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.

Roof Coverage

Why Does Your Roof's Age Matter?

   One of the first questions we ask is "How old is your roof?" Often we get asked why it matters. Roofing and foundation are the start and finish of your home. If one of them is damaged, the rest of the house is in danger as well. This is why insurance carriers are interested. If your roof is in poor shape, the chances of a claim are greater. Which is exactly what carriers want to avoid. Insurance is there to make you whole again in the case of a loss. But carriers do not want to have to pay claims. They will (most of them anyway!), but it costs them more money than you have paid them. So it isn't very cost effective. And trust me, while they are providing a very needed and valuable service, profit is a priority.
   We live in Texas. And in Texas, we have storms, many, many storms. Texas has the most volatile weather of any state. We have wind, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, even a few earthquakes! Roofs are the first line of defense for a home during a storm. It is the first part damaged, which leads to damage for the rest of the home. It is a huge risk to insure.
   Most carriers will send out inspectors to look at the home they are insuring. Sound business practice if you ask me. This is NOT the same as the pre-sale inspection. I have seen the carrier inspection come back with a very different view of the home than the pre-sale inspector. The carrier inspector's results are the ones the carrier will use. The two inspections have different goals. The pre-sale inspector is there to evaluate the condition of the home for move in. The carrier's inspector is there to evaluate the RISK involved in insuring the home.  The most common issues found are fences and the roof. Thankfully, most carriers will give the insured 30-45 days to get the issue fixed or find another insurance policy. But chances are, you will run into the same issue with the next carrier.
   Sometimes, we run into customers who want to debate whether the carrier is right or not.This is the point I want to get across to the consumers out there. You can argue all you want. But in the end, it is the carrier who will have to cover the cost of replacing your roof or any other claim. They have the final decision as to whether or not they want to insure a risk. 
   It can be so frustrating to both the insured and the agent. Our goal, as agents, is to keep you insured. Your goal is to stay insured. We both need the carriers to reach our goals. Since they set the rules and guidelines, we are subject to those rules and guidelines.
   Now keep in mind, insurance is one of the most regulated industries out there. Each state has a Department of Insurance that governs what the carriers can and cannot charge, cover and pay out. The carriers are not out there just setting whatever limits and premiums they want. So again- you can debate all you want, but the rules and guidelines are set long before you buy your insurance. The gray area lies in the hands of the carrier as to whether they will insure a risk. Now, whether they will pay a claim once they have agree to insure your home is a different story (and a different post). 
   When you are shopping for home insurance, be honest with your agent. Tell him/her about your claims history and the age and condition of the home. This will help the agent place you in the correct policy from the start. Different carriers allow different levels of risk. Some carriers will not insure a home over 40 years old. Some will require a different deductible amount if your roof is over 10 years old. Give your agent all of the details so he can offer you the most suitable choices. And if you are served a cancellation notice because of conditions of your home, take it seriously. Either get it fixed or get with your agent and see if he/she can find you a different policy. 

If you have questions or need a quote, 

please contact Brockman Premier Insurance.

Local 214-592-0859

Toll Free: 877-987-8683

Visit us at www.wekeepuinsured.com

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