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!

Preparing food safely

Kitchen Safety for the Holidays!

Many of us spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen during the holidays. We are cooking, baking and icing all types of goodies for our friends and family. Food preparation can be tricky.  If you are anything like me, you make too much and so there is leftover maintenance.

Here is a quick check list for kitchen safety this holiday season:

Use Two Cutting Boards: Keep one for raw meats and seafood and the other for

ready-to-eat foods .

Use a Food thermometer and cooking temperature guide: Ensure foods have reached the safe minimum internal temperature with a food thermometer. 

Use Shallow containers: Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers to reduce  the temperatures faster and help them stay safer, longer.

Use Soap, lots of soap: Have plenty of soap nearby so everyone helping in the

kitchen can wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling foods. While lathering up, sing two choruses of “Happy Birthday” to make sure you wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Use Paper towels:  Sponges and kitchen towels can easily soak up bacteria and

cross-contaminate kitchen surfaces and hands. When a crowd is coming over and food prep gets hectic, it can be better to use disposable paper towels.

I know these are not insurance tips, but we want you to stay safe this Holiday season!

Please let us know if we can help you with your home, auto, toys and commercial insurance!

Email Brockman Premier Insurance or visit our website at www.wekeepuinsured.com

Thanks for reading!

Nancy Brockman

Insurance claims

What does my renewal premium have to do with my neighbor's claim?

   Insurance agents often dread renewal calls. It would help if rates went down more often. Lord knows it would make our lives easier! But the truth is, everything seems to cost more and more each year. And often, Insurance is no different.
   Texas is the most volatile weather state in our country. Yea us!
We have Hurricanes, Hail storms, Thunder storms, Snow, Flooding and even an occasional Earthquake! Most states have one, maybe two, of these. But Texas has to the be the over-achiever and go for all of them. This volatile weather leads to the number one reason for insurance rate increases; Claims.
   "But I didn't file a claim!" you cry in frustration on the phone to your agent. To which your agent may reply, "But all of your neighbors did." And then you shake your head and think to yourself (or out loud), "So I have to pay for their claims?" Yes, yes you do.
   I know this is hard to believe, but insurance companies are not volunteering to fix your damages for free. They expect to be paid. It is a huge business. And like every other type of company, if a carrier has more expenses (claims) than they budgeted for, they will have to raise their rates to cover those expenses (claims). So if there are major ice storms in January, chances are many carriers are going to have to raise rates to pay for those claims by year's end.
   Most of the carriers I have seen do try to take care of the customer in a fair and appropriate manner. Of course "fair and appropriate" means different things to different people. But what the consumer must understand is that the insurance carrier is the one taking the risk. If you had to pay someone $500,000, wouldn't you make pretty darn sure they should get the money? I would.
   Whether it is $5,000 or $500,000, there are rules and guidelines to paying out claims. These are supposed to guide the carriers in evaluating what claims to pay and to what extent. There are some carriers who are being sued in a class action lawsuit by the state for not paying out eligible claims. So we know there are watchdogs out there looking out for the consumer. If you have a carrier who did not take care of you for an eligible claim, I am so very sorry. And I urge you to call the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) at 1-800-252-3439 and report them or file a complaint online.
Do not let them get away with not taking care of you. You are a paying customer!
   * So my point here is that claims are the #1 reason premiums are increasing almost every year. There is no way around that. All insurance carriers are not evil any more than all consumers are scam artists.
   You can counteract increases by shopping around. (Another good reason to go with an independent agency!) When a renewal hits, I re-shop the client. While I cannot guarantee a lower rate, at least I can show the client that my agency cared enough to see if I could find something better for them!

Have a question on your home, auto or business insurance?
Email Brockman Premier Insurance for a quote or answer to a question you have.
or call Toll free: 877-987-8683 or local: 214-592-0859

Personal property on vacation

Are you covered while traveling?

   Most of us take the "necessities" with us while traveling. My computer, my phone, my tablet are all necessary for me to survive a trip. (Don't worry - I consider my toothbrush necessary too!)
   So what if your personal property is stolen, broken or lost while traveling with you? Your stuff isn't at home, so will your homeowners/renters insurance policy cover this loss? Most will. But there are restrictions. The coverage varies from carrier to carrier, policy to policy. Always call your agent before you take a trip and make sure you know the specifics of your policy.
   For most policies, these necessities would be covered under Off Premises coverage. Most policies will cover up to 10% of the Personal Property coverage for off premises personal property. So if your Dwelling value is set at $200,000 and you have 50% personal property coverage ($100,000) then your off-premises coverage would be $10,000. Personal property means your necessary electronics, as mentioned above, but it also means your jewelry and your clothing. Keeping that in mind, $10,000 can go quickly. So think about the value of what you are taking with you. You may want to leave some things at home. You may want to add a jewelry rider to your policy. This would list specific pieces of jewelry at their appraised value. They would not detract from your off-premises coverage. You can also add extra coverage for cameras and computers on some policies. Again, contact your agent and see what your options are for your policy.
   Also- keep in mind that your personal property is subject to your All Other Perils deductible. So keeping with the $200,000 dwelling amount, if you have a 1% deductible, you will pay out the first $2,000 for any property loss. So if you have a $10,000 loss, you will only be compensated up to $8,000. If you add the extra coverage for a specific piece of jewelry or a camera, there is no deductible.
   Traveling can be great fun. Make sure you protect your property while you are traveling so your trip isn't ruined by loss.

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

Trees and home foundation damage

Should They Stay or Should They Go?

   I love trees. I climbed them as a child. I am amazed at their beauty as an adult. They serve a great purpose, both as something beautiful to admire and as a natural resource. Trees in a yard can make a house look fantastic. But trees can be dangerous to home. They need to be planted a certain distance from the home, depending on the tree and its root system. If you are planting a new tree or evaluating an existing tree in your yard, call an arborist. Do it right, or you can cause a major damage to your home's foundation.
   Trees can cause foundation damage in 3 ways:
1. Physical contact with your foundation.
2. Affecting the moisture content of the soil under or near your foundation.
3. Causing air gaps and shifting soil due to decaying roots under or near a foundation.
   Larger trees are a bigger concern with physical contact. Obviously, the larger the roots, the more damage may occur. The roots can extend more than 3 times the height of the tree. So if you have a 50 foot tree, it's roots may grow out to 150 feet. The proximity of the tree makes a huge difference. A good gauge is if your tree has limbs near or over your home, its roots are probably growing under your foundation. If you have a Pier and Beam foundation (usually found in older homes), this is less of a concern. Slab foundations sit on the soil and is more easily affected by root pressure.

   Trees can affect the moisture content of the soil under and around your foundation. This is a concern if your foundation is "floating" on that soil (slab foundation). Trees transpire (draw) water through their roots. And where are their roots? In the ground. If the tree is too close to your home, it is drawing moisture from the soil supporting your foundation and it will begin to recede. If you are not watering the entire perimeter of your home's foundation, it will recede much quicker. If you are not watering around your perimeter, the tree roots will look for water elsewhere. And the closest place for them to find it is under your home. They will grow out looking for an adequate water supply. If you keep it watered and your trees are set the right distance away from your foundation, you are less likely to have foundation damage. Unless your foundation was not built correctly. But that is a whole other issue!
   If you have trees removed, make sure the entire root system is removed and the gap is filled in. If the roots are left, there will be gaps when they decay. Your soil will shift to fill those gaps, causing
your foundation to shift. If your tree has many years of life left, it is often recommended to steer the roots away from the house, rather than remove the tree. If the tree is near the end of its life, removal is recommend.
   Again- call an arborist when dealing with trees. There are lasting consequences of improper planting, maintenance and removal of trees. They are beautiful and a wonderful resource, but they must be maintained properly or they become a hazard for your home. Insurance carriers will not insure foundation repairs due to wear and tear. Letting a tree root system grow into your foundation is wear and tear. Not watering your foundation properly is wear and tear (and neglect!).  As a homeowner, this is one of your responsibilities. Take good care of your foundation. It is the entire base your home rests upon!

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

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
 

Safeguarding against Identity Theft

Stop! Identity Thief!

   Identity theft is a very lucrative business these days. It is the fastest growing crime. An estimated 15 million people have their identity stolen each year. These thieves are making out well, to the tune of $50 billion annually! But there are ways to safeguard against this type of theft.

• Order your credit report annually and verify the information. There are 3 national credit repositories you can do this through: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

• Guard your Social Security number. Keep it in a safe and secured place. (Your wallet is NOT a safe and secured place!) Check you Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement each year and make sure it is accurate and no one is using it for employment. A home safe is a good idea for all important documents.

• Protect your mail from theft. Mail outgoing bills from the post office collection boxes. Years ago we had a water bill taken from our mail box and within a month, there had been over $10,000 in fraudulent checks written on our account. If you don't have someone who can pick up your mail daily, have it held at the post office if you are away. 
• Destroy documents before you throw them away. You can buy a personal shredder for as low as $25. Shredding your personal documents can save you much more than $25!
• Be careful shopping online. This one is tough to manage. Online shopping is expected to gross over $240 billion this year. The convenience of shopping online is a great draw. Even if you stick to companies you know and trust, data breaches happen. Minimize your online shopping.
• Open and question those "Congratulations! you are approved!" letters from credit card companies. Often you are receiving it because someone opened an account in your name. By the time you receive that, a thief may have already spent thousands of dollars on that card you never even applied for.

   High School and College students are a growing group vulnerable to identity theft. They do everything online these days. Posting personal photos and information on social media is an easy way to have your identity stolen.  College students are easily seduced into getting their own credit cards. Talk to your students about watching their statements for accuracy. 

   

   Many home insurance carriers do include Identity Theft coverage. This will not guard you against identity theft, but it will help cover the cost of recovering your identity and putting the thief out of commission. It can help cover the court costs, lost wages, re-filing applications for grants, notarizing affidavits and other costs associated with recovery. The average cost of remediation is over $1000. That is just to put your affairs back in order. Identity theft can affect your credit score, your job opportunities, your peace of mind. Make sure to talk to your insurance agent about Identity Theft coverage.

If you have your identity stolen, check out how to Recover from Identity Theft. 

There is more to recovery than you may know.

If you have questions, please contact  Brockman Premier Insurance.

Local 214-592-0859

Toll Free: 877-987-8683

Visit us at www.wekeepuinsured.com