gteready

Before the storm, there's the what-ifs

Get financially prepared

In the event of severe weather, GTE has you covered!

Living in beautiful Tampa Bay means occasionally having to deal with severe weather. Here are tips and resources to help ensure you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us.

Financial preparation tips

  1. Questions about Flood Insurance1? – Coverage starts 30 days after your policy is purchased.
    • GTE Insurance is an independent, locally operated agency that understands the unique needs of Florida insurance clients. We handle the legwork to find the best insurance coverage for you at a competitive price. Contact us about Flood, Auto, Homeowners, and Commercial coverage with no obligation.
    • Request a free insurance quote today!
  2. Consider opening a credit card
    • When you need access to funds in an emergency, having a reliable credit card already in your wallet is key!
    • GTE offers 4 amazing cards with some of the lowest rates in the nation, and we offer members zero liability on fraudulent transactions. Plus, while you're getting your house ready for storm season, certain credit cards allow you to earn reward points on purchases at home improvement stores.
    • Easily apply online or by visiting a Community Financial Center.
  3. Payment protection
    • When you take out a loan, payment protection can help provide payment options in the event of involuntary unemployment, disability, or death.
    • Learn more
  4. Guaranteed Asset Protection
    • If your vehicle is a total loss, don’t get stuck paying for a car that you can no longer drive. GAP insurance helps cover the difference between what you may owe on your vehicle loan and what your insurance company will pay.
    • Learn more
  5. We Can Help program
    • Who you have a loan with matters. If you have a GTE home or consumer loan, and you experience a financial hardship, our dedicated We Can Help team has helped thousands of members through difficult times. While debt consolidation companies may seem helpful, contact your credit union first—there may be better options.  
    • Learn more
  6. Always have a way to pay
    • Check out our tutorials on our award-winning GTE Mobile App! During a disaster, you may not be able to get to a location or wait 7-10 business days for a replacement card. With GTE’s Mobile App, you can replace a card instantly, immediately load the card into your digital wallet and access all the card information for online purchases.
    • Learn more
  7. Saving for the storm
    • Use your existing Regular Savings Account2 to set aside funds for emergency or storm-related expenses or add an additional savings account specifically for storm-related funds.
    • No account yet? Open a new savings account to prepare for emergency or storm related expenses–before and after the storm.
    • Be ready. Stay secure. Start saving now. Apply online or by visiting a Community Financial Center.
  8. Questions about your home loan? We're here to help.
    • At GTE Financial, we understand that this may be your first time filing an insurance claim with your insurer. That’s why our dedicated team is here to make the process as smooth, fast, and convenient as possible.
    • Review our Home Loan FAQs

Products that protect you

  1. Withdraw cash from one of our 30,000 free ATMs to have on hand in case of an emergency. Find your nearest ATM by texting your zip code to 91989 or visiting our Locations page.
  2. Ensure you can access your accounts through our virtual banking channels, like the GTE Mobile App, Online Banking, and phone banking.
  3. Gather all insurance policy information and store it in a safe place. Schedule an insurance checkup for peace-of-mind coverage.
  4. Check our website or social media pages for alerts on center closures.

Helpful resources

Government sites

Local sites

ATM Locator: Text a zip code to 91989 to find nearby ATM Locations.

GTE Instant Cash: If you're in need of a short-term loan for unexpected expenses, GTE Instant Cash is here to help.

  1. Insurance Agency Products are offered through GTE Insurance LLC (GTEInsurance.com) and BlueStar Insurance LLC (MyBlueStarInsurance.com); Credit Union Service Organizations and entities owned by GTE Financial. Insurance products are not federally insured, are not obligations of the credit union, and are not guaranteed by the credit union. May involve investment risk.

  2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Any fees could reduce earnings on this account. Rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. Minimum $5 deposit to open. Rate may change after account opening. In the cooperative spirit of fairness, and in an effort to obtain mutually beneficial relationships with fully participating members, we ask for a minimum relationship of $500 in combined savings, checking, and loan balances from each member account. A $8 monthly service charge will be assessed from your primary share account (waived if you have a Go Premium, GTE CareFree Checking, Go Student, or Go Further checking account) unless one of the following is met: minimum relationship of $500; primary account owner is under age 22 or age 65 or over; your account has been opened for 90 days or less; or you have a share draft account which was assessed a checking package fee the same month.