Flood Insurance rates increase

Flood Insurance Premiums Jump in New Orleans Area


Louisiana accounted for the third most premiums through the National Flood Insurance Program as of Sept. 30, with policyholders having paid $343.49 million into the program.

Florida had the most with nearly 2.1 million policies at an average of $484.29, followed by Texas with 665,710 policies at an average of $535.30.

The total that would be paid out in a worst-case scenario would be $111.46 billion.

The average premium in every parish in the metro region climbed in September, the most recent month for which NFIP numbers are available.

-- Orleans: 89,671 policies at an average of $871.08, more than the $866.06 average in August;

-- Plaquemines (unincorporated areas only): 6,129 at an average of $782.22, up from the $778.19 average in August;

-- Jefferson (unincorporated areas only): 97,773 at an average of $746.17, more than the $743.31 average in August;

-- St. Charles (unincorporated areas only): 11,949 at an average of $691.95, more than the $687.80 average a month earlier;

-- St. John: 6,530 at an average of $649.05, up from the August average of $646.89;

-- St. Bernard (unincorporated areas only): 12,179 for an average of $593.14, more than the $590.12 average in August;

-- St. Tammany (unincorporated areas only): 35,788 at an average of $553.09, nearly equal to the $553.60 in August; and

-- St. James (unincorporated areas only): 858 at an average of $411.72, slightly more than the August average of $411.

FEMA also provided the following breakdown by municipality:

-- Kenner: 16,166 policies at an average of $877.54;

-- Gretna: 3,718 policies at an average of $860.69;

-- Slidell: 8,049 policies at an average of $817.62;

-- Covington: 1,390 policies at an average of $695.66;

-- Westwego: 1,539 policies at an average of $638.19; and

-- Harahan: 2,657 policies at an average of $569.67.

Statewide, there were 492,817 policies at an average of $697, while there were nearly 5.6 million policies nationwide at an average of $617.85.


Contact us for a Flood Quote today

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Boat Insurance

Sinking boat insurance myths

You don't believe in the Loch Ness Monster. You don’t believe your friend caught Jaws fishing off the Florida coast. So why do most boaters believe boat insurance covers them wherever they go?

Progressive surveyed more than 1,000 boat owners. It uncovered a few insurance myths floating around. Here's a sample of the findings and the facts behind each:

Myth: Everyone pays more for insurance because of the hurricanes from a couple of years ago.

Reality: Even though it’s believed by 74 percent of respondents, it isn’t true. Boat insurers generally price policies based on claims in each state. For example, Ohio customers won't pay more for insurance because of hurricanes in Florida.

Myth: Boat insurance covers me anywhere I decide to go boating.

Reality: Seventy-six percent of respondents believed this one. The reality is some insurers only provide coverage where the boat is used most. Insurers may limit coverage to 100 nautical miles of your home port. Progressive provides coverage virtually anywhere you decide to go in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Myth: I’ll get a better insurance rate if I buy from the same company that insures my home or car.

Reality: Buying more than one product from the same insurance company doesn't mean you get the best rate – even though 45 percent of respondents thought so. Boaters can save by shopping around and combining specialized policies from different companies.

"It’s important to understand what’s available," said Dominic Mediate of Progressive. "You want to be properly protected in case your boat is stolen, you get into an accident or contents are damaged. We’re separating fact from fiction so boaters can make the best insurance decisions possible."

North Carolina Governor Says Irene Caused Millions in Wind and Flood Damage

North Carolina Governor Says Irene Caused Millions in Wind and Flood Damage

Auto insurance myths

Fact vs. Fiction: Uncovering auto insurance myths

Like a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying.
In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details. That can lead to frustration.

Following are five insurance myths heard by some of the more than 13,000 claims people at Progressive, one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies:

Myth: I bought “full coverage” so everything’s paid for.

Reality: There is no such thing as “full coverage.” In most states, only liability insurance is mandatory. There are a lot of other coverage options out there, so select what you need and can afford based on your personal situation.

Myth: I need three estimates before my wrecked vehicle can be repaired.

Reality: Not necessarily. Very few insurers actually require this, although some might. If you decide to use a shop that’s in an insurance company’s “network” of pre-approved shops you may just have to get an estimate from that shop.

Myth: My insurance premium always increases if I’m involved in an accident.

Reality: It depends. Your rate can increase, decrease or stay the same. The information about your accident is combined with other information about you, your car and your driving history to determine your rate.

Myth: If I lend my car to someone and he/she crashes it, I’m covered.
Reality: Not so fast. If you or your friend don’t have optional physical damage coverages, damage to your vehicle generally won’t be covered.

Myth: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows; and my new car is covered.

Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy.

“Insurance can be complicated,” says Chuck Crist of Progressive. “It’s not something people deal with every day. So the more informed you are, the better choices you’ll make.”

Progressive Snapshot

With Snapshot, Progressive’s usage-based insurance program, you could turn your good driving into huge savings—of up to 30 percent—on your car insurance. In 30 days, save up to 30%.

Here’s how our usage-based insurance program works:

Request Snapshot Quote.
Sign up for Snapshot when we quote your Progressive car insurance policy.

Plug the device into your car.
Progressive will mail your Snapshot device to you, along with details on where to plug it into your car.

Drive as you normally do.
For the next 30 days, you’ll keep track of your good driving habits with the Snapshot device. You can log in to your Progressive policy anytime to see your projected Snapshot DiscountSM.

Enjoying your savings
On day 31, your initial Snapshot savings—which can be anywhere from 0 to 30 percent— kicks in. After six months, you’ll send back the device, we’ll finalize your driving snapshot, and you can keep saving for as long as you’re insured by Progressive.

You can only save money with Snapshot—your rate won’t go up—but if at any point, you decide the program isn’t right for you, just call us and then send back your device.

Quote and enroll in Snapshot to try usage-based insurance today!

Contact us at www.firstmetroagency.com

Savings on New Car Purchase

New Car Purchase Savings

Seven Shopping Strategies For New Car Buyers

New car shopping can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).

Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews, incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.

So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of First Metro Agency, in mind:

1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?

2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing person.

4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.

5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal.

6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.

7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.

Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost.

Wise car buyers know to shop around for insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit an independent insurance agency – like First Metro Agency. We can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price.

We are proud to represent Progressive Insurance.

To get a Progressive quote with First Metro Agency, visit www.firstmetroagency.com or call us 888.393.3131
Posted by First Metro Agency at 10:15 AM

First Metro Insurance Agency website

First Metro Insurance Agency recently upgraded its website to include video and online contact quote forms. We are able to quote multiple homeowners insurance companies that are wanting to write your business. Take a look at our new website www.firstmetroagency.com