Posted by John Coyle on Thu, Feb 02, 2012
By TERRENCE STUTZ
The Dallas Morning News
Austin Bureau
tstutz@dallasnews.com
Published: 01 February 2012 10:49 PM
AUSTIN — Nearly 350,000 Texas homeowners insured by Farmers Insurance will see their premiums jump by nearly 10 percent beginning next month after state Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman decided not to object to the increase.
The higher rates, which go into effect March 16, will increase premiums for Farmers policyholders who have either a Texas Family Home Policy or a Next Generation Home Policy. About half of Farmers customers have one of those policies.
Farmers last raised home insurance rates in Texas in March 2011 — an increase of 3.9 percent.
Company officials said the higher rates are needed to address increased claim costs.
In its initial rate filing last fall, Farmers said that current loss trends in Texas indicate an overall rate increase of 52 percent in premiums would be justified. The estimated impact of the rate hike, according to the company, is $41 million.
Under the state’s file-and-use system, auto and home insurers in Texas can raise rates once they have notified the insurance department, although the agency reviews all rate changes and can challenge any increase it considers excessive or unfairly discriminatory. A department spokesman said Wednesday that the state would not object.
A consumer group immediately criticized the commissioner for the Farmers decision and noted that Kitzman already has approved a rate hike for State Farm, which included a higher minimum deductible for its homeowners policies.
“So far, Eleanor Kitzman hasn’t met a rate hike she didn’t like,” said Alex Winslow of Texas Watch.
Winslow said Texas homeowners continue to get less insurance protection for more money as companies restrict what losses they will cover. He pointed out that Allstate and USAA also have increased their rates this year.
Kitzman has been commissioner for about five months.
When Farmers filed notice of its rate increase, Jim Swope, vice president and executive director for Farmers in North Texas, said the company had an underwriting loss of over $250 million in Texas from 2009 to 2011. He blamed weather damage and increased cost of roofing materials.
Swope said the rate plan does not include any change in the company’s deductibles. State Farm was the first major company in Texas to raise its minimum deductible to 1 percent, requiring policyholders to shoulder a bigger share of any property losses they sustain.
DMN BLOGGER TASHAJ responded 11:11 AM on 2/2/2012
The best advice is to call your local Independent AGENT & have them shop other carriers for you!
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals is Plano's Best Independent Agency.
Tri-Star will do the shopping for you. One call, One click & we search the market for the best Price & Coverage.
CALL 214-387-0600
Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Dec 16, 2011
From Dallas News.com
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning News tstutz@dallasnews.com
Published: 14 December 2010 04:57 AM
AUSTIN - Allstate Insurance has notified the Texas Department of Insurance that it will increase homeowners' rates statewide by 5.4 percent to 9.7 percent next month.
In a filing with the agency, the company said it will hike premiums 5.4 percent for customers with Allstate Texas Lloyds and 9.7 percent for those with Allstate Fire and Casualty. Together, the two Allstate subsidiaries provide coverage for about 625,000 homeowners in the state.
Kristen Beaman, a spokeswoman for Allstate, said Tuesday the increase is necessary because of rising construction costs and the frequency of destructive weather in Texas.
"It's a reflection of the weather in Texas. Hail and wind storms have been increasing in severity over the last several years," Beaman said. "The increased cost of roofing materials is also a big factor."
Still, she added, "We feel that our rates are very competitive in Texas."
For the 450,000 homeowners insured by Allstate Texas Lloyds, the average increase will be about $64 a year. For the 175,000 insured by the Allstate Fire and Casualty, the average increase will be $115. Those two subsidiaries have about 98 percent of Allstate's policyholders in Texas.
The new rates are effective Jan. 20. Allstate is the third largest home insurer in the state.
A spokesman for the Texas Department of Insurance said that agency actuaries will review the Allstate rate filings to make sure they are justified. Under state law, an insurer can increase premiums once it has notified the department, but the agency can order a reduction if the rates are deemed excessive.
Allstate Texas Lloyds last increased rates in August 2009, when North Texas homeowners insured by the company saw their rates jump an average 6 percent. Homeowners in the Houston area and along the Texas coast were hit with a 15.6 percent increase at that time.
Consumer groups said the latest rate plan from Allstate is just more of the same from the state's largest insurers.
"Here we go again," said Alex Winslow of Texas Watch, a consumer organization that closely follows insurance issues. "It seems like every time one of the major insurance carriers raises rates, they all raise rates."
Farmers Insurance announced an increase last month.
"This is part of a pattern we have seen for years with big companies raising rates without justification," he said. "They are allowed to do that because we have a system that lets big insurers dictate terms of the market without regard to the impact on policyholders."
Consumer groups have been urging the Legislature to return to a system of prior state approval of all rate hikes for auto and homeowners insurance. Currently, companies can raise premiums once they have notified the insurance department under the state's file-and-use system for implementing new rates.
The industry is poised to fight any changes in the system, arguing that it has stabilized the insurance market in Texas and promoted competition among companies.
Beaman said policyholders with Allstate Fire and Casualty will be offered a 22 percent discount if they have both their auto and homeowners policies with the company.
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If your insurance rates are increasing and you want to shop around for a better alternative, consider using a "Trusted Choice" Independent Agency. Most independent Agents can shop several carriers and they can customize coverage's to fit your budget. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals has been an "Trusted Choice" Member for over 10 years. Their dedicated staff will work hard to do the shopping for you. One call and they can shop more than 10 of the best carriers. Call 214-387-0600 for a better alternative for your insurance needs.
Your Award Winning Tri-Star Staff
Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Best Insurance Agency in Plano Texas
2011
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc.
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. was voted #1 Insurance Agency by the "2011 Readers' Choice Awards" of the Plano Star Courier newspaper . The Plano Star Courier is part of the Star Community Newspapers'. You can visit their website at www.starlocalnews.com.
We are very proud to have been voted the best insurance agency by the readers of the Plano Star Courier newspaper, said Roger Harkins, owner of Tri-Star Insurance Professional. We are a local, full service independent insurance agency at Preston & Hedgcoxe. We are very proud to have serve the community for the past 14 years by providing the best insurance protection from many of the best insurance carriers at the best prices. You have our pledge to continue to provide the best dedicated service to our customers which made us #1 in Plano.
Our customer spoke and we listened. They wanted the best choices at the best prices. Our customers wanted the ability to choose their protection from more than one company. They wanted to have the ability to customize their protection. They wanted companies that rewarded customers with no claims. They wanted an agency who really cared about them.
We at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. are committed to providing those services to all of our current and future customers.
Here are a few of the Great companies we represent
Thank you Plano for voting Tri-Star Insurance Professionals your Best Insurance Agency for 2011
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Oct 10, 2011
Since 2007, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. Has offered many different types of travel insurance through its affilliation with Seven Corners. We offer specific programs for Medical and Trip Insurance.
Select the program and get a quick quote.
Interactive Travel Insurance Guide
Not sure which plan to choose? Use this tool to help you navigate our plans! |
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Interactive Travel Insurance Guide
- Find the best plan by answering just a few questions
- Get an Instant Quote as soon as you find the right insurance plan
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Our insurance plans:
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Travel Medical Insurance
Coverage for U.S. Citizens traveling overseas as well as Foreign Nationals Visiting the United States |
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Liaison International
best for: Travelers while outside of their fixed and permanent residence for 180 days or less. This plan will pay for new illnesses/ new injuries based on the area where you are being treated.
- Up to $1,000,000 in Medical Benefits
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Underwritten by Nationwide in most states
- Seven Corners' premiere product since 1993
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Liaison Worldwide
best for: Travelers while outside of their fixed and permanent residence for 12 months or less.
- Up to $500,000 in Medical Benefits
- Renewable up to 3 years
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Underwritten by Nationwide
- Available in most states
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Liaison Majestic
best for: Travelers while outside of their fixed and permanent residence for 12 months or less. Includes political evacuation.
- Up to $1,000,000 in Medical Benefits
- Renewable up to 3 years
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Pre-existing Condition waiver for U.S. citizens
- Covered benefits include Political Evacuation and Terrorism
- Underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania
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Liaison Continent
best for: Travelers while outside of their fixed and permanent residence for 187 days or less. This plan has multiple co-insurance options.
- Must purchase within 3 months of arrival in the U.S.
- Up to $1,000,000 in Medical Benefits
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Pre-existing Condition waiver for U.S. citizens
- Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition benefit for foreign nationals
- Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London
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Liaison Multiquote
- Obtain Quotes for all four travel medical plans listed above at one time.
- Program options may vary based on your particular state of residence
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Liaison Silver
best for: U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States for 12 months or less. The primary insured must be at least 50 years of age.
- Insure grandchildren traveling with grandparents
- Up to $1,000,000 in Medical Benefits
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania
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Visitors Insurance - Scheduled Benefit Programs
Products specifically designed for foreign nationals visiting or immigrating to the United States. By utilizing benefit schedules, the following programs are priced competitively. |
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Inbound Guest
best for: Non-U.S. Citizen's needing limited coverage 180 days or less. Scheduled benefits pay pre-determined max amount per covered procedure.
- Up to 6 months of coverage
- Purchase within 6 months of arrival in the United States
- Several benefit options from which to choose
- Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London
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Inbound Immigrant
best for: Non-U.S. citizen Visitors & Immigrants coming to the U.S. Available a minimum of 5 days up to 5 years. Scheduled benefits which pay pre-determined maximum amount per covered procedure.
- Up to 5 years of coverage available
- Purchase within 2 years of arrival in the United States
- Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London
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Trip Insurance
Protect the cost of your trip, your luggage, and your health while you travel within the United States as well as overseas. |
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RoundTrip
best for: Travelers who are primarily concerned with insuring the non-refundable deposits of their trip.
- RoundTrip- our most popular option; or RoundTrip Choice- for maximum benefits
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Delay Coverage
- Emergency Evacuation, Medical, and Baggage Protection
- Underwritten by Nationwide in most states
- 24 Hour Worldwide Assistance Service
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RoundTrip Economy/Elite
best for: Travelers who are primarily concerned with insuring the non-refundable deposits of their trip with additional benefits.
- RoundTrip Economy- perfect plan for the budget minded traveler; or RoundTrip Elite -ideal for the discriminating traveler looking for the next level of protection
- Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Delay Coverage
- Emergency Evacuation, Medical, and Baggage Protection
- Underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company
- 24 Hour Worldwide Assistance Service
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Annual/Multi-Trip Travel Coverage
Program designed to protect you anytime you are outside of your home country. |
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Wander Frequent Traveler
best for: Frequent Travelers looking for evacuation and medical coverage, when outside of their fixed permanent residence. Take as many trips as you want throughout the year, as long as the trips are less than 30 days.
- Annual Frequent Traveler Plan, up to $1,000,000 in Medical Benefits
- Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Covered benefits include Political Evacuation and Terrorism
- Underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania
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Student Travel Medical Insurance
Coverage for Students, Faculty, and Scholars who travel outside of their home country. |
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Liaison Student
best for: Students who are traveling outside of their home country that are engaged in full time educational classes, and or research.
- Price specifically designed for students
- Maternity coverage included
- Underwritten by Nationwide
- 24 Hour Worldwide Assistance Service
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Worldwide Medical Insurance
Long-Term Medical Insurance that covers you no matter where you live. |
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Reside Prime
best for: U.S. citizens spending at least one year outside of the United States & Canada who desire a U.S.-style medical program, or Foreign nationals traveling often or permanently residing in their home country. This plan will pay for new illnesses/ new injuries based on the area where you are being treated.
- Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London
- Choose your area of Coverage: Worldwide Including the United States and Canada or Worldwide Excluding the United States and Canada
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Reside
best for: Individuals residing in foreign countries who desire the flexibility to travel and not lose protection. Scheduled benefits which pay pre-determined maximum amount per covered procedure.
- Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London
- Schedule of available benefits offers international citizens competitive premiums
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Missionary Medical Insurance
Coverage for missionaries. |
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Disciple Missionary
best for: Missionaries who are traveling outside of their home country. Provides Scheduled benefits which pay pre-determined maximum amount per covered procedure.
- Up to 12 months of coverage
- Furlough coverage, Polictical Evacuation, Coma, Felonious Assault, Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation and 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania
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Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Sep 27, 2011
Once again State Farm insurance is front page news in the Dallas Morning News on September 13, 2011. The article by Terrence Stutz reports on the filing State Farm made to the Texas Department of Insurance for a proposed new system of deductibles for homeowner insurance coverage that would eliminate dollar limits and require customers to shift to a deductible of 1 percent of the home's insured value or optional higher percentages ranging up to 5 percent.
For example, many policyholders who now have a $500 or $1000 deductible will soon be subject to a 1 percent deductible on property damage or losses. On a home insured for $200,000, that means the deductible will jump to $2,000
State Farm has also filed notice of an average 10 percent increase in homeowners rates...
"Under the percentage system, many homeowners would shell out more in a claim"
To read the entire article follow the link to The Dallas Morning News:
Additional information can be found at Insurance specialist, Insurance information Portal:
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. represents many of the leading homeowner insurance companies. If your current carrier is forcing you to a mandatory percentage deductible, call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals today at 214-387-0600. One of Tri-Star's representative can provide you with a company which will let you have a dollar based fixed deductible for your Clause 2 "Other Perils" deductible.
Here are a few examples of current Tri-Star Insurance carriers that offer a dollar based clause 2 deductible:
For Comparison Quotes from Tri-Star Insurance Click below:
Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Sep 07, 2011
State Farm is the subject of a front page article in the Dallas Morning News by Terrence Stutz of the Austin Bureau.The article states that State Farm is charging "well above" average rates for homeowners insurance in Texas. It also stated that of the 27 largest insurance companies doing business in Texas, State Farm, is the only company with a less than A, AM Best rating. State Farm is currently B++.
We have provided the link to the Dallas morning news article but you might need to be a registered subscriber to access it in it's entirety.
The bottom line for consumers, is to shop around and compare rates for your insurance.The Article does suggest that consumers use a site that is a state-run website to compare insurance companies. We agree and often refer people to the "Help Insure" website. You can compare coverages and premiums with many companies offering policies in Texas. Unfortunately, not all companies are listed.
Here are the Shopping tips listed on the Texas Department of Insurance website.
(August 2011)
Shopping for insurance is similar to shopping for any major item. It’s best to compare companies and products to find the best price, quality, and customer service.
This publication provides tips that can help you get a better deal on auto, homeowners, and renters insurance.
Know Your Rights
All auto and homeowners policies in Texas must include a Consumer Bill of Rights. The bill of rights explains your legal rights and responsibilities. Read it carefully. You may also view the bills of rights for both types of policies on the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) website
www.tdi.texas.gov
Quick Tips to Help You Shop
- Determine what coverages you want and need. For instance, if you have valuable car stereo equipment or if you need more than basic coverage for jewelry, collectibles, or other valuables, you might need endorsements that change or add coverage. Endorsements that add coverage will increase your premium.
- Consider factors other than price, including a company’s financial rating and complaint index. The financial rating indicates a company’s financial strength and stability, and the complaint index is an indication of its customer service record.
- Buy only from licensed insurance agents and companies. Most licensed companies must belong to a guaranty association that pays claims for members that become insolvent. You can learn a company’s financial rating, complaint index, and license status by calling the TDI Consumer Help Line or by visiting our website
1-800-252-3439
463-6515 in Austin
www.tdi.texas.gov
- Include independent agents in your search. Some agents only represent a single company or company group. Independent agents typically represent several companies and can give you multiple quotes at one time.
- If you buy insurance over the Internet, take the same precautions as you would for any insurance purchase. Many legitimate companies have websites that allow you to purchase insurance online that make shopping for insurance easy and convenient, but also provides the anonymity that allows illegitimate companies to flourish. Be especially cautious of insurance that’s offered through unsolicited e-mails.
- Answer questions truthfully when you apply for insurance or ask for a rate quote. Wrong information may result in an incorrect price quote, rejection of your insurance application, or cancellation of your policy.
- Consider higher deductibles. Your policy will probably have deductibles. A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket on your claim before the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss. The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium. Choose the highest deductibles you can afford.
- Ask about discounts. Insurance companies may offer policy discounts that will lower your premium. Ask your agent what discounts the company offers.
- Make sure you have uninterrupted coverage. Never cancel an existing policy until you get your new policy or a written binder. A binder proves you have coverage until the company issues your policy.
- Don’t pay cash to an individual agent. Pay with a personal check or money order made out to the insurance company or agency. Get a receipt for your premium payment.
- If a company turns you down, keep shopping. Different companies have different criteria for accepting customers
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Tri-Star Insurance Professionals represents several of the leading insurance companies. You can get Home & Auto quotes from several of our companies with one entry on our website.
Click the following logo to shop with our carriers.
Dallas Morning News Page 1
Dallas Morning News page 2
Posted by Roger Harkins on Mon, Aug 29, 2011
John Coyle of Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. has been named to the inaugural "Best Home and Auto Insurance Agents" List by D Magazine. In the September 2011 issue, D Magazine will publish the list of the Top 1 Percent of Insurance Agents in Dallas. D Magazine works with an independent research firm to compile a list of nominees.
When notified by D Magazine that he had qualified, John Coyle, responded "it's an honor and privilege to be nominated by my customers. The fact that your customers respect your work enough to recommend you to their friends and family is the highest form of appreciation. When I started my career over 20 years ago, I knew I needed to put the customers needs first. Everyone is different, so I take the time necessary to review and advise each customer as an individual. When your emphasis is concentrated on the customers needs, your customer always ends up with the best insurance options at the right price for their situation."
You can view John's Profile by clicking the following link. 
The list will also be available on line at dmagazine.com.
D Magazine founded in 1974, has been named the "Best City Magazine" in the nation three times by the City and Regional Magazine Association. D Magazine has also won five of the Press Club of Dallas' Katy Awards, including the awards for "Best Magazine" and the "Visual Communications award for Magazine Design.
Local interest has steadily grown since it launched its annual "Best and Worst" Awards in 1977.
The September 2011 issue kicks off a new "Best Of" series, Best Home and Auto Insurance Agents in Dallas. This new category will join it's popular Best Doctors, Best Lawyers and Best Real Estate Agents series.
This list is produced in partnership with Crescendo Business Services, an independent research firm. Crescendo mailed ballots to and called 17,000 area residents who had recently purchased homes. Recipients were asked to nominate only insurance agent professionals whom they know through personal experience and to evaluate them in two categories: overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend them to a friend. Crescendo scored and screened each nominee based on these evaluations. Each agent is qualified against the Texas Department of Insurance to make sure their licenses were up to date and there had been no disciplinary action.
Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Aug 26, 2011
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. held their 3rd TV Give-a-Way drawing and Jeff Mercer of Mercer Company was our Winner . Jeff has referred several customers to Tri-Star Insurance and we appreciate his trust in our agency to help his customers, friends and family.
If you would like to be the next winner, all it takes is referring your friends and family to our agency to get a quote for their insurance. We promise to get the best coverage's and the best pricing for your referrals.
With each referral you will receive 1 entry for the TV Give-A-Way. If you refer 10, you'll have 10 entries for the drawing. It's that easy.
You have serveral ways to get us your referals. You can call us at 214-387-0600 and give us the names and contact information of your referals.
We have also setup a quick form on our web site under the "Win A TV" tab.
If you have your referals call us, please remind them to metion your name but we ask every caller "how did you hear about us". We want to make sure you get every chance to win the next Big Screen TV!
Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Aug 24, 2011
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals owner, Roger Harkins, was invited by Kemper Insurance to the New York Stock exchange for the "Ringing of the Opening Bell" on Thursday August 25, 2011 at 8:29ct.
Unitrin, Inc will be changing its name to Kemper Corporation and its ticker symbol to "KMPR". To commemorate the company's new name and ticker symbol, Chairman, President and CEO Don Southwell, will ring the Opening Bell on August 25, 2011 at 9:29am ET. (8:29ct)
Watch a live webcast of The Opening Bell at 9:29 a.m. ET on Thursday August 25, 2011. The archive will be available shortly after the event at www.nyse.com
While in New York, Roger and his wife Kristin, will visit "ground Zero" and pay respect to all affected by the 9/11 tragedy.
James W. Coyle
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals "Protect You Better" See How.
Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Aug 23, 2011
Lending a Hand to People in Need
(Tri-Star Insurance & Philadelphia Insurance Co. Delivered items collected during a recent employee donation event held for the Samaritan Inn)
The Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter is very near and dear to our hearts, they are not only a client of ours but they are also a very humbling place to visit.
The Samaritan Inn houses approximately 150 men, women and children on any given day. Almost all of their residence walk in with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. Think about it, not only do you not have a home but you no longer have a tooth brush, a clean towel or diapers for your children.
Tri-Star Insurance and Philadelphia Insurance recently teamed up to help make a difference. We collected items such as baby monitors, towels, laundry detergent, diapers, wipes, toilet paper and other household items and donated them to the residence. While our donation was not a huge one, it helped many people in many different ways. Single moms struggling to raise their newborns could go one more week without worrying about diapers and families could go one more week with clean clothes and blankets.
When helping people who have nothing, it does not matter the size of the donation but rather the thought that you cared enough to share.
If everyone would make a small donation of their time by volunteering or making a donation of items from the Needs List from The Samaritan Inn’s website, together we can all make a difference.
Visit: http://www.thesamaritaninn.org/SupportUs/WaystoDonate/NeedsList.aspx for an up to date listing of items currently needed by The Samaritan Inn.
Tri-Star Insurance Professionals wishes to thank Philadelphia Insurance and all the local employees for all their contributions and support for the Samaritan Inn.
