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

Driving Safely

It's Game Time!

It is Football season!! Whether you follow college, Pro or both, you may find yourself driving to games. If you are like our family, you travel to college games quite often. My husband went to the University of Texas and I went to Baylor, so you are most likely to find us heading down I35 this time of year. (Since my team is winning this season, the Baylor Bears get the picture!)
 I don't know about you, but I see some scary driving out there on those Texas highways! So I thought this would be a good time to talk about car safety and insurance.

Safety First! 

* Do not drink and drive. If you want to drink beer with your buddies for the game, wait until you get to the tail gate party - or watch the game from home!
* Check the air pressure on your tires before you leave. A blow out can start a horrific chain reaction accident out there on the highway.
* Always buckle up- It is just plain stupid to go through a car window if you don't have to!
* Keep the distractions to a minimum. Turn your phone to silent (or give it to your spouse/friend/child) Leave enough time to stop for food or bathroom breaks. Pray the kids keep the fighting to a minimum.
* If you are driving out of town, as many of us will do for these games, know where you are going. Getting lost in an unknown place can be unnerving and dangerous if you don't know the area well and end up in the wrong part of town.
* Keep the kids with you. Young children often wander back to the car and crawl in. It is still hot enough in many places to cause heat stroke, even death, if they are left in a car without ventilation. They are sneaky little things- keep them close!

Insurance Tips

* Keep your insurance card on you. I know many companies are making their way to the digital IDs on your phones, but not every police department is accepting them yet. And sometimes it is just easier to pull it out of your glove compartment after that accident.
* If you are traveling out of state, you are a more loyal fan than me! But don't worry. You will be covered. If you are in an accident out of state, most adjusters will take the higher limits between your insurance and the other state's minimum limits.
* Make sure you have the contact information for your insurance company with you.
* It is always a good idea to talk with your Insurance agent before you head out on a trip. Check and make sure your policy is up to date (you never know) and that you know and feel good about the amount of coverage you have.
This is such a great time of year. Be safe and keep it fun for the whole family!
And if you are having issues with your team this year, you can root for mine-
Sic'em Bears!

Thanks for reading!
Nancy

Need Insurance? Contact us at nancy@brockmanpremier.com or call Toll Free 1-877-987-8683
Visit our website @ http://www.wekeepuinsured.com/

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  

Credit based Insurance scores

How does Credit Affect Your Insurance Rates?

   Your credit score is run any time you shop for a home or auto loan, rent a home or apt. And your credit is run when you shop for Insurance.  Keep in mind, your "Insurance score" is different than your "Credit score". Your credit score will be based on your credit history and a few other factors, like your income. Insurance carriers will take your credit information and put it into a model with many other factors, like payment history, bankruptcies, collections and the amount of credit you have incurred.  For example if you have never been late on your mortgage payment, you have a better insurance score than someone who pays late. If you have "maxed out" your credit cards, you will have a lower insurance score than someone who pays them off each month.
  Your credit score can tell someone how responsible you are.  Studies at both the federal and state level, have show your credit score correlates with the probability of an Insurance loss. The higher the Insurance score, the lower the risk, so the lower the rates. Now, other factors are included in Insurance rates- where you live, are you married, your age, male or female. Insurance carriers have several rating "Tiers" customers are placed into based on the details of their lives. Then you factor in claims history. Then the type of car or the construction of the home. So many things affect your rates, but it does start with your Insurance score. 
Insurance scores do NOT consider the following in their assessment:
*Income                                       *Disability
*Ethnic Group                             *Nationality
*Religion
   Insurance carriers will use at least one of three credit bureaus to request your credit history:
*Experian
*TransUnion
*Equifax

You are entitled to one free credit report a year. Contact one of the above bureaus to get your report. You have the right to dispute any discrepancies. The bureau is required by law to correct any errors. If you are ever denied Insurance coverage, based on your credit information, you are entitled to a free report from the bureau that provided the information to the carrier.
   Bottom line, Yes- your credit can affect your insurance premiums. Just one more reason to pay bills on time and keep credit card balances low. You can fix your credit or you can build a good credit history from scratch.  
Your credit is important. Know what your score is and keep it high!

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!