Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Apr 03, 2012
Springtime Storms in North Texas
Tornado hits a Trucking area in Lancaster Texas 4/3/2012
It's time to get prepared for the 2012 Storm season.
Here are some facts about the 2011 Catastrophes from around the World.
2011 Costliest Year according to Swiss Reinsurance Co. LTD.
Economic losses from natural catastrophes and man-made disasters were the highest ever in 2011, at $370 billion, while insured losses totaled $116 billion—the second-highest sum ever—according to Swiss Reinsurance Co. Ltd. The Japan earthquake and tsunami together cost the insurance industry $35 billion, while U.S. tornadoes added more than $25 billion in insured losses, Swiss Re said in a recent report.
Counting down the most expensive insured catastrophe losses in 2011 follows:
10. Storms, United States
Severe weather across several states the U.S. in early April 2011 amounted to $1.5 billion in insured losses and $2.2 billion in economic losses. The storms included high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and large hailstones. Thirty-six people were injured.
AP photo
9. Storms, United States
Another set of thunderstorms, wind and tornadoes across the U.S. in early April 2011 caused insured losses of $2 billion and economic losses of $3.5 billion. Nine people were killed.
AP photo
8. Earthquakes, New Zealand
Earthquakes that struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on June 13, 2011, resulted in insured losses of $2 billion and economic losses of $3 billion. One person was killed and 46 injured.
AP photo
7. Floods Australia
Flooding caused by heavy rains in Australia on Jan. 9, 2011, caused $2.3 billion in insured losses and $6.1 billion in economic losses and left 22 people dead.
Bloomberg photo
6. Hurricane, United States
Hurricane Irene made its way through the Caribbean, U.S. and Canada in August 2011. The storm resulted in insured losses of $5.3 billion and economic losses of $8 billion. The hurricane killed 55 people and knocked out power to more than 7 million homes and businesses.
Bloomberg photo
5. Storms and Torndoes, United States
Severe storms and a major tornado outbreak struck Missouri and other states in mid- to late May 2011, causing $7 billion in insured losses and $9 billion in economic losses in places including Joplin, Mo. The tornado outbreak killed 155 and injured 1,150 people.
Photo by Sisters of Mercy Health System
4. Storms and Tornadoes, United States
Regions of the U.S. including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia were hit by severe storms and tornadoes in April 2011. These storms caused insured losses of $7.3 billion and economic losses of $11 billion. The major weather outbreak resulted in 354 deaths and 2,200 injured.
AP photo
3. Earthquake, New Zealand
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on Feb. 22, 2011, causing $12 billion in insured losses and $15 billion in economic losses. The quake left 181 dead and 1,500 injured.
Bloomberg photo
2. Floods, Thailand
Flooding resulting from heavy monsoon rains hit Thailand in late July 2011, causing insured losses of $12 billion and economic losses of $30 billion. The flooding left 813 people dead.
Bloomberg photo
1. Earthquake and Tsunami, Japan
A record-breaking magnitude 9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The most expensive earthquake on record produced $35 billion in insured losses and $210 billion in economic losses. The quake also triggered 200 landslides; destroyed 128,538 buildings; damaged 790,719 buildings, 3,559 roads, 77 bridges, 45 dikes and 29 railways; and damaged nuclear facilities. The disaster left 15,845 people dead, 5,893 injured, 3,339 missing and 400,000 homeless.
Bloomberg photo
At Tri-Star Insurance Professionals we offer insurance products to cover losses from Fire, Tornadoes, Hail, Floods, Lightning. We can provide coverage for your Home, Car and Business. We are a full service independent insurance agency located in Plano, Texas.
Call us at 214-387-0600
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 Fri, May 27, 2011
Associated Press
Data analyzed by the Associated Press reveals that many of the states hammered by what's already the deadliest year for tornadoes in more than half a century have among the nation's highest rates of homes without hazard insurance despite being among the most twister-prone.
That means the regions that most need the insurance are often the exact places that don't have much of it. It also means many tornado victims may have a hard time getting compensated for their losses, putting more pressure on the federal government to help even though its assistance is limited by law.
With more than 450 deaths and billions of dollars in damage in the past month alone, regulators are calling for more education about the importance of homeowners insurance and further efforts to make it affordable and available to all. But whether to buy it is still considered a personal choice and there's no push to mandate it federally.
The fallout is on stark in several states recently battered:
• Mississippi ranks second in the nation for the percentage of homes without insurance covering wind damage yet fourth on the list of states that have had the most tornadoes touch down in the past five years.
• Arkansas ranks fourth for uninsured homes and 10th for being tornado prone, according to the AP's analysis.
• Missouri, site of Sunday's tornado outbreak with at least 125 dead, falls somewhere in the middle on hazard insurance despite being the fourth most tornado-prone state.
• Kansas and Oklahoma, the sites of deadly tornadoes Tuesday, also fall in the middle and rank No. 2 and No. 6 on the list of most tornado-prone states.
States with the highest rates of uninsured homeowners also tend to have a higher incidence of homes without mortgages, meaning owners don't have to answer to banks requiring coverage. The uninsured can turn to aid groups and the federal government for relief — but often not for full compensation.
Poverty and an abundance of older homes that can be difficult to insure contribute to high rates of no insurance. In tough economic times, the temptation to forgo insurance is real.
Unemployed and uninsured
Tammy and Kevin Cudy of Joplin, Mo., dropped their homeowner's policy, and its $50-a-month premiums, last August after
Kevin lost his construction job. They considered reinstating their policy within the past week but said they were unable to reach their insurance agent by telephone.
And then the deadliest single tornado in nearly six decades demolished their five-bedroom home Sunday.
"That's why I'm kicking myself right now," said Tammy Cudy, 47. "The fact that we were thinking about it, that we needed to work our budget around it, it just makes you kind of heart-sick at this point."
Many people don't qualify for insurance if their homes are in high-risk areas, or they have trouble affording a policy to cover wind damage because of high costs associated with home value, aging construction and building codes, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford said.
"The loss ratios on those houses that are insured are generally pretty high," Bradford said. "They don't have central heat and air. They are older homes. Sometimes, the plumbing and wiring are not up to standard. The rates are higher, and the coverage is limited."
Bradford is among regulators calling for more education and strategies to make insurance more affordable. Yet he opposes a mandate, as do two lawmakers from tornado zones contacted by phone: Rep. Mike Ross, an Arkansas Democrat, and Rep. Alan Nunnelee, a Mississippi Republican.
Nancy and Homer Davis weren't protected for the worst.
Tight finances kept them from buying a policy on the 80-foot-by-14-foot trailer they purchased eight years ago for $10,000. Homer Davis is on disability and Nancy Davis works part-time at a Lowe's home improvement store. One of last month's twisters lifted their trailer off the ground near Pheba, Miss., smashed it against trees and disgorged their household belongings into a ditch.
"I'm trying to figure out, 'Where does my money go?' He's on disability and I'm working part-time," said Davis, 51. "It's just trying to figure out what's the best way to spend your money. You say to yourself, 'As soon as I'm ready, I'm going to get insurance on the house.'"
Insurance by region
Nationally, roughly 4 percent of owner-occupied homes lack homeowners, or hazard, insurance, according to the latest industry estimates. But the numbers vary substantially by region.
The South has the highest rate of homes without hazard insurance, at 17.4 percent, according to the AP analysis. This is followed by the Northeast at 12.2 percent, the Midwest at 8.4 percent and the West at 3.3 percent.
The highest death toll from tornadoes in the past month was in Alabama, which is at the national average for homes without insurance and ranks third for frequency of tornadoes. North Dakota tops the uninsured list and ranks 16th on the tornado-prone list.
Louisiana, another state hit by the April 27 tornado outbreak in the South, ranks 11th in both categories.
The AP analyzed data compiled by the Insurance Information Institute and the U.S. Census Bureau. AP relied on 2008 figures because those were the most recent for which comparisons could be made, and it's unlikely the numbers would have fluctuated much in the past three years, said industry expert Robert Hartwig.
About 30 percent of owner-occupied homes in Arkansas and Mississippi lack hazard insurance policies, according to the AP analysis, which reviewed data from all 50 states except Florida, where data was incomplete.
In Louisiana, about 17 percent are uninsured. The rate is roughly 10.5 percent in Missouri. Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee all are close to the national average of 4 percent.
Some of the states hit by last month's tornadoes have average insurance premiums well above the national average of $791 a year. Louisiana's average annual premium is $1,155 and Mississippi's is $980. Alabama's average premium is $845, as is Minnesota's. Arkansas' and Missouri's are $788, roughly at the national average.
FEMA grants capped at $30,300
By law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide up to $30,300 in grants for home repairs, rental assistance and other disaster-related losses in presidentially declared disaster areas. But that may not cover the cost to rebuild. Insured homeowners can still qualify for FEMA aid, but the assistance is reduced by the amount of the insurance settlement.
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In Texas, Call John Coyle at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc and get the proper coverage for your Home and Auto. Flood insurance coverage is offered through The Hartford Insurance Company. You can reach John Coyle at jcoyle@tristarins.com or call 214-387-0600.
Posted by John Coyle on Sun, Jun 14, 2009
Yes, it’s true. Flood is not a covered peril even if you have an “all perils” (or HOB) homeowner’s policy. In order to be covered from floodwaters, you must purchase a separate flood policy written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Many homeowners believe that if they do not live in a flood zone they don’t need flood insurance.
Texas Preferred Flood Insurance Is Inexpensive
If you currently live in a low or moderate flood zone (B, C or X), your flood insurance rates are very affordable. The NFIP offers rate packages that you may purchase to protect your home and contents.
|
Building Coverage
$ 30,000
$ 50,000
$ 75,000
$ 100,000
$ 125,000
$ 150,000
$ 200,000
$ 250,000
|
Contents Coverage
$ 12,000
$ 20,000
$ 30,000
$ 40,000
$ 50,000
$ 60,000
$ 80,000
$ 100,000
|
Premium
$ 148,000
$ 196,000
$ 230,000
$ 257,000
$ 277,000
$ 296,000
$ 326,000
$ 348,000
|
f you are renting or if you live in a condominium or town home, you may purchase a contents only policy that runs from $80.00 for $12,000 of coverage up to $201.00 for $100,000 coverage per year. Contact our agents right now for a free quote.
Texas Flood Insurance Costs Less Than A Federal Disaster Loan
Uninsured individuals that suffer water damage from flooding may be forced to take out a loan in order to pay for the destruction to their property. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gives assistance to uninsured homeowners through the purchase of a Small Business Administration loan. This is typically a loan that must be paid back with interest. *For a $50,000 loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be around $240 a month ($2,880 a year) for 30 years. Compare that to a $100,000 flood insurance premium, which is about $400 a year ($33 a month).
A Texas Flooding Loss is More Probable Than a Fire Loss
Yes, it’s true. *According to the NFIP Flood Facts as of March 2010, Everyone lives in a flood zone. In a high-risk area, your home is more than twice as likely to be damaged by flood than by fire. The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years (1994-2004) were more than $2.4 billion. Last year, about 25% of all claims paid by the NFIP were for policies in moderate-to-low risk communities. Since 1978, the NFIP has paid over $36 billion for flood insurance claims and related costs (as of 3/22/10). You can read these and many more flood facts at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flood_facts.jsp
In fact, Texas has a long history of surviving major disasters. Since 2000, four hurricanes impacted Texans along with two tropical storms. During this same time, FEMA made eight other major disaster declarations. Flooding occurred in six of those eight severe storms. Altogether, it took more than $3,181,000,000 in disaster assistance to help pay for the damages sustained in only eight years’ time.
You May Pay for a Flood Insurance Policy and Not Be Insured When a Storm Hits
How can that be? Unlike most other lines of insurance business, a flood insurance policy does not go into effect for thirty days following its purchase. That means that by the time a storm is in the Atlantic Ocean and on it’s way toward the United States, it’s already too late for Texans to be insured when it makes landfall. The only exception is when purchasing a home. Your flood insurance goes into effect immediately when you pay your annual premium at your home closing.
Our Agents Keep Homeowners Afloat
When rising water comes your way, your flood policy will keep you financially afloat. Get yours today. Contact John Coyle at jcoyle@tristarins.com or call 214-387-0600.
Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Mar 31, 2009
After the Rain has Fallen: Flood Damage Solutions
Not a force to be reckoned with, floods occur in every state, regardless of the elevation level. In fact, 25% of all floods occur outside of high-risk areas that are not considered flood prone. That being said, many people find out too late that their home is in danger of flooding and end up paying thousands in costly repairs. Flood or water damage comes in the form of soggy floors, rotting wood, rusting metal, mold, mildew and more. An unfortunate truth is that your homeowner’s insurance policy does not and never will cover flood loss to your home and contents. You can however, take out a flood insurance policy that will cover the cost of repairs, belongings and cleanup. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. located in North Plano and servicing the North Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding areas, offers Texas flood insurance policies to renters and homeowners. Tri-Star flood policies protect you and your loved ones from flood damage caused by overflowing tidal waters, surface water accumulation and river overflows.
Flood-Zone.net is a leading website dedicated to providing accurate flood facts and tips that will keep you one step ahead of a storm. If ever you are the unfortunate victim of a flood there are many post flood steps you can take to ensure that your home suffers as little damage as possible.
Tread Carefully: If your home is still full of standing water after a flood, watch your steps as you enter. Wearing rubber boots will save your feet from sharp objects such as broken glass. Turn off the electricity at the breaker box and move electrical cords to higher ground.
Toss Out: Cleanup begins by getting rid of permanently water-damaged goods such as rugs, photographs, food, books and mattresses. Items that absorb water may be prone to mold infestation and need to be disposed of properly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests turning to professionals for hazardous waste disposal.
Dehumidify Dry: Standing water can be removed using a portable submersible sump pump and a wet dry vacuum. After eliminating most of the water, a low temperature dehumidifier can be used to dry floors and walls. Open windows for ventilation and to deter the growth of mold spores.
Do-it-yourself cleanup is smart, but taking out a flood insurance policy is smarter because it will cover professional repair and cleaning leaving no room for problems down the road. Even if you already hold a flood insurance policy in Texas or are looking for one that will fit your budget, Tri-Star can help you find a policy that won’t break the bank. As an independent insurance agency, Tri-Star Insurance can represent other top companies such as Travelers, Germania, Safeco, and Kemper when looking for the most competitive rate.
For more information Contact John Coyle at jcoyle@tristarins.com or call 214-387-0600.
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Mar 16, 2009
Flood insurance. Those two little words may mean nothing to you now, but consider this: according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 25% of flood insurance claims hail from areas that are not labeled as flood zones and result in over a billion dollars of property damage each year. In response to the soaring cost of taxpayer funded disaster relief for flood victims, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to develop flood management plans and underwrite insurance policies.
As homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damages resulting from flood waters, federal flood insurance is the only coverage that protects your property and belongings from damage caused by rising water due to flooding. So even if there is only the slightest possibility of flooding in your area, having adequate insurance can offset the high cost of repairing water damage in your home or business, because not all water damage resulting from a flood occurs in flood zones. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. located in North Plano and servicing North Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding areas, knows what you need to keep your property high and dry.
To offset the cost of abundant water damage claims, FEMA mandates that any homeowner with a government-backed mortgage such as an FHA or VA loan must carry flood insurance in a high-risk zone. So that means that people with homes or businesses that are situated on flood zones are required to purchase flood insurance policies. Obviously, if you own a home or business in Texas and do not currently pay for flood insurance you are not considered “high-risk”, but that doesn’t mean you are out of the water.
If you are uncertain whether or not you reside on a flood zone, there are many easy ways to find out. Flood-Zone.net is a great website to quickly determine your flood risk and learn interesting facts about floods such as:
- Floods are world’s the most common natural disaster
- Floods do not just occur near bodies of water such as lakes, ponds or oceans
- Flash floods cause more fatalities in the US than any other natural disaster
- Floods can and do happen in areas previously considered out of reach
- Roughly one in four flood disasters occur in areas with a low to moderate flooding risk
Generally, flood insurance policies are affordable, especially for those not living in a designated flood zone. Tri-Star Insurance can not only help you purchase a reasonably priced flood insurance policy, but can help you save a bundle on your other policies as well. Tri-Star is an independent insurance agency, which means they have the ability to represent companies such as Safeco, Kemper, Hartford and Travelers to find you the best price. With Tri-Star, you have a choice.
If you want to learn more about federal flood insurance policies contact Roger Harkins of Tri-Star Insurance today at 214-387-0600 or visit them on the web at www.tristarins.com. Give yourself peace of mind by knowing your home and business will be covered in the event of a flash flood or heavy rains.
Posted by Roger Harkins on Tue, Apr 29, 2008
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that 2,200 Texas residents who were affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Fay a handful of years ago who had flood insurance claimed close to $44 million in damages. Sadly, those residents who did not have flood insurance had to dig in their pockets for money to repair the damages, or file for emergency assistance funds, which they would eventually have to pay back. As flood season approaches the DFW Metroplex, Tri-Star Insurance in Plano is ready and waiting to talk about your property protection this year.
Although North Texas may not be as consistently threatened by tropical storms as residents closer to the Gulf, heavy rains that have been prevalent over the past few summers pose the same amount of danger by flooding to property that is close to a Texas lake or river. Just a few inches of water can bring thousands of dollars in restoration and repair costs. "I commend those Texas property owners who protect themselves by purchasing flood insurance," said Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administrator Anthony S. Lowe, who manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). "I strongly urge those who don't have a policy to buy one before the next flood," he added. "You can recover so much faster and more completely when you have flood insurance."
According to FEMA, everyone lives in a flood zone. There is no such thing as a home that cannot be flooded. Flood insurance protects you from the financial loss and devastation caused by flooding; federal disaster assistance funding, on the other hand, is normally a loan that you must pay back with interest. For homeowners with a significant amount of property and memories to protect, the option of federal disaster assistance is not a good substitute for insurance.
- Doesn’t my regular homeowner’s policy cover flooding?
One of the main reasons people get homeowners insurance, besides the requirement of insurance by their mortgage company, is for protection against a loss from fire. Texans, though, are far more likely to have flood damage than fire damage. Flood insurance is valuable coverage for your most important assets, your family home.
Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods. Flood insurance, like earthquake insurance, is designated as “single peril” insurance and is sold separately from homeowners insurance. Flood insurance protects against financial losses to homes and buildings and their contents, but not the land surrounding them. The coverage applies regardless to the nature of flooding, whether the flood is from heavy or prolonged rains, coastal storm surge, levee dam failure, blocked storm drainage systems, or other causes. To be considered a flood, the waters must cover at least two acres or affect at least two properties.
Flood insurance should cost the same wherever you purchase it, because the rates are set by the National Flood Insurance Program. As you work with the North Dallas-Plano-Frisco insurance agency of Tri-Star Insurance, you’ll gain not only peace of mind on the standard insurance coverage for your home, but you’ll learn of the value and need for affordable flood insurance as well. Start the process before the summer rains hit and call 214-387-0600 today!
Related Links
FEMA
How to Clean Flood Damage
Dallas Ft. Worth Restoration