Posted by Roger Harkins on Tue, Dec 30, 2008
When shopping for insurance, theft is probably not your number one concern. More likely you are worried about accidents or weather-related calamities. Your home or automobile insurance has got you covered in the event of an accident, but what about theft? Whether called stealing, filching or pilfering, theft is the taking of another person’s property without consent, which is highly illegal. To avoid the emotional distress and hassle brought about by theft, make sure you are covered by your insurance policy. The knowledgeable staff at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. in Frisco, North Dallas and Plano knows just what you need to feel safe and secure about leaving your home or automobile unattended. Through Tri-Star and their status as an independent agency, you can get the most coverage for the best available rate. Tri-Star agents have the ability to shop around and compare rates from other companies, including the big guns, in order to find you the perfect policy.
Having a comprehensive insurance policy is ideal, but there are also steps you can take to lessen the chance of your car or home getting broken into or vandalized.
Auto
Car insurance policies do not often cover property theft, but rather theft of the vehicle itself. Ironically enough, most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover the theft of items from inside your vehicle. Aside from that, you can try to make your car less of a target to avoid a break-in.
Thief-proofing your car begins with locking it at all times, even when you are in it. Thieves usually act on opportunity; so don’t give one a reason to strike by leaving your possessions in plain view. Valuables such as cell phones, MP3 players, GPS devices, computers and anything that would fetch a price should always be kept hidden from view. Also, remember to keep purchases out of sight by placing such items in the trunk or glove compartment, not in the back seat or on the floorboards. Vehicle security in the form of installing a car alarm may be your best defense in the long run.
Home
A comprehensive home insurance policy is ideal, if not a bit pricier, because it covers everything from fire damage to vandalism and everything in between. The amount of coverage is based on a percentage of the limit of insurance you place on your home. In most cases, it is probably worth it to get more coverage, but you can also try to minimize the risk of a robbery by making your home appear less appealing to thieves.
According to the Burglary Prevention Council, the peak time for break-ins is during the summer months, when many people are on vacation. Even so, you need to be vigilant at all times. Pay extra attention to any unknown persons or vehicles lurking in your neighborhood and form a crime watch group to keep on the lookout. Make your yard unfriendly territory to thieves by keeping your bushes and trees trimmed back. Also, install motion-detector lights on or near the front of your home.
To learn more about protecting your personal property from thieves with a comprehensive insurance policy contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or visit them online at www.tristarins.com.
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
National Crime Prevention Council
Posted by Roger Harkins on Mon, Dec 22, 2008
In a world of countless insurance agencies, it's a rare find to discover one that truly cares about its customers. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc., which serves the Plano, Frisco, and North Dallas area, employs a team of agents with over 70 years of combined insurance experience. John Coyle, commercial line manager for Tri-Star, is familiar with all types of coverage including personal and business insurance. With over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry, he strives to provide each one of his clients with exceptional customer service to ensure that they receive proper coverage at the lowest price.
“More Coverage for Less Money". I want people to feel secure about being covered in the event of an accident, but without having to pay an arm and a leg,” says Coyle.
As an independent insurance agency, Tri-Star differs from a traditional captive agency in that they can shop many companies to find you the best rates.Tri-Star represents several of the top insurance companies including Hartford, Travelers, America First, Utica & Philadelphia and many others. The traditional captive agencies like State Farm, Farmers & Allstate only represent their one company. If their company has a rate change, they can not move you to another company to who might have lower rates and a better coverage. Tri-Star agents do all the dirty work by researching low-cost insurance plans to ensure that you get quality coverage at a fair price.
Starting out as a captive agent, John Coyle soon realized he was at a disadvantage when he couldn’t fit the needs of all his clients. After many years of turning people away because he did not have the means to help them, John decided to work as a Independent Agent. He made the move to Tri-Star in 2007 and has never looked back.
“There are many advantages to working at Tri-Star such as having the ability to offer choices. Giving people a choice is the key to a successful client relationship,” says Coyle.
Tri-Star is a member of the IIAT (Independent Insurance Agents of Texas) and has been deemed a “trusted choice” agency. Trusted choice agents must uphold the following principles:
- Have strong customer and community ties
- Provide excellent service
- Thoroughly assist in the event of a claim
- Act as a consultant on all aspects of insurance
- Offer a choice of insurance plans at the best combination of price
- Periodically review coverage
John Coyle has met those requirements to the tee, and in the case of a local "Piano Retailer", has gone above and beyond. After reviewing the company insurance policy, John noticed that coverage was placed on the building and its contents but they did not actually own the building, just the contents, and was paying a high monthly premium. Since John took the time to throughly review their current policy, John uncovered the previous agency mistake and was able to correctly insure the risk and in the processed saved the business owner $10,000. Not all agencies are created equal, John Coyle & the staff at Tri-Star, understand and offer personalized customer service.
Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need a second longer. As a small insurance firm, Tri-Star can provide you with personalized service and will work closely with you to find the perfect policy. John Coyle and Tri-Star Insurance offer the same products such as auto, home, renters, flood, condo, individual health and life insurance products at competitive prices. Call 214-387-0600 today to speak directly to John Coyle or visit. www.tristarins.com.
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
Insurance Information Institute
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Americ
Posted by John Coyle on Mon, Dec 08, 2008
On a laundry list of expenses for starting a new business, insurance can be one of the most costly items if you don’t know what kind of coverage you need. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. in North Dallas, Plano and Frisco gives the right advice and personal service for all of the types of insurance that may be needed for a new business, including a certificate of insurance (COI). A COI is just a document used to verify that a business is insured. As an independent agency, Tri-Star can get you the best available insurance rates for your new business.
If you’re thinking about starting a new business, researching insurance options beforehand is a smart move so that you get covered and get going. Always plan ahead for the unknown and make sure you are adequately covered for any bumps along the way that you may encounter. For every business, a certificate of insurance showing adequate commercial insurance must be shown prior to signing a lease for your new business, and/or before working with certain vendors. Commercial insurance is available in the following areas:
Property
This type of commercial insurance covers an insured party who has suffered a financial loss due to the destruction of a business property by fire, explosion, storm, riot, vandalism, sinkhole collapse and more. Any item that has cash value and is considered real or personal property is covered. Real property covers land and buildings, while personal property covers objects and belongings.
Liability
A commercial liability insurance policy provides protection in the event that a third party suffers bodily or property damage when you are legally responsible. Common risks such as customer injuries and accidents are covered as well as advertising injury and damages arising out of products sold by the insured. In addition to covering medical expenses, commercial liability provides supplemental payments for court costs and attorney fees in the event of a lawsuit. Even if you have a personal umbrella policy, business-related liability is usually excluded.
Auto
If your business uses company cars, trucks, vans or trailers to get around then you will need to be covered in an accident or if the vehicle is stolen. This form of coverage differs from a standard auto insurance policy because the name of the business appears on the policy versus your own name. There are also several technical differences between the two kinds of policies. However, the same kind of coverage applies such as liability, comprehensive and collision, medical and uninsured motorist.
As your business is your lifeblood you need to make sure you do not suffer financial ruin in the event of a disaster. Tri-Star can help you rest easy knowing that you and your business are safe. For more information about commercial insurance contact John Coyle at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. at 214-387-0600 or visit them online at www.tristarins.com. Protect your venture today with quality business insurance!
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
Intenal Revenue Service - Business Checklist
United States Small Business Administration
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