I wanted to just blog a bit about life insurance since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. I've thought about sharing this with my insureds in the past, but couldn't bring my heart to a place where I could talk about it. I suppose I haven't been ready, but this year I am.
Admittedly life insurance has not been my focus and for that I am truly questioning why I've been so quiet when I have so much to share on the subject. In December of 2011 my family suffered an unspeakable loss through the unexpected death of my Aunt. She was without a doubt a figurehead of our family and part of the core of what we were as a family. In the days that followed we were all in shock and in unbelievable pain it was unmanageable pain really. My Aunt was younger than most who pass and had one child in college and one in high school. My Uncle in one day became a single, one income parent. My Step Father and I are both insurance agents and within 24 hours we were already wondering if they carried life insurance beyond what they had at their respective jobs. We were terrified that the only insurance might in fact be with their employers and we knew it would not be sufficient for the needs that were in front of my Uncle. It was agonizing to even think about for him, but my Dad asked him and it seemed as though our deepest fears were on target.
On the evening of the visitation service a local agent approached my Uncle and let him know that my Aunt had taken out a life policy with him just a few years prior and that when he is ready he'd like to meet with him. She did this?? Really?? When?? Thank God were the only words I could even think when my Dad told me about the additional life insurance. There was no blessing in the situation my family suffered, but this preparedness made the world that was falling apart around us have one thing that would not add to the incredible suffering and worry that was on all of our minds and hearts for my hard working Uncle. For sure life insurance does not soften the blow of any kind of loss it is more like this one thing you don't have to worry about so your heart can begin the first steps in healing. So your heart and mind can stay focused on life and surviving the loss.
That was the life insurance lesson I learned as an agent. When anyone tells me I have $25,000 with my employer I cringe and secretly want to scream...NO NO NO NO don't you see!!! You have the immediate loss of your full salary, the loss of future preparedness for your children's college, your mortgage, you funeral, every single thing you have grown in life. The one thing you should insure above all is your life for the sake of those you could leave behind. I mean just how hard would you want to make it on those you leave? Ask yourself do I have enough life insurance for them to survive if I don't? Yeah it's scary to discuss or think about and likely may not even happen until you are a ripe old age, but what if? Would your spouse have enough to cover all debt you have accumulated together without you? Could he or she afford college for the kids without you? Is there enough to bury you on top of all of that? Is what you have right now sufficient?
So, this month I'm just going to lay it out there and be honest about how I as an insurance agent really feel about life insurance and why. We are all ships in this sea of life. If you have a hole in your sails you are not moving in any direction. Life insurance is the patch that can put the wind back in your sails and set you off in the right direction; which in life is always forward.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
Winter Safety Reminders
With winter storms we always prepare with bread, milk, even movies for the family to watch. We seem to forget the most important safety preparations. The overall safety of our homes and autos during these storms can make all of the difference when you are faced with a difficult situation. And as always keep our number handy 317-534-5202.
Before the Winter Storm
Before the winter storm strikes, it’s important to know the weather terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station.
- Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area within the next 36 to 48 hours.
- Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are on the way or will begin within 24 hours. Take cover and be prepared.
- Blizzard Warning: Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler’s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving.
Here are some other tips to help you prepare for winter storms:
- Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare a disaster kit for your vehicle that includes:
- Shovel
- Sand
- Tow chain
- Jumper cables
- Screwdrivers, pliers and a knife
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Spare change
- Blankets/sleeping bags
- Small can and waterproof matches for melting snow
- Windshield washer anti-freeze
- High calorie, non-perishable food items
- Warm clothes that can be layered
- Compass and map
- Cell phone and charger
- Winterize your trees and bushes by trimming long branches. The ice and wet snow that accumulates on branches can cause damage to your home, car or neighbors.
- Salt and shovel walkways often.
- Drain your pipes if you go on vacation or experience a power outage to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Make certain that each family member has warm winter gear, including a winter coat, gloves, hat or scarf and water-resistant boots.
- Keep your gas tank full in the winter months to protect your fuel line from freezing.
- Have your cell phone charged.
- Stock an ample supply of logs that can be reached easily during a storm if you have a wood burning fireplace.
Contact Us!
317-534-5202 Brookson Insurance
If you haven’t scheduled an annual insurance review, Brookson Insurance today. We will review your risks and help you make important decisions about your auto, home, life or business insurance coverage.
Keeping your family safe is our #1 focus all throughout the year.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Just How Cheap Should You Go?
I know these days we are cutting corners to save money everywhere we go from the grocery, to the car repair shop, we even cut back on use of our utilities at home. I know that I myself need to shave off costs somewhere so I run to three different stores, or buy bulk on some items,and use discounts & coupons often. When is going cheap okay with your insurance protection?
Obviously, me being an insurance agent my first response is really never but I know that is not realistic for most families. I always suggest you NEVER skimp on coverage, but shop carriers to make sure you are getting the best deal for the most comprehensive insurance protection you can have.
Start out with a bullet list of what is important to your family with both your home and auto protection. For instance, if one of your vehicles was in the shop as a result of an auto accident or hail damage would you need a rental car? Do you have your pets in the vehicle often and are they covered? If your car breaks down while you are away from home would you need assistance on the towing bill, or the roadside repair to get you back up and running? What is the most you can afford out of pocket for a deductible if you do suffer an accident? Any damages you suffer as a result of a covered loss that you report to your own carrier (regardless of fault) your deductible will always apply. That is a top consideration on what you can afford out of your pocket should you suffer a loss. You can go with a higher deductible and add diminishing deductibles to the policy with most carriers now, so be sure to ask if your carrier offers that program. Roadside is a very low cost way of adding valued protection to your auto policy from pennies per month to as low as $1 per month. New car coverage, or GAP for your loan if you are upside down. There are tons of extremely low cost options out there.
On your home you should consider the deductible you can afford if you suffer a loss as well. Some additional coverage's that you should not EVER skimp on include sewer, drain, sump failure protection. Any water that backs up through a sewer or drain or overflows from a sump pump is never covered on a standard home policy. There is an additional charge for this coverage, but it is one that you need especially if you have a basement. What about jewelry or guns you may have in the house are they properly protected. Did you know they are limited by theft on the home policy? Think of the things in your home that you could be exposed to if someone came into your home and took them. The more precious it is to you, the more you need to discuss those items with your agent.
When adding coverage make sure you ask the details of that plan don't just assume it has it all. For instance, towing and roadside normally have a per use limit of $50 or $75 per disablement and no more so if the tow bill is $150 you are paying the rest. Also know that this coverage is truly for when you are "away" and have a break down. Not my car broke down or wouldn't start in my driveway. Sometimes diminishing deductibles are only on the collision deductible and not the comprehensive and there is a cap on how much they will diminish in some cases. Make sure you know the additional coverage you do purchase.
Sometimes making insurance fit not only your financial needs, but making sure you have what you need as an individual or family is best discussed with your insurance agent. People choosing not to have an insurance agent can run into severe coverage gaps which is never a good thing. These professionals know what coverage is their to fit the needs of their clients and can find the right price fit at the same time.
Don't give up vital protection for pennies or a couple of dollars a month. Work with your agent to build the protection plan you need at the cost you need it to be. And as always if there are questions we are here to help!
Make your insurance protection plan the best money can buy!
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Obviously, me being an insurance agent my first response is really never but I know that is not realistic for most families. I always suggest you NEVER skimp on coverage, but shop carriers to make sure you are getting the best deal for the most comprehensive insurance protection you can have.
Start out with a bullet list of what is important to your family with both your home and auto protection. For instance, if one of your vehicles was in the shop as a result of an auto accident or hail damage would you need a rental car? Do you have your pets in the vehicle often and are they covered? If your car breaks down while you are away from home would you need assistance on the towing bill, or the roadside repair to get you back up and running? What is the most you can afford out of pocket for a deductible if you do suffer an accident? Any damages you suffer as a result of a covered loss that you report to your own carrier (regardless of fault) your deductible will always apply. That is a top consideration on what you can afford out of your pocket should you suffer a loss. You can go with a higher deductible and add diminishing deductibles to the policy with most carriers now, so be sure to ask if your carrier offers that program. Roadside is a very low cost way of adding valued protection to your auto policy from pennies per month to as low as $1 per month. New car coverage, or GAP for your loan if you are upside down. There are tons of extremely low cost options out there.
On your home you should consider the deductible you can afford if you suffer a loss as well. Some additional coverage's that you should not EVER skimp on include sewer, drain, sump failure protection. Any water that backs up through a sewer or drain or overflows from a sump pump is never covered on a standard home policy. There is an additional charge for this coverage, but it is one that you need especially if you have a basement. What about jewelry or guns you may have in the house are they properly protected. Did you know they are limited by theft on the home policy? Think of the things in your home that you could be exposed to if someone came into your home and took them. The more precious it is to you, the more you need to discuss those items with your agent.
When adding coverage make sure you ask the details of that plan don't just assume it has it all. For instance, towing and roadside normally have a per use limit of $50 or $75 per disablement and no more so if the tow bill is $150 you are paying the rest. Also know that this coverage is truly for when you are "away" and have a break down. Not my car broke down or wouldn't start in my driveway. Sometimes diminishing deductibles are only on the collision deductible and not the comprehensive and there is a cap on how much they will diminish in some cases. Make sure you know the additional coverage you do purchase.
Sometimes making insurance fit not only your financial needs, but making sure you have what you need as an individual or family is best discussed with your insurance agent. People choosing not to have an insurance agent can run into severe coverage gaps which is never a good thing. These professionals know what coverage is their to fit the needs of their clients and can find the right price fit at the same time.
Don't give up vital protection for pennies or a couple of dollars a month. Work with your agent to build the protection plan you need at the cost you need it to be. And as always if there are questions we are here to help!
Make your insurance protection plan the best money can buy!
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Enhancing Your Auto Coverage
Check Your Coverage Before
You Hit the Road
One of the things I enjoy most about Erie's auto coverage is the wonderful coverage they already offer like Pet Protection built right into your policy. The Rate Lock that locks in your auto rate regardless of losses, or rate hikes if you love pricing stability here it is folks. And now we are in love with the Enhancement Endorsement at $30 per year this is a fabulous extension of coverage with diminishing deductibles should be on your radar.
Cooler of snacks—check. Full tank of gas—check. Added Auto
Enhancement Endorsement to your policy—huh?
Spring is a great time to take a vacation and get out on the
open road. Wherever you’re headed—the beach, the mountains, or anywhere with
sunshine—make sure you go prepared.
ERIE’s Auto Enhancement Endorsement* offers extra coverage
to avoid sticky situations that could put a damper on your getaway. Let’s face
it—road trips are no fun if you’re stuck in a repair shop after an accident.
The Auto Enhancement Endorsement is the ticket to help you
out in such a pinch. It can cover emergency travel costs, up to $150 per
person. The endorsement also has other
long-lasting features that are beneficial:
- Transportation expenses after a loss—ERIE will pay for up to seven additional days beyond the standard auto insurance policy if your car is in the shop after an accident.
- Higher coverage limits for personal effects, sound equipment and more.
- Diminishing deductible—reduced by $100 for each consecutive claims-free policy year that you’re insured, up to a maximum of $500.
- Deductible waiver—comprehensive or collision deductible is not applied if the accident involves your property that’s insured under an ERIE HomeProtector policy.
Heather Swank
Agent / Owner
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Dont' Let a Tornado Topple You
Don’t Let a Tornado
Topple You
Tornadoes are one of nature's most powerful and destructive forces; an F5, the strongest and most violent of tornadoes, can level almost any house and its occupants. Thankfully, F5 tornadoes are rare. Most are weaker and can be survived. And now is the time to prepare for them if you haven’t already. Tornadoes are most common from late winter through mid-summer.
Here’s what to do before and during a tornado:
·
Know where you can take shelter in the event of
the storm. Practice a family tornado drill once a year.
·
Prepare by gathering emergency supplies,
including nonperishable food, water, medication, batteries and flashlights.
Keep the emergency kit packed and easily accessible.
·
Know the
signs of a tornado: persistent winds, swirling dust or debris under a cloud
base, loud continuous roar or rumble.
·
Know the difference and help your children
understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
1.
Tornado Watch: Current weather conditions could create a tornado, so be on the
lookout.
2.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been
sighted in the area. Seek shelter immediately and listen to the radio for
further updates. A tornado warning is much more serious than a tornado watch.
·
If a tornado is likely or known, take shelter
indoors, preferably in a basement or interior first-floor room or hallway.
·
Avoid windows and seek additional protection
under large furniture or mattresses. This will protect you from flying debris.
·
After a tornado has struck, stay out of heavily
damaged homes or buildings. Keep clear of downed power lines, broken glass and
othe r debris. Avoid lighting matches
and cigarettes due to possibly ruptured gas lines. Try to stay calm. Help will
arrive.
And remember, be prepared financially, too, before a storm
ever hits. Don’t let nature blow away what you’ve worked hard to build. If
you’ve made improvements to your home or purchased large ticket items, let us
know. We can ensure they are properly insured. We can also help you review your
Erie Insurance homeowners policy anytime so you’re aware of the coverage limits
and can adjust them as needed. Give us a call. 317-534-5202 Brookson Insurance LLC
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Insuring For Life
Insurance poor is what you hear some people say these days about home, auto, and even life insurance. The costs just keep raising and that is in fact the case when it comes to home insurance. As I mentioned last week Indiana is in the middle of a volatile market change on the home side. Auto and life not so much. In fact, in most cases there is enough to be saved in packaging to offset the home increases we are seeing.
The insurance package for the average family should always be packaged for the most effective cost savings. Our lead carrier offers a discount for home and auto and then another for life. There are even payment options that offer discounts. The less you spread out your payments the less you pay with most insurer's.
So what am I talking about Insuring For Life? It's not just a way to get you thinking about your life insurance. It is a way to get you thinking about the "big picture" of insurance and the role it plays in your life.
When you get your first house or condo, or your first car, your first life change all of these events are triggers to review your insurance. The insurance in your life should grow same as you do, same as your family or businesses does. Your exposure to loss gets higher with each new thing you have and this is a REAL reality. The more you extend out your property or your things the more you extend out not only the chance of that property being damaged, but your liability for damage they may cause others.
Let's quickly chat on liability most people just don't get it. Well, on your auto it protects you from property damage and bodily injury you may cause someone else if you are at fault for an accident. The liability on your home or tenant policy serves you as "personal liability" that would be things you are legally liable for that are not auto related. If you are a tenant and catch your home or apartment home on fire you could be legally liable for the damages.
With that insurance you carry on your car and home or living space you are protecting yourself from the loss of damage to your property and protecting your liability damage you may cause others. It's a fully rounded out insurance package property damage and liability and you have them both on auto and on home or tenant coverage.
This protects you from financial loss all the way around. The same is true of life insurance. Only 62% of the population carry life insurance and a good portion of that are under insured. Most people say they can't afford life insurance that they have too much on their plate. So who are you leaving all those bills with? Who is going to pay for the cost of your burial if something happens? Quick fact life insurance quite frankly is the most affordable insurance out there. This is the one policy you can fit in. Shop the others until you find enough savings to pay for life insurance. Don't leave your protection unfinished. This one is literally the worst to not have.
So learning the basics of why you carry what you carry is sort of a pain to have to know. The thing is as you grow through life so should the protection. If you set this protection properly then you will not suffer a financial loss from accidents you will be restored and that is the entire point of the coverage.
Do not make the decision to go without it ever, for one that is barely legal in this state, for another it's just not worth the loss you could suffer. Know what you have, know you have someone well versed in the insurance industry to guide and review for you. Most of all know it is there to protect you.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
The insurance package for the average family should always be packaged for the most effective cost savings. Our lead carrier offers a discount for home and auto and then another for life. There are even payment options that offer discounts. The less you spread out your payments the less you pay with most insurer's.
So what am I talking about Insuring For Life? It's not just a way to get you thinking about your life insurance. It is a way to get you thinking about the "big picture" of insurance and the role it plays in your life.
When you get your first house or condo, or your first car, your first life change all of these events are triggers to review your insurance. The insurance in your life should grow same as you do, same as your family or businesses does. Your exposure to loss gets higher with each new thing you have and this is a REAL reality. The more you extend out your property or your things the more you extend out not only the chance of that property being damaged, but your liability for damage they may cause others.
Let's quickly chat on liability most people just don't get it. Well, on your auto it protects you from property damage and bodily injury you may cause someone else if you are at fault for an accident. The liability on your home or tenant policy serves you as "personal liability" that would be things you are legally liable for that are not auto related. If you are a tenant and catch your home or apartment home on fire you could be legally liable for the damages.
With that insurance you carry on your car and home or living space you are protecting yourself from the loss of damage to your property and protecting your liability damage you may cause others. It's a fully rounded out insurance package property damage and liability and you have them both on auto and on home or tenant coverage.
This protects you from financial loss all the way around. The same is true of life insurance. Only 62% of the population carry life insurance and a good portion of that are under insured. Most people say they can't afford life insurance that they have too much on their plate. So who are you leaving all those bills with? Who is going to pay for the cost of your burial if something happens? Quick fact life insurance quite frankly is the most affordable insurance out there. This is the one policy you can fit in. Shop the others until you find enough savings to pay for life insurance. Don't leave your protection unfinished. This one is literally the worst to not have.
So learning the basics of why you carry what you carry is sort of a pain to have to know. The thing is as you grow through life so should the protection. If you set this protection properly then you will not suffer a financial loss from accidents you will be restored and that is the entire point of the coverage.
Do not make the decision to go without it ever, for one that is barely legal in this state, for another it's just not worth the loss you could suffer. Know what you have, know you have someone well versed in the insurance industry to guide and review for you. Most of all know it is there to protect you.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
What Is Going On With Home Deductibles????
Did you get a letter with your home renewal this year forcing you into a higher deductible or a % deductible for wind and hail damage? Be aware this is happening all over Indiana. This year make sure you review your renewal for any changes like this.
There are some basic facts surrounding these changes. I know rates have been enough, but these changing deductibles are an attempt to change the face of home insurance in Indiana. Indiana has seen consistent storm damage for fifteen plus years. Each hail event we have results in millions of dollars in damage not to even begin wind, lighting, and tornado damage. Hurricanes are no longer the big boys of catastrophe claims in the US hail has become the mass producing damage maker. It's because it hits every single day through storm season somewhere and now even beyond. Late fall tornadoes, unexpected ice damage from harsh winters, and then right back into our storm season.
This has forced insurance carriers to raise pricing just to literally keep their heads above water. On average in the US there are 12,000 hail events each year costing upwards of a billion dollars per year in damages. Let me ask how many people have actually paid themselves out of pocket to replace their own roof on their home? Yeah, it rarely if ever happens after so many years a storm blows in and poof a new roof. The fact is most roofs being replaced should have been replaced by the homeowner well before that storm came along because of age and that is maintenance which is not the intention of the insurance policy to cover.
It has become an expectation of the homeowner that the roof will always be replaced and that is just not anything you will ever have to do. This cost, the cost of replacing worn out roofs that should have been replaced far before a stone of hail came along, that is why the cost of insurance is skyrocketing. Be prepared for changes, but also be aware not all carriers are making those changes.
When shopping ask is there a higher wind hail deductible? Or is there a % deductible for wind hail. The % deductibles are often 2% sometimes higher. What that means is that whatever your home is insured for the "dwelling" your deductible would be 2% of that. So, if your dwelling is insured for 260,000 then your wind hail deductible would be $5,200.
I know it seems as though the insurance world is a big evil machine when we pay our bills and never file claims, but it really is not. Hey, I am an insurance agent and I still hate paying my premiums but I do so because I know I'm sharing risk so that when my time comes my claim will be paid.
These storm patterns we experience now are only getting worse so buckle up it will keep getting more expensive and it will keep changing. I'm a proud insurance agent who fully understands the product and grasps how beautiful it really is. We all pay in and when a family experiences a fire and loses everything they had in life you see the product in action. It's amazing life begins to rebuild and without insurance that would never happen. A family could be financially devastated if they suffered a severe loss without it.
I remember standing on a slab in Kansas City in 2001 after tornadoes blew through and more coming literally every night. I am a former claims adjuster I was dispatched there for claim work for 4 weeks. Standing on the slab of what had been a home 48 hours prior I saw an American flag stuck to the only remaining portion of a wall. In that moment I knew I was in the right field and kept on working claims until each family had been taken care of.
Today I watch out for insured families. This change in home insurance pricing and deductibles is the most major change I have seen in my career. My lead carrier Erie Insurance has chosen NOT to create higher deductibles for wind or hail, nor are they applying % deductible. Your regular deductible is what it is. If you experience anyone stressed about the forced higher deductibles pass my agency name along.
Buckle up storms are upon us. I'm here as always for any questions.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
There are some basic facts surrounding these changes. I know rates have been enough, but these changing deductibles are an attempt to change the face of home insurance in Indiana. Indiana has seen consistent storm damage for fifteen plus years. Each hail event we have results in millions of dollars in damage not to even begin wind, lighting, and tornado damage. Hurricanes are no longer the big boys of catastrophe claims in the US hail has become the mass producing damage maker. It's because it hits every single day through storm season somewhere and now even beyond. Late fall tornadoes, unexpected ice damage from harsh winters, and then right back into our storm season.
This has forced insurance carriers to raise pricing just to literally keep their heads above water. On average in the US there are 12,000 hail events each year costing upwards of a billion dollars per year in damages. Let me ask how many people have actually paid themselves out of pocket to replace their own roof on their home? Yeah, it rarely if ever happens after so many years a storm blows in and poof a new roof. The fact is most roofs being replaced should have been replaced by the homeowner well before that storm came along because of age and that is maintenance which is not the intention of the insurance policy to cover.
It has become an expectation of the homeowner that the roof will always be replaced and that is just not anything you will ever have to do. This cost, the cost of replacing worn out roofs that should have been replaced far before a stone of hail came along, that is why the cost of insurance is skyrocketing. Be prepared for changes, but also be aware not all carriers are making those changes.
When shopping ask is there a higher wind hail deductible? Or is there a % deductible for wind hail. The % deductibles are often 2% sometimes higher. What that means is that whatever your home is insured for the "dwelling" your deductible would be 2% of that. So, if your dwelling is insured for 260,000 then your wind hail deductible would be $5,200.
I know it seems as though the insurance world is a big evil machine when we pay our bills and never file claims, but it really is not. Hey, I am an insurance agent and I still hate paying my premiums but I do so because I know I'm sharing risk so that when my time comes my claim will be paid.
These storm patterns we experience now are only getting worse so buckle up it will keep getting more expensive and it will keep changing. I'm a proud insurance agent who fully understands the product and grasps how beautiful it really is. We all pay in and when a family experiences a fire and loses everything they had in life you see the product in action. It's amazing life begins to rebuild and without insurance that would never happen. A family could be financially devastated if they suffered a severe loss without it.
I remember standing on a slab in Kansas City in 2001 after tornadoes blew through and more coming literally every night. I am a former claims adjuster I was dispatched there for claim work for 4 weeks. Standing on the slab of what had been a home 48 hours prior I saw an American flag stuck to the only remaining portion of a wall. In that moment I knew I was in the right field and kept on working claims until each family had been taken care of.
Today I watch out for insured families. This change in home insurance pricing and deductibles is the most major change I have seen in my career. My lead carrier Erie Insurance has chosen NOT to create higher deductibles for wind or hail, nor are they applying % deductible. Your regular deductible is what it is. If you experience anyone stressed about the forced higher deductibles pass my agency name along.
Buckle up storms are upon us. I'm here as always for any questions.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)