4 Reasons to Buy Life Insurance - January 2009

1. You don’t want to gamble with your family’s financial future. As great as you might feel today, everything can change in an instant.  Ask yourself this question, “Would my loved ones suffer financially if I died tomorrow.” If the answer is “yes,” you need life insurance.  It’s that simple.

2.  The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be. Premiums rise as you get older. The longer you wait, the greater the chances you may encounter an illness or accident that could severely limit or even eliminate the possibility of buying life insurance.

3.  If you put it off, you may never get to it.  Face it.  We all procrastinate.  Especially when it comes to dealing with uncomfortable subjects like your death or declining health.  It’s best to confront these topics now, while you still can.  Life is uncertain.  Tomorrow may be too late.

4.  It’s never been more affordable.  With people living longer, the cost for basic term life insurance has dropped by about 50% over the past 10 years, and other types of insurance are less expensive too.  There are literally thousands of products on the market, and one is sure to fit your needs and budget.

If it’s time to review or update your life insurance please contact us today.  We’ll help you determine the appropriate amount of protection and understand the coverage choices available.  We know you have a lot of choices of where to buy insurance and we want to earn your business by providing a superior value through the combination of excellent coverage, competitive prices and personal service.

December 2008

Manage the “Four C’s” of Winter Fire Risks:

Chimneys, Candles, Christmas Trees and Children

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—these holidays mean celebrations, many of them in decorated homes filled with merry-making family members and friends.

Trusted Choice^® insurance professionals also know that the winter holidays bring greater-than-usual risks of fire in homes.  The National Fire Protection Association reports that, over the course of a calendar year, the 10 worst days for fires in homes fall between December 24 and January 6.

Fortunately, these risks can be reduced with safe practices that address the “four Cs” of winter fires: chimneys, candles, Christmas trees and children.

Chimneys

Buildup or blockage within a chimney can catch fire. Chimney fires are unpredictable: they can be noisy and fierce, or can smolder undetected.

Common-sense tips:

• If you haven’t checked or cleaned the chimney in the past two years, don’t use it.
• Have a pro inspect the chimney for creosote (which is what builds up in a chimney and fuels a chimney fire)
• Use dry wood. This minimizes creosote buildup.
• Don’t burn wrapping paper, boxes, trash or Christmas trees.
• Don’t use liquid to start a chimney fire. Use kindling.

Remember fireplace basics, too: use a screen to contain sparks; and let ashes cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Candles

Home-candle fires happen on Christmas Day more often than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Next worst: New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve. How do they start? Half of home-candle fires begin because an item is left near a lit candle. Four of 10 home candle fires start in bedrooms, with bedding, furniture, and curtains igniting.

Common-sense tips:

• Make sure all candles are out before you leave a room or go to bed.
• Keep clothing, curtains, furniture, and other flammable items away from candles and flame.
• Use candle holders that don’t tip over.

Christmas Trees

The National Fire Protection Association notes that 300 home fires start each year with Christmas trees. It’s not just live trees; artificial trees also burn. Three major reasons Christmas-tree fires start: electric malfunctions, heat too close to the tree, and children playing with matches, candles, or fireplaces.

Common-sense tips:

• Buy a cut tree that has green, fresh needles.
• Buy a fake tree that is fire resistant.
• Use a secure stand.
• Locate trees a minimum of three feet from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators.
• Water live-cut trees every day.
• Use lights listed by an industrial laboratory. Link together, at most, only three strands of bulbs.
• Throw out lights that have frayed or broken cords.
• Pull the plug on lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• When a tree starts dropping needles, it’s time to dispose of it (outside, not in the house, garage or basement).

Children

Perhaps the most unpredictable risks for winter fire are those young people who are, naturally, exploring and experiencing the wonders of the winter world for the first time. Remember that lights and flames are fascinating to children.

Common-sense tips:

• Watch the wires. Keep kids away from light strands and power cords.
• Matches, candles, stoves and ovens often get extra use during the holidays, at a time when adults are occupied with cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Stop and ask: “What might draw a child’s curiosity in this house?” Then shield children from those items, physically and through discipline and direction.
• Put matches/lighters out of children’s reach. Use lighters that have a child-resistant safety feature.
• Train children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.

Trusted Choice^® independent insurance agents and brokers stand ready to assist consumers with a homeowners insurance claim. The best claim is no claim, though. Use these common-sense practices to prevent home fires.

Why pay more for less? - November 2008

As consumers we all like to seek out the best value for our purchasing dollars and insurance is certainly no exception in that regard.  Surprisingly many insurance buyers don’t take advantage of one of the best methods to save money and enjoy better protection.

Nearly every insurance company offers a multi-policy discount.  Typically this discount reduces the cost for each policy from 10 to 15%.  Insurance companies also commonly “sweeten the pot” for their preferred multi-policy clients offering additional coverage benefits.  A common benefit applies just one deductible to a covered loss that damages items covered by separate policies.

A good example of the one deductible benefit would be a fire that damages both a garage and automobile. If the owner had a $500 deductible on their home insurance and a separate $250 deductible for their car the one deductible benefit would reduce their out-of-pocket expenses providing an additional $250 savings at the time of a loss!

Combining policies can also simplify your life providing the convenience of working with one trusted agent and company for your family’s insurance protection.  If it’s time to review your coverage to make certain your insurance provides the best value and protection don’t hesitate to call us today toll-free at (888) 201-8865 or simply request a quote through the website.