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

March Home Maintenance Tips

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  Read below to find out! 

Change Batteries In Smoke Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th. 

Make A Severe Weather Plan - Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too!

Check Your Credit Report - March is Credit Education Month.  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.com and order a free copy today. 

Review Your Insurance Discounts - Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for?  Call us to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made.

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with auto, home, business, or life insurance.

NOTE:

Do you have your insurance information stored on your cell phone?  If you were to have an accident or a weather related claim, it’s great to have the claims phone number saved in your contacts!

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

How to Insure New Jewelry

Valentines and proposals are in the air! And this means that you might find yourself with a new diamond ring or expensive piece of jewelry in your home. Many people spend thousands of dollars on beautiful jewelry but don’t take the time to find out how to insure it. And this can be a big mistake! If you have homeowners or renters insurance, then your jewelry is covered as part of the contents of your home. But there can be problems...

1. We don’t know what it is worth. It’s hard to get the full value of your jewelry back if you don’t know all of the specifics! Weight, color, cut, size, and so forth are all factors in the value. Ten years from now you might not even remember how much you paid.
2. You probably have a large deductible on your homeowners insurance. Typically your contents coverage deductible is around 1% of your home value. So if your home is insured for $200,000, then your deductible is $2,000. If your ring is stolen, you’d be responsible for the first $2,000 before insurance kicked in!

But there is a simple solution to avoid all of these problems. Our homeowners and renters policies allow you to “schedule” jewelry for a small additional cost. You bring in the receipt and appraisal of the item and we add all of that information to your policy. (Sometimes we don’t need all of this, just call us first and we can let you know.) You will be charged based on the value of the item, but typically it’s less than $40 per year! (Sometimes much less, sometimes a little more. It all depends on how much insurance is required.) Plus, scheduled items don’t require a deductible. So if your ring is lost or stolen, you pay nothing out of pocket but get to replace your precious jewelry. So next time you open a jewelry box and put a sparkling diamond on your finger, make sure that you are insuring your investment. Have questions about scheduling items on your homeowners insurance? Call us today for assistance at 703-556-7857!

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

LIFE INSURANCE IS FOR THOSE YOU LOVE

A lot of people put off purchasing life insurance because it seems like a hassle. You don’t want to do any sort of medical appointment. It’s an extra expense. And, for the most part, you just plain don’t want to think about death. But life insurance isn’t about you. It’s about the people you love. And what better time than February to think about love! So let’s get real. You do a lot for your family and if you have family members who depend on your income, then you need life insurance. And the sooner, the better. For one, life insurance is cheaper when you are young and healthy! With each birthday you’ll see your quote go up unless you lock in a great rate now. And you don’t want to look for life insurance after you’ve been diagnosed with an illness. Another great thing about life insurance is that there are a lot of options. And we’re here to discuss all of them with you. You can purchase a policy for the short term or even as a long term investment. It all depends on how much you can afford to spend and what your family needs are. Whatever your situation, sitting down and discussing your needs and budget with an agent is a great first step. Call us today at 703-556-7857 to set up a free, no-obligation appointment!

Please visit our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com

Ask Your Insurance Agent: Are Items In My Car Covered?

Today I’m answering a question I hear all the time - “Are my personal belongings covered if someone breaks into my car?” Unfortunately, they typically are NOT covered! Your auto insurance covers your car from damage and accidents, but not the items inside from theft. But there are still ways to protect yourself. First, and most obvious, avoid keeping highticket items in your car in the first place. This includes things like your laptop, iPad, purse, etc. If you’re out shopping, keep your doors locked and lock most items away in the trunk. But this isn’t always possible. And so you also want to make sure you’re covered by carrying Renters or Homeowners insurance for your personal belongings. These policies include a certain amount of coverage for property off premises. These are subject to your deductible so make sure to discuss with your agent to see what kind of coverage you have currently. With a little bit of prevention and great insurance, you’ve won’t have to worry about items being stolen from your car. Have questions? Give us a call at 703-556-7857 to discuss them anytime!

Please check out our website at www.fowlkesinsurancesrvc.com