Why You Need Flood Insurance

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Flood insurance protects your property in a number of ways beyond what traditional home owner’s insurance is able to do. Flooding inside of your home can set you back tens of thousands of dollars in repairs if you do not have the right coverage. So before you go another day without the right protection, if you live around Georgetown, TX you need to contact the StraightEdge Insurance Agency with all of your flood insurance questions. 

Repair Flood Damage Can Cost Thousands 

Repairing flood damage is far more costly than you might believe. It is more than just removing the water from the property. You’ll need to repair and replace everything the water remained in contact for longer than a few hours (and even then there might be certain objects you’ll need to replace). Water deteriorates just about everything it comes in contact. Plus, when areas become waterlogged it increases the chance of mold development. Once mold grows in your home it can spread throughout the entire property. Failure to remove the mold early on will cost even later on down the road (while also putting your family at a health risk). 

Varying Kinds of Flooding

Flooding can come from a storm, but this is not the only way flooding may strike your property. If a water main bursts or a water line leaks into your property and cracks the foundation it will still set you back, even without the heavy rain. 

Flood insurance will protect your home in ways traditional coverage is unable to. Flooding can happen at any time over the course of the year. From a burst pipe to a heavy rainstorm, flooding will set you back financially. That is why if you don’t have flood insurance coverage or you have questions about what the coverage does, you need to contact StraightEdge Insurance Agency for your Georgetown, TX property. 

What Time Of The Year Is The Best Time To Review Your Home Insurance?

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Reviewing your home insurance is of the utmost importance. Every year, your insurance renews automatically, ensuring that you maintain coverage. At StraightEdge Insurance Agency, we recommend making sure that you review your policy at least one month before your policy is set to renew.

When you’re in Georgetown, TX, a lot might be going on with your home. You may decide to build a shed, a pool, a deck, or something else. Whatever it is that you do, it will impact your home insurance. If you don’t specifically add the new addition to your policy, it isn’t going to be covered.

If you experience some kind of loss, such as a fire, the new additions wouldn’t be included. This could cost you thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses. However, when you go to renew your insurance, you can be sure to make mention of what you have done around the house.

It’s not just to add to your policy, however. The cost of insurance can vary from year to year as well as from company to company. There’s no need to pay more for coverage than what is absolutely necessary. Working with an insurance agent will ensure that you get quotes from multiple insurance companies. This way, you can potentially change insurance companies before your existing policy gets renewed.

The good news is that you don’t have to review your home insurance in Georgetown, TX on your own. You can work with an insurance agent who will ask you questions about your home. This includes asking about additions, situations that could earn you discounts, and more.

Contact us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency today so that we can help you with a review of your home insurance. It will ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on your policy.

 

3 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

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Business owners in Georgetown, TX can turn to the agents of StraightEdge Insurance Agency if they have any questions concerning umbrella insurance for their companies. An umbrella policy offers many benefits to those who choose to purchase them. Not only do they extend coverage in many aspects, but they offer a level of protection that other policies can’t match.

Higher Liability Limits

An umbrella policy covers liability payouts that exceed the limitations of other insurance policies. If a liability claim is $1.3 million and the limit for the liability policy is $1 million, the umbrella coverage will pay for the overage. This extension protects business owners from incurring additional losses.

Provide Coverage Not Offered by Other Policies

In some cases, umbrella coverage can be used to cover claims for things that aren’t covered under other policies. By filling in the gaps and covering less common claims, umbrella insurance offers a level of financial security that other types of policies can’t or won’t. This can include personal injury claims and punitive damages as well.

Relatively Affordable

Even with the increased coverage for extending liability limits and covering various gaps, the cost of an umbrella policy is relatively affordable. By picking up where other policies leave off, umbrella insurance provides well-rounded coverage at a reasonable price.

At StraightEdge Insurance Agency, business owners in Georgetown, TX can have all of their questions answered by agents who understand their needs. Call and schedule an appointment today to have your commercial insurance policies reviewed. This will ensure that you have the protection you need at all times and that your risk of financial loss remains low.

Your Auto Is Like Home Away From Home

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Many people use their vehicles for more than just driving to work. They have to shuttle kids from one activity to another. While doing that, they’re eating a quick dinner, helping with homework, and asking about the school day. Their car has become part of their parenting, a tool where parents can reach out to their kids despite the busy schedule.

Why not double check your auto insurance? Make sure you have the coverage you need since you depend on your car for so much. Here in the Georgetown, TX area, we have representatives who are experienced with auto insurance. They’re ready to explain your policy’s details and research other options in case you feel the need to change policies. Contact us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency, and we’ll discuss your options with you.

Levels of Coverage

There are different levels of auto insurance coverage, and you may have forgotten which level of coverage your current policy represents. While getting a new car certainly brings this matter to your attention, that’s not the only situation that can affect your insurance. Here at StraightEdge Insurance Agency, we’ve encountered customers who had purchased a lower level of coverage long before. They just kept paying it without considering how their lives had changed. It may be that you could use more specific coverage that allows you to recover quickly from an unfortunate accident around the Georgetown, TX region.

You take the time to schedule and attend medical appointments, and this is similar to what we do for you. When you sit down with us and discuss your insurance needs, it’s like a check-up for your insurance. You’ll learn what great shape your policy is in, or where it needs special attention. Contact us for an insurance review.

What to Do Now that the Flood is Over

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The damage a flood can do to your Georgetown, TX home can be catastrophic. When a widespread area is affected by a natural disaster like a hurricane, it might be up to you to get your life back on track. The folks at StraightEdge Insurance Agency have this quick checklist to help you to decide what must be tackled first once the storm has passed.

File a Claim with both Your Flood Insurance and Your Home Insurance

When water has entered your home from a flood, there will be damage that is covered by your flood policy and other damage that may be picked up by your home insurance. The sooner you talk to an agent, the faster you can receive a check to help pay for the cleanup and repairs.

Find a Safe Place to Stay

Flood waters bring mildew, mold, and bacteria into your house. Protect the health of your family and head out to a friend’s home or rent a hotel room while the damage is removed.  

Rent a Dumpster and Start Throwing Out the Damage

Once the water recedes from your home, the battle is on to prevent mold and disease from taking over the house. Any carpeting, upholstered furniture, and drywall that was submerged should be thrown out. Wood flooring and trim may also need to be tossed. Clothing and toys may be able to be cleaned using hot water and bleach.

Have Your HVAC and Appliances Inspected before Turning them On

Water can corrode the wires and seals on electronics, stoves, fridges, and air conditioning systems. Mold could grow in ducting if it were flooded. They might need to go to the dumpster, too.

Remember, in dire times, your Georgetown, TX agents at StraightEdge Insurance Agency are here to help you navigate the stormy waters of recovery after catastrophic damage to your home. Give us a call today and ask about how flood insurance can better protect you.

 

Starting a Home Child Care Business or Preschool

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It’s a common play to add to the household finance for a home-bound partner to think about starting a child care business. After all, moms have a natural experience and knowledge of toddler care, especially if they already raised multiple kids of their own through the first five years. In some cases, some Austin, TX moms are teachers and miss the classroom feel, which the child care business or home preschool replaces to some extent. Either way, however, doing so changes the nature of the home as well as the risk covered by a homeowner insurance policy on the property. 

Remember, consumer insurance assumes the client is acting as a private party, not a business. So, it’s necessary for the homeowner to review a home policy and change it accordingly for the new business about to be started.

Aside from making sure the coverage still applies, it’s also good protection. Many liabilities and risks associated with child care or preschool business are not covered at all by a homeowners insurance policy. And that means the homeowner is entirely exposed to liability as well as losses if sued for injury and damages associated with the business and child’s welfare. 

Further, many jurisdictions have very specific requirements for child care programs and preschools, including insurance and bond requirements specific to a commercial entity. A private homeowners policy is not going to meet these requirements in any fashion.

If you’re in Austin, TX and thinking about using your home to launch a new early child care business, give the folks at StraightEdge Insurance Agency a call first. They will be more than willing to go over your current policy and explain where it won’t meet your business needs. Then they can show you what’s available and how to fit into your coverage package to protect your new venture. Email or call, StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help you get started right!

3 Ways Umbrella Insurance Protects Your Interests

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If you own a business, home, boat or auto, umbrella insurance can provide valuable coverage that can protect your assets. A comprehensive umbrella insurance policy from StraightEdge Insurance Agency can give you extra liability protection against accidents that may occur at home, on your business property or when traveling in your boat or car. Here are a few ways umbrella insurance can protect your interests.

Saves You from Paying Liability Claims Out of Pocket 

Accidents can happen at any time without warning, leaving you financially responsible for the damages. Umbrella insurance protects you against liability claims where injuries or damages exceed your current liability coverage. Once the liability limits of your home, boat or auto policies are exhausted, umbrella coverage pays for remaining liability costs. Serious accidents could cost tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damages. With umbrella insurance, you don’t have to dip into retirement funds or savings to pay these damages out of pocket.    

Protects You Against Lawsuits

If your negligence at home or on the road causes someone to have a serious accident, you could be sued for damages. Umbrella insurance protects you against lawsuits by covering the cost of a settlement. It also pays your legal expenses so these funds don’t have to come from your own pocket.

Safeguards Financial Assets

If you have substantial financial assets or own a thriving enterprise in Austin or Georgetown, TX, you can benefit from umbrella coverage. With umbrella insurance, you don’t have to worry about unforeseen liability claims depleting your financial assets. You can’t predict when accidents will occur but you can be prepared with insurance protection that covers the unexpected.   

For more information about personal or commercial umbrella insurance and the protection it has to offer, contact us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency in Georgetown, TX.

When The Rubber Hits The Road: Age Specific Milestones And Your Auto Insurance Policy

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Blow Out The Candles

Most of us can remember when we first got behind the wheel of a car. Depending upon your enthusiasm and zest for driving, you may have been more hesitant. It’s great to know that Texas leans on the side of caution when it comes to putting brand new licensed drivers on the road.

Here Is The Rule That Matters In Texas

In Texas, we like everything big. At StraightEdge Insurance Agency in Georgetown, TX, we give you all of your automobile insurance information straight – no chaser. Individuals under the age of 18 must have a valid learner’s license or minor restricted DMV license for six months prior to obtaining a provisional class A, B, or C drivers license. 

 A provisional drivers license means that for the first 12 months of driving you must be accompanied by a licensed parent or other licensed individuals who are over the age of 25 if you have passengers under the age of 20 for one year. For youngsters, it is a restriction that may seem rather cumbersome. It appears that Texas made these particular rules because it wanted to ensure that all of the residents stay as safe as possible. Practice makes perfect. These rules in Texas allow for better supervised and regulated driving before one is trusted on the open road alone.

Whoa There Nelly

Individuals who do not want to wait for their 18th birthday can start drivers education as early as 14 years of age. However, you cannot be issued a learners permit until you are 15 years of age. For more information about automobile insurance, please call or come by our office. Contact our agents at StraightEdge Insurance Agency in Georgetown, TX .

 

 

 

Does Flood Insurance Cover Damage to Contents?

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When dealing with a flood there is much more to consider than simply cleaning up the water. There are floors, walls, furniture, and other possessions to keep in mind and knowing how to proceed is important. You should take the time to make sure you are looking at what your flood policy coverage and if it includes the contents of your home as well. For those in the Austin, TX area, the agents with StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help you to find the perfect flood policy.

For the most part, flood insurance works to cover the cost of repairing the home and cleaning up the water and water damage after a flood. In many cases, if you have damage to possessions as a result of a flood, you are going to need a flood policy to take care of replacing and repairing the damage. It is crucial that you have a flood policy in place as your standard insurance is likely not going to cover the cost of replacing items damaged as a result of a flood. The majority of flood policies are going to have coverage for things like mold mitigation, water clean up, replacing floors, and walls that were damaged by the flood, and replacing contents of the home that were destroyed by a flood.

It is always important to know just what your insurance policies cover and that is especially true for specialty policies like flood insurance. Since flood insurance is a policy that is not necessarily required, you are not going to have as cut and dry of an answer when it comes to what is covered. Taking the time to look at your policy and see what it includes is the best way to know what you’re going to be able to replace with a flood policy. For those in the Austin, TX area, the agents with StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help. Contact our offices to speak with an agent and get a quote.

Home insurance coverage options in Texas

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We know how important a home is for many Texans. It is what we depend on to keep our loved ones and us safe. At StraightEdge Insurance Agency, we know that your home is one of the most important investment and we can help you keep your finances protected through home insurance.

Although home insurance is not a legal requirement in Texas, many mortgage companies request it to be part of the finance agreements with homeowners. Home insurance covers the following:

Personal property coverage

This coverage covers all your contents including clothes, shoes, personal effects, and personal documents. It also includes your furniture, appliances, electronics, or any other personal item. Some personal items like money, jewelry, or firearms are covered under different insurance policies.

Physical structure

The whole house structure including the walls, floor, and the roof is covered under the home insurance policy.

Other structures

Other structures that may not be inside your home but are part of the house are also covered. Such compositions include the fence, the stand-alone garage, and the shed.

Liability coverage

When someone is accidentally injured on your property or your neighbors’ property is destroyed by your children while playing, liability coverage helps you pay for all the costs incurred and any reasonable medical fees.

Loss of use or additional living expenses coverage

This covers living expenses including transport, food, temporary shelter, and any other basic need in case of a fire or house damage that makes your home unlivable.

Feel safe and secure in your own home and leave the insurance part to us. Find the solution to all your insurance needs from StraightEdge Insurance Agency conveniently located in Georgetown, TX today. Visit or call us to get a quote or to discuss new policies.