Insurance News

2nd Annual Millennium Insurance - Bradenton Country Club Golf Tournament!

Thank you to all of our amazing clients who came out to play this weekend.

Flood Insurance Coverage Rules Kick In for Citizens

Flood insurance coverage is now required as of April 1, 2023, for new Citizens personal residential policies that include wind coverage for covered property within the special flood hazard area. The requirement to secure and maintain flood coverage for Personal Lines residential policies will be phased in for all such policyholders over the next four years under a plan the Florida Legislature approved in December.


The flood insurance requirements are part of an overarching reform package intended to stabilize a Florida property insurance market rocked by high litigation costs and skyrocketing premiums over the last several years.


The flood insurance requirements apply only to Citizens policyholders who have a Personal Lines residential policy. While your agent will be in the best position to guide you through the process, here is a quick rundown.


New Personal Lines residential policyholders seeking Citizens coverage, including coverage for the peril of wind, in areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a Special Flood Hazard Area are required as of April 1, 2023, to have flood insurance coverage to be eligible for a Citizens policy. Existing Citizens policyholders in designated FEMA flood hazard areas whose policy includes wind coverage will be required to have flood insurance to renew their Citizens policies on or after July 1, 2023.


For all other Citizens Personal Lines residential policies that include wind coverage, the flood insurance requirement will be phased in for new and renewing policyholders over the next four years as follows:

* January 1, 2024, for policies insuring property valued at $600,000 or more
* January 1, 2025, for policies insuring property valued at $500,000 or more
* January 1, 2026, for policies insuring property valued at $400,000 or more
* January 1, 2027, for all other policies


Citizens does not provide flood insurance, and flood coverage is not provided under standard multiperil policies. Requiring flood coverage better protects you from potentially expensive out-of-pocket repairs. Federally backed mortgages typically require flood insurance for properties located within flood zones.


In 2022, approximately 18% of Florida homeowners carried flood insurance. Coastal residents are far more likely to carry it, with well more than 50% of policyholders carrying flood insurance in the hardest-hit coastal counties impacted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
If you don’t wish to purchase flood insurance, you will not be eligible for a Personal Lines residential policy with Citizens. Contact your agent to discuss options that may be available within the private insurance market. Private policies that may offer more comprehensive coverage now might be comparably priced. Remember, Citizens’ policyholders are subject to a potential assessment of up to 45% of their premium following a major storm or series of storms.

Spring Advocacy Meeting 2023

We had the pleasure of attending the Florida Peninsula / Edison Spring Advocacy Meeting in Marathon, FL.


Alan Hanbury is a Member of Florida Peninsula's Advisory Committee, which helps support client concerns with a top-rated insurer.

Spring Advocacy 2023 event group photo

Price of Paradise: Roof repair schemes, runaway litigation push Florida insurers to the brink

Rates will keep rising as legislators work to control lawsuits filed by roofing contractors


By: Michael Paluska via ABC News

 

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF PARADISE?
 As Tampa Bay continues to attract new residents and businesses, the impact of living in paradise comes at a cost for all of us— from the increasing cost of housing and infrastructure to utilities and insurance. ABC Action News is committed to helping you and your family make the most of your money and navigate through the Price of Paradise.

 

TAMPA, Fla. — Homeowner's insurance rates will continue to go up for at least two more years as legislators work to control lawsuits filed by attorneys on behalf of roofing contractors.


Many people will be surprised to learn Florida's homeowner's insurance woes that we are currently facing are getting fueled by something other than inclement weather.


"These are not storm-related losses that are impacting Florida homeowners," Mark Friedlander, Director of Corporate Communications at the Insurance Information Institute, told ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska.


"What we're seeing are some ongoing issues that we've been trying to address with the state legislature for several years. Rampant roof repair schemes, really roof repair fraud schemes, and tied into that runaway litigation filed by a select group of attorneys across the state."

Wildfires, hurricanes, disastrous floods, tornadoes and snowstorms have all taken their toll on the industry.


According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "the U.S. has sustained 310 weather and climate disasters since 1980, where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2021). The total cost of these 310 events exceeds $2.155 trillion."


But, industry analysis shows Florida's storm is something entirely different, and the financial impacts to all of us are staggering.

"If a roofer comes knocking on your door and promises you a free roof that will be covered by your insurance, it's time to say no thank you and close the door," Friedlander said. "Because what's happening is that's not only going to impact you personally down the road. It is impacting all your friends, neighbors, and relatives; everybody is paying for your free roof."


The insurance industry is losing billions to unnecessary lawsuits from third-party contractors. According to Guy Carpenter Industry Financial Reporting, in the first three quarters of 2021, financial results show that property insurers had $1.22 billion in underwriting losses.

Between 2013 and 2020, Florida's property insurers paid out $15 billion in claims costs. Only 8% percent of that was paid to consumers, while 71% was paid to attorneys. That is more than $10 billion. Floridians are now spending an average of $3,600 a year for homeowners insurance, double the national average.


"Let's just give an example, $100,000 settlement $70,000 is going to the attorney, and maybe the other $30,000 is going to the roofing contractor. The policyholder is not even involved," Friedlander said. "So what may be just, say a $5,000 to $10,000 repair to a roof could run well into six figures."


Last summer, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to curb litigation. The new law forbids contractors from soliciting homeowners to file roofing claims. The law also narrows the time frame in which homeowners can file claims.


"In fact, we're seeing the opposite impact, and we're seeing more roof solicitations, door to door solicitations, than ever before. And we're seeing a rise in related litigation," Friedlander said.


Insurance agents say more needs to be done to stop the problem. Jeff Italiano, the owner of Italiano Insurance in Tampa, explained how roofers and lawyers are pulling this off.


"It's called assignment of benefits, AOB, that's when a homeowner signs his rights away to a roofer, and then the roofer goes after the insurance company for all they can get," Italiano said. "Many insurance companies have now put in their policy forms in their contract that you cannot assign your benefits cause when people assign their benefits, they are getting taken advantage of."


Italiano said his office is now slammed with residents trying to find new insurers. In 2021, more than 50,000 policyholders were dropped. Italiano expects that trend to continue. And more and more people are getting pushed into what Italiano calls "the insurer of last resort," state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.


"But, what's happening now as the insurance companies have to raise their rates, and in many cases, Citizens might be cheaper. So, people are flocking back to Citizens, The problem with Citizens is that it's underfunded. So if we have a big loss, there may not be enough money to pay all the claims."


Citizens is currently receiving about 4,100 new policies a week, an average over the past five weeks. That is likely to go up to about 4,500 to 5,000 per week.


"Despite the rapid increase in policies, Citizens remains in a strong financial position. We have a $6.5 billion surplus. We also purchase reinsurance and sell bonds on the global market to help protect that surplus. Citizens is in a position to handle a 1-100 year storm without exhausting its surplus and having to levy assessments," Michael Peltier, Media Relations Manager for Citizens, told Paluska in an e-mail.

"Such a storm, however, would eat up a significant amount of our surplus. If Citizens exhausts its surplus following a major storm or series of storms, it has the ability to levy assessments on its policyholders and other Florida insurance consumers to pay claims. As such, we remain able to pay claims even if our surplus is exhausted."


Peltier added that the private market is key to protecting homeowners in the future.


"Citizens Chairman Carlos Beruff and Citizens President/CEO Barry Gilway have both made it clear that the current trend in policy increases is unsustainable. In the long term, a healthy private insurance market is the best solution," Peltier said.


Unless Florida legislators fix the runaway litigation, industry experts worry what a storm impacting our state in 2022 could do to our public and private insurance market.


"If we saw a major storm, a major catastrophe, or hurricane-level catastrophe, there could be other insurers that go insolvent in Florida," Friedlander said.

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Top 5 Myths About Homeowners Insurance
By Dan DiClerico via HomeAdvisor.com

The classic instance of Murphy’s Law applies to homeowners insurance too. You only learn about a gap in your coverage when it’s too late—with the flood waters rising; or after the thieves are gone.

It’s a costly discovery that thousands of homeowners make each year. Indeed, the average homeowner loss is approximately $12,500, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). In the case of fire and lightning, the most severe type of claim, the average loss tops $68,000.

To help make sure your home is adequately covered, we pulled together five common myths about homeowners insurance. If you have any doubts about your coverage, call your provider today. Remember: you never know when disaster will strike.

Myth #1: Flooding is covered by standard homeowners insurance

While natural disasters like hurricanes, blizzards and tornadoes are covered, flooding is not. That’s a problem since flooding is now one of the most common and costly types of natural disaster in the U.S., thanks to changing weather patterns and the fact that more homes are being built near large bodies of water. “People are in denial over flood risk,” says III spokesperson Lynne McChristian.


What to do?

Even if your risk of flooding is low, consider supplement flood insurance. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, more than 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside the high-risk flood zone. The average homeowner spends $700 for a flood insurance policy. Contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at 1-800-427-4661 for more details.

Myth #2: All belongings in the home are covered

Standard insurance policies do cover personal belongings, including clothing, furniture and sports equipment. However, very valuable items, say that diamond-encrusted Rolex watch or Saint Laurent evening dress, are subject to limits. As a result, you might only get $1,500 or so even on lost items that are worth many times that amount.


What to do?

To have valuables insured to their full value, they will need to be “scheduled,” a process that involves having them appraised and assigned to a special policy, known as a personal property endorsement or floater. This information should be included in the home inventory that insurance companies advise keeping for all of your possessions.

Myth #3: If a home is destroyed, the insurance will cover its current market value

Let’s say your home is leveled in a hurricane. If it was worth $500,000 at the time, you might assume that’s how much the insurance company will pay you. But in fact, insurance is tied to the cost to rebuild the home, not its market value. That could result in a rude awakening. “Rebuilding costs continue to rise because the cost of labor and raw materials are both increasing,” says McChristian. If you live in an older home, it will need to be reconstructed according to current building codes, which could drive costs up even further.


What to do?

Have an annual call with your insurance provider to make sure your coverage is enough to cover the full cost to rebuild. Any premium increases will likely be minor, but they’ll make a huge difference in the event of a catastrophe.

Myth #4: Renters are covered by their landlord’s policy

If you rent an apartment in your landlord’s home and it burns to the ground or gets hit by thieves, their insurance won’t do anything for your lost possessions. Unfortunately, only about 40 percent of renters in the U.S. have renters insurance, compared to 93 percent of homeowners.


What to do?

If you rent a home, purchase renters insurance; the average premium is $182, so it’s not a major financial burden. And if you’re a landlord, require tenants to carry insurance to avoid surprises in the event of a disaster or theft

Myth #5: Mold, termites, and other infestations are covered.

Mold and termites can both wreak havoc on a home, rendering it unlivable in a worst-case scenario. And your insurance company won’t pay a dime to help. That’s because these infestations are considered maintenance issues and it’s up to you to care for your home properly.


What to do?

Be on the lookout for any kind of outbreak in the home. Mold thrives in damp areas, so use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. Termites often leave cast-off winds along walls and windowsills. The cost to treat termites is around $500, compared with the tens of thousands you might have to pay if the critters ravage your home’s structure.


As with homeowners insurance, it’s all about being safe, rather than sorry.

Why Florida Homeowners Insurance Is Going Up and What You Can Do to Help 

 Many Florida homeowners are seeing their premiums go up, including policyholders who have never filed a claim. The experience can be frustrating and hard to understand. What’s to blame? 


While storm severity and frequency have caused insurance rate increases, so has insurance fraud. Fortunately, there are things Floridians like you can do to curb insurance fraud: 


  • Educate yourself about insurance fraud 
  • Don’t become an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) victim 
  • Protect your pocketbook from shady contractors 
  • Contact your legislators 

What You Can Do to Help 

The Florida legislature is considering proposals to address the fraud and abuses in the system that drive up costs. 

  

Contact Governor Ron DeSantis, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, and Senate President Wilton Simpson today to express support for property insurance litigation and fraud reforms now! 

  

Call Governor Ron DeSantis at 850-717-9337 

Call Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls at 850-717-5000 

Call Senate President Wilton Simpson at 850-487-5229 

  

Make your voice heard and tell the Florida Legislature to bring insurance claim fraud and abuse under control. 

 

Here is some information to help you be an informed policyholder: 

Why Is Florida Homeowners Insurance Going Up? 

There are several factors causing homeowners insurance rates to go up across Florida. People’s Trust Insurance looks at the ways these factors are impacting your premiums and what you can do about it in  Why Is Florida Homeowners Insurance Going Up?

Florida Home Insurance Rates to Significantly Increase in 2021 

Fraudulent contractors in Florida significantly impact the state’s insurance rates. How? They create additional costs that ultimately increase insurance rates for policyholders like you.  Get more details on why home insurance rates in Florida will significantly increase next year.

Protecting Your Pocketbook 

The Consumer Protection Coalition created a guide to help protect Florida homeowners like you from Assignment of Benefits (AOB) fraud and abuse, including knowing the risks of signing an AOB and how to avoid becoming an AOB scam victim. Download the Consumer Protection Coalition’s quick guide on how to avoid falling victim to Assignment of Benefits fraud and abuse.

Report Home Repair Fraud 

If you suspect fraud, notify your home insurance company immediately and report it to the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud, either online or by calling toll-free 800-378-0445. Get your free guide to AOB fraud today. 

 

But, to really make a difference, contact your legislators today to express support for property insurance litigation and fraud reforms now.

FL Homeowners Insurance Rate Increases

I hope you’re doing well. Recently, I’ve had a lot of clients approach me with questions about why Florida’s property insurance rates are increasing so dramatically. In case you’ve been wondering the same thing, I wanted to share some insights on the matter and how you can get involved.

Here’s an explanation of the rate increase:
· There are frivolous lawsuits being filed by trial attorneys with fee multipliers equal to 2-3 times the hourly rate for an average attorney. They are able to earn six-figure fees on a $10K settlement--none of which is shared with the policyholder.

· Thousands of claims are being reported with roof damage that appears to be general wear-and-tear or maintenance-related as opposed to damage with causes covered by peril insurance (including fire, lightning, windstorms, etc.). Costs are rising due to lawsuits being filed for damages caused by a hurricane that made landfall three years ago.

The implications of the above have many businesses and homeowners calling for reform. Some of the most sought-after changes include ending fee multipliers for lawyers who are receiving egregious paydays from run-of-the-mill lawsuits, adding additional, affordable options for roof coverage for consumers, and reducing the statute of limitations for filing claims--meaning damage should be reported immediately, not 3-5 years after it occurs.

Fortunately, there are actions we can take as citizens to try and combat these rate increases. Here are some simple ways you can make an impact:
· Reach out to your legislators today and let them know how much your premium has increased this year!
· Encourage their support of legislation that aims to achieve the much-needed reforms listed above.
· Follow the Floridians for Lawsuit Reform Advocacy Group and sign the petition to make your voice heard.
· Tell your family and friends about the cause--if they live in Florida, their premiums are also going up.

If our state does not act on the issues I’ve mentioned, your homeowner rates will continue to increase. Getting involved only takes a couple of minutes of your time--and the impacts are far-reaching for homeowners across Florida.

If you have any questions or concerns about your homeowner’s renewal rate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will do everything possible to help you get your rate down.
The Legislature has officially gaveled in the 2021 Legislative Session. SB 76 is expected to be heard in its second committee on Tuesday March 9th, and there is a possibility that HB 305 will be heard in what would be its first committee hearing on Thursday March 4th. During the 9-week Session, agenda notices for committee meetings only require a 48-hour notification period, so from here on out things will be very fluid. We will continue to keep you up-to-date about the status of this important legislation as the session progresses.

The more we make our voices heard, the more likely we are to get the industry reform that Floridians deserve! We will continue to keep you updated each week on the progress of our legislative reform efforts throughout the 2021 session.

We appreciate your efforts to help us create a strong, viable and affordable property insurance market. Thanks, as always, for your partnership.

Thanks,
Alan Hanbury

January Principal Message (New Years Focus)
By Alan Hanbury

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday break with your family and friends and are excited about the new year ahead of you. At the agency, we love the start of a new year because it allows us to reflect on personal and professional goals. Here at the office we are refreshed and brimming with new ideas to help us grow as an agency and make our customer experience better than ever. Here are a few of the agency's resolutions for 2021: 
  • Grow Millennium Insurance
  • Give everyday 100%
Now that you know what we are striving for, check in with us occasionally to hold us accountable! 

As always, thank you for being a loyal customer of Millennium Insurance !

Cheers to 2021 and beyond!

Alan Hanbury

What Our Clients Say
By Alan Hanbury

Here are some reviews from Millennium clients:

"I have been with millennium since 2013, and they have come through for me every time. No one has ever been able to compete or even come close with my homeowners rates. The staff is always friendly and willing to help. Thank you everyone you guys are awesome." -Cid De S

"Very nice people. I am very satisficed. Millennium saved me 50% on my rates. Tara was wonderful. Great Experience.  Will be switching my Auto from Geico to them too." -Gary S

"The folks at Millennium have provided me with exceptional service and saved me lots if money. They offer a familyfriendly approach, combined with an aggressive approach to finding me the best rates. Good people, good service. Outstanding!" -Chris H 

Join Our Referral Program
By Alan Hanbury

We take pride in providing top tier service and competitive rates to our customers and we want to spread the wealth to your family and friends. Join our referral program today and we will donate $5.00 (per referral) to the charity of the donators choice.

How can you participate?
It is easy, tell your family and friends to call our office for a quote and mention your name when asked who referred them, from there we will do the rest! 

Newsletter 11/12/2020
By Kendall Ganey

Why go through an Independent Agent/Broker?

What is the benefit of going with a human agent, rather than getting coverage through a computer? Let me just start off by saying… WE CARE! It is the client-agent relationship that makes an insurance experience feel so safe and sound.

We care that our clients feel secure on the road. We care about protecting their financial well-being. We care that they have adequate coverage. We care about establishing a relationship of trust and respect with our clients. 

When you have an independent agent, it is a one-stop-shop. You can call the agents office line and speak to them directly. Some agents even provide their personal cell phone numbers to clients who need assist after normal business hours. When you find coverage through a direct company, the only way to contact them is through a 1-800 number and you most likely will end up speaking to someone who is halfway across the globe. When calling into your local agent’s office you do not have to hang on the phone with an automated voice messaging system. There will always be a human on the phone, ready to assist all your insurance needs. You call us directly and we will answer every time. 

Essentially, you can find confidence in the belief of “quality over quantity”, because you are more than just a number. The customer service is personal and helpful. Your agents will guide you through the chaotic world of insurance. Your agent is typically local to your community and can relate to your questions or concerns. An agent simplifies the process of shopping for insurance because we research all the nitty-gritty for you. 

Another perk of working with an independent agent/broker is the large market of companies that they have access to write insurance with. If you are in the market for auto insurance and decide to receive a quote from State Farm, these agents will ONLY be able to provide you with ONE State Farm auto quote. Whereas if you reach out to an independent agent/broker they will be able to provide you with quotes from 10+ auto companies. So, let me ask you this, where do you think you will be receiving the best deal? From the State Farm agent who is only able to provide you with one quote and no industry comparison rates….or the broker who has checked 10+ companies for the best possible rate? Easy answer.

The agents at Millennium Insurance have over 75+ years of combined experience in the insurance industry. Alan Hanbury the President of Millennium Insurance has over 25 years of experience as an independent agent/broker. Millennium Insurance is appointed to write business with 30+ different companies, and we are ready to go above and beyond to meet all your insurance needs.

Newsletter 11/01/2020
By Kendall Ganey

Ahh, that time of year again. You open your homeowner’s insurance renewal only to find that the rate went up $300. 

First and foremost: No, your insurance company is not mad at you. Most of the times unless advised otherwise, there was nothing you did or did not do to deserve a higher premium. More often than not, this is no one’s fault. It is not a reflection of whether you are a good or bad homeowner. 

Essentially, higher premiums are due to over-all trends in the insurance industry and the amount of claims your insurance carrier paid out.

2017 was the second priciest year ever from natural disasters, costing over $130 billion in losses. 

This year, America’s amount of losses is still higher than norm.

Photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

To accurately adjust rates, insurance companies will gather records and make predictions centered on the rate of losses.

Homeowners have been seeing higher premiums even if they have never filed a claim. If the number of claims continues to increase, everyone’s premium will be affected. These increases are not so companies can pull a fast one on their customers. It is to keep the promise to cover financial losses within the insuring agreement.

One factor that could potentially have an impact on your rate is your zip code. If one zip code has an unusually higher crime rate than others, that will influence the inviolability and protection of homes.

Premium increases may also be a result of the state’s inflation guard. Insurance companies will automatically add a 2-4% inflation on your dwelling. This safeguard is so that your policy will cover the cost of rebuilding in case of a catastrophic event.

Insurance companies use risk mitigation (also known as risk reduction) to reduce the possibility of a loss. Unfortunately, as we get older, our roof and water heater do too. It is so important to let your insurance agent know if your roof or water heater has been replaced because it can reduce the cost of your premium. 

If your premium took a big increase this year, please remember to call us a few weeks before the renewal. We will assist you with sorting out a reasonable premium without giving up your coverage.

Newsletter 10/12/2020
By Kendall Ganey

Shopping for homeowner’s insurance 101

First of all….gather up any information you can find on your home. Put together inspections you have had in the past five years. You can even jot down some notes of the construction type, age of the home, market value, year of your roof, age of the water heater. You will be surprised at how much time you save when by having this information before you start shopping around.

After you obtain all the basics and facts on your home, start by getting familiar with basic coverages on a homeowner’s policy. 

Look at the policies types and see which one is the most suitable for you!

Owner-occupied homes have Basic, Broad, or Special Forms;
-A Special form policy (HO-3) will cover the entire risk except for what is explicitly excluded in the policy. The is the standard type of homeowner’s insurance that the majority of homeowners are covered under.

-Basic or Broad form policies (HO-3) cover specifically only risks that are stated in the policy. These forms always cover the dwelling and how much the structure of the home would cost to rebuild in a total loss. This policy tends to be slightly cheaper but is not going to cover you for as many risks.

 If you are renting a home, you will need a Renters policy (HO-4), which only covers personal contents and liability. It is the landlord’s duty to make sure the dwelling of the home is adequality insured. Your duty is to know how much liability you want in case someone gets hurt on your property. 

Additionally, you always want to ask your agent if there are different payment plans available for your new homeowners’ insurance. Sometimes companies offer a discount when you pay in full. Typically, there is always payment plans available through most carriers that fit your financial needs.

If you have questions and/concerns with the basics of insurance, it is best to reach out to a local independent agent. An agent will shop out your home with multiple different insurance companies to find the best rate. This will save you a tremendous amount of time, energy, and stress.

October Newsletter
By Alan Hanbury

Happy October! We hope you are ready to start fall with a refreshed mindset. Thank you so much for your continued loyalty and support
of our agency, without you we wouldn’t be where we are today. For that reason, every month we like to give you an inside look of
what’s going on in our agency and share cool activities and events to look forward to within Bradenton.

Here are just a few things we are most looking forward to in October:
• Hunsader Farms! A family friendly event to check out in Bradenton, FL
• Cooler Weather (possibly!)
• Sarasota Pumpkin Festival
Hello October

Happy October

Halloween Safety
By Alan Hanbury

Despite the fact that Halloween in Florida involves walking around at night amongst ghouls and witches, it really only takes a little
common sense to make the night safe for everyone. Here are five questions to ask so your entire family, even pets, can enjoy a safe
and fun evening of trick-or-treating or handing out candy to others:

Are we visible? How safe are our costumes? Where are we going? What are the kids eating? How are Fido and Fluffy doing?

With the right plan, you can make Halloween fun and safe for your little ghosts and goblins. And you can probably snag a little leftover candy for yourself, too.
Trick or Treating

Trick-or-Treating

Staff Birthday Announcement
By Alan Hanbury

October is great, it brings us fall festivities, cooler weather, pumpkin carving! But what we’re most excited about this month are the
birthdays! Celebrating our employee's birthdays is an important part of Millennium Insurance 's culture. It helps us build stronger
relationships with each other and creates a positive working environment. This leads to better service for you! Help us wish a Happy Birthday to those celebrating a birthday this month:

Happy Birthday to Kendall!!

Kendall's Birthday is October 31st....spooky!
Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Newsletter 09/01/2020
By Kendall Ganey

Looking for a better rate on your auto insurance?

It is about 45 days before your renewal when you receive your renewal package in mail. You open it up and see a big increase. You think to yourself I will deal with this later. One thing you should know before you push it aside: Most auto companies offer an 8-day advance discount for new policies. This could save you up to 10% with some auto carries. We all know that calling around trying to find cheaper auto
insurance can be stressful.

Before you call an agency for an auto quote there a few things you should have ready to give an agent:
  1. Full names of everyone on policy, plus date of births, and drivers’ license numbers. Insurance companies’ run driver reports for all drivers. If the insurance company is unable to verify the information you will be charged more because they are unable to see if you have a clean driving record.
  2. Have any of the drivers had any accidents or claims in the past 5 years? Insurance agents ask for this information because companies give you safe driver discounts if you have not had any claims. If you do not let the agent know about an accident and claim, the quoted amount could take a huge increase once they run your driving reports.
  3. How long have you been with your current auto company? Some companies give you a loyalty discount if you have been with your current company over 5 years. This will be verified when auto reports are run.
  4. Are you a homeowner? Let the agent know… this is a discount on your auto policy. Or they might be able to bundle your home and auto for a bundled discount.
  5. Make sure you have all your vin numbers. With the correct vin numbers the agent will be able to make sure you have all your safety rating credits to save you money.
  6. Your current coverages. All agents should ask what your current coverages are. This will allow the agent to do an apple to apples quote. If they do not ask for this information, there is a good chance they will quote you with lower coverages than you have now to win your business at a lower rate.
  7. Have you taken a senior (defensive) safety driver class? This will add a small discount to your policy. You will have to show proof (certificate of class completion) to get the discount.
  8. If your kids are still in school and they have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, let your agent know. This is a nice reward for the parents when your kids do good in school. More money in your pocket for college.
Hopefully, this information can help make use of the savings you are eligible for. If you have any
questions about your current policy, you can reach out to us at 941-955-8585! 

Newsletter 08/20/2020 
By Kendall Ganey

When it comes to homeowner’s insurance, the roof typically holds the most weight.
The roof, in a sense, tends to hold all the other parts of the house on its back. Your roof can
protect you from all sorts of invasion, whether it is a hurricane, snowstorm, tornado, or perfect
sunny weather. If you are a homeowner, think of your roof as the “heart” of the home. Which
means, above all else: a roof leak should never be taken lightly. If you are in the market for a
new roof, weighing out the pros and cons is necessary before choosing a fit that is suitable for
you.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt roofs is a traditional look that never goes out of style. They have a range of textures and colors to choose from, which makes them more versatile than the typical metal roof. There are two types: architectural and composition.

Architectural shingles seem to be the most popular of the two. Insurance companies favor more durability and homeowners favor the aesthetic. Architectural shingles have multiple layers as opposed to composition. Their average lifespan is around 20 years or more.

Composition shingles or three-tab shingles have one single layer. They are the least expensive to install, however, they are more likely to blow off in a high windstorm. It is also important to consider that they have a shorter lifespan than architectural shingles, with an average of 15 years.

Both come in a variety of colors.

Metal

Long-lasting, energy efficient, and charming. Metal roofs are available in tin, copper, stainlesssteel or zinc. The thin sheets of metal interlock to endure maximum wind speed. They come with an attractive and versatile finish, integrating durability, rustic appeal, and contemporary
design. They are lightweight, low maintenance, and durable. The lifespan ranges at 35-40+ years based on insurance standards.

Tile

Last but not least: Tile. They are available in clay, slate, and Spanish tile. They are well-known for their curve shape design and genuine earth tones. If you’re looking for a upscale, Florida tropical vibe- tile might be the perfect fit. Tile roofs come with a moisture barrier that offers an
extra layer of protection. The lifespan is typically 35-40 years. However, they do require maintenance, and will not last as long if they don’t get proper care. 

Newsletter 08/01/2020
By Alan Hanbury

Quote of the Month - August

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
-Christopher Reeve

Back to School

As kids head back to school, let's keep them safe!

The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football here in Florida ! (hopefully)
But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around buses. Remember to watch for bikes, too! Here are some tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.
Use caution on the roads. Teach kids to be safe while walking. Help them stay safe on their bikes (always wear a helmet). We know you're probably familiar with all of these good ideas, but everyone needs reminders. So take it slow, and let's have a happy and safe school year!

National Wellness Month

Did you know the month of August is National Wellness Month? Sure, there’s a national month or day for just about everything, but we wanted to pay special attention to National Wellness Month because your health and wellness is essential. With the current state of the World, many people are struggling to find a healthy life balance. So, let’s all make a commitment to our health and wellness this month and choose five things we plan to work on to better our overall wellness.

Newsletter 07/27/2020 
By Kendall Ganey

Quarantine is a good time to read books, finish puzzles, or watch your favorite shows. But it’s also important to spend time enjoying the outdoors. Here’s a list of some of my favorite things to do in Bradenton: 

Unwind with Nature: Robinsons Preserve
Robinsons Preserve is a remarkable place to experience nature. Roam, run, hike, bike, kayak; you will need more than one trip to explore all the trails. The trails are easy to follow and well groomed. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, sneakers and water! Contact the preserve or visit their website for more information. http://www.robinsonpreserve.com/contact.html

Red Barn Flea Market  
If you are looking for things to do on the weekend, Red Barn will keep you busy! They offer a wide range of indoor market with hundreds of booths. From good old-fashioned flea market hunting to “fresh from the farm” fruits and veggies. Red Barn is a place that everyone can enjoy. 
Just remember to social distance and bring your mask! https://www.redbarnfleamarket.com/

YOLO Adventures 
Just when you think you have done it all in Bradenton… YOLO Adventures offers parasailing, boat tours, and fishing charters. The owners and staff are friendly, experienced, and make certain of providing a safe and fun adventure. The views are always excellent, and the memories will last a lifetime. https://floridafunboat.com/

Botanical gardens  
Take in the fresh air, explore beautiful scenery, check out the turtles and fishes, or have a picnic. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing morning, afternoon, or night. Botanical gardens is a lovely place for planning a special event or just visiting with a loved one. There’s even a small play zone for the little ones to enjoy. https://palmasolabp.org

Desoto Memorial  
This beautiful free walking trail is truly a hidden gem; if you are in the Bradenton area, it is worth a stop. The trail is lined by crushed sea shells along the water. This beautiful FREE walking trail located on the coast is a hidden gem if you are in the Bradenton area, it is worth a stop by. The memorial provides several self guided maps that show the history of the area. It’s pet friendly (!!), kid friendly, and has a beautiful view of the Sunshine skyway. This historical memorial will leave you feeling educated and rejuvenated. 


Newsletter 07/13/2020
By Kendall Ganey

Summer is here and it is here to shine a light on those projects around the house you have been avoiding for months. However, there is still plenty of time to enjoy being in the Sunshine State and get around to those neglected homeowners’ duties. 

Trust us, we understand doing maintenance around the house is not at the top of the fun ideas to do on vacation. Which is why we put together a checklist to help you worry less and relax more. So, before you start sipping Pina Coladas by the pool, let’s make sure your home is ready to take on the Florida heat. 

First and foremost: Your AC. Check, double check, even triple check your AC. It is important to make sure your AC is working and ready for its busiest season of the year. If you have not replaced the filter in a 6-12 months, it’s time for new/clean ones. Clean air filters mean more cool regulated air and less risk of a fire.  

Outdoor porch/deck/lanai: Summertime tends to awaken a desire for the great outdoors. Correspondingly, if your deck needs to be repainted, reinforced, or repaired, now is the time to do it. Outdoor decks can accumulate a lot of dirt and grime, so cleaning and maintenance is key. If your deck appears dingy, use a brush to scrub away any buildup from foot traffic. An all-purpose cleaner works wonders to polish your deck and make it look brand new. Power-washing is also an effective way to prevent the wood from rotting, splitting, or discoloring. 

Smoke detectors: Easy to forget about but essential when it comes to the safety of you and your loved ones. Be sure to check every smoke detector in your home to make sure they are working properly. Simply replace the batteries if needed. You will feel glad you did! 

Windows (Let the light shine in!). If your windows have not been cleaned in months, let this be a gentle reminder. Once they start sparkling, you will wonder why you didn’t clean them sooner. If you come across any cracks or leaks you can apply fresh caulk to keep pesky insects from moving in.  

Clean out your gutters. You have already made it this far through the checklist- don’t let this one chase you away! Gutters are supposed to be cleaned once to twice a year; especially if there is trees or debris near your home. So, it can’t hurt to give your gutters and downspouts a good ole’ cleanin’ if it’s been a while.  

BBQ Grill Maintenance Whether you are hosting a family BBQ or just grilling for one; there is nothing like a cooking out during the summertime. If you consider your grill to be a part of the family, cleaning it should be high on your list of cooking priorities. The overall performance of grills can weaken if not maintained properly- so for all the BBQ loving folks out there, remember to maintain and clean your grill. 

Front door mats All that time you spent giving your floors a sponge-bath just to have guests trail dirt as they walk in. This can be avoided by putting a sturdy front door mat. Door mats also give a nice welcoming touch to your home, so you can keep your home happy AND healthy. 

Summer is Here!
By Alan Hanbury

The first day of Summer is June 20, and we must admit summer is one of our favorite seasons. Not only do we get more daylight in the summer, but we also get to spend more time with our loved ones doing the things we love. Here are some of the fun plans our staff members have planned this summer: 

- Agent Tara: I plan to take a road trip to California with my husband !
- Agent Alan: Every year I take a trip to Michigan in the summertime. I’m excited to visit my family & friends, and most of all escape some of the FL summer heat!

Even though we are stuck at home, it doesn't mean you are stuck inside. Tell us how you plan to enjoy your summer, regardless of current state of the world. 
Keep a positive mindset

Independence Day Appreciation Article
By Alan Hanbury

We hope you and your family have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Thank you for your continued support of Millennium Insurance . 
Happy 4th!

Join Our Referral Program
By Alan Hanbury

We take pride in providing top tier service and competitive rates to our customers and we want to spread the wealth to your family and friends. Join our referral program today and we will donate $25 (per referral) to Whiskers Rescue of Florida, Inc.

In addition, anytime you as a current client, refer a new customer to our office, we will send you a $5 Starbucks Gift Card. 

How can you participate?

It is easy, tell your family and friends to call our office for a quote and mention your name when asked who referred them, from there we will do the rest.

The Millennium Insurance Agency appreciates you!
Referral's Welcome

Newsletter 07/01/2020
By Kendall Ganey

If you live in Florida for long enough, you’ll realize there are two types of mindsets people have during hurricane season. The ones who are stronger than any storm and the ones who seem like it's their first time experiencing a hurricane. 

Despite how different some perspectives might be, there is one thing we all have in common- we need to be prepared for hurricane season. Every year comes with the possibility of a flood-causing weather event.

Here are 3 different types of insurance policies that can prepare you for Florida’s unpredictable hurricane seasons. 

Flood insurance- The most critical step for preparing for the hurricane season. Flood insurance provides protection from devastating damages and costs to your home after a hurricane. If you are a Florida resident, this is the best way to protect your home in the event of a natural disaster. 
Renters Policy– If you rent your home, it’s important to consider renters insurance to ensure that your possessions are covered if they are damaged by a storm. Your landlord may have insurance on the property, but it will not cover your personal items. In the event that you need to make a claim for damages or losses of your personal belongings by a storm, you will need wind coverage on your Renters Insurance. 
Windstorm Policy– Windstorm insurance is protection for destruction to the inside of the home brought about by a storm. This ensures coverage on your property if there are any damages inside your home. 

Hurricane protection isn’t just for homeowners who live on Florida’s coastline. Any home in Florida may be exposed to damages caused by flooding. Also, there is a “waiting period” for flood insurance, which means the policy is not effective until 30 days after the purchase date. We suggest not to wait until the last minute and give yourself plenty of time before Hurricane season hits. If you’re planning on purchasing flood insurance, it’s best to be covered in advance to give yourself time to prepare and search for the right coverage.

If you already have hurricane coverage, read over your policy, and talk with an agent if you have any questions. Our agents will make certain you have accurate coverage in the event of a flood. Call or visit us today to get the protection you need on your Florida home!

Work from Home Tips
By Alan Hanbury

Due to the current state of the world many of us have had to make major life adjustments. For those who have remote work capabilities working from home has become their norm, We know it can be difficult to work from home while also staying productive. But Millennium Insurance staff members have come up with a few tips to help you stay productive and focused during this time.
  1. Stick to a schedule and work your regular hours
  2. Schedule virtual meetings with coworkers
  3. Take breaks & Go outside for fresh air
Working from home

Happy Father's Day
By Alan Hanbury

In honor of Father's Day on June 21, Millennium Insurance would like to recognize all the Father's in our lives. From our staff to our own Fathers and clients, as well. Happy Father's Day and thank you so much for all you do as a mother and thank you for your continued support of Millennium Insurance!
Father's Day 2000

Shelter Cat Awareness Month
By Alan Hanbury

Did you know June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month? To spread awareness about the prevention of animal cruelty every dollar donated to the ASPCA's cause helps to build a more human country for vulnerable animals. This month, you can help make a difference in the lives of cats and kittens by fundraising on their behalf. Help bring awareness to Adopt a Shelter Cat. Month by starting a campaign of your own! Learn more at:

Many of our staff have cats, some were even rescued. In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Cat month we wanted to share pictures of our feline friends.

Baby Kitten
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