6 Maintenance Tips for New Home Owners

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Buying your first home is an exciting event. However, many new homeowners aren’t really aware of what they need to do to maintain their property. Use these tips from Thompson Insurance Services to design a home maintenance routine that keeps your property in pristine condition.

  • Service your HVAC system at least once every 3 months. Inspect the system and clean or replace air filters. Schedule services right before winter to ensure your indoor air is as clean as possible during the colder months.
  • Teach all of your family members how to turn off the water flow in each room. It’s also a good idea to label or tag the main water supply valve as well.
  • Don’t put off plumbing repairs. Water damage can quickly cause costly problems that go deeper than your indoor pipes.
  • Keep gutters and rainspouts clear of debris. Clean them before winter weather sets in to prevent backups that can damage your roof and warrant costly repairs. While you’re there, make sure the downspouts are pointed away from walls and foundations. This simple move significantly reduces water damage to your home’s structure.
  • Check your homeowner’s insurance coverage periodically. Review your coverages to determine if they may need adjustments. This is the best way to ensure your policy will offer a sufficient payout if an accident occurs.
  • Form a relationship with a local handyman. If you aren’t technically inclined, it’s important to make friends with a handyman in the Highland Village, TX area. When something goes wrong, it’s comforting to know there’s someone you can turn to who knows your property well.

Thompson Insurance Services offers home insurance policies for residents in the Highland Village, TX area. Contact our representatives to learn more about maintaining your home with insurance.

5 Important Things To Know About Renter’s Insurance Coverage

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Many DFW renters don’t have renters insurance because they aren’t sure what the policy covers and why they need it, or because they think they won’t be able to afford it. Even though you don’t have a lender requiring that you have renters insurance, it’s just as necessary for renters as homeowners insurance is to homeowners. 

What do you need to know about renters insurance coverage before you purchase a policy?

Here are five renters insurance facts from Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX that you need to know: 

1. Your Landlord’s Insurance Policy Doesn’t Cover You 

Many renters are under the false assumption that their landlord’s insurance policy protects them in the event of a flood or fire. However, your landlord’s policy only covers their property and possessions, the building you’re living in, and any furniture or appliances you’re renting with it. 

2. Renters Insurance Policies Are Not All the Same 

Renters insurance policy coverage and pricing can vary greatly. You have options for different levels of coverage, typically ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Some policies will replace the items you’ve lost, while others only provide the cash value of the items at the time they were lost.  

3. Premiums Depend on a Variety of Factors 

For the most part, your insurance premiums are determined by the ZIP code you live in but can be affected by other factors such as whether you are renting a house or apartment, whether you are located in a flood plain, and the amount of coverage you need.  

4. Your Possessions are Worth It 

You might think your possessions aren’t valuable enough to insure. But how much would it cost to replace your furniture, kitchen appliances, books, or computer? What about your smartphone, gaming system, clothing, or shoes? When you add that all up, you probably have at least $10,000 or more invested in items you’d need to replace if your apartment burned down.  

5. Renters Insurance Protects More Than Just Your Stuff 

Renters insurance policies that come with liability coverage will shield you from having to pay medical and legal expenses if someone is injured in your apartment.  

Renters insurance might not seem necessary until it becomes necessary. But damage from a fire or severe weather, a break-in, or another event while renting is a genuine threat. Call Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX today to find out just how affordable it is to protect yourself with renters insurance.

Safety Reminders for Driving During Rainy Weather

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It is essential to be very mindful of safety whenever you are driving, no matter where you are, but it is that much more important to be conscientious during hazardous weather conditions, including when it is rainy outside. Here are some tips to help you and your passengers stay safe even during rainy weather, courtesy of Thompson Insurance Services serving the Highland Village, TX and DFW area.

Allow more distance

It is never a good idea to follow the car in front of you too closely. And during rainy conditions, you need to allow extra space between you and other vehicles. For one thing, this is much safer when the car in front of you needs to brake.

Use headlights

Because it is darker outside and more difficult to see your surroundings when the weather is rainy, turn on your headlights, even during the daytime.

Keep windshield wipers ready

Your windshield wipers are your friends during rainy weather, so make sure they are in tip-top condition. Also, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid on hand to keep your windshield clean.

Slow down

You should reduce your driving speed when the weather is rainy, and you will find that other drivers should be doing the same. If you experience extremely heavy rain that drastically limits visibility, you might want to safely exit the road and take a break from driving until the weather clears.

Be alert

Of course, you should be alert no matter what the weather is like. But you need to be paying even closer attention when the weather is bad. Eliminate distractions, and keep your eyes and mind focused on the road.

If you need more information about driving safety or auto insurance, please feel free to contact Thompson Insurance Services serving the Highland Village, TX and DFW area.

Can You Add Umbrella Insurance to Specialty Policies?

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Umbrella insurance is something that not all people need. That being said, it is a beneficial insurance coverage that can do more for you than you might imagine. For those that live in the Dallas, TX area, the agents with Thompson Insurance Services can help you to find the right coverage and determine just what you can add to your new umbrella policy.

Umbrella policies are typically added to larger policies like a car, home, or commercial policy. This helps to add extra coverage to your existing policies and help cover more without altering the original policy or adding to your premiums for that original policy. What this does is allow you to cover the gaps if an accident occurs. If you have $500,000 in insurance, but the accident costs $600,000, an umbrella policy will cover the difference.

Umbrella policies can be added to nearly any insurance policy type, even specialty policies. Adding umbrella insurance to specialty policies is going to cost a bit more than it would if you were just adding it to a typical insurance policy. An umbrella policy that you are adding to a specialty policy is likely going to be costly and is going to be specific to that type of insurance. A good example is if you add umbrella insurance to a flood policy. It is going to cost more and will only be able to be paid out on that flood policy.

If you have more questions about umbrella policies and what they cover and can be added to, it is always helpful to take the time to talk with an agent. For those in the Dallas, TX area, the agents with Thompson Insurance Services can help you to find the perfect policy for you.  

Ways To Childproof Your Yard And Home

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Rushing to the emergency room for any reason is a parent’s worst nightmare. Thankfully there are many things you can do in and around your home to prevent injuries with your children. Thompson Insurance Services cares about the safety of you and your loved ones, so here are some tips on ways to childproof your Highland Village, TX home.

Inside Your Home

  • Place covers on electrical outlets

  • Install safety locks on any door or cabinet a child can reach and open

  • Keep all cleaning products and medicine on high shelves

  • Make sure any railing spindles are no more than 4 inches apart

  • Install child safety gates on all stairs and in any areas you don’t want your children to go

  • Put corner protectors on any sharp corners, such as coffee tables or TV stands

  • Fasten large furniture, such as bookshelves, to the wall so children can’t pull them down on top of themselves

  • De-clutter- pick up any items that could become choking or suffocation hazards

  • Test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • Make sure window blind strings are out of reach of children

Outside Your Home

  • Store all yard fertilizers and garden tools in a locked shed or garage

  • Consider installing a fence, especially if you live on a busy road

  • Remove or keep children away from toxic plants and plants with thorns

  • Add lattice or a mesh guard to your deck posts

  • Place an outdoor rug on a wooden deck to prevent splinters

We all want to keep our children safe, but unfortunately, accidents do happen. Once you’ve finished childproofing your home, crawl around and pretend you are a child and see if there is anything else they could get into that you missed. Contact Thompson Insurance Services today if you live near Highland Village, TX to make sure you have the right insurance policy to protect you if something does happen.

What Renters Insurance Covers

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Your apartment provides you with comfort, privacy, and independence. It is a sanctuary, a place to rest, entertain, and to express yourself. It is your home. To keep your apartment safe and secure, consider renters insurance. To find out more, please contact Thompson Insurance Services, serving the Dallas, TX area.

Renters Insurance Covers Three Types of Events:

  • Personal property coverage: This includes the goods in your apartment, including things such as furniture, electronics, clothing, media, and collectibles.
  • Personal liability: Renters insurance offers protection if someone is hurt in your apartment. This protects and aids you by paying the legal costs that might accrue if you are liable and are taken to court. No one ever plans on having a mishap, which is why they are often known as accidents. Yet, many accidents happen in the home. Being prepared for any contingency by having the right coverage in place protects you and your visitors.
  • Loss of use: If a covered loss does occur, and you find yourself having to vacate your space, this will pay for additional living expenses. This allows you to be housed comfortably rather than arranging a couch tour if an unforeseen emergency should occur. 

Get the Policy that Fits Your Needs

A basic renters policy will cover the replacement value of most items, but you should be aware that some renters insurance policies place limits on payments for certain kinds of property, such as cash, jewelry, and business items. If you find that this may be an issue, for instance, if you are a creative working from home with a great deal of business equipment or have an extensive art collection, consider acquiring additional coverage for peace of mind and added protection.

To find out more about renters insurance, please contact Thompson Insurance Services, serving the Dallas, TX area.

Is Your Car Ready for Winter?

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Before winter hits in earnest, Texas drivers should start the process of winterizing their vehicles. Cold weather can cause undue wear and tear on a vehicle and make it less safe to drive. By winterizing your vehicle, you can safeguard both your car and family when visiting relatives for the holidays. Here are a few ways to get your car ready for the winter season. 

Maximize Visibility

Replace old wipers with new blades to improve visibility on the road. If you plan to travel a lot in Dallas, TX this winter, make sure you have a good set of wipers to keep your windshield clear of obstructions that can cause accidents on the road.  

Check Tires

Make sure your tires have sufficient traction for slippery roads. On long-distance trips outside of the Dallas, TX area, check tire pressure regularly to maximize mileage and protect yourself against flats or blowouts.       

Service Vehicle Regularly

During winter, it’s even more important to keep up with servicing your vehicle to avoid breakdowns in the cold. Check belts, hoses, spark plugs, and the battery to ensure everything is in good working order and make sure you have the right anti-freeze mixture to keep your car running smoothly when temperatures fall.   

Change Oil

Change your oil, adjusting the viscosity to the cold. You’ll need thinner oil to lubricate your engine in cold weather so your car will give you optimum performance. Your mechanic can help you select the right oil for the winter season.

Stock Vehicle with Emergency Supplies

Pack an emergency kit and carry it with you everywhere you go so you’ll be prepared for any eventuality on the road.   

Last, but not least, update your auto insurance with Thompson Insurance Services to ensure you have protection on the road. For more information on coverage options and costs, contact Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX.    

Under The Big Top: How Your Umbrella Insurance Policy Will Not Leave You Vulnerable

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Don’t Compartmentalize

The professional agents at Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX care about their clients being protected with the insurance policies we craft.

No one’s life or business is the same. What an individual brings to the table regarding how they live their lives and conduct their businesses is unique to the individual even if they are in the same field of expertise. That’s where umbrella insurance comes in. Umbrella insurance makes certain that you do not compartmentalize your life or your business needs. Umbrella insurance takes care of those “in between“ items that a basic policy may miss. It also covers liability amounts that may be in excess of a basic insurance policy.

Did you know that you leave your self and your family vulnerable when you don’t take the time to learn how umbrella Insurance can better protect your assets?

If your current policy is not adequate and a liability occurs, your house may be in jeopardy of being seized. Speaking with an expert before calamity strikes is the best idea. There are so many aspects to consider in regards to your lifestyle, business practices, extracurricular activities, personal and professional assets, and a myriad of other considerations to review when you think about adding umbrella insurance to your portfolio. 

Come in today with copies of your current insurance policies and let the staffers at Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX assess what your current umbrella insurance policy needs may be. This is something that should not wait until a situation arises. Serving the Dallas, TX area, our agency’s staffers love to educate the public about where vulnerabilities lie in an existing policy or precisely what will provide sufficient protection when you are taking out insurance for the first time. Contact our offices for more information.

Are Your Valuables Fully Covered by Your Home Insurance?

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For many homeowners, a standard home insurance policy is sufficient to cover their house and personal goods. If you own expensive items, however, you may need more coverage than what a standard policy has to offer. At Thompson Insurance Services, we can help you select a policy that provides the protection you need. The right insurance coverage is essential to safeguarding your home in Highland Village, TX along with the valuable possessions you hold dear.

Home Insurance Riders

Standard home insurance policies come with limits on the coverage they provide for personal belongings. If you have valuables that exceed these limits, a standard policy won’t be enough to protect these goods fully. You can, however, add an insurance rider to your policy to boost coverage of valuable items. In the event of theft or loss, you will have coverage to replace these goods by the expanded limits on your rider.

What Items Can be Protected by Riders?

Pricey goods to include may be antiques, artwork, coin collections, gun collections, posh jewelry, costly office equipment, comic books, and electronics. These can be covered by a rider to make sure they are insured at full value. You may want to have antiques, heirlooms, artwork, and other pricey goods professionally appraised to validate their worth, in the event you ever have to make a claim. You should also make an inventory of all your possessions, with particular emphasis on valuable items, to have an up to date record of what you own along with an accurate accounting of personal valuables.  

Selecting the right home insurance policy will give you peace of mind that your home and belongings are adequately protected against any eventuality. For greater insight on home insurance options and costs, contact us at Thompson Insurance Services in Highland Village, TX.  

Can I Transfer My Renter’s Policy to a Homeowner’s Policy If I Move?

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Buying a home is a big investment. For many people, moving from an apartment to a house can be overwhelming. The agents at Thompson Insurance Services are available to help the residents of Dallas, TX make their move quickly and efficiently. We can help you understand the differences between a renter’s policy and a homeowner’s policy and how to transition from one to the other.

From Renting to Buying

When you rent your home or apartment, you are not responsible for the dwelling. When you take out a renter’s policy, it only covers your personal belongings. As a homeowner, your coverage will change dramatically. When this happens, most insurance agents will close out your renter’s policy and write a homeowner’s policy that will include coverage for the home itself, in addition to all of your personal possessions. 

Protecting Your Investment

A home is a large investment that is meant to last you a lifetime. Unlike a renter’s policy, you must cover the cost of repairing or replacing your home in the event of a fire or other type of damage. You also have to consider your personal liability in case someone receives an injury while visiting your home.

If you live in the Dallas, TX area and have just moved from an apartment to your first home, call the agents at Thompson Insurance Services today. We can answer your questions and help you find the right homeowner’s policy to pick up where your renter’s policy left off. Owning your home is a big step! Call and schedule an appointment today so that you can rest assured your home is entirely covered in case of an emergency.