Author: agentinsure

Keeping Teen Drivers Safe

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When you have a teen driver in Pembroke Pines, FL, you want to make sure you are doing all that you can in order to keep them safe. They may have their driver’s license now, but that doesn’t mean that they are above the law. You may want to set some boundaries for them as a way of keeping them safe.

Identify the Rules

Just because they passed their driver’s license test does not mean that they know all of the rules – particularly your rules. Take the time to go over each and every one of them. Sit down and have a serious conversation so that it doesn’t fall on deaf ears. You may want to set some very specific boundaries, such as:

  • Amount of time they can be on the road
  • How far they can drive
  • How many friends they can have in the car
  • How late they can drive

Limit the Number of Passengers

The number of passengers in the car can be dangerous. The more teens there are, the more risks there are. This is because rowdy teens can often distract the driver. Some may also go your teen driver into being riskier behind the wheel, such as speeding, changing lanes inappropriately, and much more. You may already know which friends these are, and this means you may want to forbid your teen from having them in the car at all.

Back to Basics

It never hurts to go over some of the rules again and again. This means no drinking, no texting, and always wearing a seatbelt. Even if you get the “I know, I know” speech from your teen, it’s better to say it again as opposed to finding out that they were in an accident because of not following one of these rules.

For information on auto insurance in Florida, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today.

 

 

Ways To Find Your Next Great Family Used Car

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Cars are not built to last forever and when it is time to find a new family car, you are likely already planning on taking the time to find a quality vehicle to keep your family safe and serve your purposes. However, there are some tips you need to keep in mind, especially if you are trying to save money by purchasing a used family car. Use these tips to help guide you through the process. 

  • Weigh the age and price together. An older car will likely cost less than a newer car but sometimes, the car will be too old to meet your needs. Take this into consideration while you are looking for a used family car and remember that just because you find a cheap family car does not mean that it is what you are needing. 
  • Use another, independent mechanic to examine the car before purchase. Once you have found a car that you are interested in purchasing, take it to a mechanic to examine. You will want to use your own mechanic because they will be more honest with you about any issues. This can cost up to $100 but it will be well worth it. If the mechanic tells you the car is not a good idea, you may want to listen.
  • Keep your emotions out of the decision. An emotional decision is not usually a good one when it comes to big purchases like a new or used family car. Leave your emotions out of it until you have made a purchase so that they do not cloud your decision. 

After you find your next used family vehicle, make sure you get an auto insurance policy that will protect you and your family as well. Contact us at McCormick Insurance Inc. today to get started.

 

Spring Maintenance to Protect the Home

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The folks at McCormick Insurance Inc. want to remind you that spring is a great time to perform annual home maintenance to reduce the chance of damage to the home.

Roof and Gutters
During winter, gutters and drains fill with fallen leaves, which can block the flow of water when it rains. Water held on the roof can leak into the home and cause mold to form on the interior surfaces. Mold spores that pass through the home ventilation or air conditioning system are bad for the occupant’s health.

Make sure the downspouts release water at least three feet away from the home’s foundation. Water that flows directly on to the foundation can cause it to weaken or crack. In addition to clearing out the gutters and making sure the downspouts are not blocked, it is a good idea to check the attic for any sign of water damage or mold growth.

Replace any damaged or missing shingles on the roof. Be careful using the ladder, because falls are one of the most common accidents. If the roof repair job is too dangerous, it is best to hire a roofing contractor to do the work who has the correct safety equipment.

HVAC System
It is best to perform the annual maintenance of the HVAC system before the weather gets too hot. Many HVAC maintenance companies offer annual specials during springtime when they are not as busy as they become during summer. Spring is a good time to clean out the air ducts and change the air filter. Clean any fallen debris that blocks the air vents of the HVAC unit. Replace any worn out parts to make the system run well.

Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Use weather stripping to block the air from leaking. This helps save money on energy bills.

Insurance
Spring is a good time to check insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage. Contact the agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. for all your insurance needs.

Motorcycle Security Tips in Pembroke Pines, Florida

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Pembroke Pines, Florida is a beautiful community in the Miami area and arguably the ideal place to own and ride a motorcycle. It will get great gas mileage, keep you from being stuck in traffic and also help you to truly enjoy the perfect Miami tropical air while living in paradise.  So it’s also important to protect your motorcycle and since Miami is a pretty big city, there is a better chance that someone could try and steal it. Below are some tips for preventing motorcycle theft in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

KEEP IT HIDDEN

Don’t leave your bike out in the open on a major street that people drive or walk by on a regular basis. That will make it a target over time. Instead, park it in a garage, put a cover over it or park it in an area that’s somewhat out of the regular public view.  It’s surprisingly easy to do this when you look for places that people won’t notice as easily and motorcycles are relatively small and can fit in a number of hard to access places.

LOCK IT UP

Like with a bicycle, having a lock on a tire will make it difficult if not impossible for a thief to steal it. U locks on the wheel of a motorcycle are almost impossible to pick and will usually require a blowtorch for a few minutes to successfully melt it away, especially without damaging the wheel and tire of the motorcycle itself. Because of this, just seeing a lock or anchor on the tire of a motorcycle will dissuade an interested thief from stealing it.

INSTALL A TRACKING SYSTEM

Installing a GPS tracking system will make it much easier for police to recover the motorcycle, at least before it goes into a chop shop. While this won’t prevent theft necessarily, it will make the chances of finding it better and make your insurance cheaper. And on that note, it’s critical to have an insurance policy for your motorcycle that covers you if it is stolen. Check out policies from McCormick Insurance Inc. who serves the Pembroke Pines area for insurance against theft on your motorcycle.

5 Reasons You Need Flood Insurance

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Pembroke Pines, FL definitely sees its fair share of storms, but many people may not realize that standard insurance policies don’t cover floods. See 5 reasons why you need to look at your policy, and ensure you have some type of protection against the cloud cover. 

1. A Little Goes a Long Way

Even small amounts of water have a tendency to spread out when it comes to your home. A little seepage can cause whole areas to be destroyed. This not only decreases the value of your home, but also can make it difficult to live in. 

2. Repair Costs 

If you do decide to fix the damage, it could be more expensive than you think. Thousands of dollars are spent on flood damage each year. Instead of pulling out your credit card then, try adding the policy coverage now. 

3. Peace of Mind 

Do you really want to be checking each weather report, hoping the next storm doesn’t cause any flood damage to your home? One strong benefit to buying insurance is knowing you have an entity fighting in your corner to get your home back. 

4. Assistance in an Emergency 

If you need to evacuate your home for any reason, you need somewhere to go and a plan in place for how to get back to your home. Flood insurance can help bridge that problem for you. 

5. Partnering Up 

The right insurance company knows what’s important to you, and they make it a point to deliver on their promises. McCormick Insurance Inc. is here to give you personalized service and start insuring what’s yours. Floods are inevitable, but fear and worry don’t have to be when it comes to fixing the problem. Give us a call for a quote. 

How to Prepare Your Home for a Disaster Slug

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While Pembroke Pines, FL may not be the most disaster prone area in the nation, there are still a number of potential scenarios you should be prepared for. For example, Florida is well-known for its fair share of hurricanes. With the unpredictable nature of the weather, it is a good idea to take steps now to reduce your overall risk and protect your home, while keeping your family safe.

Identify specific risks

Knowing what the most common hazards are for the area, especially if you are new to the area, will help you focus on what you need to do to be prepared. Be sure to take action against the event that will have the highest likelihood of occurring. For Florida, you will likely need to purchase some type of flood insurance, since these are typically not covered in traditional home insurance policies.

Know and address your home vulnerabilities

In many cases, homeowners feel helpless when destructive weather strikes. The good news is, you can perform a few home improvement strategies to lower your risk of damage. For example, to protect your home from the damages of hurricanes, install storm shutters, built a new safe room or install hurricane straps that will help to keep your roof securely in place when high winds blow.

Create a personal emergency kit

You should not wait until the last minute (when everyone else is scrambling around) to gather emergency supplies. Include the following items in your emergency kit: water, food, battery powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit and tarps for covering any potential damage to the roof or windows.

Being prepared for a storm or other disaster is not only smart, it will give you peace of mind. If needed, you can also find home insurance by contacting McCormick Insurance Inc. today.

 

 

 

Kitchen Renovations That May Affect Your Insurance

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One of the most popular home improvement projects are kitchen renovations. It is also one of the most expensive. You should know how the renovations would affect your insurance premiums before getting started. Consider getting in touch with McCormick Insurance Inc. and ask the agents how your new kitchen remodel will impact your insurance rates.

  1. Kitchen Countertops – Improving your countertops can be an expensive endeavor. Choose your countertop wisely. There are many distinctive types and each may affect your home insurance differently. In addition to the popular granite, laminate, and wood surfaces, there are also quartz, solid surface, stainless steel, copper, and eco-friendly countertops available.
  2. New Appliances – You do not have to upgrade all of your appliances at one time. This could be costly and eat into your budget. Start with the oldest ones and eventually replace them all. Stainless steel appliances are a valued commodity and can increase the resale value of your home.
  3. Cabinet Refacing – Renewing your cabinets may not affect your insurance premiums a great deal, but it is important to understand your options if it does. Adding wood veneers, plastic laminates, or rigid thermofoils could make a significant difference. Ask your McCormick Insurance Inc. agents in Pembroke Pines, Florida for more details.
  4. Backsplash – One of the least expensive things you can do is add a decorative backsplash to the kitchen. They are easy to install yourself, but if you have a contractor make sure that he or she is fully licensed in case of accidents.

All of these kitchen renovations could add value to your home. They also may cause you to increase your insurance coverage to cover the new value of your home. Call the agents at McCormick Insurance Inc. in Pembroke Pines, FL to discuss your options.

Things To Consider When Driving A Motorcycle During Deer Season

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Deer season is a dangerous time for anyone to be out on the roads. Unfortunately for motorcycle drivers, it is even more dangerous. If you love your motorcycle, though, nothing will keep you from enjoying the great weather than comes with the season. If you plan on taking full advantage of this weather, then you need to be careful for deer no matter where you go. Make sure you are as prepared as possible with these top considerations.

  1. Deer travel in groups and not usually alone. That means that if you happen to see a deer while driving, you are likely to see one or more in the same area. When you see one deer, start looking for more so that you are not surprised when one comes out in front of you.
  2. Deer tend to move more at dusk and dawn. This means that if you are driving during these times, you need to make sure you really keep an eye out for them. You should also have a great light installed on your bike so you can see better and further. 
  3. Always wear your protective gear. This is something you should do at all times on your motorcycle but especially if you are driving during deer season. You want to be as protected as possible and that includes wearing a helmet. 
  4. When riding in a group, make sure you spread out some. In the case of a collision, you want to be spread out so one driver does not take out everyone else. 

Make sure you have insurance that is up to date. If you do not have an adequate policy, be sure to contact McCormick Insurance Inc. serving Pembroke Pines, FL to get a policy quote.

 

Driving In the Snow: Top Tips for Safety

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With winter already showing its true colors all across the nation, there’s no better time to start improving your driving skills. In fact, you should always do your best to be prepared for the worst. Whether it be snow, ice or freezing rain, these weather elements can greatly hinder your ability to keep your vehicle on the road. With the right skills, though, you can be confident when driving during the winter. Here’s a close look at a few tips you need to keep in mind. 

If you plan on driving a lot in winter weather, you definitely need to consider putting winter tires on your vehicle. These tires are designed to keep you on the road, regardless of the weather elements you’re driving in. Not only will the tires give you more control over the vehicle, but your the car will also be able to stop faster, which is paramount when driving on ice and snow. 

You’ll also need to  make sure that you are looking as far ahead as possible down the road. The more aware you are of your surroundings, including those in your peripheral and ahead of you, the better prepared you will be in the event that you need to avoid an accident. Keep in mind that it’s not only other vehicles you’re trying to avoid having an accident with. There are animals, pedestrians, and buildings that you need to be looking for, as well. With your eyes peeled, though, you’ll be more likely to keep yourself safe when driving in winter weather. 

To learn more about driving safely in winter weather, contact the McCormick Insurance Inc. Agency today. 

Benefits of Independent Insurance Agent in Pembroke Pines

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When a person goes shopping for insurance in Pembroke Pines, it’s imperative to keep in mind that there are various agents who can help with finding the best policies. Whether it be a homeowners policy or coverage for antique vehicle, having the right plan is paramount to protecting your valuable assets. With an independent agent on your side, you can take comfort in knowing that you are being covered by the best policies available. Here’s a closer look at a few reasons to go through an independent agent in Pembroke Pines. 

Regular reviews enhance your coverage

When was the last time your insurance agent called you and told you that a better policy was available at a more affordable price? Probably never, especially if you go through an agency that is constricted by providing coverage through a single insurance brand. With an independent agent, though, you can have peace of mind in knowing that this person will constantly be on the lookout for policies that provide you with optimal coverage at the most affordable price. 

Greater levels of customer service

When you go to make a claim, there is only one thing you have in mind — you want it to be processed quickly. With an independent agent on your side, you can rest assured that the claim will be processed not only quickly but in the best manner to provide you with the most compensation possible. This allows you to rest easy at night knowing you have the best coverage possible. 

For more info on buying the best insurance through an independent agent, contact McCormick Insurance Inc. today.