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
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Two Electric Cars Earn Top Safety Rating
Two electric cars ― Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ― are getting the green light from safety experts.
Both vehicles recently earned the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars.
The Volt and Leaf earned the top protection rating for the four most common kinds of injury crashes: front, side, rear and rollover. With these ratings and standard electronic stability control, they qualify as winners of Top Safety Pick, the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.
"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," says Joe Nolan, the Institute's chief administrative officer.
Fuel efficient, too
The dual-power Volt and all-electric Leaf not only surpass benchmarks for protecting occupants in crashes, but they also exceed current fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Both models are new for 2011.
• The Volt is a plug-in battery/gasoline hybrid that can run in electric-only mode with a range of about 35 miles on a single charge. A gasoline engine kicks in to power the electric motor when the battery is spent.
• The Leaf runs on battery power alone and has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated average range of about 73 miles on a single charge.
Small but safe
The Volt and Leaf are classified as small cars, with their overall length, width and passenger capacity in line with their peers. But their hefty battery packs put their curb weights and handling stability closer to midsize and larger cars.
"The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars," Nolan says. "These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety."
The addition of the two electric cars brings the Institute’s number of safety award winners so far for this year to 80. It lifts General Motors' current model tally to 12 and Nissan's to 3. The safety ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.
Shopping for a new car?
If you’re buying a new car, keep safety in mind and check out the full list of winners. Also, give us a call beforehand and we can let you know how much your new car will cost to insure. We can help you learn which safety features can earn you a discount on your ERIE auto insurance, too.
Call 317-534-5202 for a quote today! We'd love the opportunity to earn your business in 2012 come find out more about our agency at http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/.
Happy New Year!
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Two electric cars ― Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ― are getting the green light from safety experts.
Both vehicles recently earned the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars.
The Volt and Leaf earned the top protection rating for the four most common kinds of injury crashes: front, side, rear and rollover. With these ratings and standard electronic stability control, they qualify as winners of Top Safety Pick, the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.
"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," says Joe Nolan, the Institute's chief administrative officer.
Fuel efficient, too
The dual-power Volt and all-electric Leaf not only surpass benchmarks for protecting occupants in crashes, but they also exceed current fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Both models are new for 2011.
• The Volt is a plug-in battery/gasoline hybrid that can run in electric-only mode with a range of about 35 miles on a single charge. A gasoline engine kicks in to power the electric motor when the battery is spent.
• The Leaf runs on battery power alone and has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated average range of about 73 miles on a single charge.
Small but safe
The Volt and Leaf are classified as small cars, with their overall length, width and passenger capacity in line with their peers. But their hefty battery packs put their curb weights and handling stability closer to midsize and larger cars.
"The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars," Nolan says. "These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety."
The addition of the two electric cars brings the Institute’s number of safety award winners so far for this year to 80. It lifts General Motors' current model tally to 12 and Nissan's to 3. The safety ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.
Shopping for a new car?
If you’re buying a new car, keep safety in mind and check out the full list of winners. Also, give us a call beforehand and we can let you know how much your new car will cost to insure. We can help you learn which safety features can earn you a discount on your ERIE auto insurance, too.
Call 317-534-5202 for a quote today! We'd love the opportunity to earn your business in 2012 come find out more about our agency at http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/.
Happy New Year!
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
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