5 Maintenance Tips to Insure Your Texas Home is Ready for Spring

Spring is in the air! Actually, here in Texas it’s been in the air off and on for the past month. With the coming of Spring also comes along a few maintenance items for homeowners. As your trusted Texas insurance agency, we want to go beyond providing good home insurance; we want to make sure you have the information you need to keep your home in good condition.

Here are a few Spring maintenance reminders that will insure your home is prepared for the upcoming season:

1. Clean the gutters

April is next up in on the monthly calendar and we all know what it brings:

April showers. Remove all debris from gutters and check for leaks to insure proper drainage.

2. Check your roof

Give your roof a onceover for missing shingles or damage. If roof replacement seems to be in your near future, go ahead and start

budgeting.

3. Tune up the A/C unit

As Texans, you know that we have to jump on this one sooner rather than later. Yes, you want to change the filters and clean the air purifier, but also calling an A/C professional to properly service the unit will insure that you are prepared for the summer. The latter should be done on a regular basis to make sure that your unit is running efficiently.

4. Check the trimmings

Exposed wood during spring rains makes your home more susceptible to damage. Inspect the trim around windows, doors, railings and patio areas. Also, make sure caulk lines are well-sealed.

5. Examine concrete for cracks

Check your foundation as well as driveway and sidewalks for cracking. Repair with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.

For repairs beyond your scope, check out the Contractor’s listing on our Dagley Partner’s Page. We love our clients and along with sound advice and service regarding Texas insurance, we want to make sure our homeowners are prepared for the season.

If you have Spring maintenance tips that you would like to share, please leave a comment.

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10 Easy Ways to Save on Coverage!

This new year brings new initiatives and savings. Are you ready to save on policies in 2012? Many Americans are unaware of the minor changes and resolutions that can easily lower their insurance premiums. Luckily, our reliable Texas insurance agency has put together a quick list for you. Here are 10 easy ways you can start saving today!

  1. Plan to quit smoking. Your premium for policies such as life and health are determined by your risks. Smoking is one of the greatest risks and those who are hooked on cigarettes will have a significantly higher premium than those who do not. Stick to this resolution for multiple savings- your premium, your wallet and your life.
  2. Vow to eat healthier. Again, it all comes down to risks. If you are obese or have health issues, your premium is guaranteed to be higher. Find a healthy diet to follow and hit the gym. Losing weight is a great resolution!
  3. Bundle your policies. You may have a few policies with one company and maybe one or two with another. Your best bet is to find one company to cover it all with. By combining and bundling your policies, you will save on your premiums.
  4. Raise your deductible. I

    f you can afford a higher deductible, go for it. You can save up to 25% or more by doing this.

  5. Ask about discounts. There is literally a discount for everyone. If you do not ask, you will not know. Some of the many discounts include: good student, low mileage, good health, safety features, mature, military, membership, etc.
  6. Avoid duplicating coverage. Do you have medical coverage on both your auto and health insurance plan? Figure out which one you can drop without a coverage gap. Many times, Americans actually have too much coverage.
  7. Increase your safety. Additional safety and security will help lower your risks. Lower risks equal lower premiums.
  8. Avoid paying monthly. Pay your bills every six months to a year if possible. When paying monthly, you will usually be paying a small additional fee.
  9. Clean up your credit. Many insurance companies will use your credit score to determine your premium. Make sure you are paying bills on time to keep your credit score up.
  10. Shop around. Never choose the first company you see on television. In order to get the best deals, it is best to shop around.

If you are ready to start saving money this year, these tips are sure to help you accomplish that goal…on the insurance end anyways! Be sure to speak with our Texas insurance agency on how you can start saving today, we would be happy to help!

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The Holidays Are Here! Are your Decorations Up?

With the holidays only a few days away, we thought we would check up on the status of your decorations! While many Americans may have their décor all ready, others are scrambling to put up the tree. While holiday decorations are beautiful and fun for all, they can also be extremely dangerous without the proper care or caution.

In order to avoid a decoration disaster, our Texas insurance agency has put together a few safety precautions.

#1: Check your holiday lights. Holidays lights are beautiful both indoors and out. However, it is important to make sure that all bulbs are working properly, not cracked and the wiring is not damaged. Be sure to also check the label for a UL or ETL label to make sure they are safe to use!

#2: Hang up the stockings. Decorating the fireplace and mantle is great around this time of year, but be careful with placement. Make sure stockings are not too low, or else a jumping ember could start a small fire.

#3: Put up the tree. The Amazing Widget System *$15k Cash Prizes* By Bryan Winters

strong>Whether real or fake, it is important that you keep your tree away from any heat sources to avoid a fire. Place your tree in a study stand to avoid a fall and pass on glass decorations if you have children!

#4: Put out the Menorah. If you are celebrating Hanukkah, it is time to light the Menorah! However, remember to put out the flames if you are not around or sleeping.

#5: Keep your pets safe. Avoid using tinsel on the tree. Tinsel is a choking hazard for animals, especially cats. It is also important to make sure you pass on the mistletoe and poinsettias because both are toxic to animals if ingested. Your pets should be able to enjoy the holidays, too!

If you have yet to decorate, get moving! You only have a few days left to enjoy these decorations! As long as you are careful and mindful of placement and these safety tips, you should not experience a holiday mishap.

However, if you are faced with a fire or any other damages to your home, our home insurance policy is sure to keep you safe.  You will have coverage from your personal possessions to the physical structure of your home. Be sure to speak with our Texas insurance agency if you are concerned with your policy.

Happy holidays!

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