Selina Austin - Southern Insurance Group

04/30/2026

🧯 Do you know where your fire extinguisher is?

If there were a fire in your kitchen right now, could you grab your extinguisher in under 10 seconds? Most people don't realize that these lifesavers have an expiration date. Generally, they need to be replaced every 10 to 12 years.

Pro-Tip: Check the pressure gauge today! If the needle isn't in the green, it needs to be replaced or recharged.

🔄 The "Annual Shake"
Once a year, take your dry chemical extinguisher and tip it upside down for a few shakes. Over time, the fire-fighting powder inside can settle and pack down. Shaking it ensures that when you pull the trigger, the powder actually comes out instead of staying stuck at the bottom!

🖐️ Remember "PASS"
If you ever have to use it, just remember this simple acronym:

Pull the pin.

Aim at the base of the fire (not the flames!).

Squeeze the lever.

Sweep side-to-side.

04/23/2026

Huge thank you Christy Morgan & Michelle with RE/MAX Collective for inviting me to join their impromptu team lunch yesterday!

This group is incredibly dynamic and brings so much local expertise to the table. These are just fantastic agents who are also fellow Bloomingdale High School alumni!

Go Bulls! 🤟🏼

There’s nothing better than local pros supporting local pros. If you’re looking for a team that truly knows the heart of our community, these are your people!

04/14/2026

I tell my clients often, if you own a home in Florida, you 100% need Uniform Wind Mitigation Inspection.

The popular My Safe Florida Home grant program still has funds available and they're still offering FREE Wind Mitigation Inspection that normally costs $100-$150.

The state-funded grant program helps cover the costs of wind mitigation improvements that enhance your property’s hurricane resistance, such as impact-rated windows and fortified roofs. Even better? Those upgrades can also lead to real savings on your homeowners insurance.

The grant has limited funding and tends to receive a lot of interest early on, but a client just told me they are still offering these inspections. Once received, send it to your insurance agent so we can re-underwrite your policy to maximize the savings you are entitled to!

Link in the comments ---->>

[email protected]
813-556-7714

04/11/2026

There’s a strange, beautiful poetry in the fact that our journey to the Moon begins and ends with the ocean. Watching the sunrise over the waves that welcomed her home last night feels like a promise for the future.

Welcome home, . The moon has never felt closer… 🚀🌍

04/10/2026

It’s common for loans to be sold to a new lender shortly after closing—often within the first 30 days. While you’ll get a letter in the mail, your insurance agent might not!

Why it matters:
If your home insurance is paid through an escrow account, having the wrong lender on file creates a billing mismatch. If the bill goes to the old lender, it won't get paid, which could lead to a lapse in your coverage.

What to do:
As soon as you receive that "Notice of Transfer" letter, snap a photo or scan it and forward it to our office. We’ll update your policy immediately to ensure your home stays protected without interruption.

📌 Pro-Tip: Don’t assume the bank handled the insurance side! A quick email to your agent saves a major headache later.

04/09/2026

It was a fun day at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce talking insurance and listening to Dr. Ken Atwater share the proposed transformational plans to move the Tampa Bay Rays from St. Pete to the Hillsborough Community College Tampa Campus.

Imagine it: the Bucs, the Rays, and the Yankees Spring Training all essentially in the same neighborhood! 🏟️ Beyond the sports, this move would bring modern facilities for students and a world-class ballpark that will anchor our community’s growth for decades.

04/08/2026

Trees can beautify your property, but during storms, they can become a risk. Inspect for dead or broken limbs, watch for leaning trunks, and keep trees healthy with pruning, watering, and pest control. Taking care of your trees can help protect your home and family during severe weather.

Trees can beautify your property, but during storms, they can become a risk. Inspect for dead or broken limbs, watch for leaning trunks, and keep trees healthy with pruning, watering, and pest control. Taking care of your trees can help protect your home and family during severe weather. #...

04/06/2026

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start. Cleaning gutters, checking for leaks, and inspecting home systems now can help prevent bigger problems later. Review this spring home maintenance checklist to get started.

04/01/2026

Lets talk about roadside assistance and why I don't recommend carrying it on your personal auto insurance policy. While it’s convenient, I almost always recommend a separate, standalone program instead.

Here’s why:

The "Claim" Factor: Many insurance carriers treat a roadside call as a small claim.

Vanishing Discounts: I recently had a client whose renewal rate jumped because they used their roadside service, causing the company to strip away their "Claim-Free" discount.

Rate Hikes: If you use the service more than once, it can become the primary culprit for a surprise rate increase.

In a true emergency, use what you have! But for long-term savings, a third-party program (like AAA or similar) is usually the smarter play to keep your insurance record clean.

Policies vary by carrier—check your specific terms.

03/26/2026

“Do I really need to buy the collision waiver at the car rental agency?"

My answer is always YES. Here is why:

Protect Your Premiums: It keeps you from having to file a claim on your personal policy. We all know claims lead to rate increases—letting the rental agency handle the headache keeps your records clean. Not to mention, the claim is subject to your collision deductible, so you'll have to pay that on your personal policy.

Loss of Use Fees: Most personal auto policies don't cover "Loss of Use." If that rental car is in the shop for two weeks, the agency will charge you for the daily revenue they’re losing while it’s out of their fleet... and they will charge a premium for every day it sits.

Diminished Value: Rental companies may also charge for the reduced resale value of the car after an accident—another cost your standard insurance often won't touch.

Take the waiver. Keep your peace of mind. 🚗💨

Selina Austin
Southern Insurance Group
[email protected]
813-556-7714