How Can I Save Money?

The price you pay for your homeowners insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars, depending on the size of your house and the insurance company you buy your policy from, as well as the type of policy you choose.  Policy type and coverage varies widely so make sure you know what you are buying.

Here are some ways to save money:

1. Shop around prices may vary from insurance company to insurance company.
   
   
2. Policy types are different as well, don’t confuse price with coverage, get the best value in coverage for your premium, ask about what’s in the policy.
   
   
3. Select an agent or company representative who takes the time to answer your questions.
   
   
4. Raise your deductible; consider a deductible of at least 1 percent of the value of your dwelling, and you may save as much as an additional 25 percent on your premium.
   
   
5. Buy your home and auto coverage from the same insurer; you may get a companion policy discount and save as much as 5 to 15 percent per policy.
   
   
6. Don't confuse what you paid for your house with current rebuilding costs; insurance companies  rate the value of your home based on current construction costs.
   
   
7. Be sure you have replacement cost coverage for your dwelling at today’s value.
   
   
8. Ask about monitored alarm systems; you may get another 4 to 5 percent discount.
   
   
9. Stay with the same insurer, you may be rewarded for being a long-term policyholder; discounts can rage form 5 to 10 percent.
   
   
10. Review policy limits, and the value of your belongings annually; remember things change and you need to review those changes with your agent it could make a difference in your premium.
    
    
11. Make sure your policy type offers replacement cost for your belongings and floaters, riders, and/or endorsements for those important large purchases.

1. Shop around prices vary from insurance company to insurance company
   
   
2. Shop agencies who have carriers that specialize in your type of business
   
   
3. Policy types are different, don’t confuse price with coverage, get the best value in coverage for your premium
   
   
4. Select an agent or company representative who takes the time to answer your questions
   
   
5. It can sometimes be cheaper to purchase a package policy, such as a Business Owners Policy or (BOP)
   
   
6. A package policy (such as a BOP) provides standard coverages and limits of liability that are appropriate for typical small-to-medium-sized businesses and help lower premium costs
   
   
7. Work closely with your agent, he or she can provide invaluable advice to help protect your business from unexpected disasters.
   
   
8. Review major changes in your business, including major purchases, expansions, changes in hiring or the nature of your operation as they can change your risk and change your premium.
   
   
9. Ask about ways to prevent losses, it may reduce your premium for certain coverages; these can include workplace safety, disaster preparation, and human resource intervention.
   

Did you know Identity Theft may be covered by insurance?

Federal Trade Commission studies have found that millions of Americans are victims of Identity Theft.    Those victims are often left unable to use existing credit or get loans. They may be harassed by debt collectors, be subject to criminal investigation, civil suit and in some instances arrested!

For as little as $10.00 in premium a year, this type of coverage may provide $25,000 in coverage for reimbursement of expenses associated with identity and credit restoration, including lost wages and other expenses.

How Can I Avoid Identity Theft?

• Keep the amount of personal information in your purse or wallet to the bare minimum
• Avoid carrying additional credit cards, your social security card or passport  
• Guard your credit card when making purchases, shield your hand when using an ATM or making long distance calls with phone cards  
• Always take credit card or ATM receipts, don’t discard in public trash containers, leave them on the counter or put them in your shopping bag  
• Proceed with caution when shopping online, make sure you are buying from a reputable retailer with a secure network 
• Monitor your accounts, don’t rely on your Credit Card Company or Banks to alert you of suspicious activity, carefully monitor your bank and credit card statements, contact your credit card company or bank immediately if you suspect fraud
• Shred documents containing personal information, credit card numbers, bank statement information, charge receipts or credit card applications 
• Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus; a new law that took effect December 1, 2004, entitles you to one free credit report per year
• Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts; avoid using information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, any part of your Social Security number or phone number, or any series of consecutive numbers, and change passwords regularly
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet, don’t give out any personal information unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know whom you are dealing with and that they have a secure line

We serve the entire DFW area including
Dallas and Fort Worth plus:

Rowlett • Mesquite • Garland • Rockwall • Heath • Forney • Sachse • Wylie • Plano • Allen • McKinney
The Colony • Denton • Frisco • Richardson • Carrollton • Farmers Branch • Lewisville • Flower Mound
Grapevine • Highland Village • Colleyville • Bedford • Irving • Grand Prairie • Duncanville • DeSoto
Lancaster • Arlington • Terrell • Royse City • Greenville