Home insurance premiums

Texas Homeowners pay more for Insurance than any other state.

   A report was released Tuesday by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, stating that Texas homeowners are paying the highest insurance premiums in the US.
The average annual premium in Texas is 3.2% higher than the average premium across the nation.
 Read the entire Insurance Journal article:
 Homeowners Insurance Article
We are in Independent Agency. We quote from over 20 carriers to find you the best rates for the right coverage. Just because Texas has the highest average premium, doesn't mean you have to pay the highest rates. 
  
If you are looking for home insurance, contact us at The Brockman Agency
We would love to do your insurance shopping for you!

Holiday Hazard- Driving in Unfamiliar Areas

Driving in Unfamiliar Areas for the Holidays? Drive them Safely!

Are you visiting family out of town for the Holidays?  Most likely, you want to avoid this Griswold family crash. Driving in unfamiliar areas can be hazardous. You may not know the terrain, the weather or the streets. 
  * Make sure you limit the distractions. It is just plain stupid to text and drive. It is even more so if you are driving on unfamiliar roads. Many of us have made those drives with kids fighting in the back seat and people arguing over what is on the radio. But it is so important to stay alert and engaged while driving in new places.
   * Know the traffic laws. Do your research before you leave. Some towns have roundabouts, bizarre junctions and different road signs that you are not used to. Know the speed limits as well.
   * Get to know your environment. Will there be icy bridges? Cattle in the streets? Depending on where you go, the environment, including the weather, will dictate how you drive. Take is slower if you are at all unsure of your surroundings. 
   * Have a map, in case your phone's maps app doesn't work. If you haven't spent time in the mountains before, I can tell you - cell reception can dicey.  
   If you get lost, always remember to:
Avoid sudden changes in direction. I would also avoid any illegal manuevers, such as a u-turn on an unfamiliar road. 
Signal your intentions. This will let other drivers know your intentions. 
Reduce your speed. This will give you more time to identify and respond to unexpected obstacles like fallen debris, potholes and curves in the road.    

   Make sure to add a extra time to your driving plans.  There is nothing more frustrating than getting lost when you are already late! Take that anxiety and it just adds to the hazard of driving in unfamiliar areas!
   Take your auto insurance with you. Even if you are driving a Rental. If you buy the Rental company's insurance, it will cover any mishap you may have. But that rental insurance can be costly. Your own personal insurance will cover your rental should anything happen, but it will count on your accident history. It is up if you want the Rental Insurance. 

*As always, contact us with any questions or concerns you have for your Home, Auto, Boat or Commercial insurance!    the Brockman Agency

Nancy Brockman 
 
    
   

Holiday Hazards- Home Burglary

Burglars? 

Bah Humbug!

Burglars love the holidays. Do you know why? They get lots of presents- YOURS, if your aren't careful!
   There are many ways to protect your family's Holiday spoils.
I know your 10 ft tree looks incredible in that front window for everyone to see. And I mean everyone. Burglars are just waiting and watching for people to show them all of their Christmas goodies. Temptation at its best! So please consider putting the tree a little further out of sight.
   Certain items, such as laptops, digital cameras and game systems are very attractive to burglars because they are easy to sell on the black market. Keep them out of sight, preferably upstairs or in a closet. Keep a log of your valuables, with pictures and receipts if you can. This will help you replace them if you are hit by burglars. Insurance companies love this attention to detail!
   Out shopping all over town? Keep those packages in the trunk so they are not as accessible to thieves.
   Burglars watch for families to leave for Christmas parties. Leave lights on in the house and outside when you leave for the evening. Burglars do not like to be in the Light! You can buy inexpensive light switch timers so your lights will go on in the front rooms whether you are home or not. Keep your doors locked - even if you make a quick trip to the store for that last minute pumpkin pie filling. Professional burglars are quick!
   If you go out of town, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home. They need to bring in the mail and clean away any ads or fliers left on your door/porch. These are tell tale signs nobody is home. Burglars love it when you go out of town! Keep your hide-a-key in an odd place. Burglars know where to look. You may even want to move several times during the week leading up to you leaving to go out of town. And don't let the world know you are gone by announcing it on your Voice Mail message!
   Last, but not least, 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 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  toll free 877-987-8683

Holiday Hazard- out of town guests

Host Out of Town Guests Safely

  Ok- you said "Yes" to hosting Christmas this year. Eeeek!
Now take a breath and make a plan. There is a lot to consider when you have out of town guests. Menus, activities and SAFETY! You want to make sure this special time with the aunts, uncles and grandparents isn't messed up by having to rush someone to the hospital.
   Before your guests arrive, look around your house from their point of view. Look for potential hazards ahead of time.  If young children are coming, is your home child proofed? Make sure lighters, matches and any chemicals are out of reach. How about medication? You may to change where you keep your meds. Or if you have children and your guests bring in medication, you need to give them a safe place to keep their things out of your children's reach. Is there a medicine cabinet for medication? a dresser to keep purses on?
   If older Grandparents are coming, where are they sleeping? Can they walk the stairs - or do they need a downstairs bedroom? Hallway night lights are inexpensive and can help insure a safe walk to the bathroom or kitchen in the middle of the night.  Bathtubs and Showers can be dangerous for anyone. Consider putting in non-slip mats in the guest bathrooms.
   Have emergency numbers handy in case of an accident. Make sure your guests know where to find them in case you are the one injured. We keep ours on the side of the refrigerator.
Hopefully you enjoy your time with out of town guests. If not, consider suggesting a near by hotel...
Either way, a little bit of pre-planning can insure everyone's safety during this Holiday Season! 



 

Holiday Hazards-Decorating Safely

Decorating without Burning the House Down

Each year, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause more than $990 million in damage.
   Candle-related fires are one of the most common holiday home hazards, averaging more than 12,000 each year. So make sure you keep those Advent and Chanukah  candles away from flammable items and blow them out when you leave the room.
   Another  indoor fire hazards this time of year is the Christmas Tree. You want to place the tree at least three feet from any heat source, such as the fire place, a radiator or candles. If you have a an artificial tree, make sure the box is labeled or certified by the manufacturer as Fire-retardant. If you have a real tree, remember a moist tree is less likely to catch fire than a dry one. When selecting your tree, check to see if the needles fall off when touched- this indicates a dry tree. To keep it moist, keep water in the tree stand and check it daily. 
   One of the biggest fire hazards is the fire place. Everyone loves a roaring fire when it is cold out. But it can cause horrible damage if proper care is not taken. Be careful that you hang those stockings with care! Make sure your damper is open and cover your fireplace with a screen or grate. Again- curb that temptation to put the tree next to the fire place. It will make a lovely picture, but the consequences can be deadly. On Christmas morning, grab a garbage bag to throw the wrapping paper in. Tossing it into your fireplace can create enough sparks and embers to start a fire outside the fireplace. 
Decorations help us feel festive during this wonderful time of year. But let's decorate with safety in mind!

   If you do have a fire, get your family out of the house and call 911. Call you insurance company once everyone is safe.

If you have questions about your Homeowner's Insurance, 
please contact us at  The Brockman Agency  or call toll free 877-987-8683

Holiday Hazards- kids and decorating

Holiday Decorations can be 

Hazardous to Your Kids!

We all know kids are attracted to shiny baubles. And Holiday Decorations are full of shiny baubles.
Let's start with the Christmas Tree. If you have toddlers in the home, try to keep the lights and ornaments up higher. They love to grab at things and the tree poses a tipping- over risk. And they love to put things in their mouth. Smaller ornaments low on the tree are a choking hazard  for little ones.
Decorations can pose all types of hazards. Hanukkah and Christmas candles need to be kept out of reach. Tablecloths are a temptation for little hands who like to pull on things. Broken glass/plates, falling hot food and candles are a few of the posibilites. Keep greenery out of reach as well. While Poinsettias are not poisonous, as many believe, Mistletoe berries ARE.
Those wrapped presents are very pretty, but they are choking hazards. Also it is fun to play in those styrofoam peanuts, but they are also just small enough for little ones to put in their mouth.
If you have children under feet in the kitchen, take extra care when moving hot pans, opening the oven or cooking over burners. Our little ones do not know the dangers, but we do.
Keep those babies safe this Holiday Season!

Read a great article to learn more at parenting.com 

Holiday Hazards- dogs vs Chocolate

Dogs and Chocolate is a Dangerous Combination!

Theobromine, a compound present in chocolate that is toxic to dogs but not humans, could cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, coma, or even death. Potential toxic doses vary by breed size and weight, but unsweetened cocoa and baking chocolate pose the highest risk, while milk chocolate is least threatening. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centerat 888-426-4435.

Thanks to  This Old House  for this great tip!

Safeguard ALL of your loved ones this season!