March 10, 2025
jdowdinsPreventing Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can cause significant water damage and may lead to expensive losses. Financially protect yourself from these situations by considering the following tips: Never put coffee grounds, fat or grease down your drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper, as other products may not degrade and could […]
March 5, 2025
jdowdinsHome Preparation Tips for Spring Break Travel
Going on vacation can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins and burglaries. Consider the following tips to keep your home safe when you’re away on spring break: Install a home security system. Refrain from posting about your trip until you are home. Ask a friend to watch your house for suspicious activity. Put your lights […]
February 10, 2025
jdowdinsUnderstanding Replacement Cost vs. Payment Schedule for Home Roof Insurance Claims
Replacement Cost vs. Payment Schedule for Roof Claims: What Texas Homeowners Need to Know If you’ve ever had to file a roof claim on your home insurance policy, you may have heard terms like “replacement cost” and “payment schedule.” But what do these mean, and how do they impact your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses? With […]
February 3, 2025
jdowdinsHow to Prevent Fires and Burns in Your Home
Every year, the American Burn Association recognizes the first full week of February as National Burn Awareness Week. Whether caused by hot surfaces, flames or scalding water, burns can have significant and long-lasting effects on a person’s health. National Burn Awareness Week aims to limit these incidents by teaching you and your family how to […]
January 30, 2025
jdowdinsHow To Prevent Home Burglaries and Break-Ins
Home burglaries or break-ins can happen to anyone at any time. Whether you are at work, running errands or on vacation, an empty house can attract unwanted visitors. Understanding the impacts of home burglaries and how to prevent them is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. Home Burglary Statistics A burglary occurs every […]
January 21, 2025
jdowdinsHow To Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums
Many significant trends and patterns impacting the homeowners insurance market may be beyond the control of the average policyholder; however, policyholders can still take steps to mitigate rising premiums. Retaining adequate insurance protection is vital for financial security, even during difficult times. The following strategies may help policyholders lower their rates or limit upcoming increases: […]
November 18, 2024
jdowdinsWhat to Do If Your Homeowners Insurance Is Dropped
Receiving notice that your home insurance policy is being canceled can be alarming, making you feel like your most significant investment is at risk. Homeowners Insurance Cancellation vs Non-renewal Reasons for Homeowners Insurance Cancellation Insurers can cancel homeowners insurance policies for several reasons, including the following: Non-payment of premiums Failure to make required repairs Insurance […]
November 15, 2024
jdowdins5 Steps to Avoid Coverage Gaps In Personal Insurance
There are 5 steps you can take to avoid coverage gaps in your insurance portfolio. Assess liability risks. Certain policyholders may need to manage greater liability risk levels. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want to retain more coverage in your home insurance policy. Similarly, additional financial security may be advisable […]
November 13, 2024
jdowdinsWhat Are Common Gaps In Personal Insurance?
The various policies and coverages that make up your insurance portfolio can potentially ensure you’re able to endure accidents, natural disasters and unexpected circumstances that might otherwise incur devastating financial losses. These risks may be particularly prevalent for those who fail to identify and address common coverage gaps. Common Personal Insurance Gaps Consider the following […]
November 5, 2024
jdowdinsWhat Is the 80% Rule in Home Insurance?
One particularly important aspect of home insurance is what’s known as the 80% rule. This guideline is enforced by home insurance carriers and generally exists to ensure you’re maintaining certain coverage limits relative to the estimated cost of a complete home rebuild. The 80% rule states that your home insurance policy must have coverage limits […]