(866) 612-4446
Three auto insurance myths
February 15, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Brad Trousdale, Featured Articles, Ryan Monceaux
Like a teenager eager to try a new video game, playing before reading the rules, many drivers buy insurance without really understanding what they’re buying. In the rush to feel “covered,” they can skip the details and that can lead to frustration.
“Understanding your insurance coverage is not hard – it just takes a few minutes,” says InsureMe Texas agent Ryan Monceaux. “Take the time to talk to an agent and ask questions. Protecting your home or auto is a pretty big deal.”
Following are three insurance myths heard by some of the more than 13,000 claims people at Progressive, one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies:
Myth #1: I bought “full coverage” so everything’s paid for.
Reality: There is no such thing as “full coverage.” In Texas, only liability insurance is mandatory. There are a lot of other coverage options out there, so select what you need and can afford based on your personal situation.
“Full coverage can mean different things to different people. Some agents will tell you that you have “full coverage” when they really mean any coverage in addition to liability,” says InsureMe Texas account executive Brad Trousdale.
Myth #2: I need three estimates before my wrecked vehicle can be repaired.
Reality: Not necessarily. Very few insurers actually require this, although some might. If you decide to use a shop that’s in an insurance company’s “network” of pre-approved shops you may just have to get an estimate from that shop.
Myth #3: If I buy a new car, my auto insurance company automatically knows; and my new car is covered.
Reality: No. Most insurance companies require that you notify them or your agent within a specified number of days. Generally, you have 30 days to add the new vehicle to your policy.
“We understand our clients do not deal with insurance every day and therefore need an experienced friend in the industry,” says Monceaux. “The agents at InsureMe Texas want to be that friend and want to help out – if you buy from us or not. We’ll help you ensure that your coverage protects you and your assets.”
To learn more, contact InsureMe Texas at 866-612-4446.
Avoid damage from frozen pipes
February 1, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Featured Articles, Ryan Monceaux
With the approach of colder weather, Texas residents are reminded that a fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours.
Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house.
“It’s important to take measures that will prevent or limit damage to your home,” says InsureMe Texas agent Ryan Monceaux. “Save headache and money by taking action to avoid damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.”
If Your Pipes Freeze
- If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
- If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
- Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.
If You Have a Loss
In the event of a loss, take these steps to ensure your property is protected:
- Contact your insurance agent promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim.
- Review your coverage. Many homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair, and may also pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
- Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
- Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.
“It doesn’t take much to protect yourself and your property,” Agent Ryan Monceaux says. “Take the time and use common sense in order to avoid the frustration of damage and a possible claim.” For more information, call InsureMe Texas at 866-612-4446
So helpful!
January 24, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Ryan Monceaux, Testimonials
Ryan Monceaux has been my insurance agent for almost four years. He goes above and beyond to make sure our policies are current and that we are maximizing our dollars. – Janie, Houston
Hurricane season is rapidly approaching
January 24, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Featured Articles, Ryan Monceaux
There is never a “right” time to insure your home, cars or your toys – major possessions that need to be covered. But with hurricane season approaching, maybe now is the right time to look at flood insurance. You can get federal flood insurance this winter through the National Flood Insurance Program, and the easiest way is with the help of an InsureMe Texas agent.
Our agents can explain your flood coverage options and give you examples of costs. If you decide to buy flood protection, they can save you time (compared with calling the federal agency directly yourself), since they’re already familiar with the application process.
Some of the things a standard flood policy will cover include:
- structural damage
- furnace, water heater and air conditioner
- flood debris clean up
- floor surfaces such as carpeting and tile
You can also buy a flood insurance policy to cover the contents of your home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry and artwork.
Virtually all homeowners insurance sold in the United States does not protect against the kind of seasonal flooding caused by heavy rain and hurricanes. If you think you might need coverage, please don’t delay. Federal flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect once the application has been processed.
To learn more, please call your InsureMe Texas agent at 866-612-4446.
Great new rate!
January 10, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Ryan Monceaux, Testimonials
InsureMe Texas agent Ryan Monceaux saved me $500 off my insurance. Premiums kept rising in Baytown and he was able to quickly get me a much more competitive rate. -Dana, Baytown
Customer Service counts at IMT
January 4, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Ryan Monceaux, Testimonials
My wife and I had been having so much trouble with our agent. He wouldn’t return calls and always seemed to busy to help. At renewal, I called InsureMe Texas and Ryan was helpful and responsive from day one. We’re happy we made the switch.” – Doug, Pasadena
Saved money at renewal
January 4, 2011 by Ryan
Filed under Ryan Monceaux, Testimonials
”Ryan has been my agent for a year. When my renewal came up, it was high so Ryan suggested we shop my coverage around. He came back with a rate that was $200 less than my original rate. I’m extremely satisfied.” – Anna D, Houston
