Boosting Employee Happiness in the Workplace

Low employee morale can lead to poor productivity and an increased turnover rate, ultimately impairing a business’ ability to reach goals. Over 40 percent of the American workforce admits that a lack of recognition is the top cause of unhappiness in the workplace. Any business worth its salt should understand the importance of establishing efforts to boost employee morale. A good supervisor will want to show compassion, but at its core, improved morale is good for business.

Incentive systems and raises definitely appeal to employees, but morale runs deeper than that. Though raises help pay the bills, they can’t make the daily grind any more enjoyable. Job satisfaction truly stems from an environment in which employees feel valued, respected and appreciated. Employees should be acknowledged as important members of the team; employees that feel as if they are disposable are likely to reflect those feelings in a shoddy performance.

The following is a list of ideas that can be used to improve employee morale at your business:

• Provide a suggestion box to allow shy individuals to contribute just as much as their extroverted peers. 
• Have department meetings at least once a month to discuss successes, areas for improvement and long-term goals. 
• Deliver positive feedback and recognition every time an employee performs a job well done.  
• Partner with local businesses to offer employees discounts at nearby restaurants, dry cleaners, movie theaters, spas etc. It’s a win-win deal where your employees save a few bucks and local businesses attract more customers.   
• Plan fun team-building events such as a company-wide game day or an employee-sponsored lunch outing.  
• Allow individuals to host club meetings for book clubs, knitting clubs, gardening clubs etc. in conference or break rooms.   
• Allow teams to participate in community service together. An afternoon every month or two gets employees out and about, which can reinvigorate their work attitudes.

Happy employees are only one piece of a successful business. Call Pro Player Insurance Group at 855-367-7744 for more information on Fort Lauderdale business insurance.

Understanding the Affordable Care Act

With the new healthcare exchange, called the Health Insurance Marketplace, officially open for business, many people are still unsure of what the changing landscape of healthcare means for them specifically. You can rest assured knowing that the marketplace is not a government takeover; rather, it’s a one-stop shop where you can compare insurance plans and premiums from private insurance carriers all in one place.

The purpose of the healthcare overhaul is to make health insurance (provided by trusted private carriers) available and more affordable, while providing better, more stable coverage for everyone in the country—no more stressful choices between a trip to the doctor and paying an important bill. To assist individuals who earn lower incomes, you may be eligible for subsidized (lower cost) premiums if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Annual income between $11,490 and $45,960 for individuals
• Annual income between $23,550 and $94,200 for a family of 4
• Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) recipients

Once you enter the marketplace, you will be prompted to answer a few short questions about yourself. You can then review policy options and access information about a variety of healthcare topics. The marketplace’s enrollment has experienced technical glitches due to a huge wave of web traffic, but you are still able to access helpful information pertaining to healthcare and how the marketplace can assist your quest for coverage.

There are four tiers of healthcare plans—bronze, silver, gold and platinum—that offer various premiums, deductibles and co-pays. However, they all must offer comprehensive benefits including preventative care, physician visits, hospital stays and prescription drugs. Each of these plans is offered by many trusted insurance carriers for you to choose from. However, certain information is not included in the marketplace and you may want to contact the carriers of your interest for more information about the following:

• The maximum out-of-pocket expenses that you are liable for per year
• If your doctors are in-network
• The number of covered doctor visits per year
• The amount of prescription drug coverage

To motivate individuals to obtain insurance through the marketplace (for those who don’t receive coverage through their employer), a penalty will be charged starting in 2014 to those individuals with no health insurance. This penalty will be either a percentage of your income (growing from one percent in 2014 to 2.5 percent in 2016) or a specific dollar amount (starting at $95 in 2014 and growing in excess of $695 by 2016).

Still have questions about purchasing healthcare with the recent changes? Call Pro Player Insurance Group at (954) 316-4662 for more information on Fort Lauderdale health insurance.

Don't Let A Flood Catch You Unprepared

If a flood is predicted to occur in the near future, there are some precautions you can take to protect your valuables and ensure an easier cleanup process before evacuating.

Safeguard your possessions

If you haven’t already, create a complete home inventory documenting your possessions and their values for insurance purposes. Store this list (with photos) somewhere safe, like a safety deposit box, along with copies of your insurance policies, your agent’s contact information, finance records, birth certificates, receipts from major purchases and other critical documents. Remove and safely store valuables, irreplaceable/sentimental objects and furniture.

Prepare your home

Depending on how much time you have, remove carpeting, drywall and other porous materials that will soak up water and grow mold. Turn off all appliances and remove or raise them above the projected flood level. Shut off your water, electricity and gas. Anchor or drain any fuel tanks to prevent fuel spills. Water pressure can break basement windows, so you may consider removing or opening the window panes.

Develop an emergency plan

Evacuation routes from home, work and school should be mapped and practiced by your entire family. Don’t forget to plan for your pets; they should not be locked up and prevented from escaping. Pack an emergency kit (or backpacks) that contain:

·         A three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for every member of your family
·         Flashlights with extra batteries
·         Portable weather radio
·         First aid supplies with a seven-day supply of any prescription medications
·         Cell phone and camera (for photos of damage) with chargers
·         Blankets
·         Extra set of car keys, house keys and cash
·         Clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, baby supplies and pet supplies
·         Copies of important documents and emergency contacts’ information
·         Sanitation and hygiene items
·         Bug repellent and sunscreen
·         Multi-purpose tool

The most important thing to do is get yourself and your family to safety. Material possessions can be replaced; you and your loved ones cannot. However, being prepared can significantly reduce the time, money and effort it will take to clean up after disaster strikes.

Floods can cause serious damage, but a flood insurance policy can protect you from the serious expense. Call Pro Player Insurance Group at (855) 367-7744 for more information on Fort Lauderdale flood insurance.

Clearing Up Some Health Insurance Questions

When branching out on your own for the first time, the amount of healthcare policies can be overwhelming: cancer, critical illness, accident, etc. What’s the difference between a cash cancer policy and a cancer care policy? Have no fear – this article will answer that question and many others like it.

Why do I need a cancer/critical illness/accident policy?

One word: protection. In the event that you are ever diagnosed with cancer, have a stroke or heart attack or are in a serious accident, chances are your savings will not be enough. Even if those savings covered the medical bills, how would you pay for the continued upkeep of your home or the bills that continue to pile up? Something like 78% percent of Americans lack the insurance coverage they actually need. Don’t fall into that count.

Should I double up on insurance?

No. While a higher payout is nice, many companies will not allow a single policyholder to have a cancer care policy (which covers hospital stays and other expenses due to cancer) in addition to a critical illness policy (which covers stroke, heart attack and cancer). The maximum amount of coverage often caps around $300,000, and your premiums would increase to cover the additional coverage, as well. Being over-insured is unnecessary.

What is the difference in cancer policies?

Some insurance companies offer a cash cancer policy and a cancer care policy. The cash cancer policy pays the insured a set amount of money upon the first diagnosis, while the cancer care policy covers treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, in addition to hospital stays and doctors’ and nurses’ fees, among other related expenses.

What is accident coverage for?

If the insured is ever involved in an accident (such as a car wreck), the policy would provide coverage for hospital stays, rehabilitation and other medical expenses. However, any expense may only be covered under the condition that it is due to the accident.
Does that clear things up? Great. If not, remember to check back here for more information. If you have any questions, or would like a personalized needs analysis for what Fort Lauderdale Health Insurance best suits you, call Pro Player Insurance Group at 855-367-7744.

Protect your Home from Windstorms

Hurricane season is now in full swing and being prepared now for a windstorm or hurricane can save you from devastating financial losses, severe injuries and even loss of life. To lessen the damages or injuries from the impact of a storm, preparation steps should be taken. These steps can also help to speed up restoration work and the filing of insurance claims afterwards, if necessary. Let's have a closer look now on how to be better prepared.

Home Inventory

Having a detailed and thorough inventory list will go a long way towards filing claims efficiently and quickly. Document each room with video and written documentation. Keep receipts, model numbers, and manufacturer names to speed up the settlement process. You may need to consider extra insurance for the more expensive items.

Home and Landscape Improvements

Bark is a great choice for landscaping your grounds. If it gets blown around, it will do far less damage than gravel or rocks. Trim trees back to reduce the possibility of large or dead branches from being broken off and blown around, which could cause severe destruction.

Metal roofs are the most durable against windstorms and other severe weather, more so than tiles or shingles. Consider installing impact windows and/or hurricane shutters for better protection against gale force winds.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowners insurance policy on a regular basis to ensure that it provides coverage for full replacement value. You may need to purchase separate policies for wind, flood, and hail damage. Check with your state regulators as you may require storm resistance construction before qualifying for coverage. 

If your home does get damaged and you need to do major renovations, you may be required to bring your home up to municipal building standards. Review your policy to see if you have land and ordinance coverage. This type of policy will recover costs related to bringing your home up to building standards. If your home insurance policy does not cover this or you think you need more, consider adding it to your policy.

Safety Plan

Have a safety route mapped out that avoids low lying areas. If bridges or roads are washed out, you don't want to run the risk of being swept away in your vehicle.Become familiar with the location of emergency shelters and include them in your safety route. Know how to turn off electrical power, gas, and water and include these tasks in your to-do list. Make a meeting place designated outside the neighborhood for all family members in the event that the storm occurs when people are away from home. 

If you would like to review your policies with a professional who specializes in these types of policies, please give Pro Player Insurance Group a call at 855-367-7744 for further details about Fort Lauderdale Windstorm Insurance.

Minivan Insurance during your Summer Vacation

The mercury starts to rise, the leaves start to sprout and before you know it, it's time to start planning your summer vacation. Taking the family away for a much needed break is what keeps many people sane throughout the year, and one of the most popular ways to do it is by driving a minivan across the country. However, if you're thinking of buying a minivan, you should consider some pertinent factors before making your decision, as the model you finally decide on could have consequences on your auto insurance costs.

A large minivan can be capable of seating up to 15 passengers, but while SUVs are often considered to be far more attractive, the insurance costs associated with even the largest minivans can be significantly lower. Minivans are functional vehicles, capable of storing large amounts of luggage for long road trips. Seats can often be folded away to make room for extra luggage, and open-plan interiors are perfect for monitoring children during transit. Minivans are usually equipped with standard performance features and modest power capabilities, so they are less expensive to buy and cheaper to fill up. They also incur far lower insurance costs. A Ford Explorer, for instance, can cost up to $900 per year more to insure than the Ford Freestar Minivan - a considerable difference in price.

4 Tips For your Minivan Insurance

• Maximize Your Coverage - Avoid the temptation of paying for the state's minimum level of coverage. Taking a long road trip in such a large vehicle is fraught with potential for accidents, and causing a write-off with insufficient coverage will leave you with a hefty bill. 
• Increase Your Deductible - You can save up to 40% on your annual premiums by increasing your deductible. However, it is important to ensure that your levels of coverage don't change accordingly by checking the small print on your policy.
• Be Realistic About Your Mileage - If you are planning several long trips in your minivan, take the time to calculate your estimated annual mileage with a degree of accuracy. Exceeding the maximum mileage as stated in your insurance policy could invalidate your insurance.
• Choose a Minivan Carefully - Insurance companies like risk to be reduced wherever possible, so purchasing a minivan with additional safety features could result in lower premiums. Stability control and curtain airbags are features that are favored by auto insurance providers.

Embarking on a road trip with your family this summer should be a time of great joy and excitement, but it can quickly turn sour if your coverage falls short of your requirements. Protect your property and your family by calling us at 855-367-7744. Our insurance experts can advise you on the best Fort Lauderdale auto insurance coverage for your needs.  

Advantages of an Umbrella Insurance Policy

Susan Henry was in a rush. She had exactly fifteen minutes to make the 20-minute drive to pick up her daughter, Claire, from ballet practice, which was putting her another 30 minutes behind on getting her two-year old twins from swim lessons. And let’s not forget about the roast in the oven. When she stopped at the next red light, she quickly typed out a text message to her husband asking if he could swing by to get the twins on his way home. The light turned green as she finished her text and she took off into traffic. …Only, it wasn’t her green light and she smashed her 2010 BMW Xi head-on into an old Honda Civic driven by a 16-year-old girl.

Thankfully no one was hurt, but more than one witness saw Susan texting. Sensing the driver of a BMW SUV must have a lot of money, the parents of the victim decided to sue Susan for all she was worth. The Henry family was comfortable, but not wealthy. They worked hard for their house and other assets—a boat, an RV and their two new cars. The $1,000,000 lawsuit was significantly more than the $100,000 they had saved in their kids’ college fund.

Thankfully, their auto policy covered up to $500,000, but the plaintiff refused to settle for this lesser amount, leaving the remaining balance to the Henrys to pay out of pocket. After draining their life savings, the Henrys were forced to sell their home, boat and one of their cars to pay off the rest of the lawsuit. As they are unable to receive a loan with such high debt, the family of five now shares one car and is renting a small two-bedroom apartment.

Don’t let this nightmare become your reality. If the Henry family had been protected by an umbrella policy, they could have avoided the terrible consequences of this horrific scenario.

An umbrella policy is a type of liability insurance policy that protects both your future income and assets in situations like the one above. It goes into effect after the other policies have been exhausted. If the Henrys had the protection of an umbrella policy, it would have paid the remaining $500,000 that the auto insurance policy didn’t cover and they would have owed nothing additional out of pocket. These types of policies are ideal for anyone with assets that are worth more than the limitations of their individual insurance policies.
If you think that a Fort Lauderdale umbrella insurance would be able to give you peace of mind, contact Pro Player Insurance Group today at 855-367-7744 to see how we can help.

The Basics of Condo Insurance

Do you own a condominium? To you, condo ownership may represent a feasible way to home ownership. Or maybe it represents a second residence in some exotic location you like to visit. Or maybe it’s an investment to generate rental income. Regardless of why you own, understand that insuring a condo is much different than insuring a traditional home.

Statutes and Paperwork
A thorough review of your master deed (often called declarations or “docs”) is necessary to adequately insure your condo. Unfortunately, these docs can be multiple pages of legalese that make it difficult to decipher insurance requirements. Further, your association’s bylaws may contain important insurance information. And if it wasn’t confusing enough already, some states have statutes which dictate condo insurance requirements.  For these reasons, a best practice is to review your insurance needs with a trusted insurance adviser, like your independent insurance agent.

Click to learn more about the definition of unit and loss assessments among others.

Properly insuring your condo is complicated. Your independent insurance agent can help you secure the insurance you need to eliminate surprises if the worst happens. Give us a call and we can get you a free Fort Lauderdale condo insurance quote - 855-367-PPIG (7744).

Fort Lauderdale Auto Insurance

Located in Davie Florida, Pro Player Insurance Group provides Home, Commercial and Auto Insurance to the Southern Florida area of Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Fort Meyers Florida. The South Florida area is an ideal place to live, work and play. With its beautiful beaches, diverse community, great weather and surplus of recreational activities, the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida is chosen by many as a wonderful place to live and raise their family. Pro Player Insurance Group is a family owned and operated independent insurance agency that seeks to serve the insurance needs of Floridians. We understand how much you value the elements that make up your life, because we value them in our lives, too.  We hope you will look at Pro Player Insurance Group to secure your home, family and life. 

Home, Commercial and Auto Insurance

Insurance is an important element in making your home and life secure. Home insurance lays a foundation of security for your home. Buying home insurance is a simple but important task that can save you thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency, and can offer you unparalleled peace of mind. If you owe a mortgage on your home, home insurance is usually required but even if your home is fully paid for, having the security of home insurance is essential. Having home insurance is more than just checking off a list of requirements, it is a necessary security for the investment of your home. 

Pro Player Insurance Group offers commercial auto, general liability and workers compensation to protect your business and employees. We specialize in matching businesses with the most appropriate policies for their commercial insurance needs. Just as home insurance protects the investment of your home, commercial insurance protects the investment of your business. Don't rest in a hope that nothing bad happens in your business, commercial insurance can be there to cover the risks that can happen in the future. 

Auto insurance can be formatted to fit your specific needs and life. At Pro Player Insurance Group, we are committed to finding you the best insurance policy at the best rate that fits your specific needs and life. If you’re truly looking to save money, it’s important that you work with an agent who has your best interests at heart—and one who will go the extra mile to determine your eligibility for every possible savings and discount. As an independent insurance agent, we promise to do just that - walk with you through the process of finding the best insurance policy available. 

Legal Services

As a LegalShield independent associate, we can offer you comprehensive legal services with dedicated law firms at a fraction of what they traditionally cost. For a small monthly fee (less than $20 per month), LegalShield enables you to talk to an attorney as often as needed - without worrying about high hourly costs. Because the attorneys aren't waiting to get paid, and instead are prepaid, they're motivated to handle your legal needs efficiently and effectively. 

Issues to discuss with your Fort Lauderdale agent 

Here are  a few things to be sure to ask your agent when you are deciding on insurance:

• How do I file a claim in the case of an accident?
• Does the insurance company that is providing the policy have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly? Are they easily accessible?
• What policies are available for my home, property or multi-car needs?
• What policy will cover the cost to rebuild my home and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed in a flood or hurricane? (Ask your agent to talk you through your home's features and the materials you own so you can make an informed decision about coverage)
• Will my home, business and car be protected against flood, windstorm and/or hurricane?

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about Fort Lauderdale auto insurance, home or commercial insurance, or about LegalShield and other legal services, give Pro Player Insurance Group a call at 855-367-7744.  All around Fort Lauderdale, throughout Florida, from Miami to Tampa, we are here  to answer any questions you may have and walk with you through the process of finding the best insurance for your life. We hope you'll let Pro Player Insurance Group help secure your future and that of your family.