http://www.higtexas.com/blog/View Henrich Insurance Group's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.higtexas.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:f66734c0-d49f-4466-b6c0-2b30711e75b3urn:uuid:0b6a9647-f256-42d7-bcec-4ecaa5953be9<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/flooded%20streets.jpg' align='left' /> Flood damage: What you need to know- What happens if my car gets flooded? If you have comprehensive insurance as part of your auto policy, you&rsquo;ll be covered. If you only have liability coverage, you won&rsquo;t be so lucky. What should I do i...Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:53:02 -0600<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><img alt="" width="690" height="461" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/flooded%20streets.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 24px;">Flood damage: What you need to know- What happens if my car gets flooded?</span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">If you have comprehensive insurance as part of your auto policy, you&rsquo;ll be covered. If you only have liability coverage, you won&rsquo;t be so lucky.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16px;">What should I do if my car has been under water?</span></b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">First, contact your insurance company. Next evaluate the height of the flood waters around your car. If floodwaters reached the mid-point of the tire or higher, <b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">do not start your car</span></b> because that may cause more damage. Once the flood water subsides, get your car towed, and have it checked by a certified technician who can look for unseen damage. Your insurance company may have specific requirements on where to send your car so make sure to ask your agent.</p> &bull; The sad truth is that most cars that have been in heavy floodwater will be declared write-offs, especially if the water has gone above bonnet height.<br /> <br /> &bull; Cars can be reconditioned after being in flood water, but it is an expensive and time-consuming process. It is also easier and cheaper on older cars with fewer electrical systems (such as motorized seat adjusters) in them;<br /> <br /> &bull; A flooded car will need to be decontaminated, as sewage will almost certainly have been mixed with water, and then silt and mud will need to be removed.<br /> <br /> &bull; This can only be done by taking out every part of the car that was covered in water, including carpets and under lays. Odor-fighting enzymes will be sprayed on interiors, everything must be pressure washed at 80 degrees centigrade or above and the inside of the car will then be misted with an atomizer, ensuring disinfectant gets into every part of the car such as the ventilation system;<br /> <br /> &bull; If your car is being repaired, check that the garage cleans up behind the door panels and in any nooks and crannys, silt and mud will have been carried into every extreme of the car.<br /> <br /> &bull; If the car was lifted up and floated away, it is likely to have panel damage from hitting other cars and obstacles on its journey.<br /> <br /> &bull; Electrics may work once they have dried out, but the damage usually means they need replacing;<br /> <br /> &bull; The drying process can be speeded up by use of a professional dehumidifier and air blowerurn:uuid:51b5301b-1e0b-479e-9d17-10734db47f14<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/babies%20need%20specialist%20hagerty%20insurance.jpg' align='left' />Because Babies need Specialists. Hagerty specializes in collector cars and their adopted parents. Both deserve pampering - car and expertise you won't find in the practices of general insurance companies. Contact Henrich Insurance Group for a consult...Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:19:19 -0600<h2>Because Babies need Specialists.</h2> <p>Hagerty specializes in collector cars and their adopted parents. Both deserve pampering - car and expertise you won't find in the practices of general insurance companies. <a title="Contact HIG" href="/contact.aspx">Contact</a> Henrich Insurance Group for a consultation. The doctor is always in.</p> <a href="/contact.aspx" title="Contact HIG"><img height="526" width="669" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/babies%20need%20specialist%20hagerty%20insurance.jpg" style="width: 722px; height: 432px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" alt="Hagerty's Collector Car Insurance" /></a><br /> <h2>5 Reasons to Choose HAGERTY Today!</h2> <ol> <li> You get full value for your classic vehicle.</li> <li>You get to drive your car.</li> <li>Your claim will be handled by collector car specialists.</li> <li>Your policy fits your individual needs.</li> <li>You'll deal with people who understand classic car insurance.</li> </ol>urn:uuid:2e4e4e26-cacc-4d3f-89d0-0c63f4eb5a1a<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000002753883Small.jpg' align='left' />When you buy auto insurance, you have to create a marriage between your budget restrictions and the risks you face for liability, injury and property damage. This isn&rsquo;t always easy to do, but one thing that can offer some assistance is to becom...Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:47:46 -0600<p><img src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000002753883Small.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; float: left; margin-right: 7px;" alt="auto insurance claims" />When you buy auto insurance, you have to create a marriage between your budget restrictions and the risks you face for liability, injury and property damage. This isn&rsquo;t always easy to do, but one thing that can offer some assistance is to become familiar with average auto insurance claims.</p> <p>It&rsquo;s impossible to know what kind of auto claims experience you are facing in the future. By looking at the average claims of other drivers, you can at least get a sense of what the norms for the country are. While there are always outliers, claims amounts that are above or below the averages, at least by following averages you have a realistic gauge for setting your own policy limits.</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute recently posted data about average claims, both number of claims and amounts, for drivers. They break the data down into average claims for collision, theft, comprehensive, property damage liability, personal injury protection, medical payments and bodily injury liability. They break the numbers down further by vehicle class, size and model year, and offer even more data by driver age.</p> <p>These numbers provided by the Institutes may not predict or limit the amounts of your potential future claims, but they do give you a starting point for creating your own auto insurance policy. For example, did you know that overall bodily injury liability losses for pickup trucks and luxury SUVs manufactured between 2008 and 2010 actually increased along with vehicle size? That means if you go with a larger luxury SUV or pickup, you might want to consider lower deductibles (since they are per incident) and higher limits. As for collision losses&mdash;for vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2010--super large station wagons and minivans had the lowest claim severity, while 4-door cars had an average claim severity with an average claim amount of $4,047.</p> <p>Using this data can not only help you set your insurance policy coverages but also help you pick better cars in the future; such as cars with lower average claims experience and costs.</p> <p>If you aren&rsquo;t certain how to interpret this data, or you want statistics more focused on your state of residence, give us a call. With this information, we can help you build an auto insurance policy with meaningful benefits and a premium you can afford. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/contact.aspx">Contact Henrich Insurance Group</a></strong> today at 713-349-0400 to get your free <strong><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/auto_quote_form.aspx">Houston auto insurance</a></strong> quote.</p>urn:uuid:f00b59b4-bb11-4315-bb2d-8e299c1932fc<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/IDENTITY%20THEFT.jpg' align='left' /> Tax Time! Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season For identity thieves, tax-filing time is like a four-month-long Mardi Gras, where the "Big Easy" has more to do with the ease of separating taxpayers from their refunds than a Bourbon S...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:03:46 -0600<img alt="" width="456" height="515" style="width: 547px; height: 447px;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/IDENTITY%20THEFT.jpg" /><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Tax Time! Protect Yourself from Identity Theft This Tax Season<br /> </span></strong> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">For identity thieves, tax-filing time is like a four-month-long Mardi Gras, where the "Big Easy" has more to do with the ease of separating taxpayers from their refunds than a Bourbon Street party.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Millions of taxpayers are focused now on fulfilling their annual tax obligations or perhaps, if they're lucky, on getting a refund. Tax returns include critical data &mdash; including Social Security numbers (SSNs), birth dates and home addresses &mdash; that often serve as the key that unlocks many doors for thieves intent on fraud.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Below are some commonsense precautions to safeguard your identity during tax filing time.<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Filing tax returns online</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Be sure to use a strong password to protect your documents. After filing, save your file on a CD, and delete it from your hard drive. Store the CD in a hidden lock box or safe.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Filing tax returns by mail</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">If you're mailing your return, drop it in a mailbox inside the post office (overflowing mailboxes outside are a target for mail theft). Never leave a mailed tax return in the outgoing mailbox at work.<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Don't let mail sit in your mailbox for long, especially if you're expecting a mailed refund.<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Hiring a tax preparer to file your return </span></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><b></b></p> <p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Be careful whom you choose to do your taxes; run a check through the Better Business Bureau. Quiz the tax preparer about how she will store your information, whether it will be encrypted, what computer security software she uses and who has access to the files.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Avoid online tax preparers; many of them are illegitimate professionals.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Don't email tax documents to your accountant unless they're encrypted to prevent unauthorized access to your personal information.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Tax Return storage and disposal</span></b></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Use a crosscut shredder to dispose of backup paperwork you don't need. Anything with your SSN, birth date and other personal information should be shredded.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Make sure that any photocopier you use doesn't store images of your tax documents in its memory.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Store a copy of your tax return in a locked file cabinet or safe.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><b></b></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Stay alert to signs of fraud</span></b></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Cons may attempt to pose as IRS tax officials in an attempt to obtain your personal information.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Email- Ignore any email that purports to come from the IRS, even if it looks official. The IRS does not communicate with taxpayers via email. </span></p> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Phone Calls-If you receive an unsolicited phone call from someone claiming to be with the IRS, don't speak to the caller. Hang up, and call the IRS directly.<br /> <br /> </span><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">If you ever have any doubt or suspicions immediately call the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">IRS</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> directly yourself!<br /> <br /> </span></strong></p> <a href="http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=155682,00.html" target="_blank"><strong>IRS SUSPICIOUS E-MAILS AND IDENTITY THEFT INFO CLICK HERE<br /> </strong></a> <p style="line-height: 10.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; background: white;"></p>urn:uuid:08888b8b-36a8-470d-91d3-d5ab2bca10cc<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/flood.jpg' align='left' />2010 brought many changes to flood zone maps over several counties in Texas. If your home&rsquo;s location has been reclassified as a flood zone and you no longer have a mortgage on it then you may not be aware of these changes because you are not re...Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:17:55 -0600<p><img alt="Neighborhood flood" style="float: right; margin-right: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin-left: 8px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/flood.jpg" />2010 brought many changes to flood zone maps over several counties in Texas. If your home&rsquo;s location has been reclassified as a flood zone and you no longer have a mortgage on it then you may not be aware of these changes because you are not required to buy flood insurance. Just because you aren&rsquo;t required to buy this valuable coverage doesn&rsquo;t mean that you shouldn&rsquo;t. </p> <h2>Home vs. Flood Insurance</h2> <p>A <a title="home insurance policy" href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/default.aspx">home insurance policy</a> protects your home&rsquo;s structure and contents from many perils such as hurricanes, fires, and theft. It does not protect homes from flooding or storm surges. If a body of water near your home rises as a result of heavy rains, runoff, or storm surge and its waters rise to meet, and infiltrate, your doors and walls, if you aren&rsquo;t covered by a flood insurance policy you will have no way to recover your damages and no assistance in preventing mold, rebuilding or draining the water.</p> <h2>Benefits and Limitations</h2> A <a title="Flood insurance policy" href="http://www.higtexas.com/flood/default.aspx">flood insurance policy</a> can be purchased by any home owner whether they reside in a designated flood zone or not.&nbsp; The policy generally covers your building as well as contents and includes coverage for wiring, plumbing and some appliances. Flood insurance also includes other benefits such as cleanup and reimbursement for protective measures like sandbags. <p>If there is mold damage that could have been prevented, your flood policy may exclude it from coverage. Additionally, damages to outdoor structures are excluded and there is no loss of use benefit, so your temporary accommodations won&rsquo;t be reimbursed. If the flooding is the result of rain entering your home rather than the overflow of a body of water then your home insurance policy may cover the damages rather than your flood insurance policy. </p> <p>As with any insurance policy, your flood insurance policy will have limits that outline the maximum benefit it will pay out. If you have valuable antiques or jewelry in the home and their value exceeds your policy&rsquo;s limits, you will need additional coverage or endorsements to fully protect them.</p> <p>You can find out of your Texas home is now in a flood zone by visiting <a title="FloodSmart" target="_blank" href="http://www.FloodSmart.gov">FloodSmart.gov</a>. We are happy to look at your area and your current home insurance protection to help you create an insurance plan that protects your home from all of the perils it faces. <a title="Contact" href="/contact.aspx">Call us</a> today to discuss your options at <strong>(713) 349-0400</strong>.</p>urn:uuid:b07362de-ada6-4456-8f9d-e202f0fa3e21<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/lower-houston-auto-insurance-rate.jpg' align='left' />Check out these hot tips for finding the best combination of coverage and price. By John Loos &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Think you're paying too much for your car insurance? Understanding your car, your policy, and your insurance company can only help you...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:11:45 -0600<p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.15in; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Check out these hot tips for finding the best combination of coverage and price.</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-size: 10px;">By John Loos &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><em><img alt="Lower Houston Auto Insurance Rate" style="float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/lower-houston-auto-insurance-rate.jpg" /><strong>Think you're paying too much for your car insurance?</strong></em></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Understanding your car, your policy, and your insurance company can only help you - and your wallet - in the long run.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"In our research, we found that only about one in three consumers shop for insurance annually," says Jeremy Bowler, senior director of the insurance practice at J.D. Power and Associates.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"Many consumers don't realize there is such a wide range of prices on offer for their insurance needs or that prices can and indeed do change regularly," says Bowler.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">When you request a quote or apply for car insurance, remember these six tips for finding <strong>lower rates</strong>.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 1: Shop and Compare </strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">When it comes to <strong>auto insurance</strong>, it could pay to be picky. By reviewing multiple local insurers, you're likely to find better deals than the first policy offered to you.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"Start by gathering at least three or more quotes from different insurance companies for their auto policy," says Bowler. "In most markets, insurance companies have been filing new rates and, in some cases, developing new 'products' that could represent significant savings for consumers."</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Bowler adds that even if you find a great local policy, you should still shop around about every 12 months as market conditions and insurance needs change over time. Today's ideal policy may not be the best available for you next year.</p> <div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"> <hr width="100%" size="1" align="center" /> </div> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 2: Do Some Research</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Pop quiz: Is everything on your policy necessary for your needs?</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">If you don't know, do your homework. Speak to licensed agents and research online to discover important information about policy options.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">For example, Bowler says if you own a vehicle outright and its replacement cost is low, remove comprehensive coverage from your policy to possibly create substantial savings.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"This of course only makes sense if you can afford to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle in the event of an accident," says Bowler.</p> <div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"> <hr width="100%" size="1" align="center" /> </div> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 3: Provide Accurate and Complete Information</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">When you request a quote or complete an application, remember to be as thorough and forthcoming as possible.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a regulatory organization run by the chief insurance regulators of all 50 states, notes that it helps to be accurate because your insurance premium is influenced by your application information. A premium is the fee charged by insurance companies for your coverage.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">According to the California Department of Insurance, it helps to know the following when applying for a quote:</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your desired coverage and deductibles </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your required limits of liability </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Basic information on all drivers you seek to cover, including names, age, marital status, and sex </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Driving records for all drivers that will be covered </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your vehicle ID number </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The year and cost of your vehicle, along with any special equipment </p> <div style="border-width: medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color windowtext; -moz-border-top-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-image: none; padding: 0in 0in 1pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 3.75pt;"> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; border: medium none; padding: 0in;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> </div> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 4: Take Advantage of Discounts</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Pay attention to special or ongoing discounts offered by your insurer. This may require asking what you qualify for, says the NAIC.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The NAIC notes that discounts may be offered for a variety of reasons, including multiple vehicles on a policy, completing suggested driver's education programs, having a strong driving record, or purchasing a home or life insurance policy with the same company.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"Rather than seeking an auto-only quote, consider shopping the entire portfolio of household insurance needs for the best total value," says Bowler.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Your age or your vehicle's anti-theft device could also qualify you for a reduced rate, according to the NAIC.</p> <div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"> <hr width="100%" size="1" align="center" /> </div> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 5: Improve Your Credit</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Depending on what state you live in, if you handle your credit well, your auto insurance company may reward you with a better premium.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Insurance companies in most states often factor your insurance-based credit score - an indicator created from your credit history - when determining your car insurance rate.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">"[An] insurance 'risk' score?is one of the biggest determinants of premiums," says Bowler. "Managing one's credit record over the long haul can reward the consumer with significant savings on insurance, upwards of 40 percent in some cases."</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Based on your credit score and history, a risk score is a measurement complied by insurance companies that essentially gauges how responsible you are with your money. The logic is the more responsible you are with your money, the more responsible (or "low risk") you'll likely be behind the wheel.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Here are some ways to improve your credit score, according to the Nail McKinney Professional Association, an organization for certified public accountants.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep credit card balances low. </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pay credit cards on time. </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Report mistakes to your credit card company immediately. </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain a stable job and residence. </p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-left: 18.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ask your credit card company for a lower interest rate. </p> <div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"> <hr width="100%" size="1" align="center" /> </div> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong>Tip 6: Increase Your Deductible</strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">According to Bowler, raising your deductible limits may be a wise option if your vehicle is expensive to replace. A deductible is the amount that you agree to pay in the event of an accident.</p> <p style="margin-right: 3.75pt; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 3.75pt; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The Insurance Information Institute, an organization dedicated to the improvement of public knowledge of insurance, agrees. For example, the Institute explains that raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could result in significant savings. Although the costs you'll see in the event of an accident will be higher, your month-to-month insurance costs will likely be notably lower.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #595959;">(Source: <a href="http://education.yahoo.net/auto-insurance/articles/six_tips_for_lowering_your_insurance_rate.htm">Yahoo</a>)</span><br /> <br /> Think you're paying too much for your car insurance?&nbsp;Contact us today at <strong>713-349-0400</strong> for a free <strong><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="Houston auto insurance">Houston auto insurance</a></strong> quote.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 10px; color: #ffffff;">JG</span><span style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p>urn:uuid:0f14486b-6dfe-4ccf-ba5a-751627feca0e<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/Houston%20Insurance%20quotes.jpg' align='left' />It&rsquo;s always a good idea to meet with an insurance agent before you commit to an insurance policy. Prior to meeting with an agent, it can be helpful to get multiple online quotes so that you understand how different options affect your insurance...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:21:52 -0600<p><img alt="Houston Insurance Quote" style="float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/Houston%20Insurance%20quotes.jpg" />It&rsquo;s always a good idea to meet with an insurance agent before you commit to an insurance policy. Prior to meeting with an agent, it can be helpful to get multiple online quotes so that you understand how different options affect your insurance premiums. </p> <h3>Limits and Deductibles</h3> <p>Limits are the maximum amount that an insurer will be obligated to pay for your claims. Deductibles are out-of-pocket amounts that insurers require you to pay before they begin contributing toward claim expenses. Both have a profound effect on the premiums you will be charged for a policy. Using an online quoting system to adjust the amounts of your deductibles and limits will help give you a better understanding of how these changes affect your premiums. </p> <h3>Term or Permanent Life</h3> <p>While an online quote may not help you determine which kind of <strong>life insurance policy</strong> is best for you, it can certainly help you understand the difference between term, and permanent, coverage. Knowing this will allow your agent to pick a policy, or combination of policies, that fit your family&rsquo;s post-death financial needs and your current budget. </p> <h3>Riders and Supplemental Coverage</h3> <p><strong>Auto insurance</strong>, life insurance and other policies offer you many different ways to build your coverage. You can choose riders, specialty options, and more or less comprehensive types of coverage. When you use an online quoting system before meeting with an agent, you can get a sense of how each of these moves affects your premium. You will also see how affordable more comprehensive coverage can be. </p> <p>Agents are here to help you sort through all the confusing options and terminology that you may encounter as you strive to create a suite of reliable insurance coverages. Shopping for insurance is not a journey you want to take without a worthy and knowledgeable guide. Before you begin, you can certainly explore online quotes in order to get a better idea of the route you want to take to a more financially protected destination.&nbsp; Call us today at <strong>(713) 349-0400</strong> for more information or get a <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="Houston auto insurance"><a title="Houston auto insurance" href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx"><strong>Houston auto insurance</strong></a></a> quote.</p>urn:uuid:280c115c-7a34-4a91-959e-0531d13528ec<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/houston-home-insurance-winter.jpg' align='left' />Many disasters caused by winter weather conditions can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Although it's hard to think about such things during warmer months, it's important to be prepared when the colder weather arrives. It's hard to predict ...Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:28:09 -0600<p><img alt="Houston Home Insurance Winter" style="float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/houston-home-insurance-winter.jpg" />Many <strong>disasters caused by winter weather conditions</strong> can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Although it's hard to think about such things during warmer months, it's important to be prepared when the colder weather arrives. It's hard to predict the weather in the future. However, long periods of low temperatures frequently experienced throughout history have proven that it's important to be prepared.</p> <p>Regular <strong>homeowners policies</strong> provide coverage for ice dams, burst pipes, loss from fires and wind damage from snow or ice. When snow melts, it can cause serious damage to a home. One of the most common causes of catastrophic loss is winter storms. Although wind and hail are the most common causes of insurance claims, freezing and water damage follow close behind. It's important for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies before winter arrives to understand what is covered. It's crucial to have ample coverage for rebuilding a home and replacing all the belongings in it. It's also helpful to consider purchasing sewer backup insurance.<br /> <br /> There are several ways to prepare a home for winter and the damage it usually brings. Consider the following tips:</p> <ol> <li> <strong>Clean out all gutters - </strong>It's important to remove all sticks, leaves and debris. This helps the melting ice and snow flow smoothly. It also prevents ice collecting and forming a dam, which can result in water seeping into the house's ceilings and walls.</li> <li> <strong>Keep trees and branches trimmed -</strong> When branches hang over houses during the winter, they're likely to accumulate snow and ice, which may make them break. Branches falling on homes can cause significant amounts of damage. They may also hurt people who enter the property.</li> <li> <strong>Use gutter guards -</strong> These guards are useful for preventing interference of water flow from debris.</li> <li> <strong>Seal cracks and holes - </strong>Caulk all holes and cracks to ensure that melted snow and wind can't enter the home.</li> <li> <strong>Keep steps and handrails safe -</strong> It's important to ensure that steps and banisters are sturdy. If they accumulate snow or ice, they can contribute to serious injuries.</li> <li> <strong>Use insulation liberally -</strong> Homeowners should add extra insulation to basements, attics and crawl spaces. When heat escapes through the roof, it contributes to ice and snow melting faster. As the moisture melts, re-freezes and accumulates, it can cause a roof to collapse.</li> <li> <strong>Maintain a warm temperature - </strong>It's best to keep the thermostat at 65 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. The temperature in the walls is always colder than the temperature in the house.</li> <li> <strong>Call the professionals - </strong>The heating system should be checked and serviced every year to prevent fires. It's also important to ensure that smoke alarms are working. Carbon monoxide detectors are another valuable safety feature that should be placed in every home. In addition to this, homeowners should have a contractor evaluate the home for structural damage. It's best to identify and repair minor problems before they become a disaster.</li> <li> <strong>Be familiar with shutting off the water -</strong> Homeowners should know how to do this, and they should know where their pipes are located. When pipes freeze, it's imperative to act quickly. When going away for an extended time, it's best to have someone look after the home or have a service professional drain the system.</li> <li> <strong>Add an emergency pressure release valve -</strong> By adding this to a current system, homeowners will have a system that is protected against increasing pressure from frozen pipes.</li> </ol> To learn about <strong><a title="Houston home insurance" href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/default.aspx">Houston home insurance</a></strong> contact us at <strong>713-349-0400</strong> or get a free <a title="Houston Home Insurance Quote" href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/homeowners/homeowners_quote_form.aspx">home insurance quote</a><strong>.</strong> <p> </p>urn:uuid:3e9f1142-1685-4048-b7c4-662d14f716f9<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/giving_tree.png' align='left' />The purpose of the HIG Giving Tree is to allow our customers or fans to have an opportunity to be a blessing to those outside of your immediate family. The&nbsp;HIG Giving Tree is completely facilitated online, making all of the processes faster and ...Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:53:50 -0500<a title="Submit a Need form" href="http://www.higtexas.com/other/giving_tree.aspx"><img alt="HIG Giving Tree" style="float: left; margin-right: 7px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/giving_tree.png" /></a>The purpose of the HIG Giving Tree is to allow our customers or fans to have an opportunity to be a blessing to those outside of your immediate family. The&nbsp;HIG Giving Tree is completely facilitated online, making all of the processes faster and more efficient. We&nbsp;have a social network share option to create more opportunities for others to become involved in nominating families for&nbsp;the&nbsp;HIG Giving Tree.<br /> <br /> The spirit of HIG Giving Tree is to help an individual or family with legitimate needs due to dire circumstances they are facing at this time. The &ldquo;nominated&rdquo; individual or family chosen by HIG will be provided with&nbsp; the gifts and/or services needed.<br /> <br /> <strong>Please be sure to read the Giving Tree <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/hig-giving-tree/rules-faqs.aspx#rules" title="Rules &amp; Guidelines">Rules and Guidelines</a>, and the <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/hig-giving-tree/rules-faqs.aspx#faqs" title="Frequently Asked Questions">FAQ</a> before <a title="Submit a Need" href="http://www.higtexas.com/other/giving_tree.aspx">submitting a need</a>.</strong><br /> <br /> <br />urn:uuid:fac63553-38e5-4f3c-b415-30413e26d8b8<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/houston-home-insurance-exclusions.jpg' align='left' />Property exclusions exist in Sections A and B of a homeowners insurance policy. The following are some of the most important exclusions to be aware of: Collapse - If a home collapses, there is no coverage provided unless the cause is included in the ...Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:03:01 -0500<p><img src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/houston-home-insurance-exclusions.jpg" style="float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" alt="Houston home insurance exclusions" />Property exclusions exist in Sections A and B of a <em><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/" title="Houston home insurance policy"><strong>homeowners insurance</strong></a><strong></strong><strong> </strong>policy</em><strong></strong>. The following are some of the most important exclusions to be aware of:</p> <p><strong>Collapse</strong> <strong>-</strong> If a home collapses, there is no coverage provided unless the cause is included in the list of additional coverage inclusions section.</p> <p><strong>Flood -</strong> This is one of the most important exclusions to be aware of. In the eyes of insurers, there is a large difference between water damage and flooding. It's important to keep in mind that flooding hasn't been covered in homeowners policies since the 1960s. In 1968, the government implemented the National Flood Insurance Program. Even those who don't reside in flood zones should have this valuable coverage. Heavy rains and hurricanes often cause flooding in areas that usually don't see it.</p> <p><strong>Freezing -</strong> If heating, air conditioning or plumbing systems freeze, the damage is excluded from a homeowners policy if the dwelling has been vacant or is in the process of construction.</p> <p><strong>Homes Under Construction -</strong> When thieves steal property or materials from an unfinished home, the loss is not covered by a homeowners policy.</p> <p><strong>Retaining Walls, Foundations &amp; Nonbuilding Structures</strong> - Damage to swimming pools, fences, docks and similar structures from thawing, freezing, weight or pressure of water is not covered by a homeowners policy.</p> <p><strong>Mold, Wet Rot &amp; Fungus -</strong> Damage caused by these issues is not covered if it's due to a sump pump, sump or similar equipment. It also isn't covered if it's from a gutter, roof drain, downspout or equipment that is similar.</p> <p><strong>Risks Of Direct Physical Loss -</strong> This is the section of a homeowners policy that lists any other exclusions. Some examples of common exclusions are smog, rodents, birds, wear and tear or owned animals. It's important to read it carefully to fully understand it. If there are any questions or concerns, contact an agent to clarify the terms.</p> <p><strong>Concurrent Causation Exclusions -</strong> Homeowners policies explain how loss is handled if a specific cause is covered but another is not.</p> <p><strong>Malicious Mischief &amp; Vandalism -</strong> If the dwelling has been vacant for a period exceeding 30 consecutive days prior to the damage or loss, this exclusion exists.</p> <p>Coverage sections A, B, C and D have several exclusions. Loss from any events that take place as a result of law enforcement on the property are excluded. However, endorsements are available to be added to a policy to provide this coverage. Damage or loss from earthquakes or landslides is also excluded. Power failure, neglect, water damage and war are also causes of damage that are excluded.</p> <p>Sections E and F of a <strong>homeowners policy</strong> provide liability coverage. However, there are several exclusions in those sections to be aware of. Intentional injuries to other people are excluded. The business of an insured person is not covered by a homeowners policy. Premises held for rent, professional services, locations not listed on the homeowners policy, watercraft and motor vehicles are also not covered under a homeowners policy. Liability damages from war, owned aircraft, sexual molestation, abuse, communicable diseases and controlled substances are not covered. Coverage for home day care is very limited under the property section of the policy but is excluded under the liability section.</p> <p>Although these exclusions exist, there are many add-on options available from insurers to provide coverage for such areas. There are also separate insurance policies for some exclusion. Flooding is one example. However, there are some exclusions that simply aren't covered under insurance policies or additional coverage purchases. Harm to others from controlled substances is an example. The best way to avoid such problems is to take the proper preventative measures to avoid being in a position to suffer loss from any exclusions. The first step to getting coverage for exclusions is to speak with agent. An agent will be able to provide valuable information about extra coverage options and a list of ways to avoid suffering loss from issues that aren't covered by insurance. Contact us today at <strong>713-349-0400</strong> to learn more about <strong>Home insurance</strong> or get a <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="Houston home insurance"><strong>Houston home insurance</strong></a> quote.</p>urn:uuid:f022f537-8372-4898-b59b-2c730aa828edA big thank you to all of our contestants and their owners. Here are the winners for the Pet Costume Contest. Congratulations!! "1st Annual HIG Pet Costume Contest" Create a free slideshow with Picnik! Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:12:08 -0500A big thank you to all of our contestants and their owners. Here are the winners for the Pet Costume Contest. Congratulations!!<br /> <br /> <div style="width: 400px; font: 0.7em 'trebuchet ms',sans-serif;"><object width="400" height="300" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"> <param name="FlashVars" value="galleryid=17093933506_GfRxr"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf"><embed src="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="galleryid=17093933506_GfRxr" height="300" width="400"></object><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.picnik.com/show/id/17093933506_GfRxr/t/1st-annual-hig-pet-costume-contest">"<strong>1st Annual HIG Pet Costume Contest</strong>"</a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.picnik.com">Create a free slideshow with Picnik!</a><br /> </div>urn:uuid:041d1f3c-b48a-467c-bf10-17a9c9f007d3<img src='http://www.higtexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000010892134XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Home insurance policies offer protection for personal contents inside the home and so do rental insurance policies. But does this blanket form of contents coverage mean that every item inside your home is sufficiently covered? Replacement versus Actu...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:50:45 -0500<img src="http://www.higtexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000010892134XSmall.jpg" style="width: 220px; height: 150px; float: left; margin-right: 7px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" alt="Broken Window" />Home insurance policies offer protection for personal contents inside the home and so do rental insurance policies. But does this blanket form of contents coverage mean that every item inside your home is sufficiently covered? <p><strong>Replacement versus Actual Value</strong></p> <p>If your insurance policy calls for replacement value of covered items rather than actual value then your property is covered, but only for its value at the time it is damaged or stolen. This reduction in value due to wear and tear and depreciation could mean that you don&rsquo;t have the resources to replace the item after the claim is paid, although you will technically be made whole through the claim. </p> <p><strong>Personal Property Limits</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/default.aspx" title="Home Insurance ">Home insurance</a> policies cannot agree to pay out unlimited amounts for losses, so they have limits for the various coverage options within. You will have a separate limit in your home insurance policy for your dwelling, personal liabilities, other structures and personal property. The limits are not cumulative. Each respective limit is the maximum you can receive for that particular category of loss and if another limit is over-insured, the unused benefit does not shift to another category. </p> <p>If you invest in expensive art, jewelry and antiques, your personal property limit may be insufficient to cover the value of your collectibles. In addition, if you have pricey designer shoes and handbags&mdash;items that could each easily be worth hundreds of dollars or more&mdash;you may find that your limit is reached quickly, without you having the benefit of reimbursement for all your losses&mdash;not because something was excluded, but because your limit was too low compared to your property&rsquo;s value. One way to avoid that is to walk around your home and take an inventory in every room of every object you own. As you do this, assess the value of each item based on actual or replacement cost and compare your total to your insurance policy limit. </p> <p>It&rsquo;s important that you hold your insurance policy accountable for actually covering all your losses when you have an insurable incident, but your policy is just a tool. It&rsquo;s up to you to make sure that it is designed properly with the right limits and coverage explanations to actually benefit.Call us for advice on all the different coverages or to get a free <a href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/homeowners/homeowners_quote_form.aspx" title="Home quote">Houston home insurance</a> quote at <strong>713-349-0400</strong>.</p>urn:uuid:a018c550-e1a0-4f9c-a50c-9e245c62331f<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/halloween%20flyer.jpg' align='left' /> Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:03:25 -0500<img alt="" style="width: 636px; height: 968px;border: #e36c09 0px solid;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/halloween%20flyer.jpg" usemap="#rade_img_map_1317316923264" /><map name="rade_img_map_1317316923264" id="rade_img_map_1317316923264" submitname="rade_img_map_1317316923264"> <area href="http://www.facebook.com/HIGTexas" shape="RECT" coords="387,855,481,873" target="_blank" alt="HIG Facebook Page" /></map>urn:uuid:df5cdcf5-ed40-4b40-a933-b7dd4a74ec49<img src='http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000015275043XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Your friends and family want what&rsquo;s best for you, as you do for them. Unfortunately, this desire for you to have the best things in life can lead to offers of advice that are not necessarily as informed as you hoped,&nbsp; as well intentioned a...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:34:32 -0500<p><img alt="Talk to your Insurance Agent" style="width: 226px; height: 150px; float: left; margin-right: 7px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" src="http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000015275043XSmall.jpg" />Your friends and family want what&rsquo;s best for you, as you do for them. Unfortunately, this desire for you to have the best things in life can lead to offers of advice that are not necessarily as informed as you hoped,&nbsp; as well intentioned as they may be.</p> <p>One good example is when family and friends give you advice when shopping for homeowners insurance. </p> <p>Everyone is certain that they know exactly what is required in a home insurance policy, which is fine&mdash;when it&rsquo;s their own policy they are talking about. But when you are looking for insurance to cover your home, the best advice you can get is from your own local agent. Your agent understands all the different aspects of insurance policies and knows how to get you the most comprehensive coverage at the best price.</p> <p>While well-meaning friends can offer advice about relationships, television shows and new restaurants it is best to leave the financial advice to the licensed professionals. It is doubtful that your friends and family have much training, education and experience as your local insurance agent. The experiences of peers are often limited&mdash;resulting from anecdotal or their own insurance shopping experiences, which is a small sample of the information out there. These stories also may contain bias or misinformation that your friends are not even conscious of.</p> <p>Insurance agents, conversely, go through intensive educational courses before they can obtain a license. Additionally, they must attend continuing education courses every year to keep their license. They handle countless different insurance and claims situations each year and they are up-to-date with trends and changes in legislature. They are experts in their field, and they have put a lot of effort into attaining that title. </p> <p>So even though Aunt Sara has the best advice for getting stains out of shirts, and Uncle Joe knows the best sci-fi shows on TV, relying on these thoughtful but often misinformed individuals for advice on insurance could lead to dire consequences.<br /> <br /> Call us today to discuss <a href="/contact.aspx" title="Contact Us">insurance options</a> for your home, car or business at&nbsp;<strong>713-349-0400</strong>.</p>urn:uuid:89e5456b-a202-4153-bb58-67c50fbb0e73<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/life_insurance_awareness_month.png' align='left' /> No one likes to think about dying. But if your loved ones will suffer financially when you die, it&rsquo;s a subject you have to address. You need to consider how your family would fare financially if, suddenly, you weren&rsquo;t there to provide fo...Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:16:52 -0500<img style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" longdesc="Life Insurance Awareness Month" alt="Life Insurance Awareness Month" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/life_insurance_awareness_month.png" /><br /> No one likes to think about dying. But if your loved ones will suffer financially when you die, it&rsquo;s a subject you have to address. You need to consider how your family would fare financially if, suddenly, you weren&rsquo;t there to provide for them. Where would the money come from to pay for your funeral, the monthly bills, the mortgage, the kids&rsquo; education costs? These are the questions the life insurance industry wants all Americans to ask themselves. <br /> <br /> <table style="width: 250px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a title="LIAM Celebrity Spokesperson" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/lamar-video"><img width="245" alt="image" src="http://www.lifehappens.org/images/widget-lamar.png" class="section_image" /></a> <br /> </td> <td><a title="Insure your Love Picture Mosaic" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/mosaic"><img width="245" alt="image" src="http://www.lifehappens.org/images/widget-mosaic.png" class="section_image" /></a> <br /> </td> <td><a title="How much Life Insurance do I need?" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/life-insurance-needs-calculator"><img width="245" alt="image" src="http://www.lifehappens.org/images/how_much.png" class="section_image" /></a> <br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">LIAM Celebrity Spokesperson</span></strong> <span style="font-size: 13px;">NBA Champion and reality TV star Lamar Odom shares his personal story about the loss of his mother and how life insurance helped keep his life on track.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="learn_more"><a href="http://www.lifehappens.org/lamar-video">Learn More</a></div> </td> <td><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic</span></strong> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Show us who you&rsquo;ve protected with life insurance. You&rsquo;ll also be helping students who&rsquo;ve lost a parent realize their dream of a college education.<br /> </span> <br /> <div class="learn_more"><a href="http://www.lifehappens.org/mosaic">Learn More</a></div> </td> <td> <strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">How Much Do I Need?</span> </strong><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /> Use the Life Insurance Needs Calculator to quickly determine how much life insurance coverage you should have to protect your family.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="learn_more_right"><a href="http://www.lifehappens.org/life-insurance-needs-calculator">Learn More</a></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> <div> <div class="section_top_left"></div> </div> If you have any doubts as to how your family would manage without you, it&rsquo;s time to take charge of your situation by getting a life insurance check-up today. <br /> <div style="clear: both;"> <br /> <div class="number-block"> <div class="number-block-left"> <h2>STEP 1:</h2> </div> <div class="number-block-right"> Check out LIFE&rsquo;s website. It offers a wealth of information about life insurance and the buying process. Spending some time on our website will educate you about key insurance terms and concepts, and give you the knowledge you need to make well-informed decisions. </div> </div> <br /> <div class="number-block"> <div class="number-block-left"> <h2>STEP 2:</h2> </div> <div class="number-block-right"> Know the right questions to ask. Once you&rsquo;ve determined that you have a need for life insurance, the very first question you always need to ask is, &ldquo;How much do I need?&rdquo; If you die prematurely, you want to know that your loved ones will have enough money to continue living the kind of life you hoped they&rsquo;d have. To make it easy for you to get a general sense of your needs, check out our <a title="Life Insurance Needs Calculator" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/life-insurance-needs-calculator/">Life Insurance Needs Calculator</a>. Once you know how much life insurance you need, then you&rsquo;re ready to look at the various types of policies available to you (e.g., term insurance, permanent insurance or maybe a combination of the two). Try out our <a title="Interactive Product Selector" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/life-insurance-product-selector/">Interactive Product Selector</a>. It walks you through the questions you need to consider to determine the kind of life insurance that&rsquo;s right for you. </div> </div> <br /> <div class="number-block"> <div class="number-block-left"> <h2>STEP 3:</h2> </div> <div class="number-block-right"> Seek professional advice. There are lots of factors to consider when determining how much and what kind of life insurance to buy, and the purchasing process can be quite complicated. So when you&rsquo;re ready to shop, it&rsquo;s always a smart idea to seek assistance from a qualified life insurance professional. A good insurance advisor will take the time to carefully assess your needs, and provide you with options from which to choose. Our website offers <a title="Tips on how to find a good agent" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/5-tips-for-finding-the-right-advisor/">tips on how to find a good agent</a>, and you can <a href="/contact.aspx">contact</a> one of our friendly staff today. </div> </div> <br /> Don&rsquo;t gamble with your family&rsquo;s financial future for one more minute. Take charge of your life insurance situation today and rest easier knowing your loved ones would be taken care of if something were to happen to you.<br /> <br /> (Source: <a title="LIFE Foundation" target="_blank" href="http://www.lifehappens.org/liam-consumer-information/">LifeHappens.org</a>) </div>urn:uuid:6caa7978-3d01-4c49-b75e-c961ce3e240c<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000014596398Small.jpg' align='left' />Whether you have a mortgage or not, home insurance is an important necessity. After all, bearing the replacement or rebuilding costs of your home without insurance may be a fiscal impossibility&mdash;and being homeless is certainly not an option. And...Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:10:02 -0500<p><img alt="Houston Home Insurance" style="width: 301px; height: 200px; float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000014596398Small.jpg" />Whether you have a mortgage or not, <strong><a title="Hoston Home Insurance" href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/homeowners/homeowners_quote_form.aspx">home insurance</a></strong> is an important necessity. After all, bearing the replacement or rebuilding costs of your home without insurance may be a fiscal impossibility&mdash;and being homeless is certainly not an option. And you may not think your contents are valuable enough to merit coverage, but think about how much you would have to spend in order to replace valuable electronics, refurnish your home, re-clothe yourself and your family, and replace any family antiques. </p> <p>But not every budget allows for insurance coverage that suits all your needs based on the risks you are exposed to daily. If your budget is tight, then consider some of these money saving ideas rather than going without insurance.</p> <p><strong>Choose a higher deductible:</strong> The deductible of your insurance policy is the amount that you must pay out of your own pocket when you have a claim. For example, if you have a $2,500 deductible and the amount of damage after an insurable incident is $10,000, then you will pay for $2,500 worth of the damage out of your own funds and the insurance company will pay the remaining $7,500. Because this amount reduces the overall amount of money that the insurance company must pay, it also reduces your premium. Before you pick a higher deductible, make sure that you can actually afford to pay this deductible and, if you have a mortgage, check with your mortgage company to make sure they permit that high a deductible.</p> <p><strong>Lower your limits:</strong> As rebuilding expenses decline and housing prices go down, you may be able to reduce the limits on your <strong>Houston</strong> <strong>home insurance policy</strong>. Limits are the maximum amounts the insurance company will pay if you were to suffer a total loss of your property. If you have a mortgage, you will need to keep limits that guarantee the mortgage lender full repayment, so be sure to give your lender a call before you make any decisions. </p> <p><strong>Pay your premium annually:</strong> If you pay your premium monthly, your insurance company may be adding an extra service charge to your premiums. Instead, change your premium payment method to annual payments and you will avoid any additional billing or service charges.</p> <p><strong>Install a monitored anti-theft alarm system:</strong> If you have a monitored alarm system&mdash;the kind that has representatives available 24/7 to alert the police if something happens in your home that trips the alarm&mdash;then your <strong>Houston home insurance </strong>company may offer extra discounts to you.</p> <p>To learn more about <strong><a title="Houston home insurance" href="http://www.higtexas.com/homeowners/default.aspx">Houston home insurance</a></strong> contact us at <strong>713-349-0400</strong> or get a free <a title="Houston Home Insurance Quote" href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/homeowners/homeowners_quote_form.aspx">home insurance quote</a><strong>.</strong><a href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/automobile/auto_quote_form.aspx" target="_blank" title="Auto Insurance Quote"><strong></strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:1c85d16c-c3b9-4b5d-b795-88f9c83f6c69<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/Houston%20Auto%20Insurance.jpg' align='left' />Usually, when people think about auto insurance, people think about automobiles, accidents, theft and acts of nature. People usually think that auto insurance is boring and practical, safe and mandatory by law in varying amounts depending on your sta...Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:44:43 -0500<p><img alt="Houston Auto Insurance" style="width: 303px; height: 170px; float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 5px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/Houston%20Auto%20Insurance.jpg" />Usually, when people think about <strong>auto insurance</strong>, people think about automobiles, accidents, theft and acts of nature. People usually think that auto insurance is boring and practical, safe and mandatory by law in varying amounts depending on your state. </p> <p>Right?</p> <p>What people do not think of when the words &ldquo;<a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="Auto Insurnce">auto insurance</a>&rdquo; are mumbled in polite society is pirates or sailors, romantic sea vessels, sinking ships and dramatic maritime vistas with all its inherent risks. Well let&rsquo;s talk about the exciting history of auto insurance and see if we can&rsquo;t change how you view this interesting insurance coverage. </p> <h2><strong>The History of Auto Insurance</strong></h2> <p>4,000 years ago there were no car around to transport people and goods&mdash;but there were boats. Boats were the key to connecting continents, exploration, delivering cargo and even shipping people to a longed-for destination. But much like the cars of today, ships were not resistant to accident and damage. Storms, dastardly pirates, faulty equipment, wear and tear and other factors often conspired to create sunken vessels filled with priceless and damaged cargo. </p> <p>The owners of the ships had an obligation to their customers to deliver the goods and cargo they carried&mdash;but they could not guarantee that no harm would ever befall this cargo&mdash;which meant with every voyage there was an inherent risk. In order to insure this risk, ancient Babylonian sailors would give their customers money representing the full cost of all the cargo they were entrusting on the ships before they set sail. If the cargo was delivered, the sailor could then collect the money back that he&rsquo;d given his customer to guarantee safe delivery. That was the very beginning of <strong>auto insurance</strong> as we know it.</p> <p>When automobiles were first driven on formerly horse and wagon infested streets, there wasn&rsquo;t much in the way of driving laws. Of course, there also weren&rsquo;t many drivers; automobiles were the domain of the extremely wealthy and were considered a privilege. Because lives and property were at stake thanks to the reckless driving of many privileged individuals and few driving laws, liability insurance was eventually obligatory for those with a vehicle. That ensured that all the people whose lives and property were exposed to the drivers had some financial recourse if they suffered damages.</p> <p>As the years went by and the driving population grew, auto insurance became more sophisticated, offering protections to not only those who might be damaged by the liability of the driver, but also the driver him or herself. Now, insurance is obligatory in almost every state (with the exception of New Hampshire). Policies have been improved so that protection extends more to the driver to protect against things like theft and damage caused by acts of nature. <br /> <br /> To learn more about <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="Houston Auto Insurance">Houston Auto Insurance</a> contact us at <strong>713-349-0400</strong> or get a <a href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/automobile/auto_quote_form.aspx" target="_blank" title="Auto Insurance Quote"><strong>Houston Auto Insurance quote</strong></a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:a7932478-a6a0-4810-a92a-c9e9bad64c39<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000000953236XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Auto insurance is required by in almost every state.&nbsp; It protects the insured financially in the event of an accident. Car insurance is a valuable asset; however, there are a lot myths associated with it. This blog will look at common myths that...Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:16:59 -0500<p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><strong><a title="Auto Insurance" target="_blank" href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx">Auto insurance</a></strong> is required by in almost every state.&nbsp; It protects the insured financially in the event of an accident. Car insurance is a valuable asset; however, there are a lot myths associated with it. This blog will look at common myths that many Americans believe about auto insurance, and how you can protect yourself from these myths.</p> <ol> <li> <strong>Full Coverage. </strong>It is a common term used when referring to what their auto policy covers, however, it is very misleading as there isn&rsquo;t a policy that covers all accidents in full.&nbsp; Auto policies will include limits for the amount they will pay for damages caused to others.&nbsp;&nbsp; Additionally, most auto policies will only pay Actual Cash Value in the event your own vehicle is totaled.&nbsp; Actual Cash Value is equal to the amount you could sell the vehicle for prior to the accident and has nothing to do with what it would cost to replace your vehicle.</li> <li><img alt="Auto Insurance" style="width: 302px; height: 200px; float: right; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 7px;" src="/img/%7Ewww.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000000953236XSmall.jpg" /><strong>Red cars have higher insurance rates</strong>.&nbsp; This began when people began to believe those with red cars were more likely to get a speeding ticket as their vehicle was easier to spot by police officers.&nbsp; While yes, speeding tickets can affect insurance rates, the color of your vehicle doesn&rsquo;t.&nbsp; </li> <li><strong>Anyone over 25 is covered</strong>.&nbsp; Who is covered to drive your automobile can differ from policy to policy.&nbsp; However, a typical auto policy will only provide coverage for individuals listed on the policy and for occasional drivers that have permission to drive the automobile.&nbsp; </li> <li><strong>If I lend my car to a friend and the friend wrecks my car, his or her insurance will pay</strong>.&nbsp; It will depend on the state you live in.&nbsp; Some states will require the friend driving the vehicle to reimburse the insurance company if the vehicle is damaged due to their fault.&nbsp; </li> <li> <strong>My loan will be paid off if my car is totaled</strong>.&nbsp; As mentioned earlier, most insurance policies will only pay the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle, which is defined as what the vehicle cost new less depreciation.&nbsp; If you owe more money to the lender than the Actual Cash Value, you very well may end up owing on a vehicle that is no longer drivable.&nbsp; </li> <li> <strong>The only way to get coverage to drive any car is by purchasing &ldquo;non-owners&rdquo; insurance.&nbsp; </strong>Auto insurance was designed to provide coverage for the car owner and not the vehicle itself.&nbsp; The car is not going to be the one in court in the event a lawsuit results from a car accident; it will be the vehicle owner.&nbsp; Therefore, in most cases (some exceptions), the auto policy will provide coverage for the policyholder when they are driving other vehicles.</li> <li>&nbsp;<strong>I can purchase auto insurance after the accident and I will be covered.&nbsp; </strong>Insurance is designed to cover unforeseen accidents.&nbsp; This philosophy could be compared to buying a lottery ticket after the numbers were announced and expecting to win.&nbsp; </li> <li> <strong>I don&rsquo;t want to list my teen driver on my policy because I don&rsquo;t want to be held liable if they get in an accident.&nbsp; </strong>Parents are responsible for the actions of their children.&nbsp; The auto policy does not create the liability; it provides coverage to the parent for that liability. If the teen is not insured, the parent will still be responsible for any accidents they cause.</li> <li> <strong>If I have any personal property in my car, my car insurance will cover it.&nbsp; </strong>Auto insurance is designed to cover the automobile, not personal property in the automobile.&nbsp; Personal property in the vehicle can be covered on a renters or homeowner policy.</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>There are several myths regarding auto insurance. It is better to bust these myths so that you are not caught in a bind when buying auto insurance. Breaking these myths will keep you better informed and forearmed against misconceptions before purchasing auto insurance.&nbsp; Always be sure to discuss your concerns with your auto insurance agent. Contact us <strong>713-349-0400</strong> or get a <a title="Auto Insurance Quote" target="_blank" href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/automobile/auto_quote_form.aspx"><strong>Houston Auto Insurance quote</strong></a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:b681629a-01d5-4334-9bf7-ff4aa04ce845<img src='http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000000581760XSmall.jpg' align='left' />We all purchase auto insurance with a prayer on our minds as we shell out for our premiums&mdash;Please don&rsquo;t ever let me cash in on this policy. Regrettably, a fraction of the population does have to make use of their auto insurance policy and...Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:03:11 -0500<p><img src="http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000000581760XSmall.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 150px; float: right; margin-left: 7px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;" alt="Car repair" />We all purchase <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx" title="auto insurance">auto insurance</a> with a prayer on our minds as we shell out for our premiums&mdash;<em>Please don&rsquo;t ever let me cash in on this policy.</em></p> <p>Regrettably, a fraction of the population does have to make use of their auto insurance policy and place auto insurance claims. </p> <p>If you do need to place an auto insurance claim, there are some things you can do to make this procedure more straightforward and efficient for you.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Call your agent.</strong> Agents are there to make this process easier for you. Just one <a href="/contact.aspx" title="Call us">phone call</a> to your agent and you will remove yourself from the picture for much of the paperwork and claims coordination. Your agent will ask you recount the accident (some may even visit the location) or incident involving the claim and file the paperwork for you. This saves time for you and it&rsquo;s a good way to make sure the paperwork is done properly.</li> <li><strong>Call your insurance company.</strong> If your agent is unavailable you can call your <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/claims.aspx" title="File a Claim">company&rsquo;s toll free claims</a> line. A company representative will be on hand to guide you through the process. If you want to be updated with further requirements through your agent, make sure to inform the insurance company so they can put this information in their system. </li> <li><strong>Have all information handy.</strong> Before you make your claim with the insurance company or your agent, be sure to have all relevant information with you. You should have your <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/customer_service/default.aspx" title="Customer Service">policy number</a>, the insurance and contact information of any other person involved in the claim, the details of the event that caused the claim, police reports and pictures. If you were absent when the claim happened, make sure you have all the details about how you found the automobile and the damage.</li> <li><strong>Make a duplicate.</strong> Make a copy of the claim paperwork and all supporting documents before you present them to the insurance company. </li> </ol> <p>If you suspect that you will not be able to remember certain details applicable to the claim, make sure that you write them down soon after the incident. You can hold on to this paper if there&rsquo;s a possibility that future questions will arise that you cannot remember the answers to or you can include the statement in your claim. <br /> <br /> Call us today at <strong>(713) 349-0400</strong> for a free <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx">Houston auto insurance</a> quote!</p>urn:uuid:2050ac6e-f5d4-4769-8e17-67ae0375b68b<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000002834917XSmall.jpg' align='left' />With so many families trying to save money this summer, personal&nbsp;automobiles will be getting a workout as they are used to give a less expensive form of summer vacation travel transportation. But if you want to keep your family safe and avoid a ...Tue, 24 May 2011 16:55:00 -0500<p><img style="width: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" alt="Auto Insurance" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000002834917XSmall.jpg" />With so many families trying to <strong>save money</strong> this summer, personal&nbsp;<a href="/automobile/default.aspx">automobiles</a> will be getting a workout as they are used to give a less expensive form of summer vacation travel transportation. But if you want to keep your family safe and avoid a breakdown when you take your car on a vacation, then there are some maintenance steps that you should take. </p> <ol> <li><strong>Get a tune up.</strong> You should check your car for any possible or potential mechanic failures, but even if you don&rsquo;t find any take it in to your mechanic for a tune up. He or she will change the oil and filters, check the radiator, rotate the tires and do all those little things that need to be done before you expose your car to long drives in the heat of the summer.</li> <li><strong>Inflate your tires.</strong> Gas is expensive. Inflating your tires will help you to use less gas on your vacation and save you money. In addition, it will help keep your car better protected against driving damage.</li> <li><strong>Get new windshield wipers.</strong> Summer storms can creep up on you while driving. Cracked, old windshield wipers do not clean your windshield enough to clear your vision and allow you to drive safely. Get new wipers if yours are not in top condition.</li> <li><strong>Get your insurance papers together.</strong> The more you drive your car, the greater your chance of an accident. Put a copy of your car insurance policy in your glove compartment so that you can access it in a hurry. Also, if your cell phone does not have camera capabilities, make sure you put a disposable camera in the glove compartment too so you can take pictures at the scene of any accidents.</li> <li><strong>Check all your seat belts and anti-theft devices.</strong> To keep your family and car safe, make sure you double check all your safety belts for springiness and response to a sharp tug. Also, make sure that the click firmly when you fasten them. Finally, check your alarms and other anti-theft devices for loose wiring.</li> </ol> <p>By paying attention to these details before you take your vacation, not only will you keep your family and your car safer, you will also reduce the likelihood of an <a href="/claims.aspx"><strong>insurance claim</strong></a>. This will save you money all around and make sure that your trip is exactly as fun as a vacation is supposed to be. </p> <p><em>Make sure you and your family have a worry-free summer vacation with your <a href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/automobile/auto_quote_form.aspx"><strong>Houston Auto Insurance</strong></a><strong></strong> from <strong>Henrich Insurance Group</strong>.</em></p>urn:uuid:26db1f9e-7105-45a4-92ab-95ef6a98adf2<img src='http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000006117986XSmall.jpg' align='left' />Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy. Auto insur...Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:04:28 -0500<img src="http://www.higtexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/iStock_000006117986XSmall.jpg" style="float: right; margin-right: 7px; width: 200px;" alt="Car Insurance" /><a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx">Auto insurance</a> protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.<br /> <p>Auto insurance provides property, liability and medical coverage:</p> <ul> <li type="disc">Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car. </li> <li type="disc">Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage. </li> <li type="disc">Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses. </li> </ul> <p>An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.<br /> <br /> Most auto policies are for six months&nbsp;or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it's time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.</p> <p><strong>Questions to ask your agent</strong><br /> Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding auto insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion: </p> <ul> <li type="disc">How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? (To keep premiums low you may want to have a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.) </li> <li type="disc">What is the insurance company's level of service and ability to pay claims? </li> <li type="disc">What discounts are available? (Ask about good driver, multiple policy and student discounts.) </li> <li type="disc">What's the procedure for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.) </li> </ul> <strong>Houston, Texas</strong><br /> Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit, it's no wonder that Houston is a popular international destination. In this section we provide you with options that will give you a good idea of what Houston is all about. You can also view our <a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/events/index.html">Calendar of Events</a> to see more than 400 events in the Houston area throughout the next 12 months.<br /> <br /> Call us today at <strong>(713) 349-0400</strong> for a free <a href="http://www.higtexas.com/automobile/default.aspx">Houston auto insurance</a> quote!<br /> <br /> (Source: <a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/index.html" target="_blank">HoustonTX.gov</a>)urn:uuid:d5f13a6e-9837-4ebb-b85f-27fefa138591<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/imagesCADVEN3B.jpg' align='left' /> Preventing Frozen Pipes Recovering from frozen pipes is not as simple as calling a plumber. A crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day. Both plastic and copper pipes can burst. By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yours...Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:13:52 -0600<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="320" height="114" alt="" style="width: 406px; height: 114px;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/imagesCADVEN3B.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #00b0f0; font-size: 32px;"><strong>Preventing Frozen Pipes<br /> </strong><strong><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 16px;">Recovering from frozen pipes is not as simple as calling a plumber. A crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day. Both plastic and copper pipes can burst. By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money, and aggravation frozen pipes cause.<br /> </span></strong><span style="color: #00b0f0;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /> Before The Cold Hits<br /> </span></strong></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Insulate </strong>pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are susceptible to freezing.<br /> </span><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Heat tape (silver tape)</strong>&nbsp;or thermostatically- controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes.<br /> <strong>Seal</strong> leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. <br /> <strong>Disconnect</strong> garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.<br /> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>When The Mercury Drops<br /> </strong></span><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>A trickle</strong> of hot and cold water might be <span style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span> it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.<br /> <strong>Open </strong>cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.<br /> <span style="color: #00b0f0; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Before You Go Away<br /> </strong></span><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Set </strong>the thermostat in your house no lower than 55F (12C).<br /> </span><strong>Ask </strong>a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing or<br /> </span><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Shut off</strong> and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.<br /> <br /> </span><span style="color: #00b0f0; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>If Your Pipes Freeze<br /> </strong></span><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Don't take chances.</strong> If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.) <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Never</strong> try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. <strong>Do not</strong> use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"></p> </span> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> </span> <p style="text-align: left;"></p> </span> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> </span></p>urn:uuid:6b36b6b4-98c5-4ef4-b041-777ed8145247<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/My%20Newsletters/auto%20insurance.jpg' align='left' />Texas Auto Insurance Change Approaches &nbsp; You may have already heard that effective January 1, 2011, the minimum Bodily Injury liability limits required by Texas state law have increased to $30,000 per person, $60,000 per occurrence ($30,000/$6...Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:11:46 -0600<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><strong>Texas Auto Insurance Change Approaches<br /> </strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/My%20Newsletters/auto%20insurance.jpg" /></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">You may have already heard that effective <strong>January 1, 2011</strong>, the minimum Bodily Injury liability limits required by Texas state law have <strong>increased to</strong> <strong>$30,000 per person, $60,000 per occurrence ($30,000/$60,000). </strong>This increase will also apply to Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury limits, if you elected to carry that coverage on your policy. <br /> <br /> As of January 1, 2011, your coverage will automatically increase to meet the new minimum limits required by Texas law, even though the new limits will not be listed on your current policy until your next renewal. If you do not carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage on your policy, no change will be made to this coverage. <br /> <br /> In order to protect your family and your assets, we encourage you to review your coverage periodically. While these limits will be the new minimum standard required in Texas, you may find them to be inadequate for protecting your assets. Higher limits of coverage are available to better protect you.<br /> <br /> To review your policy, get quotes, and make changes, visit our website at <a href="http://"><span style="font-size: 18px;">higtexas.com</span> </a>or, if you prefer, call us at 713-349-0400.<br /> <br /> We value you as a policyholder and look forward to continuing to serve your insurance needs for many years to come.</span></p> </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:28214613-68bb-4f0e-9053-70126e22b59e<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/tips.jpg' align='left' /> The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing and enjoying family and friends. Unfortunately, it's also a season for criminals, who have more targets carrying extra money with lowered awareness. But there are ways to protect yourself and to less...Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:10:33 -0600<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 24px;"><strong><img alt="" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/tips.jpg" /><br /> T</strong></span><span style="font-size: 16px;">he holiday season is a time for giving, sharing and enjoying family and friends. Unfortunately, it's also a season for criminals, who have more targets carrying extra money with lowered awareness.<br /> <br /> But there are ways to protect yourself and to lessen your chances of a crime happening to you.</span></span> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.</span> </li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;"></span> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you. Don't get distracted.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Walk purposefully, stand tall, and make eye contact with people around you.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel&nbsp;uncomfortable, leave.&nbsp;</span></p> </li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Always carry your&nbsp;Texas Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Keep cash in your front pocket.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp; </li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.&nbsp;</span>&nbsp; </li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;">Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, <span style="color: #c00000; text-decoration: underline;">"con-artists"</span> may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.</strong></span> </li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 24px;"><a href="http://crime.about.com/library/blholidayquiz.htm" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 24px;">Take the Holiday Safety Quiz </span></strong></a>- </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">Answering the questions can help determine if you are doing all that you can to protect yourself and your family from would-be criminals during the holiday season at home while shopping.<br /> <br /> Click on the link below to begin the test. At the end of the quiz you will be given a score, which is completely confidential and can only be seen by you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong><a href="http://crime.about.com/library/blholidayquiz.htm" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 16px;">START THE QUIZ!</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>urn:uuid:e87977f0-5c10-4f40-a0bf-bd6558c9bbf5<img src='http://www.HIGTexas.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/SNAG%20OF%20HIG%20WEBSITE%20PHOTO%20FOR%20BLOG.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp; HIG-Henrich Insurance Group is happy to announce the launch of our new and improved website. The new website will appear different visually but the content will not change. Our aim is that all revelant information can be accessed as easy as p...Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:46:14 -0600<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="border-color: #000000;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/SNAG%20OF%20HIG%20WEBSITE%20PHOTO%20FOR%20BLOG.jpg" /></a></p> <br /> <span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>HIG-Henrich Insurance Group</strong></span> is happy to announce the launch of our new and improved website. The new website will appear different visually but the content will not change. Our aim is that all revelant information can be accessed as easy as possible. If you experience any problems with the new website, please let us know.<br /> <br /> <strong>HIG has released the following new sections on their website:<br /> </strong><br /> * <a href="https://fc958351-d7cd-4f3f-ad4f-8e049ca86413.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/payments.aspx" target="_blank">Online Payment Forms<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/faq.aspx" target="_blank">Helpful FAQ Section<br /> </a>* <a href="https://messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/hig.html?ps_s=NDri8HnPyMDm" target="_blank">Live Online Support<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/blog.aspx" target="_blank">Online Blog<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/glossary.aspx" target="_blank">Insurance Glossary<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/links.aspx" target="_blank">Links to&nbsp;our carrier websites<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/DocumentLibrary.aspx" target="_blank">Important Files to download<br /> </a>* <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/secure/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fsecure%2fDefault.aspx" target="_blank">Secure File area for our customers<br /> <br /> </a>There are many other ways to stay connected with <strong>HIG- Henrich Insurance Group</strong> click on one of the following links below.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=121860294544216&amp;sk=basic#!/pages/HIG-Henrich-Insurance-Group/121860294544216?v=wall" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="width: 146px; height: 68px;border: 0px solid;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/FB_btn.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/HIGTexas" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="width: 144px; height: 82px;border: 0px solid;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/twitter.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=95944903&amp;trk=tab_pro" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="border: 0px solid;" src="/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/linkedin.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://henrichinsurancegroup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="width: 137px; height: 53px;border: 0px solid;" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.HIGTexas.com/blogger.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <strong>Any suggestions are very welcomed!<br /> </strong>You are welcome to contact:<br /> <a href="http://maetruhen0c.qa.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/employees.aspx" target="_blank">Trudy Maes </a>Ph: 713-349-0400 Ext. 104<br /> Trudy@HIGTexas.com<br />