Hurricane Season Is Here Again…
Hurricane Season Is Here Again…It is hard to believe, but June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season! Even harder to believe is that we were already effected by the first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Andrea. While individual forecasters may vary on the specific number of storms predicted, most anticipate 16 named storms – with 9 storms expected to become hurricanes and 5 of these projected to be considered major. In a press release issued a couple of weeks ago, Dr. William Gray (the famous climatologist of Colorado State University) indicated that, once again, this year will provide us with a much more active hurricane season.
Dr. Gray, who has normally been forecasting hurricanes much earlier in the year, waited until mid-April to make his predictions. However, he’s basing some of his statements on the idea that the water in the Atlantic Ocean is much warmer now than it has been in the past, and that means a greater than average threat of thunderstorms. Any increase in the number of thunderstorms will also mean greater likelihood of tropical depressions. Based on the events of the last two years (along with the warmer-than-normal surface temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean), I think it would be safe to say that we should take some of these predictions seriously. It is important to make sure your is your sump pumps are working and the drains are not clogged, remove electronics off the basement floor, clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts, sheds and garages should be secured, remove dead branches from your trees and the shingles on your roof are in good repair. There are people who are still rebuilding from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene and whether you have had damage or not, we must take precautions to prepare for the worst-case scenario with the upcoming hurricane season.
If there is the slightest chance of flooding in your area, you should call us about flood insurance. There is a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect. Regarding the values on your home, if you haven’t reviewed you coverage with us in the last year or two, give us a call. After all that, we do hope you have a great summer and are able enjoy your family and friends.
We will continue to write about the ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your property during what looks to be a very active hurricane season.
West Chester Window: Common Insurance Company Misconceptions
Every day you’re bombarded with commercial after commercial after banner ad after spam email that advertises some large insurance company and their latest new offering. Maybe it’s vanishing deductible. Maybe it’s accident forgiveness. Maybe it highlights the fact that your current policy may not cover a fairly common occurrence. Whatever that insurance company is highlighting, chances are your independent insurance agent, or in this case (since it’s our newsletter), Strickler Insurance, can offer as well. Let’s go through some of them:
- Vanishing Deductible. The vanishing deductible is great when you rarely have a claim on your personal automobile policy. Despite what the big guys may want you to think, this is something that we sell with many of our personal auto policies. Something you may want to watch out for, though: the benefit typically won’t exceed $500.
- Glass Deductibles. A lot of insurance companies will highlight that your windshield may not be covered without having to pay your deducible. Guess what? We offer it too. Watch out, deductible free claims are typically limited to collision only claims.
- Identity Fraud Coverage. Nationwide isn’t the only game in town on this one. We have that too. Beware of what the coverage is and isn’t– this can be a tricky one.
- Water backup vs. flood insurance. Water backup is coverage for water coming up through a drain while flood insurance would cover water seeping in through the walls from the ground or water surrounding your property. We offer both types of coverage.
Want to know an independent agent’s selling point that many of the big guys don’t have? MARKET VARIETY. We’re constantly trying, testing, and evaluating different markets for the best coverage at the lowest possible price for all different types of clients because, let’s face it, everyone’s different. And the great thing about market variety is that a rising tide with one company doesn’t necessarily mean that it raises all “boats” (clients rates) in the agency. If you’re a client here at Strickler Insurance Agency or you’re in the market for insurance in West Chester, Lebanon, or Bel Air, MD then give us a call. We promise you a great experience which should result some premium savings too.
Referral Contest Winner!
Grand Prize Winner!
BILL EHRGOOD from Mt Gretna with his brand new KINDLE FIRE HD!
Monthly Prize Winner!
Roxanne Carpenter from Lebanon with her $50 VISA gift card!
Going Green!
In an effort to help do our part for the environment and save some trees we are now offering the Strickler Express to you via email! Send us an email with your name and “receive newsletter via email” in the subject line to becky@stricklerinsurance.com
