What is Transportation Expense (And Do You Really Need It)?

As you look through your auto policy documents, you might have seen a coverage called Transportation Expense.  What is this?  And do you REALLY need it? 

Basically Transportation Expense is there to help you when your car is unavailable due to a covered claim. 

Let’s say that you had a fender bender and your car is in the shop for a few days getting a new bumper.  Or after a major storm, you’ve got hail damage that needs to be repaired.

While the car is being repaired, what will you drive? 

That’s where Transportation Expense comes into play.  With this coverage, the insurance company will pay a certain amount per day (based on your policy) towards a rental car.  That way, you’re not inconvenienced while the repairs are being made. 

We highly recommend that you have this coverage, however there are a few situations where it might not be necessary.

If you own multiple vehicles and could easily drive another while your car is in the shop, you may not need rental coverage.  And if you rarely drive your vehicle, don’t have a job that requires you to drive daily, and could easily stay home for a week and walk where you need to go, you may not need rental coverage either.

If you’re not sure what’s best for you, then give us a call at 703-556-7857 to discuss exactly how much the coverage will cost you each month and what different levels are available.  We look forward to helping you choose the right insurance coverage!



Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What College Graduates Need to Know About Auto Insurance

You’ve proudly watched your child graduate from college (and celebrated the last of the tuition bills!)  Now they’re searching for their first “real” job and ready for a new phase of life.  

This is what you and your new grad need to know about their insurance.

First, in most situations, they can remain on your auto insurance policy as long as they are living in your household.  If they’ve moved back home while job hunting, you can keep them on the policy.

But once they move out, it’s time to look at other options.  Some of this will depend on who is the owner of the car and if you’re living in the same state.  The best option is to talk to one of our agents to discuss your particular situation in detail.

Remember, regular on-time insurance payments can help establish credit history and serve as a reference when renting an apartment. 

If your graduate is moving out on their own, you’ll also want to get some information on Renters Insurance.  It will protect their belongings and protect you from any liability for damage they might cause to a residence (even if it’s just an accident, like a small kitchen fire.)  In most cases, a parent is a co-signer for a lease and needs to make sure this protection is in place. 

The end of college marks some big transitions into adulthood.  Help your new graduate to make smart financial decisions and establish a great start.  We can help!  Schedule a personal review and quote today. Call us at 703-556-7857.

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

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Biggest Risk to Your Home (and how to prevent it)

Most people think the biggest risk to their home is a fire or a bad storm.  It’s why they buy insurance (and the fact it’s required by their mortgage lender). 

But in reality, the biggest concern is protecting your assets from a liability claim.  Consider this...

Warm weather has arrived and everyone is beginning their yard work. Mowing, planting

flowers, and digging those vegetable gardens. There is a lot of work to be done.

So let's say that you dig a large hole in the front yard so you can plant a new tree. You

walk away for a moment and while you're gone the kid next door runs through the yard,

falls in the hole, and breaks his ankle.

Unfortunately, you could be held responsible for his injury. But not to worry, your homeowner's liability insurance is made for these kind of situations. It will pay if someone is injured on your property. It's also the coverage that protects you if the dog bites your child's friend (as long as it's not a restricted breed) or if your cousin falls down your front steps.

If you have a large number of assets, then you'll want higher liability coverage. If the

injury exceeds your liability coverage amount, then you could be sued for the difference.

Work with us to determine the amount of coverage that you are comfortable

carrying.

No one can protect themselves by just being careful alone. There are too many

possible scenarios that you could never avoid. But with the right insurance coverage,

you'll never have to worry.

Call us today at 703-556-7857 for a free review and to discuss how much liability coverage you need. 

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

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