Insuring Your RV, Boats, & Summer Fun

Summer is on its way.  Before we know it there will be Memorial Day barbecues and long weekends at the lake. 

That's why now is a great time to review insurance coverage on all of your summer toys.  Read below for things to consider (and review with us) before the big items come out of winter storage.

RV - Your motorhome or travel trailer needs insurance coverage, especially if you'll be driving or pulling it this year.  Even if you don't have a loan on your RV, you will want it covered for theft or damage.  Whether they are parked on a lake lot for the season or driving cross country, we offer several RV policies to fit your needs.  Just call us for a quote.

Boat - The same thing goes for your boats and jet skis.  You've made a big investment and it's important to protect them.  Not only should you worry about damage to your boat, but also make sure you have the proper amount of liability coverage.  Don’t forget your life jackets! 

Motorcycle - Ready to hit the road for a long drive?  Remember to brush up on your safety skills and always wear a helmet.  Don’t forget to make sure your motorcycle has liability coverage just like your vehicle!  We can help you determine what coverage you need.  

Swimming Pool - If you own a pool, then you need extra liability coverage including a Personal Umbrella Policy.  Why?  Because there is a lot more risk of someone being injured when you have a pool.  Don’t skimp on your coverage and make sure you have the pool area secured and safe. 

Summer is a lot more fun when you know that your high price recreational items are properly insured and protected.  Take 15 minutes to call us at 703-556-7857 for a quote or to review your current coverage. 

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

INSURANCE FOR YOUR BOAT

It won’t be long now before you’re back out on the water.  Are you counting down the days? 

While everyone loves to hit the lake on the boat, there are a few things you need to take care of first.

Are you properly covered?

Since boat insurance isn’t required (in most states), a lot of people skip it in order to save money.  But that’s a very risky idea! 

First, without coverage, you’re risking all the money you spent on your boat.  Would you drive your expensive car without insurance?  Probably not! 

Second, boats are a liability exposure.  That means that they open you up to lawsuits.  If you were to have an accident and damage someone’s boat or personal property, then you could be held responsible.

With the proper insurance coverage, this wouldn’t be a problem.  You’d be protected!  In fact, we typically recommend that clients with a high level of assets purchase extra liability coverage if they own a boat. 

All in all, purchasing boat owners insurance is a simple way to give yourself a lot of peace of mind.  Who wants to worry about insurance when they’re out on the water?  Call us today (703-556-7857) for a free quote on your boat or watercraft.  

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

5 WAYS TO SAVE ON AUTO INSURANCE

Are you tired of paying too much for auto insurance?  No one wants to pay more than they have to! That’s why it’s important to know what savings and discounts are available.  Here are a few things to discuss with your agent at your next review.

Is Your Driving Record Accurate?

Tickets, accidents, and claims will raise your rates! That’s why it’s important to make sure your motor vehicle report is accurate.  Ask your agent if anything showed on your record and make sure that the information is correct.  

Take A Defensive Driving Class

Have you taken a defensive driving course in the past?  Let us know.  You may qualify for a discount!  

Good Student Grades

Students with good grades qualify for a discount.

Increase Your Deductibles

The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after an accident (or for hail damage, etc.)

The higher that out-of-pocket amount, the lower your monthly premium!  

So if you are currently carrying $100 or $250 deductibles, consider raising them to $500 and keeping a little extra in your savings account.  You could save a lot each month while still being protected from any major damage.  We can give you prices for a range of deductibles to help you decide.

Find The Best Payment Options

Depending on your individual policy, we may be able to offer various discounts for paying your policy premium in full or putting it on a monthly bank draft.

While $3-4 a month might not seem like much, over time it really adds up!  Ask us about payment options for your policy and see where you can save.

Keep Your Insurance In One Place

Keeping your insurance in one place qualifies you for multi policy discounts.

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

APRIL HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS

April has arrived and brought spring with it!  There is no better time than now to get focused on home maintenance and spring cleaning.  Here are a few things you can do in April to protect (and organize) your home. 

Check For Damage - Winter can be really hard on your home.  A quick inspection around your property can reveal a lot of home improvement projects!  Look for any damage to your roof or outdoor window screens and doors.  Make note of chipped paint or areas that are in need of general maintenance.  Decide what you can do yourself and what will require a professional. 

Spring Clean - Now it’s time to tackle the inside of your home.  Start working on clearing out and donating unused items (think tax deduction next year!)  This could be the perfect time to take inventory of any high value items that need to be documented for your insurance, like guns, artwork, and jewelry.  Take photos or make a quick video of those items and store it in a secure (and fire-proof) location. You can also store your photos in our digital locker.  Check out the website at www.digitallocker.com.

Organize Your Tax Documents - You probably just finished your taxes in the past few weeks.  Were all of your documents easy to locate?  What could make the process even easier next year?  Update your filing system or schedule a meeting with your accountant and get prepared now.

Car Maintenance - April is Car Care Month.  If you’ve been putting off an oil change or a tune-up, get it scheduled now.  Your car will run better and maintain it’s value longer!

Spruce Up Your Porch - How does your front porch look these days?  Could it use a little extra care?  Buy a new welcome mat, plant a pot of flowers, and make sure you can easily read your house numbers. 

Get Great Homeowners Insurance - The best way to protect your home?  Having the right amount of insurance!  Let us give you a no-obligation review of your current policy.  Call (703-556-7857)to schedule your appointment today.

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Top 7 Things To Look For When Buying Insurance

So you’re ready to shop for insurance and are hoping for a great deal.  But did you know that there are a few things to look for that are much more important than the price of the policy? In fact, don’t buy your next policy until you look for these seven things.

#1 - A Top Rated Insurance Company - You want an insurance company that will be around if you have a claim.  Don’t choose a company that you’ve never heard of with a price that seems too good to be true!  If you aren’t familiar with the company your agent is recommending, ask for a little more information.  Find out what they are rated in your state and how long they’ve been around.

#2 - Choose a LOCAL agency!  While all the commercials on TV will tell you to call a 1-800 number for a quote, it’s usually not a great idea.  A local agency gives the same great policies (from the same companies!) but allows you to deal with one person on a regular basis. It’s nice to have a local agent who you can go visit when needed.

#3 - Choose an agency that offers a variety of policies.  Keeping your insurance with one agency makes it MUCH easier when you have a claim.  Plus you can qualify for huge multiple policy discounts!  Find someone who can take care of all your needs in one local location.

#4 - After-Hours Support - What if you have storm damage in the middle of the night?  Do you want to wait until tomorrow to get assistance?  Look for an agency that offers after-hours support!  Many local agencies will provide you with 24/7 claim assistance numbers.  But make sure to ask for the information and keep it in your cell phone.

#5 - Choose an agency that’s EASY to contact!  You don’t want to have to chase your agent down every time you need something.  Ask if the agency is available by email, text, and phone while doing your shopping.

#6 - Do they offer annual reviews?  Things change, especially when it comes to insurance!  You want an agency that will regularly meet with you to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected.  Ask about their review procedures and how they make sure there aren’t any gaps in your protection.

#7 - Excellent Customer Service - When it comes down to it, this is the most important!  Choose an agency that wants your business and wants to give you the best possible service!  

We meet all of the criteria above and would love to work with your family.  Give us a call today at 703-556-7857 for a no-obligation quote and insurance review! 

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Discounts....Are You Getting Them?

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month.  But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little documentation, you could see great savings.

Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

Over 55 Defensive Driving - Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  This class will typically qualify for discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy.

Teenage Driver With Good Grades - Good grades will help you save!  Some of our policies offer a discount for students who maintain a high GPA.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy. 

Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

If you have any questions regarding discounts please call us 703-556-7857.

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

Protect Your Family During Severe Weather

Did you know that March is Severe Weather Preparation Month? 

While it may still feel like winter outside, it won’t be long until spring arrives.  And with it comes spring storms!  Is your family prepared?

First things first, make sure you have designated a safe place to go to if the weather gets bad.  It could be a basement, closet, or room with no windows or outside walls.  Make sure this space is cleared out enough that you could easily get your family inside if needed.  (You don’t want to be clearing out the closet if there is a tornado!)

Next, put together a small emergency kit.  What would you need if the power was out?  Consider putting in flashlights, extra batteries, canned food, and plenty of water.  (Don’t forget supplies for your pets too!)

Keep emergency phone numbers in your cell phone contacts, including the phone number for your insurance company!  You could even save a note in your phone with your policy numbers too.

While we can’t prevent bad weather, it’s always great to be as prepared as possible.  Take care of your family first and know that we’ll be there to protect your belongings. 

NOTE -

Did you spring your clocks forward yesterday?  If so, take just a minute to test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries too!  Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com