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We love helping Uninsured Drivers get legal.

2/26/2021

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Has your auto insurance been cancelled for non-payment?
Have you had too many tickets or accidents?
We love helping Uninsured Drivers get legal.
Our companies do not penalize you for not having insurance.
We have companies that specialize in offering affordable auto insurance for any vehicle, any driver, any age.
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
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Frequently asked questions about Winter Storm Damage

2/23/2021

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Last week’s weather in Texas resulted in yet untold losses for property.
Here are answers to common questions about policies and filing claims after a disaster to remember if a similar situation occurs in our community.
Can I make repairs to my property immediately?
It is generally OK to make temporary repairs. You should turn off your water and cover holes in your roof to protect your house from more damage. Do not make permanent repairs until you have talked to your claims adjuster.
Your policy should pay for the materials and labor you used to make repairs. But take pictures of the damage before doing any work.
My pipe burst due to freezing. Will my insurance pay for the damage?
Many policies will pay for damage to your house caused by a frozen pipe that burst, but there may be some limitations. Call your claims adjuster to ask if your policy will pay.
Staying at a hotel
We have no power in our house. Will my policy pay for a hotel until power is restored?
Probably not. Policies usually only pay for hotels if your house was damaged by an event your policy covers. That probably would not include a power outage. Call your claims adjuster if you are staying in a hotel because you cannot stay home.
My home was damaged during the storm. Will my policy pay for a hotel until repairs are complete?
If you cannot stay in your home because of damage covered by your policy, your homeowners or renters policy may pay for a hotel or other type of shelter. Check your policy for limits on the coverage. Call your claims adjuster if you are staying in a hotel because you cannot stay home.
Food spoilage
The food in my refrigerator spoiled when the power was out. Will my policy pay for the food?
Most homeowners and renters policies will pay up to $500 or more for spoiled food if the power fails under certain circumstances. Often, there is not a deductible. Take pictures or keep a list of the food that spoiled.

Damage from ice and snow
The weight of the ice and snow caused damage to my home. Do I have coverage?
Many homeowners policies will pay if your house was damaged by the weight of sleet, snow, or ice. Call your claims adjuster to ask if your policy will pay.
The weight of the ice and snow damaged my fence and patio. Will my policy pay for the damage?
It depends on your policy. Many policies only pay for damages to your house. They might pay for your fence or patio if your house collapses onto them from the weight of ice or snow. Call your claims adjuster to ask if your policy will pay.
Falling trees
Ice caused a tree to fall on my house, which damaged my roof. Will my homeowners policy pay for the damage?
It depends on your policy. Many policies pay for damages caused by a lot of events, including falling objects. Other policies limit what they pay for. Call your claims adjuster to ask if your policy will pay.
A tree fell in my yard. Will my homeowners policy pay for tree removal?
Many policies provide some coverage to remove trees or limbs that fell due to storm damage and damage your house or block your driveway. Trees and limbs falling in your yard usually are not covered. Call your claims adjuster to ask if your policy will pay.
My neighbor's tree fell on my house. Will my neighbor´s homeowners policy pay for the damage and tree removal?
Probably not unless your neighbor was at fault. Your neighbor is not responsible for acts of nature. If your neighbor's policy does not pay, you can file a claim under your own policy.
A tree fell on my car. Will my auto insurance pay for the damage to my car?
Your auto policy will pay for damages if you have comprehensive coverage.
If the tree was your neighbor’s, their homeowners insurance might pay if your neighbor is somehow at fault. If not, their policy likely will not pay because your neighbor is not responsible for an act of nature.
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Checklist for Safe Heating in Winter

2/18/2021

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As the winter months come upon us and the temperature begins to plummet, there is nothing like coming in from the cold, wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket and watching the snow fall outside your window while sipping a cup of hot cocoa. Maybe you'll turn on a space heater for extra heat or use your fireplace or wood stove to warm the room.
Following is a checklist for homeowners to reduce their risk of fire in the home. Did you:
  1. Have your fireplace or wood stove chimney and chimney connectors inspected at the start of the heating season and cleaned, if necessary?
  2. Move anything that can burn (i.e., furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, people) at least three feet (one meter) from your heater, fireplace ,or wood stove?
  3. Turn off your portable or space heater before leaving the room?
  4. Keep your children and pets safely away from your portable or space heater?
  5. Read the manufacturer's instructions before operating your heater?
  6. Check your electric space heater for fraying or splitting wires, or overheating, and have all problems repaired by a professional before operating the heater?
  7. Safely vent fueled heaters, such as portable kerosene and gas-fueled space heaters, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
  8. Turn off your portable kerosene heater and allow it to cool down before refueling, and wipe all spills promptly during refueling?
  9. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to refuel your kerosene heater?
  10. Select new heating equipment that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory?
  11. Ensure your heating equipment complies with local fire and building codes (i.e., is your wood stove sitting on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and coals)?
Lastly, add to your checklist to review your insurance with our agency. Insurance needs change as circumstances in your lives change, which is why an annual insurance review is recommended by our agency. 
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​Driving in winter? Be prepared and stay safe.

2/15/2021

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Avoid cold weather driving disasters with these tips.
Snow, sleet, ice and below freezing temperatures all have an effect on driving conditions. During winter, safety depends on driver performance in winter hazards, good vehicle maintenance—and common sense. These tips will help you and your car weather the winter.
Prepare your car—and yourself—for winter driving conditions.
Be prepared for driving in inclement and freezing weather. Start with these suggestions.
  • Understand how your car behaves in the snow. While features like anti-lock brakes and all-weather tires can be advantageous, every car performs differently. If possible, practice stopping, starting and turning in a big, empty, snowy parking lot to get the feel of your wheels in the snow.
  • Make sure your battery is charged and working optimally. Cold weather adversely affects battery performance, so check it before the temperature drops.
  • Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank will also prevent your car's gas-line from freezing.
  • Change your oil filter and maybe your oil. The oil in your car thickens in cold weather and (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle) a thinner grade of oil will help your car run more smoothly in the winter.
  • Make sure your wiper fluid contains anti-freeze, so the spray doesn't freeze up in cold weather. Consider buying winter wiper blades, which prevent ice and snow from hardening on the wiper.
  • Keep windshield and windows clear. Keep a snowbrush and scraper in your vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
  • Make sure that your tires have good tread and keep them properly inflated—both are essential to safe winter driving. And while all-weather tires are sufficient for some, if the conditions in your area tend towards snow and ice, consider winterizing your car with snow tires.
  • Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
  • Pack your trunk for emergencies. A snow shovel and a bag of salt (or kitty litter) will help you dig your wheels out of a ditch and give them traction on snow or ice; a blanket will keep you warm and bottles of water will keep you hydrated in case you get stuck.
Discuss your current coverages with our agency. We may be able to find additional discounts and close coverage gaps at the same time. You may do so from the comfort (& warmth) of your home!
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Do You Have an Older Home to Insure?

2/10/2021

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​We Insure Older Homes
When shopping around for homeowners insurance for a new house, you’ll notice dozens of insurance companies will offer you policies. The same doesn’t always apply when looking to insure an old home. From water damage to worn roofing, older homes often require high cost and frequent repairs, something most homeowners insurance companies don’t want to get involved with. That being said, home insurance is an essential part of protecting any property investment– old or new.  Don’t settle for the first quote you find, use our agency to find the cheapest quotes from numerous companies, fast.
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What To Look For In Home Insurance In 2021

2/8/2021

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​Whether you have a mortgage for your home or not, it is important that you have a home insurance policy. The purpose of a home insurance policy is to protect your finances and investment in the event your property is damaged or destroyed.
Here’s more about what to look for in home insurance in 2021.

Look For Discounts
You should look for companies that are offering good discounts when looking for a new home insurance policy. There are different types of discounts offered by homeowners insurance companies. Some examples of the most common discounts are described below:
  • Claim-Free Discount: You can get a discount on home insurance if you haven't filed a claim in a while.
  • Multiple-policy Discount: Some home insurance companies also offer other types of insurance, such as life insurance or auto insurance. If you get multiple policies from the same insurance provider, you may get a discount.
  • Protective Device Discount: Install a protective device — such as a fire alarm, a home security system or a sprinkler system — to enjoy a discount on home insurance.
  • Newly Purchased House Discount: You can get a discount on your home insurance policy if you recently bought a new home. Some home insurance companies also offer discounts to homeowners who have recently renovated their home.
  • Insured To Value Discount: If you get a home insurance policy that insures 100 percent of your home's cost, you may end up getting a discount.
Consider Your Location
When looking for a home insurance policy, you should consider your location. Keep in mind that your location could affect the cost of your home insurance policy. For example, if you are located close to a police department, your home insurance policy costs might decrease. Home insurance companies differ in terms of how much they take location into consideration. Therefore, you should select the home insurance company that values your location in the most favorable light.
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For more information about what to look for in home insurance for 2021, don't hesitate to contact our agency.
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We love helping Uninsured Drivers find affordable coverage

2/3/2021

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Looking for Low-Cost Auto Insurance?
Our agency loves to help Uninsured Drivers get legal!
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
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​Does My Auto Insurance Cover Damage Caused By Potholes?

2/1/2021

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The good news is, yes, pothole damage is usually covered--providing you have collision coverage. Collision coverage, an optional portion of a standard auto insurance policy, covers damage to a car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g., a pothole, lamp post or guard rail), another car or as the result of flipping over. However, it does not cover wear and tear to a car or its tires due to bad road conditions.

Collision coverage is generally sold with a deductible—the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Your collision coverage will reimburse you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible.

Collision insurance is different from comprehensive insurance, which is also an optional coverage. Comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for theft, vandalism, flooding and damage from fallen objects, such as trees.

A driver who hits another car, or a pedestrian, due to a pothole also will be covered by liability insurance, which is required to drive legally in every U.S. state except New Hampshire. Liability coverage applies to injuries that you, the policyholder or designated driver, cause to someone else.
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Insurance can be very confusing. Our agency is here to answer your questions even if you did not buy the policy from us. Feel free to contact our agency for a no-obligation review of all your insurance needs.
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​Sharing Economy: Before You Consider a Side Job, Insure Your Car

1/29/2021

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Today, it is easier than ever for individuals who want extra cash to take on a part-time or side job. The sharing economy, as they call it, means new opportunities to add to your budget. But, before you do, consider your auto insurance needs. In some situations, you will find improving your car insurance coverage is critical to protecting your investment. Here’s what you need to know.
Do You Need Extra Coverage?
​Some of the most popular types of jobs today are those that allow you to complete tasks for those in need. For example, you may deliver food to people at their homes which they order through an app. Or you may use your car to provide customers with a ride to and from a location. Rideshare services like this are one of the most common options for those who want to fill in available time with extra earning opportunities.
​Yet, these types of jobs may require the use of your vehicle. And, if they do, you may need to determine if auto insurance beyond your basic policy is enough. When you begin to use your vehicle for business needs, a standard passenger policy may not be enough. You may need to upgrade to a commercial auto insurance policy. If you need to file a claim and you do not have the right form of insurance, your insurance company can deny it.
What Does an Upgraded Policy Do?
​Auto insurance needs to fit the way you use your car. When you operate a car for business purposes, you extend the use and the risk. Now, you have more liability risks.
Someone could receive an injury while you are driving your car. They could sue you for this. In other cases, you may be in an accident. Your vehicle suffers damage. If you were driving while operating your business, it could mean you lose the ability to drive until repairs occur. And that means income loss.​
When you upgrade your policy to commercial auto insurance your auto insurance can cover more of your risks like these. It may cost a bit more. But it enhances your liability coverage and other protection. Discuss the options for doing this with our agency. You may find it is one of the best opportunities for you to improve your financial protections.
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​What does Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Insurance (VMM) mean?

1/27/2021

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Vandalism and malicious mischief (VMM) insurance is a type of property insurance coverage that indemnifies or compensates the insured for losses arising from acts of vandalism. Most basic homeowner and commercial policies include such perils among the risks covered. It is particularly suitable for commercial buildings, schools, churches and other structures that are unoccupied or not used for long periods during the day, as they become easy targets for vandals due to the lower risk of getting caught.
It is also referred to as a vandalism endorsement.
Vandalism and malicious mischief represents risks that are generally considered a single peril, or otherwise malicious or deliberate physical damage to a property. More specifically, vandalism refers to intentional defacement or damage to beautiful things, while malicious mischief is damage to utilitarian properties due to spite or hatred. Therefore, the latter was added to provide a wider form of coverage to what the former technically does not cover. Vandalism and malicious mischief insurance can also be issued as a separate endorsement to the main policy.
​Make a promise to your self to allow our agency to review your insurance needs.
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