• Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars. 

• Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether. 

• Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium. 

• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check. 

• Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it. 

To learn more about all an independent agency can offer you, call Moore Insurance Agency or visit us on FaceBook.

The following tips can help you stay safe when faced with treacherous roads: 

• Assemble a winter emergency kit. At a minimum, it should contain a blanket, boots, shovel, nonperishable food and a flashlight.  
• Plan ahead for stopping and turning. “Feather” the brakes when approaching a stop, especially if the road is slick. If turning, accelerate very gently through the turn.  
• Don’t make any sudden moves. Keep it slow and steady to maintain control.  
• Be cautious when braking in icy conditions. Coast over ice. Brake after reaching bare pavement. And never slam on the brakes. Brake gently in a pulsing fashion.  
• Steer into a skid. Remember: Locked wheels lead. If your rear tires are in a skid and “locked,” the rear of your car will start sliding to lead the car down the road. If this happens, steer into the skid, not away, and remember, don’t brake during a ski 

If you follow these tips but still find yourself in a crash, just remember that what you do after an accident can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and in helping you and your insurance company work through a claim.

Remember to follow these tips from the experts at The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies if you get into an accident: 

• Stay calm. Stay at the scene but move off the roadway. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights and/or setting flares.  
• Call the police.  
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim. The earlier your insurance company knows about the accident, the earlier it can get to work to resolve it.  
• Do not admit fault. Only discuss the accident with the police and your claims representative.  
• Exchange information with the other driver(s). And remember to get contact information for any witnesses.  

Did You Know

The experts at The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies say if you get into an accident, stay calm. Stay at the scene but move off the roadway. For other tips to keep you safe and keep your insurance rates down, visit progressive.com.

To help consumers control car costs—from sticker price to insurance premiums—The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies offers these tips:

                        Decide ahead of time how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs.

                        Research crash test and acci-dent data. You can see crash test video and analysis from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety online at progressive.com.

 Check with several dealerships and get firm quotes in writing. Having quotes from several places can help you negotiate your best deal.

 Shop around for financing. Rates vary between institutions.

 Insurance Costs

Before you buy a car, you should check into how much it would cost to insure. Try talking with an independent insurance agent—it may save you some money. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent agents and brokers offer products from many different insurance companies. That means more choice and more opportunities for you to find the best coverage and service at the right price. 

Here are a few questions to ask an independent agent or broker.

                        Can I get any discounts for my car’s safety features? Your auto insurance premium is based in part on the car’s value, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for safety features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.

                        How does this insurance company handle claims? Price isn’t the only factor to consider. It’s a good idea to deal with a company that will be there for you when you need it around the clock.

                        What coverage do I need? Your specific needs may vary by the age of the car, your personal situation and other factors.

 Select an agent or broker who takes the time to answer your questions and who can help you find the combination of price, service and coverages that you need.                

Did You Know?  Unlike “captive” auto insurance agents who represent only one company, inde-pendent agents and brokers offer products from many different insurance companies. That means more opportunities to find the best coverage and service at the right price.  Contact us today!

1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going.

3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip.

4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates.

5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution.

6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices.

7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately.

Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence. To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, visit Moore Insurance Agency at www.moore-ins.net or at 800-839-2886.

Some agents leave off an important coverage so their quote will be a little lower than a competitor so they can get your business. This is great until you have a claim and you go back to the agent asking why wasn’t I covered for wind driven rain and he tells you that you didn’t ask for it.

Wind driven rain coverage doesn’t cost much and can really save you from paying out of your pocket when you have a claim for it. We all know we have wind here around the coastal areas all the time, add a little rain with it and you have a claim.

Question here is …..Are you Covered?????

Sometime in the first quarter of 2010, the Texas Department of Insurance will be sending letters out to the owners of uninsured vehicles that have a current registration.  This letter is to inform the owner that they must follow State Law and maintain liability insurance.  This letter will arrive every four weeks until the vehicle is listed as insured. If you know someone who is currently uninsured, you may want to give them a heads up on the new protocol from the State of Texas.

It really seems like a good idea to keep up with your insurance with all this technology. Remember to look at your policies, new and renewal to know what coverage’s you carry and to have your agent shop your policy at least once a year to ensure you still have the best deal available.

Do you have a plan? You need to make sure that your property and vehicles are properly insured. Along with your homeowners policy, make sure that you have windstorm coverage and flood coverage. Flood coverage is as important as Windstorm even if you do not live in a mandatory flood zone. Make sure that your Auto Insurance Policy has comprehensive coverage, but still be proactive to protect your property from damage when possible.

Know all of the possible evacuation routes in your area and make sure to evacuate when you community gives the order. It is better to leave than to take the risk of weathering the storm.

Stay alert and follow the storms progress with the National Hurricane Center. www.nhc.noaa.gov