The votes have been counted and the results are in! Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group is a 2023 Best of Florida® Regional winner in Guide to Florida’s annual readers’ poll.

Guide to Florida readers and editors have weighed in on the best of everything in Florida, honoring thousands of businesses and organizations in more than 25 broad business and community sectors.

The process starts with a nomination on the Guide to Florida website. Voting remains open throughout the year, with tens of thousands of votes ultimately received. The process culminates with the publishing of the Best of Florida Keepsake Annual along with a statewide publicity campaign.

There are few better things to do in the summer than being on open water and fishing with friends. Before you head out to your favorite spot to reel 'em in this season, make sure you have a well-supplied tackle box. Here's our list of seven tackle box essentials. 

1. Extra line. Breaking your line is never fun. Whether it got caught in a mess of flotsam or bitten off by the one that got away, it's almost certain that your line will break eventually. Whatever you're fishing for, make sure you have an extra spool of line for that kind of fish. It's also a good idea to grab some heavier line if you're out on rough waters to reduce the chances of your line snapping.
2. Sinkers. Line, hook and worm aren't heavy enough to hit a fish's line of sight. Be sure to have a variety of sinkers to attach to your line to compensate. Keep in mind, the less current, the less weight you need. 
3. Extra hooks. If your tackle box that has an assortment of extra hooks, you'll be prepared for a variety of different fish. If you're newer to fishing, don't be overwhelmed with the array of styles, colors and shapes! The Extra Wide Gap and Worm Hook are two styles that are easy to work with and make for great general purpose hooks.
4. Bobbers. Not all bobbers are made equal! Make sure your bobbers are properly sized and weighted for the type of fish you want to catch. An adjustable fixed bobber like a tapered stick bobber will offer little resistance when a fish bites. 
5. Needle Nose Pliers. A pair of trusty pliers are great for when a fish has swallowed a hook whole and you need to get it out. This tool is also useful for clamping down weight to your line.
6. Bait. This one is a no-brainer, but yet still manages to trip people up. Just like your bobbers, hooks, sinkers and line, your bait needs to match the type of fish you want to catch. Whether you're using live bait or plastic, make sure you have enough to last you a full fishing trip!
7. Sunscreen. Even if your trip doesn't call for sunny skies, we recommend wearing sunscreen! The Skin Cancer Foundation says that almost half of the sun's UV rays still hit the Earth on a completely cloudy day. You might forget to put your sunscreen on at home, but if you keep it tucked in your tackle box, it'll serve as a reminder to apply right away.

These seven basics won't guarantee you fish for days, but they should help make your next fishing excursion less stressful!

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Source : https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/7-things-you-need-in-a-tackle-box.asp

Do you own a boat and are you looking for insurance coverage but don't know where to start? If can seem overwhelming at first, and that's why it can be a good idea to seek advice from an insurance agent. We spoke with a marine product manager to gain some insight on boat insurance, and they recommend five important questions you may want to ask while shopping around.

1. Do I need insurance for my boat?

"Some people may think that their boat is adequately covered through an endorsement on their homeowner's policy. Worse yet, they don't carry any coverage at all. Boat owners should look for a specialized insurance policy that offers the coverages that fit their boat and lifestyle. It's better to be prepared and have it insured for peace of mind while on the water."


2. Will my personal property be covered?

"Buying life vests, water skis and fishing gear can really add up. A good policy will not only provide coverage for all of this equipment, but also for other personal property on board."


3. What discounts are available?
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"There's a variety of discounts a customer could qualify for, like a multi-policy discount if they insure more than just a boat with the same company, or a multi-unit discount if they insure more than one boat. Discounts will help a customer save money on the policy's premium."


4. Is towing and roadside assistance available?

"A day of fun in the sun could easily be ruined if the boat breaks down while on the water. This is a great coverage to add to a policy and covers either the cost of certain emergency fixes at the point where the boat broke down, or the cost of towing the boat to nearest repair shop. Towing and assistance should also apply to the trailer if it breaks down while towing the boat."
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5. Is the type of boat I have eligible for insurance coverage?

"There are many different kinds of boats — pontoons, open bow, fishing boats, cabin cruisers—and even more things to consider like speed, length, value and use of the vessels. That's why it's important to make sure your agent knows all these things up front, even how you will use your boat. Your agent can help you get the insurance coverages that are just the right fit."

Looking for boat insurance? Get a quote today by clicking here.

Source: ​https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/five-questions-to-ask-about-boat-insurance.asp

Out of sight, out of mind! It's a saying that's too often true about making repairs around the base of your home. Problems with manufactured home skirting are common, but thankfully, replacing your mobile home's skirting is easier than you might think.

If it becomes necessary to evacuate, plan for it ahead of time. Talk it over and make decisions so everyone is on the same page. Preparation can save lives and reduce the amount of time it takes to get your family to safety and eventually back home.

Evacuation plan

• Where you'll go.
  Decide ahead of time where you'll go when you evacuate, taking into consideration people may be coming from work, school, or other locations. If you have children in school, find out where they will be sent when an evacuation is announced. Update this plan every year or as schools or careers change.
• Who you'll contact.
  Designate someone outside the area to contact in the event you are separated from your family, or if your electricity is not working in your home. Should the situation be grave enough where your family can't evacuate together, have everyone call the contact person to say they are safe.
• Where you'll meet.
  Agree on a meeting point for the family if you're separated during a disaster.
• Evacuation Routes
  Plan several evacuation routes from your area that are not low-lying, and test them often for efficiency. In the event of a flash flood you won't be able to evacuate, but you must seek higher ground. In areas where there is extreme heat, identify places to avoid exposure like malls, movie theaters or a friend's home.

​Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/prepare-for-an-evacuation.asp

Hurricanes. Just the thought of them can make a person tremble in fear. Whether you've experienced a hurricane yourself or you've just heard about their destructive patterns, these bad boys know how to make their name heard. The technical definition of a hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least74 mph. A major hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. To put that into perspective, imagine sticking your head out the window of a car as you travel down the highway - that's the speed of wind you would be up against during a low-scale hurricane. Sound scary? It is. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions to take, you may be able to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

​Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Foremost wants to share some tips to ready your home and family prior to a severe storm, may it hit. It's never too early to:

• Determine safe evacuation routes inland. Don't forget about your pets!
• Learn the different warning signs and alerts to watch for.
• Meet with those you live with to create an emergency and evacuation plan.
• Learn locations of official shelters. Red Cross has a great resourcethat will help you locate shelter in the event of a disaster.
• Review your insurance policy with your agent. Is your property covered for such an event?

Whether the hurricane threats are immediate or they seem off in the distance, it's important for all residents of hurricane areas to be prepared and think ahead. We offer detailed hurricane preparedness plans, checklists for inventory, and information on what to do after a storm hits your area.

​Stay safe through these storm seasons! Your safety is number one to us.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/more-storms-to-come-during-hurricane-season.asp

There have been times in my life when I've felt severely unprepared. I remember starting drivers training and getting behind the wheel for the first time with my instructor, nervously thinking to myself, We've only talked about driving in the classroom—I don't think I'm ready to be on the roads! And during my time as a college student, I've known the horror of being caught off guard by spontaneous pop quizzes. I've even found myself at the starting line of a 25K road running race, regretfully wishing that I had spent more than just two weeks training for the event.

Recalling these experiences makes me glad I was not negligent my first time riding an ATV. This time, I felt prepared. I had carefully learned the rules of riding safely, I was wearing the proper gear, and I was on trails designated for off-road vehicles with other experienced and responsible riders. This preparation gave me confidence and allowed me to relax and enjoy the ride. It was an absolute blast!

Riding an ATV can be thrilling, but also dangerous, so it's important to brush up on how to ride safely before you hit the trails. Whether you are a new rider learning for the first time or an ATV veteran in need of a quick refresher, here are ten tips for being prepared and staying safe on your off-road adventures:

1. Wear protective gear.
   
   Helmets, goggles, boots and gloves are essential. There are no seatbelts or windshields on ATVs, so you need to be prepared in case of falling, flipping, or getting hit with rocks, branches or bugs.
   
   
2. Conduct a pre-ride inspection.
   
   Before jumping on your ATV for a joyride, check the tires and rims for damage, ensure all cables are intact, examine the chain for worn links, and ensure there's enough lubrication where there needs to be.
   
   
3. Never ride alone.
   
   Crashing, getting lost, running out of gas, and other accidents happen, so it's always a good idea to have other riders with you. You should also be sure to carry a cell phone or walkie-talkie so you can call for help in emergency situations.
   
   
4. Don't drive under the influence.
   
   Drinking and driving isn't safe in a car or on a motorcycle, and it's not safe on an ATV either. Alcohol impairs your reaction time, thinking process and judgment, so never operate any vehicle after you've been drinking.
   
   
5. Take a break when tired.
   
   ATV riding requires strength and mental acuity. If you begin to feel fatigued while riding, don't push yourself. Take a break, rehydrate, and eat some food to reenergize before your next ride.
   
   
6. Allow only one rider at a time.
   
   Most ATVs are designed for only one rider at a time, so inviting passengers to jump on with you is extremely dangerous. Always choose to ride solo because the weight of two or more people will make the ATV unstable and more difficult to control.
   
   
7. Ride in appropriate settings.
   
   ATVs are not designed to be driven on concrete or asphalt, so avoid roads and streets. It's best to seek out designated riding areas because riding on improper terrain could cause damage or increase the likelihood of rolling your ATV.
   
   
8. Be aware of the surroundings.
   
   Don't be oblivious to potential hazards. Take time to learn about your location by memorizing where steep hills, bumps, sharp turns and other tricky areas are. Also be attentive and focused on steering clear of other riders.
   
   
9. Ride the right size.
   
   Don't attempt to ride an ATV that seems either too big or too small. If the size isn't a good fit, you could either have great difficulty controlling the vehicle or increased chances of flipping and falling off.
   
   
10. Don’t attempt tricks or stunts.
    
    There's no need to show off or test the limits of what your off-road vehicle can do. ATV tricks and stunts are very dangerous for both you and those around you, so never ride beyond your ability or try anything you know isn't safe.
    ​

Before you take off on an adrenaline-filled and action-packed off-road adventure, remember to make safety your priority. Putting these tips into practice will help you to be prepared, prevent accidents, and make the most of your ATV experience.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/off-road-adventures-staying-safe-on-your-atv.asp

What do outdoor adventures look like for you? Whether it's an ATV, UTV, dirt bike, dune buggy, golf cart or other off-road vehicle (ORV), you'll want to make sure you have the right type of insurance coverage to protect your toys. It's important to ask your independent insurance agent the right questions about what type of coverage you're seeking and customize it to fit your lifestyle. To help you get started, we put together the following list of questions after speaking with Kevin Henry, the Director of Product Management at Foremost® Insurance.


1. What typical coverages are available for ATV/UTVs?

"Ask your agent or broker about standard coverages that are available, as well as optional ones you might consider," says Henry. "Standard coverages include Collision, Other Than Collision, Liability and Medical Payments. They help provide coverage for damage to your ATV itself or damage or injury that you may cause while riding your ATV."


2. Is my safety apparel covered?

"Whether it's helmets, goggles or other clothing that helps minimize injuries from an accident, most companies will offer safety apparel coverage for when these things get damaged," says Henry. "We want riders to be as safe as possible while enjoying the outdoors, so we encourage wearing safety gear."


3. Is there optional equipment coverage available?

"Most people have customized or added options to their ATVs," Henry explains. "Optional Equipment coverage helps cover things like towable trailers, racks and winch kits for your ATV."


4. Am I able to insure my ATV/UTV year-round?

"Year-round coverage is definitely something you may want to consider," answers Henry. "Some policies have a lay-up period for colder weather when you may not be able to ride. But when an unusually warm day comes around and you want to take your ATV out, you might be stuck without coverage. A year-round policy lets you take it out whenever Mother Nature's providing good weather and, with some companies, you can do this for the same price as seasonal coverage."


5. What kinds of discounts are available?
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"Everybody wants to save money," Henry shares. "Ask what's available for you. Some companies, like Foremost, offer discounts for things like multi-units, multi-policies, maintaining continuous coverage when you renew and for having prior off-road vehicle insurance."
Your safety is number one to us. Stay safe wherever you choose to go on your off-road vehicle.


Looking for ATV insurance? Get a quote today by calling 561-768-8176 to speak with a licensed agent.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/top-questions-to-ask-about-off-road-vehicle-insurance.asp

Golf Carts look quite easy to drive, but they sure handle differently than other vehicles. When I was 14, I thought I could just hop on one and drive it like a pro. Well I drove it … right into a tree. I learned the hard way that I should’ve taken things slow and let someone else teach me how to drive it. Now I know how to drive one – without crashing – and so can you! Here are some Golf Cart safety tips to read up on before you hit the gas and make the same mistake I did.

1. Check your state-specific laws for age and license requirements.
2. If it's someone else's Golf Cart, have them show you how everything works. They'll know how it runs and how you should safely handle it. If it's yours and you're riding for the first time, read the owner's manual, take things slow and practice.
3. Keep all body parts in the vehicle and wear seat belts if available.
4. Carry no more than the designated amount of passengers (or the total number of seats).
5. Never drive any vehicle under the influence.
6. Golf Carts can tip quite easily, so take turns, inclines and declines slowly.
7. Avoid distractions, such as using your phone while driving.
8. Don't allow anyone to stand in/on the vehicle while in motion.
9. Obey all traffic laws.
10. Use hand signals if the cart isn't equipped with turn signals.
11. Yield to pedestrians.
12. Check your blind spots.
13. Look behind you before backing up.
14. Don't leave keys in the Golf Cart.
15. Avoid driving if you see lightning.

​
Review your manufacturer's guide for other warnings and safety guidelines!

To protect your Golf Cart, insure it with Foremost®! Don't let your fun get cut short because you didn't get the right coverage for your ride. Luckily, an agent can help you choose the right policy for your Golf Cart. 
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Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/golf-cart-safety-15-tips-to-avoid-injury.asp

As of July 15, 2022, all Southern Fidelity insurance policies are canceled. If you are a former Southern Fidelity Insurance customer, Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group can help with the transition. Simply call 561-768-8176 for assistance.
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Below find everything you need to know about this change and how we can help you transition to another policy that meets your needs.

Liquidation of Southern Fidelity Insurance Company

On June 15, 2022, Southern Fidelity Insurance Company (“SFIC”) was ordered liquidated by the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Leon County, Florida. The Florida Department of Financial Services (“Department”) is the court appointed Receiver of SFIC. A copy of the liquidation order for SFIC is available on the Department’s website, www.myfloridacfo.com/division/receiver.

Please be informed that:

• ​Except for flood policies, SFIC insurance policies are cancelled effective 12:01 a.m., July 15, 2022, unless otherwise terminated prior to that date.
• The deadline for filing claims in the SFIC receivership proceeding is June 15, 2023.

FLORIDA POLICIES:
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) may be able to offer coverage. Citizens is prepared to write eligible policies if, after a good-faith search, agents cannot find coverage in the private market. 

Because of hurricane season and the short time between the liquidation of Southern Fidelity and the policy cancellation date, Citizens is working to make this easier. Citizens is prepared to:

• Upload your Southern Fidelity data directly into PolicyCenter, which will help expedite the completion of a new business submission to Citizens if needed
• Allow deferral of 4 Point, Roof Certification and Wind Loss Mitigation inspections for up to 1 year.
• Continue quarterly payment plans, which will allow the policyholder to initiate coverage with a 40% down payment while they await to receive any unearned premium due from the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association.

Open Claims:
If the insured property has unrepaired damage, property owners will need to take steps to repair it, have a contract for repairs, or otherwise demonstrate insurability. Submitted applications unbound for approval must include the following documentation:

• A description of damage
• Photos of the existing damage
• Acceptable documentation reflecting when the repairs will be completed
• An Existing Damage Disclaimer signed by the applicant

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Call Us Today For An Affordable, Quality Policy
Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group can help you transition to an affordable, quality insurance policy that meets your needs. Please call us at 561-768-8176 and reference your SFIC policy so that our agents can assist you.