Homeowners Insurance Archives

How to Safely Deep Fry a Turkey

November 20, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

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!

The 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.

3 Spooky Halloween Home Insurance Nightmares

October 27, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

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.

With 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!

3 Tips for Better Fall Clean Up

October 10, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

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!

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

September 25, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

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.

Do’s and Don’ts of Home Renovations

May 9, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

Starting a home improvement project is exciting, but it can expensive. Home projects involve the cost of construction, labor and job materials. On top of that, improvements and additions can also cost homeowners even more in insurance.

Some examples of projects that may increase homeowners’ insurance premiums include installing a pool, hot tub or even a trampoline. While these home and property additions are fun, there are other home improvements that can actually save money and lower insurance premiums. These projects include a new roof and making plumbing, electrical, and heating or cool system updates.

Choosing a home improvement project that is enjoyable versus practical can be difficult. When it comes down to it, choose a home improvement project that increases the safety and efficiency of your home. It will pay for itself in the long run.

Here are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for home renovation projects.

Home Renovation Do’s

Do repair or install a new roof when needed. Never underestimate the importance of taking care of “the roof over your head.”
Do make upgrades, improvements, and regular maintenance to your heating/cooling system, such as your central air system.
Do upgrade the electrical in your home, including the electrical box that sits outside of your home. This is especially important for older homes. Upgrading your electrical can help you avoid fires.
Do upgrade the plumbing in your home. Pay close attention to areas that are prone to leaks, like sinks. Taking care of your plumbing can avoid leaks that can damage your home’s interior, your furniture, and other important belongings.
Do-It-Yourselfers, do wear safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and goggles are key when attempting a home renovation project.
Do ask for help. Seek advice from others who have done similar projects.
Do upgrade old appliances for new, higher efficiency models. Check your stove, fridge and washer/dryer.
Do enjoy it. Home improvement can be rewarding.
Do create a plan for your project.

Home Renovation Don’ts

Don’t attempt a project you’re not comfortable with.
Don’t start a home renovation project without a budget and a plan.
Don’t work with a contractor who is unlicensed.
Don’t begin a home renovation project without first discussing it with your insurance company. You will be surprised how much a project can impact your insurance premiums!
Don’t waste time and money. Create a plan and stick with it.

One of the best things you can do to save money while making home improvements is to choose the home renovation projects that make your home safe and more efficient. These can reduce your insurance premiums and increase your return on investment. Also, making sure you have the proper coverage can save you time and money down the road. Get a free quote on any of our products today!

If you have questions regarding a home renovation project and if you’re concerned about how this will impact your insurance premiums, call Synergy Insurance to speak with a licensed agent today. While you’re reviewing your current homeowners insurance, check out our Home Insurance Claims eBook, filled with real-life scenarios and whether or not they would be covered with a basic home insurance policy. Click the image to get started!

Springtime A/C Maintenance For Your Home

April 25, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

Floridians quickly turn on the A/C in their homes without giving it much thought. Warm weather is the norm in Florida so few homeowners may take the opportunity to have their A/C unit serviced before temperatures soar into the 90’s.

Although the spring might be a time for backyard barbecues or lazy afternoons on the beach, it’s also the best time to have your A/C unit serviced and also look for any needed repairs in preparation for the upcoming hot summer season. Taking the time now to make sure your A/C is working properly will ensure that your home is safe and comfortable all summer.

How do you know if you need to have your A/C unit serviced or repaired? Read on for some tell-tale signs that your A/C might need some work and also some tips on how to keep your unit running smoothly.

Keep your unit clear of bushes and shrubs. One of the easiest and money-saving things you can do to ensure that your A/C unit runs smoothly is to keep the area around your unit clear. Be sure to trim or cut back any bushes or shrubs growing near it. Sticks, branches, and leaves can find their way into your unit, which can cause a clog resulting in a malfunction.
Replace the filter. The most common reasons for A/C unit failure is due to a dirty filter. Replacing the air filter in your unit is easy and relatively inexpensive. By taking the time to check and replace your filter as needed, your A/C unit will not only run smoothly but also keep the air in your home clean.
Schedule an annual check up. Every A/C unit should be inspected by a pro at least once per year, even if you are good about checking it on a regular basis. The best time to get your A/C serviced is now – before the summer really heats up.

Although it may cost a little to have a service tech look at your unit or to perform an annual “tune up”, this can actually save you money. If your A/C unit goes down in the middle of the summer, then it can end up costing you more to get emergency repairs.

If the A/C unit in your home is acting or sounding a little funny or if it isn’t turning on at all, then it is time for maintenance and service. Even if your A/C unit sounds or seems to be running fine, there could be some issues you may not be aware of.

If you’re going to be replacing your A/C unit, make sure and talk to your insurance agent first. They will be able to find you the best ways to keep your homeowner’s insurance premiums affordable.

Skip the dangerous this year, and stick to all-natural remedies for spring cleaning! Check out our Spring Cleaning eBook for some safe and effective ways to make your home spotless this year. Click the image to get your copy!

Spring is the Best Time for Routine Maintenance

Spring is by far the best time for scheduling routine maintenance, service, and making any necessary repairs to the A/C unit in your home before it gets too hot. Take the time now to schedule maintenance on your unit to ensure your home is safe and comfortable for the summer.

Here at Synergy Insurance Group, we’re dedicated to making sure you’re taken care of. Our insurance agents will help you find the best rates for your homeowner’s insurance. Contact us today to get a free quote on any type of coverage!

Theft and Home Insurance: Are You Covered?

January 19, 2017/in Free Tips, Homeowners Insurance /by Synergy Insurance

Criminals are always trying to plot out their next great score. Modern times allow for frequent trips to stores or the mall, kid’s lives are filled with endless activities, and we spend a lot of time away from our homes. There are big incentives for thieves to hit empty cars or homes, and Synergy Insurance Group wants you to know more about how insurance works to protect you and your family in different situations. Read more

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