Month: July 2016

8 Smart RV Essentials for Happy Trails

Posted on by AgentInsure

Ready to take your RV out for an adventure? Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected by bringing with you these essential tools and supplies. 

Tools and Repairs

  • Water Pressure Regulator: Not every RV campsite has normalized water pressure, sometimes the pressure is very high. Unchecked, this can damage your RV’s water system and create leaks or water hose explosions that may result in significant water damage and leave you with an exorbitant water bill. 
  • Extra hoses and electric cord: Some campsites are not ideally situated for faucet and power access. Bring along two 25’ 30-amp electric cords, three 25’ drinking water hoses and you should be ready for any set-up. 
  • Repair Kit: Depending on your level of fix-it knowledge, you’ll want to keep on hand the tools and materials essential to repairing small issues that arise in your RV. This can include WD-40, JB Weld, duct tape, safety wire, roof repair tape and roof sealer, volt-ohm meter, spare fuses, soldering gun, electrical connectors, and similar supplies.

Electronics

  • 12-Volt Battery Charger: Things happen. If you kill your chassis battery, this will be a lifesaver. You can also acquire jump starter chargers that include USB charging ports for keeping your electronics alive.
  • Battery-Free Flashlight: Whether you shake it, crank it, or squeeze it to get it going, have at least one portable light source that doesn’t require batteries to operate.

Information

  • GPS: Don’t rely on your phone’s included navigator, it will be sketchy once you get outside of data coverage range (which RV’ers frequently do).
  • Weather Radio: Always tuned to the right station, with regular weather alerts to keep you safe. RVs are not well equipped for handling nasty weather, so it’s best to avoid it entirely when possible.
  • RV Insurance Paperwork:  Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect the investment you’ve made in your RV. Keep insurance paperwork accessible so you can contact your agent quickly in an emergency. Before you leave, contact The Select Insurance Agency to discuss your coverage details to make sure you have the best possible insurance to meet your needs. 

Know How To Get The Best Auto Policy At The Best Rate in Coppell

Posted on by Jeri McShan

Over the last two years, auto insurance costs have risen on average about 10 percent, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). Why?

  • A better job market: More people working means more people driving—and that means more accidents. Indeed, motor vehicle crash fatalities rose 8 percent from 2014 to 2015 according to the National Safety Council, the largest year-over-year percent increase in 50 years.
  • Higher speed limits: Since 2012, 12 states have raised their speed limits to 70 or 80 mph—and as high as 85 mph in the case of Texas. In just one of those states, Ohio, a study found that crashes jumped by 19 percent in the two years following the change.
  • More expensive claims and insurance related costs: Quite simply, people are driving more expensive cars. In addition, medical costs, litigation costs and the cost of auto repair work continue to rise faster than prices overall.

Your insurance premium is based on a variety of factors, including your driving record; how much you use your car; where it is parked and where you live; the type of car you drive; your age and gender; your credit score; and the type and amount of coverage. Understanding these factors can help you get a better deal on your policy.

The I.I.I. offers these tips for finding the best auto insurance policy for your needs and budget:

  1. Shop Around

Prices and coverage levels vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. But don’t shop price alone; look for a financially sound insurance company with a reputation for good customer service.

  1. Check Insurance CostsBeforeBuying A Car

The price of the vehicle, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft can all affect the price of your coverage, so check with your insurance professional before deciding which car to buy.

  1. Increase Your Deductible

When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. With a higher deductible, you can lower your premium significantly–but be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

  1. Reduce Coverage On Older Cars

If the market value of your car is less than 10 times the auto insurance premium you are paying, purchasing comprehensive and/or collision coverage may not be cost-effective.

  1. Maintain Good Credit

Many insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies, so a solid credit history can lower your premium.

  1. Ask About Discounts

Insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts—here are some you can ask about:

  • Antitheft devices
  • Multiple policies with the same company
  • College students living away from home
  • Defensive driving courses
  • Drivers ed courses
  • Low annual mileage
  • Long-time customer
  • More than one car
  • No accidents in three years
  • No moving violations in three years
  • Student drivers with good grades

 

The Basics of Boat Insurance, How Much Coverage is Needed?

Posted on by AgentInsure

When it comes to any type of vehicle, even watercraft, it is necessary to have some form of insurance coverage in place for a few different reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that in the event of an accident or damage to your boat you do not want to be responsible for paying all the repair costs and getting your boat seaworthy again.

Unlike car insurance that you might get from an auto insurance company, boat insurance mainly covers the cost of repair of the boat in the event of any damage. It does not necessarily cover the medical bills of you or anyone else that is injured in an accident. If you are located in Coppell, TX the helpful agents at The Select Insurance Agency can help you determine what level of coverage you need to keep your boat safe.

In most cases, boat insurance is simply in place to help you protect your investment. Just like cars that have a loan out on them are required to have full coverage, your lender is likely to require full coverage of your watercraft if you still have a loan out on it for a few reasons. First and foremost they want to be able to recover their investment in the case of an accident or in the case of damage to the boat.

Your insurance coverage will help cover repair costs and will help make sure you have the ability to repair and get your boat back on the water in the event of damage. Some policies may also cover damage caused by other people like intentional damage or defacement and destruction by others. You can always ask your agent what your policy covers and what is right for you.  

Help Prevent Damage to your Coppell Home from Fallen Tree Branches

Posted on by Jeri McShan

We’ve had a lot of wind lately, here in Coppell, and all over the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. These winds have caused many tree branches to fall. Help prevent a branch from falling on your roof or car by checking the trees in your yard and neighboring yards. If you have branches hanging over your roof, car, fence or other property, trim them back or have a service come out to trim all overhanging branches. This will save you the frustration of damage to your property.

Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Borne Illnesses in Coppell

Posted on by Jeri McShan

Take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes if at all possible.

Remember the 4 D’s: Defend, Dress, Dusk & Dawn, and Drain.

  • Defend yourself by applying insect repellant that contains DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* or PMD. Use repellant all day, every day.
  • Dress in long sleeves and pants.
  • Stay indoors at dusk and dawn.
  • Drain all stagnant water in your yard.
  • Additionally, you should protect your home by using screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use the air conditioning when possible.

Texas climate is always unpredictable and temperatures vary throughout the seasons.  As a result, mosquito season in Coppell, Texas is year-round.  The Environmental Health Department’s goal is to begin reducing mosquito populations as early in the season as possible. By eliminating containers, cleaning rain gutters, and maintaining swimming and ornamental pools you can stop the mosquito life cycle in its tracks.

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