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