How To Prevent Flood Damage to Your Home

You know how devastating it can be if you’ve been through a flood. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but being prepared can help you prevent some of the more severe damage from flooding in the first place.

The most significant mistake people in Katy, TX make when it comes to flooding is assuming it will never happen to them. All Around Insurance Agency has gathered some FEMA-approved tips to help you prepare for the worst. 

How To Prevent Flood Damage to Your Home

Outside Flood Prep

Keep your drainage and runoff systems in good working order. Regularly clean out gutters and downspouts—repair any damaged downspouts or drainage systems. Also, check nearby drainage dites or storm drains for debris.

Raise your utilities and service equipment. Keep them well anchored. Outdoor fuel tanks should be anchored to the ground or concrete. Make sure filling and ventilation systems are elevated above the tank.

Increase the pervious area of your yard. Add mulch, gravel, or porous materials to your yard to help water soak into the ground. Impervious surfaces like concrete or asphalt allow water to run off instead of soaking into the ground, which can quickly overwhelm drainage systems.

Inside Flood Prep

Move valuables, documents, and other items that aren’t waterproof to higher ground. Everything should be in waterproof containers or a waterproof barrier, such as a tarp. It’s also a good idea to move any electronic items, such as a computer or TV, to higher ground.

Prevent sewer backups by installing backflow valves on all sinks, tubs, and showers. A backflow valve is a device that prevents water from flowing in more than one direction.

Contact Us Today

If you’re a Katy, TX resident worried about flooding, contact All Around Insurance Agency to learn about your flood insurance options.

Answers to Your Life Insurance Questions

At All Around Insurance Agency serving Katy, TX, we make it our number one priority to provide clients with solid insurance information. You can’t make good insurance choices without accurate answers to your questions. Keep reading to find answers to common life insurance questions.

Life Insurance FAQs

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

This is a common question people ask when they are shopping for life insurance. The amount of coverage you need depends on many different details. The most important consideration will be what the goal of the life insurance policy is. Some families are only hoping to cover final expenses with their policy. While other families expect to replace lost income that will result from a loved one passing. 

To determine the proper amount of life insurance you should purchase, you should sit down with one of our trained insurance agents. This professional will be able to look at your current financial situation and help you determine how much life insurance will meet the goals you have set. 

How Do I Discuss This With My Family?

Many families have a hard time having these types of conversations. Death is never an easy topic. However, it can sometimes be helpful to bring in an insurance agent to participate in this type of conversation. Our agents are trained to help families discuss these important yet challenging topics. It is also helpful to have the insurance agent present because they can answer any questions professionally. 

If you would like to learn more about life insurance, or any of our other insurance services, please contact us at All Around Insurance Agency, serving Katy, TX and the surrounding areas. 

Raising Safe Drivers: 3 Things to Teach Your Teen Driver

The first time your teen gets behind the wheel can be an exciting and scary time. Will they anticipate the mistakes of other drivers? Will they be distracted by their friends? Will they stay safe on the road? Teaching your teen these five things – which are often overlooked during the learning-to-drive phase – can help keep your young driver safe on the road. Here are some tips we at All Around Insurance Agency recommend for Katy, TX drivers.

3 Things to Teach Your Teen Driver

#1 – Anticipate the Errors of Others

Teach your teen driver that many accidents occur because of the mistakes of other drivers and teach them to drive defensively. Tips for defensive driving include: 

  • Stay alert. Be aware of the motorists around you and keep an eye out for unusual behavior, like crossing the midline, speeding, running red lights, or erratic behavior. Stay far away from vehicles showing signs of aggressive or unpredictable driving.
  • Check your side and rearview mirrors frequently so you know what’s going on behind you and are able to respond accordingly. 
  • Keep your own speed down, drive within posted speed limits, and maintain a 3-4 second distance between you and any vehicle in front of you. This gives you enough time to react to changes in front of you in good conditions. Increase that distance if you have to drive in poor conditions.

#2 – Limit Distractions

Distracted driving caused 3,142 deaths in 2019 alone. Teach your teen to avoid being distracted by driving by focusing only on the road while they’re behind the wheel. They should avoid eating, using their cell phone, or visiting with friends while operating their vehicle. Some parents don’t allow their teens to drive with friends in the vehicle until they’ve been licensed for at least a year to help limit distractions. 

#3 – Assume Some Financial Responsibility

When your teen driver assumes some of the financial responsibility for their vehicle, they may be more likely to make safe driving decisions. Whether they help pay for the vehicle, the maintenance, or the insurance, having some skin in the game reinforces the expense involved in vehicle ownership and drives responsible driving.

For your auto insurance needs, visit All Around Insurance Agency in Katy, TX today!

Home Insurance FAQs

Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned homeowner in Katy, TX, you need home insurance to protect your prized asset. But because home insurance is broad, sometimes even seasoned homeowners don’t understand its nitty-gritty. As such, you need a knowledgeable insurance agent you can turn to when you need to know more about home insurance. For Katy TX residents, make All Around Insurance Agency your go-to insurance agent for all your home insurance needs.

Since we like empowering our clients with information, we write informative topics from time to time. Today, we are writing about frequently asked questions about home insurance. Hang on for insights about this crucial coverage.

What does home insurance cover?

If you have invested in home insurance, it covers your dwelling and contents inside. Plus, home insurance protects you against liability claims and also provides additional living expenses coverage when your home is rendered unlivable by a covered peril.

How much home insurance should I have?

As a rule of thumb, consider dwelling coverage adequate to rebuild your home from the ground up. Likewise, consider home insurance that can replace your assets in the worst-case scenario. For liability coverage, consider an amount of about $300,000, but if you need higher liability protection, consider umbrella insurance.

What are the typical home insurance exclusions?

While home insurance is great, it doesn’t cover all risks. Typical home insurance doesn’t cover the below:

  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Water damage from sewer backups
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Intentional damage
  • Government actions

Also, high-value items like jewelry enjoy limited protection from home insurance. However, you can consider “add-ons” to boost coverage.

Where can I purchase home insurance in Katy, TX?

Finding the right insurance agent can be frustrating, but this shouldn’t be the case if you opt for All Around Insurance Agency. We always have the interests of our clients at heart and act as your financial advisor to help you choose the right balance for your insurance needs.

 

Commercial Blanket Insurance: FAQs

Do you own multiple commercial properties? If so, it can be time-consuming, overwhelming, and confusing to insure these properties separately. One effective way to insure all of your properties is to purchase blanket insurance from an insurance agency like All Around Insurance Agency, serving Katy, TX. This type of insurance offers a much wider level of protection that helps to reduce your overall risk and liability and minimize losses. Let’s learn more about commercial blanket insurance.

How Does a Commercial Blanket Policy Work?

Blanket insurance provides business owners with the opportunity to purchase one policy that offers protection for all of their individual locations, as opposed to a separate policy for every location. However, it is important to understand that this is only available if your buildings are similar in nature and function.

For example, if you own several restaurants, a commercial blanket policy will provide protection for all locations. However, if you own a car wash as well, then this form of insurance protection may not be available.

Further, the maximum amount that can be paid out by your insurance company will be divided among all insured commercial properties.

What Does a Commercial Blanket Policy Cover?

Insurance coverage tends to take effect if there is any covered loss associated with any of your business properties. This may include damage due to a flood, fire, theft, etc. As a general rule, the coverage you have will be broader with a blanket policy as opposed to a single policy.

If you believe that your businesses can benefit from a commercial blanket insurance policy, reach out to our team of professional insurance agents at All Around Insurance Agency. We have been providing a variety of commercial coverage to Katy, TX business owners and would love to add you into the mix. Contact us today for a quote.

4 Benefits of Renters Insurance

Most people buy insurance to protect valuable items like boats and vehicles. However, they overlook one crucial insurance called renter’s insurance — an essential investment for everyone who rents apartments, homes, or condos. It’s a policy that can protect your valuables in the event of theft or fire. If you think your landlord’s insurance will cover you in such incidences, then you are wrong. Protecting your personal property is your headache.

To that end, if you have never considered renters insurance, perhaps this is the time. If you purchase renters’ insurance from All Around Insurance Agency, you will enjoy the following benefits.

Personal property protection

If you conducted an inventory count on your personal belongings, you would be surprised by their worth. Investing in renters’ insurance assures your possessions’ protection in case of disaster.

Liability protection

If you host guests in your rented apartment, then you need to consider renters insurance. A lot can happen in your apartment — your pet can bite, and accidents can happen, attracting heavy liability claims. If such incidences occur, you will be glad you invested in renters’ insurance. 

Covers additional living expenses

If a covered peril resulted in your home becoming uninhabitable, you would be thankful you had renters’ insurance. Renters insurance kicks in and caters for a temporary living place as your home undergoes repairs.

Peace of mind

Nothing beats your peace of mind. Without renters’ insurance, you will be responsible for all the damages that may arise after a mishap in your apartment. Renters insurance is that safety net that offers you peace of mind knowing it got your back.

Renters insurance in Katy, TX

Whether you’ve rented an apartment or a condo, you need renters’ insurance to enjoy the above benefits. If you are in Katy, TX and its environs, look no further than All Around Insurance Agency for an affordable renter’s insurance quote. 

Is motorcycle insurance a necessity?

All Around Insurance Agency in Katy, TX offers insurance policies that help to protect your motorcycle, scooter, or trike. Whether it is your primary mode of transport or not, the insurance company covers you in case of an accident. Accidents can be fatal at times. Because they are unpredictable, it would be far more expensive to pay cash from your pocket to cater for all the bills when an accident occurs. Most residents in Katy, TX consider motorcycle transport fast and very flexible, but it comes with inherent risks. Therefore, prevention is better than cure. Please speak with our agents at All Round Insurance Agency and get outstanding motorcycle insurance that matches your needs and lifestyle.

Is Motorcycle Insurance a Necessity?

Motorcycle insurance is a necessity in Katy, TX. Most states recommend motorcycle owners to have an insurance policy. All Around Insurance Agency provides coverages for your motorcycle, which will enable you to drive legally on the roads in Katy TX. It is necessary to have motorcycle insurance for the following reasons:

  1. It is a legal requirement. In Katy, TX you will be aligned with the law if you have motorcycle insurance. You will be safe from fines charged by the traffic police. As a citizen, obedience to the law is a necessity.
  2. It protects your assets. Purchasing a motorcycle is expensive. Therefore, it is a valuable asset. Losing it is a total loss. Hence, the All-Around Insurance Agency helps to protect the loss. They come through to replace or repair it in case of an accident.
  3. It offers liability protection. In case someone is injured, or their property is damaged, and you are at fault, the All-Around Insurance Agency comes through and covers for their medical bills and replacement or repair of their asset. However, your medical and asset bills are not included in the liability protection.
  4. It instills peace of mind. You feel at ease knowing that you do not have to fish your savings to pay the bills in case of an accident, which could be very expensive.
  5. It provides medical payment coverage. If you get hurt due to an accident with your motorcycle, the All-Around Insurance Agency comes through for your medical bills.

Are you a motorcycle owner or rider in Katy, TX? Please call or visit All Around Insurance Agency and get motorcycle insurance policies at an affordable fee. Start your insurance journey with us.

Do I Need Boat Insurance in Katy, TX?

Picture this: it’s a beautiful hot day, and you are cruising in the waters with soft music playing in the background. From your boat, you can see the stunning sceneries that Texas State has to offer. That’s the dream, right? Nothing tops exploring the waters with your boat.

But hold on. Before you get there, you need to think about boat insurance from the All Around Insurance Agency of Katy, TX. Yes, if you want to have peace of mind in the waters, let boat insurance float with you.   

If you have been boating without watercraft insurance, here are the reasons you should give boat insurance a second look. 

Physical damage coverage

Your boat can sustain damage while on the water, in the garage, or when being towed. Thankfully, collision and comprehensive coverages pay you for damages to your boat resulting from perils like collisions, fire, theft, vandalism, and natural calamities. 

Liability coverage

When using your boat, you can cause physical damage or bodily injuries to third parties. Without boat insurance, you may have to incur out-of-pocket expenses to cover third-party liability claims. However, when you have invested in boat insurance, such liabilities don’t have to worry you so much.

Medical costs coverage

If you or your passengers incur physical injuries in a boating accident, your boat insurance caters for medical expenses, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. This coverage shields you from worrying about medical costs instead of focusing on your recovery.

It may be required

While boat insurance isn’t mandatory in Texas, your lender may require you to purchase basic boat insurance to protect their financial interests.

Buy boat insurance today in Katy, TX!

Whether you own sailing, fishing, or personal watercraft, you need boat insurance from the All Around Insurance Agency to protect your investment. Ready to get started? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for a competitive quote.

Why Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance policies are add-on policies to enhance your existing liability insurance coverage. These insurance policies provide additional coverage by paying above and beyond what your primary insurance policies pay. Ultimately, an umbrella insurance policy helps protect your assets, future earnings, and financial future. If you live in Katy, TX, the All Around Insurance Agency has agents ready to answer your questions about umbrella insurance and offer suggestions as to why you need it. 

Protect Your Financial Future

An umbrella insurance policy helps protect your financial future by paying for anything your primary insurance policy does not cover due to payout caps. When you are found liable for damage or injuries, your umbrella insurance pays the overage not covered by other insurance policies. The umbrella insurance policy paying for medical expenses and damage costs means your assets are not at risk of seizure, and your income is not at risk of garnishment. Ultimately, an umbrella insurance policy protects everything that could negatively affect your financial future. 

Pay for Legal Fees

When at fault for an accident or when someone gets injured on your property, you risk being sued by another person. Fighting a liable case in court can be expensive, and depending on your financial situation, you may not be able to fight the case in court. Having umbrella insurance helps pay your legal fees associated with the lawsuit. 

An umbrella insurance policy helps protect your savings, assets, and future assets if you are found liable for injury or damage. Do not put your financial future at risk; call an agent at All Around Insurance Agency to discuss your umbrella insurance options and protect your Katy, TX home. 

How to Choose a Flood Insurance Policy in Katy, TX

Some things are obvious: If you’re in a floodplain, you need flood insurance. But other things are less obvious: Even if you are not in a floodplain, you can still have a flood. Sure, the chances of it happening on a large scale may be smaller than if you lived in a floodplain, but it can and does still happen!

Learn from History

The residents of Redstone and Aspen, Colorado never thought they would experience a life-threatening flood either, until one day in 2013, it happened. Thousands of acres of land, mountainsides, and farms were washed away in the span of a few hours. 

It never starts fast. It begins slowly and builds up over time. Then, before you know it, towns are washed away.

Those who think it can never happen haven’t lived long enough to know that it can!

Who to Ask?

In Katy, your All Around Insurance Agency can protect you from the unforeseen flooding that happens due to factors that it is hard to predict. Winter thaws, rising creeks and rivers, and all sorts of other things can come together in a short time to produce a dangerous flood. Another factor causing severe flooding is the incidence of hurricanes near the southern part of Texas.

Where is Katy, TX?

It is located just a few miles west of Houston and is close to the Brazos River, as well as a number of smaller creeks and inlets that could rise to flood levels if a large amount of water was involved.

Hurricanes that affect the Houston area often travel north and west and can slam into Katy, TX quite easily with what is left of the force of the original storm.

Why take a chance? Visit with the folks at All Around Insurance Agency and be ready when the unforeseen happens!