Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Deer Season vs. Holiday Season
Thousands of drivers who hit deer last year found out the hard way that their auto insurance did not cover damage to their vehicle. Typically comprehensive coverage under an automobile insurance policy pays up in such crashes. Nationally, 36 million auto owners don't have comprehensive coverage, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Many drivers drop comprehensive coverage because they decide their vehicles are too old or worth too little to justify the cost. Risky business for us auto owners in Texas.
Across the country, deer-related collisions result in at least $1.1 billion a year in vehicle damage, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. On average, the collisions cost $2,800 per insurance claim; $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger, according to the Insurance Information Institute. About 200 deaths every year are the result of animal-auto accidents — most involving deer, according to the federal government data.
Deer Tips for Driver
- Don't swerve to avoid striking a deer, as that increases the risk of hitting another vehicle or losing control of your car.
- If there is no opposing traffic, use high beams at night to better illuminate deer.
- Don't rely on devices such as deer whistles, which are attached to the outside of a car, to try to scare off deer with an ultrasonic or high-frequency sound. They have not been proved to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
- If a deer remains on the highway after you strike it, report the incident to the game commission or a local law enforcement agency, as the deer poses a danger to other motorists. If the deer might still be alive, don't go near it because a wild animal with sharp hooves can inflict injuries
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Dear Customer
This video is for you. You know who you are...
I understand you were fooled into leaving my agency by an unscrupulous agent and company. They told you the coverage was the same. Now we know they lied. They told you their claims service was as good as mine. Now we know they lied. They gave you this ridiculously low monthly payment, which seemed like a good deal at the time. Now we know they lied. I STILL WANT YOU BACK!
I understand you were fooled into leaving my agency by an unscrupulous agent and company. They told you the coverage was the same. Now we know they lied. They told you their claims service was as good as mine. Now we know they lied. They gave you this ridiculously low monthly payment, which seemed like a good deal at the time. Now we know they lied. I STILL WANT YOU BACK!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Mom the chauffeur
“Mom the shuttle bus driver.” Does that sound like you or someone you know? It may not be your “full-time job,” but if you have young children at home you probably take your turn at shuttling kids to and from after-school or weekend activities. You probably don’t even think about your auto insurance in this context but maybe you should — transporting kids (your own and others) comes with certain risks that could affect your insurance.
Who’s responsible in an accident? — Drivers can be legally liable for passengers’ injuries — and most personal auto policies will extend coverage for injuries to passengers when you’re driving your own car.
What’s typically covered? — Although most auto policies will cover your actions in a car that isn’t yours, many contain restrictions on the size and type of vehicle involved. So if you plan to rent or borrow a larger vehicle — such as a van to take the soccer team to an out-of-town match — call me so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.
What if you’re driving someone else’s vehicle? — It may depend on the situation. Your personal auto insurance policies might not cover your legal liability if you cause an accident while you’re driving your employer’s or your neighbor’s vehicle (particularly if your neighbor’s car is available for your regular use). Teachers and coaches should use school district vehicles to transport students and players to and from events, rather than their personal vehicles. Finally, even if you are covered, if you have an accident in which several passengers are involved, medical and other costs could easily exceed the limits typical of most personal auto policies.
What you can do?
Increase your liability limits — Consider increasing your auto liability limits, which applies for all injuries caused by an accident for which you are legally liable, including passengers in your car as well as other cars. I can work with you so you can be sure you have the liability coverage you want.
Get under an umbrella — In addition to your auto liability coverage, you may want to consider a personal liability umbrella policy. This policy provides coverage that creates an “umbrella” of liability protection above all of your other personal liability policies such as your auto and homeowners. Your auto liability coverage may not be enough to pay for all the damages that result from an accident, and if you’re the legally responsible driver, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Talk to me — I can show you some coverage options, such as non-owned vehicle coverage, that may be appropriate for your situation.
Today’s drivers are faced with many distractions that pose a risk for accidents. If you’re driving children around frequently, it’s important that you understand your personal auto coverage so you can be sure you have the insurance you want. I can help; contact me today.
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| One theory of why car pool accidents happen. |
Who’s responsible in an accident? — Drivers can be legally liable for passengers’ injuries — and most personal auto policies will extend coverage for injuries to passengers when you’re driving your own car.
What’s typically covered? — Although most auto policies will cover your actions in a car that isn’t yours, many contain restrictions on the size and type of vehicle involved. So if you plan to rent or borrow a larger vehicle — such as a van to take the soccer team to an out-of-town match — call me so you can be sure you have the coverage you want.
What if you’re driving someone else’s vehicle? — It may depend on the situation. Your personal auto insurance policies might not cover your legal liability if you cause an accident while you’re driving your employer’s or your neighbor’s vehicle (particularly if your neighbor’s car is available for your regular use). Teachers and coaches should use school district vehicles to transport students and players to and from events, rather than their personal vehicles. Finally, even if you are covered, if you have an accident in which several passengers are involved, medical and other costs could easily exceed the limits typical of most personal auto policies.
What you can do?
Increase your liability limits — Consider increasing your auto liability limits, which applies for all injuries caused by an accident for which you are legally liable, including passengers in your car as well as other cars. I can work with you so you can be sure you have the liability coverage you want.
Get under an umbrella — In addition to your auto liability coverage, you may want to consider a personal liability umbrella policy. This policy provides coverage that creates an “umbrella” of liability protection above all of your other personal liability policies such as your auto and homeowners. Your auto liability coverage may not be enough to pay for all the damages that result from an accident, and if you’re the legally responsible driver, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Talk to me — I can show you some coverage options, such as non-owned vehicle coverage, that may be appropriate for your situation.
Today’s drivers are faced with many distractions that pose a risk for accidents. If you’re driving children around frequently, it’s important that you understand your personal auto coverage so you can be sure you have the insurance you want. I can help; contact me today.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Pushing Against the Rock
There once was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared to him.
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The Lord told him He had a work for him to do, and showed him a large rock explaining that he was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, and for many days he toiled from sunup to sundown; his shoulder set squarely against the cold massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling his whole day had been spent in vain.
Seeing that the man showed signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture - placing thoughts in the man's mind, such as ``Why kill yourself over this?, you're never going to move it!'' or ``Boy, you've been at it a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface!'' etc. giving the man the impression the task was impossible and the man was an unworthy servant because he wasn't moving the massive stone.
These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man and he started to ease up in his efforts. ``Why kill myself?'' he thought. ``I'll just put in my time putting forth just the minimum of effort and that will be good enough.'' And this he did or at least planned on doing until, one day, he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.
"Lord,'' he said, "I have labored hard and long in Your service, putting forth all my strength to do that which You have asked of me. Yet after all this time, I have not even budged that rock even half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?''
To this the Lord responded compassionately, ``My friend, when long ago I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength and that you have done. But never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. At least not by yourself. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed, ready to quit. But is this really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled; your back sinewed and brown.
Your hands are calloused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have. Yet still, you haven't succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to Me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent. I, my friend will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and push, and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom, and this you have done.''
Seeing that the man showed signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture - placing thoughts in the man's mind, such as ``Why kill yourself over this?, you're never going to move it!'' or ``Boy, you've been at it a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface!'' etc. giving the man the impression the task was impossible and the man was an unworthy servant because he wasn't moving the massive stone.
These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man and he started to ease up in his efforts. ``Why kill myself?'' he thought. ``I'll just put in my time putting forth just the minimum of effort and that will be good enough.'' And this he did or at least planned on doing until, one day, he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.
"Lord,'' he said, "I have labored hard and long in Your service, putting forth all my strength to do that which You have asked of me. Yet after all this time, I have not even budged that rock even half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?''
To this the Lord responded compassionately, ``My friend, when long ago I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength and that you have done. But never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. At least not by yourself. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed, ready to quit. But is this really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled; your back sinewed and brown.
Your hands are calloused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have. Yet still, you haven't succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to Me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent. I, my friend will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and push, and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom, and this you have done.''
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
To Gap or not to Gap
Gap Insurance, covers some things that traditional auto insurance does not. Basically, it closes the gap between what an insurer pays if the car is totaled or stolen and what you owe the finance company.
So here is the math of it:
Assume you purchased an auto three months ago for $25,000 and begin paying at $500 a month based on an interest rate of 6% (somewhat high I know, but the math is easier for me). Then, disaster hits: a U.S. satellite falls from orbit and crashes on your parked unoccupied vehicle and destroys it.
The car insurance company then asks the actuaries in an ivory tower to decide what your vehicle is worth. They determine that your vehicle was worth only $20,000 at the time of this incident. Your auto is only three months old and it has already lost 20% of its original value. To make matters worse, the finance company requires you to pay in full, the amount you owe them. Computing tax, interest, and license fees, the finance company figures that you owe them $28,000.
And there you have it. An $8,000 “gap” between the $20,000 the insurance company will pay and the $28,000 demanded by the finance company. Most people with this deal will be up a creek, but not if you have gap insurance.
So do you always need gap insurance? It largely depends whether you put money down and length of loan term.. If your regular car insurance policy will pay off the financed amount in full because you put a lump sum down at closing and therefore have equity or are breakeven in your loan terms, it may be a good idea not to get a gap policy.
Any questions?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Single Parents and Life Insurance
Genworth Financial just released a study finding that too many Americans who need life insurance coverage are uninsured, putting their families and futures at risk. According to the 2011 Genworth Financial LifeJacket Study, single parents across all income levels with children living at home have the least insurance for their needs, potentially leaving their children with few or no options when faced with an unexpected death. Listen to Tracy Basden’s story if you want to see what happens to the children in these situations.
The research project found that 69% of single parents with children living at home constitute the highest percentage of uninsured Americans compared with married parents with children in the home (45%).
The Genworth study also found that only 49% of the U.S. adult population has some type of life insurance coverage. Single people, regardless of whether or not they have children, are 36% below the national level for life insurance coverage, according to the study.
According to the survey, single male parents with children living in the household are more uninsured than single females at every income level. Again, Tracy’s story is a poignant example of this.
Here are further findings.
79% of unmarried men who are not homeowners, having children in the household and earning an income of less than $50,000 per year are uninsured, compared with 66% of women in the same category.
The percentages do not drop dramatically as income increases. In fact, 79% of unmarried men who are not homeowners having children in the household making between $50,000-250,000 per year are uninsured.
More than half (56%) of unmarried women who are not homeowners having children in the household but making more than $250,000 are uninsured.
The level of uninsured households tends to increase as the number of children increases, particularly at the lower income levels. The percentage drastically increases in instances of five or more children.
The study stated that the insurance industry has an opportunity to better educate consumers and give them the tools and resources to help protect themselves and their families. This is exactly what we do: Educate consumers about what life insurance products do, not just what they are, and motivate them to make the decision to protect themselves and their families.
by Marvin H. Feldman, President and CEO of the LIFE Foundation
The research project found that 69% of single parents with children living at home constitute the highest percentage of uninsured Americans compared with married parents with children in the home (45%).
The Genworth study also found that only 49% of the U.S. adult population has some type of life insurance coverage. Single people, regardless of whether or not they have children, are 36% below the national level for life insurance coverage, according to the study.
According to the survey, single male parents with children living in the household are more uninsured than single females at every income level. Again, Tracy’s story is a poignant example of this.
Here are further findings.
79% of unmarried men who are not homeowners, having children in the household and earning an income of less than $50,000 per year are uninsured, compared with 66% of women in the same category.
The percentages do not drop dramatically as income increases. In fact, 79% of unmarried men who are not homeowners having children in the household making between $50,000-250,000 per year are uninsured.
More than half (56%) of unmarried women who are not homeowners having children in the household but making more than $250,000 are uninsured.
The level of uninsured households tends to increase as the number of children increases, particularly at the lower income levels. The percentage drastically increases in instances of five or more children.
The study stated that the insurance industry has an opportunity to better educate consumers and give them the tools and resources to help protect themselves and their families. This is exactly what we do: Educate consumers about what life insurance products do, not just what they are, and motivate them to make the decision to protect themselves and their families.
by Marvin H. Feldman, President and CEO of the LIFE Foundation
Monday, March 14, 2011
SWOOP AND SQUAT
Consider this scenario: You’re stuck in heavy traffic on a busy highway. Another car cuts off the driver in front of you, forcing him to slam on the brakes. You try to stop, but there’s no time...and you rear-end the guy in front of you. An everyday accident? Not this time. Turns out you’ve been had by a well-organized criminal ring that staged the entire thing. This particular scam is called the 'swoop and squat.'
The first car 'swoops' in while the second car 'squats' in front of you. After the 'accident,' The co-conspirators participating in the scam get out of their car and survey the damage to the rear end. They optimistically estimate the damage to not amount to much, and report that they did not suffer any injuries in the accident. As long as you do not report being seriously injured, the perpetrators suggest leaving police and insurance companies out of the accident and handling the situation themselves, pointing out the potential cost to both parties' insurance premiums. You exchange contact information and they say they will get an estimate for the cost of repairing their back bumper.
But a few days down the road, the story begins to change. Rather than an estimate from a body shop saying the repair will be inexpensive, the attorney representing the perpetrating driver contacts you and tells you the damage was much more substantial than previously thought. On top of this, everyone in the car you rear-ended (usually crammed full of passengers) typically file bogus injury claims with your insurance company. Each will complain of whiplash or other soft-tissue injuries; things difficult for doctors to confirm. They may even go to crooked physical therapists, chiropractors, lawyers, or auto repair technicians to further exaggerate their claims.
The trouble is, since there were no eyewitnesses and no police report, you are definitely facing a challenging situation. After all, the other driver already got his insurance involved, and he has already gotten medical care as a result of the accident.
We're Talking Big Money Here
Staged accidents cost the insurance industry about $20 BILLION a year. Those losses get passed on to all of us in the form of higher insurance rates at an average of $100-$300 extra per car per year. How Can You Protect Yourself?
• If you're in an accident, call the police immediately.
• Report accident claims to your insurance company. Don't settle on site with cash.
• Be careful with your personal information, mindful of identity theft.
• If you can, photograph the car and passengers and write down names, addresses, and phone numbers.
• Use medical, car repair, and legal professionals you know and trust.
• Always keep a safe following distance between yourself and the car in front of you.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Nothing says I LOVE YOU like a BOAT, for this Valentine’s Day
YES we insure this
YES we insure this too
NO we do NOT insure the following
What better Valentine gift is there than a boat? Can you imagine seeing a boat in your driveway? A boat is one of those gifts that keeps on giving. Now, I understand that buying a boat usually is a household decision.
So today we thought we would have a little fun, and bring you the Significant Other Conversion Checklist. A checklist of recommendations engineered to help you convince your special someone, that for this love fest season, your family needs a boat.
Significant Other Conversion Checklist
1. Change your computer’s background image to one of the images below. This is sure to spark some interest, and will be your chance to start a conversation with your significant other.
2. Set your homepage to Kris Brown Insures Boats or Kris Brown Insures Personal Watercrafts This is another great way to some spark interest and start a conversation about buying a boat.
3. Inform your spouse how and why boating will improve your family’s quality of life.
4. Compare the cost of boating to other activities your family participates in with this handy tool.
5. Tell your significant other that you would like to take them on a cruise or rent a boat for the day. Let them experience the boater’s lifestyle.
6. And finally, sign your spouse up for the Great Boat Traders newsletter or boatingmag.com newsletter . This will help keep your family up to date on boating news, upcoming events, boater safety, and much more.
We hope this has given you some helpful tips on how you can convince your significant other to purchase a boat this Valentine. And as always, if you have any questions about boating insurance, feel free to contact us here at Kris Brown Insurance Agency. Good luck!
Modified: http://www.globalmarineinsurance.com/1382/how-to-convince-your-spouse-to-buy-a-boat-this-christmas
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Walls and Castles
Now from what we know about those times, what did every castle have around it? A wall or a moat.
Why did they have the wall or moat? It was to keep out those infamous marauding bands.
Let me ask you, how effective would the wall be if it was twenty feet high on one side and only two feet high on the other? Or a moat that was twelve feet deep on one side and six inches deep on another?
Suppose that a wall of the correct height was built, but every so often along the wall there was a hole large enough to let a horse and rider through. How effective would that wall be?
Today we don’t live in castles nor do most of us have huge walls around our properties, so, what serves as protection today, is INSURANCE. A properly structured insurance plan shouldn’t cause you to have a wall that’s 20’ high on one side of your property and only 2’ high on the other. Neither should you have holes in your wall.There are a number of things that we might compare to holes. These can be:
• A major car wreck
• A house fire
• Premature death
• Lengthy disability
• Long term illness
• A law suit
So at our agency, we work to make sure that our clients have the right size wall for their castle and also we try to point out and help you block up any holes in your wall. Not only can I help you build your wall, but I can help you build your castle.
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