After Christmas Safety

Home Burglars are still on Holiday!     

   So you got that great iPad, or game system for Christmas. Santa was good to you! 

But what do you do with all of those boxes? Sure the Trash collectors will cart them
away for you. But someone else is looking for them too. Home burglar's Holiday Season
is not over yet!
   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 leave out those laptops and game systems in view of accessible windows. Burglars are watching. When you go out of town or even to those New Years Eve parties, they have time to break into your home.
Make it hard for them to find what they want.  
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  or
call us toll free 1-877-987-8683      

Frozen Pipes

Let's Not Burst the Pipe

   Winter brings hazards that need to be taken seriously. When the weather is freezing with ice and snow, we know to drive slower. We know to walk carefully outside. But what about inside our home? What harm can come to our safe warm home from the ice outside? One of the biggest risks in winter is frozen pipes.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

   The first thing you should do is protect the pipes exposed outdoors. Water in pipes can freeze. The water will expand in the pipes as it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst. This can cause untold damaged to your home and belongings.  You can buy insulation at your neighborhood hardware store. You can also take old socks, sweatshirts or towels and wrap and tape them over the pipes. Remove the hose before insulating the faucet. You may also want to insulate indoor piping that is in an unheated area, such as the attic or any crawl space. This is especially true for homes in areas with harsh winters. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so drip your faucets on freezing nights. You don't need to run the water, just drip it. 

 If Pipes Are Frozen  

   If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, chances are your pipes are already frozen. You want to thaw them as soon as possible. The longer they stay frozen, the more likely they are to burst. You should always assume the Pipe may already have a tear and shut off your water at the main water valve. It is often in or near the garage. But walk your property and make sure know where it is and what tool you need to turn it off quickly. There are steps you can take to thaw the pipes yourself. But if you are not comfortable with your handyman abilities, call a plumber. 

Thaw Frozen Pipes

   If you want to try to find and fix the frozen section yourself, start with the closest exposed pipe to the faucet(s) and wrap it with rags or towels. Pour a little hot water over it until the water flows again. Do not EVER use a hair dryer or electric heater near frozen pipes. As the water thaws, it becomes a fire and/or electric shock danger if the water sprays as it thaws.
If your home does incur water damage, call your Insurance agent. They will have contacts to clean up water damage. 

For information on our agency, please visit our website at www.wekeepuinsured.com
Or contact me at nancy@brockmanpremier.com 
We would love to answer any questions you have and help keep you insured!

Nancy Brockman, Owner
Brockman Premier Insurance 

  

Fall Safety tips

Beware of Fall Beauty!

   Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather cools off. Bye bye triple degree heat! The leaves change into the most glorious colors. And the animals come out to play.  With this beautiful time of year, comes dangers we need to stay aware of. 
   As the weather turns colder, we start turning on space heaters and fire places. Old space heaters with faulty wiring often lead to house fires. Take a few minutes and go over your space heaters as you pull them down from the attic. Make sure they are in good shape- before you use them. If you love to sit by a roaring fire, check the flue. Leaves can cause an unpredictable fire. Animals may have crawled in. It is best to have a professional clean your chimney annually. But if you don't want to call a professional, at least open up the flue and check with a flash light yourself. You should have a scheduled fall maintenance on your furnace annually as well.  
   Our neighborhood is absolutely beautiful in the fall when all of the trees turn orange and red, before the leaves all fall. But as those leaves fall, they can be a hazard. They can cover the street, hiding debris you need to avoid. If it rains, these leaves can cause the roads to be slippery. Leaves can retain quite a bit of water.  Slow down if you come up on a large patch of leaves on a road or street.  

   Falling leaves can also accumulate in your gutters around your house. This can cause damage to your roof and to your home if the runoff water accumulates and floods at awkward points. Clean your gutters at the beginning of the season and check them regularly throughout the season.
   Also, as the air turns chilly, frost can settle in overnight. This can also cause streets to be slippery, especially on bridges where the road is more exposed. Drive with caution!
   As the weather cools, animals come out more frequently. If you live near areas where deer roam, they can jump right out in front of you without any notice. Studies show it is actually more dangerous to you and your car to swerve away from a deer (or any other animal). You are likely to hit a tree or lamp post. Or even another car. It isn't advice that proves helpful to the deer, but it can save you money and perhaps your life or the life of someone else. 
   As it gets colder, many animals will try to get into your home for the warmth and protection from the weather. Check your roof line for holes. Check your roof for needed repairs to keep these unwanted animals out of your home. 
   Also, as it gets colder, remember to insulate your outdoor pipes. You can buy styrofoam insulation at home supply stores. I have also seen people cover faucets in shirts or socks. You will also want to drip your indoor faucets when the temperature hits freezing or below. It doesn't take much to protect your pipes and it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. 
A little awareness can go a long way to protecting you, your family, your home and your cars. Hopefully you have the correct insurance coverage in case you need it. But isn't it better to protect yourself and not need to use the insurance?

Thanks for reading!
Nancy Brockman, Owner
Brockman Premier Insurance

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, please click 
Brockman Premier Insurance or Toll Free at 1-877-987-8683

Driving Safely

It's Game Time!

It is Football season!! Whether you follow college, Pro or both, you may find yourself driving to games. If you are like our family, you travel to college games quite often. My husband went to the University of Texas and I went to Baylor, so you are most likely to find us heading down I35 this time of year. (Since my team is winning this season, the Baylor Bears get the picture!)
 I don't know about you, but I see some scary driving out there on those Texas highways! So I thought this would be a good time to talk about car safety and insurance.

Safety First! 

* Do not drink and drive. If you want to drink beer with your buddies for the game, wait until you get to the tail gate party - or watch the game from home!
* Check the air pressure on your tires before you leave. A blow out can start a horrific chain reaction accident out there on the highway.
* Always buckle up- It is just plain stupid to go through a car window if you don't have to!
* Keep the distractions to a minimum. Turn your phone to silent (or give it to your spouse/friend/child) Leave enough time to stop for food or bathroom breaks. Pray the kids keep the fighting to a minimum.
* If you are driving out of town, as many of us will do for these games, know where you are going. Getting lost in an unknown place can be unnerving and dangerous if you don't know the area well and end up in the wrong part of town.
* Keep the kids with you. Young children often wander back to the car and crawl in. It is still hot enough in many places to cause heat stroke, even death, if they are left in a car without ventilation. They are sneaky little things- keep them close!

Insurance Tips

* Keep your insurance card on you. I know many companies are making their way to the digital IDs on your phones, but not every police department is accepting them yet. And sometimes it is just easier to pull it out of your glove compartment after that accident.
* If you are traveling out of state, you are a more loyal fan than me! But don't worry. You will be covered. If you are in an accident out of state, most adjusters will take the higher limits between your insurance and the other state's minimum limits.
* Make sure you have the contact information for your insurance company with you.
* It is always a good idea to talk with your Insurance agent before you head out on a trip. Check and make sure your policy is up to date (you never know) and that you know and feel good about the amount of coverage you have.
This is such a great time of year. Be safe and keep it fun for the whole family!
And if you are having issues with your team this year, you can root for mine-
Sic'em Bears!

Thanks for reading!
Nancy

Need Insurance? Contact us at nancy@brockmanpremier.com or call Toll Free 1-877-987-8683
Visit our website @ http://www.wekeepuinsured.com/

Home Security Systems

Home Security Options 
For Those of Us Without 5 Large Dogs!

Research shows if it take more than 5 minutes to break into a home, the burglar will go elsewhere. I imagine 5 large barking dogs would deter them as well. But for those of you without the dogs, let's look at the different types of home security systems.

Types:

• Do It Yourself (DIY)
• These are security systems you can can install yourself. I know not everyone is handy with tools, but many of these systems are quite easy to install. They usually contain a main key pad and door, window and motion sensors. One benefit is they generally have shorter contract length requirements. You can add additional equipment- since you bought the system at a reputable retailer. Also they are mobile. When you move, you can take the system with you. 
• Technician Installed
• These systems require a professional to complete the installation. One benefit is you don't have to do the work. Usually the monitoring company will give the basic system and installation to you when you sign a contract. The downside is the contracts are usually 3-5 years in length.
• Additional Features you can add on
• Panic buttons: You can carry the panic button around with you (ideal for elderly homeowners) or you can place panic buttons throughout the house to signal the monitoring company if you need help
• Glass Break sensors: Most window sensors only detect if a window is opened. Glass break sensors can detect if the window is being broken.
• Motion detectors: These are put under carpeting/flooring throughout the house. Even if someone manages to get in undetected, the motion sensors will signal a break in.
• Video monitoring: You can add cameras to see what is going on in your home when you are away. 

Monitoring

How your system is monitored can  make as big a difference as how many sensors there are. 
Always ask about the monitoring before you buy/install a home security system.

• Third Party Monitoring: There are several “super central” stations across the country with hundreds of agents monitoring customers from several different home security companies. It is not uncommon for security companies to sell the customer’s contract to a monitoring company. They also sell equipment for the monitoring company. 
• In-House Monitoring: In house monitoring typically have at least 2 monitoring centers in different geographical locations. The majority of these contracts stay in house. Some believe this gives better service to the customer (that local feel) while other believe it is too much and the company won’t have the same level of service. 

• Local Alarm (no monitoring): These are the most basic of alarms. They sound off a loud noise if there is an intruder, but they do not contact the police or a monitoring system. Similar to a smoke alarm. They make the homeowner aware of the problem, but do not contact the authorities.                                                                     Most insurance companies provide 2 percent to 15 percent discounts for devices that make a home safer--dead-bolt locks, window grates, bars and smoke/fire/burglar alarms.

Call The Brockman Agency - we would love to walk you through your policies.  We will make sure you understand your coverage - and we may be able to save you some money while doing it! Toll Free- 1-877-987-8683

Thanks for reading!
Nancy

Insurance Review

An Updated Life Needs Updated Insurance Coverage!

Have you made any changes to your life? They can affect your insurance premium and coverage needs.
You should review you policies once a year. Make sure you have given your agent all of your updated information. You would be surprised how many clients I have had over the years who changed phone numbers and didn't let me know. The ones that always get me are the ones who move and don't think to tell me. A big part of your insurance rates are based on where you live. So if you move, your rates will most likely change. You must tell your agent!
Aside from your contact information, make sure your agent knows if you have had any additions to the family. Have you been married? had a baby? gone back to school? Changed jobs and now have a different commute? These can affect the type of coverage that is best suited for you.
During a review, your agent should go over your coverage to make sure it is still sufficient.

* Home Insurance

     * Dwelling coverage: This covers your actual home in the case of a loss. It is the cost of rebuilding your home -Have you made any additions or updates to the home? This can change the value of the dwelling.
     * Other Structures: This refers to fencing, sheds, pools. Any changes to these need to be disclosed.
     * Contents: This is your personal property. If you could pick up your house, turn it upside down and     shake it, what would fall out? This is your personal property. Have you bought computers or jewelry that may need extra coverage? Always keep receipts. This Home Inventory Log can be useful also.
      * Loss of use: This covers your expenses if you have damage to your home and you have to move out while it is being repaired or rebuilt.
     * Personal Liability: This covers you if something happens to a third party on your property - ie: your dog bites the neighbor's child. If you have  added dogs, a pool or a trampoline, your risk could warrant a higher amount of Liability coverage.
     * Medical Payments: This will cover you if someone has a minor scrape on your property - ie: the UPS person trips on your stairs.

* Auto Insurance

     * Have you changed your commute (possibly because of a new job)? Many carriers will give you better rates for lower annual mileage.

     * Liability: This covers the other party if you are found at fault for an accident. The minimum coverage is mandated by State law. In Texas, that would be $30/60/25. But you can add higher limits without breaking the bank. If you have state minimum, you will have $30k per person/ $60k per accident/$25k property damage that will pay out. If the accident is more costly, it comes out of your pocket.
     * Uninsured Motorist: This covers you if the other party was at fault and they don't have any or enough insurance to coverage the cost.
     * Personal Injury Protection vs. Medical Payments: PIP will cover medical costs plus some lost wages. Medical Payments will only cover medical costs. If you have retired recently, you should have Medical, not PIP. It is less expensive and PIP won't do you much if you have no wages to replace.
     * Comprehensive Coverage: This will cover you if something hits your car. IE: Hail, a fallen tree, flooding, an animal (we see this usually when a dear jumps in front of a car outside of cities). This will cover the cost of repairing your car. You decision here is what kind of deductible do you want? Higher deductible means lower insurance premium, but more out of pocket when there is an accident.
      * Collision Coverage: This will cover you if you hit something. ID: You run into a tree, a house, another car. Again, the decision here is how high a deductible do you want? You may also want to evaluate whether it is worth having the coverage at all. Many people with older cars that are not worth much find it isn't worth the cost of the coverage.
      * You can add Towing and Rental. Is this necessary? If your car is disabled in an accident, could you get around without it? Do you have another car? or can you borrow one? This can save you money on the premium.

* Commercial insurance

    * Have you started a new business? Even if it is just working out of your home, you need commercial coverage to protects your family and your business.
    * Have you bought a new car under the business name? Your personal auto policy won't cover it.
    * Have you hired employees? This needs a whole new level of coverage.

* Toys

    * Have you bought a new boat or motorcycle? Some Home policies will include boat coverage, but not if your agent doesn't know you have it. A motorcycle may be covered on your auto policy, but again, not if your agent doesn't know to add it. In most cases, both boats and motorcycles need to be on their own policy.

* Life Insurance

     * Will your life insurance policy ensure your spouse and kids can continue to live in the same lifestyle until the youngest child is out of college? This is a good basic rule to follow to get started.

Know your coverage. Know your needs. Make sure they match.
That is the best advice I can give you.
Call The Brockman Agency - we would love to walk you through your policies.  We will make sure you understand your coverage - and we may be able to save you some money while doing it!
Toll Free- 1-877-987-8683

Thanks for reading!
Nancy

College students and insurance

This is an old post, but worth re-posting at this time of year...

IS INSURANCE NECESSARY FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?

   So many preparations go into sending a child off to college. Applications and Acceptance letters, packing, tuition, dorms, text books, schedules. The list is endless. The cost can be frightening. Did insurance make your list of considerations? Is additional insurance even necessary? 
     You may not need additional insurance, but you should review your coverage. Believing your student and their property is covered when they are not can cost you quite a bit. Is the car covered so far from home? How about that new Laptop or iPad you sent with your student? What about their personal property in their dorm or apartment?   

Auto Insurance: Is your student taking the car with them to college? You will need to let your insurance company know the garaging zip code is changing for that car. It can change your rates, depending on where the student is taking the car. Many insurance companies give a discount if students leave the car at home while attending college over 100 miles away. Many also offer a good student discount to those who maintain a B average or better.
   

   Personal Property: These days it is not uncommon for students to keep thousands of dollars of electronic gadgets and toys in their Dorm room or apartment. Laptops, video games, bicycles and musical instruments among others, should be covered. These items are usually covered by the parents Home Owners policy but a Home owners policy often has a high deductible. So if one of these items is stolen, the value of the item may be below the deductible, therefore the insured would not receive a benefit of insurance. Renters Insurance can have a much lower deductible, as low as $100.  It can be an affordable alternative at $150-$200 a year.

   Health Insurance: Make sure you student is covered outside of your area/network. There are many other additional insurance policies you can discuss with your Insurance Agent such as Travel, Tuition and Life Insurance. They may or may not be necessary to your situation. Make sure. 

   Not knowing what your student is covered for can cost you thousands in replacement costs. And while insurance cannot give you piece of mind that your child will fair well out in the world, it will make sure their property is taken care of.  


Got more questions? Call us - we would love to help!
The Brockman Agency- toll free 1-877-987-8683  

Credit based Insurance scores

How does Credit Affect Your Insurance Rates?

   Your credit score is run any time you shop for a home or auto loan, rent a home or apt. And your credit is run when you shop for Insurance.  Keep in mind, your "Insurance score" is different than your "Credit score". Your credit score will be based on your credit history and a few other factors, like your income. Insurance carriers will take your credit information and put it into a model with many other factors, like payment history, bankruptcies, collections and the amount of credit you have incurred.  For example if you have never been late on your mortgage payment, you have a better insurance score than someone who pays late. If you have "maxed out" your credit cards, you will have a lower insurance score than someone who pays them off each month.
  Your credit score can tell someone how responsible you are.  Studies at both the federal and state level, have show your credit score correlates with the probability of an Insurance loss. The higher the Insurance score, the lower the risk, so the lower the rates. Now, other factors are included in Insurance rates- where you live, are you married, your age, male or female. Insurance carriers have several rating "Tiers" customers are placed into based on the details of their lives. Then you factor in claims history. Then the type of car or the construction of the home. So many things affect your rates, but it does start with your Insurance score. 
Insurance scores do NOT consider the following in their assessment:
*Income                                       *Disability
*Ethnic Group                             *Nationality
*Religion
   Insurance carriers will use at least one of three credit bureaus to request your credit history:
*Experian
*TransUnion
*Equifax

You are entitled to one free credit report a year. Contact one of the above bureaus to get your report. You have the right to dispute any discrepancies. The bureau is required by law to correct any errors. If you are ever denied Insurance coverage, based on your credit information, you are entitled to a free report from the bureau that provided the information to the carrier.
   Bottom line, Yes- your credit can affect your insurance premiums. Just one more reason to pay bills on time and keep credit card balances low. You can fix your credit or you can build a good credit history from scratch.  
Your credit is important. Know what your score is and keep it high!

Personal property coverage

Protecting Grandma's China (and other knick knacks!)

It isn't as popular to pick out china patterns as it was when my parents were married. But many of us have inherited china, crystal and silver from our mothers and grandmothers. Is it covered in the case of a loss? That depends. If you have antique patterns, worth more than the everyday patterns of today, your policy may not cover the replacement. (Not that you can truly replace these family heirlooms.)
Most homeowner's policies will have an optional coverage called Scheduled Personal Property. If you have a single item/collection worth more than your coverage allows, you want to shedule the property out. For example- many policies will cover up to $2500 for a single piece of jewelry, or camera equipment. If you have an item/collection worth more than what is covered, you will be out of luck in the case of a loss. The policy will not pay more than the coverage calls for, regardless of the proof you may show. Ask your agent what your limits are. 
Scheduled Personal Property will offer additional types of coverage your basic Personal Property coverage might not. There is no deductible, and most will cover theft or loss of any kind. There are exclusions such as wear and tear and war. 
Other items to consider scheduling out would include:
* Engagement and wedding rings (any jewelry if a single piece is above the included limit)
* Coin collection 
* Gun collection 
* Electronics
* Camera equipment
* Furs (as politically incorrect as these are nowadays, there is still coverage)                               
To put a Scheduled Personal Property endorsement in place, you will need a certified appraisal, dated within the last 3 years. Pictures are a good idea as well.  This coverage is in place to make sure you are compensated for the Replacement Cost in the case of a loss. I know many things can't be "replaced" if lost or stolen,  but many things can be. 
This is what insurance is for. Use it!
Contact your Insurance agent to find out about this valuable coverage. 
Thanks for reading!

Holiday Safety

Celebrate Safely!

Next week is the 4th of July. The celebration of our county's Independence. Boy do we know how to celebrate this one!
There will be Backyard BBQs, Lakeside picnics, Beachfront bonfires. And Fireworks. Lots and lots of Fireworks.  
There is no end to the possibilities when we celebrate our Country! 
But with holiday fun can come liability and safety concerns. 
   How about that Backyard BBQ you are hosting? Are you a Master Griller? More importantly, are you a SAFE master griller? Check out this Grill tip sheet for safe grilling. Are you serving alcohol? If so, do you know how your guests are getting home? You can be held liable for a drunk driving accident if you knowingly served an already drunk person.  Think about asking someone to be a designated driver. Or just invite neighbors who will be walking home anyway. And don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   How about going to the lake for that all day family picnic? Plan on having a few beers? Great! have a few- but do you know how you are getting home safely?  Have a contingency plan. Again- a designated driver will work well. Keep an eye on anyone swimming in the lake, especially kids. Do you know CPR? Maybe you should print out this 3-step CPR guide, just in case. Grill safely here too, and don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   How about that Beach front bonfire? Is there a better way to spend the 4th? I think this would be my favorite way to celebrate. The waves, the sand, the horizon. Add in good friends and family and WOW!
Grilling safely will be important here also. If you are drinking, again- a contingency plan for getting home safely is a good idea. You may want to check out how to safely build a bonfire. Make sure you put it out entirely before you leave! And don't forget the bug spray. They are brutal this time of year!
   Then there are fireworks. I know so many people like to set their own fireworks off. My suggestion? Leave it to the experts! When I was young, one of my older brothers had a friend who set off a Roman Candle - right into his stomach! Talk about pain, not to mention scarring!

We live in a great country and we should celebrate the 4th of July in BOLD ways. 
But please celebrate SAFELY!

Swimming Pool Liability

Staying Afloat!

It's summer time! For those of you with backyard pools, it is a busy time. Neighbors and kids come out of the woodwork to befriend you! But are you protected against accidents in that refreshing pool?
   We have all heard the horror stories of children getting hurt, or drowning in pools. In most cases, there was adult supervision. But the unthinkable still happened. What about when teens or adults get a little careless and run (oh!) and slip and fall? concussions and broken bones are sure to result.
   Are you covered? Yes, if you have a good Homeowner's policy in place. Your Homeowner's policy should carry Personal Liability protection. You can get different amounts of protection for different pricing. I suggest you review your coverage immediately with your Insurance agent. (or my agency, if you don't like your current agent!) 
   Many carriers will not insure homes with pools that have slides or diving boards. I don't know of a carrier who will insure a pool owner who's pool isn't fenced. Statistics have shown the rate of accidents in homes with pools is very high. And these days, where there is an accident, a lawsuit is sure to follow. Your Liability coverage will protect you. It will cover claims or lawsuits against your for bodily injury caused by an accident on your property (in this case in your pool). 
   But you must have safety precautions in place. If there is negligence on your part, the claim can be denied and you would be responsible for the payment, not your insurance company. 
Common Pool Safety tips include:
* Children must be supervised at all times. Drowning can happen in a few seconds. 
*Before allowing anyone in the pool, make sure there are no objects in or around the pool that could hinder their safety. Look for fallen tree branches or pool toys.
*Keep electrical devices away from the edge of the pool. 
*Evacuate the pool at the first sign of a storm. (especially if there is lightning!)
*Know the experience level of your swimmers. Who may need special supervision, who is allowed out of the shallow end...
*Extra supervision should be given to swimmers who are diving- off the edge or a diving board.
Maintaining a safe pool area can save you money and, more importantly, anguish over an accident. 
  
 Sometimes I have customers who insist on cutting insurance costs by lowering their Liability coverage. If they have a pool, I won't do it. That $50 you may save in premium could cost you $100,000, $200,000 or even more if there is an accident in your pool. I also suggest looking into a Personal Umbrella Policy for homeowners with swimming pools. An umbrella policy is extra Liability above and beyond the Personal Liability of a Homeowner's policy.  Again, it may cost you a little more money, but it could save you so much more in the case of an accident. 
   Insurance is there to protect you when something terrible happens. Look at it as protecti on, not an expense. Make sure you have enough Liability protection so you can enjoy your pool this summer with a little less worry.

Wind/Hail Coverage

Don't Get Blown Away!

We have all seen the devastation to the communities hit by recent tornadoes.  We are certainly not strangers to these storms here in Texas.
But what  is a homeowner's recourse after a devastating storm? This is where your insurance should protect you. This is why you have been paying those premiums! So that you can rebuild/repair that home that has been lost or damaged.
  On your homeowner's policy you should have a coverage for "Wind/Hail" listed. This will cover damage done to your home by Hail, Wind, Tornadoes and Hurricanes. (But not Flood- this is a separate policy altogether) Wind/Hail is listed as a deducible amount, not a coverage amount. In most cases, your wind/hail coverage should be the same amount as your "Dwelling Coverage". You will pay a set deductible before that coverage kicks in. The deductible is usually a percentage. For example, 1% of a $200,000 dwelling value would be $2,000. So  you would pay the first $2,000 of the repair/rebuild amount and your insurance would (should) cover they remaining amount. This coverage will just cover the actual building (or home). It doesn't cover Personal Property (contents). Fortunately most policies will cover Personal property as well. 
   One thing you want to make sure of is that you have a Replacement Cost policy, both for your dwelling AND your personal property. (They are 2 different types coverage and have separate rules governing them.) Some companies will try to sell you on a lower price without telling you it is an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy. A Replacement Cost policy will pay out the amount to "replace" your home and it's contents at today's value. An ACV policy will pay out what it cost minus depreciation for the time and wear on your home and it's contents. It is your choice. But do yourself a favor. Spend a little more money and get a great deal more coverage with a RC policy. 
  Your agent is there to make sure you have the coverage you need and want. Ask him or her questions. You pay a premium to make sure you, your family, your home and your possessions are taken care of. Make your agent earn his/her keep by explaining what coverage you have, what your limits are.  Insurance is there to make you whole again in the case of a loss. After a devastating storm like the recent tornadoes, you need to know your insurance will do what you bought it for- Protect you!

Can we help you? call The Brockman Agency toll free 1-877-987-8683


    

Commercial Auto Insurance

Do you own a small business? Do you use a car for your business?

Did you know most Personal auto insurance policies exclude the coverage if the car is used for business?  Most policies exclude the coverage if the auto is used primarily for business, but where is the line? When does occasional use become primary use? Most carriers don't have a set answer for that question.

If you use you car at all for business, you should research and consider purchasing Commercial Insurance. A serious accident can financially ruin a small business. Is that risk greater than the premium? That is what you have to decide.

If you are considering commercial insurance, answer these questions:

* Is the car in your personal name or the business? (if business, personal policies rarely cover the claim)

* Do employees drive the car in the course of business?

* Do you pick up goods or people for a fee?

* Do you visit job sites often?

If you answered "business" to the first one and/or "yes" to any of the other 3, you definitely want to consider commercial insurance.

A commercial auto policy covers you in much the same way a personal auto policy does. There is Liability coverage, Uninsured Motorist, Collision and Comprehensive. You can get towing and rental. There are different types of coverage you can add on as well, such as "non-owned"autos. This covers your employees if they use their personal car to run business errands such as make deposits, get lunch for the office...). Or "hired autos" which cover you if you lease, rent, hire or borrow a car from someone other than an employee.

Your limits can be higher with a commercial auto policy than on a personal auto. Liability can go into the millions, thus protecting your small business. Again, it can save your business from going under after a claim. The premium is no fun, but when are they? Better to pay the premium than lose the business!

If you are considering Commercial Auto, be sure to call an Insurance professional.Ask questions. Know the coverage you need and make sure you get it. 

Don't have an agent you trust? Give us try! Call The Brockman Agency toll free 877-987-8683

Boating Insurance

We are not all in the same boat!

Boating season is upon us. Whether you are an experienced boat owner, or a potential buyer, you need to evaluate your Insurance. Boats are unique. Their insurance needs to be unique also. Some Homeowners policies will  cover small boats (usually without motors). But if you have a motor boat of any kind, you need a policy with specialized coverage tailored for boat owners. 
What makes a Boat policy different from a Home or Auto policy?
Boat policies are a mixture of Home and Auto policies. 
Similar to Home insurance, a boat policy will cover liability if someone is injured on your boat and it gives you the choice of Replacement cost coverage (you want this!) or Actual Cash Value coverage (this is less coverage). 
Like auto insurance, boat coverage typically includes coverage for bodily injury that your boat inflicts on others, property damage your boat inflicts on docks and other boats, and physical damage to your boat should you hit something or run aground. You can also add comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, fire and flood, personal property coverage for your fishing gear, uninsured boater insurance and even roadside assistance in case you need a tow (on land or water!). 
Some policies will allow you to "suspend" coverage during non-boating seasons, thus saving you a little money. 
Many carriers, like Progressive, Safeco and Travelers offer additional coverage that is specifically designed for boats. 
* Fuel spill liability coverage the cost of damage caused by an unintentional spill for which you are liable.
*Wreckage removal will pay the cost of any attempted or actual removal of the wreckage of a covered boat if you are liable.
* Personal effects replacement cost pays for our personal items while they are on board the boat.
*Fishing equipment replacement cost pays for your tackle, rods and reels. (There is usually a set limit)
*Total Loss Replacement replaces your boat with a brand new one of similar make and model. 
*Pet Injury covers the cost of Vet bills (usually up to $1,000) if your dog or cat is injured in an accident while on your boat.

Being out on the lake with family and friends is one of the best ways to spend a summer day. Make sure your boat and those you have on board are properly covered!


Questions? Call the Brockman Agency and let us take care of you! toll free 877-987-8683

Electrical Safety

Don't Get Shocked!

Fire Fighters respond to over 44,000 home fires involving electrical issues each year. These fires can cause untold damage to homes and their owners, including injury and death. These fires will raise your Homeowners Insurance rates. Many of these fires are preventable. Follow these tips and make your home a safe place for you and your family!
    ·         Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

·         Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

·         In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles.

·         Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

·         Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

·         Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

·         If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

·         Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.

·         Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

·         Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect     electrical outlets.                                                                                                                

Safety tips need to be followed by everyone in the home.
Need a Kid-Friendly version? click here                                     

If you have an electrical fire in your home, call your insurance agent/carrier to file a claim.

Identity theft

Stop Thief!

   Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It is hard to stop a thief when you can't see them stealing your things. Identity theft has become more prevalent with the increasing amount of online activity out there. Most of us have the internet on our Smart phones as well as computers, laptops and tablets. Identity theft can damage your finances, credit history and your reputation. And it can cost quite a bit of money to undue the damage. 
   How can you stop it? You can't all the time, but you can learn to protect yourself. 
* Never give out your Social Security number in these 5 Places.
* Be on the alert for Scams. The FTC will post consumer scams as they become known. 
* Take precautions to guard your Smart Phone risks.

  Find out if you can add Identity Theft protection to your Homeowners insurance policy.  It will help pay for the aftermath of identity theft. It will help cover court costs, certified mailings to law enforcement, financial institutions and credit agencies. It will also cover lost wages while you attend court and the associated attorney fees. It is usually inexpensive ($40-$75) a year to add this coverage. Call your insurance agent and make sure you have this protection on your policy!

How to find an Insurance agency

Choose Your Company Well!

   There are so many choices when it comes to Insurance these days. There are several carriers, different types of agencies, not to mention, the number of different types of policies. 
I am going to concentrate on what to look at when choosing an agency today. 
The are 3 types of agencies out there: 
* Captive agencies only write for one carrier.
* Independent agencies write for several carriers.
* Direct agencies just have a phone number to call, no actual agent required.
How do you choose? 
First of all, ask your friends and family. Referrals are a great way to find services to meet your need. But make sure you make the decision based on what you are looking for. Your sister may love her insurance company, but it may not fit your needs.
You can also go to the TDI (Texas Department of Insurance) and research any insurance company in the state. You can find types of insurance the company writes, if it uses credit to determine premium, it's financial stability rating and the complaints against the company, among other information.  
   Why is all of this important?
* If they write several types of insurance, you could get bundle discounts for putting your home, auto, life, commercial insurance into one carrier.
* If the company uses credit to place you into a premium tiering, the pricing is greatly affected by your payment and insurance history. (good or bad...)
* The financial stability of a company will let you know how well they are able to take care of customers- If a company has an A rating, it is more likely to be able to pay out claims and keep pricing stable.
* If there are a high number of complaints against a company, you may want to check further into its Customer Service and Claims handling processes.
    Once you make sure the agency/company you are thinking about is a solid choice, make phone calls. Insurance is a big purchase. It should take care of you in bad times, when you need it most. That is what it is designed for.  Not all agents/agencies/carriers are built the same with the same motivation. Go with your gut. If you get a feeling someone isn't looking out for your bets interests, move on. If they are not explaining coverage to you so that you know what you are buying, move on. You should trust your agent/carrier to take care of you. That is what we are here for!
 Contact the Brockman Agency toll free 1-877-987-8683

Accident scams

Have You Been Scammed?

Believe it or not, there are con men out to wreck your car! They literally have choreographed auto accident scams they practice and use to take your money. There are several types of these scams to avoid:

The T-Bone  

The scam artist will wait for your car to go through an intersection and then accelerated and "t-bone" your car. When the police arrive, phony witnesses will swear you were the one who ran the stop sign or red light, putting you at fault. 

The Wave  This is used in heavy traffic. When you are trying to switch lanes, the scam artist will wave you over, then gun the gas and hit your car. When the police show up, they will deny waving you over and explain that you just whipped over and hit them, putting you at fault. 

Swoop and Stop  A car will suddenly pull in front of you and stop. Another car will pull up along side of you at the same time, keeping you from being able to swerve. False witnesses will file personal injury claims, using a shady dr. or chiropractor. Others may go to a real doctor and claim whiplash or another type of "soft tissue" injury that is very hard to prove/disprove.

False Endorsement

Following an accident, a scam artist will provide contact numbers to an alleged five- star repair shop, a powerful lawyer or a caring doctor. Each, in league with the scammer, will overcharge you for the services you may or may not have needed in the first place.

Protect Yourself! 

The more information you provide/require, the less able the scam artist to take advantage. Always take pictures of the accident (your phone should work fine for this). Take a picture of the license plate and ever angle of the damage on both cars. Keep pen and paper in your car. Get the following information from all drivers involved:

* Driver's license number

* Vehicle registration info

*. Car Insurance

* Name, address and phone number
Always call the police, especially if you suspect anything fishy. And be careful what personal information you disclose. Identity theft is another scam you want to avoid!

Travel Insurance

The Best Laid Plans...

   You have planned that vacation for months. The Plane, Hotel, Car rental are all booked and paid for. But what happens when your vacation is side swiped? Most arrangements are "Nonrefundable" these days. How do you get your money back for a vacation you paid for, but never got to take?
   Travel Insurance may be that answer! You can get different types of coverage, depending on your possible needs. 

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance 
This can be used in case of weather, natural disaster, strike, illness, traffic accident, and job reasons. 

Medical and Evacuation Insurance
This can be used for accident, sickness, evacuation, and pre-existing medical conditions, with hospital admission assistance.

Baggage Delay, Theft and Loss Insurance
This can used for baggage delay, loss and theft, with assistance for ID protection, cash advance, and prescription replacement.

Don't let a trip up in your vacation cost you more than it has to!

Claims

Think Before You Claim!

   That storm last night took some tiles off of your roof. It also blew down tree branches onto your fence. Do you file a claim? There is no hard and fast rule about filing insurance claims. The sole purpose of insurance is to make you whole again in the event of a loss. But what if it is a minor loss? Is it worth the possible rate increase?
   One rule of thumb we have used with customers is to use your deductible to judge. If you have a 1% deductible on a $250,000 dwelling value, your out of pocket will be $2,500. If the damage is less than the $2,500, it may be a good idea to pay for the repairs out of pocket and not file the claim. If it is more than the deductible, you most likely would want to file the claim to keep your out of pocket expenses in check. But you may see a premium increase at your next renewal. 
   Weather Claims and Catastrophe claims do not usually cause an increase in your premium. Slips and falls, water and Dog Bites are the most common claims that will cause an increase in your premium. Many carriers will not insure a homeowner with multiple water claims. And those that will insure with multiple water claims, will do so at a higher premium. 
   Carriers will offer various deductibles. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium and vice versa. With a homeowners policy you will generally have 2 different deductibles. One for Wind/Hail and one for All other perils.
You can often get the same amount for both deductibles, or choose different amounts for each. Again, the pricing will vary so ask talk with your agent before you sign off on the policy. Know what you have. 
  You pay for insurance so it will compensate you in the case of a loss. There is a fine line between not needing to file a claim and needing to file a claim.  If you do have a claim, talk with your agent to help you decide what the next step will be.  That is what your insurance agent is there for! If you need an agent, contact us at The Brockman Agency

Thanks for reading!