A message from Burke, Bogart & Brownell president, Lee Burke: Thank goodness, my homeowners’ insurance premium only increased by 21%. My Tower Hill Homeowners renewal premium increased from $6,851 to $8,263, a jump of 21%. I am thrilled and relieved. How can I be happy with a 21% higher premium? The answer is easy. I Learn More “My Homeowners Insurance Premium Only Increased 21%”
State Farm Insurance Company, the nation’s largest insurer, just announced it was suspending all new Home and Business Property Insurance in California. Misery may love company, but State Farm’s action in California does not help Florida’s insurance challenges. California has been a challenge for insurance companies for many years. Restrictive rate regulations coupled Learn More “California and Florida: Insurance Wastelands”
Everyone wants to keep their home safe from burglars and intruders, but not everyone wants to have an alarm system installed. There are plenty of people who prefer the DIY (do-it-yourself) route, whether it’s home improvement or home security. Nowadays, there are more options than ever when it comes to home security, so we at Learn More “DIY Home Security: Keeping your Home Safe”
Getting Ready for Winter Weather in South Florida Fall has arrived, but there’s still time to get ready for winter weather, including storms. While South Florida does not often see extreme cold, we can still experience much lower temperatures than normal, so we at Burke, Bogart and Brownell have compiled some tips to help you Learn More “Preparing for Winter Weather in South Florida”
Hurricane Ian has illustrated the Flood Risk in Florida. In insurance terms, Flood is the inundation of normally dry land. Flooding can occur from tidal or storm surge, rain, storms, overflow of lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, streams etc. Failure of dams, dikes, retaining walls etc. are common causes of flooding. FEMA has flood maps designating Learn More “Flood Risk in Florida: The Truth About Flood Zones”
Beat the South Florida Heat — and Your Air Conditioning Bill — This Summer Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Americans spend about $11 billion each year on air conditioning? That might not be such a surprise if you’re the one who writes the check for your household energy bill every Learn More “Summer Home Energy Savings”
When a big storm hits in South Florida, you hunker down inside, relying on your home to protect you and your family. Once that storm passes, though, it’s time to repay the favor — identifying damage and protecting your home from further issues. The National Storm Damage Center has a number of resources and tips Learn More “How to Check Your Property for Damage After a Storm During Hurricane Season”
Hurricanes often leave the destruction of property and lives in their wake. Preparing your home, your property, and your family for a hurricane can help minimize the damage and impact of the storm. Here are some essential tips to ensure that you and your family are ready when a hurricane hits. Prepare Your Home Use Learn More “How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida”
For most of us, the Fourth of July is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, having fun and creating memories – whether away or at home in Boca Raton. But for some families, the holiday is a nightmare. Homes each year in Florida are damaged by wayward fireworks. Thousands of people Learn More “Fireworks Safety in South Florida”
Last week the Florida Legislature passed major insurance reform legislation in a special session. It is too early to predict the long-term results of the law changes. Legal challenges have already been filed. We do not expect any immediate changes in the troubled Florida insurance market. Following is a summary of the significant items and Learn More “Florida Insurance Market: Legislation Update”