We've hardly had a chance to catch our breath after Hurricane Laura and here we are, facing Delta. 

We've shared with you tips on Hurricane Preparedness, travelling and moving but here are a few more tips we've learned since evacuating August 26th.....

Even if you were lucky enough to not have a claim due to Laura, take your home and flood insurance policies with you should you evacuate for Delta! Many folks were left unprepared to file their claim because they didn't think to grab that insurance policy when packing to evacuate. Your policy gives important details about your coverage as well as phone numbers you need in the instance of a claim. 

Make sure your auto policy is with you also, especially if you have Comprehensive and Collision coverage and be sure you have a current ID card on hand. 

If you evacuate and end up in the hospital - Do NOT allow anyone to change your Medicare plan! We've had this happen and the results are not always what is best for you. Your Medicare Supplement travels with you and your Medicare Advantage plan pays for emergency services whether you are in your network or not. Only in the instance of a permanent move outside your network area should you change your plan.

Please be careful allowing someone to "help" you by changing "part" of your Medicare plan. A Medicare Advantage plan usually includes RX so someone changing "only the drug portion" - changes your entire plan! You may end up with only basic Medicare and a drug plan leaving YOU to pay the 20% Medicare does not pay on covered charges and perhaps even more. This is especially important if you're on Medicare AND Medicaid!

Hope these tips help. Take care of your health and protect home as well as possible from further damage. I know, this isn't always easy, especially now, but do your best. We are praying with and for you.

Tommy Curtis and Staff

Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc. {A Life and Health Agency} ​

Well, August is half over and it’s hot, hot, hot! To say it’s been quite a year, is an understatement, yet, here we are…
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Summer is drawing to an end and kids are returning to school so, please be careful of those young drivers out there! There’s still plenty of fun in the sun to be had though, so check out our safety tips. 

Hurricane season is nearly half over but we’re not out of the woods yet. If you haven’t reviewed your Home Insurance policy, now would be a good time to do so. Now is also a good time to get that Flood policy in place. There is a standard 30 day wait on flood insurance, so don’t put it off any longer – give us a call today!

​We’re in our second month of Hurricane season and I am forever amazed at some of the phone calls we receive for home insurance. Although we have discussed understanding home insurance in detail, binding restrictions, riders and endorsements, have FAQ’s and have covered policy discounts, many people aren’t aware of the guidelines and regulations regarding a home insurance policy.
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Here are a few things to consider before calling us, or anyone, for a home insurance quote….

Due to the stay-home orders which have been in place for months now, insurance companies are receiving several claims from not unusual, but uncommon, damages. This led to some important information you need to know to help keep your home safe.

Although Fire Safety was covered in our Jan. 2018 blog post, we need to reiterate some of that information here, mainly, keeping the batteries changed in your smoke detectors. One of the biggest sources of fires outside of winter months are candles. Therefore, it is imperative you do not leave candles burning unattended! Also, keep candles away from drapes, towels, rugs, and other flammable items. Another cause of fire claims lately – Dryer Vents. Dust and Lint are fire hazards so keeping your dryer vent clean and clog-free will help alleviate heat build-up which could result in a fire.

 
​ Many States have enacted a moratorium preventing     insurance   companies from cancelling and non-renewing     policies for non-   payment to the insurance carriers during     the Covid-19 crisis. 
 
 DON'T LOOK AT THIS AS FREE INSURANCE!
 
​The insurance carriers are only delaying your payment due date. This does not apply to automatic payments via bank draft/EFT. Know also, delaying your payment due date does not mean you won’t have to pay at all. What it may do is cause a “balloon” payment to be due when you least expect it. Any unpaid amounts could eventually be turned over to collections if not paid when expected.
 
Don't let your credit history take a hit.
 
What can you do to keep your insurance affordable and still pay on-time?
 
Look at a reducing your insurance coverage.  With auto insurance, you must (at least) have minimum liability as required by most state laws. If your vehicle is financed, you must secure the lien holder’s interest by having comprehensive & collision coverage.  However, you can increase your deductible on these coverages. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Talk with your insurance carrier or insurance agent about possible options. 
 
If you can't afford the EXTRA coverage and are not required to have it, do without during this time. You can modify your coverage when you are back on your feet and financially able.  
 
What about the young drivers on your policy who are home-bound during this quarantine period? You can contact your insurance carrier to see about excluding drivers who are NOT driving during this period of time. Be careful with this option though. If your young driver is behind the wheel at any time, they need to be listed and removing them then letting them take the vehicle somewhere is not a good idea! Also, remember to change them back from an excluded to rated driver once the stay-home order is lifted and life returns to normal.
 
These are strange and scary times but whatever you decide, protecting what’s important should be top on your list of priorities. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can get by without proper insurance on your auto(s), home or even life!

Until next time, take care, be safe and stay informed!

Tommy Curtis & Staff
 
DIsclaimer:  NOT everyone will fall under this moratorium. You can still be cancelled for nonpayment if your new policy effective date is during the moratorium. In doubt, always talk with your insurance carrier to see if you qualify for this moratorium. You will also be cancelled or non-renewed for fraud and/or misrepresentation.  

  As we move into the second month of 2020, there are so many things to consider when thinking about your insurance.

  We're going to take a moment and direct you back to some of our most important and most informative posts throughout the past couple of years.

Bet the title of this post has you wondering what that old adage about the weather has to do with Insurance.

Lots!
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Brought on by Spring storms, March winds can mean anything from a gentle breeze to huge gusts to tornadoes. April showers sometimes mean flooding and those May flowers for June brides lend to thoughts of insuring your love.

Our office will be closed Monday, Dec 24th & Tuesday, Dec. 25th as well as Monday, Dec. 31st and Tuesday, Jan. 1st in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

We will resume normal business hours (9am - 5 pm) on Wednesday, Dec. 26th and Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

As we move through the holidays and into a new year, we hope you'll take some time to browse the many blog posts we've shared over the past year or so and that you'll find a wealth of information beneficial to your life, home, auto and/or Medicare insurance concerns.

When faced with life, home or work changes, we certainly hope you'll give us a call and let us service your insurance needs. It's especially important to insure those new toys you got for Christmas! (ie; boats, jet skis, ATV's, jewelry, artwork, etc.)

Meanwhile - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We look forward to serving you in 2019 and beyond....

Tommy Curtis and Staff