Insuring Jewelry

SHOULD I INSURE MY JEWELRY?

   Did you get a shiny, new bauble for Christmas? Or are you a January baby, with a new Garnet gemstone ring or necklace? Should you worry about insuring your new item?

   Most basic Homeowners policies will cover up to $1500 in jewelry. I don't know about you, but that would cover most of my jewelry. But that is the total amount for the policy, not what can be paid out for each piece. 

Scheduled Jewelry

In my case, I have my wedding rings "scheduled" separately on my Homeowners policy. This means if my covered rings are lost or stolen, I will receive compensation for the Appraised  amount, without diminishing the amount of my basic jewelry coverage. 
   This is the entire reason to have insurance in the first place. It is meant to "make you whole" again in the event of a loss. Your jewelry counts as a loss. But you need to make sure you have the right coverage. Check your Home policy. If you have just the basic coverage, again- it will cover up to $1500 on most policies. Some have what is called a Blanket endorsement, sometimes up to $50,000 for special valuables. But even these will only pay out up to $10,000 for one item. This may be adequate for many people. But is it adequate for you?
   Talk with your Insurance Agent (that is what they are there for!) about the possibility of Scheduling certain valuables on your Homeowners policy. It will involve providing a Certified Appraisal for covered items, including pictures and paying extra premium. The extra premium isn't too much depending on the amount you are scheduling out. But know your choices so you can make an INFORMED decision! 

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazards- After Christmas

After Christmas Safety

HOME BURGLARS ARE STILL ON HOLIDAY!   

   So you got that great iPad, or game system for Christmas. Santa was good to you! 

But what do you do with all of those boxes? Sure the Trash collectors will cart them away for you. But someone else is looking for them too. Home burglar's Holiday Season is not over yet!
   Don't kick those iPad or Laptop boxes to the curb right after Christmas. 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 leave out those laptops and game systems in view of accessible windows. Burglars are watching. When you go out of town or even just leave for a New Years Eve parties, they have time to break into your home. 

Make it hard for them to find what they want. 
Don't let Burglars ruin your Holiday Season!       

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683

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!

Here are some ways to protect your family's Holiday spoils

I know your 10 ft tree looks incredible in that front window for everyone to see. Unfortunately, I mean everyone. Burglars are 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!

Doing that last minute shopping all over town? Keep those packages in the trunk so they are not as accessible to thieves! You will be surprised how many places thieves hang out waiting for an easy score. 

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 the usual hiding places. You may even want to move it 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 Social Media! Post those awesome family photos once you are back home. 

   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!      

  There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazards-Kitchen Safety

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 are some ways to make and store your food safely.

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

Put in the beaters BEFORE you plug in the mixer. If the mixer is "on", the beaters can take your fingers off before you know what happened. This is a great first rule to teach children who want to help with baking Holiday treats.

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!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazard - Driving out of town

DRIVING IN UNFAMILIAR AREAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS? DRIVE SAFELY!

Are you visiting family out of town for the Holidays?  Most likely, you want to avoid this Griswald family-like crash. Driving in unfamiliar areas can be hazardous. You may not know the streets or the terrain or how to drive in weather that is uncommon for your area. 
  * 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, especially 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? (Yes that can be a thing) Depending on where you go, the environment, including the weather, will dictate how you drive. Take it slower if you are at all unsure of your surroundings. 
   * Do you need to winterize your car? Or protect it from heat? Google how to do that properly in the state you are going to. Winterizing in Texas can be different than winterizing in Wyoming.
   * Have a map, in case your phone's map app doesn't work. If you haven't spent time in the mountains before, I can tell you - cell reception can be dicey.  

If you get lost, always remember to:
Pay attention to road signs. They can help guide you.  Avoid sudden changes in direction and illegal manuevers, such as a u-turn on an unfamiliar road. Use your turn signals/hazards. 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! That anxiety 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 to buy the Rental insurance or use your own. 

It can be great to get out of town, but drive safely so it doesn't turn disasterous!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazards- Kids and decorations

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 and other pretty, but dangerous items that can cause serious harm 
to a child.


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 mouths. Smaller ornaments hung 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, Mistletoe berries ARE poisonous.
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!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazards- dogs vs Chocolate

Dogs and Chocolate is a Dangerous Combination!

So this isn't about insurance, but it is about a common Holiday Hazard. 

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

Our furbabies mean the world to us. Let's keep them safe!

Thanks to  This Old House  for this great reminder!

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Holiday Hazards- Decorating Safety

DECORATING WITHOUT BURNING Down the HOUSE!

During the Holiday season each year, fires 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. Candles are a beautiful addition to Holicy decor. But make sure you keep those Advent and Chanukah  candles away from flammable items (like your tree and those wooden Nutcrackers!) Always blow them out when you leave the room. And double check if you are leaving the house. One candle is all it takes.
   


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 UL tested to withstand fire. 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. Hang those stockings with care! Make sure your damper is open and cover your fireplace with a screen or grate. 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. I know it brightens up our home . But let's decorate with safety in mind and keep those we love safe and sound!
   
If you do have a fire, get your family out of the house and call 911. Call you insurance company once everyone is safe and the fire is out..

You can also check out  tips from the experts at This Old House about preventing Holiday fires.

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683  

Eplaining Motorcycle Insurance

Make It Simple- Motorcycle Insurance  

This is our third installment in the Make It Simple series. Have you tried to read your insurance policy and just given up? Even your motorcycle policy can be very confusing! Let me try to simplify it for you.

Every policy (regardless of type) should have a Declarations Page, commonly referred to as the “Dec Page”. This page “declares” who you are, what property you have insured, your coverage choices and how much you are paying for this policy period.

Similar to Auto insurance, there are 2 types of coverage on your Motorcycle insurance policy; Coverage that protects you and coverage that protects the other party.

COVERAGE THAT PROTECTS YOU

Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury: covers your injuries (or death) in case the responsible party has little or no insurance. It also covers anyone riding on your motorcycle.

Uninsured/Underinsured Damage: covers damage to your motorcycle or property in case the responsible party has little or no insurance.  There is a state mandated $250 deductible in Texas for Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage.

Medical payments: covers medical or funeral expenses if you or anyone on your motorcycle is injured in the accident.

Personal Injury payments: covers medical or funeral expenses and possible lost wages if you or anyone riding on your motorcycle are injured in the accident.

Collision Coverage: pays for damage to your motorcycle if you hit another car/motorcycle or something else (like a tree or a building).  You must pay a deductible. Deductible amounts determine the cost of this coverage. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

Comprehensive Coverage: (also called Other than Collision) pays for damage to your motorcycle if something other than a collision occurs. This could be fire, theft, hit by an

Animal (yes, the animal hit your motorcycle!) The same type of deductible rules apply to Comprehensive coverage as they do for Collision coverage. They are separate deductibles.

COVERAGE THAT PROTECTS THE OTHER PARTY

Bodily Injury Liability: protects you from having to pay medical costs, lost income and funeral expenses of other people involved in an accident that is your fault.

Property Damage Liability: Protects you from paying for the repair or replacement of the other person’s property.

There is no deductible for liability coverage. You have many amount options for this coverage. The state minimum in Texas is $30,000/$60,000/$30,000. This means you are covered for $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident and $30,000 for property damage. I would suggest liability in higher limits than the state minimum. If you cause an accident and the liability claim is 75,000, if you have state minimum coverage, you will pay the additional $15,000 out of pocket. It is not expensive to increase your liability limits. Ask your agent to explain your options.

OPTIONAL COVERAGE THAT PROTECTS YOUR MOTORCYCLE

            Towing: pays for towing and some basic roadside assistance, depending on the carrier and towing option you choose.

            Trip Interruption: pays for lodging, alternative transportation and food while the motorcycle is being repaired in the event of a breakdown or covered loss that is more than 100 miles from home.

            Rental Reimbursement: pays for the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired after an accident.

            Loan/Lease Gap Insurance: pays the difference between what you owe and the total value of your motorcycle if it is totaled in a claim. 

            Accessory Coverage: covers customer parts and equipment. You must have Collision and/or Comprehensive coverage as well.

             

There are many factors in Motorcycle insurance, but they don't have to overwhelm you. If you have any questions, please contact your agent. That is what they are there for. If they cannot answer your questions, please contact us. 

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683