicine
purchase a weather radio
decide in advance where you will go if the storm is very bad

For Your Home

secure windows and doors, use storm resistant windows if possible
fasten roof securely to ensure that it can resist high winds
replace gaps or holes in sheathing
tighten, secure, fasten the joints of your home

Dennis Agency knows that your home is vulnerable to the spring-time hazards. To keep insurance claims to a minimum, familiarize yourself with building codes and homeowners tips to secure your family’s dwelling. Contact us today to get a quote on homeowners insurance to get started today!

Plan for the Unexpected with Life Insurance

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:36:13 -0500

Growing old often means taking on more responsibilities. The pressures of getting married, having children, buying a home, cars, pets, etc. can weigh heavily on anyone. You work hard to provide for your family and to acquire all the assets you and your family share. But you worry, as the provider, that your family will not be able to support themselves if the unexpected happens.

Nobody likes to think about what “could” happen- but in today’s world, planning for the unexpected is a necessity. As a contributor to your family's wealth, have you considered what might happen if you were no longer around? If something happened to you, would your family be able to continue to afford their home? Who would handle the payments on their cars? How would your children be able to attain their college educations?

Life Insurance from Dennis Insurance can provide you and your family with peace of mind, knowing that they will be financially secure in the event of your passing. Assure to your family that you love them by purchasing a Life Insurance policy that they can rely in the event of an unfortunate situation.

Contact Dennis Insurance to learn more about life insurance or visit our website to fill out a free online quote form now!

Who Will Policyholders Turn To in State Farm's Absence?

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:03:57 -0600

Re-posted from Becky Ann Toleman:

By now, everyone knows that corporate insurance giant State Farm will be leaving their Florida policyholders due to the massive amount of repairs due to hurricanes. The company claims it doesn't have the funds to service victims of hurricane damages. This news will affect some 1.2 million who own policies for houses, condos, and businesses.

Although everyone's heard the news by now, and State Farm has stated that they're not going anywhere until after this year's hurricane season, Floridians are now faced with the question: where to go now?

It's true that they have awhile to decide. State Farm has given a wide heads-up, but many of their clients are still surprised and frustrated.

"It doesn't seem like the kind of thing an insurance company would do to their customers," says Martin Fleck, a Florida resident of 33 years. "Insurance companies sell peace of mind, this is pretty much the opposite of that."

Martin Fleck, like many other policyholders, has decided to try a less corporate method. "The problem with big insurance companies is that they can pick up and leave whenever they want, and they'll be fine elsewhere," he says. "Basically when State Farm announced they're going, I thought, ‘What's to stop another company from doing the same thing?' But if I go with a smaller business, you know that they appreciate their customers and want to keep them."

Mr. Fleck has chosen to go with a lower-key independent insurance agency, which seeks out carriers. Because these companies are often family owned and operated, they conduct customer service on a much more personal level.

Dennis Insurance out of Lutz, Florida is one of these independent agencies. We're focused on the insurance needs and financial well-being of our clients. Our goal is to earn a lifetime of trust from every client we work with by providing the best array of insurance products and caring, personal service to every client. For a free quote on your homeowners insurance, contact us today!

State Farm’s Retreat Could be Great for Your Wallet

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:00:16 -0600

Florida's largest property insurer, State Farm, has announced that they plan to leave the Florida property insurance market, explaining that they can't afford to insure residents in such an area so prone to storms. Now, some 1.2 million policyholders are upset, confused, frustrated, and angry. And naturally, concerned.

"I don't know why an insurance company would bail," says Orlando resident Robert Spater. "Isn't that what you created your business for? To help folks that need to be protected?...Seems a little backward."

State Farm states that they simply cannot afford to insure Floridians. The hurricanes of 2004 cost them $3 billion, which they had to borrow from their parent company, State Farm Mutual.

Although things do look grim for State Farm, things don't have to look grim for the residents of Florida. State Farm is going, but there are many other companies that can offer great homeowners insurance policies.

Independent insurance agencies are wonderful because they work with multiple carriers, meaning more options and better rates. Many of these insurance agencies are also family-owned or smaller, so you can expect a more personal level of customer service.

Like us, Dennis Insurance. We provide the best array of insurance products, along with outstanding service to every client we have. For a free quote on your homeowners insurance, or any other coverage you may need, contact us today or visit dennisagency.com.

State Farm May be Going; However, Protection Remains

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:41:05 -0600

State Farm has announced that it will be pulling out of Florida, resulting in 1.2 million uninsured homeowners. Floridians who need homeowners insurance more than anyone due to hurricanes will be feeling the pinch of non-renewals this year.

Everyone knows that Florida's storms can be devastating, and Florida's homeowners know this more than anyone. Despite hurricane warnings and the expectancy of them that residents have come to know, no amount of preparation prevents the storms, and damage is unavoidable.

State Farm is also discontinuing policies for apartments, boat owners, businesses, churches, contractors, condo unit owners, renters, earthquakes, and many more.

Although residents may feel a bit panicked by the State Farm crisis, there's no need. They can find sanctuary with Florida's independent insurance angencies, which offer more personal customer service than giant insurance carriers - and who won't abandon their clients. Another perk to going with an independent agency: they use multiple carriers and seek out the best rate for customers' specific needs.

We at Dennis Insurance can offer you this personal customer service. We're a family owned and operated business who want you to rest easy knowing you're fully covered. Contact us today to get a free quote on your insurance!

Preparing to Insure Your Classic Car

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:42:08 -0600

Classic car owners are proud of their vehicles. They have these gorgeous pieces of machinery that capture a certain time and a certain feeling. Classic cars are special and powerful, and they're an investment that will become more and more valuable as time goes on.

A surprsing number of classic car owners still insure their antique vehicles through a standard auto policy, thereby paying more for less coverage. Specialized classic car insurance can save you up to 75% and also give you a less restrictive policy.

Maybe you've been thinking about insuring your classic car, or maybe changing your insurance to better satisfy your concerns. Here are a few questions to help introduce you to classic car insurance:

Do classic car insurance premiums cost more or less than regular premiums?
They cost less! Regular premiums can cost as much as 500% more than classic car insurance premiums.

What if I have multiple classic cars? Do I get a discount for insuring them at the same place?
Nearly all insurance companies will give you a discount for insuring multiple classic cars with them.

How do they determine what vehicles are "collectible"?
Insurance companies are broadening their definition of "collectible car." A collectible car is generally any vehicle 25 years or older, and by today's standards, some collectibles can be sports cars, exotic, or collector's editions.

Can a young driver be covered?
Normally insurance companies require covered drivers to be at least 25 years old, but some require only 21 and up.

What about mile restrictions?
Every insurance carrier is different. Some require mileage restrictions, and some don't. Some will require you to report odometer readings yearly. Other restrictions can include a limitation on passengers, racing, and daily use.

For more information on classic car insurance, contact us today! We're Dennis Insurance, an independent insurance company based in Lutz, Florida.

Inside EPLI: What’s Covered & Why You Need It

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:18:53 -0600

In these days of business lawsuits being hurled back and forth, companies - no matter how big or small, corporate or mom 'n pop - must take extra care to protect themselves from claims. Three out of five businesses will be sued by an employee, an no one is exempt. It doesn't matter how new or old the company is.

More and more businesses are seeing how vulnerable they are. If they rub an employee the wrong way, it can mean financial disaster. From the pre-hiring process through the exit interview, it just takes one unpleasant situation to cause an employee to lash out. It can even be an employee who's only at the company a matter of days, and it has even happened when the would-be employee is never hired. Never underestimate how personally an employee can take a situation.

Enter EPLI. It's Employment Practices Liability - a liability insurance that protects businesses against employee claims. They can be applicants, present employees, and former employees. It covers lawsuits claiming discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.), wrongful termination, sexual harassment, breach of employment contract, negligent evaluation, failure to employ or promote, wrongful discipline, deprivation of career opportunity, wrongful infliction of emotional distress, and mismanagement of employee benefit plans. EPLI also covers defense costs, judgments, and settlements.

The cost of the coverage will depend on things like what your company does, how many employees you have, and if your company has ever been sued before.

Employees filing claims is never unvavoidable. EPLI can protect your business and save you thousands. In some cases, it can even save the company itself. For more information on employment practices liability, contact us today. We're Dennis Insurance, based in Lutz, Florida.

Wedding Insurance: Sleep Easier on the Night Before Your Wedding

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:59:45 -0600

Not to freak any brides out, but have you considered the worst-case scenarios of your wedding day, and what you’d do if they happened?

It’s a terrifying thought: it’s your wedding day, and everything is perfect, except for one thing – your three-year-old flower girl spilled grape juice all over your wedding gown.

Or, it’s your wedding day, and everything is perfect, except for one thing – the bakery had a scheduling mix-up and didn’t bake your wedding cake.

Or what about this: everything looks beautiful, but the wedding planner comes to you hysterical, saying she has misplaced your wedding rings.

On your wedding day, it could be anything. The person who is marrying you could become sick. The venue could be suffering a blackout or storm damage. The photographer could accidentally leave a “fog” lens on all day and you have nothing but blurred photos.

We have wedding day insurance plans to cover for all these possible mishaps. The day you get married should be one of the best days of your life, and one of the most memorable. It’s so important to make sure the events of the day and everyone involve will be protected if something unfortunate happens.

Call us today for more information on wedding insurance. We’re the Dennis Insurance Agency, based in Lutz, Florida.

After the Accident

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:53:01 -0500

Although car accidents tend to happen more often in the colder months, what you need to do after an accident never changes. Of course, most people can’t think clearly directly after getting into a bump-up; therefore it’s important to already know what to do before you get into an accident.

Find out who and what has been damaged or injured. Try to be calm. If you’re panicking, it will only make the situation worse. There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical attention. If there are injured people, obviously the first step is to call an ambulance.

Call the police and file a car accident report. If everyone is okay, the next place to call is the police. Even in a minor accident, it’s important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report!

Tell the police about the car accident. It will be difficult to know for sure what happened and even more difficult to not talk about it, but it’s important to limit your discussion of the accident with the others involved and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

Get the facts. It’s important to get names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Never assume the license plate number will do, because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.

Call your insurance. Call them immediately! If you can call them at the scene while the police are there, even better: sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate information instead of yourself – you may be too shaken up by the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your claim to be processed.

It may be a good idea to print this list and keep in inside your car for emergencies. We hope you never have to use it, but it's good to be prepared.

The Dennis Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agent in the Lutz, Florida area. To find out more about auto insurance, contact them today.

Up Your Home Security & Lower Your Home Insurance

Thomas Trask (Dennis Insurance) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:01:49 -0500

If you’re fortunate enough to never been burglarized, consider yourself lucky; more than 2 million Americans are victims of burglary each year. Most people are content and feel safe with simply locking their front door and windows – until they get robbed. They then see how vulnerable their homes really are.

Here are some tips to help keep your home safe from uninvited strangers:

• Pay special care to corners that are not facing the main street or out of line of sight for other homes. If there are windows in these areas, make sure they’re well-secured. Also make sure that any area that could lead to an entry point is well lit.

• Invest in a security system that will be triggered if there is a disturbance in the windows.

• Keep your bushes and shrubs trimmed down to eliminate potential hiding places for intruders.

• Get together with your neighbors and set up some type of neighborhood watch system. If you’re going to be out of town for awhile, you may even want to have someone stay at your house while you’re away, or keep some lights on to make your home look occupied.

• Animal lover? Maybe it’s time to get a dog who will bark its head off at the whiff of a stranger. • Get a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, papers, and/or deliveries while you’re out of town. Mail that has noticeably built up in the mailbox is like an invitation to a burglar.

• Keep your garage door closed and locked.

• Push-button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

Besides keeping your home protected from burglars, these security precautions could also help lower your home insurance cost. Along with having good smoke detectors, insurance companies smile upon you keeping your home safe from robbers and will often reward you with a discount.

The Dennis Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agent in the Lutz, Florida area. To find out more about Tampa, Port Richey, Brandon, and Lutz home insurance, contact them today.