How to Drink Responsibly this Holiday Season

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holiday safety

Between the food, the friends, and the festivities, it isn’t hard to go overboard on the booze during the holidays. It isn’t always clear when or where you hit your limit, so make sure you enjoy a safer holiday with a few tips for drinking responsibly.

Slow Down

We get it. Family reunions on a holiday come with their share of both fun and stress. We get together and raise our glasses in toasts, but we also reach for another drink every time Great Aunt Peg asks why the children keep throwing food at each other. If you’re drinking because of anxiety, try going outside for a few minutes to breathe and reset instead of opening another bottle of wine.

Stay aware of what you’re drinking and why throughout the day. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have, and/or limit yourself to a drink (or less) per course.

Know Your Myths

A cold shower or jolt of caffeine will not sober you up.  If you’re looking to limit the rate at which your blood absorbs the alcohol, the best thing you can do is eat.

Eating has no effect on your body after you’ve already been drinking, but it will affect your metabolism if you’re eating and drinking at roughly the same time. In other words, if you really want a couple cups of eggnog at the beginning of the party, make sure it’s to wash down some hors d’oeuvres.

Make Contingency Plans

Choose a designated driver before the party or schedule an Uber. Police officers are hyper-vigilant on the holidays, so even if you don’t feel drunk it’s likely you’re over the limit.

Driving while intoxicated is extremely risky and always the wrong choice. The problem is, once intoxicated it can seem like the right choice. “I didn’t have that much…I stopped drinking an hour ago…” the usual excuses. And why? Because calling a cab is expensive? Or phoning a friend feels inconvenient? So, plan ahead when you’re still thinking straight and keep yourself and others safe.

Homeowners Insurance - Home InsuranceCall Synergy Insurance to speak with one of our friendly and helpful agents today if you’d like more information about homeowner’s insurance. We provide exceptional coverage to Florida homeowners so they can enjoy the moments that matter most, during the holidays and all year long.

Your homeowners insurance covers the basics, but what about holiday accidents? Download our Home Insurance Claims eBook today and put your mind at ease before all of the holiday craziness.

The Retail Rush: How to Cope with Increased Traffic During the Holidays

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business insurance

The Black Friday stampede keeps everyone on their toes, but it’s not the only event that poses a threat to your retail establishment. The holiday season brings both an increase in sales and an increase in damages to inventory (and customers or employees). For a safer and less stressful holiday rush, keep these tips in mind during all your last-minute sales.

Contingency Plans for the Holiday Rush

Plan ahead to improve the customer’s experience. Direct the flow of traffic in as many ways as possible so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Frenzied holiday shoppers need boundaries, so use ropes or barriers at exits and entrances as well as friendly employees to make navigating the store seamless and stress-free for your customers.

OSHA even recommends you talk to your local fire department of your plans so you can be certain you’re in compliance with safety regulations.

The Big Event 

When you hire new blood during the holiday season to help get you through the busiest months, you can count on some communication and training issues. Make sure teams have a way to assemble and share information so all employees are on the same page.

Each individual team member should know exactly what their role is in case of emergency, and there should be clear rules about the most common scenarios that may occur (e.g., a fight breaks out, a customer falls down, inventory is knocked over, etc.) 

business insuranceSynergy Insurance Group knows how crazy the holidays can be, which is why we want to cover business owners in Florida and help ensure a successful holiday shopping season. Give us a call if you’re looking for a better policy. We have plenty of options to protect your financial future and keep you covered through the holidays and all year long.

How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey

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holiday safety

Deep-fried turkey is mouth-watering good. Home chefs everywhere are getting ready to roll up their sleeves this Thanksgiving to prepare an unforgettable meal and for many that means trying something new—like a deep-fried turkey. If you want to join the fad, take heed first—deep fried turkeys are the cause of thousands of home fires around the US every year. Avoid an accident with a little research and take the following tips to heart!

Prepping the Turkey and the Fryer

The fryer needs to be at least 10 feet away from the house and should be placed on the flattest surface you can find. Never fry a turkey on an incline.

Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and then thoroughly dried. It takes about 24 hours to thaw a turkey for every 4 pounds, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time. If there’s any water in the turkey at all, it will expand and cause the scalding hot oil to spill over onto the burner and start a fire.

Keep a fire extinguisher on hand at all times in case of a fire. Remember—you cannot put out an oil fire with water!

Frying the Turkey

You will not be able to leave the turkey while it’s frying (it takes about 3 minutes per pound.) Be vigilant about children or dogs going anywhere near the fryer, and appoint another (sober!) adult to keep an eye on them.

Use a fryer with a thermostat or buy one of your own, and ensure the temperature doesn’t climb higher than it should (it’s normally 350° for a vegetable-based oil.)

Finally, be careful touching the fryer as the lid and sides can become extremely hot and cause severe burns.

Synergy Insurance Group wants you to get the fabled crisp skin and delectably tender meat that deep frying a turkey can bring, we just want you to do so safely! Serving our customers is our priority and protecting you is what we do best. If you have questions about coverage, contact Synergy Insurance today to speak directly with an agent. Happy Holidays and stay safe out there!

homeowners insuranceThe holidays can be stressful, and insurance coverage is probably the last thing on your mind during the hustle and bustle. Our Home Insurance Claims eBook is your one-stop guide to what exactly is and is not covered with your homeowners insurance policy. We know family time can get a little crazy, so rest assured we’ve got you covered.

 

Can I Get Auto Insurance in Florida with a Suspended License?

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auto insurance

A suspended license creates complications for car insurance, but the bottom line is: Yes, you can be insured in Florida, but know it will probably be more expensive. Yes, you still need insurance coverage. And yes, you definitely want to find an experienced insurance agent. Get expert help so you can navigate this difficult time smoothly while getting the right insurance coverage for you at the best possible price.

Florida Auto Insurance Laws 

From reckless driving to unpaid tickets, from driving under the influence to a lapse in auto coverage, there are many ways to get a suspension on your driver’s license.

Florida insurance providers usually extend car insurance to a driver with a suspended license, but only under certain terms and conditions. The exact coverage is determined by the severity of the infraction and the rules of the insurance provider.

You will need to file an SR-22 in order to drive again. If you received a suspension for driving under the influence, you will be required to carry FR-44 insurance for three years following your suspension.

Must I Keep Auto Insurance Even if I Can’t Drive My Car?

All vehicles with a valid Florida license plate must be insured at all times even if it is in storage or if the driver has a suspended license. Failure to maintain insurance on your vehicle will result in expensive fees as well as further penalties and driving suspensions.

Check Your Auto Insurance Requirements 

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will let you know exactly what you need to do to get your license back. This knowledge will inform your car insurance decisions.

To reinstate your license, you may be required to: complete traffic school, pay fees, or simply wait for the probation period to pass. As a side note, traffic school can shave points off your license, helping you avoid another suspension and improving your chances for better coverage options.

If the process sounds complicated, that’s because it is. But with the help of an expert insurance agent you can feel confident you’re meeting all Florida requirements to get your license back.

auto insuranceIf you need help getting back behind the wheel, give Synergy Insurance a try. We’ve helped countless Florida drivers stay protected and insured at the best rates, regardless of past mistakes. Get a free auto insurance quote for your car today to see what we mean. And feel free to give us a call if you need more information on how to handle a license suspension. We’ll help you stay legal and minimize hassles.

Safety behind the wheel is crucial for a clean record. In case of emergency, always have the right documents on hand. Our Auto Accident Workbook has all the important information needed to file a claim, so you can take the guesswork out of your coverage. Click the image to get your copy today, and keep it on file in your vehicle!

Should Your Imaging Center Have Additional Business Insurance?

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business insurance

If you run a medical business, you already know that hazards run high and it is critical to take precautions and adhere to procedure. From unexpected chemical reactions to result mix-ups, lab work and liability go hand-in-hand. You’re doing everything you can to keep everyone else safe, but are you doing enough to keep your business safe? Without the proper business insurance, imaging center owners can’t ensure their business won’t collapse in the event of an unexpected liability issue. Here are a few reasons why better commercial insurance can help protect your laboratory.

People and Property

It is crucial to protect your medical business from medical malpractice. We’re certain you take a variety of precautions when it comes to your specimens, but mistakes still happen. Improper disposal, mislabeling, and breakage are common and specimens are especially vulnerable to damage or mix-ups during transportation.

You’re also responsible for your employees’ safety. This includes anything from providing the proper equipment to safeguarding against chronic back injuries that arise from standing on one’s feet all day.

Additional Peace of Mind

More or better insurance coverage means less fear. Do more in your imaging center with less anxiety and additional peace of mind. A refrigeration system could break down or your property might need to be decontaminated, these are real emergencies in the lab world. They can be fixed if you have someone trusted to call and a customized insurance plan in place, but if not, then these emergencies become disasters that threaten your business. So, whether it’s a freak spill or a nasty lawsuit, make sure your business has the means to right the situation and get back on its feet.

business insuranceSynergy Insurance helps business owners conduct their operations in peace by helping them choose a commercial insurance plan that fits their needs. We provide honest advice about minimum requirements in the state of Florida as well as practical, knowledgeable advice for protecting your specific business. Contact us today to request a quote, and to learn how Synergy Insurance helps medical businesses run more efficiently.

 

3 Spooky Halloween Home Insurance Nightmares

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halloween safety

It’s not the undead homeowners need to fear when Halloween rolls around. It’s gaps in your homeowner’s insurance that don’t cover hazardous Halloween mishaps! But that’s not to say you should turn the lights out, hole up inside, and forego the festivities. Here are three common household liability issues that arise on Halloween and how you can avoid them.

1. Trip or Treat?

The most common home insurance nightmare is a trick-or-treater taking a tumble on your property, cracking their head open, breaking a wrist, or twisting an ankle. Keep kids and parents safe by minimizing hazards that lead up to your door. This includes trimming back shrubs, evening out the lawn, fixing loose tiles, and clearing wood piles or other debris away. Resist the urge to use low lighting for a more mysterious experience. Keep lights bright so everyone can see where they’re going. If you don’t plan to hand out candy, turn your porch light off. Most neighbors know to take that as a sign you’re closed for business.

2. To Haunt or Not to Haunt

Go ahead, make your home spooky and give it the effect of a haunted house. But when it comes to actually scaring people, don’t even think about it. No jump scares. No popping out from behind bushes. Or chasing people with fake chainsaws. We hate to be a buzzkill, but homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover the blood pumping risks that come with extreme shock and awe, or fear. Did you know Haunted House Insurance is a real thing? It’s true, but only amusement parks, corn mazes, zombies runs, and similar events carry it—homeowners don’t.

3. Decoration Danger

Jack-o-lanterns are a tried and true way to celebrate Halloween, but they also lead to home fires every year. If you want to line your sidewalk with lanterns and your porch with pumpkins, opt for little LED candles instead of real ones. Candlelit decorations are easily forgotten and left unattended during the festivities and can be a real nightmare. Don’t leave flames unattended and keep candles away from flammable objects like fake cobwebs and witches on straw brooms! Large lawn ornaments like inflatable pumpkins can also collapse unexpectedly, so keep them far away from sidewalks or anywhere people are walking.

homeowners insuranceWith a little precaution, you’ll have the safest Halloween yet! However, if you’re looking for more protection against the proverbial ghosts and ghouls, call Synergy Insurance Group to see how we can fill in the gaps and keep your property, home, and family safe.

It’s always a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy to get a better idea of your coverage. The holidays are a great time to go over any questions you may have with your agent. In the meantime, our Home Insurance Claims eBook goes over the ins-and-outs of your coverage, answering your holiday-related coverage questions. Click the image to get started!

Is Your Business Protected with Commercial General Liability Coverage?

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general liability

Halloween is typically a happy and harmless holiday. Unfortunately, it does mark the beginning of a lengthy holiday season when businesses see an increase to property damage including theft and vandalism. It’s a good time of year to take a second look at your insurance policy and make sure it protects your small business with comprehensive coverage. The first line of defense against common damages is to invest in a strong offense with commercial general liability insurance.

Benefits of Commercial General Liability Coverage

Running a small business comes with inherent risks. It’s important to prepare for potential future damages to your business by getting the coverage you need now. General liability insurance is the easiest and smartest way to safeguard your business against property damage and lawsuits/claims.

Commercial general liability insurance covers a wide range of situations, so you won’t need to pay for damages out-of-pocket, or even worse—shut down operations until you come up with the funds. In addition to defending against the threat of Halloween pranksters, this insurance option also covers:

  • The cost of medical bills if someone is injured on your property.
  • Repair or replacement costs if property damage is caused by yourself or an employee.
  • Legal costs or settlement costs associated with a lawsuit where you or the company is sued for damages.
  • Damages caused to a rental property, for those who rent their buildings.

During the holidays, thefts and vandalism rise across the US. Crimes peak in December, but a fair share of pranksters come out in full force at Halloween too. With easy availability of masks and costumes during Halloween, it makes sense that petty criminals target local businesses. Investing in proper security not only protects your business, a comprehensive insurance policy will also give you peace of mind.

Keep Your Business Safe from the Ghouls This Halloween

storm prepDon’t let vandals get the best of you this Halloween. With better insurance protection you can guarantee this year’s celebrations are safe and happy. Interested in learning more about how commercial general liability coverage can help your business? Visit us at Synergy Insurance Group online today to get a free quote or to speak with an agent.

Is your business protected from a major storm? Download our Disaster Preparedness Plan today filled with tips, emergency hotlines and checklists to keep you safe. Click the image to get your copy!

3 Tips for Better Fall Clean Up

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fall clean up

When temperatures start to warm, spring cleaning is on everyone’s mind. But as temperatures start to drop, have you thought about fall clean up? Here are three key steps you need to take to prepare your home for whatever winter has in store.

Caulk and Seal Windows 

Not only will caulking and sealing help your home feel cozier, but it will also improve your home’s energy efficiency and alleviate utility fees. If you’re like the average American, a third of your heated air is lost to poorly sealed windows and doors (that goes for A/C too!)

Winterize Your Lawn

Fertilize your lawn in early October to help it through the colder winter season without experiencing damage or disease. Depending on where you live in Florida, this is a good time to aerate your lawn and overseed the turf. If you’re in the panhandle, you might consider winterizing your irrigation system as well.

Clean Out Your Gutters 

As leaves and debris build up in gutters, you risk potential water damage to your home. Roofing problems and even foundation damage can occur if you don’t keep gutters clean. This task isn’t easy but it’s probably one of the most critical fall chores and should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list. 

Synergy Insurance Group wants your home to be as safe as possible regardless of the time of year. Contact us today for a free quote if you’re looking for a home insurance policy that goes the extra mile to keep your home and family secure. 

Now that your home is cleaned up for fall, make sure it’s prepared for hurricane season! Download our Disaster Preparedness Plan, filled with tips, hotlines and evacuation information for you and your family. Click the image to get yours today!

storm prep

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

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fall home maintenance

Now’s the time to catch up on all your small home maintenance tasks before they turn into big, expensive problems. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, there are also extra safety precautions to take that you might not have considered. Take advantage of the fall weather to protect your home and business from professional liability issues that arise from small oversights and neglect.

1. Clean Out Gutters

Once the leaves stop falling, it’s time to clean those gutters! Be thorough. A debris clogged gutter with backed up water leads to roof damage, water leakage, and mold issues. 

2. Evaluate Tree Damage

Are your trees basically healthy even after storm damage from Hurricane Irma? For major issues, consult a professional to see if your trees can be saved. For minor damage, unleash your inner arborist and remove broken branches, jagged limbs, and prune smaller branches down to where they meet large limbs.

3. Prepare for a Polar Vortex

If a cold snap comes knocking, you’ll want to make sure your home remains energy efficient and protected from the wind and chill. Seal up cracks and reduce drafts by adding weather stripping or calking between gaps in windows and doors. If you have a furnace, have it inspected for leaks and change the filter.

4. Test Detector Batteries

Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and do a test by pressing the test button or holding a smoking candle near the unit. Now’s also a good time to make sure your fire evacuation plan is up-to-date and all fire extinguishers charged (as indicated by the pressure gauge).

At Synergy Insurance Group, we strive to meet the unique coverage needs of all our clients. We understand that friendly, professional know-how and dependability is the first step toward a great relationship. If you’re looking for the peace of mind that homeowners insurance, business insurance, or auto insurance can afford, please contact us at Synergy Insurance Group today to see how we can help.

Are you prepared if another hurricane were to hit Florida? Make sure your home, family and belongings are safe by downloading our Disaster Preparedness Plan! Just click the image below to get your copy.

storm prep

What is Business Interruption Insurance and Why You Need It

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business insurance

Florida is known for its glorious weather, beautiful beaches, and severe storms. Not every day in Florida is paradise, especially during the summer months. In fact, June 1st is the official start of hurricane season. If a hurricane hits your business, are you prepared? Do you have the necessary coverage to recoup losses from damaged or lost property? What happens if your business is forced to shut down for several days or weeks until the damage is cleared or your building is repaired or rebuilt? Can you afford to take a loss like that?

Most business owners can’t. So what do you do? Let’s take a look at business interruption insurance and how it can help your business.

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

What exactly is business interruption insurance? This type of insurance covers the loss of any income that a business may encounter after a hurricane or another type of natural disaster. This type of insurance will help business owners with the loss of profits or income that would have been generated during the time a business is being rebuilt or repaired.

It’s also important to note that this type of insurance is separate from hurricane insurance. This means that if a business owner chooses to purchase hurricane insurance, business interruption insurance is a separate add-on, which costs extra. Similar to hurricane insurance, the amount that is covered depends on the policy amount, which is determined by risks associated with a particular business.

In the state of Florida, business interruption insurance is incredibly important, particularly for businesses located along the coast who may be at a higher risk of shutting down for repairs. This type of insurance will protect a business from being stranded after a disaster.

How Synergy Insurance Can Help

Synergy Insurance specializes in writing insurance policies for people and businesses throughout the state of Florida. In addition to serving their customers, the team at Synergy also wants to ensure that their customers and businesses are well informed and aware of how their policies work so that they can prepare for potential accidents and/ or disasters.