Brookson Insurance

Welcome to Brookson Insurance where we do business better because of you!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

What Matters Is You!

The insurance market these days can be so confusing it makes you want to sit still and not move your insurance.  Save this, bundle this, choose your own this.  Is it really smart to have me choosing my own insurance rate? Cute little lizard but does he supply good coverage and good service.  Everyone is trying to buy  your insurance dollars so what does it all mean?  Should it be only about the pricing?  Does my business, or my family even come into the insurance equation these days?

Being a consumer in this insurance market can certainly leave you in a tough spot not knowing if what you are buying is the quality your dollar deserves.  Here's some advice from our agency and it's not what you'd expect, but it's the right thing. 

Pricing should always be a concern.  If you have sat with the same insurance carrier and have seen your rates grow up every year.  Chances are if you have not had accidents or a ton of losses on your home or business you are in a good place to move and save some money.  Saving money is always important!

Here's the cautionary tale, there are some carriers who are marketing save this % with us, or pick your price.  Well, when you pick your price that means you are choosing to lower your protection in order to get there.  Make sure when you shop that you are shopping apples to apples with the coverage you had.  Also, any insurance agent should be giving you a review as well to make sure there aren't gaps in protection where you are.

Do not scale back protection at the cost of saving a few dollars in the end it will not be worth it if you suffer a loss.  Once gimmick some companies have been using on the homeowners side is to force you into higher deductibles to keep your rates lower.  Some people now have a 1,500 or 2,500 deductible just to get a lower rate, but keep in mind those funds come right out of your pocket at some point.  I have one client who pointed out well it will take me three years to recover that verses the savings it made me if I take a higher deductible.  Made perfect sense to me and I though well it's just not worth the higher deductible.  He'd rather pay $50 more a year to save $500 when a loss occurs.  I never really thought about that.

If you haven't quoted in years and you don't have an agent who does annual reviews to make sure your rate doesn't grow above what you have, then shopping is for sure worth your while.  Just don't be caught by all the gimmicks out there because it leads down a path of poorer coverage in most circumstances.  Keep apples to apples quoting and ask for the person quoting to review your insurance needs.

You hold all the cards when you go insurance shopping.  All the carriers would like to have your business so go in and get the best coverage at the best price you can find.  Don't settle should be your insurance shopping mantra!

As always we are available to you for any questions you have about coverage, regardless of whether or not you are our client.  We have a knowledge base we love to share regardless.  Check out our updates on Facebook for some tips on insurance and articles that offer some sound insurance advice. 

Brookson Insurance
"Good Things Happen Here"
Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

Before The Storm

With winter storms we always prepare with bread, milk, even movies for the family to watch. We seem to forget the most important safety preparations. The overall safety of our homes and autos during these storms can make all of the difference when you are faced with a difficult situation.  And as always keep our number handy 317-534-5202.

Before the Winter Storm
Before the winter storm strikes, it’s important to know the weather terminology that may appear across the bottom of your television screen or on the local radio station.
  • Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter weather may affect the surrounding area within the next 36 to 48 hours.
  • Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter weather conditions are on the way or will begin within 24 hours. Take cover and be prepared.
  • Blizzard Warning: Blinding snow and dangerous wind chills are expected for several hours. Sustained winds of 35 mph are expected to sweep the area. A traveler’s advisory is issued if driving conditions are expected to be dangerous or slow moving.
Here are some other tips to help you prepare for winter storms:
  • Winterize your car long before the first snowfall hits. Winter weather is unpredictable and may surprise you early in the season. Prepare a disaster kit for your vehicle that includes:
    • Shovel
    • Sand
    • Tow chain
    • Jumper cables
    • Screwdrivers, pliers and a knife
    • Ice scraper and snow brush
    • Spare change
    • Blankets/sleeping bags
    • Small can and waterproof matches for melting snow
    • Windshield washer anti-freeze
    • High calorie, non-perishable food items
    • Warm clothes that can be layered
    • Compass and map
    • Cell phone and charger


  • Winterize your trees and bushes by trimming long branches. The ice and wet snow that accumulates on branches can cause damage to your home, car or neighbors.
  • Salt and shovel walkways often.
  • Drain your pipes if you go on vacation or experience a power outage to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • Make certain that each family member has warm winter gear, including a winter coat, gloves, hat or scarf and water-resistant boots.
  • Keep your gas tank full in the winter months to protect your fuel line from freezing.
  • Have your cell phone charged.
  • Stock an ample supply of logs that can be reached easily during a storm if you have a wood burning fireplace.

Contact Us!
317-534-5202 Brookson Insurance

If you haven’t scheduled an annual insurance review, Brookson Insurance today. We will review your risks and help you make important decisions about your auto, home, life or business insurance coverage.
Keeping your family safe is our #1 focus all throughout the year.
 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Thinking Towards Back to School!

To all my insured family are you already thinking about back to school?  I know this time of year parents are thinking about that empty nest coming your way with college students ready to take off there is so much on your plate already. 

Worrying about if their property is covered while away at school is just one more thing to think about.  Really it is one thing to think about in this modern age.  Most college students are taking off with way more than before we are talking laptops, and Ipads, cell phones, just the technology they carry alone can get expensive.  

Question is are you covered?  
Well yes, and no....
Your child while away at college certainly does have coverage for his or her personal property while away from home.  That said, there is a slippery slope when it comes to certain items like jewelry, computers, etc... when stolen.  Some personal property items are limited for "theft" on the homeowners policy. Items such as, jewelry, cash, computers and media are all typical items taken in a theft and some of those items are limited as a result.  Theft is one of the biggest worry spots for your college students personal property while away at school make sure you are properly covered so your student is not suddenly left without. 

A good quick thought on those technology items.  List them!!!!Inventory what your child is taking to school.  Shoot a photo of the make, model, and serial number of the big ticket items they are taking with them and keep them on file.  This makes fast replacement if stolen or if they suffer another loss.  The insurance company will ask you to inventory these items with make, model, year purchased, and replacement cost today. 

Once you have your quick list contact your agent review your students items with your agent see if there are any additions that need to be on the policy.  And....if you have a returning student or grad student who is on off campus housing they may even have a need for their own renter's policy.  

I know it's already another one of those life changing or challenging moments when a child takes off for school, but this is one quick little thing to keep them protected which is what you do best.  It's what I do best too, take care of your family and their protection needs so call me.  One quick call or email away and we'll know they are ready to go with the protection they need to go right along the way with them. 

Call or email me today!
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202

Heather B. Swank
Owner / Agent 
Brookson Insurance LLC 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Texting and Driving!!!!

For as long as there’ve been cars, there’ve been distracted drivers. And that’s never been truer than now, with drivers facing temptation from Internet-enabled mobile phones, GPS devices, iPods and all the other electronics out there.


That said, one of the most dangerous distractions remains texting while driving, an activity that the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reports makes it 23 times more likely that a driver will crash.

With statistics like that, it’s no wonder states like Pennsylvania feel spurred to action. The commonwealth became the 37th state to ban texting while driving when it enacted Act 98 in March. This new law stipulates that anyone caught tapping out a message behind the wheel can be pulled over and fined $50.

The Keystone State joins the District of Columbia and nine other states within ERIE’s footprint — including Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin — to prohibit texting while driving.

The District of Columbia, Maryland and New York take it a step further by banning drivers from texting and talking with handheld devices.West Virginia is set to do the same by July 2012.

Smart moves

Research out there shows that these laws are smart moves. For instance, a recent study by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that California’s 2008 prohibition on using handheld devices behind the wheel led to a direct 47 percent decrease in fatalities.

Even still, with more than 3,000 fatalities at the hands of distracted drivers in 2010 alone, there’s more work ahead. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency whose recommendations have led to the passage of many state and federal laws, advocates banning motorists from using all hand-held and hands-free devices while driving.

To get that message in front of Congress and the public, NTSB hosts Distraction.gov, a resource where visitors can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving and take action. Give it a click to learn more about what you can do to keep the roads safe — especially if you reside in Ohio, the only state within ERIE’s territory without any prohibitions against using handheld devices while driving.

The safety of our clients is number one to us! Keep in mind safe driving on the road counts and sets an example for children who will one day be driving.  Don't take the risk it is not worth it.

At Brookson Insurance you matter, we care, and you are better protected here.

Heather Swank
Brookson Insurance
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Health Reform - Let's Talk About It!

Health Care Reform is a much heated topic among most people these days, but what do most Americans really know about Health Reform?  Honestly, even as an insurance agent I was confused myself.  There are resources available for families and business owner's looking to better understand what will be taking place in 2014.  At this point the reform will happen and it is time to educate ourselves on where we are going from here.

It is widely known that employers with over 50 employees are required to provide some form of health coverage to their employees, or the company will be fined for each employee that they have not provided coverage for.  Some larger companies could chose to not provide coverage for their employees and pay the fines which would be cheaper in some cases for them.  In that instance, the employee would be eligible for individual health or the government exchanges depending upon their income. 

Employers with 50 or less employees are not required to provide health to their employees in which case those employees would need to seek coverage from the individual market or the government exchanges based upon their income. 

Taking this one step further smaller businesses or individuals seeking health care have the same two options go to the individual health market if you can afford it and purchase a health plan, or turn to the government exchanges based on your income level. 

To learn more about Health Reform a good reference is Healthreform.kff.org.  Here you can find video's stepping you through the laws, calculators for the government subsidy programs for lower income families, and a timeline of implementation of this reform. 

For those of you currently with HSA Flexible Spending Accounts if you were not already aware please note that as of January 1st 2013 Flexible Spending Account limits were implemented those cost limits are $2,500 per year.  Those costs allowances will increase annually only by the cost of living. 

The Government Exchanges will be open by October of 2013 looking towards 2014 enrollment.  The exchanges for those who do not either have health care via an employer, or who cannot afford individual health will be able to purchase insurance from the exchanges.  The exchanges have varied pricing based on the type of coverage you purchase much like individual health is now.  It is a virtual mall for health care with subsidy programs in place for lower income families. 

How is this Health Reform being paid for??? Well of course this is going to cost money for those who end up in the government exchanges they will be paying for their care based on their income level and of course there will be subsidy availability to those who have lower incomes to help offset the cost.  Some of these costs will be paid for as follows
  • Lower medical costs for health providers
  • Insurance companies will be paid less in for premiums
  • Increased taxes for medicare
  • Tanning salon tax implemented goes towards the new reform
  • Taxes on medical devices and drugs implemented
  • People who do not take health care, or businesses who do not offer health care will be taxed or fined. Those taxes and fines will also go to help pay for the program
It is estimated that the cost of the new government program will be 2% of our national budget go forward and cost 9.3 billion over the next 10 years.  Of course our deficit is in the trillions so closing some spending loop holes to account for the 2% of the national budget will help offset as well. 

What are some of the key requirements the government has told insurer's they can no longer do with their policies? 
  • No lifetime limits on your insurance.  Today many people in our country have lifetime insurance maximums on their policies meaning one day they simply run out of insurance coverage for the rest of their lives.  With an aging population of baby boomers this is happening as we speak to many individuals.  This will not occur under the new reform.  There will be no lifetime caps on coverage for health care.
  • You cannot be turned down for a pre-existing health condition. 
  • You cannot be super charged if you become sick to make your health care unaffordable
  • Some services such as well care and vaccinations will be free of charge
There are many more these are just a few changes taking place in the industry some are already implemented.   Keep in mind folks the average family pays an average of $14,000 per year on health care.  Our health care cost have doubled over the last 9 years alone.  With our general population aging the cost without reform would have made health care virtually unaffordable for most.  These changes, though tough to understand, and tough to implement will smooth out health costs overall to make coverage available to most.  The only people not eligible for some form of health care would be illegal immigrants under the law. 

So, where or what are the options for health care then? 
  • If you employer offers a health plan and pays a portion you will still be in the same situation you currently are.  If that plan is not affordable you may qualify for the government exchanges.  This is only if the plan offered by your employer is not reasonable or affordable. 
  • If you are already responsible for individual health you would obviously still have the option if affordable of purchasing an individual health plan, or seek coverage through the government exchanges based on your income.
  • Low income families will be eligible for the exchanges based on affordability and subsidy will be available to offset those out of pocket costs.
Still have questions?  Feel free to email or call our office for up to date education on Health Reform.  Visit Healthreform.kff.org for timeliness, videos, subsidy calculators, state by state implementation overviews, and much more.  Educate yourself today so you can make decisions for your family, your business, your employees that will work for all.  One step closer to making health care affordable for all.

Heather Swank
Owner / Agent
Brookson Insurance LLC
Heather@brooksoninsurance.com
317-534-5202

Monday, December 3, 2012

Business Insurance 101

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


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