Halloween is just around the corner, and the spookiness in your house won't be just because of the decorations. Larger monsters, like premises liability and property damage, will be approaching your house for trick and treats and it is important to have adequate coverage to keep your home out of trouble from them. So, do [...]
Escaping in a Fire Situation Let’s say that even after taking fire prevention measures, you unfortunately find yourself in a fire situation. Below are some of the steps that you need to follow to get yourself and your loved ones out of this troublesome situation. Planning To deal with any adverse situation, you always need [...]
Fires can be the most damaging and fatal of accidents when they occur. The smoke, the flames, and in fact, the temperature itself can cause serious problems to both life and property. In recent years there has been a considerable increase in these types of accidents – on average there is a fire every 86 [...]
October is Fire Safety Month and we are starting this month’s blog off with some important fire safety tips and common causes of household fires to help you prevent fires in your home and keep your family safe. Fire in the home is a devastating event which may lead to loss of life, injuries, and [...]
When we think about life insurance everyone knows that it is important to cover the bread winning parent’s income in case of tragedy. But does the stay at home parent need life insurance coverage as well? Many people don’t think so because the value of the stay at home parent is not fully recognized until [...]
What You Need To Know About Insurable Interest And Consent There are several different reasons that you may want to purchase life insurance on someone else’s life, or that someone else may want to purchase life insurance on you. And most of the time a person’s reasons for wanting to buy a life insurance policy [...]
While we are calmly making our way through hurricane season right now, it is a great time to discuss one aspect of emergency and disaster preparedness that often goes unplanned until it is too late – communication. One of the most frightening aspects of being involved in a wide spread emergency or natural disaster is [...]
One of the most unsightly things homeowner’s deal with when trying to keep the outside of their homes looking its best are gas and transmission fluid stains that build up on their driveways, sidewalks, and garage flooring. What really makes gas and transmission fluid stains so frustrating is how difficult it can be to get [...]
Everything You Need To Know To Pack Your Own Emergency Roadside Kit The best type of driver is one that is prepared. Although vehicle technology has gotten better over the years, and cars do break down less frequently, you never know when or where you might be faced with an emergency roadside situation. Having a [...]
Once you have made the decision to make renovations to your home, whether they are major or small renovations, you then have to make the decision of whether or not you will live in your home during the remodeling process. For many people, moving out during the remodeling process simply is not a financially feasible [...]
Any entrepreneur or small business owner knows that getting your business up and running requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You want to make sure you do everything you can to protect yourself and your business, so you don’t lose everything you have worked so hard for. But when it comes to natural [...]
Riding a motorcycle can make you feel free and it can be exhilarating. It also helps save on gas on your long commute to work, so while your riding your bike every day, here are some important motorcycle safety tips to remember. Use Safety Gear By far the most important thing to do when riding [...]
When it comes to baby proofing your home there is a lot to be done. And overlooking something that should have been baby proofed can be dangerous or even deadly. Properly baby proofing your home can be even more challenging if your home is a rental or if you live in an apartment, as your [...]
Your home is most likely the most important and most expensive investment you will ever make. And that is why it is important to make sure you are protecting it. You already know that it is important to make sure you have homeowner’s insurance and to make sure you keep up with the regular maintenance [...]
Living in Florida, most people have heard the saying “hide from wind, run from water”. This tells us that if there is any type of high wind storm coming our way, we can simply hide from it and we will be ok. But what does “hiding” mean? There are some things that you can and [...]
Financial matters are often complicated for most people to understand so most times they learn from mistakes, and one aspect that is continuously associated with these mistakes is auto insurance. Having a car is great, but it comes along with additional expenses, auto insurance occupying third place in that long list. Ensuring you get the [...]
It happens. We get distracted and think we are acting out of habit and suddenly we realize we’ve put the wrong type of fuel into our gas tank. You’re not alone. Or maybe you accidentally filled up with the wrong fuel because you didn’t know what type of fuel you were supposed to use – [...]
A natural disaster can cause a lot of damage to our homes, our communities, and our lives. For children the stress and anxiety brought on by the natural disaster itself, coupled with any damages left behind can be difficult to cope with. But there are some things you can do to help make the experience [...]
It is obvious that we should do anything we can to prevent ourselves from distracted driving. But what constitutes a distraction while on the road? You may think that distracted driving may only refer to use of technology like mobile phones and GPS devices, and while technology is one of the largest and most common [...]
There are many types of natural disasters and emergency situations that could cause us to have to leave our homes on short notice. Of course, in Florida the most common concerns are hurricanes and tornadoes, but we know that there are also other emergency situations that could make us leave on short notice such as [...]
One of the most dangerous things we all do almost every day, if not every day, is driving. Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for people in the first half of their life (from newborn up to age 44). Inclement weather makes driving conditions even more dangerous than they normally are, so here [...]
Making a move to your new apartment can be exciting. But in that excitement, it can be easy to miss important details that you should have caught on your apartment walkthrough. This can lead to problems with your apartment while you’re living in it or leave you without being able to get your deposit back [...]
If we have a driver’s license, then we know that there are specific laws and standard courtesies that are expected of us as a driver on the road. However, many new boating enthusiasts are unaware that there are very similar standard courtesies that are expected on the water. Knowing the basics of boating safety and [...]
Subcontractors and artisan contractors are professionals who are held to a very high and strict expectation of insurance requirements. These requirements are so strict because these types of professions are generally providing services which could put the client or their property at a risk for significant harm if the work is not completed properly and [...]
So, you’ve decided to join the crowd and purchase your first RV. No doubt owning an RV has many benefits to offer when traveling – no need to worry about hotel reservations, ability to make stops anywhere along your route, freedom to travel where you wish, ability to bring more of your belongings along with [...]
Boating is a very popular pastime for many individuals looking for a way to relax, spend time with family and friends, soak in the sun and good weather, cool off, and enjoy the water. However, even the most prepared and experienced boater knows to expect the unexpected as we never know what can happen once [...]
When you own a business and hire employees to help you get work done, you are often required by law to carry at least some sort of insurance to protect your business and/or employees. Worker’s Comp Insurance The most common insurance that is required by law to carry is Worker’s Compensation Coverage. This type of [...]
Any way you can save money is always a good thing, especially when you don’t have to sacrifice quality. There are a few tips and tricks of the trade that could save you a little bit of money on your homeowners’ insurance. Shop Around One of the best things about going through an independent insurance [...]
We may be an insurance agency, but we don’t want our clients to have to file a claim – especially if it can be avoided by giving some simple advice. Here are just a few of the many ways that your business can avoid the top most common insurance claims. Fire Make sure your business [...]
There may be a few reasons why you are considering renting out your home. Perhaps it was bought as an investment and its time to start making money off the purchase, or maybe its time for your family to expand and you are looking for some more space to make that happen. Whatever may be [...]
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were over two million home burglaries in 2012 throughout the United States. In addition, there was a total of over $4.7 billion in property that was stolen during these burglaries. Hopefully these individuals had adequate homeowners’ or renters’ insurance to cover their financial loss. Although [...]
Everyone has heard “drive safe” at some point in their life – whether from a loved one, a driving instructor, or signs on the roadway. Driving safe means more than wearing your seat belt or not driving under the influence. As we spend more time on the roadways behind the wheel of our vehicles, often [...]
There’s more to purchasing life insurance than just picking a level of coverage and signing up. The amount of coverage you select is important – will it be enough? And we don’t just mean to provide your family with a continued source of income should you pass away unexpectedly, there are other reasons to consider [...]
This is the standard definition of insurance: “A practice or arrangement by which a company or government agency provides a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in exchange for a premium.” And when most of us think of being insured we think of the basics: life, home, car, health, dental. But [...]
Whether you are a hugely successful business or just starting out on your business ventures, it is never a good idea to assume that you are exempt from disasters. In any type of business, there are dozens of things that could go wrong. Natural disasters, personal injuries, illnesses - these are just a few of [...]
Although we may be an independent insurance agency, the folks at Magruder also feel a responsibility towards our clients and community to provide them with important information - like tax scams that will be on the rise the next few months. Now that W-2's have been sent and everyone has started to file, you may [...]
If you are a business owner, Employee Practices Liability Insurance may be something you want to consider. Unfortunately, many people overlook this type of insurance because they already have Workers’ Comp. Confusing the two different types of insurance can be a big mistake and can end up costing you money. But what exactly is Employee [...]
Got a flat? Knowing how to change a flat tire can save you a lot of time and hassle. It is a skill that every man (and woman) should possess. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it: What you will need: -Jack -Lug wrench -Spare tire -Owner’s manual for the vehicle If you [...]
Photography or videography can be extremely expensive. Most photographers, professionals and hobbyists alike, are always upgrading their gear to keep up with the ever improving technology and looking for ways that will improve the quality of their images. This can lead to a vast collection of cameras, lenses, flashes, tripods, filters, camera bags, memory cards, and [...]
When you are paying for your life insurance company (or your spouse is), it doesn’t seem fair that there are some instances in which they may not pay out a claim. There are five common instances in which a life insurance policy will not pay out a death benefit: Suicide or Heath Related Deaths Homicide [...]
If a fire destroyed your home and belongings, would you be able to recall how many pots or pans you had? How many business shirts, movies, or jewelry? Do you remember where you purchased your furniture and how much it cost – or would cost to replace? Filing a claim with your homeowner’s insurance carrier [...]
Nearly half of all American college graduates return to live at home after graduation. With the rising costs of living expenses and limited job opportunities, it is becoming more common for adult children to live at home. Although you may be living at home, it has a different feel to it than it did when [...]
From the moment you chose to start out on your own and to open your own business, you are exposing yourself to a particular set of risks, even before you hire your first employee. It is important when beginning your business, to get the right insurance coverage. A single lawsuit or catastrophic event can ruin [...]
While shopping around for car insurance you may have seen that insurance companies ask for your garaging address and may not ask for your home address or consider it two different things. You may be wondering what a garaging address is and why it is important. What is my garaging address? You garaging address is [...]
Getting married is exciting but also comes with a world of changes. Name changes, living arrangement changes, and even changes to your insurance policy. Should you keep your own separate policy, join on your spouses, or add them to yours? Will their driving history affect your good rates (or vice versa)? Before you go changing [...]
Why should I get Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage? Or why should I purchase any extra coverage when Florida only requires that I have $10,000 coverage for Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability. Well… For Florida drivers, having enough auto insurance is a must – and not just because it is legally required in [...]
Do Uber or Lyft drivers need commercial auto insurance? What about UberEats or other food delivery drivers? Personal auto insurance will typically cover individuals while they commute to and from home but that is pretty much where work-related coverage ends. If you use your personal vehicle, or even have a separate vehicle, for transporting goods [...]
How to handle a damaged windshield can vary from state to state. Luckily, in the State of Florida, a damaged windshield is not the worst thing that could happen to a driver because there are affordable options to repair or replace your windshield. IS IT ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD? According to Florida [...]
We live in a litigious society with nearly 15 million lawsuits being filed every year – and it’s not just the big business or the rich who are sued. Everyday people are filing lawsuits or are being sued, and on average, 55% of the plaintiffs win their case. This can be a concerning issue for [...]
Life Insurance. It’s something every adult needs but many times, not something anyone wants to think about or consider. Commonly, this is because the benefits of life insurance are understated or misunderstood. Here are a few life insurance myths and the real truths behind them. There is no need for additional life insurance outside of [...]
For those starting a business or looking for another insurance provider for your company, no matter what your business is for, you are going to need general liability insurance. This article is designed to explain what types of coverage is available under general liability insurance and how to determine your business’s insurance needs. What is [...]
Think renter’s insurance is just for your stuff? Too often, we have clients that think that they don’t own enough personal property to justify getting renters insurance, or that it isn’t valuable enough to insure. Or they believe that they aren’t at risk for a disaster. Renter’s insurance provides benefits for more than just replacing [...]
Cycling, biking, road biking, bicyclists. We have all seen them on the road and some drivers may even be annoyed by their presence on the road. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there has been an ever-growing population of cyclists on the road, nearly doubling in this time frame. There are a few important things [...]
Lending your car out may be a rare occurrence but when you do, you feel you are doing the right thing by helping someone in need out. Although, still a good deed, you could be putting yourself at risk without even knowing it. In most cases of car insurance, the insurance follows the car first [...]
As Hurricane Irma makes its approach towards Florida, Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the entire State of Florida as a precaution. Hurricane Irma was declared a Category 5 hurricane Tuesday (Sept 5th) morning, which means Floridians should be taking this storm seriously especially with the chance of landfall at the [...]
Labor Day is coming and that means barbecues are going to be fired up during the extended weekend. With the increase in outdoor cooking and activities, the risk for accidental fires caused by grills or recreational fires will be on the rise. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) nearly 8,900 residential fires caused [...]
Will My Car Insurance Pay If I Am At Fault? If your insurance will pay for damages depends on the coverage and the amount of coverage you elected. Here is a breakdown of each coverage option available and how that coverage works. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Florida may be a no-fault state but fault [...]
There are several questions surround teenage drivers, when or how to get them insurance, and how your rates as a parent may be affected. So, to clarify any questions about teen driving and teen insurance, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions. Have a question that we haven’t listed? Fill out a contact form [...]
Buying a home is exciting but there are a few details that we don’t think about until the day to sign the loan approaches, such as purchasing homeowner’s insurance. When people first come to us looking to purchase homeowner’s insurance we’ve noticed there are a few misconceptions about Florida homeowner’s insurance, so we decided [...]
Forming your own business is a lot of work – more than what the average person clocks in a week. So, shouldn’t you protect your time and effort by insuring your company? Getting insurance is a smart bet and easy to set up with a simple call to our office. Don’t make one of these [...]
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and 2017 is expected to have a busier season than before. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) eleven to seventeen storms (including April’s Tropical Storm Arlene) are predicted for this year’s hurricane season; 5 to 9 of which will escalate into hurricanes and two [...]
Life insurance is designed for the “what ifs” of life and is usually considered later in adulthood when you have the well-being of a spouse or children to think about. It’s not commonly considered by those who are still new to adulthood, fresh out of college, and free of the financial responsibility of supporting another [...]
Many employers offer basic life insurance coverage up to one year’s salary for no cost to their employees and allow employees to purchase additional coverage. This type of company-sponsored life insurance is called “group life insurance”. This is a great benefit and at the minimum, workers should accept the basic coverage provided by their employer. [...]
With spring here and the warmer weather, it is only natural we will all be spending more time outside. This includes our dogs. But dogs present a concern since even a docile animal will bite or injure someone when they feel threatened. A dog’s natural instinct is to bite when they feel threatened and they [...]
If you are preparing to sell your car or motorcycle, follow these tips to maximize your profit and improve your chances of selling the bike or car in a timely manner. Research the current market value of your motorcycle or automobile. Don’t be surprised if this value is far below what you paid for your [...]
If you have been considering purchasing a used motorcycle, we have compiled a comprehensive list of things you should consider or do prior to making that purchase. Some of these tips will also be beneficial if you plan to buy new. Decide which style of bike will best fit your lifestyle. There are several types [...]
It’s hot, humid, and rainy - must mean that the Florida summer is upon us. That means it is time to make sure that your backyard is safe and ready for fun! Follow this checklist to make sure that your backyard is ready for playtime or for have everyone over for some entertainment. Eliminate pest [...]
Small businesses often need to consider all expenses that they incur to ensure that the budget is well utilized. One aspect of business practices where a small business could save a significant amount of money is the hiring of seasonal employees. If your business has peak seasons where you conduct most of your benefits, like [...]
It is important to assure that your boat is ready for the summer season or it could end up costing you more money fixing the issues in the end. Please ensure to check all of the following items on our checklist to assure your boat is just as ready for summer as you are! First, [...]
Did you know there are things you can do within your home to keep your insurance premiums affordable and discounted? Homeowners insurance is available to keep homeowners financially safe when things go wrong. Your home floods, catches fire, and everything is destroyed. If you have homeowner’s insurance, you can avoid the financial depletion it leaves [...]
Just like your home and car, your recreational vehicle should be checked to ensure it is ready for the season. You can do this easily by yourself or you may hire a professional to take a look and check for you. Here are a few things that should be checked before heading out on your [...]
Ladies, the truth is, many of you are the CEO of your families. Whether you are performing double duty in the workforce and at home or not, you are a vital part of your family’s success. Without you, your family could be struggling to provide the things you take care of on a daily basis. [...]
So, your vehicle has been deemed a total loss by your insurance company, now what will happen? There are a few things that will be required of you to complete the claim process to receive the payment of the Actual Cash Value of your lost vehicle. Here is what you can expect: Pay Your Deductible [...]
In the event of a car accident, if a vehicle is damaged beyond repair then it becomes classified as a “total loss” by your insurance company. This can affect how your insurance claim is paid. There are three main factors considered before a vehicle is labeled as a total loss. What is the cost of [...]
The cost of auto insurance can vary greatly from each individual, even between those with similar driving histories or personal details (like age). There are many different factors that are considered when insurance companies calculate your monthly auto insurance premium. Here are some of those factors that are considered: The type of vehicle you own [...]
Looking for ways to save in your out of pocket monthly expenses? Adjusting your deductible levels on your car insurance could save you a bit or more each month. Insurance rates are inversely proportional to your deductible level, so if you were to raise your deductible then the cost of your monthly car insurance bill [...]
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the United States Department of Transportation, in 2014, distracted driving accounted for over 400,000 injuries and over 3,000 fatalities. Distracted driving means more than just not texting while driving. While putting down the cell phone is a start, there are still many other bad habits that [...]
Whether your business is big or small, having some level of business insurance will help to protect your company from litigation or loss. Don’t put yourself or your business at risk – reach out to us today to start a new policy or add additional coverage today. If you need more convincing to add business [...]
Boat insurance, or marine insurance, is the coverage of loss or damage to most types of watercrafts such as leisure crafts, pontoon boat, paddle boats, fishing boats, and yachts. Boat insurance is not extended to kayaks, canoes, or personal watercrafts. These items are usually protected under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Luckily, at Magruder Insurance, [...]
Is motorcycle insurance required in the State of Florida? Yes, in fact all states require motorists to carry insurance but the amount of coverage can vary by state. Florida requirements can be confusing because the “No-Fault” rule in Florida does not apply to motorcyclists which requires vehicle drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. [...]
There are some things that people may think they know or have heard about car insurance that they believe to be true that are actually common misconceptions. Rumors are easy to start and spread like wildfire if they make even the slightest bit of sense and it holds true even for topics like car insurance. [...]
Water back-up is one of the more confusing coverages in a homeowners’ policy. It involves more than the back-up of water, as overflow is mentioned in some of the coverages also. But what is a back-up, and how is it different from an overflow or discharge? All of these things come into play when there [...]
When you are renting your living space, purchasing a renter’s policy is an important consideration. If there is a fire or some other weather related occurrence, or if the resident above you leaves the water running and the overflow drips into your unit and ruins your furniture, the policy will give you the money to [...]
Starting a new business can be exhilarating; working for yourself, branching off on your own or into uncharted waters. It also comes with many risks, so it is important to protect yourself and your business with adequate insurance coverage. Here are ten reasons to why you need business insurance. It is the law There are [...]
Life insurance can be a good investment to provide a financial umbrella for your family should you pass away unexpectedly. The last thing you want your loved ones to worry about is bills and debt collectors when they should be grieving. An important part of getting life insurance is knowing what to ask your agent [...]
For many years people have assumed that the color red attracts an officer more than any other color, resulting in more tickets for those drivers. But interestingly, law enforcement agencies across the country agree that the color of a person’s car does not determine whether they will be stopped and ticketed. The driving habit of [...]
With most of your focus on your family and home, you may not think much about your car during a hurricane. But, it may just be your key to safety if you need to evacuate. Make sure your car is ready and that you understand how to drive safely in severe conditions. Well in advance: [...]
Moving into a new home or apartment can undoubtedly be stressful – rarely do we realize just how much stuff we’ve accumulated until tasked with packing it into a series of boxes, and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. But moving doesn’t have to induce a panic attack and, with these [...]
There are many parts or coverages on your homeowner policy. You should be familiar with them and what they do cover in case of a loss. Here is a description of some of them. Property Property coverage helps pay for damage caused by covered perils to your home, the contents of your home and other [...]
Although it may not occur to many, fraudsters don't always try to steal only banking information. There are easier, less secure ways of trying to get your infromation like getting it directly from the source - you. Take for instance the amount of information you provide when shopping for auto insurance. Name, date of birth, [...]
Insurance is always significant whether it is a house, auto, or health insurance. What a lot of people fail to consider is insurance for their Recreational Vehicle or recreational toys like motorcycles. Insurance is always smart, but it is a necessity if you travel. Let's take a look at some basic points you should check [...]
The laws related to motorcycle insurance has been a cause of confusion for many motorcycle owners. Many motorcycle owners mistakenly assume that their automobile insurance will cover them when they are on their motorcycle or may think that if they happen to be hit by a motorist, then that motorist's insurance will be enough to [...]
Obviously, some of these factors cannot be changed at will. A teenage driver must learn to become a safe driver, so that by the time they are 40, they should pose a low risk. However, there are some changes that you can make in your personal habits or how you select coverage that may improve [...]
Car insurance rates vary on a person-to-person basis. There are a variety of personal factors that may affect costs for insurance. While many know that things like age and driving history directly affect car insurance costs, there are other factors that many may not realize also have an effect on how insurance companies assess costs. [...]
Moving into a new home or apartment can undoubtedly be stressful – rarely do we realize just how much stuff we’ve accumulated until tasked with packing it into a series of boxes, and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin. But moving doesn’t have to induce a panic attack and, with these [...]
When you rent an apartment or home, you are sometimes not required to purchase renters insurance by the owner of the building, but it is a necessary coverage for you to consider. So many things could happen to your contents, such as fire, storm damage, theft, or vandalism. If the tenant above you turns the [...]
Drone use has opened a whole new market for insurance carriers. While many are using the drones for pleasure use (taking pictures for personal enjoyment) others are using them commercially. Before you start flying your drone, be sure to know the rules especially if you plan on using it commercially. Drones are being used for [...]
We love our pets. They provide us with security and comfort. But did you know that on average a dog bite claim costs about $37,000? Dog bites can result in physical injury or death and also emotional trauma. And dog bites are just part of the risk! Injuries that occur if someone trips over your [...]
With most of your focus on your family and home, you may not think much about your car during a hurricane. But, it may just be your key to safety if you need to evacuate. Make sure your car is ready and that you understand how to drive in severe conditions. Well in advance: Prepare [...]
The following are some auto insurance tips you should consider. 1.When renting a vehicle it is a good idea to take pictures of all sides of the rental with your phone to eliminate any discrepancies when returning it. It will show the condition of the vehicle at the time you rented it. Take close ups [...]
I am Pat Magruder, the founder and owner of the Magruder Agency. I started my little Brandon Insurance agency in 1989. Since then, I have grown it into a full featured insurance agency. As a family business, we are still devoted to the highest level of service possible with a friendly style. We are an [...]
