Hello May!

We hope this finds you well today. As we look ahead, May's shaping up to be pretty full from where we are. With school winding down and summer gearing up, there's a lot happening in the next few weeks. 

That said, we are excited to share a quick update from our team with news, resources, and insights that will help you move through the month with confidence and ease.

 In this newsletter:

• National Home Improvement Month
• Citizen's Proof of Primary Residence
• UIG's New Partner Carriers
• Eat What You Want Day
• 16 affordable family vacations, and more!

Maximizing Your Home's Value:
Smart Investments for National Home Improvement Month

May marks National Home Improvement Month and the perfect time to consider updates that enhance your living space and boost your home’s value. 

Whether you're selling soon or just maintaining your property's value, these projects promise the most bang for your buck. Here’s the latest from Remodeling.com’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report.

Top Home Improvement for 2024:

• Upgrading Your HVAC System: Switch to an energy-efficient model to provide a more comfortable living environment and enjoy an impressive 103.5% return on your investment. 
  
• Garage Door Replacement: An often underestimated yet effective upgrade, replacing your garage door can recapture about 102.7% of the cost. It's an instant facelift that significantly enhances curb appeal.
  
• Manufactured Stone Veneer: This aesthetic enhancement, whether indoors or out, offers an upscale look and a 102.3% return on investment, making it both a smart and stylish decision.
  
• Entry Door Replacement: A new front door can redefine your home’s entrance and recover around 100.9% of the expense. 
  
• Siding Replacement: Updating your home’s siding (94.7% return for vinyl and 88.5% for fiber cement) refreshes its appearance and contributes to energy efficiency.
  
• Minor Kitchen Remodel: With an 85.7% ROI, this project can revitalize the heart of your home without a complete overhaul.
  
• Vinyl Window Replacement: A practical update that ensures better insulation, offering a 72% return, especially beneficial in colder climates.
  
• Midrange Bathroom Remodel: This upgrade ensures a 66.7% return and can significantly enhance your bathroom's functionality and aesthetics.
  
• Wood Window Replacement: Though pricier, it upgrades your home’s look and feel while offering a 61.2% return on investment.
  
• New Asphalt Roofing: Essential for long-term peace of mind, this improvement recovers 61.1% of its cost at the sale, safeguarding your biggest investment. 

Not only do these improvements increase your home’s market value, but they can also be beneficial from an insurance standpoint. Upgrades like a new roof or updated windows can improve your home’s resilience against weather, possibly affecting your policy terms favorably.

Know that the UIG team is here to help with any insurance-related questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. 

CONTACT US TO KNOW MORE!

Why Citizen is asking for Proof of your Primary Residence

We're dedicated to keeping you informed about any developments in the insurance industry, whether they directly impact your policy or not. So, let's talk about something that's been in the spotlight recently: Citizen's Proof of Primary Residence.

If you're one of our valued clients with policies written with Citizen, you might have already received an email regarding a significant update approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. This update affects how Citizen calculates premium rates for non-primary residences in new and renewal Personal Lines business, starting from December 16, 2023.

To comply with this change, Citizen is now requesting policyholders to provide proof of their primary residence to confirm how the insured property is being utilized. Here are some documents you can submit:

• Homestead exemption
• Voter registration card
• Redacted Florida driver's license
• Redacted Florida Identification card
• Redacted military orders
• Utility bill
• Vehicle registration
• Lease agreement executed within the last 12 months

Additionally, you might be asked to sign an affirmation letter, confirming your understanding of the new policy.

If your policy is affected by these changes, rest assured that UIG will proactively reach out to you beforehand. We'll ensure you're fully informed about what's needed, so we can promptly request any necessary updates or changes to your coverage. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we're here to make this transition as smooth as possible for you.

QUESTIONS? TALK TO US.

FURTHER READINGS: 

We’ve rounded up several articles from around the web that are particularly relevant for this time of year. Enjoy! 

• More on Citizen: What is Depopulation, and why is it being done?
• Take a look back at April’s solar eclipse in photos  — no special glasses required. 
•  Spring cleaning not go as planned? Maybe a home carpet cleaner is the inspiration you need to finish strong. 
•  Take a second to learn more about this year’s biggest travel trend: “slow travel.”
•  Prep for a summer full of blockbusters with this list of movies by release date. 
• Take a peak at 16 family vacations that won’t break the bank from Travel + Leisure.
• 2024 Hurricane Season: One of the most active.

DID YOU KNOW:

We are now offering Home policies with Cypress Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Slide Insurance.

• Did you know one in two people will develop a mental health disorder during their lifetime? This Mental Health Awareness Month, make it a point to check in with your loved ones (and yourself) to assess their wellbeing. Online screening tools can help. 
• May is also National Foster Care Month. If someone you know is actively involved in foster care, ask about their experience and inquire if there are ways you can come alongside as a trusted adult. 
• Cinco de Mayo is Sunday, May 5. Here’s a smorgasbord of 50 of the best appetizers, salads, sides, entrees, and drinks to please everyone coming to your fiesta! 
• Saturday, May 11 is Eat What You Want Day. Enjoy — carbs and calories don’t count today!
• Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. Get a jump on honoring Mom this year with a curated list of gifts perfect for the big day. 
• Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. No matter how you’re marking this important day, we hope you have a wonderful long weekend.

That's all Folks!

Thanks for reading this month's newsletter.
If you have any insurance needs, questions, or concerns, please reach out.

We are here to help.