Blog

5th Annual Pumpkin Giveaway October 13, 2011

The Annual Pumpkin Giveaway brought to you by and Remax Team Galt  will be from 5-7pm Thursday, October 13.   As always, pumpkins are free with no strings attached.  But wait!  We have something new this year!  Heather Jones Photography will be taking photos, posed and candid, and will share them with you.  Come to our mini pumpkin patch and make it a family event!

The Importance of an Annual Insurance Review

 Learn why it’s important to have an insurance check-up on an annual basis and read what things to discuss with your agent.

Questions to ask yourself to avoid gaps in insurance coverage

 Here are some examples of changes that should be mentioned to your agent immediately. Ask yourself these questions every year:

*Have I gotten married or divorced?

*Have I had a baby or adopted a child? 

*Is anyone living with me who wasn’t before? Will they be driving my car?

*Have I renovated the house or other structures?

*Do I have a personal umbrella policy? Do I need one?

*Have I purchased any new properties?

*Have I started a home business?

*Have I purchased or been given artwork, fine jewelry, or valuable guns?

Click Here for "September Business Insurance Newsletter"

REFERRAL CONTEST

FALL 2011 REFERRAL CONTEST DETAILS 

 

1) ALWAYS!

For every person you refer you will receive a $10 gas gift card.

2). NEW!

In addition, you will now be entered into a $25 gift card drawing in the month you provide the referral and every time you provide one.  A drawing will take place each month in September, October & November 2011.   

3). PLUS A BONUS!

Every time you send a referral in September, October, & November, you will also be entered into a December drawing for a $75 gift card.

The fine print: Once the person you refer is contacted, enough information must be collected in order to provide a quote. Names alone do not qualify as a referral and do not qualify for this contest. Home, Business, Auto, and Life referrals qualify.  Call or email us stating you read this and we’ll add your name to this month’s drawing

Think twice before waiving someone on while driving or trusting someone who waives you on

A note about waiving people on while driving… while it may seem friendly to help someone, we suggest not waiving people on and not trusting those who waive you on.  Many accidents occur this way and who is at fault is subject to the insurance companies and court decisions.

My pet was injured in a car accident. Will auto insurance cover any expenses for my pet?

Have you ever wondered about insurance coverage on Lassie or muffet if something happened to them when you were in an auto accident? Some auto insurance companies offer coverage automatically on your policy. Erie Insurance, for instance, will pay $500 for injuries for up to 2 dogs or cats & $1000 for the loss of a dog or cat. We think this is a nice added benefit for our clients with four legged friends.

Is your outdoor hot tub covered by insurance?  A client called to inquire about this today.  It’s a good question.  Hot tubs are usually covered subject to deductible but where is often determined by the installation.  Hot tubs are typically covered under your personal property as long as they are not attached to anything (like sitting on a cement slab). It could be covered under other structures if it is attached to decking or a structure, not just sitting on top of it.      When purchasing a hot tub check with your insurance company to confirm coverage and make sure that the coverage amounts you have are still adequate with the addition of a hot tub. You can increase your current coverage for an additional premium. 

Is your outdoor hot tub covered by insurance?  A client called to inquire about this today. 

It’s a good question.  Hot tubs are usually covered subject to deductible but where is often determined by the installation.  Hot tubs are typically covered under your personal property as long as they are not attached to anything (like sitting on a cement slab). It could be covered under other structures if it is attached to decking or a structure, not just sitting on top of it. 

 

 

When purchasing a hot tub check with your insurance company to confirm coverage and make sure that the coverage amounts you have are still adequate with the addition of a hot tub. You can increase your current coverage for an additional premium. 

Are you concerned you might have hail damage from the storm yesterday?

If so, we highly recommend you speak with your agent for recommendations before filing the claim.  This is very important.  You deserve to know how it works, how it affects your claims history, how it may affect your premium, and so on.  Get the facts before filing a claim.

Here are some things to consider:

  • You need to have a trusted roofing company check it out before you go through the claims process.  Let your agent walk you through your options before filing the claim. 
  • We highly recommend that you do not work with a company that comes to your home immediately following a storm.  We are only referring to the companies that walk around your area or neighborhood trying to get your business right after a storm.  You could get locked into a contract and possibly have less negotiating power, like getting dimensional shingles instead of 3 tab shingles. 
  • Look at your plants around the house.  Are flower petals on the ground or hostas damaged?  This could be an indication that the hail was dense enough to cause damage to your car or roof.
  • Do you see dents in your gutters?  This could also be an indication that you may  have hail damage.

If you take anything from this information, have a conversation with your agent before filing the claim.  State that you might have a claim and are just wondering how it works if you do.