Fuller Insurance Blog

Awesome Time at the FULLER Understanding Series Open House

Thanks to clients and friends who participated in the April 24 FULLER Understanding Series Open House.  Spread the word about the next one on Tuesday May 22nd so it will be just as good! Bring a friend, get a gas card!

The WINNER of Election Darts was Mitt Romney, coinciding with his evident win in the Republican nomination contest. Of course darts are random! Santorum's name had been removed and whatever darts hit his former spaces got a re-throw. Other than that, people had to "stick" with the choice made by their throw, as always, like it or not!

LISA A. won the drum lessons from Ray Cyr and Studio 237! Congratulations LISA! Our sponsors totally outdid themselves! Paul Rapke of Emerald Coast Cabinetry was present the entire time to offer his 10% discount on cabinetry work to attendees.

Mark & Kim, owners of the brand-new Bakery The Crust brought over three tasty and light pizzas that were rapidly consumed by all present. And everyone who attended received discounts and free services from Jim Cooper of LaRenaissance, The French Laundry, & Johnny O'Quigley's Restaurant & Sports Bar. Please patronize our sponsors!

We were honored by the attendance of Walton County Councilwoman Cecilia Jones and pleased to present her with our contribution to her campaign. Attorney Wayne Williamson was also a valuable addition and answered important legal questions that arose. Local artist Sharon Heselius and local musician Bret Lyttle rounded out the talent!

This is of course the world's only FULLER Understanding Series of Open Houses! Accordingly, most of the time was spent delightfully in financial give and take around a white board and a snack table.

People received answers to their questions about law, insurance and investments. A wide variety of subjects were discussed all the way from Medicaid trusts to Charitable Trusts and Foundations, from stocks, bonds, municipal bonds and mutual funds to life insurance, annuities and issues surrounding the aging process. Everyone was much enlightened in terms they could understand and apply for themselves.

Remember, clients of Fuller Insurance who attend and bring a non-client friend receive a free gas card. This is valuable today!

Our goal in the FULLER Understanding Series of Open Houses is to elevate the awareness of everyone who attends so you can make knowledgable choices about your money and finances. 

Paul Renfroe

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Fuller Insurance Open House - Tuesday April 24, 5-7 PM

Thursday, April 12, 2012—FULLER Insurance announces its Tuesday April 24 Open House open to the public from 5 PM to 7 PM.

There is no charge for attending. Instead, attendees receive coupons worth hundreds of dollars from sponsoring FULLER Insurance customers. These include Jim Cooper of LaRenaissance, The French Laundry, Ray Cyr of Studio 237, Emerald Coast Cabinetry & Johnny O'Quigley's Sports Bar.

This is the 4th in a monthly series entitled The FULLER Understanding Series which has been very well-received.

Food and beverages, live music, and a live canvas artist are complemented by a lively game of ELECTION DARTS for the enjoyment of everyone.

A question & answer session will give opportunity for insurance consumers to ask whatever question they want. Questions about Health Insurance will receive priority during the April 24 Q&A.

People transplanted here from all over the country have attended The FULLER Understanding Series including our local elected officials. Local Attorney Wayne Williamson will be present for legal questions at no charge.

Music is provided by Bret Lyttle of Studio 237, and the artist on site is Sharon Heselius whose work will be silent auctioned.

For more information contact Paul Renfroe of Fuller Insurance, 850-622-5283 or cell 901-301-0588. Email: paul@fullerinsurance.us

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Sinkhole or Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse?

Our friends at The Wheeler Agency in Lake City, Florida put together this great information on the difference between a Sinkhole Coverage claim and a Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse claim. Check it out. 

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Ready for Big Auto Insurance Savings? Try Progressive Insurance Snapshot

Progressive is introducing the latest version of Snapshot. This usage-based insurance innovation rewards safe drivers by offering up to a 30% discount based on good driving habits.

After signing up for Snapshot, customers receive the device in the mail. The customer simply plugs it in to the on-board diagnostic port (OBD) port - they'll hear three beeps each time the car is turned on to indicate the device is installed properly.

Customers leave Snapshot in their car to monitor their safe driving habits. As the customer drives, Snapshot records the number of miles a customer drives, the time of day, and how many times they brake hard. Upon a hard brake, a customer hears beeping, meant to help them maximize their savings by understanding what a hard brake feels like.

If a customer prefers to have the audio on their device shut off, they can simply call 1-877-329-RATE. After six months, customers return their device. If they've earned a discount, it will be applied and the customer will continue saving for the duration of their policy.

If you are interested in a competitive auto insurance quote from Progressive AND want to save up to an additional 30% using Snapshot, call Fuller Insurance at 850-622-5283.

Fuller Understanding Series Update

Paul Renfroe of Fuller Insurance offers this update from our March 20 Understanding Series Open House:

YOUR REPORT from Paul Renfroe of Fuller Insurance, Home of the FULLER Understanding Series Open House.

ELECTION DARTS standings
Through THREE open houses, Gingrich has the lead by one over Obama and Ron Paul who are tied for second. Romney and Santorum round it out. Note: This is NOT a scientific result! :)

NEXT OPEN HOUSE
April 24, 5 PM to 7 PM--and the topic is HEALTH INSURANCE. A flyer is attached. You can just forward this email. Of course any question you or your guests have is fair game.

ORIGINAL ART SILENT BIDDING until April 24
Come in anytime before April 24th to cast your silent bid for the awesome seaside RAINBOW painting (11 x 13) done during our open house by Alaskan artist Sharon Heselius. The minimum bid is only $40. The Large 24x36 original is for sale for only $300. Each rainbow is bound to be a perfect fit for someone's beach home--perfectly colorful and evocative!

MUSIC
The music provided by Studio 237 of Ray & Lisa Cyr and guitar instructor Bret Lyttle was just the right touch. I even got to jam with Bret as he taught me the Rock Scales right on the spot! Pretty smart of him to bring a second guitar!

PRIZE DRAWING
Studio 237 was responsible for the evening's drawing prize, four professional drum lessons won by Mr. Bruce! should help with his golf game, don't you think!! To top it off, Mr. Bruce is a retired music professor so this was a perfect fit.

HONORED DIGNITARY GUESTS
We were privileged to have Cecilia Jones, Walton county councilwoman with valuable questions about local protective zoning.  Wayne Williamson, longtime Emerald Coast attorney helped answer some important local political questions.

FINANCIAL Q & A
Attendees posed rapid fire of questions on Homeowners Insurance. The many forms of real estate ownership locally creates awareness of multiple hazards. The FULLER Understanding Series of Open Houses is becoming a valuable source of education for attendees. They are smart folks who can make good decisions for themselves if equipped with the necessary understanding to evaluate their alternative choices.

PATRONIZE OUR SPONSORS!
We urge your patronage for our awesome businesses represented by attendees and prize sponsors: Studio 237 of Ray & Lisa Cyr, Chef Tim Creehan's Cuvee Bistro, Chef Tim Creehan's Grill Plus, French Laundry, Jim Cooper of LaRenaissance, Johnny O'Quigley's Sports Bar, Dr. Mike O'Donnell & Great Florida Smiles, Dr. Lan O'Donnell & O'Donnell Eye Institute, Dr. Yvette Donaldson of Palmetto Family Clinic, Action Restoration of Brandon Hobbs & Bob Martinelli, Wholesale Plantation Shutters of Brandon Hall, Sandy's Nails, Kelly Klein Sold Mine, Catholic Charities of Okaloosa County, Central Gulf Coast Episcopal Diocese, Copy Systems of Russ Tommey, and Sandy's Nail & Spa.

NOTE to MAR 20 attendees: your certificates to claim the prizes for attending will be mailed to you!

Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in making today's FULLER Understanding Series Open House a great success!

Paul Renfroe

 

Fuller Understanding Series Update

Paul Renfroe of Fuller Insurance offers this update from our Understanding Series Open House last night:

Election Darts Contest: Through two open houses, Obama and Gingrich are tied, with Ron Paul 2nd, Santorum 3rd, and Romney a distant last. As you know, no one attending has been able to hit the one they were aiming at, so please take note: This is NOT a scientific result! :)

The beautiful sunset forest scene painting done on site during the Jan 24 open house by artist Sharon Heselius, was silent auctioned at today's Feb 28th open house to a very happy winning bidder who attended. The music provided by guitarist and instructor Bret Lyttle was quite easy on the ears and a big part of a good time by everyone who attended. Not only that, but Wayne Williamson, longtime Emerald Coast attorney was on hand to help several attendees with important legal wisdom.

The next FULLER Understanding Series Open House will be on Tuesday March 20. The rainbow painting that Sharon Heselius completed at tonight's Open House will be the Silent Auction prize at that March 20 Open House & Bret Lyttle is returning to provide the airily relaxing atmosphere that only a good guitarist can provide.

The Financial Q & A at the next Open House will be Florida Homeowner's Insurance. Last night's attendees posed numerous questions on Life Insurance, a topic cluttered by confusing TV ads and internet promotional efforts. As always, our aim is education. Our clients are smart folks who can make good decisions for themselves if equipped with the necessary understanding to evaluate their alternative choices.

As our FULLER Understanding Series gathers steam heading into the upcoming March 20 installment, we urge your patronage for our awesome businesses represented by attendees and prize sponsors:

Chef Tim Creehan's Cuvee Bistro, Chef Tim Creehan's Grill Plus, French Laundry, Jim Cooper of LaRenaissance, Johnny O'Quigley's Sports Bar, Dr. Mike O'Donnell & Great Florida Smiles, Dr. Lan O'Donnell & O'Donnell Eye Institute, Palmetto Family Clinic, Action Restoration, Wholesale Plantation Shutters, Sandy's Nails, Kelly Klein Sold Mine, Catholic Charities of Okaloosa County, Central Gulf Coast Episcopal Diocese, Copy Systems, and Sandy's Nail & Spa.

NOTE to Feb 28 attendees: your certificates to claim the prizes for attending will be mailed to you! They total over $300 so enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in making last night's FULLER Understanding Series Open House a great success!

Fuller Insurance Open House - Tuesday, February 28, 3:00-6:30pm

The Fuller Insurance Understanding Series continues this month. Stop by our Open House on Tuesday, February 28th for free Hors D'oeuvres, Beverages, Coffee, Desserts, Live Artist and Musician. This month's topic: Life Insurance. 3:00 - 6:30pm.

 

 

 

2011 Severe Weather Events Help Explain Property Insurance Rate Increases

I received this information today from our insurance agency network, SIAA. The maps below are from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

The maps show the Severe Weather Events NOAA reported in 2011, for Hail, Tornado, Wind, and all three combined. Here is a combined pdf file of all 4 maps too. Looks like the Southeast part of the country received the brunt of the tornados in 2011.

Insuance companies say this is one reason homeowners and commercial property insurance rates are going up in 2012. Any comments?

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Renfroe: Life Insurance and Annuity Expert at Fuller Insurance

Fuller Insurance welcomes Paul Renfroe as our in-house expert for Life, Health, Disability and Long Term Care insurance, and Annuities. We had to compete with the best agencies around in order to bring him on board with us, so we are glad he chose Fuller Insurance!

Everyone wants the most retirement income possible without running out -- and that's what Fuller Insurance can now deliver for you with Paul in our office. Paul's favorite word is "GUARANTEES" and he often quotes Vince Lombardi's 1st rule for winning: DON'T LOSE. 

During his 17-years in the insurance industry, Paul has created many highly successful Asset Protection and Asset Spend-down plans for those with retirement concerns. Most importantly, he genuinely cares for you, the client, and is always working to help you get the best deal possible for your hard-earned money. This priority on your value over our profit stands in stark contrast with the many insurance advisors who promote based on what they are paid.

Paul explains it this way: "I have found that if I put the client's interest before mine, like the Bible says to do, then it enables clients to trust me with multiple financial concerns. Plus, clients feel confident to refer their friends to a real servant in the financial field like me. And I sleep with a clear conscience each and every night."

Paul is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). When added to his years of service to individuals and business owners, this breadth of experience uniquely qualifies Paul to understand our clients' concerns.

Paul Renfroe and Fuller Insurance look forward to helping you with these important new services.  Schedule your no-cost insurance and asset review by calling Fuller Insurance at 622-5283.

Florida Vacation Rental Home Insurance

The Emerald Coast needed 2011. After the collapse of the housing market in 2008 and 2009, and the BP oil spill in 2010, we needed a great year - 2011 has been a come back year.

Just ask our long-time customer Dr. Michael O'Donnell ... in this Destin Log article, he says his Emerald Waters Village vacation rental home "stays booked from March till November and despite the down economy he enjoyed his busiest year ever in 2011."

Do you own a Florida vacation rental home? Are you thinking about taking the vacation rental approach? Dr. O'Donnell said "it has actually worked out really well for us."

If you are getting ready to purchase a Florida vacation rental home, you generally need to purchase a dwelling-fire insurance policy instead of a homeowners policy. A dwelling-fire policy is written on homes that are rented out to other people, as opposed to a homeowners policy, which is written on owner-occupied homes.

Depending on the location of your vacation rental home and the distance from tidal water, you may need a separate windstorm policy and possibly a separate flood insurance policy. If you have an umbrella policy, you will need to ensure your vacation rental home insurance satisfies the liability requirements on your umbrella policy.

Would you like some professional guidance on Florida vacation rental home insurance? Call Shelley Carmichael at our office. She will be more than happy to answer your questions.

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