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Surprise – State Farm’s Insurance Rates on the Rise in Texas (again)

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Texas’ largest homeowners insurance provider has yet again decided to raise premium rates on policy holders. Is anyone else tired of insurance companies nickel and diming us for everything we have? State Farm will raise rates at 4.5% this month, not too long after they jacked them up 8.5% in October! Sure, it stinks, but you’ll be happy to learn that you don’t have to be stuck paying State Farm all your money.

texas homeowners insurance

Here are a few things you can do to save on homeowners insurance:

  • We believe this is the most important step to your savings…SHOP AROUND. Don’t have the time? Great, we’ll do it for you. As an independent insurance agency, we can shop all the top carriers to find you the lowest rates on homeowners insurance. Why wouldn’t you choose to use an independent agent?
  • Bundle your homeowners policy with your auto policy. Most insurance companies will offer you a significant discount if you bundle your insurance policies with them. In many cases you can save up to 30% on your premiums. That’s some serious dough.
  • Make your home disaster resistant. This is an important one for us Longhorns. Texas is the only state capable of any kind of weather. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tropical storms, etc. You name it, we got it. Doing things like installing storm-windows and reinforcing your roof will actually benefit you when it comes time to pay for homeowners insurance, Talk with your agent.
  • You’ve hear this one before…KEEP A GOOD CREDIT RECORD. This one kind of speaks for itself. Insurance companies are more likely to give lower rates to folks who are in god credit standing.

For more information on the State Farm home insurance rate increase or to get a quote on a new homeowners insurance policy, visit Dagley Insurance Agency or call us at 888.840.7995.

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Top Eight Things to Know About Your Insurance

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Over the Memorial Day Weekend, I was having a brief chat with some colleagues of mine concerning both sides of the insurance world, the agents and the consumers. CNN Money offers 8 tips and facts of the insurance world:

  1. You’re a statistic.

    2. To an insurer, you’re not a person; you’re a set of risks. An insurer bases its premium (or its decision to insure you at all) on your “risk factors,” including your occupation, who you are, what you own, and how you live. The balance will come into play when you find an agent that sees you as an individual with needs and questions, and tries to craft a policy around your personal needs. Find an agent you can trust.

  2. Know your home’s value.

    3. Before you choose a policy, it is essential to establish your home’s replacement cost. A local builder can provide the best estimate.

  3. Insurers differ.

    4. As with anything else you buy, what seems to be the same product can be priced differently by different companies. You can save money by comparison shopping, which is why good agencies (like the good folks at Dagley Insurance) will shop your quote with several different companies to find the policy that’s just right for you.

  4. Don’t just look at price.

    5. A low price is no bargain if an insurer takes forever to service your claim. Research the insurer’s record for claims service, as well as its financial stability.

  5. Go beyond the basics.

    6. A basic homeowners policy may not promise to entirely replace your home.

  6. Demand discounts. Insurers provide discounts to reward behavior that reduces risk.

    7. However, Americans waste some $300 million a year because they forget to ask for them!

  7. At claims time, your insurer isn’t necessarily your friend.

    8. Your idea of fair compensation may not match that of your insurer. Your insurer’s job is to restore you financially. Your job is to prove your losses so you get what you need.

  8. Prepare before you have to file a claim.

    9. Keep your policy updated, and reread it before you file a claim so there are no surprises.

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how social media can save your insurance agency

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Facebook, twitter, and other social media channels are becoming increasingly important to the business world. And yes, that even applies to the tepid, misunderstood, insurance world. If used correctly, facebook and twitter will help maximize your web presence, build your company an effective brand, and allow you to interact with consumers in a personal way.

All too often, business owners, especially insurance folks, assume it’s a “set it and forget it” deal. It’s not that way at all. Social media must be tended to often and executed correctly, or it will simply be a waste of time. Below I provide 4 suggestions for your agency, or business, which will help you beef up your social media presence and use it to your advantage.

  1. Create a page that is eye catching, unique, and speaks to your business brand. 99% (unofficial stat) of business pages on facebook and Twitter come in the form of blandness and monotony. Make your pages stand out and sing to visitors.
  2. Interact directly with your visitors and encourage participation. Hold a contest, take a poll, offer a discount, give them useful information, etc. Keep people coming back with interesting tidbits and personal incentives.
  3. Track your metrics. Metrics are a vital aspect to a successful web and social media presence. Understanding your company’s metrics will keep you informed of what works and what doesn’t. There are several programs for social media analytics management including webtrends.com and kontagent.com – or you can handle it on your own.
  4. Keep posts frequent, but not too frequent. In other words, don’t annoy your friends and followers.

I’m calling out to all insurance agents and business owners! Get with it! Use social media to your advantage or don’t use it at all. Social media is not a fad and the hype is very real. Get on board or get out of the way.

Visit our website to learn more about our insurance agency http://www.dagleyins.com

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