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 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
********************************************************
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 Sun, Jun 14, 2009
The first tropical depression of 2009 occurred in the Atlantic on May 29 and finally dissipated before hitting land. Yes, folks, hurricane season has arrived and it is time to be sure your homeowners insurance is adequate. Memories of Hurricanes Ike and Dolly from the 2008 season are vivid reminders to Texas homeowners of the importance of being properly insured.
Do you have enough insurance coverage?
How Much Home Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
You will want to be sure that you have a replacement cost policy with dwelling limits high enough to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss.
In other words, if you have a custom home, you may want to figure about $125 per square foot of your home to determine replacement cost. If your home is not a custom-built home, use $90 per square foot to calculate.
For instance, let’s say you have a custom-built home with 2500 square feet. You will want to purchase at least $312,500 dwelling coverage.
2,500 square feet x $125 = $312,500
This is an approximation based on average homebuilding prices, but we can get you an accurate figure right now. Just fill in the form below and we’ll calculate replacement cost and how much you can expect to pay for your insurance.
Why Is Replacement Cost So Much Higher Than My Appraisal?
Replacement cost is figured based upon the features of your home. Insurance companies use square footage, special amenities, your location, number of baths and half baths, type of exterior and other factors to help determine replacement cost. They want you to have enough insurance coverage to completely rebuild your home if destroyed. Otherwise, you may have to come out of pocket or downgrade custom features when replacing your home.
Do you have enough home insurance to fully replace the interior and exterior features?
Do You Have Any Tips To Help Dallas/Fort Worth Homeowners Prepare For The 2009 Hurricane Season?
Absolutely. Homeowners can begin making preparations now. Here are "7 Tips To Get Ready For The Hurricane Season Even If You Don't Live On The Coast!"
Tip one: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that every home have a National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) weather radio receiver. For best results, purchase one with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology that will activate both an audible and/or visual alarm when the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings. Receivers should also have “tone alert capability, battery back-up and ability to receive all seven frequencies, according to the NWS.
You can purchase a NOAA weather radio at stores that sell electronics.
Tip two: Plan an emergency escape route ahead of time. Determine your final destination and map out two or three ways of getting there in order to avoid traffic jams.
Tip three: Put together a disaster supply kit. You can find a list at this website.
Tip four: Get your kids involved in the preparations. Children love to help. And if that isn’t reason enough, remember that helping develops confidence and security in kids during a time when they need extra assurance that everything will be okay.
Tip five: Individuals with special needs should make extra arrangements that will give them the extra support needed to be safe. Knowing about public disaster assistance ahead of time may prevent unwelcome surprises during a crisis.
Tip six: Make a plan for your pet. In order to leave a pet at a kennel, their shots must be up-to-date. Kennels may require proof that the animal is fully vaccinated before accepting them. Also, be sure to get an appropriate crate to transport the pet safely.
TIP SEVEN: Keep all your current insurance declarations pages in a folder together in a handy place. We recommend you keep them in a waterproof container while transporting for extra safety.
For more information contact John Coyle at jcoyle@tristarins.com or call 214-387-0600.
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Dec 01, 2008
In the event of a hurricane, tornado or other major storm, high winds can damage both your home and your vehicle. Though hurricane warnings come about 2 days in advance, tornadoes pop up with little warning and can prove to be incredibly destructive. As Texas lies in the heart of tornado alley, the possibility of wind damage is great. Luckily, most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover any repairs up to a certain amount. Tri-Star Insurance of North Dallas, Plano and Frisco has seen the worst of Texas tornadoes and can help you find the coverage you need. As an independent agency, Tri-Star can select from top insurance agencies to find you the best rate available.
Property damage caused by strong winds or tornadoes can not only hurt your home and property, but put your family at risk as well. To stop serious damage from occurring, wind-proofing your home is a smart move. The following areas of your home are the most susceptible to wind damage:
Roof
High winds cause wind speeds to ebb and flow, usually violently, which puts immense pressure on the outside structure of your home. The roof acts as a shield as currents of air are carried down to the foundation. A weak roof can cause damage to the whole structure if not properly maintained. Yearly examinations by a professional inspector are essential to keeping your roof intact during a storm.
Windows
Flying debris or even very strong winds can cause glass to shatter, which presents a very serious risk of injury. Installing permanent storm shutters is very effective for combating high or even gale force winds. Storm shutters come in wood, aluminum or even steel, but can be rather costly. For a less pricey alternative, thick exterior-grade plywood covers will suffice as a temporary solution.
Doors
Solid doors made out of metal or hard wood stand a better chance of staying upright in a storm. Even so, make sure your home’s doors are secured at both the top and bottom of the door frame with sturdy bolts and at least three hinges.
Garage Doors
Usually made out of thin metal, garage doors are the perfect targets for wind damage. In lieu of purchasing a new garage door altogether, fitted bracing kits can provide extra support.
Yard
Overgrown foliage and trees could pose a threat in a storm by acting as flying missiles bent on destruction. Keep trees in line with periodical trimmings and try to choose wind-resistant plants that can withstand a little turbulence.
If you are also concerned about the welfare of your car or truck during a storm, many comprehensive auto insurance policies cover tornado or high wind damage at no extra cost.
Protect your domain from the destructive power of wind with a homeowner’s insurance policy that has you covered when disaster strikes. For more information call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc., at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600. Don’t let the cost of repairs blow you away, call today!
Related Links
FEMA
National Weather Service
Home Tips