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!
Monday, May 21, 2012
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
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