Elementary Insurance Agency

Florida requires a FR-44 Insurance certificate state filing for drivers who have been convicted of a DUI or a DWI. FR44 Insurance is a financial responsibility insurance certificate and requires minimum limits for liability of $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage. If the FR-44 Certificate is not maintained, the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend driving privileges, ability to register vehicles in the state, and prevent the obtaining of state decals. Motorcycle owners are also required to file a FR-44 Insurance Certificate.  The Breakdown How long do I need one? The State of Florida decides the exact time limit case by case but in most cases it is a three year period.  How much does it cost? Insurance prices are determined by factors like age, location, driving record, and claims history. The most accurate rate will be requesting a quote from an insurer.  What information do I need on hand? Firstly, you will need your driver’s lic...

Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was focused on the United States. In 1990, Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international and organized events in 141 nations. Learn more about the history and current status of Earth Day here .   Online Billing    On Elementary’s website , all the carriers we cover have ways that bills can be paid either online or on the phone. The links are available under the “ About Us ” tab inside the “Our Carriers” section. Find your carrier and either call or make a payment online in order to slim down the paper usage.  Green Tips We at Elementary would like to give some green tips for our customers in order to promote Earth Day. Some of the tips are green home tips and others are green lawn tips. It is awesome if homes are eco-friendly and have energy-saving features. Some homes, if you are a new buyer, are “Leaders...

Here at Elementary Agency we want you to enter 2021 prepared for anything. We know 2020 is in the rear view mirror and it is not a place you would want to revisit. But there is one last thing from last year that needs handling: Tax Season! Tax Day is Thursday, April 15, 2021. You must file your 2020 tax returns by this date!  The standard deduction for 2020 increased to $12,400 for single filers and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly.   Income tax brackets increased in 2020 to account for inflation.  Be sure to review your insurance policies. Tips for taxpayers to make filing easier File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds. Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.   For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit . Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatic...

  We are pleased to welcome David Lautermilch to the Elementary Agency team! David joined the Elementary Insurance Agency after dedicating 3 years to Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Company . Prior to Avatar he had 7 years of experience with restaurant management in Georgia. He was a part of a number of community involvement initiatives from lunch school programs to sponsoring little league teams .  When David joined Avatar in 2017 he grew to appreciate the work-life balance of the insurance industry.  As an Underwriting Account Executive he balanced reviewing risks and analyzing comparative raters to improve the agent experience. David strives to understand his clients and help homeowners to understand the risks as carriers see them. When asked his favorite part of his work he says, "I enjoy the investigative challenge of assessing risks by incorporating my people skills into the understanding of risks."  His sales experience and underwriting backgroun...

What’s our greatest attribute? OUR STAFF! In honor of Employee Appreciation Day we’d like to shine the spotlight on the hardest working team out there making insurance simple for you! A New Jersey native, Missy Schwerdt , first began working at an insurance finance company for five years. Her move to Florida introduced her to Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance where she has been working since 2019 . Missy has been a valuable member of the company, and has gained experience across a variety of areas, including the claims department, which sets her apart as an insurance professional.  If you need help understanding your policy and would like to lower your premiums, be sure to reach out to Missy and she will make every effort to assist you. Originally from Rochester, NY, Douglas Irwin was introduced to sales and contact management software while working at Hightech Computer Solutions . After selling his own business, he joined the insurance industry as a Risk Management Cons...

Whether you’ve moved into a new home or you’ve been rooted for many years taking the time to review your policy is a simple way to ensure you're properly covered. As your life changes your insurance coverage should change with it. From renovations and new purchases to updated appliances, make sure there are no gaps in your coverage. Here are some ideas you can consider when renewing your insurance policies:

  New Year Celebrations and Resolutions New team, new carriers, more savings than before! With 2021 in full swing, this is an important time to reflect and plan for the year ahead. As we look back at 2020 , we are proud to acknowledge the growth of our agency with news team members and expanded carrier options for our policyholders. Moving forward, we aim to continue keeping insurance simple for you and providing quality care for your insurance needs. Here are five tips to help you kickstart your insurance savings in the new year: