Posted by John Coyle on Thu, Apr 08, 2010
Summer is just around the corner!
Those kids are getting ready to get out of school and have made "vivid" plans on how they intend to spend those three precious months...we call summer. If you are like my mom or dad, you are probably preparing the house for the grandkids to come hang out some with grandma and grandpa. Well what we have prepared is a short simple 13 step checklist to make sure your home is safe for all this spring and summer. Hope you enjoy your time this year with your family and here's to a SAFE and HAPPY time with "our families."
Spring maintenance tips....
- 1. Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of your home. Test them and change the battery every three months or as needed. If you need to order smoke detectors or batteries here are are a couple of great online sources...
Click here ... http://bit.ly/SmokeDetectors
- 2. Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure that they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
- 3. Replace all high-intensity bulbs (such as halogen) with fluorescent bulbs that don't produce as much heat.
- 4. Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service. Always consult a electrician if you discover any serious problems.
- 5. Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation. For those of you that are like me and sometimes need a little help in what type of fire extinguisher to buy, here is a GREAT website that has "FIRE EXTINGUISHER 101" Tips... http://bit.ly/FireExtinguisher
- 6. Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.
- 7. Check for damage to your roof and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.
- 8. Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion.
- 9. Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
- 10. Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material and cloth.
- 11. In your yard, remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires and roof.
- 12. Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
- 13.Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or uneven to provide a level walking surface.
At Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc., we take a personal interest in our customers. We like to share information that helps you protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you have any questions, regarding this information or your insurance coverage, please don't hesitate to give us a call phone: 214-387-0600 or e-mail me personally, John Coyle at jcoyle@tristarins.com
Posted by Roger Harkins on Thu, Mar 27, 2008
Soon, families all over Texas will be loading up the boat and jet skis and heading out for weekends and vacations designed for sun and fun. In order to relax and relieve your stress, you need to know that your family is safe and protected. That means knowing you have the right kind of boat insurance on all your watercraft before you head off for your family adventure. You need an insurance agency that will work closely with you to plan for the best coverage in your boat insurance policy for your boat, water toys and, even more importantly, your family. In the North Dallas, Plano and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. can be reached at 214-387-0600 for all your boat insurance needs.
John Coyle, of Tri-Star Insurance, has been in the insurance business for nearly 20 years and specializes in serving customers in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco, TX.
Boat Insurance Required By Law
When it comes to insurance for your boat and personal watercraft, the place to start is with Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD.) This coverage is required by law and covers injuries and property damage in the event of an accident. Your BI/PD coverage will pay for medical costs and lost wages in the event of injuries and will pay for any property damage sustained in an accident.
Texas law requires that you carry at least a 20/40/15 boat insurance policy for BI/PD coverage on your boat. The 20/40/15 coverage translates to $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for any one person with a total of $40,000 bodily injury liability maximum for any one event and $15,000 property damage liability coverage.
Additional Optional Coverage
In addition to BI/PD insurance, there are several other types of coverage that you should consider for complete protection and coverage.
- Collision coverage- This option will pay for damage to your own boat from a collision with another boat, vehicle or other property. You choose a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins.
- Comprehensive Boat Coverage- This coverage will pay for damages to your boat that is caused by risks other than an accident. These risks include theft, fire, earthquake, flood and other events that are beyond your control.
- No Fault Coverage- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP coverage is not required by law, but it can be a very important option for you and your family. PIP pays medical expenses for injuries resulting from a boating accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Boater Coverage- This option will cover your injuries caused by another boater who has no liability coverage or in the case of a hit-and-run accident.
Don’t let the high cost of repairs and medical bills add to your stress should you have an accident or other damage to your boat. Make sure that you have all the boat insurance coverage that you need to cover your damages, should you need it. The best way to make sure that you have the best boat insurance options for your unique situation is to speak to the insurance experts at Tri-Star Insurance. 214-427-7231.
Related Links
Insurance Learning Center
Phil Dill Boats
Texas Boat Safety