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
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Trying to Save Money? Avoid the Five Biggest Insurance Mistakes
With nearly one in 10 Americans out of work, and others forced to make ends meet with less money, many people are looking for ways to cut costs.
There are many ways to save on home and auto insurance. Be careful, though, not to make mistakes that could result in your being dangerously underinsured.
“When money is tight, it’s extremely important to be financially protected against a catastrophe with the right amount and type of insurance,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). “By taking a few simple steps, it is possible to cut costs and still be protected should disaster strike.”
According to the I.I.I., these are the five biggest insurance mistakes that people often make:
1. Insuring a home for its market value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. Insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save you up to 25 percent on your premium payments.
2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.
A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.
Financially strong insurers like Erie Insurance have the financial wherewithal to ensure that payment is made when it’s due. ERIE has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (superior) with a stable financial outlook. Additionally, ERIE ranks among the 50 top performing insurance companies, according to the Ward Group, which analyzes the financial performance of 3,000 property-casualty companies. ERIE has also won awards for customer satisfaction and claim service by independent organizations.
3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Erie Insurance offers coverage through American Bankers.
A better way to save: All types of homes, including condominiums, are eligible for flood insurance. You can even purchase flood insurance to protect your contents if you rent your home. It’s a good idea to start the process as soon as you can because most flood insurance policies have at least a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. If you’re already living in a flood zone area, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage. Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to determine if it’s in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area.
4. Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability coverage for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability coverage means you are more likely to have to make out-of-pocket payments — and those costs may be steep.
A better way to save: The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury liability protection per person and $300,000 per accident. Also, consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000.
5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.
A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.
For more information about how you could save money on your insurance policies, contact our agency. We can answer your questions and review your insurance coverage needs.
Keeping an eye out for the families and businesses we insure in this tough economy is what we do best. Here you matter to us, your pricing, your coverage, it is all part of a bigger picture of the right protection.
Our agency motto...Brookson Insurance where you matter, we care, and you are better protected here. This has a deep meaning to the professionals on our staff. We take pride in protecting you!
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
There are many ways to save on home and auto insurance. Be careful, though, not to make mistakes that could result in your being dangerously underinsured.
“When money is tight, it’s extremely important to be financially protected against a catastrophe with the right amount and type of insurance,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). “By taking a few simple steps, it is possible to cut costs and still be protected should disaster strike.”
According to the I.I.I., these are the five biggest insurance mistakes that people often make:
1. Insuring a home for its market value rather than for the cost of rebuilding. When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home. Insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home. You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.
A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save you up to 25 percent on your premium payments.
2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. It is important to choose a company with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good customer service.
A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies. You should select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.
Financially strong insurers like Erie Insurance have the financial wherewithal to ensure that payment is made when it’s due. ERIE has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (superior) with a stable financial outlook. Additionally, ERIE ranks among the 50 top performing insurance companies, according to the Ward Group, which analyzes the financial performance of 3,000 property-casualty companies. ERIE has also won awards for customer satisfaction and claim service by independent organizations.
3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies. Erie Insurance offers coverage through American Bankers.
A better way to save: All types of homes, including condominiums, are eligible for flood insurance. You can even purchase flood insurance to protect your contents if you rent your home. It’s a good idea to start the process as soon as you can because most flood insurance policies have at least a 30-day waiting period before they take effect. If you’re already living in a flood zone area, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage. Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to determine if it’s in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area.
4. Only purchasing the legally required amount of liability coverage for your car. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability coverage means you are more likely to have to make out-of-pocket payments — and those costs may be steep.
A better way to save: The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury liability protection per person and $300,000 per accident. Also, consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1,000.
5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.
A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.
For more information about how you could save money on your insurance policies, contact our agency. We can answer your questions and review your insurance coverage needs.
Keeping an eye out for the families and businesses we insure in this tough economy is what we do best. Here you matter to us, your pricing, your coverage, it is all part of a bigger picture of the right protection.
Our agency motto...Brookson Insurance where you matter, we care, and you are better protected here. This has a deep meaning to the professionals on our staff. We take pride in protecting you!
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance
317-534-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Lamar Odom's Story
Life Insurance Made a Difference for Basketball Star Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom may be living under a high intensity celebrity spotlight as a Los Angeles Lakers forward and star of the hit reality TV show Khloé & Lamar, but he had much simpler beginnings.
His journey began in a single-parent household in Queens, N.Y. Even though his mother, Cathy, earned a modest income working as a corrections officer, she sent him to Catholic school because of concerns about the public schools in their rough-and-tumble neighborhood. Sadly, she didn’t live to see Odom’s success. She died of colon cancer when he was just12.
In September, Odom is serving as the national spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month. The nonprofit LIFE Foundation coordinates the campaign in response to concern about the growing number of Americans who lack life insurance protection. (Watch Odom’s public service announcement.)
A Solid Foundation
Because Odom’s mother had life insurance, he was able to continue his private school education. He was also fortunate that his grandmother was able to pick up where his mother left off, providing a nurturing environment where his talents could flourish.
“My grandmother was really amazing and kept things very normal for me after my mom died,” Odom says. “But I don’t think she could have kept things as normal as she did without the money from my mom’s life insurance policy.”
At 18, life insurance again made a difference for Odom.
“When I graduated high school, I knew it would be best to not turn pro right away,” says Odom, who was considered one of the best young basketball players in the country. “And because my mom had life insurance, I didn’t need to earn a paycheck right away. I had the option to go to college for a few years, and to mature as a player and as a person.”
Lessons Learned
Odom’s story underlines the importance of addressing the “what ifs” in life. “Thirty percent (35 million U.S. households) do not have life coverage, according to the industry research group LIMRA
“Too many Americans haven’t done the kind of planning that my mom did,” says Odom. “They don’t have life insurance because they don’t think they’ll ever need it. I’m sure my mom didn’t think that she’d die at 35, but that didn’t stop her from doing the responsible thing.”
Odom had no way of knowing how important his mother’s planning was, but it’s a lesson that has stayed with him. “Purchasing life insurance was one of the first things I did when I entered the NBA,” he says. “As a husband and father of two beautiful children, I want to make sure the people I love will always be provided for.”
Life stories are wonderful stories because through life insurance life does move on. Providing for the people we love is the right decision to make. Life insurance is affordable at all levels. There is a package out there that fits each and every financial situations need. Please consider reviewing your needs with an agent today.
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202
Lamar Odom may be living under a high intensity celebrity spotlight as a Los Angeles Lakers forward and star of the hit reality TV show Khloé & Lamar, but he had much simpler beginnings.
His journey began in a single-parent household in Queens, N.Y. Even though his mother, Cathy, earned a modest income working as a corrections officer, she sent him to Catholic school because of concerns about the public schools in their rough-and-tumble neighborhood. Sadly, she didn’t live to see Odom’s success. She died of colon cancer when he was just12.
In September, Odom is serving as the national spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month. The nonprofit LIFE Foundation coordinates the campaign in response to concern about the growing number of Americans who lack life insurance protection. (Watch Odom’s public service announcement.)
A Solid Foundation
Because Odom’s mother had life insurance, he was able to continue his private school education. He was also fortunate that his grandmother was able to pick up where his mother left off, providing a nurturing environment where his talents could flourish.
“My grandmother was really amazing and kept things very normal for me after my mom died,” Odom says. “But I don’t think she could have kept things as normal as she did without the money from my mom’s life insurance policy.”
At 18, life insurance again made a difference for Odom.
“When I graduated high school, I knew it would be best to not turn pro right away,” says Odom, who was considered one of the best young basketball players in the country. “And because my mom had life insurance, I didn’t need to earn a paycheck right away. I had the option to go to college for a few years, and to mature as a player and as a person.”
Lessons Learned
Odom’s story underlines the importance of addressing the “what ifs” in life. “Thirty percent (35 million U.S. households) do not have life coverage, according to the industry research group LIMRA
“Too many Americans haven’t done the kind of planning that my mom did,” says Odom. “They don’t have life insurance because they don’t think they’ll ever need it. I’m sure my mom didn’t think that she’d die at 35, but that didn’t stop her from doing the responsible thing.”
Odom had no way of knowing how important his mother’s planning was, but it’s a lesson that has stayed with him. “Purchasing life insurance was one of the first things I did when I entered the NBA,” he says. “As a husband and father of two beautiful children, I want to make sure the people I love will always be provided for.”
Life stories are wonderful stories because through life insurance life does move on. Providing for the people we love is the right decision to make. Life insurance is affordable at all levels. There is a package out there that fits each and every financial situations need. Please consider reviewing your needs with an agent today.
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
http://www.brooksoninsurance.com/
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
10 Reasons to Check Your Coverage
As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Letting us know of these changes can ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage through Erie Insurance. Here are some examples of when to check your coverage:
1. You’re remodeling or building an addition to your property. When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability and workers’ compensation coverages. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home’s reconstruction value.
2. Your teen starts driving. If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, that means you’ll soon need to help them purchase insurance. Your agent can help guide you through the process, find the best way to add them to your policy and provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. You’re adding a new swimming pool. We can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. You got a new job! If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call us. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy. (And, that could save you money.)
5. It’s time to retire. Ready to kick back and relax? We can help you maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. You bought a new ride. If you’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle, your insurance policy needs to be updated. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy to make sure you’re fully protected.
7. You’re saving a buck with refinancing. When you’re taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect any new lien holder.
8. Your family’s growing and changing. When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. You’ve bought a little luxury. When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. You’ve decided to work from home. If you are starting a business out of your house, let us know. Depending on the equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.
When it is time to price and review coverage we've got you covered. With service that is available when you need us call 317-534-5202 or email Heather@brooksoninsurance.com. We are waiting to help you better secure the things you work so hard for.
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-5834-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Letting us know of these changes can ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage through Erie Insurance. Here are some examples of when to check your coverage:
1. You’re remodeling or building an addition to your property. When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability and workers’ compensation coverages. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home’s reconstruction value.
2. Your teen starts driving. If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, that means you’ll soon need to help them purchase insurance. Your agent can help guide you through the process, find the best way to add them to your policy and provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. You’re adding a new swimming pool. We can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. You got a new job! If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call us. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy. (And, that could save you money.)
5. It’s time to retire. Ready to kick back and relax? We can help you maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. You bought a new ride. If you’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle, your insurance policy needs to be updated. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy to make sure you’re fully protected.
7. You’re saving a buck with refinancing. When you’re taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect any new lien holder.
8. Your family’s growing and changing. When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. You’ve bought a little luxury. When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. You’ve decided to work from home. If you are starting a business out of your house, let us know. Depending on the equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.
When it is time to price and review coverage we've got you covered. With service that is available when you need us call 317-534-5202 or email Heather@brooksoninsurance.com. We are waiting to help you better secure the things you work so hard for.
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-5834-5202
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Check your coverage's it is time!
10 Reasons to Check Your Coverage
As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Letting us know of these changes can ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage through Erie Insurance. Here are some examples of when to check your coverage:
1. You’re remodeling or building an addition to your property. When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability and workers’ compensation coverages. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home’s reconstruction value.
2. Your teen starts driving. If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, that means you’ll soon need to help them purchase insurance. Your agent can help guide you through the process, find the best way to add them to your policy and provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. You’re adding a new swimming pool. We can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. You got a new job! If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call us. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy. (And, that could save you money.)
5. It’s time to retire. Ready to kick back and relax? We can help you maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. You bought a new ride. If you’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle, your insurance policy needs to be updated. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy to make sure you’re fully protected.
7. You’re saving a buck with refinancing. When you’re taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect any new lien holder.
8. Your family’s growing and changing. When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. You’ve bought a little luxury. When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. You’ve decided to work from home. If you are starting a business out of your house, let us know. Depending on the equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.
Our agents have years of experience as prior claims adjuster's. They are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive protection to families who work hard for all they have. Keeping you well taken care of is simply what we do best!
Call our office today!
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
202 W Main St.
Greenwood, IN 46142
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
As our lives change, so do our insurance needs. Letting us know of these changes can ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage through Erie Insurance. Here are some examples of when to check your coverage:
1. You’re remodeling or building an addition to your property. When you hire the contractor, request a certificate of insurance to confirm their liability and workers’ compensation coverages. Review the certificate and your homeowners policy with your agent. In some cases, remodeling projects can increase your home’s reconstruction value.
2. Your teen starts driving. If a teenager in your home is learning how to drive, that means you’ll soon need to help them purchase insurance. Your agent can help guide you through the process, find the best way to add them to your policy and provide materials about safe driving behavior.
3. You’re adding a new swimming pool. We can recommend steps that you can take to help keep your backyard safe and determine whether additional liability coverage should be considered.
4. You got a new job! If you have accepted a position where you will have a shorter or longer commute to work, call us. A significant change in annual mileage could warrant a change in your auto policy. (And, that could save you money.)
5. It’s time to retire. Ready to kick back and relax? We can help you maximize the benefits of your retirement plan with a life insurance program.
6. You bought a new ride. If you’ve purchased or leased a new or used vehicle, your insurance policy needs to be updated. Car dealers are required by law to confirm insurance coverage, but only you can make the necessary changes to your policy to make sure you’re fully protected.
7. You’re saving a buck with refinancing. When you’re taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing your home or vehicle, your policy will need to be updated to reflect any new lien holder.
8. Your family’s growing and changing. When you get married or welcome a new baby to the family, the new responsibilities may warrant a change in your home, auto and life insurance coverage.
9. You’ve bought a little luxury. When you purchase valuables such as a diamond ring or a rare piece of art, you should contact your agent. Your homeowners policy covers personal belongings and furnishings, but higher-valued items may have coverage limitations. An endorsement may be advisable for more costly or unusual items.
10. You’ve decided to work from home. If you are starting a business out of your house, let us know. Depending on the equipment and the nature of your work, an endorsement or separate policy may be necessary to protect your investment and liability exposures.
Our agents have years of experience as prior claims adjuster's. They are dedicated to providing the most comprehensive protection to families who work hard for all they have. Keeping you well taken care of is simply what we do best!
Call our office today!
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
202 W Main St.
Greenwood, IN 46142
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
Monday, August 22, 2011
Watch for Scams after a Storm
When storms hit, your home—and life—can be turned upside down. You’re eager to get your home repaired, but be careful: some contractors aren’t really there to help.
Most contractors are reputable business people. But each year, there are a few dishonest ones who chase storms from state to state. They may try to convince you that you have hail or other damage and need a new roof when you really don’t. They’ll ask to be hired for the work, explaining that your insurance company will pay for the repairs.
ERIE HomeProtector polices cover damage caused by hail and windstorms, but they will not cover the cost to replace a roof or siding when no damage has occurred. Since the work these dishonest contractors offer may not be of the highest quality, ERIE also highly recommends that you get a second—even a third—opinion before starting any contract work. It’s not fair to you to have your roof, once in excellent condition, altered so that it is inferior in quality.
What you can do
If you’re beginning to repair or rebuild after a storm, or even if you are just planning a home improvement project, keep these tips, recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in mind for choosing contractors wisely:
• Get more than one estimate.
• Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
• Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations should be detailed.
• Check references before deciding which contractor to choose.
• Never sign a contract with blanks.
• Don’t pay a contractor in full until the work is complete.
• Check with county or city licensing authorities to see if the contractor is licensed in your jurisdiction, as well as checking for complaints with their regional Better Business Bureau.
ERIE can help, too
If you need suggestions about who to hire or how to repair your home after a storm, we can help you contact an insurance claims adjuster. Erie Insurance has professional claims adjusters who are trained to assess your property, identify storm damage and prepare an estimate for proper repair. They can also provide recommendations for reliable, licensed contractors in your area—although the final choice of contractor is always yours.
Call our agency with questions you have antyime!
Keeping you prepared from season to season
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
When storms hit, your home—and life—can be turned upside down. You’re eager to get your home repaired, but be careful: some contractors aren’t really there to help.
Most contractors are reputable business people. But each year, there are a few dishonest ones who chase storms from state to state. They may try to convince you that you have hail or other damage and need a new roof when you really don’t. They’ll ask to be hired for the work, explaining that your insurance company will pay for the repairs.
ERIE HomeProtector polices cover damage caused by hail and windstorms, but they will not cover the cost to replace a roof or siding when no damage has occurred. Since the work these dishonest contractors offer may not be of the highest quality, ERIE also highly recommends that you get a second—even a third—opinion before starting any contract work. It’s not fair to you to have your roof, once in excellent condition, altered so that it is inferior in quality.
What you can do
If you’re beginning to repair or rebuild after a storm, or even if you are just planning a home improvement project, keep these tips, recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in mind for choosing contractors wisely:
• Get more than one estimate.
• Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
• Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and other expectations should be detailed.
• Check references before deciding which contractor to choose.
• Never sign a contract with blanks.
• Don’t pay a contractor in full until the work is complete.
• Check with county or city licensing authorities to see if the contractor is licensed in your jurisdiction, as well as checking for complaints with their regional Better Business Bureau.
ERIE can help, too
If you need suggestions about who to hire or how to repair your home after a storm, we can help you contact an insurance claims adjuster. Erie Insurance has professional claims adjusters who are trained to assess your property, identify storm damage and prepare an estimate for proper repair. They can also provide recommendations for reliable, licensed contractors in your area—although the final choice of contractor is always yours.
Call our agency with questions you have antyime!
Keeping you prepared from season to season
Brookson Insurance LLC
317-534-5202
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Monday, August 8, 2011
Erie Insurance do you know who they are?
We’ve Been Helping People Since Your Great-Grandmother’s Time
From modest roots in 1925 as a Pennsylvania auto insurer, Erie Insurance has grown to become a group of multi-line insurance companies, offering insurance through independent insurance Agents, like us, Brookson Insurance.
They’ve done it by continuing to carry out ERIE’s founding purpose:
"To provide our Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service as is humanly possible and to do so at the lowest possible cost."
We’re proud to represent ERIE because we know that when we help you purchase an insurance policy, it’s a good one. You’ll have financial protection when you need it the most, and you’ll never have to wonder how your insurance really works. That’s what we’re here for, to help answer your questions and make good insurance decisions.
So, whether you need to purchase auto, home, business or life insurance, give us a call. We can help. 317-534-5202 Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
From modest roots in 1925 as a Pennsylvania auto insurer, Erie Insurance has grown to become a group of multi-line insurance companies, offering insurance through independent insurance Agents, like us, Brookson Insurance.
They’ve done it by continuing to carry out ERIE’s founding purpose:
"To provide our Policyholders with as near perfect protection, as near perfect service as is humanly possible and to do so at the lowest possible cost."
We’re proud to represent ERIE because we know that when we help you purchase an insurance policy, it’s a good one. You’ll have financial protection when you need it the most, and you’ll never have to wonder how your insurance really works. That’s what we’re here for, to help answer your questions and make good insurance decisions.
So, whether you need to purchase auto, home, business or life insurance, give us a call. We can help. 317-534-5202 Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
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