Whether you are starting a new business or just looking to price out your current business insurance just know the important talking points. Do NOT over pay for commercial insurance. Your business needs protection from specific types of losses just like your personal insurance does.
Liability protection and property protection are normally packaged together with most carriers and often times you will find that is cheaper than a stand alone general liability policy itself. Most package policies come packed with additional coverage's built right in this is the way to go.
The liability protection on the policy serves as protection from potential claims filed against your business for it's actions, while the property protection provides coverage for damage to your business property either on that location, or sometimes in transit or on the job site if that is included.
Damage to your business property can include computers, furniture in office locations, and other business related property on that location such as stock and or materials related to the business. There are literally tons of additional coverage's to chose from. Business interruption coverage is one of those I find to be essential to business owner's. If your business is forced into closure because of a covered loss like fire, or water damage this coverage will pay for the continuance of your business even if it requires renting another location while your location is being repaired.
You can really have your policy built to fit your specific needs. An agent should be able to learn about your business and offer you a package policy with some enhancements tailored to your specific needs. This is where finding an educated agent comes into play. Some businesses have exposures that are not always fully covered in the base policy. If you have special equipment as a contractor, or computerized equipment, you may need some additional coverage. The choices are limitless, but working with your agent to not overload you with insurance while getting you the most comprehensive coverage available is a must.
Find an agent with some history don't be afraid to ask what their background is. You wouldn't want your agent to have never worked in the industry prior to opening the agency, or if you even remotely feel like your agent is not fully knowledgeable then find another to quote for you.
Brookson Insurance has a combined 30 years of prior claims handling experience including commercial claims adjusting. Before becoming an agent I worked as a property claims adjuster handling both personal home and commercial business losses. I know how the policy is supposed to work for a business owner and moreover I know what coverage's they need. It's my expertise!
As you approach the New Year take a look at your current policy, or if you are a new business sit down with an agent and really dig in know what you have and why you have it. Trust me if you suffer a loss you will be glad you had someone provide you with the coverage to get you back on your feet right away. It is your livelihood so it can't go on pause just because of an insurance claim. We'll keep you rolling!
Call us anytime with questions we love helping you review your needs even if you just want an answer and can't get anyone at your agency to answer the phone or return a call. We're here for you whenever you need us.
Brookson Insurance your trusted premier agency servicing the Indy Metro area.
Heather Swank - Owner / Agent
Darlene Robertson - Office Manager / CSR
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Brookson.Darlene@gmail.com
Monday, December 3, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Why This Agency????
A Different Kind of Agency...
Brookson Insurance is located on the southside of Indianapolis in Greenwood, IN. We service the Indianapolis Metro areas with home, auto, business, health, & life products. That is the boring part, now onto why we are different than other agencies out there.
As a small business owner myself I love hearing the drive and passion that other business owners put into there business. Sometimes I think, WOW what I do is seriously boring in comparison. Then I remember my long career in this industry, the wonderful experiences I've had, families and business owner's I have known and I know it is way less boring than it would appear.
When I opened this agency I had been working for my step father as an agent with Erie Insurance. I came from the claims side of the industry spending my entire career prior to becoming an agent as a claims adjuster for home, commercial business, and farm with The Hartford one of our nations oldest insurers. My early career was primarily focused on large losses such as fires. It became more than a passion for me. Working with families and business owner's who'd lost everything they worked so hard for has been the greatest gift of my life. I love my career! Working with people was a calling for me add in he knowledge and background of working through some great insurance contracts and finding coverage for my clients has been one that has always intellectually challenged me and kept me on my toes. But mostly, I've loved the people I've had the honor to work with and seeing a family recover after a total fire loss to their home, or a business owner back on his feet and open again...it is a feeling I could not ever put into words. I'm grateful for my clients, my career, and my Brookson family.
In turn Darlene Robertson in our office started here career in 1998 on the claims side as well. She handled business, home, and auto insurance as a claims adjuster. With more than 13 years of insurance experience behind her she knows the importance in having the right protection. Darlene is dedicated to her client's offering coverage options that they never knew were even available and loves the challenge of better protection at better pricing in this economy. It takes experience in this industry to really fully understand the insurance contract and know that you are purchasing your insurance from a person with this experience is paramount. Darlene promptly answers her clients because she has the background to do it. She is full of information and can easily review your current insurance to make sure your business, home, or auto is accurately covered. Got just questions email or call her she's always there to offer her expertise.
We have families as well so we understand why our clients deserve better products for their protection, a better understanding of what they have, and better pricing all rolled into one.
The introduction of this agency to the Indianapolis marketplace in 2009 I had some really basic ideas in mind that came from my experience with clients I had worked claims for.
1. CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT IS REAL
Most agencies boast about the service they offer,but how many times have you gone a day, two days, maybe even more without a return call?
We answer our phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week and you can reach your agent whenever you want to. Since we had worked with clients who had real things happen to them after five we knew we had to make ourselves available to our clients when they needed us the most. We do that and we are proud to do that for our family of insureds.
2. WE DO THINGS FOR YOU IMMEDIATELY You called your agent to have a change made on your policy and you fell through the cracks in their office?
We get the info, we do the job period. Everything and I mean everything is processed in our office same day because let's face it this is not rocket science we can change your address, quote a new car, or add a new mortgage company same day. We don't leave the office until our clients needs are met each and everyday!
3. WE ARE ACCURATE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT INSURANCE
You called your agent with a coverage question and they told you that they would get back to you shortly? Now....this I know has happened to you at one point.
We answer those questions immediately because we can. Coverage questions are not a question for us and I'll tell you it is pretty darn hard to stump one of us. We know our stuff, so we know how to better insure yours.
4. WE DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR OUR CLIENTS FIRST
Your rate with your current agent goes up and you call in for answers as to why to see if you could get some kind of review, or attention and you got the old standard "Rates are up."
It is true rates go up, but you have the power to shop then right? We'd love for all of our clients to stay with us or for new ones to come to us, but that is not always the right thing to do for a business or family. If your coverage is appropriate for your needs and the price is right then you belong where you are and we get that. If we can't provide your family with the appropriate product or pricing, we get that too and we will even help you find someone who can fit your family or business needs. Our clients truly come first I'd want someone to treat me that way.
So we respond, recommend coverage, provide immediate accurate service, and do it all with only you in mind. Why? How? Other agencies may say the same right? Right, but the difference is we take action on that. We are real people, who love insurance, our clients, and strive to make it the best experience they've had in our industry. Make our industry proud! After all, there is a rich history to the insurance industry and the basic product itself is amazing. Providing protection to put your life back in order, to make it right, that is what insurance can do for everyone. We believe in it, we want our families to feel they know what they have and that we are always there for them. We've got you covered here.
Give us a try on a quote or pass our name along. Our greatest compliment is a referral from our clients it is amazing to welcome new families and business owners that our client sent our way it is the greatest pat on the back.
Our Motto: You matter, we care, and you are better protected here is what we stand for and that is you, your business, your family, your life. We keep an eye on it all.
www.brooksoninsurance.com
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Brookson.Darlene@gmail.com
317-534-5202 office phone
202 W Main St.
Greenwood, IN 46142
We are available when you need us 24/7!
We are the Indy metro south insurance team!
Heather B. Swank
Agent / Owner
Brookson Insurance LLC
Brookson Insurance is located on the southside of Indianapolis in Greenwood, IN. We service the Indianapolis Metro areas with home, auto, business, health, & life products. That is the boring part, now onto why we are different than other agencies out there.
As a small business owner myself I love hearing the drive and passion that other business owners put into there business. Sometimes I think, WOW what I do is seriously boring in comparison. Then I remember my long career in this industry, the wonderful experiences I've had, families and business owner's I have known and I know it is way less boring than it would appear.
When I opened this agency I had been working for my step father as an agent with Erie Insurance. I came from the claims side of the industry spending my entire career prior to becoming an agent as a claims adjuster for home, commercial business, and farm with The Hartford one of our nations oldest insurers. My early career was primarily focused on large losses such as fires. It became more than a passion for me. Working with families and business owner's who'd lost everything they worked so hard for has been the greatest gift of my life. I love my career! Working with people was a calling for me add in he knowledge and background of working through some great insurance contracts and finding coverage for my clients has been one that has always intellectually challenged me and kept me on my toes. But mostly, I've loved the people I've had the honor to work with and seeing a family recover after a total fire loss to their home, or a business owner back on his feet and open again...it is a feeling I could not ever put into words. I'm grateful for my clients, my career, and my Brookson family.
In turn Darlene Robertson in our office started here career in 1998 on the claims side as well. She handled business, home, and auto insurance as a claims adjuster. With more than 13 years of insurance experience behind her she knows the importance in having the right protection. Darlene is dedicated to her client's offering coverage options that they never knew were even available and loves the challenge of better protection at better pricing in this economy. It takes experience in this industry to really fully understand the insurance contract and know that you are purchasing your insurance from a person with this experience is paramount. Darlene promptly answers her clients because she has the background to do it. She is full of information and can easily review your current insurance to make sure your business, home, or auto is accurately covered. Got just questions email or call her she's always there to offer her expertise.
We have families as well so we understand why our clients deserve better products for their protection, a better understanding of what they have, and better pricing all rolled into one.
The introduction of this agency to the Indianapolis marketplace in 2009 I had some really basic ideas in mind that came from my experience with clients I had worked claims for.
1. CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT IS REAL
Most agencies boast about the service they offer,but how many times have you gone a day, two days, maybe even more without a return call?
We answer our phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week and you can reach your agent whenever you want to. Since we had worked with clients who had real things happen to them after five we knew we had to make ourselves available to our clients when they needed us the most. We do that and we are proud to do that for our family of insureds.
2. WE DO THINGS FOR YOU IMMEDIATELY You called your agent to have a change made on your policy and you fell through the cracks in their office?
We get the info, we do the job period. Everything and I mean everything is processed in our office same day because let's face it this is not rocket science we can change your address, quote a new car, or add a new mortgage company same day. We don't leave the office until our clients needs are met each and everyday!
3. WE ARE ACCURATE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT INSURANCE
You called your agent with a coverage question and they told you that they would get back to you shortly? Now....this I know has happened to you at one point.
We answer those questions immediately because we can. Coverage questions are not a question for us and I'll tell you it is pretty darn hard to stump one of us. We know our stuff, so we know how to better insure yours.
4. WE DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR OUR CLIENTS FIRST
Your rate with your current agent goes up and you call in for answers as to why to see if you could get some kind of review, or attention and you got the old standard "Rates are up."
It is true rates go up, but you have the power to shop then right? We'd love for all of our clients to stay with us or for new ones to come to us, but that is not always the right thing to do for a business or family. If your coverage is appropriate for your needs and the price is right then you belong where you are and we get that. If we can't provide your family with the appropriate product or pricing, we get that too and we will even help you find someone who can fit your family or business needs. Our clients truly come first I'd want someone to treat me that way.
So we respond, recommend coverage, provide immediate accurate service, and do it all with only you in mind. Why? How? Other agencies may say the same right? Right, but the difference is we take action on that. We are real people, who love insurance, our clients, and strive to make it the best experience they've had in our industry. Make our industry proud! After all, there is a rich history to the insurance industry and the basic product itself is amazing. Providing protection to put your life back in order, to make it right, that is what insurance can do for everyone. We believe in it, we want our families to feel they know what they have and that we are always there for them. We've got you covered here.
Give us a try on a quote or pass our name along. Our greatest compliment is a referral from our clients it is amazing to welcome new families and business owners that our client sent our way it is the greatest pat on the back.
Our Motto: You matter, we care, and you are better protected here is what we stand for and that is you, your business, your family, your life. We keep an eye on it all.
www.brooksoninsurance.com
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Brookson.Darlene@gmail.com
317-534-5202 office phone
202 W Main St.
Greenwood, IN 46142
We are available when you need us 24/7!
We are the Indy metro south insurance team!
Heather B. Swank
Agent / Owner
Brookson Insurance LLC
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Road Service Anyone...what is this stuff anyway?
We Can Help When You’re Stranded
None of us likes to be stranded by a broken-down car. At best, it’s inconvenient. At worst — depending on the time of day or night, the weather conditions and the location of a breakdown — it’s downright dangerous.
Many of us carry road service coverage on our vehicles with stand alone policies and some are included with our insurance policies. Not 100% sure what the heck you have it for? Let me help you with that...
Road service is a good option not only for you but for the insurance carrier in turn. If your car is disabled along the roadway the chances of additional damage being incurred are greater. It's not only better and safer for you to get off the road, but it is better for your insurance carrier. Knowing that find the best rate for your road service and always note there are options out there as well.
Remember the coverage is to tow your vehicle to the nearest reasonable repair shop, or for roadside repairs to get you back and rolling. Please note here that the roadside repairs are labor only the materials such as a tire would not be included since that was a wear and tear issue. If you have a mechanical breakdown while on the road the car can be towed to the nearest repair shop that is always covered as well. Some carriers will call it towing and labor some will call it road service.........it's all the same stuff!
Keep in mind this coverage is always on a reimbursement basis. If your towing bill to the nearest reasonable repair shop is $250 that is what should pay. Some companies offer road service, but it is limited. Do you know what your coverage is?
That’s why we offer an optional coverage you can purchase that adds emergency road service to your auto policy for as little as $4 per vehicle per year. If your auto is disabled, this coverage pays for reasonable auto towing and required labor costs at the site of the vehicle breakdown. We can even issue the reimbursement check right here in the agency for you!
Give us a call if you’d like to add Road Service Coverage. We’re happy to help!
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
www.brooksoninsurance.com
None of us likes to be stranded by a broken-down car. At best, it’s inconvenient. At worst — depending on the time of day or night, the weather conditions and the location of a breakdown — it’s downright dangerous.
Many of us carry road service coverage on our vehicles with stand alone policies and some are included with our insurance policies. Not 100% sure what the heck you have it for? Let me help you with that...
Road service is a good option not only for you but for the insurance carrier in turn. If your car is disabled along the roadway the chances of additional damage being incurred are greater. It's not only better and safer for you to get off the road, but it is better for your insurance carrier. Knowing that find the best rate for your road service and always note there are options out there as well.
Remember the coverage is to tow your vehicle to the nearest reasonable repair shop, or for roadside repairs to get you back and rolling. Please note here that the roadside repairs are labor only the materials such as a tire would not be included since that was a wear and tear issue. If you have a mechanical breakdown while on the road the car can be towed to the nearest repair shop that is always covered as well. Some carriers will call it towing and labor some will call it road service.........it's all the same stuff!
Keep in mind this coverage is always on a reimbursement basis. If your towing bill to the nearest reasonable repair shop is $250 that is what should pay. Some companies offer road service, but it is limited. Do you know what your coverage is?
That’s why we offer an optional coverage you can purchase that adds emergency road service to your auto policy for as little as $4 per vehicle per year. If your auto is disabled, this coverage pays for reasonable auto towing and required labor costs at the site of the vehicle breakdown. We can even issue the reimbursement check right here in the agency for you!
Give us a call if you’d like to add Road Service Coverage. We’re happy to help!
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
www.brooksoninsurance.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Guaranteed Replacement Cost The Big Difference
Guaranteed Replacement Cost: The Big Difference
When purchasing a home insurance policy, it’s important to buy enough coverage to protect yourself against financial loss if a catastrophe would occur.
Sixty-four percent of homes are undervalued, and potentially underinsured, by an average of 19 percent, according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, a California-based company that calculates residential building cost data. In the event of a total loss, you may be responsible for making up the difference out of pocket, an amount that can easily mean tens of thousands of dollars.
That’s why Erie Insurance offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost.* That one extra word — guaranteed — means you’ll be covered if your home is damaged or destroyed from a fire, tornado or other covered loss. You could rebuild your home after a major loss without worrying about depreciation, policy limits or insurance construction costs once you’ve repaired or replaced the damaged property.
The coverage is available with Erie Insurance’s home insurance policies. For more information, contact Brookson Insurance your local ERIE Agent today.
*Guaranteed Replacement Cost requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days and may be limited by a Functional Replacement Cost Loss Settlement endorsement. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Visit eriesecurehome.com/details or talk to your ERIE Agent for more information.
Heather B. Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-534-5202 or Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
When purchasing a home insurance policy, it’s important to buy enough coverage to protect yourself against financial loss if a catastrophe would occur.
Sixty-four percent of homes are undervalued, and potentially underinsured, by an average of 19 percent, according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, a California-based company that calculates residential building cost data. In the event of a total loss, you may be responsible for making up the difference out of pocket, an amount that can easily mean tens of thousands of dollars.
That’s why Erie Insurance offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost.* That one extra word — guaranteed — means you’ll be covered if your home is damaged or destroyed from a fire, tornado or other covered loss. You could rebuild your home after a major loss without worrying about depreciation, policy limits or insurance construction costs once you’ve repaired or replaced the damaged property.
The coverage is available with Erie Insurance’s home insurance policies. For more information, contact Brookson Insurance your local ERIE Agent today.
*Guaranteed Replacement Cost requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days and may be limited by a Functional Replacement Cost Loss Settlement endorsement. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Visit eriesecurehome.com/details or talk to your ERIE Agent for more information.
Heather B. Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-534-5202 or Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Monday, May 21, 2012
Loving What We Do!
Home, Auto, Business & More...
We are a full service insurance agency meaning we offer it all. We like to offer a service to our clients and to us they are family a family we protect from the worst events in life. Having the right protection takes some of the stress away and we love that our products can do that for our families. Insurance makes it back to the way it was before a loss we think it is the single most important product people can buy.
Today we have cable with all the premium channels but we don't think about our actual protection that way. Premium coverage, premium service, and in the event you need to use the coverage you will always know you have exactly what you need.
Shop for an agent as well do they know what they are doing? Have you chosen someone with a long rich history in the insurance industry? Ask them....what is your background in insurance. That way you know you are working with an agent who can properly review your insurance needs. And don't get me started on online and phone quotes.
With home and auto insurance what should your main focus be when shopping? The answer is always coverage!
If you want to know the basics here are some tips for you...
1. The building value / or cost of your home should likely be what you currently carry or an insurer can run a rebuild estimate of your home to get accurate up to date numbers. The insurance value is not "market" or sales value of your home it is the physical current cost to rebuild your home from the ground up.
2. Your deductible choice will always affect the end premium so if you want lower premium you can bet on a higher deductible, if you want a lower deductible you will pay a higher premium.
3. Your liability limit needs to protect your assets so make sure that limit exceeds your assets the same applies with the auto. In particular with the auto make sure your limits appropriately high enough to not only protect your assets but ensure no out of pocket expense should you end up in an accident.
4. Medical payments this coverage is for medical treatment either after an auto accident, or in relation to the homeowners policy when someone other than an insured suffers an accident on your property. Take a quick look at your policy if your medical payments coverage is $1,000 or even $5,000 ask yourself this....If someone slips on your property and breaks their arm is $5,000 enough to cover emergency room expenses for a broken arm. These days maybe not so that means anything over that amount you are liable for.
5. Endorsements - these are the additional coverage's such as jewelry, sewer and drain or sump failure, or earthquake you see on your policy. These are in addition to the base home policy you have chosen and you are charged for these additional coverage's. If you are quoting your insurance package make sure the new insurer knows you have these coverage's.
When shopping for insurance of course pricing is normally always your main concern, but having a professional insurance agent review your coverage's is just as important as the price. What if? What if you are not covered properly? That means it's on you the tab is on you! Having an experienced agent review your policy is extremely important and if you have not done that in a few years now is the time.
Remember that online quoting normally leads you to low end coverage with no one really reviewing your insurance needs and may leave you unprotected which is not where you want to be when a loss occurs.
We'd love the opportunity to earn your business. You can find out more about our agency at www.brooksoninsurance.com, find us on Facebook search Brookson Insurance, or follow us on Twitter @Brooksondays.
Happy Insurance Shopping!
email me any questions Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Heather Swank
Owner Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
You matter, we care, and you are better protected here!
We are a full service insurance agency meaning we offer it all. We like to offer a service to our clients and to us they are family a family we protect from the worst events in life. Having the right protection takes some of the stress away and we love that our products can do that for our families. Insurance makes it back to the way it was before a loss we think it is the single most important product people can buy.
Today we have cable with all the premium channels but we don't think about our actual protection that way. Premium coverage, premium service, and in the event you need to use the coverage you will always know you have exactly what you need.
Shop for an agent as well do they know what they are doing? Have you chosen someone with a long rich history in the insurance industry? Ask them....what is your background in insurance. That way you know you are working with an agent who can properly review your insurance needs. And don't get me started on online and phone quotes.
With home and auto insurance what should your main focus be when shopping? The answer is always coverage!
If you want to know the basics here are some tips for you...
1. The building value / or cost of your home should likely be what you currently carry or an insurer can run a rebuild estimate of your home to get accurate up to date numbers. The insurance value is not "market" or sales value of your home it is the physical current cost to rebuild your home from the ground up.
2. Your deductible choice will always affect the end premium so if you want lower premium you can bet on a higher deductible, if you want a lower deductible you will pay a higher premium.
3. Your liability limit needs to protect your assets so make sure that limit exceeds your assets the same applies with the auto. In particular with the auto make sure your limits appropriately high enough to not only protect your assets but ensure no out of pocket expense should you end up in an accident.
4. Medical payments this coverage is for medical treatment either after an auto accident, or in relation to the homeowners policy when someone other than an insured suffers an accident on your property. Take a quick look at your policy if your medical payments coverage is $1,000 or even $5,000 ask yourself this....If someone slips on your property and breaks their arm is $5,000 enough to cover emergency room expenses for a broken arm. These days maybe not so that means anything over that amount you are liable for.
5. Endorsements - these are the additional coverage's such as jewelry, sewer and drain or sump failure, or earthquake you see on your policy. These are in addition to the base home policy you have chosen and you are charged for these additional coverage's. If you are quoting your insurance package make sure the new insurer knows you have these coverage's.
When shopping for insurance of course pricing is normally always your main concern, but having a professional insurance agent review your coverage's is just as important as the price. What if? What if you are not covered properly? That means it's on you the tab is on you! Having an experienced agent review your policy is extremely important and if you have not done that in a few years now is the time.
Remember that online quoting normally leads you to low end coverage with no one really reviewing your insurance needs and may leave you unprotected which is not where you want to be when a loss occurs.
We'd love the opportunity to earn your business. You can find out more about our agency at www.brooksoninsurance.com, find us on Facebook search Brookson Insurance, or follow us on Twitter @Brooksondays.
Happy Insurance Shopping!
email me any questions Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Heather Swank
Owner Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
You matter, we care, and you are better protected here!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
In The Eye Of The Storm
To all of my clients who may not yet be aware of my history in the insurance industry this article is provided with what was the passion of my career and part of my reasoning in becoming an agent. For 12 years I worked as a claims adjuster. The very first moment I set foot on a catastrophe site my life's meaning had been found, my career aspirations were forever changed, and a dedication I never thought possible was born. My very first catastrophe site was in Joplin, MO. Yes, that Joplin the same Joplin who saw horrific loss in 2011 I was there in 2001. I can never fully describe the things I saw, the emotions I shared with families, or the fear I felt in heart of that tornado outbreak.
People who work in the claims industry and in particular those of us who were catastrophe responders truly view the work as a calling. The moment you stand on the stoop of a home knowing that is the only remaining remnant of someones home, knowing that after living in that home for 25+ years this is a loss that cannot be recovered, you become a humble servant to those you insure. It is insurance at its very finest! It is a recovery project for people which is the greatest gift I've ever known. I urge you to review the information below and really soak it into the back of your mind. Be prepared, always prepared, and we'll do the rest for you. My obligation and promise to each of you will always be that you come first, your protection, your service, and my faithful dedication to you in your times of loss. ~Heather
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 other 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. 317-537-5202 Brookson Insurance where you matter, we care, and you are better protected here.
Heather B. Swank
Brookson Insurance LLC
Owner / Agent
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
People who work in the claims industry and in particular those of us who were catastrophe responders truly view the work as a calling. The moment you stand on the stoop of a home knowing that is the only remaining remnant of someones home, knowing that after living in that home for 25+ years this is a loss that cannot be recovered, you become a humble servant to those you insure. It is insurance at its very finest! It is a recovery project for people which is the greatest gift I've ever known. I urge you to review the information below and really soak it into the back of your mind. Be prepared, always prepared, and we'll do the rest for you. My obligation and promise to each of you will always be that you come first, your protection, your service, and my faithful dedication to you in your times of loss. ~Heather
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 other 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. 317-537-5202 Brookson Insurance where you matter, we care, and you are better protected here.
Heather B. Swank
Brookson Insurance LLC
Owner / Agent
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Monday, March 26, 2012
Overcome the Temptation: Don’t Drive Distracted
Do you text while driving? Or, check your e-mail? It’s tempting just to take a quick peek at a stop light—we know. But the data is mounting: driving distracted is serious and dangerous. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the temptation.
Lock your phone or other personal electronic device in the glove compartment. Why fight temptation? Just put the source away.
Let incoming calls go to voice mail while driving. Don’t even look to see who it is.
Don’t talk to other risky drivers. If someone calls you while they are obviously driving, say: “Please call back later.” Text messages are trickier: if they are obviously sent from the road, ignore them and (later) ask that driver to stop. Social disapproval is a good way to encourage others not to text while driving.
Pull over, if you must use your phone. If you really do need to talk to someone, or must use a device that requires your visual attention, pull off the road. If you’re on the highway and must place a call or send a text message, get off at the nearest exit. Also, weigh the risk of not calling (or doing the task) versus the risk of losing control and endangering others on the road or in your car.
Never, ever, text while driving, period.
Think of safety when buying a new car. Automakers are putting more and more entertainment inside cars. Consider buying a car that has fewer of these and more safety devices. The car with more safety features may cost less to insure, too. We can let you know for sure what it will cost to insure a new car. Just give us a call when you’re shopping.
And remember, just be safe. Your Erie Insurance policy will help cover you when accidents happen, but insurance is about more than just financial protection. It’s about keeping your risk to a minimum—so that you don’t have that accident. And that’s why we wanted to remind you to keep your eyes on the road and stay safe.
We care about the safety of our families and now is the time to sit down and talk with your children who are preparing for driving. Statistics are supporting that this form of distracted driving is causing more accidents than driving under the influence which is scary at best.
Knowing that our families are prepared and ready to drive safely into their futures is our main focus. You matter,we care, and you are better protected here.
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance
www.brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Insure Your Love with Life Insurance
Insure Your Love with Life Insurance
What do love and life insurance have in common? The motivation behind purchasing life insurance is love: We buy it because we love people and want to protect them financially. Think of it as the ultimate act of enduring love. How so? Read on.
Caring for Your Loved Ones
We go to great lengths for our loved ones. We work hard to provide them with a life filled with happiness, comfort and opportunity. In fact, there’s almost nothing we wouldn’t do for our loved ones. We re-arrange our schedules to never miss our kids’ sporting events. We put in extra time at work to save up for that special family vacation. We rush out of the office to make sure we’re home in time for dinner with our loved ones.
But what if you died tomorrow and were no longer around to provide for your family? Without your income and all the other things you do for your loved ones, would they be able to maintain their current lifestyle and keep future plans on track?
That’s where life insurance comes in. It can’t put your family’s life back to how it was, but it can keep your loved ones in the world they’ve always known. So if you think you need life insurance (or more than you currently have), now is the time to do something about it. What can say “I love you” better than a promise to provide for the ones you love, even after you’re gone.
Contact Us! 317-534-5202
For information about life insurance policies that are available through Erie Family Life, contact our agency. We will help assess your life insurance needs.
*Story is reprinted courtesy of the Life Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), a nonprofit organization. Go to lifehappens.org for more information.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202
What do love and life insurance have in common? The motivation behind purchasing life insurance is love: We buy it because we love people and want to protect them financially. Think of it as the ultimate act of enduring love. How so? Read on.
Caring for Your Loved Ones
We go to great lengths for our loved ones. We work hard to provide them with a life filled with happiness, comfort and opportunity. In fact, there’s almost nothing we wouldn’t do for our loved ones. We re-arrange our schedules to never miss our kids’ sporting events. We put in extra time at work to save up for that special family vacation. We rush out of the office to make sure we’re home in time for dinner with our loved ones.
But what if you died tomorrow and were no longer around to provide for your family? Without your income and all the other things you do for your loved ones, would they be able to maintain their current lifestyle and keep future plans on track?
That’s where life insurance comes in. It can’t put your family’s life back to how it was, but it can keep your loved ones in the world they’ve always known. So if you think you need life insurance (or more than you currently have), now is the time to do something about it. What can say “I love you” better than a promise to provide for the ones you love, even after you’re gone.
Contact Us! 317-534-5202
For information about life insurance policies that are available through Erie Family Life, contact our agency. We will help assess your life insurance needs.
*Story is reprinted courtesy of the Life Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), a nonprofit organization. Go to lifehappens.org for more information.
Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202
Monday, January 23, 2012
Lock It!!!!!!
You can actually lock in your insurance rates on auto with one of our carriers. You like our rate? Then lock it in!!!! This is so exciting for families who want a clear picture of those monthly bills. If you find a good rate you should be able to lock it in.
Have you ever thought I wish our insurance rate would stay the same as it was three years ago, how nice, how affordable? Now you can, there is a product provided by Erie Insurance called Erie Rate Protection.
Call our agency to discuss details on this rate lock program see if it is something that would work for your family this year, next year, and the years that follow.
Lock in Your Auto Rate
ERIE Rate LockSM gives you a chance to lock in a competitive premium on your auto insurance so you’ll pay the same amount year after year.* Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your policy:
• Add or remove a vehicle from your policy
• Add or remove a driver from your policy
• Change your primary residence
• Change policy coverages or pay plan
Let us like to explain the details in person or on the phone. Contact our agency today so we can give you an auto quote that includes ERIE Rate Lock.
Brookson Insurance Team
http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/
317-534-5202
Have you ever thought I wish our insurance rate would stay the same as it was three years ago, how nice, how affordable? Now you can, there is a product provided by Erie Insurance called Erie Rate Protection.
Call our agency to discuss details on this rate lock program see if it is something that would work for your family this year, next year, and the years that follow.
Lock in Your Auto Rate
ERIE Rate LockSM gives you a chance to lock in a competitive premium on your auto insurance so you’ll pay the same amount year after year.* Even if you have a claim, your rates won’t change until you make certain changes to your policy:
• Add or remove a vehicle from your policy
• Add or remove a driver from your policy
• Change your primary residence
• Change policy coverages or pay plan
Let us like to explain the details in person or on the phone. Contact our agency today so we can give you an auto quote that includes ERIE Rate Lock.
Brookson Insurance Team
http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/
317-534-5202
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