Posted by John Coyle on Wed, Apr 04, 2012
Claims adjusters will be very busy for a long time in the Dallas/Ft. Worth areas.
Tornado and Hail damage to homes, cars and business will result in record breaking claims for North Texas insurance companies.
Reposted from Buzz Feed
Those are semi-trucks.
2.
This is an upside-down tree.
7.
Another picture of a semi being tossed around.
15.
Bill Brangers, right, and Benjamin Powell, 5, left, look at the trailer that a tornado lifted from the Powell's driveway to a neighbor's yard two doors down.
(AP / Kim Johnson Flodin)
19.
Patricia Daugherty searches for her belongings after her home was destroyed by a tornado in Arlington, Texas.
(Getty Images / Tom Pennington)
20.
A sign is destroyed from a passing storm in South Arlington, Texas.
(AP / Paul Moseley)
21.
Arlington police officer Rick Stewart returns a man's dog.
(Getty Images / Tom Pennington)
22.
Found near Forney, Texas.
23.
Smashed cars lay in debris.
(Reuters / TIM SHARP)
24.
Homes in Lancaster, Texas.
(AP / Khampha Bouaphanh)
25.
And one more picture of the 18 wheelers.
A list of our Insurance Companies Claims Phone numbers:
Allied: 1-800-282-1446
America First 1-877-263-7890
ASI Lloyds 1-866-274-5677
Chubb 1-888-329-7651
Cypress 1-888-892-9773
Foremost 1-800-527-3907
GMAC 1-800-325-1088
Hagerty 1-800-922-4050
Hartford 1-800-243-5860
Hartford Flood 1-800-759-8656
Kemper Preferred 1-888-252-2799
Kemper/Unitrin Specialty 1-888-253-7834
Metlife 1-800-854-6011
National Lloyds 1-800-749-6419
Progressive 1-800-274-4499
Republic 1-800-451-0286
Safeco 1-800-332-3226
Travelers 1-800-252-4633
Utica 1-800-216-1420
Zurich 1-800-987-3373
Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Mar 09, 2012
Tips You Can Use:
This "Tips you can use" blog comes from our friends at International Risk Management institute, Inc. (IRMI). Tri-Star Insurance Professionals are active members of several professional organizations so we can stay informed on many issues that affect our customers. We periodically will post interesting articles that we feel will benefit our customers and friends.
Do you know your homes "Replacement Cost"? Most Homeowners make the mistake of thinking it's the same as Market Value. Market Value is the amount you can expect to sell your home. Market value takes into consideration of sale amounts of similar homes in your area. Replacement cost is not related to Market Value. Replacement cost is the actual costs of materials and labor to rebuild your home. The cost associated with tear out and removal should be considered when determining the Replacement Cost of your home. As an example, a home destroyed by a fire will require extensive professional services to help secure, extract and prep the site before the rebuild process can begin. The cost associated with these services needs to be included in the replacement cost.
Verify That Your Dwelling Limits Are Adequate
One of the painful aftermaths of fires and tornadoes that decimate homes may be the crushing realization that the home is dramatically underinsured. According to one of the largest residential building cost data companies, Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, 64 percent of U.S. homes are undervalued by an average of 19 percent. If this figure is applied to a home with a replacement cost of $400,000, it might be insured for only $324,000, a shortfall of $76,000.
This underinsurance results in a potentially huge coverage gap, particularly if the home is not insured with a guaranteed replacement cost provision. A survey by United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group, said 75 percent of California home owners affected by the 2007 San Diego wildfires were underinsured by an average of $240,000.
Here are some general tips to consider to reduce the likelihood of your home being underinsured:
-
Make sure your home has been physically inspected. This will increase the likelihood that it is insured for its replacement cost value. Ask for periodic reinspections of your home (particularly high-end ones) to ascertain whether the dwelling limits are adequate.
-
Consider guaranteed replacement cost (or guaranteed rebuild) coverage; an alternative would be to procure coverage that offers a 30 to 50 percent cushion above the dwelling limit (extended replacement cost coverage).
-
Increase the ordinance or law coverage (10 percent of dwelling limit for many homeowners policies) to a higher percentage of coverage. Note that this recommendation is particularly important if you have an older home.
-
Keep the insurance company informed about any remodeling at your home, since remodeling can dramatically increase the need for higher dwelling limits. Americans spend more than $170 million annually on home improvement projects, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
-
If building costs are rising rapidly, an inflation guard endorsement is worthy of consideration. This endorsement increases the dwelling limit of insurance (along with other coverages) to reflect increases in values due to inflation.
Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.
Copyright 2012
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Did you remodel any part of your home? Did you notify your insurance agent of these updates? Many homeowners are underinsured after major home renovations.
Call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals to discuss your homes replacement cost:
214-387-0600
Click on the "Protect you Better" logo for Free helpful reports
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 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
Posted by John Coyle on Thu, May 15, 2008
If you live in North Texas, you undoubtedly know that Texas-sized hailstones can wreak havoc on your roof. It’s nearly impossible to avoid hail damage around this part of the country, but how do you know if the damage is just cosmetic or if you need to have your roof repaired? Tri Star Insurance wants you to know when you need to call your homeowner’s insurance agent and offers you these suggestions for evaluating the level of damage to your roof.
Most homes have roofing made from asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes or roof tiles. Asphalt shingles are the most common, covering over 80% of the homes in this country. Asphalt shingles are tough and can stand up to plenty of beatings from hail, but Texas-sized hailstorms can leave their mark on even the strongest roof. Hail damage to asphalt shingles can happen in two different ways: the reinforcing mat can be ruptured or the granules on the shingles are knocked off which exposes the bitumen underneath. If the reinforcing mat is ruptured, the shingle’s ability to shed water is lowered and if the shingles begin losing these granules, the life of the shingles is drastically reduced. These problems can result in water entering the interior of your home, dramatically increasing the amount of water damage to your home.
The problem is that roof damage isn’t always obvious to the naked eye, especially from ground level. There are a few signs though that your roof requires a closer inspection. Be careful about getting on a ladder to inspect your roof. Don’t climb onto the surface of the roof, because damage could make the roof unstable and you may not realize it until it’s too late. Instead, get out your binoculars and look for these problems:
- Torn or missing shingles
- Warped or dented spots in the roof
- Broken tiles or tiles knocked out of place
- Missing metal roof panels
- Water spots or other signs of water in your attic
Generally, if you have hail damage to your vehicles or other property your roof could be damaged as well.
If you notice hail damage to your roof, or a significant amount of hail damage to other property, it’s time to pick up the phone and call your insurance agent. When you are working with a reputable agency, they will be happy to send out an adjustor to look at your home and determine whether you do have hail damage to your roof. If you live in the North Dallas, Plano or Frisco, Texas areas, you can depend on quality customer service from the folks at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals. Call Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc., today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 for homeowner’s insurance to provide the coverage you need to protect your home from hail damage. When you live in Texas, you know the hailstorms will likely continue throughout the summer. Make sure your home is protected with sufficient homeowner’s insurance before your roof takes a beating from the next hailstorm.
Related Links
My Free Estimates
HomeTips
DFW Roofing Companies