Hurricane Season is here; are you ready?

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 15, 2017 -- Atlantic Hurricane Season is here, and forecasters are predicting above-normal activity with five to nine hurricanes. Florida-based Brightway Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the U.S., is proactively contacting customers to help them prepare for the worst.

“Our goal is to provide expert counsel to consumers so their property is covered in the event of a storm or flooding,” said Brightway Founder and Chairman, David Miller. “Don’t wait until a storm is heading your way to think about your insurance coverage. Now is the time to ask your agent to review your policies and to make sure you have information on-hand in case you have to file a claim.”

In addition to outreach to its customers, Brightway offers these tips to everyone living along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico.

1. Store important documents
   Print and store important insurance information and documents in a plastic zip bag, so you have it ready to go in the event you are asked to evacuate. In addition to your policy number, include the name of the insurance carrier, the telephone number to report claims and the website. For recommendations on preparing documents, see the Emergency Financial Preparedness toolkit published by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater.
   
   
2. Request an annual insurance check-up
   Ask your agent to conduct an annual insurance review to make sure you have adequate coverage and that you can afford your deductibles. If you have renovated or added onto your home and have not adjusted your coverage to include the updates or new living space, it is very important to update your policy. If it is unclear how your Hurricane Deductible works, ask your agent to explain it. It is also a good idea to explore Flood insurance, which can provide coverage from damage caused by rising water from lakes, rivers, streams or oceans, as well as Ordinance and Law coverage, which can cover increased costs of re-construction as a result of upgraded building codes including electrical, plumbing and HVAC.
   
   
3. Prepare your home and family
   Build a disaster supply kit now that will enable you to live without power or water for several days. Basics include a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, non-electric can opener, flashlights and batteries. A portable generator may be a good investment, too, but be sure to read the instructions to avoid electric shock. If your town provides text or email alerts about weather events, sign up to receive real-time weather and traffic updates. Visit Ready.gov for additional recommendations on how to prepare for a hurricane.  

About Brightway Insurance
Brightway Insurance is a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies throughout the country. With more than $462 million in annualized written premium, the company is one of the largest property/casualty independent insurance agencies in the United States.

Brightway began franchising operations in 2008 and has since grown to more than 700 people in 14 states serving customers in all 50 states. Forbes has recognized the company as America’s No. 1 Franchise to Buy. Additionally, the company was named a top franchise three years in a row by Entrepreneur magazine and one of the fastest-growing private companies in America nine consecutive years by Inc. 5000. People wishing to learn more about Agency Ownership with Brightway may visit BrightwayDifference.com and find us on LinkedIn. Consumers seeking a better insurance buying experience may visit Brightway.com and find us on Facebook. 

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88fe10a2-65fb-4f3b-95af-3cb836b9ead3

Courtney Heidelberg
Brightway Insurance
904-405-1883
[email protected]