If you are a Florida homeowner, you may have been noticing that over the last few months, life in the sunshine state has been getting more and more expensive. When it comes to your home, costs have been skyrocketing. Foreclosure rates in Florida are some of the highest in the country. And to offset the foreclosure rates and inconsistent weather, you may find that your homeowners insurance costs are going up as well.

With the iffy economy, and summer storms on the horizon, many Florida homeowners are finding it difficult to purchase new insurance policies, or continue paying for their current coverage. Many smaller insurance companies in Florida are also finding it difficult to stay in business or continue to cover those residents in areas in “high risk” (i.e. areas with major risk of hurricane/tropical storm damages). If you’ve found yourself wondering why the price of your homeowner’s insurance coverage has grown to an uncontrollable rate, you may want to contact your insurance provider to discuss the details of your policy. Many Florida residents will find themselves “skimping” on coverage as well, in order to save a few bucks.

If you are having trouble keeping up with your insurance costs, affordable alternatives are out there. Security First Insurance can help you shop for the best homeowners insurance rate by searching the top carriers in the country. Visit our Virtual Insurance Office or call us at 800.407.5129 today.

Hurricane season is coming- and the fight for homeowners insurance for Floridians is starting up again. Many Floridians have their homeowners through Citizens Property Insurance Corp- the states own insurance provider. Citizens' homeowners insurance rates in the Florida are held low in order to keep costs affordable for consumers. In has been argued that the low rates are making homeowners insurance basically worthless for Floridians because the policies are much more expensive than the money being used to fund them and are not enough to counter the Florida's continued exposure to hurricane risk.

Always a hot bed for extreme weather, the State of Florida has been ravaged by massive hurricanes in recent years. These storms have caused great damage- and have resulted in consumers filing quite a few claims. Because of the high risks of claims, many of the state's high profile insurance providers have been jacking up their rates, with one of the largest- State Farm- planning on leaving the Florida's homeowners insurance market all together.

A homeowner searching for a new insurance policy in the Sunshine State may be at a loss as to what direction to take in their insurance search. On the one hand- they want a cheap policy- but they don't want one that won't protect them. On the other hand, an expensive policy will protect them- but may break their budget. Where can a consumer looking for affordable and comprehensive homeowners turn? To an independent insurance agency. Independent agencies have the ability to search the top carriers in the entire country to find you the best rate. If you are looking to save, and find and agency that will thoroughly protect you, look into Security First Insurance's Virtual Insurance Office. Once there, you can learn about your insurance options and get a free online quote on Florida homeowners insurance.

You know your homeowners insurance protects your home from damage- but does it cover fireworks accidents? With summer festivities fast approaching, you should know if you are covered against mishaps, if you insurance company will pay for them, and if there are ways for you to avoid them. One house and family is completely unique to another- making what you are covered for a difficult question to answer. Many homeowners policies provide a variety of protections, with different payment limits. Your protection may extend to one type of accident but not to another.

Fireworks are beautiful- but they can cause a world of damage. If fireworks light the leaves in your gutter on fire, a clause in your homeowners policy protecting you against fire incidents may cover the damage. If a firework misfires and injures a friend on your property, the medical payments portion of your homeowners coverage could cover the injuries. If a firework flies from your yard, into a neighbor’s window, and engulfs their antique curtains, the liability section of your homeowners could cover it.

If you are concerned about what your homeowners policy covers and what it doesn’t, ask your insurance company. There are many different types of homeowners insurance policies, and each type includes coverage for different things. If you really want to know what you are covered for- and what you aren’t- spend some time reading your policy. If you are still unsure after you read about your insurance, contact your insurance company and talk to them about your home insurance policy, and payment limits.

If, after you find out how much coverage you have, you feel as if you may not be thoroughly protected, consider purchasing an umbrella policy. A personal umbrella policy can provide you with coverage after you reach your homeowners limits.

If you are concerned that you are not receiving the homeowners insurance coverage that you deserve, take a look at Security First Insurance. We offer Florida homeowners insurance and personal umbrella quotes online.

You could have probably assumed that the summer is the most popular time for weddings. If you are a couple who have chosen to wed during the warmer months of the year, you are probably already deep into the planning process. Amidst all the advice and gifts you are surely receiving, you may have put some thought into protecting the most expensive pieces of your union- your wedding bands and engagement rings.

Before you look into purchasing separate insurance to protect your jewelry, look into your homeowners and renters insurance coverage first. If you have home insurance, a condominium owners policy or renters insurance, your policy will most likely include coverage for a limited amount of jewelry, usually $500 or $1,000. The limit of coverage applies to all jewelry you own, so be sure to consider the value of all your jewelry before deciding that it's enough coverage. If you feel as if you may need more coverage than your current homeowners insurance provides, you can look into buying more coverage to protect your valuables.

While you’re looking into protecting your wedding rings, it would be smart for you to review your insurance coverage with all your valuable items in mind. Have an expensive computer, or other high quality electronics? Your homeowners coverage can protect your technological investments as well.

Insurance can never replace the sentimental value of a wedding ring, but it can give you some peace of mind and protect your investment. Contact Security First Insurance today to learn for more advice about your homeowners insurance options, or to get a free, online, homeowners insurance quote.

You are preparing to enter the most joyous part of your life. You are a newlywed with a baby on the way and can already imaging the rest of your life in a happy day dream. You can see your daughter’s first step’s teaching her how to ride a bike, and watching her first soccer game. But, with a new family comes new responsibilities: a new home and mortgage, a car loan, family health insurance, life insurance, etc, etc.

Although you are certain you are ready to handle all the responsibilities that come with a new marriage- do you know the best course to go to get the most reliable and affordable insurance coverage? Thankfully- shopping around for the best insurance policy for YOU is now easier than ever- thanks to the Internet. Insurance companies have taken to the Internet in packs- offering you a new and simple way to shop for the best rate. Need insurance for your new home? Google it. You will find a variety of options that could meet your needs. Searching for protection for your shiny new car? A simple Internet search will do much to point you in the right direction.

It’s true: you have many insurance options across the Internet- but not all of them can make you feel confident enough to get a quote- and chose their agency. Some agencies don’t even provide you with their full contact information online. But there are agencies that exist that want to serve your every need- whether you like to communicate over the phone, through email, or in person.

Security First Insurance is an independent insurance agency that will be right with you for every twist and turn your life may take. Call us today at 1.800.407.5129, or visit our Virtual Insurance Office to learn more about your insurance options- or to get a free insurance quote.

Times are tough. The housing market is a mess, with rampant home foreclosures and plummeting housing prices. The credit crisis is causing many to pinch pennies. Unemployment rates are sky high. Prominent banks are collapsing. As the effects of the recession swirl around the US media, you sit and watch CNN, and worry about the simple things that concern you- how to stay afloat while putting dinner on the table, filling your gas tank, and paying the cable bill.

Although the outlook may be bleak, there are still ways for you to cut costs and save money. Ask yourself these questions:

• Can you move to a less expensive apartment or house or refinance your mortgage? Rates are low- and if your credit is decent, you may be able to save.
• Can you consolidate your debts so that you're not paying as much interest? If you call your credit company, don't take no for an answer. If your request is denied, ask to speak to a manager.
• Can you do without your land line? Most families have both a land line, and a series of cell phones. Getting rid of your land line may do much to cut your costs.
• Can you live without cable or satellite TV? Being without cable may seem like a death sentence, but it would give your family more quality time together for movies, and board games.
• Can you cut down on your utility bills? Shut off lights when you leave a room or switch to more energy-efficient bulbs and windows.
• Can you cut down on eating out? Eating meals at home and buying food in bulk can help you save a bundle.
• Can you get a better price on insurance? Although your insurance costs may not come to mind when you are trying to pinch pennies, you may be surprised by how much you can save.

Security First Insurance want you to know that we can help you save money by cutting your insurance costs. By combining policies, you can save up to 30%. Visit http://securityfirstinsurance.net/to learn more, and get a free quote.

"State Farm has been acting in a condition hazardous to policyholders. We don't believe they can maintain trustworthiness and fitness in Florida," stated Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty during a press conference on Friday, February 13, 2009.  With a statement like the prior one, it's not surprising that McCarty has decided to allow State Farm 30 days to withdraw from the Florida property insurance market.

Faced with the prospect of losing their insurance coverage, many of State Farm's (soon-to-be) former customers are understandably concerned. Rather than completely going without homeowners insurance coverage, new insurance shoppers are wondering about the available options.

The first option that may come to mind for those searching for a new property insurance carrier may be Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Although it is a state-run insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., has become a genuine competitor with the private market by offering lower premiums than private firms have. As a result, Citizens has become the largest insurer in the State, with 1.1 million policies.

Citizens may seem like an attractive alternative to State Farm based on its low rates and the security that comes with it being built into Florida's infrastructure. Unfortunately for former State Farm customers, Citizens is not an option. According to McCarty, the Florida Insurance Commission is requiring former State Farm policyholders "to use the private sector - since Citizens is already overtaxed with the policies that they have."

Floridians left stranded by State Farm will be able to choose from a growing number of small insurance agencies located throughout the State.

Security First Insurance is an independent insurance agency that would be happy to provide you with insurance coverage for your home, auto and other valuable assets. We are loyal to YOU - not the big insurance carriers - and we will fight to find you comprehensive coverage at great rates. You can visit Security First Insurance today to look at the insurance products we provide, and get a free quote.

Don't let State Farm leave you stranded. Get coverage from an agency that you can depend on. Visit our website today for more information on our Florida homeowners insurance.

 

The pessimism surrounding Florida's insurance industry has grown infectious. The outlook for many Floridians seems bleak as they're concerned over the recent State Farm announcement that 1.2 million homeowners will be left uninsured in the most weather-tumultuous state in the country. But wait, there's no need to fret: there's a solution that will appease your mind!

In actuality, Florida's insurance business is booming. Independent insurance agencies are thriving in the Sunshine State, and they offer benefits that a large single-carrier cannot provide. Buying insurance should be a process that's meticulous and carefully thought out. Each policy you purchase should fit YOUR needs. When you marry into a national carrier, it's your job to conform to their policies. Buying insurance doesn't have to be this way. By choosing an independent insurance company, you will have the opportunity to choose policies that fit your needs and your budget!

Insuring your personal and business needs is vitally important. When shopping for insurance, don't limit yourself to a company that lacks options. Be demanding and chose a company that will work with you and for you to find coverages that will fit your lifestyle and budget.  

Call us at Security First Insurance today, or stop by securityfirstinsurance.net for a free quote on your homeowners insurance - or any other type of insurance you may need. At Security First, we value your confidence in us, and as an independent insurance agency, we can offer you many different options from our multiple carriers.

Hurricane Preparedness Week falls on May 24 and continues on to May 30, 2009, the day before hurricane season begins. This special week was established as a caution to those that may be affected by a hurricane or windstorm. Hurricane Preparedness Week gives essential advice in the anticipation of a threatening storm, for example retrofitting your home to help it withstand the high winds, torrential rains, and airborne objects. However, the most important action you can take, as a homeowner, is to insure your home with a reliable and dependable company. So before you nail boards to the windows and secure the roof, retrofit your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you're coverage. 

As national insurance carriers are reconsidering their involvement in Florida's homeowners insurance, consumers should evaluate their options as well. A standard homeowners policy doesn't cover hurricane, windstorm, flood, and other damages caused by natural disasters. As a Florida resident, you need your home covered in all aspects. An independent carrier will shop around for you and let the companies decide who will give you a better policy, as opposed to being tied down to a single carrier.              

Break free from the bondage of a single carrier and consult with a local, independent agency that uses multiple carriers in finding you the right policies at the right prices. With insurance companies constantly battling for who can offer the best values, you as the consumer are in command. Don't settle for unattractive policies at high costs.  As the hurricane season rapidly approaches, it is now the time to act. Consult an independent insurance agency that will truly look out for your best interests. 

At Security First, our goal is to get the best value for you. For a free quote on your home insurance, contact us today!

Many people don't bother buying flood insurance for three reasons: One, it isn't included in your homeowners insurance policy; you have to buy it separately. Two, they don't believe that they need it because they're not in a high-risk flood area. Three, many people also believe that if their homes and property were to be ravaged by a flood, the government would step in to help.

Number Two is incorrect right off the bat. Floods are much more common threats than you would think - in fact, a majority of natural disasters in America deal with damage due to floods.

And as for Three, the government will only step in to help with flood relief if the President confirms that the area is indeed a disaster. (And even then, if you are lent funds for repairs, it is almost always a loan which must be repaid.) If you invest in flood insurance, you will be covered whether it's declared a disaster area or not.

Flood insurance covers all types of flooding due to natural disaster, including floods resulting from storms, hurricanes, and melting snow. For more information on flood insurance, contact us today! We're Security First Insurance, an independent agency based in Winter Springs, Florida.