Home insurance premiums

Texas Homeowners pay more for Insurance than any other state.

   A report was released Tuesday by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, stating that Texas homeowners are paying the highest insurance premiums in the US.
The average annual premium in Texas is 3.2% higher than the average premium across the nation.
 Read the entire Insurance Journal article:
 Homeowners Insurance Article
We are in Independent Agency. We quote from over 20 carriers to find you the best rates for the right coverage. Just because Texas has the highest average premium, doesn't mean you have to pay the highest rates. 
  
If you are looking for home insurance, contact us at The Brockman Agency
We would love to do your insurance shopping for you!

Holiday Hazard- Driving in Unfamiliar Areas

Driving in Unfamiliar Areas for the Holidays? Drive them Safely!

Are you visiting family out of town for the Holidays?  Most likely, you want to avoid this Griswold family crash. Driving in unfamiliar areas can be hazardous. You may not know the terrain, the weather or the streets. 
  * Make sure you limit the distractions. It is just plain stupid to text and drive. It is even more so if you are driving on unfamiliar roads. Many of us have made those drives with kids fighting in the back seat and people arguing over what is on the radio. But it is so important to stay alert and engaged while driving in new places.
   * Know the traffic laws. Do your research before you leave. Some towns have roundabouts, bizarre junctions and different road signs that you are not used to. Know the speed limits as well.
   * Get to know your environment. Will there be icy bridges? Cattle in the streets? Depending on where you go, the environment, including the weather, will dictate how you drive. Take is slower if you are at all unsure of your surroundings. 
   * Have a map, in case your phone's maps app doesn't work. If you haven't spent time in the mountains before, I can tell you - cell reception can dicey.  
   If you get lost, always remember to:
Avoid sudden changes in direction. I would also avoid any illegal manuevers, such as a u-turn on an unfamiliar road. 
Signal your intentions. This will let other drivers know your intentions. 
Reduce your speed. This will give you more time to identify and respond to unexpected obstacles like fallen debris, potholes and curves in the road.    

   Make sure to add a extra time to your driving plans.  There is nothing more frustrating than getting lost when you are already late! Take that anxiety and it just adds to the hazard of driving in unfamiliar areas!
   Take your auto insurance with you. Even if you are driving a Rental. If you buy the Rental company's insurance, it will cover any mishap you may have. But that rental insurance can be costly. Your own personal insurance will cover your rental should anything happen, but it will count on your accident history. It is up if you want the Rental Insurance. 

*As always, contact us with any questions or concerns you have for your Home, Auto, Boat or Commercial insurance!    the Brockman Agency

Nancy Brockman 
 
    
   

Holiday Hazards- Home Burglary

Burglars? 

Bah Humbug!

Burglars love the holidays. Do you know why? They get lots of presents- YOURS, if your aren't careful!
   There are many ways to protect your family's Holiday spoils.
I know your 10 ft tree looks incredible in that front window for everyone to see. And I mean everyone. Burglars are just waiting and watching for people to show them all of their Christmas goodies. Temptation at its best! So please consider putting the tree a little further out of sight.
   Certain items, such as laptops, digital cameras and game systems are very attractive to burglars because they are easy to sell on the black market. Keep them out of sight, preferably upstairs or in a closet. Keep a log of your valuables, with pictures and receipts if you can. This will help you replace them if you are hit by burglars. Insurance companies love this attention to detail!
   Out shopping all over town? Keep those packages in the trunk so they are not as accessible to thieves.
   Burglars watch for families to leave for Christmas parties. Leave lights on in the house and outside when you leave for the evening. Burglars do not like to be in the Light! You can buy inexpensive light switch timers so your lights will go on in the front rooms whether you are home or not. Keep your doors locked - even if you make a quick trip to the store for that last minute pumpkin pie filling. Professional burglars are quick!
   If you go out of town, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home. They need to bring in the mail and clean away any ads or fliers left on your door/porch. These are tell tale signs nobody is home. Burglars love it when you go out of town! Keep your hide-a-key in an odd place. Burglars know where to look. You may even want to move several times during the week leading up to you leaving to go out of town. And don't let the world know you are gone by announcing it on your Voice Mail message!
   Last, but not least, don't kick those iPad or Laptop boxes to the curb on the 26th. Cut them up and throw them in the trash cans. Burglar's busy season doesn't end when Christmas is over and done with. They are still on the prowl, looking for those new toys you just got! Continue to take extra precautions- especially if you are going away for New Years.

  Don't let Burglars ruin your Holiday Season!       

As always- please call us if you have any questions about your Home, Auto or Business Insurance!   Let us do the Insurance shopping for you!
Brockman Premier Insurance  toll free 877-987-8683