Insurance

Fava is a bean’s bean – big, meaty, and toothsome. And so I like to use strong bold flavors when I cook with them. This dish is savory and saucy with lots of garlic, thyme and lemon.   I use canned fava beans, which can be purchased at most Middle Eastern markets and I highly recommend use the smaller size beans (remember to rinse and drain the beans) If you can’t find cremini mushroom, substitute baby portabella mushrooms (but if you have never had cremini mushrooms, they’re worth searching for) . Most of my friends find that with the meatiness of the fava beans and the mushrooms in this dish, they don’t miss not have animal protein.This dish is great paired with wild rice. I love eating this dish with or over coconut quinoa.  

GARLIC LEMON FAVA BEANS & MUSHROOMS – Serves 4Recipe from – Post Punk KitchenTotal time: 30 minutes || Active time: 30 minutesTo play up the earthiness of this dish, I love to serve this with a wild rice blend. A roasted veggie like cauliflower or broccoli is perfect here, too.2 teaspoons olive oil1 small red onion, cut into thin half moons3 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced in half2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)2 cups vegetable broth1/2 teaspoon saltJuice and zest of 1/2 a lemonLots of fresh black pepper3 cups cooked fava beans (or two 15 oz cans, rinsed and drained)Optional: Slivered green onions for garnishPreheat a large pan over medium heat. Saute onion in oil with a pinch of salt for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly browned. Add garlic and thyme, and saute one minute. Add mushrooms and cook to release moisture, about 5 minutes.Add bread crumbs, toss to coat everything and toast crumbs for 3 to 5 minutes. Add veg broth, black pepper, salt, lemon zest and juice and fava beans. Bring to a boil. Let reduce and thicken, 7 minutes or so. Taste for salt and seasoning and serve, topped with green onions.Let me know what you think.Cecil Williams Owner/AgentEMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY904-677-5884

If you own a dog, companies offering homeowner’s insurance may charge you a higher rate, exclude your dog from liability coverage or turn you down completely based on your dog’s breed, history of claims or the dog bite history or all of the above. Most companies will have a strict guideline to not write a policy for homeowners with certain breeds of dogs.   Why? According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites account for one-third of  all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013, costing more than $483 million. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $27,862 in 2013.  Here is a list of the most common dog breeds that are seen as high-risk to many homeowners insurance companies:
Pit bulls
Rottweilers
Chows
German shepherds
Siberian huskies
Alaskan malamutes
Doberman pinschers
Presa Canario bulldogs
Great Danes
Boxers
Akitas
Wolf-hybrids

If your dog bites someone, respond to the incident promptly. Restrain or confine your dog immediately. Then do whatever you can to help the victim, whether that means calling 911 or driving them to the emergency room.  Once the victim is taken care of, it may need to contact the local authorities to report the dog bite. Call your homeowners insurance company, especially if there are medical costs involved. Be sure to cooperate with your insurance company. The claims adjuster will want to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. You should take steps to make sure a similar incident doesn’t happen in the future. That might mean building a fence around your yard or sending your dog to obedience school. Your may also want to consider a certified animal trainer if all else fails.EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY904-677-5884

College is expensive enough without finding out too late that an accident or theft isn’t covered under your current policies. So, as you get your children ready to head off to school in the fall, there’s one vital “to-do” to add to your list (other than writing that tuition check): a review of your insurance coverage. It’s important to keep in mind that policy language varies from state to state, and there are never “one-size-fits-all” situations, but below is a guide to the language in Florida policies. If you have questions, or want to go over your insurance needs, don’t hesitate to contact us! Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy   Coverage of personal property: Florida homeowner’s policies provide 10 percent of Coverage C (Personal Property) for property owned by an insured that is at a residence other than the insured’s.  For example, if the contents of a policyholder’s home are insured for $100,000, a student’s property up to $10,000 would be covered if living in a dormitory – provided the damage is caused by a covered peril and the student meets the definition of an insured. For apartments or houses off-campus, the same coverage applies. Certain items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics, may require special coverage, or a “rider.” Renters insurance is strongly recommended if a particular policy does not cover a student’s personal property. Liability coverage: There is an exclusion for damage to property rented to an insured, so damage to a dorm room or apartment would not be covered. Ensuring adequate coverage:  Contact us to get specific answers and information about your coverages. Also, it’s a great idea to create an inventory of the items your student is taking to school, as is keeping photos of and receipts for the items. Renters insurance: If your student’s needs can’t be met under your current policy, don’t forget renters insurance. Landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not the possessions of renters. Your Auto Insurance Policy Coverage without a car at school: If your student will continue to drive while at home on school breaks, they should continue to be listed on your auto policy. If they are attending school more than 100 miles from home, and are not taking a vehicle with them, the policy may qualify for a distant-student discount. Coverage with a car at school: A car registered to parents and listed on their policy will be covered if used by a listed student away at school. But you should make sure that your insurance carrier writes coverage in the college’s state and location. And note that a change to the principal location of the vehicle could result in a change in premium. Driving a friend’s car at school: Students would be covered while driving a friend’s car if the students are listed on their parents’ policy and do not have regular use of the vehicle. The coverage would likely be secondary in this case, as the carrier for the friend’s vehicle likely would be the primary coverage. Coverage discounts: In addition to the possible distant-student discount, students may qualify for a good-student discount. To qualify, most insurance companies require that a student must be enrolled in at least four courses per term as a full-time student at an accredited college or university and meet certain academic qualifications. Also, drivers under the age of 21 who complete a driver education course may be eligible for a policy discount. Going away to school is an exciting and challenging time for both students and their parents. Making sure you have the right insurance coverage to protect your assets as you invest in your child’s future. We’re happy to discuss your coverage and options, so just give us a call or come by.EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY904-677-5884

We are often asked that if a student goes away to college and doesn’t take a car, should they be dropped from the family auto policy to save some extra money. But remember, your college student will be back for Christmas break and wants the car to visit friends. Or, what if he is away at college and his friends ask him to be a “designated driver” one evening? If your student doesn’t take a car to school, we recommend that you keep him listed on the policy for a number of reasons:They will be fully protected if he returns home for a weekend visit and wants to drive.
They will have insurance protection when he’s driving a friend’s car while away, and that vehicle isn’t adequately insured.
Even if they don’t take a car to school, they will be fully protected if they’re hit by a car while walking or bicycling, or while being a passenger in somebody else’s car.
Keeping them on your auto policy maintains continuous insurance coverage, which may be beneficial when they gets his own auto insurance policy.
As a full time student, your child may qualify for a Good Student Discount (if they maintain a grade average of 3.0 or higher). Make sure to let your agent know, and provide them with a copy of the transcript or a letter from a college advisor The savings can be significant. You can also apply for the Distant Student Discount if your child attends college 75 miles or more away from home. If your student takes a car to school, they can still remain on your auto policy. In fact, they should, since it is usually much more expensive for young divers and students to have their own policy. Be sure to notify your agent about the new garaging address: Not only do insurance companies prefer that, but it may also save you money, particularly if your student attends college in a less populated area of the state. Full-time college students can usually remain covered on their parents’ auto policy if their primary address is the parents’ house, even if they attend college out of state. Make sure that the policy meets the minimum auto liability requirements for that state. If your student owns the vehicle and holds the title, they’ll need their own auto policy. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY can help you in properly insuring your college student. We will review your situation and make sure all coverage is current and adequate. EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY 904-677-5884

Finally, football season. Football season in the south brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties.  At EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY, we want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you cheer your team to victory, consider the following tips.
Keep it clean: Tailgating is one of America’s favorite pastimes!  If you’re tailgating, select non-breakable, recyclable containers. This will make cleanup easier and help avoid injuries resulting from broken glass.
Be smart: Whether you are tailgating, hosting a football-watching party at your house, sitting in the stands or joining your buddies at the local bar, know your limit on alcohol intake and make sure you have a designated driver.
Know where you’re going: Always plan travel to and from the stadium to avoid getting lost and to make finding parking easier if you drive.
Fill those bellies: Whenever alcohol is consumed, make sure food is too!
Be weather wise: If you’re heading to the stadium, be sure to prepare for the weather. OK, it’s hard to prepare for hot weather. But  remember to stay hydrated – with water being the best beverage to select for that purpose
Keep it close: Whether you’re hitting the live game or the local tavern, be sure to keep your valuables, such as wallets, mobile phones and purses, safe.  Also, keep it close to you (better yet, attached) at all times to avoid theft.

Wherever and however you’re watching the game, we hope you enjoy every last minute.  Go team (#jags, #gators, #noles , #falcons, #bucs, and yes #commodores)! Game day insurance tips Here are a few pointers for making sure your insurance provides an additional safety net on game day:
Make sure you have adequate auto coverage to cover any contents that may be stolen in the unfortunate event of a break-in at the stadium parking lot.
Ensure you have sufficient liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy, as well as medical payments coverage and possibly umbrella coverage. These exist to protect you in the event someone becomes injured while at your house.
Consider roadside assistance coverage. In the event your vehicle breaks down or you lock your keys in your car, it can save the day.

EMERGE INSURANCE AGENCY904-677-5884