October Home Maintenance Tasks

Every month, we share easy tasks you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape all

year long. So here are a few simple tasks you can take on in October!

Pack Away The Air Conditioner - If you use a seasonal air conditioning unit, then now

is the time to pack it up for winter! Make sure to spend a few extra minutes cleaning all

the filters and coils well. It will keep the unit in great shape and it will last much longer.

Winterize External Plumbing Systems - It's much better to prepare for freezing

temperatures before it's freezing! Winterize all exposed outdoor pipes and you'll avoid

the trouble when there is snow or ice on the ground.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector - This is an important one! October is a great

time to check your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it is performing well.

Change the batteries, test it, and replace older units.

Clean Up For Halloween - Trick-or-treating can be a liability hazard! Clean up any

loose tree limbs, fill holes in the yard, and remove any fire hazard Halloween decorations before kids are running to your door.

Save on Home Insurance - Homeowners Insurance is an important part of protecting

your belongings. To make sure you have the best coverage, call us at 703-556-7857 today for a free, no obligation quote.

Please don't forget to visit our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Four Financial Must Do's After Purchasing a New Home

This checklist can help guide you through some important financial decisions and documents you should have in place for your family. Knowing that you have taken important steps to protect your family’s finances will help you sleep sound under your new roof.

1. Create a Will. A will is the most important financial document you can have. It ensures that the care of your family and your property will take place according to your wishes in the event of your death. A living will can also specify the kind of medical treatment you want if you are seriously or terminally ill. Have a lawyer help you draft up your will and medical wishes, or use software that can help you do it yourself. Once these are done, provide copies of these documents to your family and primary care physician.
2. Fireproof Important Documents. Storing important personal financial documents in one easy-to-find location is key in the event of an emergency. Think financial accounts, contact numbers, logins, and passwords in addition to passports, marriage licenses and social security cards. A fireproof safe or a safety deposit box at the bank is a good investment for any home buyer and can ensure safe-keeping of your most valuable information.
3. Adjust Your Life Insurance. You have worked really hard to purchase your home. If something happened unexpectedly, life insurance could ensure that your family could afford to remain in the home. Talk to your financial representative to find out which kind of life insurance makes the most sense for your situation.
4. Build a Nest Egg. While you're setting up your household budget, take time to set a little aside each moth to contribute to either a college savings or retirement fund. Working the dollars into the budget now will help you stay on track with your contributions.

Remember to check out our web site at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Personal Umbrella Policy: What is it and Do I need one?

Protecting your family and assets is a top priority, which is why people have insurance.  But what happens if you find yourself in a situation where your insurance is not enough?  Well, that's when a personal umbrella policy could help cover you.

A personal umbrella policy (PUP) is a type of insurance that provides liability coverage over and above your automobile or homeowners policy.  So, if your liability coverage isn't enough to cover the damages of an accident you cause or an incident on your property, a personal umbrella policy kicks in right where your other liability underlying limits have been reached.  An umbrella policy can protect you when your automobile or homeowners insurance isn't enough.

In most cases, personal umbrella policies are available in million dollar increments, from $1 million to $5 million.  While PUP coverage is not required, it offers increased protection in the unfortunate incident of an accident.

Don't forget to check out our web site at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com



Photo Courtesy of Natara/Freedigitalphotos.net

Steady Income for Retirement

Annuities give you steady income for a set time or for your lifetime.

• Build savings. Annuities are long-term investment vehicles that help you accumulate your retirement savings over time.
• Get paid. Annuities may provide a regular source of income that you can rely on.
• Bank on safety. Some annuities guarantee that your money will earn a fixed interest rate.
• Boost income. Other annuities give you income right away and some take risks to earn more money so that your savings have the potential to grow more over time.

Will your money last as long as you will? 
If you are not sure check out this website -  http://www.myallstatefinancial.com/financial-tools/articles/mind-the-gap.aspx
Will you live to be 100?

Visit our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Invest in a Boating Education

 

Finally, the warm weather has arrived! All boat owners are anxiously awaiting the moment they can get their boat launched for the season.  When the boat is ready why not get yourself ready with a boating course.While not all states require boat owners to take a boating education course, anyone who drives a boat could benefit from these classes.  Beyond all the helpful safety tips you will learn, completing the course can also earn you a discount on your boat insurance.  Boating education courses aren't always mandatory, but that doesn't mean you should skip the investment.  Courses are offered around the country for all types of recreational boaters and for boaters of all ages.  These courses are taught by organizations such as the U.S. Cost Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons and state boating agencies.

Boating education programs cover a range of topics from safety instructions to boat handling to reading the weather-and prepare you for a variety of situations you could fine yourself in while on the water.  The good news is these courses seem to be making a difference - boating accidents are declining.

Remember to check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Your Car is Stolen - What do I do Next?

Becoming a victim of vehicle theft can be a frustrating experience, but we've got some tips to help you deal with the crisis.
Think It Through - It may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to consider whether your car was actually stolen - not towed, misplaced or possibly even repossessed.  Take a moment to make sure there's no other explanation for the absence of your car.  If you think your car has been towed, check to see if your vehicle has been impounded or repossessed.
Call The Police - If you're certain that your car has been stolen, it's time to call the police and file a report.  You'll need to give a detailed description of your vehicle, and if possible, it is helpful to have your vehicle identification number (VIN), registration, license plate number and driver's license available when you file the report.
Be Tech-Savy - Many automakers now offer a telematics system, which can help law enforcement officers find your stolen car.  If your vehicle has any type of system that may help to locate it, make sure to notify the police.
Call Your Auto Insurance Company - After you've filed a police report, call your insurance company to let them know your car has been stolen.  Informing your insurance provider can help protect you in case your car is used to harm or cause damage after the theft.  It helps if you can give a good description of your vehicle, the location of all your keys and a list of any personal property inside the car.  If your car is leased or financed, you should also call the lender that you used to purchase the vehicle.
Stop Car Theft Before It Happens - Make sure you always lock your car, take your keys with you, and avoid keeping a spare set hidden in your car.  Never leave your car running, and make sure the doors are locked and your windows are rolled up.  It also helps to park in a well-lit area and hide any valuables that might attract thieves.
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PLUS
Check out this great website Prevention Zone for tire safety basics.

I've been in a car accident.....Now What?

Consider these steps to take after an accident

1. Check for Injuries - First thing, take care of yourself and others.  find out if anyone is hurt.  If anyone requires emergency assistance, call 911.
2.  Exchange Info - Share Insurance information with the other drivers, as well as names, addresses and
phone numbers.  Write down the other vehicle's make, model and license number.
3.  Witnesses - Ask for permission to contact in case you need them. 
4.  File Report - Call local law enforcement to the scene or go to the nearest station to complete a report.  Try to obtain a copy or ask the officer for the report number.
5.  Take Photos - If you're traveling with a camera or camera phone, it's a good idea to take pictures at the scene.  Get shots of the vehicles involved, damage and license plates.  This kind of documentation may help later with your claim.
6.  Contact Your Insurer - Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report your accident and any damages.

TIP FOR THE DAY - I've had clients who were not at fault, but the other person changed their story...you don't need to, but if someone steps up and says what happened get their information.

Please take time to visit our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com
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