Vacation Home Insurance

Do you need to insure your vaction home?

   After all, you aren't there all the time. You don't have nearly as much personal property there. Do you really need to insure it? Yes. Yes you do.

 You're right, you aren't there all the time. If no one is there, how will anyone notice a leak? Or catch a fire before it blazes out of control? What if you get burglarized? Chances are no one will be there to prevent or at least handle these situations on a timely basis. This means the damage could be much worse than it would have been if someone lived there full time. These are high risks you don't want to pay for on your own. 

   Many vacation homes are in rural or beach areas. Let's say you are there when one of those situations occurs, but the fire /police departments are miles away and they take 30 minutes to get there. A fire can destroy an entire home in that amount of time. A leak can destroy your entire flooring. A burglar can empty your home. These are a high risks you don't want to pay for on your own. 

   What if you rent it out or let friends/family stay there when you are not there?  Somone trips over a rug and breaks their leg. Or someone starts a fire in the kitchen and can't get it out. You can be liable for injuries and or damages, even if you are not there. These are high risks you don't want to pay for on your own.

   You have worked hard to buy that secondary home for your family to enjoy. If something happens, then yes, you want to make sure you have adequate coverage for that vacation home, just like you do for your primary home. 

Just like your primary home insurance, there are many optional coverages and many carriers to choose from. Talk to your agent and work through what you want and need in coverage. Most primary home policies will not extend much coverage to a secondary property. So you will need a seperate policy for your vacation home.

There are few options I urge you to consider.

Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP): This is an extra Liability policy that will pick up where your home/auto policies stop. So if you have a liability claim of $500,000 and you only have $300,000 in Liability coverage on your secondary home policy, your PUP will kick in and cover the rest. The more properties, cars and toys (boats, motorcycles...) you have, the higher the premium will be for the PUP. But the added coverage can be a financial life saver.

Fair Rental Income: If you are renting out your secondary home, I highly recommend this coverage. If the home becomes uninhabitable (therefore un-rentable) due to a covered loss, you can be paid the rents you would lose during the time it takes to repair the damage. 

Coverge Amount: As I explained up above, you are more likely to have extensive damage from a fire, leak or burglary because you are not there full time. Make sure you have enough dwelling coverage to cover a total loss. Don't go cheap because you don't use the home as often. You need complete coverage because of the lack of time you spend there. 

Every carrier is a different in what they will/will not cover, what type of policies they will/will not write. So, I wouldn't get your heart set on "bundling" by trying to make sure your secondary home policy is with the same carrier as your primary home policy. That is not always an option (your primary home carrier may not even write secondary homes). Sometimes they won't have the best rate. So be open to the quotes your agent offers you. Of course, if you are with a captive carrier, you won't have many options. Again- I urge you to find an independent agent and see what they have to offer. 

 If you are looking for a Texas agent or just have questions about your insurance, please give Brockman Premier Insurance a call at 877-987-8683 or email brian@brockmanpremier.com.

Or visit our website at www.brockmanpremierins.com

   

Shopping for Auto Insurance

How Do You Get the Most in Your Auto Insurance?

    I have lost count of the number of auto insurance companies in Texas. There are all types out there. Those who sell "preferred policies" to those who sell "junk policies." The type and amount of coverage you have matters. In the case of an accident, your coverage can make or break you.
   There are many coverages for you, as a consumer, to consider. Most states require every driver to have Liability Insurance. In Texas, you must have at least $30/$60/$30 in liability. This means if you are in an accident and you are at fault you have coverage to pay the other party $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident  for damages and medical. It would also cover $30,000 for property damage. This may sound like quite a bit of coverage, but expenses accumulate quickly after an accident. And what if the other party has long term medical expenses? The minimum I suggest to clients is $50/$100/$50, but I would seriously consider raising your liability to $100/$300/$100 or higher. The cost to raise your liability is usually minimal and it can save you more than you will ever pay in insurance premiums. 
   Where Liability will cover the other party, Comprehensive and Collision coverage will cover your car if you are at fault for an accident. Comprehensive covers you if something "hits" you- a deer jumps in front of your car, a thief steals your car, a storm floods your car, a rock hits your windshield. It is not usually too expensive. You can affect the price by changing your deductible. If you have a $500 deductible, the carrier will pay for damages minus $500. If you have a $250 deductible, it will cost you more in insurance premium, but you will pay out less in the case of a claim. If you have a $1,000 deductible, it will cost you less in premium, but more out of pocket for a claim. There is no right or wrong amount. It is your choice. The same applies to Collision deductibles. Collision covers you if you hit anything- another car, a tree, a house (don't laugh - it happens!) It is usually the most costly coverage, so people find the deductible decision very important for this coverage. If you have an older car, you may consider removing Collision altogether. Just know if you do that, you will not have any coverage to pay for repairs to your car if you are at fault in an accident. 
   Rental and Towing are great coverages. But if you have several cars, you may want to forgo the rental coverage to save money. Towing isn't usually costly and it can come in handy! 
   Uninsured Motorist is always a debate. Many drivers don't think it is necessary. I would caution you against removing this coverage. If you are in an accident and the other driver doesn't have any insurance or not enough insurance (like those carrying minimal liability), your UIM coverage will cover you. It is estimated that 20% of registered Texas drivers are driving without insurance. Add in the "unregistered" drivers and it gets scary. Without UIM coverage, you are self-insuring. Can you afford this? I bet it will cost you less to have the coverage than to not have it if you are in an accident.
   There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for insurance. Talk with an independent agent who can shop several carriers for you. Find an agent you trust- talk to them, ask questions. Make them earn your trust. Make sure they know you expect good service throughout the life of your policy, not just during the sales process. 
   If your child goes to college more than 100 miles away from home and doesn't take a car, you can remove them from the policy. Or most carriers will list them as a "distant student" which gives you a nice price break on their coverage. This way they can drive when they are home from school. 
   And last but not least, keep your credit score high. Good credit = better pricing. It is just the way of the world. Good credit means you are less of a risk. Now, we know that isn't always true, but the numbers say it usually is. Carriers live by the numbers. 
   Shop for what you want in a policy. Do not just go with the first person you talk to. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Ask them why they like the agency. Pricing is important, but so is an agent and carrier who will take care of you when you need them. 
Do not settle. Expect more!

Do you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance? 
Call Brockman Premier Insurance:
Local: 214-592-0859
Toll Free: 877-987-8683
or email: brian@brockmanpremier.com
Visit our website for great tips! www.wekeepuinsured.com
 

RV coverage

Have RV, Will Travel

   It is that time of year- summer travel time! The kids are out of school and the weather is just right. (until the triple degrees hit!) Many people travel by RV so they can see the countryside while they travel. You want to make sure you have the coverage you need for that trip!

* Your RV policy will have the same basics as your auto policy. Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Uninsured Motorist are all included on an RV policy.

* Make sure you have Roadside Assistance. Breakdowns happen! Many carriers include added coverage for temporary living expenses and transportation costs if needed.  

* Not all policies cover personal property so be sure to ask your agent. One of the big benefits of traveling by RV is that you have all of your belongings right there with you. Not much of a benefit if you are not covered to replace them in case of damage or theft!

* There are other optional coverages you should look at such as Electronic lock and key replacement, Pet coverage, loan or lease protection. 

* At the end of the season, you can reduce your RV coverage to Comprehensive only if you don't travel during the winter months. This will save you money!

Traveling by RV can be a fantastic way to take a trip. Just please make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your family and your belongings on that trip!

If you have any questions or need a quote, 

please call 214-592-0859 or 877-987-8683. 

You can also email us at Brockman Premier Insurance

We would love to keep you insured!

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

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!

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!

Ineligible Dog Breeds

Is Your Dog Affecting Your Insurance Costs?

   Your dog is a liability concern for all home owners insurance carriers. Certain, aggressive, dog breeds, pose a higher risk for attacking someone. If your dog attacks or bites anyone, you are liable for their medical bills.

   Insurance carriers consider some breeds to be ineligible. Many will not insure you if you own an Akita, Chow Chow, Doberman, German Shepherd, Pitbull and Rottweiler, among other breeds. Even if they will insure your home, you will have to opt for an Animal Exclusion. This means if your dog bites anyone, the insurance carrier will not pay the claim. Every home insurance quote I have ever completed asks about dog ownership and breed. At the very least, your insurance will increase with one of these breeds.

   Many carriers will leave the claim open until the claimant has healed completely. In the case of a child, this could take years. Doctors will decide if plastic surgery is needed. Many times they will wait until the child has reached 18 to make sure the reconstruction is done after they have finished developing. This type of claim could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars by time it is all said and done.

   Our next door neighbor had a Great Dane, “Duke”. Duke was the sweetest dog, everyone loved him. He loved people. He loved to play, but never got aggressive. One day their son had a friend over. Duke knew the boy well. The boys were up in the game room playing video games. Duke was in there chewing on some toy. The friend bent over to see what Duke was chewing on. Duke bit him, on the head. Basically he had the boy’s head in his mouth. All heck broke out. The boy was covered in blood, an ambulance was called, Duke was locked in another room. Now, the boy is fine. It looked worse than it was- a few stitches, some glue. The doctors said if Duke had wanted to kill him, he could have very easily. Apparently he was just warning him. But this was a non-aggressive dog with no bit history, who loved people. This type of claim is why certain breeds are ineligible, require exclusions, or at least will increase your premium.

   Many people have argued that they have raised their ineligible breed from a puppy, with love. Their beloved pet would never bite anyone. But Insurance is about the possibility of risk. Actuaries research and compile data on every risk a carrier could cover. Their numbers decide if the risk will be covered and how much it will cost to do so. You won’t be able to argue your point on this. Talk to your agent and make sure you know the facts about insuring your home with one of these breeds.

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 do the shopping for you!

   

Insuring a Home Based Business

Will your Homeowner's insurance policy cover your Home based business?

   In a word, NO! Homeowners insurance was never designed to cover business risks. There is a cap on most home policies, limiting the amount of coverage on computers, tools and office furniture- desks, filing cabinets and such. Your home policy will not provide any type of Liability for your business. Most carriers will ask if there is a home-based business on the application. If there is, they will exclude it - in writing.

   There are said to be over 38 million in the US alone. These at home businesses bring in over $400 billion per year now. 
   If you are one of these at home business owners, you need to be aware of how protect yourself and your business. There are many pieces to the commercial insurance puzzle. They may or may not all apply to you. But you must make sure. Being improperly insured is a risk you cannot afford to take with your business.
1. Business Property Insurance will cover your electronics, office furniture, printer and such. Many policies offer the choice between Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost (RC). The difference  is ACV will take depreciation off of the value of the item. RC will pay out what it costs to actually replace the item today. ACV will be a lower premium, but you will pay much more in the case of a loss and you have to replace your items.
2. Liability will cover you if you are found liable for damages to someone or their property. If you have anyone- customers, vendors or even delivery people- come to your home to conduct business, you need Liability coverage. Your Homeowner's liability will not cover this.
3. Professional Liability or Acts coverage will cover you against any negligence claims made by clients. This is very important for any one providing service or professional advice.
4. Product Liability covers you if you are liable for damages caused by a product you designed, manufactured or supplied.
5. Business Auto will cover you in the case of a claim for your auto while being used for business. Your personal auto policy will not cover claims caused during the course of doing business.

Some companies are beginning to offer some of these coverages as endorsements onto Homeowners policies. Others offer both the Home and the business insurance as a package. Call your agent (that is what we are here for!) and make sure you put the right policy with the right coverage in place for your Home based business.

Thanks for reading!
Nancy Brockman

Please call us with any questions or quoting needs!   toll free 877-987-8683 or click:

The Brockman Agency