The Realities of Self-Insurance: A Sophisticated Risk Management Assessment

With the mounting costs of homeowners and property insurance, many are considering self-insurance as a potential solution. As risk managers, we believe self-insurance can be a viable option in certain contexts, but when does it transform from a calculated decision to a hasty impulse? Before we delve deeper into self-insurance, let’s discuss when self-insurance is not a Learn More “The Realities of Self-Insurance: A Sophisticated Risk Management Assessment”

My Homeowners Insurance Premium Only Increased 21%

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%”

California and Florida: Insurance Wastelands

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”

Five Ways to Protect Your Personal Electronic Data

Electronic data breaches have become an unfortunate fact of life and an ever-present threat – as the New York Times put it, you should assume that your personal information has been taken, because cyberattacks happen all the time. According to Norton, cyberattacks occur every 44 seconds and a total of $4.2 billion was lost by Learn More “Five Ways to Protect Your Personal Electronic Data”

DIY Home Security: Keeping your Home Safe

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”

Preparing for Winter Weather in South Florida

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”

Flood Risk in Florida: The Truth About Flood Zones

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”

Summer Home Energy Savings

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”

Flood Safety in South Florida

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood, especially in South Florida. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies. Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood Learn More “Flood Safety in South Florida”

How to Check Your Property for Damage After a Storm During Hurricane Season

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”

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