What are your business hours ?We are open M-F 9 - 5:30 and Saturdays by appointment only.
Back to TopCan you offer me an Auto/Home discount?Yes, we have three major companies that offer the Auto/Home Discount. Approval required. Back to TopDo you offer flood insurance? Yes! Flood insurance is standardized since it is underwritten by the
National Flood Insurance Program, so our rates are the same as every other
agency. Back to TopWhy do you need my date of birth and social security number? Most companies use this information to verify claims and/or credit history.
An inquiry on your credit for insurance purposes does not affect your credit
score. Back to TopWhat Companies do you currently represent? We have over 14 admitted and surplus carriers. We are also an agent for the
Texas Fair Plan Association Back to TopCan my homeowner insurance company cancel my policy because of the kind of pets I have on my premises? Insurers have the right to determine if a pet creates a high liability risk due to the nature of it's temperament. Examples: Vicious dogs, large snakes, and or poisonous reptiles.
Back to TopWho is responsible if my neighbor's tree falls on my roof?The owner of tree has a duty to exercise proper care in maintaining his property, however the burden of proof may fall on you to establish the neighbor was negligent in his maintenance.
Back to TopWhat should I do if my property was damaged in a storm?Many times homeowners are amazed that two adjacent properties can encounter the same wind and or hail storm, but be evaluated very differently by claims examiners. It is important to note that a single storm can cause enormous damage to one property, yet leave the adjoining property of a neighbor virtually unscathed. Although this analogy may seem extreme, it does point to the unstable nature of Texas storms and this coupled with the many differences in home construction and age of structure, certainly require each claim to be judged on its own merit. Texas homeowners should realize a second opinion from a reputable contractor is important, should a vast discrepancy occur between the insurance adjuster and the homeowner. Regarding interior damage, be sure to understand water damage originating from windstorm and or hail must come thru a opening caused by the named peril or perils windstorm and or hail in order to constitute coverage.
Back to TopHow is a young driver's information obtained by the automobile insurance company? How did the insurance company find out whether or not my child has a permit to drive?Insurance companies acquire discovery rights when one initially agrees to purchase their policy. Insurance carriers have the right to discover additional licensed or permitted operators in the household where the named insured garages his automobiles. Acquiring driver's and claim history is also a part of the discovery process to arrive at a rate that equals the exposure of the newly determine driver. Should the insured decide that the new driver will under no circumstances operate their vehicle nor operate any other vehicle assuming, that driver is a minor, the insured can legally exclude the operator and not be subject to the additional premiums.
Back to TopWhat kinds of perils am I protected against for my home?Remember that policies vary but homeowners insurance usually covers damage to
both structures and personal property caused by:
- Fire or lightning
- Windstorm or hail
- Explosions Riot or civil commotion
- Aircraft
- Vehicles
- Smoke
- Theft or vandalism (sometimes called malicious mischief)
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Freezing of a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or other such household
system
In fact, your coverage is most likely even more comprehensive than
the above list. Many homeowners policies cover damage by "just about
everything," unless the coverage is specifically excluded. In these cases, it is
even more important to understand what is not covered.
Back to TopWhat is Actual Cash Value ?The replacement cost of the item minus depreciation. For example, a new
television set may cost $500. If your 7-year-old TV set gets damaged in a fire,
it might have depreciated 50 percent. Therefore, you would be paid $250 for that
set.
Back to TopWhat is Replacement Coverage ? The cost of replacing an item without deducting for depreciation. So today's
cost for a TV set with features similar to the 7-year-old one damaged by fire
would determine the amount of compensation. If it still costs $500 today, that
would be the replacement coverage. Replacement value should not be confused with
market value. The market value is what your house, for example, would actually
sell for and is generally more than the replacement cost. This is because
replacement value does not include the land - which almost always does not need
to be replaced. Check your policy. If you prefer replacement coverage and do not
already have it, this coverage can be added to your policy. Typically, the
difference in premiums is 10 to 15 percent to upgrade from actual cash value
coverage to replacement coverage. However, it is well worth it to protect your
investment in your possessions. Your agent can advise you of the costs involved.
Back to TopDoes my policy cover my possessions even when I go on vacation?Yes, perhaps in this case the term "homeowners" is misleading because this is a
package of insurance coverage that extends to all your possessions no matter
where they are. If you take a round-the-world vacation and lose a valuable item,
as long as the loss is by a covered event or peril, the location does not
matter. The liability component also extends well beyond the boundaries of your
home. Should you be found legally at fault for injury or loss to nother
individual, whether you unfortunately caused a tumble down a San Francisco hill
or a fall in an Indiana barn, that is personal liability which again is
addressed in your homeowners policy. As in the property section of your
homeowners policy, there are limits and exclusions to personal liability. Your
business activities, for example, are not covered under a homeowners policy. You
are also not covered for njuries or damage you purposely cause. So if a fight
with a neighbor turns physical and you end up bopping him on the nose, your
homeowners insurance will not cover the injury or any resulting suit. Your
policy lists specific exclusions and limits.
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