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.

​In this time of national upset, our lives have been disrupted to say the least. Even though we are beginning to see businesses reopen with limited capacity, every day and each news report can send us into fits of despair and uncertainty. What can we do? 

​Take Precautions: Remember it is YOUR choice whether to go out more or stay home. Whichever you choose, protect yourself and your family. If you are sick (even if you feel it’s ‘just’ a “summer cold”) Stay HOME especially if you are running a fever! Have to get out? Wear a mask! Go where you must but try to avoid large crowds.

 
​ 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.  

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined writing a post like this one, but, with the world gone crazy over this Corona Virus, I thought I’d let you know how we, here at Curtis Insurance, and the Home/Life/Medicare companies we represent are handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although our office is remaining open - as of now - we are taking precautions like everyone else. We limit our exposure to outside traffic, encouraging our clients to pay their premiums online or directly to the company by phone when possible. We’re asking our patrons to be as cautious as we are by not coming into the office if you are currently experiencing any flu-like symptoms or have any reason to believe you may have been inadvertently exposed to this virus.

Our regular contacts at Home and Auto insurance companies are working remotely – from home – but still active. Turn-around time is slower than normal, but we are still in business.

Our Medicare clients are urged to stay inside! Order your medications and OTC items directly through the company and avoid being in the public for things you can have delivered directly to your door. All of the Medicare companies we represent have sent notices of waived co-pays, early and/or extended RX refills, online and telephonic support for their/our members. Many are also waiving co-pays for diagnostic testing related to the COVID-19 virus and some are offering their Virtual Doctor Visits at $0 co-pays. If you’re one of our Medicare clients and are unsure of your particular plan’s response or guidelines regarding this virus, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

New-to-Medicare clients, have no worries! Give us a call. We can mail or email you the product information you’re requesting, do Medicare Compliant presentations over the phone and enroll you over the phone or through email!

In this time of uncertainty, rest assured we are still here to serve you and will do so to the best of our ability until life gets back to normal, as surely it will.

Tommy Curtis & Staff

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

  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.

Medicare AEP is over and 2020 is right around the corner.  Business has slowed to a more normal pace around the office.  We here at Curtis Insurance / Curtis & Associates would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Blessed & Prosperous New Year.
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Our office will close at 12:00 NOON on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 24th) and be closed on Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25th). We will resume normal business hours (9-5) on Thursday, Dec. 26th.

We will also close at 12:00 NOON on New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 31st) and be closed all day Wednesday, New Year’s Day (Jan 1st 2020). We will resume normal business hours (9-5) on Thursday, Jan 2nd.

If you are looking for something different, something special to give a close friend, family member or loved one, consider a Life Insurance policy. We have special single, premium annuities that protect your money and your beneficiary from taxation that might otherwise be imposed on a cash gift or inheritance.

If you’d like more information on this type of plan, please give our Licensed Life Insurance Specialist a call and set an appointment to discuss your options.
 
Until next time take care and remember in a world where you can be anything….be kind.
Tommy Curtis and Staff

Disclaimer: This material has been provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
 
Life and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc. {A Life and Health Agency}