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Protection Team News YOU NEED A HURRICANE PLAN
VOL 14, ISSUE 12
The good news has come to a screeching stop for the state of Florida. We got hit with a major hurricane, and — on the day of the storm — another insurance carrier was placed in receivership. Yes, Tampa Bay did dodge a huge bullet, and Hurricane Ian pulled a Charlie on us when it made a right turn that hit the Fort Myers area. The initial videos, images, and news reports
If you don’t have flood insurance, you are out of luck. I am not joking when I say we had customers calling the day before the storm hit asking to purchase flood insurance. Unfortunately, the federal government is smarter than that, and has a 30-day waiting period for new policies unless the policy is due to a loan closing. You cannot buy insurance for the day of the storm. Now that this storm has passed, you still
You Need a Hurricane Plan Page 1 All This for Cheese? Page 2 The Importance of Carrying Flood Insurance Page 2 Financial Planning and Investment Advisory
are absolutely unbelievable. The total devastation that those people experienced is beyond belief and will not be repaired or rebuilt in just a few days or weeks. In fact, the rebuilding process will take years before things get back to something resembling what they were before. Hurricane Ian has been estimated to be the second largest disaster to hit the United States, second only to Hurricane Katrina which hit Louisiana. While we did survive the storm, we are not sitting back and putting our feet up on the desk. Our team here at the office has already
have time left to get ready as the official hurricane season is not over until the end of November. Please do not wait; do it now! The other question we get asked a lot is what we think will happen to insurance rates. That is an easy one to answer: Rates will go up, insurance companies will claim bankruptcy, insurance companies will leave the state, and building material costs will skyrocket — causing your insurance premiums to increase. Do not forget that flood and auto insurance will also go up. A large number of
Services Page 2 A Daily Dose of Gratitude Page 3 Check Out Our Referral Program! Page 4 Wacky November Holidays Page 5
Brunch on Tampa Bay
Apple Cranberry Crisp Page 5 Word Search Page 5 October Referrals and Puzzle Winner! Page 6
been meeting and working on plans to ensure that when the next storm hits — yes, there will be a next one; we just don’t know when — we’ll be even better positioned to serve you, our valued customers, if Tampa takes a direct hit. I have been preaching since early this year that everyone needs a hurricane plan and flood insurance. The vast majority of property losses we are seeing from Hurricane Ian are flood losses.
vehicles were flooded in the hurricane and will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, this is not a good news article, but we are safe and alive since we did not take a direct hit. Hopefully, next month I will have more information to share with you. Until next month, –Darren
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PROTECT YOURSELF! Do You Carry Flood Insurance? As 2022 draws to a close and we look back on the year, it's obvious that hurricane season got a little scary for Floridians this year. Some places took direct hits, others endured significant amounts of rain, and some thanked their lucky stars that they weren’t victims of any major storms this year. Thankfully, we can all take a big sigh of relief because hurricane season ends on Nov. 30, but now is the time to take a look at which types of weather-related damage your homeowners insurance covers and excludes, especially flood insurance, to prepare for 2023! Did you know that homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage? This means that it must be purchased separately — in fact, if the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) maps show that your home is within a 100-year flood plain, you are required to obtain flood insurance before being approved for a mortgage. On the other hand, if you’re outside of a high-risk zone or if your mortgage is paid off, flood insurance is optional.
ALL THIS FOR A TRUCKLE OF CHEESE? What Is Cheese Rolling? During the spring, the southwest part of England hosts one of the strangest sports each year — cheese rolling. People worldwide travel to watch and participate as contestants launch themselves down a hill in pursuit of a round of cheese. But how did this sport come to be? It’s kind of a mystery. No one really knows the origins of cheese rolling. For as long as the locals can remember, the sport has always been there. Several theories attempt to explain how the sport came about. One theory states that the competition started in the 15th century, and racing down the hill was a way to establish grazing rights on the commons. Others say the game has a pagan origin, where people Competitors begin the race at the top of Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucester, which slopes downward at an almost 90-degree angle. Then, when the master of ceremonies tells you to go, you launch yourself down the mountain. The first person to grab the 8-pound wheel of double cream Gloucester (which has never been done before) or cross the finish line at the bottom (about 200 yards) will win the race and the cheese. You don’t need to meet any criteria or fill out any paperwork to participate. Simply arrive at the top of the hill before the race begins, and you’re all set. But participating is at your own risk: Many people suffer severe injuries because you’re going down the hill at speeds reaching 70 mph. The sport has gained many fans over the years — around 15,000 attendees come to view the spectacle annually. The media attention further spreads the interest and popularity of cheese rolling. Many YouTube channels cover the sport, and a Netflix show titled “We Are the Champions” has an episode covering the sport and how competitors train. Can you believe all of this excitement and fame over a truckle of cheese? would throw bundles of brushwood down the hill to represent the new year once winter ends. Although its roots are unknown, locals have kept score since the 1970s and watched it gain in popularity over the years. What are the rules?
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
Florida consists mainly of coastlines, and because it is so close to sea level, the risk for damage from flooding is high. Hurricanes bring rain, and carrying flood insurance significantly reduces your risks of experiencing financial losses and devastation that comes with this kind of property damage. Flood insurance covers all physical damage that results from flooding. According to FloridaDisaster.org , even just an inch of flooding can rack up to $25,000 in damages. Flood insurance, however, can be tricky to understand, and there are many different types of coverages. To discuss flood insurance policies and understand the benefits of carrying a separate flood insurance policy, contact us today. We’ve got you covered!
A DAILY DOSE OF GRATITUDE Raising Thankful Children Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank-you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well. Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives. Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center. These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
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 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.
1007626-00005-00
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Toll free (800) 828-2226
Fax (727) 577-4991
www.vermost.com
newsletter@vermost.com
2022
INSPIRING HAPPINESS!
2022 REFERRAL WINNER!
We want to thank everyone who referred their friends, family, and coworkers to Vermost Insurance throughout 2022. 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 winner of our 2022 referral program is Pablo Arriola. He received a 55-inch 4K TV plus a $250 donation to a charity of his 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!
Pablo Arriola is our 2022 referral winner of the 55-inch 4K TV, plus a $250 donation to a charity of his choice.
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1
Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
1200 Belcher Rd. S. Suite 1 ● Largo, FL 33771-3315 ● Phone: (727) 748-2886
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Wacky November Holidays
• Nov. 1 — National Cook For Your Pets Day • Nov. 2 — National Deviled Egg Day • Nov. 3 — National Men Make Dinner Day • Nov. 4 — National Chicken Lady Day • Nov. 5 — National Donut Day • Nov. 6 — National Nachos Day • Nov. 10 — National Vanilla Cupcake Day
• Nov. 16 — National Fast Food Day • Nov. 17 — National Take a Hike Day • Nov. 18 — National Princess Day • Nov. 19 — National Play Monopoly Day • Nov. 20 — National Absurdity Day • Nov. 21 — National Gingerbread Cookie Day • Nov. 25 — National Play Day With Dad • Nov. 26 — National Cake Day • Nov. 27 — National Craft Jerky Day • Nov. 28 — National French Toast Day • Nov. 29 — National Day of Giving
• Nov. 11 — National Sundae Day • Nov. 13 — World Kindness Day • Nov. 14 — National Family PJ Day • Nov. 15 — National Clean Our Your Refrigerator Day
APPLE CRANBERRY CRISP
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
If you’re feeling old-fashioned, treat yourself to this warm and bubbly dish. Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a classic apple recipe.
Ingredients
• 3 cups peeled and chopped tart apples • 1 1/2 cups cranberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup butter, cold • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Directions
Thanksgiving Topaz Turkey Veteran
Raking Remembrance Saints Squash
Casserole Election Gratitude Harvest
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. 3. Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and the remaining brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit mixture. 5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
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
newsletter@vermost.com
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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 program makes you happy, too! People who referred clients to us in October: Sharon Garroway
› 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
Patricia Myre Susan Cather Debra Bullock Loretta Armentrout
October Puzzle Winner: Nancy Counselor October Referral Winner: Patricia Myre
› Umbrella › Workers'
compensation
... and more!
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1200 Belcher Rd. S., Suite 1 Largo, FL 33771-3315
Phone: (727) 748-2886
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