Vermost Insurance Agency - March 2022

Vermost Insurance Agency - March 2022

Protection Team News THEY SAY IT COMES IN 3S

VOL 14, ISSUE 2

So much for Chamber of Commerce weather and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! What started out as a great 2022 has taken a turn for the worse: cold weather, a Bucs playoff loss, and Tom Brady’s retirement. It is said everything comes in threes, so I hope they are right and this ship gets turned around in a hurry! Not everything is bad; the Lightning have been playing well going into the All Star and Olympics break. Noelle and her fiancé (now that’s hard to write) are already working on dates and preliminary wedding plans. Stay tuned … Speaking of staying tuned, many of you will soon be getting your flood renewal bills in the mail and will be shocked at the premiums under the new rating program that the federal government has launched. So far, the early renewals we’ve seen haven’t been anywhere close to what we were led to believe. That’s code for big increases! Even those of you who were previously on a Preferred Flood Policy, which was very inexpensive, are seeing increases now that the Preferred program is gone. If you have any questions about your flood renewal, please call our office to discuss if there are any other options for you. Florida legislature is currently in session, and many insurance bills have been filed. Some are targeting the rising homeowners insurance premiums. Again this year, they’re trying to get the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) eliminated. Will any of these measures pass? I have no idea … I do know that if they don’t address these issues soon, there won’t be any more private insurance companies writing homeowners insurance in Florida other than Citizens — and that is not a good thing. One of these days, the legislature will finally have to make the hard decisions that need to be made, which is why we sent them to Tallahassee. Fingers crossed that they will do

They Say It Comes in 3s Page 1 Duke University’s Head Coach Is

Retiring Page 2

Homeowners Insurance 101 Page 2 Did You Know ... Page 2

Packing Tips to Save Your Back, Wallet, and Sanity Page 3 Check Out Our Referral Program! Page 4 Wacky March Holidays Page 5

Ainsley attends a sorority conference in West Palm Beach

their job and then the bills will get signed by the governor. I’ll keep you updated as I know more. One somewhat good piece of recent sporting news was that Major League Baseball will not let the Rays have a split season with Montreal. Finally, someone came to their senses on that hare-brained idea. It does not mean the Rays will stay at Tropicana Field, but at least they won’t be a part-time team to cheer for. The clock is ticking louder and louder for them to make a final decision. I think it will come down to one of two locations: Ybor City in Tampa or the Albert Whitted Airport along the waterfront in St. Petersburg. Only time will tell. Until next month, –Darren

Word Search Page 5

Easy March Madness Chili Page 5

February Referrals and Puzzle Winner! Page 6

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Toll free (800) 828-2226 Fax (727) 577-4991

www.vermost.com [email protected]

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE EXPLAINED Does Your Policy Protect All of Your Needs? You likely know that most lenders won’t give a client a loan unless they carry some form of homeowners insurance. But even if it wasn’t a requirement, it’s still very beneficial to have! The bottom line is that if you have tangible assets — and if you are a homeowner, you do —you need the protection that a homeowners insurance policy offers. It’s important to note that even if you do not own a home, many landlords will require you to carry renters insurance. Likely, your home is the most valuable possession or asset you own, and when damages happen to this asset, your homeowners insurance is the protection you have to fall back on. If your roof is damaged from a storm or a leak causes significant damage to your walls and baseboards, your insurance is there to step in and help, and if your policy is well written, they will replace all of your damaged personal property. There is value in knowing your policy limits and the type of coverage you have. There are many homeowners insurance policies available to you, each with different coverages. It is important that you do your research and understand exactly what is covered within your policy.

THE HISTORY OF COACH K A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten As we approach March Madness, it means this basketball season is coming to a close. For Duke University’s men’s basketball team, it also means their head coach, Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), will be retiring. On June 2, 2021, Coach K announced that the 2021–2022 basketball season would be his last year of coaching. In honor of one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, let’s take a look at Coach K’s history and accomplishments. Coach K was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1947. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was the captain of their basketball team during his senior year. After graduating, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army beginning in 1969 and was discharged from active duty in 1974. Soon thereafter, he began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. After one year, he returned to West Point as head coach of the Army Cadets for five seasons. Then, in 1980, he was named head coach for Duke University’s men’s basketball team. Coach K has been the head coach for Duke for 42 years and has left a huge legacy. He coached the USAmen’s national basketball team to three gold medals, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. With the Duke Blue Devils, he has the most wins in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history. In 2015, he also became the first Division I men’s basketball coach to reach 1,000 wins. His Duke teams have won 15 ACC Championships, gone to 12 Final Fours, and won five NCAA National Championships. Paired with his impressive coaching history, Coach K also has some awards under his belt. He was awarded the ACC Coach of the Year in 1984, 1986, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Time Magazine and CNN named him as America’s Best Coach in 2001. In November 2000, the hardwood floor in Duke’s gym was dedicated and renamed Coach K’s Court, and the area surrounding the outside of the gym was named Krzyzewskiville. The question on every basketball fan’s mind is this: Who will be Duke’s new head coach? The university has already announced that Coach K’s longtime assistant coach, Jon Scheyer, will replace him. Scheyer used to play for Duke in 2011–2013. Coach Mike Krzyzewski will be missed by Duke fans and basketball fans around the country. His presence and legacy will forever reign in basketball history.

Vermost Insurance NOW has a relationship with Chuck Chucri who offers Financial Planning and Investment

Did You Know ...

Advisory Services!

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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1

Largo, FL 33771-3315

Phone: (727) 748-2886

Leaving on a Jet Plane? 3 Essential Packing Tips Many people are considering traveling this spring for the first time since the pandemic started. A lot has changed since 2020, but packing for vacation remains a hassle, and baggage fees haven’t gone away. Here are some essential tips to keep your load as light as possible — physically and mentally. Make a list. It’s just as easy to forget things as it is to overpack. Solve both problems at once by creating a packing list in advance. Consider in detail what you’ll need, and put it in writing. As each item gets added to the suitcase, check it off. Writing everything down creates a system to prevent leaving anything behind. And when it’s all on paper, you’re more likely to notice that you probably don’t need that many pairs of sandals. Use your personal item for extra storage. Airlines generally allow travelers one carry-on bag and one personal item. The dimensions allowed vary by airline, but the general rule of thumb is that the personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Don’t bring a small purse or a laptop bag when you can take a large tote or backpack. With the extra room, you can avoid checking another bag. Never check essential items. Lost luggage is the worst way to start a vacation, but it happens. If your luggage is misplaced, you probably won’t get it back that same day. So, you need to pack all essential items, like

There is no scenario worse than losing important assets in a disaster, only to find out that they aren’t included in your policy coverage. It’s essential to note that sometimes, because a lender may require a certain minimum coverage, that amount of coverage may not be enough to protect the assets you have. There are many different types of homeowners insurance. For example, if you live in a flood zone, you’ll need to carry flood insurance on top of your homeowners insurance, as standard homeowners insurance policies do not protect you against flooding. The same is true for earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters that are relative and more common in certain areas. Homeowners insurance isn’t a “one size fits all” endeavor. For all of your questions and concerns, give us a call today. We can make sure that your current policy fits your needs, or help you pick out a policy from scratch. We offer free, comparable quotes. Let’s see just how much we can help you save!

CALL FOR DETAILS OR TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY (727) 748-2886 Chuck Chucri, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI Financial Advisor The Prudential Insurance Company of America Prudential.com/advisor/chuck-chucri Our financial advisors offer investment advice, and some may offer financial planning. Our financial advisors and financial planners offer financial planning and/or investment advice through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), under the marketing name Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS). A financial advisor or financial planner offers securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco and offers insurance products as an agent of issuing insurance companies. 1-800-778-2255 Vermost Insurance is an independent organization and is not an affiliate of Prudential Financial.

prescription medications or glasses, in your carry-on bag. Some experts even recommend tossing an extra shirt or pair of underwear in your carry-on in case your bag gets lost. You’ll be glad to have them if something goes awry. Packing smart will make for a less stressful journey. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip knowing that everything you need is right there in your suitcase, and everything you don’t need is safe at home.

1007626-00005-00

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Toll free (800) 828-2226

Fax (727) 577-4991

www.vermost.com

[email protected]

2022

INSPIRING HAPPINESS!

2021 REFERRAL WINNER!

We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2021. When you refer someone to us, you receive rewards for each referral and are entered into monthly and annual drawings for additional, even bigger prizes. Your referrals mean a lot to us, and we want to reward you for helping us grow our Vermost Insurance family. The annual grand prize winners of our 2021 referral program are Diane and Joseph Goulah. They received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, their charity of choice. If you want a shot at next year’s prize, keep sending referrals our way. Your referrals make us happy, and we hope our referral program makes you happy, too!

Diane and Joseph Goulah are our 2021 referral winners of the 55-inch 4K TV, plus a $250 donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, their charity of choice.

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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1

Largo, FL 33771-3315

Phone: (727) 748-2886

WackyMarch Holidays

• March 1 — National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day • March 2 — National Old Stuff Day • March 3 — National Anthem Day • March 4 — National Sons Day • March 6 — National Frozen Food Day • March 7 — National Flapjack Day • March 9 — National Barbie Day • March 10 — National Mario Day • March 12 — National Plant a Flower Day • March 13 — National Earmuff Day • March 14 — National Pi Day

• March 15 — National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day • March 16 — National Panda Day • March 18 — National Awkward Moments Day • March 20 — National Ravioli Day • March 22 — National Goof Off Day • March 23 — National Puppy Day • March 27 — National Scribble Day • March 28 — National Something on a Stick Day

• March 30 — National Pencil Day • March 31 — National Crayon Day

WORD SEARCH

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

Directions

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, red beans, and tomato sauce; and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

Caesar Equinox Flowers Forward

Gold Green Irish Lucky

Mars Rain Sprout Women

You can fax, email, or mail your completed puzzle for a chance to win our monthly prize!

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Toll free (800) 828-2226

Fax (727) 577-4991

www.vermost.com

[email protected]

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1200 Belcher Road South, Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771 www.vermost.com (727) 748-2886

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

You Make Us Happy

We Insure More Than Just Cars and Homes Here's a list of some of our lines of protection:

Thank you for recently referring your friends, family, and coworkers to our agency. With your help, our Vermost Insurance family keeps growing! We hope our referral programmakes you happy, too! People who referred clients to us in January: Ali Tajeddine Bob Quail Jonathan Balogh Annette Toy Anna Jean Larson Justin Dirheimer

› Antique vehicles › Annuities › Auto › Boat/RV › Bonds › Builders' risk › Commercial auto › Commercial property › Condo › Dental › Disability › Employee benefits

› Flood › General liability › Health › Home › ID theft › Life › Mobile home › Motorcycle/Jet Ski › Notary public

February Puzzle Winner: Nancy Counselor February Referral Winner: Ali Tajeddine

› Umbrella › Workers'

Compensation

... and more!

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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315

Phone: (727) 748-2886