Fall Maintenance for Your Home

Here in Coppell, and all of Texas, we’re waiting patiently for fall to arrive. Here are some ways to prepare your home for cooler days ahead.

* Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.

* Keep flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away from water heaters.

* Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures, and turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.

* Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.

* Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.

* Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases; and make repairs as needed.

* Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.

* Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.

* Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust,  and pieces of material.

* Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.

* Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible, filled and ready for operation.

* Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure there is one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.

 

Questions to Answer When Applying for Insurance

Applying for an insurance policy can be overwhelming! With over hundreds of independent insurance companies in Texas alone, finding the right policy means you’ve got your work cut out for you.

How can you know which questions to answer? How can you be sure to make the right choice? As an insurance agent, I’m always getting calls from people who sound as hesitant as someone trying to arrange his or her own brain surgery.

Applying for insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know when applying for an insurance policy of your own. Having this information available before making that call or stepping into an office will make the process a thousand times simpler—and stress-free.

1. First, you’ll need your personal information like social security number, name, date of birth, marital status… pretty much the same you’d put on a credit card application or any other form. Have your social security card and I.D. at hand when you apply for insurance.

2. You need to know the date you want your coverage to go into effect.

3. You’ll need health information about yourself and any family members who you want to be covered on your policy. Depending on the company, many years of your medical history may be required, so try to find out what information you’ll need before starting the application process. Check with your doctors to make sure the information you have is accurate.

4. The insurance company may want to know if you have a family history of cancer, heart disease, or other conditions. If you do, provide the name of the person in your family who had the condition, as well as any details you have about their condition. Many insurance companies charge higher premiums to those with a family history of health issues.

5. Finally, you’ll need information about any pre-existing conditions you have when you apply.

By having this information at hand when you begin the application process, you’ll speed up your own insurance application—and you’ll know the questions to answer. See? No stress. Definitely not brain surgery.

Can an Insurance Company Back Date an Auto Insurance Policy in Coppell, Texas?

No auto insurance company in Coppell, Texas can backdate a client’s auto insurance policy. Backdating an auto insurance policy means that the insurance agent will put a date on the client’s policy that is earlier then the date that the policy actually took effect.

The agent is attesting to the fact the client had insurance when they did not and this is illegal and considered insurance fraud. The reason that auto insurance policies cannot be back dated is because if there was an accident within the period the back dating took effect the company will have to pay. If there were extenuating circumstance the agent and their company could be in serious trouble. It does not matter if the client lives in Coppell, Texas or Timbuktu, back dating vehicle insurance is risky business, and no honest and upright insurance company would practice back dating.

If a driver cannot afford their premium when due, or just forgot to pay their premium, the insurance company can legally reinstate the policy, however the client will now have two payments due. This reinstatement must take place within a 30 day window of time. There cannot be any claims during this time. Many times the insurance company may make the client sign a waiver that there were no accidents during this time without automobile insurance.

If a driver is stopped by the police, and is found to be uninsured there is generally a large fine and it is possible that the person will have to go to jail. Some states have stiffer penalties such as suspension of registration and driver’s license. If one does have a lapse in insurance the driver could get a penalty for the time they drove without insurance.

What is the Process for Excluding Someone on Your Insurance Policy in Coppell, TX?

Occasionally, it may be necessary to exclude someone from your insurance policy. The reasons you may do this are numerous. The main reason you would do this is if you have a family member who has had a large number of crashes, or for whatever reason has a difficult time getting affordable car insurance. Simply by having them able to drive on your policy, you could find that your rates rise, making insurance a burden. Additionally, your insurance company may not want to allow you to have a driver who has a record of DUI’s or at-fault crashes on your policy.

Whatever the reason you have for excluding someone from your policy, it’s important to know the details behind it. When you go about this process, you will likely want to talk to your agent directly, instead of working with an automated system. For instance, if you lived in Coppell, Texas, you may want to go to your agency in town, instead of calling a toll-free number. The insurance process is complex at times and dealing with a real person will make this much easier.

Your agent will likely explain more about how excluding someone works. Basically, you will be providing this person’s name and information and then even if they are driving your car that is insured, it will be as if they were driving without insurance. Because of this, it is important to talk this over with the excluded individual and make sure they understand they are not covered any longer.

It’s unfortunate when it becomes necessary to exclude someone from your policy, but at times it can save you hundreds of dollars or may be the only way that you qualify for insurance at all. If you have further questions about the process, don’t hesitate to ask your local agent in Coppell, or even compare rates with other companies. You may be able to avoid the exclusion process if you find a more compatible insurance program.

New Texas Homeowners: What to Consider when Purchasing Home Insurance

As a new homeowner in Texas, you have got a number of things to consider as you settle in to your new place. Whether you live in Coppell or in one of the surrounding cities, new homeowners will always want to make sure that they have a good home insurance policy to protect the newly purchased home and all of its contents. Keep reading for a few of the most important things that you’ll need to think about as you buy your new homeowners insurance.

New Texas Homeowners: What to Consider when Purchasing Home Insurance

You need to consider the cost of rebuilding your home when you purchase your new homeowners insurance. Insurance agents recommend that you purchase a 100 percent replacement cost policy. This type of policy will ensure that if your home is destroyed and must be rebuilt, you will receive enough money to rebuild it today. Your insurance agent will guide you in determining this cost, and in finding qualified appraisers if necessary.

For the contents of the home, consider replacement value versus actual cash value. Since insuring home contents for actual cash value is less expensive, many homeowners may choose this option — but when they need to use the policy they could get an unpleasant surprise. An actual cash value policy will insure contents for exactly what they are worth at the time of loss. This could mean, for example, that the tv you purchased for $4,000 five years ago is now worth only $500 due to depreciation and wear and tear. In an actual cash value policy you would be compensated only for the value determined after adjustment for depreciation and wear and tear. Many Coppell homeowners will prefer to get a home insurance policy with replacement value coverage since this will reimburse you with enough money to buy replacements for lost items, at the price they will cost today.

If you are confused about your personal insurance needs, use these things to consider as a starting point, and then consult with your insurance agent. Your insurance agent will help you to make sure you and your new home are well covered, now and in the future!

What is the Best Way to Get Homeowners Insurance Quotes in Coppell, TX?

You know that no mortgage lender is going to loan you money in Texas if you don’t first sign up for homeowners insurance. And like the vast majority of home buyers, you need to take out a mortgage loan to be able to buy your dream home.

The problem is, homeowners insurance policies can cost a sizable amount of money.

Fortunately, you can reduce the amount of money you pay for this financial protection by comparing live homeowners insurance quotes to determine which homeowners insurance policy best protects your new home at the fairest price.

Shopping for the best insurance policy used to be a challenge. Consumers would have to call local insurance agencies, provide them with their contact information and wait for the agents on the other end of the phone to provide them with their best homeowners insurance rates. The process of shopping for the best homeowners insurance rates, then, could take hours.

Today, though, buyers can simply view comparable homeowners insurance quotes online. And when they do this, buyers can instantly compare policy prices and coverage levels. A process that once took hours can now be completed in minutes online with an insurance agent.

Home buyers can also meet in person with their local insurance agents in Coppell if they desire a more personal touch to insurance shopping. These agents can bring up live insurance quotes for buyers. They can also answer any coverage questions future homeowners might have.

The ability to quickly study comparable homeowners insurance policies is a positive step for future homeowners. But buyers should remember that just because a particular homeowners insurance policy is cheaper than the rest, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better. Homes are the biggest financial investments that most consumers will make during their lifetimes. It’s important for them to consider not just price when selecting a homeowners insurance policy. Yes, price is important. But so is the amount of coverage that a homeowners insurance policy provides.

What Will Cause my Car Insurance Rates to Change in Coppell, TX?

You’re surprised to learn that your car insurance rates have risen. You’re not looking forward to paying the higher bill, and you have questions for your insurer. You should know, though, that it’s not unusual for the cost of an auto insurance policy to rise or fall. In fact, there are many reasons car insurance rates to change.

Car insurance rates vary by area. If you’ve moved to a new community in Texas, then, your rates might rise or fall. Even if you move to a new neighborhood in Coppell, the same may happen. That’s because certain zip codes have less crime and fewer auto thefts or break-ins. Insurers charge you less for living in a safer area of Coppell because they have less risk of paying to repair a broken window that your car suffered during an auto break-in.

Your insurance rates will definitely change — rising sometimes dramatically — if you are given a speeding ticket or involved in an auto accident. It is the general policy of insurance companies to reward motorists with clean driving records with lower rates. Drivers with speeding tickets and accidents on their records, though, will pay more because insurance companies view them as riskier drivers more likely to cause them to have make a significant payout in the future.

Then there are family matters to consider. Once your children begin driving on your auto insurance, your rates will jump, often dramatically. As these children age, your rates will slowly fall. And once they leave your insurance and begin paying for their own auto insurance policy, your rates will again take a dip.

Insurance rates, then, are not set in stone. They rise and fall according to a whole host of factors. If you do have questions about your car insurance rates, call your local insurance agent. This professional can provide you with several reasons car insurance rates to change.

Tips to Avoiding a Home Burglary in Coppell, Texas

You want to protect the most valuable items in your home in Coppell, Texas. Fortunately, there are several tips that can help in avoiding a home burglary.

And in even better news: If you follow some of these strategies of protecting your home in Coppell, you can receive a discount in your homeowners insurance rates.

First, purchase a home security system. Insurance providers like when you do this. It decreases the chance that you’ll suffer a home burglary, and similarly lowers the chance that they’ll have to pay out funds to replace your most valuable assets. Yes, a home security system will cost money. But such systems will protect your family members and your valuables. Make sure, too, that you prominently advertise the fact that your home is protected. Most burglars upon seeing a sign from a home-security company on your lawn will simply move on to easier prey.

Next, invest in automatic home-lighting systems for when you are away on vacation. These systems will automatically turn your lights on and off while you and your family are gone. This provides the illusion that your home is not empty. Again, many burglars would rather take the chance on breaking into empty homes.

Another method of avoiding a home burglary is to form close relationships with your neighbors. Be sure to tell your neighbors when you are going to be away on vacation. This way, they can watch your home for any suspicious activity while you’re away. And if they do see something odd, they can quickly call the police.

Finally, don’t get in the habit of leaving doors or windows unlocked when you’re away. Not even the quietest neighborhoods in Coppell are immune to home burglaries. It’s easy to get complacent. But keeping your home locked while you are away could help you avoid seeing your Texas home violated.

Ways to Prepare Your Car for Summer Heat in Texas

There are no two ways about it: summer heat in Texas is brutal and long lasting. It doesn’t just take a toll on people, gardens, livestock and crops; it also stresses the vehicles people drive. As a driver, you need to learn ways to prepare your car for extreme heat. Simple tasks that are performed regularly contribute greatly to the safety of drivers and passengers, the safety of the car, and also help to extend the life of the vehicle. By taking the time to check over your car each week, you may be able to save a huge amount of money on unavoidable car repairs. You will have great peace of mind in knowing that you and your passengers will be safe wherever you are traveling in the brutal heat. Maintain Optimal Fluid Levels in Your Car The North Texas Tollway Association has recommendations for drivers as to ways to prepare their cars for the sweltering summer heat that is so prevalent in Texas. Proper fluid levels will ensure the proper functioning of the car’s engine and other systems. Check the oil, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, brake and windshield wiper fluid, and the antifreeze and coolant. The cooling system is important for passenger comfort. Don’t Let Car Overheat The leading cause of car breakdowns during the hot Texas summer is overheated cars. Drivers can easily prevent this problem and avoid being stranded in potentially life-threatening situations by making sure that the car’s anti-freeze is refreshed (even though you rarely use it.) Also make sure that the radiator always has plenty of coolant. That helps to reduce the engine temperature and ensures that any leaks are tightly sealed. Check Air Conditioning System AAA recommends that drivers have a certified technician check their car’s air conditioning system. If the air conditioning isn’t working well, that could easily be an indication of low refrigerant. Some vehicles have cabin filters that prevent outside debris from entering the ventilation system. Replacing the cabin filter can sometimes improve the quality of air flow and cooling so passengers are more comfortable. Use Higher Quality Oil Switching to high-performance synthetic motor oil is another effective way to reduce engine heat because the heat is dispersed faster. Examine Belts and Hoses Inspecting belts and hoses is just as important as adjusting car fluid levels. Cracked belts or worn out hoses also contribute to engine overheating. A cracked belt is easily recognizable because it is either unusually soft or hard. Check hose clamps to ensure that they are tight, and make sure that there is no corrosion or cracking at the ends. To be on the safe side, carry a kit filled with spare belts and hoses in your vehicle so that you can replace them as necessary. Extreme heat stresses these parts of the car, causing all sorts of damage. Inflate Tires Regularly Cars that have properly inflated tires get better gas mileage. When tires aren’t properly inflated, they are much more susceptible to blow-outs, and blown out tires on highways present a dangerous situation for you and other drivers around you. A sticker on the door jamb on the driver’s side of the car will indicate the proper tire pressure. Make sure that you also have a fully inflated spare tire. It is also a good idea, as suggested by AAA, for drivers to keep a fully stocked emergency kit in their cars. Stock car emergency kits with plenty of water, non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, jumper cables, an emergency beacon or road flares, hand tools, a tire jack, and a fully equipped first aid kit. Know where the emergency and rest stops are along highways.