Homeowners insurance

Make it Simple-Homeowners Insurance

   Have you tried to read your insurance policy and just given up? It can be very confusing! This is our second post in our series, Make it Simple. Our goal is to help you understand your insurance policy.

    Every policy (regardless of type) should have a Declarations Page, commonly referred to as the “Dec Page”. This page “declares” who you are, what property you have insured, your coverage choices and how much you are paying for this policy period. 

There are 2 types of coverage on your Home insurance policy: Coverage that protects the other party and coverage that protects you.

Coverage that protects the other party:

Personal Liability: Covers you if someone is injured on your property due to your negligence.  It may help pay for their injuries and any legal costs.

Medical Payments: May provide reasonable and necessary medical expenses to a guest on your property injured in an accident.

Coverage that protects you:

Dwelling Value:  The dwelling value is set at or above the estimated replacement cost of the home, which includes the cost to haul away debris, and the contractor’s overhead & profits. This coverage can be written at Actual Cash Value (the value to rebuild the home minus depreciation based on the age of the home) or at Replacement Cost (value to rebuild the home at today’s quality and price). I rarely suggest ACV policies.

Other Structures:  covers buildings SEPARATE from the house—pool, fence, storage shed, detached garage, etc. This usually defaults at 10% dwelling value. 

Personal Property:  Contents of the home. This can also be written at ACV or Replacement cost coverage. If you have a total loss to the home, the carrier will write you a check for the total personal property, regardless of whether you have RC or ACV coverage. If you have a partial loss such as a small fire or theft, they will only give you the coverage you have paid for; meaning if you have ACV coverage, your 8 year old TV will only be covered for the value of an 8 year old TV. If you have Replacement Cost, your coverage will cover the cost of a new TV.

Loss of Use:  May provide reimbursement for reasonable increases in living expenses (such as a hotel room or apt) due to a covered loss, if your home is uninhabitable.

Deductibles:  is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file a claim for a covered loss. There are 2 main types of deductibles;

            Wind/Hail Deductible: This covers your home in the case of high winds or hails, usually seen during severe storms.

            All Other Perils Deductible: This covers your home for the remaining perils listed in your policy, such as fire or theft. Keep in mind, home insurance policies do not cover floods. You will have to buy a separate policy for flood insurance.

    If you have questions about your home, auto and commercial insurance, please call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683 or email us at brian@brockmanpremier.com.
Please visit our website for more insurance tips and information.

Tree Trimming

Are Your Trees Overgrown?

   Trees can add amazing visual appeal to a home. They can also help cool a home in summer, therefore saving on energy costs. They can soak up water from storms so the ground doesn't become saturated.
   Trees are definitely a benefit, as long as you take proper care of them. If you don't take care of them, they can become a hazard to your home.
   Tree branches hanging over your roof can cause premature wear and tear on your roof, shortening its life span. This is why many carriers will request insureds trim branches back away from the roof. Tree branches rubbing on the roof can leave behind leaves which can turn to mold on the roof if not cleaned off. They can also get into gutters and clog them, causing drainage issues.
    If your trees are too close to the house when a storm hits, the branches are more likely to hit your roof or windows if they snap during the storm. This can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Your insurance may cover the damage, but you will still have to pay the deductible. 
   If your trees are too close to the house, the roots can cause foundation problems. The roots will drink whatever water is close by. It the tree needs more, the roots grow in the direction of water. Drying out around your foundation will cause shifts in the foundation. Your home insurance will not cover that issue. The roots themselves can grow into the foundation. Your home insurance will not cover that issue. 
   So keep your trees trimmed annually and water them well. If you plant, know how far from the home you should plant the trees. If you know a storm is coming, walk your yard and decide if you need to do a quick trim. It can save you thousands on repairs later on.

If you have questions about your home, auto and commercial insurance, please call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683 or email us at brian@brockmanpremier.com.
Please visit our website for more insurance tips and information.

Winterizing your home

It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter

We haven’t seen much in the way of snow or ice around my house this winter. Most people believe ice and snow are the ultimate hazards of winter. They can be very dangerous, but there are many other dangers to you and your home during cold weather.  Frozen pipes can happen over-night.  An unused/unclean fire place can quickly turn into a damaging fire.  And don’t forget about your car. Liquids freeze, even in your car.

There are precautions you can take that can save you money and pain (physical and mental!)

·         Winterize your home

o   Install weather stripping.

o   Cover outside faucets and pipes.

o   Inspect and clean your fireplace- before you use it.

o   Test smoke detector batteries. (This should be done monthly regardless of the weather)

o   Keep kitty litter for icy porches and sidewalks. Let’s avoid slips and falls on ice!

·         Winterize your car

o   Keep the gas tank full. This will help avoid ice building up in the take and fuel lines

o   Make sure your car is in good working condition. You don’t want to get stranded in the cold.

·         Other precautions

o   Keep an emergency kit for your home. Include a weather radio, flashlight, batteries, snacks…

o   Keep your phone fully charged when you leave the house. You want to be able to make an emergency call if necessary.

o   Take a friend when participating in any outdoor activities in the snow. If you get stranded or hurt, someone is there to help. 

If you have any questions about your home, auto or business insurance, email Brockman Premier Insurance or call 877-987-8683

Be sure to visit our website!

Springtime maintenance -Gutters and Roofs

The Damage Drainage Leaves Behind

   It's the first day of spring. (Although the 40 degree weather this morning didn't feel very springy.)
I don't know about you, but around my part of Texas, we have had more ice, snow and freezing temperatures than I ever remember having before. Now that we are beginning to thaw (and hopefully will NOT have any more freezes until next winter), there is some home maintenance to consider. Freezing rain, snow and ice can cause quite a bit of damage to your home. This is the first in a 4 part series on Spring time home maintenance.

Clogged Gutters
   Who would think this could be such a problem? But once a clog starts in a gutter, there isn't much chance of it dissolving all on it's own. And who wants to climb up a ladder and check gutters in the ice and snow? I don't even like do it in the sunshine and 70 degrees!
But the longer you wait after the thaw, the more it will cost you to repair the damage. The best way to clean out gutters and check for damage is to climb up that ladder and get to work. You will need to go foot by foot and make sure you pull out any clogs. Tip: use barbeque tongs to get into downspouts and hard to reach areas. (You may want to buy new ones before you barbeque this summer!) You should also use a hose and flush out any left over debris. Check for loose nails/screws, especially at the joints. If you need to replace any nails/screws, take a look at long "lag" screws. There are several types so you can choose the heads that fit your tools. And they tend to be strong and hold up against weather. 

Roofing Repairs

   Ice and snow can rip up a roof. This can cause leaks which can lead to even further damage to interior ceilings, walls and even floors. Possible leaks are most easily spotted in the attic. Look for water stains. Hopefully you can find leaks before you see them in your ceiling or walls. By then, it can be costly to fix the damage. You should also look at the siding under your roof eaves and in the ceilings of rooms next to or below them. Look for discoloration, indicating leaks caused by ice dams. (This is when a block of ice traps water that is trying to drain off. The water can back up into your home and cause damage, leading to leaks.  While you are up there inspecting those eaves, take a look at your shingles. Asphalt shingles (the most commonly used roofing material) can last up to 20 years. But weather can shorten that life span. Roof repair is not always a do it yourself type of situation. Prevention is the best course, but if the damage is already done, it is a good idea to call a licensed roofing contractor.   

   Weather damage is usually covered by your homeowner' insurance policy. But remember- you have a deductible and claims can raise your rates. So if you are thinking about filing a claim, I would advise you to get an estimate first. It makes no sense at all to file a claim if it is below your deductible. You will not get any payment from your carrier and you will have a claim on your history that will follow you for 5 years, even if you change carriers. Even if you move. 
Early detection and prevention is the best way to avoid costly damage to your home. So put on those maintenance gloves, grab your barbeque tongs, your ladder and get to detecting and preventing!

If you have any questions or need a quote, please call 214-592-0859 or 1-877-987-8683
or  email us: Brockman Premier Insurance.
We would love to keep you insured!


   

Insuring your jewelry

Protect those Valentine's Day Sparklies! 

  Picture it. Valentine's Day. Dinner at her favorite restaurant with wine or maybe even Champagne. You ask her if she wants to take a walk after dinner. You walk down to the bridge. And with the moon overhead, you get down on one knee and bring out that velvet box with the ring. She says "Yes!". Life is grand.
   Flash forward a few years. You have the house with the white picket fence, great neighbors and Junior is playing in the back yard with Fido. You surprise your lovely wife with an anniversary cruise (and your in-laws are taking Junior and Fido for the week!)  Life is grand.
   While you are on your trip, your house is broken into. Your big screen TV. Your computer. Your printer. Gone. Then your wife remembers - "I didn't take my wedding rings with me. I was afraid I might lose them on the ship!" She runs to the bedroom and sure enough, her jewelry is gone. Most of it is costume, but that wedding set- you had that custom made. You begin to worry. The police give you a copy of the police report and tell you your insurance company will want that for the claim. Insurance! Of course! You have a solid homeowner's policy. Your stolen items can be replaced. Life is grand!
   You call your insurance agent. You explain about the break in. He asks you for an itemized list of what was stolen.You fill out the home inventory list he sends you. He calls back to let you know everything is covered, except the wedding rings. Your policy only covers up to $2500 for jewelry. The wedding set was custom made. That $2500 won't even come close! You give your agent a piece of your mind. He tries to tell you he asked if you needed any special items scheduled out when he wrote the policy. You don't remember that 5 year old conversation. And what does "schedule out" mean anyway? Arrgghhh. Your wife is crying over her now irreplaceable rings. Life just lost a little of its grandeur!

   What can you do to avoid that last part of the story? 

You can call your agent today and tell him you want to add scheduled personal property protection for your wedding rings! This coverage will replace specific items listed on your policy. It can be wedding rings, pendants, bracelets. You can also add SPP for pieces of art, coins, furs, books or guns. What will you need? Appraisals for each piece. You should have your item appraised every 3-5 years. Most carriers will have a guideline for how recent the appraisal must be. Policies will insure each piece, down to the penny. Appraisals should include a picture, serial numbers, descriptions and replacement value. This coverage will add to your premium, but if the unthinkable happens, it will be worth it!

Questions on your Home, Auto, or Commercial Insurance?
Contact Brockman Premier Insurance  or call toll free at 877-987-8683 today
and let us Keep You Insured!

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!

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.

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!

Personal Umbrella Policy

When it Rains, it Pours-   Are You Covered?

   There was a time when only the rich and powerful needed a Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP). Not any more. If you own a home and/or a boat, you should look at what a PUP can offer you. If you own a dog, trampoline or pool, your liability risk increases exponentially and I strongly urge you to consider an Umbrella Policy.  If you own your own business, you should look at what a commercial umbrella policy can offer you.
  Why? What can an Umbrella Policy do for you? Think of it as an added layer of protection for your assets and more importantly, for your family.  It is Liability coverage above and beyond the limits on your Homeowner's, Watercraft and Auto policies.  You have liability coverage on your Homeowner's, watercraft and Auto policies. But they have limits. Unfortunately, anyone can sue anyone these days. And attorneys  are asking for more and more in  "damages".   Your liability limits cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages. Add in any damages that you may have to pay to the injured party, and your current policy limits may well be below what is needed. Then what do you do? Your assets can be siezed and sold to pay the awarded damages. And you are left with no recourse and possibly more debt than you can ever repay.
   Simply put, a Personal Umbrella Policy will offer coverage when your home, watercraft and/or auto policy limits run out. A PUP is often inexpensive, as low as $150 annually for $1million in cover. When you compare it to the added coverage and what you could lose without the coverage, isn't it worth it? 


Thanks for reading!
Nancy Brockman

Please contact  The Brockman Agency for quotes and answers to your questions about Home, Auto and Commercial insurance. We partner with 20 carriers, so we can do the shopping for you!