Bradenton Office: (941) 747-4600
Riverview Office: (813) 672-4100
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM
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Bradenton Office:
(941) 747-4600
Riverview Office:
(813) 672-4100
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM
Follow Us On :
Moving to Florida brings plenty of exciting decisions: where to live, how close to the water you want to be, and whether your new neighborhood feels like home. Whether you are buying in Bradenton, Riverview, Lakewood Ranch, or elsewhere in Florida, home...
Back-to-school season is here, and for many families, the return to school also means changes that can affect their insurance coverage. From adding a teen driver to your auto policy to sending a college student away from home, a new school year is a good time to...
Congratulations! The home is entirely yours. Almost immediately, a practical question follows: do you still need homeowners insurance after the house is paid off?Here is the honest answer up front. No Florida law requires you to carry homeowners insurance...
Home Insurance Savings for Homeowners in Sarasota, Tampa, and throughout Central FloridaWith homeowners insurance premiums continuing to rise across Florida, many homeowners are looking for legitimate ways to lower their annual insurance costs. One of the...
If you've recently been denied homeowners insurance—or received a non-renewal notice—your roof is likely the first place your insurance company looked. In Florida's challenging insurance market, the age and condition of your roof can determine whether...
Florida continues to welcome thousands of new residents every year, and for many, 2026 will be their first hurricane season. Even longtime Floridians can benefit from reviewing their hurricane preparedness plans before storm season begins. Every hurricane...
While hurricane season runs through November, it’s always a relief when we make it this far without major damage. But even though hurricane season is almost over, home disasters can happen at any time. For instance, home fires increase and are more severe...
What you need to know about insurance before sending your kid to college in FloridaSending a child to college is an exciting transition for the whole family. While they’re making plans for this step towards independence, don’t forget the importance of...
The Importance of Wind Damage Protection for Your Home While storm winds don’t cause as much monetary damage to Florida homes as water does, securing your home against wind can be one of the most important things you do. High winds and...
Tips to keep your family safe in the WaterWith kids out of school and summer vacations on the horizon, Florida residents are ready for some swimming fun. But before you and your family hit the pool or beach, please take a few moments to refresh your memory...
Steps to be Ready for Hurricane Season Ready or not, hurricane season is almost here. Scientists are predicting an above-normal hurricane season again this year, and Tampa Bay residents should start preparing, before it starts June 1. Here are...
Insurance for Condominiums in Florida If you want the experience of owning your own home, but don’t want all the maintenance hassles, you might decide that buying a condo in Florida is the best of both worlds. If you’re buying a Florida condo or already...
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and whether you’re a hurricane veteran or a newcomer to the state of Florida, now is the time to ready your home and family for the 2025 hurricane season. Here is some information to help. Hurricane...
Florida Mobile & Manufactured Home InsuranceThere are more than 20 million manufactured and mobile homes in the U.S., and Florida ranks third among the states for the highest number of this type of home. With Ocala and the Lakeland-Winter Haven area...
New Ring? Insure that Bling! When “engagement season” ended on Valentine’s Day, did you have a new diamond ring on your finger? Or maybe you recently inherited some valuable jewelry or bought a pricey watch? Jewelry often has both monetary and sentimental...
When you think of natural disasters in Florida, you probably think of hurricanes, or maybe flooding. But did you know that many Florida homes are also at risk for damage from wildfires? According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and...
One of the most common perils a Florida homeowner faces is not a hurricane, fire, or flood—it’s burglary. In 2019, a burglary occurred every 28.3 seconds in the U.S, according to the FBI. And while Florida homeowners insurance does commonly cover losses...
As you say goodbye to the old year and prepare for the new, you may be reflecting on the events of 2024 as well as thinking of personal and financial goals you’d like to achieve in 2025. You’re probably not thinking about your insurance needs—and that...
We hope you and your family safely weathered Hurricane Milton and are beginning the process of recovery. At Pacific Crest Lakewood, our agents are facing the same challenges you are, but we are committed to offering the best customer service we can during this...
While Floridians love water in the form of lakes, rivers, or the ocean, we definitely do NOT want to see it pouring into our homes from a broken pipe or flooded yard! Water damage is one of the most common—and expensive—homeowners insurance claims Florida residents...
Investing in your home is often a smart decision. But with the cost of Florida home insurance, you may want to prioritize home renovations that could also potentially save you money on your homeowners insurance. Consider making improvements which lessen the effects of...
The red-hot Florida real estate market has started to cool slightly, and property investors and others are finding that homes aren’t selling or renting as quickly as they had been. If a property remains empty for 30 days or more, it’s often considered a “vacant...
If you have homeowners insurance in Florida, you know how hard it is to find a policy you can afford with the coverage you need. You might think you’re home free once you do—and then it’s time to renew your policy. Hopefully, you’ll receive a renewal offer from your...
Last month we discussed some of the reasons Florida homeowners insurance is so expensive. Today, let’s see what we can do to make sure we’re not paying more than we have to. Here are nine ways you might be able to save money on your Florida homeowners...
Every week, clients ask us why their insurance keeps getting more expensive, even though they haven't made any claims. They're surprised and frustrated when they receive their renewal offer with rate increases from their home or auto insurance company. We’ve...
A house fire can be one of the scariest perils a Florida homeowner can face. House fires are a major cause of injury and death at home, and young children and the elderly are most at risk. It only takes a few minutes for a small flame to become a major fire. Let these...
In addition to the structure of your home, your Florida homeowners insurance also covers your belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed by a covered peril such as a house fire. But if you’re already stressed by a disaster, will you be able to remember what you own to...
At the start of a new year, many people resolve to get their finances in order. Pacific Crest Lakewood would like to remind you that appropriate insurance coverage is one of the best ways you can protect yourself from financial disaster....
With the cost of everything rising, from personal goods to homeowners insurance, it’s smart to look for ways to prevent loss before it happens. In our last post, we talked about ways to harden your home against damage. Today, let’s discuss some additional ways to...
For many people, a house is not a home without a dog—in fact, 85 million dogs live in U.S. households. While the vast majority of dogs never hurt anyone, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, most of them children. And in 2022, Florida had the second...
Solar panels and Florida sunshine might seem like a perfect match. And while it’s true that solar power is becoming more popular, installing solar panels on your roof can actually put your homeowners insurance coverage in jeopardy! Many Florida homeowners who have...
Trees are a great landscape feature, providing beauty, shade, a windbreak, and other benefits. But what if a tree falls on your property, or a large limb crashes down on your car? Will your Florida homeowners policy cover the damage? Does homeowners insurance cover...
When you buy insurance, you’re paying for something you hope you won’t need to use. But if you have a loss—your car is damaged in an accident, or a fire destroys your kitchen, for example—you’ll be thrilled that you have insurance in place! The right insurance policy...
Florida homeowners insurance is some of the most expensive in the nation, and it’s getting more challenging to find appropriate coverage. Once you’ve shopped for a policy that meets your needs, you’re all set, right? Hopefully, yes, but with the homeowners insurance...
When you’ve just come through a disaster like a hurricane, flood, or wildfire, the last thing you want to worry about is getting scammed. Unfortunately, when people are at their most scared and vulnerable, that’s when scammers try to take advantage. Here are a few...
When high prices make you feel financially pinched, you look for ways to save money on your expenses, including insurance premiums. One way to do this is to improve your credit score. Even though they aren’t the same, there is a connection between credit scores and...
This is a common complaint among our customers who find their home and auto insurance rates continue to rise, even when they haven’t had any claims. We know this can be frustrating and we always do our best to find the most competitive insurance rates, no matter what...
If you own a home in Florida, you know that homeowners insurance premiums are skyrocketing, and it’s getting harder for some to even find homeowners insurance. In 2022 alone, six Florida homeowners companies became insolvent, leaving thousands of consumers scrambling...
With the holidays and some of Florida’s nicest weather approaching, many of us are planning outdoor get-togethers. When the nights get cooler, one fun gathering spot is a fire pit—imagine relaxing around a fire, sipping a warm drink, maybe roasting marshmallows with...
As you’re shopping for home or auto insurance, you might come across the concept of the credit-based insurance score, or simply the insurance score. Hmm, that’s odd. What does credit have to do with insurance risk, and how does it affect the cost of your insurance?...
The high cost of home and auto insurance in Florida has us all thinking about ways to save money on policy premiums. While many factors are beyond your control, one that may help save money is your policy deductible. Generally, a higher deductible means lower...
When you buy a homeowners insurance policy, you’re purchasing protection for your family’s safe haven as well as your most valuable asset. A homeowners policy is intended to help you recover from a sudden and accidental loss, likely an expensive one, such as fire,...
Florida residents already pay some of the highest auto and home insurance rates in the country—and now inflation is making it worse. Some of the same factors driving inflation in general are driving premium increases across nearly all lines of insurance. These factors...
Ah, the smell of backyard barbecue—one of the best aromas of summer! July is National Grilling Month, and the height of “grilling season” across the US. And while most people go their whole lifetimes without an incident, July is also peak month for grill fires,...
The Florida insurance market is especially volatile right now, with many factors influencing the price of coverage. At Pacific Crest Lakewood, we follow developments in the insurance industry, and share them with our clients and prospective clients so you can...
It’s that time again. Just like death and taxes, preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season every year is inevitable for Tampa Bay residents. However, just because it happens every year, doesn’t mean you should become complacent or neglect your preparations. You and...
If you’ve purchased or renewed homeowners insurance lately, you know that premiums are skyrocketing. While there are several factors driving Florida’s insurance crisis, our high insurance prices are, in part, due to fraud and assignment of...
There are always plenty of things to do to maintain your Florida home—and spring is the perfect time to cross a few items off that home maintenance list. While there are many more than we’ve listed here, these spring home maintenance tasks will help you protect your...
In this tough real estate market, you’re excited that you found an older home to completely renovate before moving in. It’s going well—then you get the phone call. A fire burned the structure to the ground. Now what? Did you have the right...
When you think of Florida, you probably also think of water. We’re lucky to have gorgeous rivers, lakes, and the ocean practically right on our doorstep. Unfortunately, we also have the ever-present threat of water damage—whether from leaks, flooding, or sewer backup....
Almost every day we receive calls or emails from upset clients whose insurance premiums are going up, even when they’ve never made a claim. Some policies are going up by hundreds of dollars per year—what is happening? The Florida insurance market is in crisis,...
If you’re looking for a home in the Tampa Bay area, you’re home shopping in a real estate market that’s as hot as one of our August days! Zillow reported that home prices are still increasing, and that homes spent a median of just six days on the market in the months...
Florida homeowners may not have to prepare for cold weather the same way our northern neighbors do—but fall is still a great time to perform some important home maintenance tasks. Keeping your home in good shape will save you money by preventing expensive home repairs...
As summer winds down, your family might be spending more time playing outdoors—and maybe you have a jungle gym, pool, or even a trampoline so they can have a blast. While these things are great fun for your family and invited guests, how do they affect your homeowners...
You’ve probably seen TV commercials that talk about bundling your insurance coverage, and you may be wondering if bundling—buying more than one type of insurance policy from the same insurance carrier—is right for you. Could you save a significant amount of money by...
When you need insurance coverage, you have many decisions to make. One of the first ones may be whether to go with a captive insurance agent, or an independent insurance agent. What’s the difference? The main one is this: a captive agent works for one insurance...
The 2021 hurricane season is upon us. We were lucky last year, and Florida didn’t have to cope with a direct hit from a hurricane. But that’s not our norm, and we shouldn’t get lazy about preparing. According to the Tampa Bay Times, since 1851,...
The Florida homeowners insurance market is in turmoil, and Florida homeowners are paying the price—literally. Premiums are rising fast, and just recently two more homeowners companies received permission from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) to cancel...
While we in Florida are fortunate not to have to deal with the freezing cold and heavy snows of more northern states, we’re not exempt from nature’s wrath. In fact, we have quite a few natural disasters to be prepared for—in addition to hurricanes, Florida experiences...
Independent insurance agencies like Pacific Crest Lakewood, offer many advantages to insurance consumers. One of the main ones is that we are independent—we represent many different insurance carriers, and therefore are able to offer our clients a choice of...
If you’re buying a townhouse or condo, you might think that because your unit is one of a larger building, your home insurance needs will be different. This is not necessarily true. We're here to help you choose the best insurance for your home or condo....
The holiday season is upon us—finally something to celebrate in this challenging year! Most of us are decorating the house, wrapping or mailing gifts for loved ones, and planning (cautious) holiday meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a season of...
Just like any specialized industry, insurance has its own vocabulary. When you’re shopping for a new policy—or trying to make sense of the policy you already have—it helps to understand some of the most commonly used insurance terms. Plus, understanding these terms...
You expect your homeowners insurance to protect you if your home is damaged or destroyed by a disaster like a hurricane, if you’re burglarized, even if your home is hit by a car (or an aircraft)! But there are a few things that aren’t covered...
In addition to preparing for hurricanes, central Floridians should also be aware of another natural disaster common to our area: tornadoes. Surprisingly, Florida has a higher frequency of tornadoes (per 10,000 square miles) than any other state—and the coast between...
Since Florida auto and homeowners insurance rates are some of the highest in the nation, we understand why you’re looking for ways to save on your insurance premiums. However, before you search for your next insurance policy, remember the purpose of insurance: to...
Replacing a roof will likely be one of the larger expenses you’ll have as a Florida homeowner. And while you’re probably looking for ways to save money on that major expenditure, be aware that roofing scams are common, and could leave you out of pocket with a roof...
One way clients try to lower their property insurance premiums is to buy coverage for less than 100 percent of the value of the property. Within certain limits, this can be effective, though you need to remember that when you buy less coverage than your property is...
Central Florida is a great place to live—we have great beaches, warm temperatures, and a laid-back lifestyle. We also have the second highest average homeowners insurance premiums in the U.S., and our rates are most likely about to go up again. 5 Factors for Why...
No one wants to pay too much for their insurance, but Tampa Bay area consumers need to be cautious if they get insurance quotes that seem too cheap. There’s usually a reason for that—such as the cheap insurance policy being quoted is stripped...
Florida homeowners insurance is some of the most expensive in the nation, and the homeowners market here is one of the most complex for property insurers. Homeowners insurance companies in Florida must deal with many financial challenges, including claims from major...
As you prepare to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, Pacific Crest Lakewood wants to thank you for your business, and wish you a happy holiday. We also want to remind you of a few Thanksgiving safety precautions to take to ensure that you also have a...
During October, we’ve introduced you to one of our trusted partners, American Integrity. Not only does American Integrity offer programs for small boat owners and owners of high value homes, they also write coverage for more modest homes, condos, manufactured homes,...
A standard homeowners insurance policy covers many perils, such as damage or loss caused by theft, fire, or storms. It also protects you if you could be held legally responsible if someone is hurt or killed on your property. But it doesn’t cover everything....
Your home is your pride and joy. Not only does it shelter your family and welcome your friends, it’s likely your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s so important to purchase the right homeowners insurance. And for those of you who own high value homes, you...
Now that you’ve opened the presents and returned from your honeymoon, it’s time to consider some of the changes getting married will bring to your financial life. For instance, if you haven’t done so already, you should review, compare and consolidate your insurance...
What does your credit score have to do with insurance rates? Plenty. Since the 1990s insurance companies have been using consumers’ credit scores to help set insurance premiums. Industry studies have indicated that using credit-based scores helps insurance companies...
So far the Tampa Bay area has had a quiet hurricane season (knock on wood!). But that could change, and we may still experience one or more tropical storms or hurricanes. Before a storm hits, let’s take a look at one more way to reduce the chances of having...
Even though summer doesn’t officially start until June 21, we’re already experiencing increased thunderstorm activity in Riverview, Brandon, and nearby areas. Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries in the past 50...
Hurricane season starts again June 1. Are you ready? Is your homeowners insurance? In addition to basic preparations such as creating a disaster kit and reviewing evacuation plans, you should also review your homeowners insurance coverage so you won’t have any...
When you’re buying a home, there are many decisions and expenses to take into consideration. While it may be tempting to waive the home inspection contingency to make your offer more attractive to the seller or to save money, most of the time...
Why are Florida Insurance Premiums so high? Florida consumers pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country for auto and homeowners insurance, and it’s not because we are worse drivers or live in a state where hurricanes are prevalent. A major contributor...
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and love is in the air! Once you've taken care of your significant other, why not show your home some love? Maintaining your home can save you money, hassles—and maybe even a homeowners insurance claim! You don’t have to do a...
Shopping for insurance is no one’s idea of a good time, but here at Group, we try to make it as simple and painless and cost-effective as possible. We are an all-lines, local independent agency based in Riverview, and we work hard to get you the best insurance...
Do you Have Enough Homeowner's Insurance Coverage? Your homeowner's insurance policy is a key piece of your financial safety net. Not only does it cover what is probably your most valuable asset, your home itself, it also covers what’s inside your home—or does it?...
Does your insurance cover lightning damage? Even if you’re new to the Bradenton/Sarasota area, you’re probably already familiar with our frequent thunderstorms. After all, the Sunshine State could just as well be called the Lightning State—Florida experiences an...
Congratulations—your child is going off to college! While you’re packing up your student’s belongings and offering last minute advice, take a few minutes to think about how this new adventure affects your own and your college student’s insurance needs. Car Insurance...
Who doesn’t love to hear the words, “pool party”? Swimming and playing in a backyard pool is one of the best ways to have fun and stay cool during our hot Florida summers. However, homeowners need to be aware that swimming pools can be...
After 2017’s Hurricane Irma impacted nearly the entire state of Florida, most of us in the Riverview and Brandon area are taking hurricane preparations seriously this year. Hurricane experts have already indicated that the 2018 season should have slightly...
Most of us consider our dogs members of the family. They share our lives and our homes—but unfortunately, they may also leave us open to lawsuits. Even though it’s unlikely that your family pet will bite someone, it might be a good idea for you to make sure you...
While you want your home to be welcoming to your family and friends, you also want it to be unattractive to burglars. A few simple home security measures can decrease the chance that your home will be broken into. Burglars target homes that look like they’ll be easy...
Thinking of buying your first home? Buying a home is a big investment, so you want to make sure you understand the process and you’re ready to take the plunge. Doing your homework before starting to look for your dream home is one way to make sure you make a good...
High Value Item Insurance When all the wrapping paper has been thrown away, and you bask in the glow of another happy holiday, the last thing you want to think about is whether or not your new gifts are covered by your insurance. We get it. But if Santa’s been extra...
If a disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or fire strikes your home, you may find it temporarily uninhabitable, or even destroyed. Imagine if you have to live someplace else while your home is being repaired—how will you pay for the extra living expenses? Many...
Your vacation is a great way to relax, refresh, and reconnect. Before you go, there are a few things you should do to protect your home while you’re gone, and ease your reentry when you return. Make it hard for burglars to get in Collect any spare keys you have...
While you’re making plans for a summer vacation, packing up the kids, and making arrangements for the dog, the last thing on your mind might be your homeowners insurance. You can rest assured that even though you’re on vacation, your homeowners insurance is still...
The start of the 2017 hurricane season is just 10 days away. Are you ready? If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, you know how much havoc a storm can cause. Better to spend an hour or two now to save a lot of stress and worry when a storm is bearing down...
Spring weather has many of us thinking about home and landscape improvements. It’s a perfect time of year to spruce up our surroundings, and prepare for the coming heat, humidity, and summer storms. If you’re planning renovations or landscaping projects this spring,...
A few hasty words can cost you—especially if those words are in writing. Many people, especially children and teenagers, don’t realize that posting something negative and potentially damaging about a person, business, or organization can leave them open to a personal...
Helping Homeowners in Brandon, Tampa, and Riverview Florida make sure they aren't Underinsured We often talk about homes being our clients’ most valuable assets, and advise them to make sure their homeowners insurance is adequate to rebuild the home and fully replace...
Could you tell your insurance company every item you have in your home right now, and how much it’s worth? Probably not—and that could hurt you if your home is burglarized, severely damaged, or destroyed, and you have to make a claim on your...
Insurance Policies to Protect your Vacant Dwelling in Brandon, Tampa, Riverview and Surrounding Florida Empty buildings or buildings under construction or renovation present some unique concerns. An empty home or other building can be a magnet for vandalism, and if...
Now that the holidays are winding down, you may be thinking about your goals and plans for next year. If one of those plans is improving your financial condition, one way you can do this is to conduct a review of your current insurance coverage. Your goal is to have...
Home fires are the single most common disaster in the United States, according to the American Red Cross. In fact, chances are 1 in 4 that a household will have a fire large enough to be reported to the fire department during the average person’s lifetime. In...
It’s almost Halloween! Time for jack-o-lanterns, scary costumes, bowls of candy, excited children, haunted houses, and a whole host of spooky fun. We don’t want to scare you, but do remember Halloween brings increased risk of vandalism (home or vehicle), fire,...
Your home is your most valuable asset, and you want to be sure you’re covered financially if it’s damaged or destroyed. When shopping for homeowners insurance, make sure your policy’s coverages and limits are adequate and appropriate for your situation. We’ve noticed...
Saving Money on Homeowners Insurance with Wind Mitigation Inspection Report Home Insurance Tips for Floridians Including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa Did you know some common construction features of Florida homes could save you money on your...
Oh no! You’ve just had a leaky pipe flood your bathroom and bedroom. While you’re busy fixing the pipe, mopping up and drying out, along comes a water mitigation company that wants you to sign a contract that allows them to deal directly with...
Homeowners Insurance Tips for Florida Residents Including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa Buying a home can be so overwhelming that it’s easy for first-time buyers, especially, to give minimal thought to the homeowner’s insurance process. Yet, if something happens to...
Using Technology to provide Easy Online Homeowners Insurance Quotes to All Floridians Easy Homeowners Insurance Quotes in Brandon, Tampa, Riverview and Beyond We understand in today's busy world, many would like to conduct their business in a more tech-friendly and...
Liability Insurance and Your Homeowners Policy Protecting your Home in Brandon, Tampa, Riverview or other cities in Florida Liability coverage is a common section of a homeowners insurance policy. Basically, it's financial protection for you and your family. While no...
Unit Owners Special Coverage A: What is it? Condo Insurance Policy Endorsement for Brandon, Tampa, Riverview, Florida and Beyond Great question. I quote a lot of condos at L&M Insurance Group, and I always include "Special Coverage A."...
Can I save money with a multi-policy discount? Why Bundling Insurance Might Cost You More Another way I hear this question asked is; if I bundle my auto and home insurance with you, will I get a discount? It's a great question, and there are...
Hurricane Season Preparation in Florida Including Brandon, Tampa, Riverview and other Florida Cities The 2015 Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs until November 30. If you haven't started, you need to prepare now. Hurricane Emergency Kit If you don't have a...
Choosing the right Insurance Agent Can Make a big difference in your Insurance Rates Does It Really Matter Where You Buy Insurance? Yes, and making the wrong choice could be costing you money, service and coverage protection. Purchasing insurance for your car, home,...
How Do We Determine the Replacement Cost Estimate of Your Home or Investment Property? When we insure your home we insure it for its "replacement cost estimate," and I get asked all the time, "How did you come up with that amount?" That's a fair question, but...
Brandon and Tampa Insurance Advice How Much Should I Insure My Home For? Here is a question I hear from my customers a lot: "I can't sell my house for that much, so why do I have to insure it for that much?" With the downturn in property values, many people find...
Homeowners Insurance Discount for Alarm System Brandon, Tampa, and Riverview Florida Homeowners Insurance Tips Alarm Systems that keep you safe and lower your bill Can I get a discount on my homeowners insurance for having a burglar and fire alarm system in my home?...