Posted by John Coyle on Fri, Jul 18, 2008
With a vast assortment of insurance plans on the market, it can sometimes be frustrating to find a package that fits your needs at a reasonable price. If you are looking for low-cost insurance in the North Dallas, Plano, or Frisco areas, then let Tri-Star Insurance Professionals aid you in finding just the right combination of personalized insurance coverage at just the right cost. To ensure that you will receive maximum coverage at the most competitive price, Tri-Star plays to its strengths as an independent agency, versus a captive insurance agency, to find you the best option available.
What is the difference between an independent agency and a captive agency?
A “captive” insurance agency is just what it sounds like. Agents are a captive of the company they work for which means they exclusively represent that company. They can only provide you with the rates that their agency offers with no exceptions. There are many easily recognizable captive agencies such as State Farm, Allstate, and MetLife.
On the other hand, an “independent” insurance agency represents numerous companies. Independent insurance agents, or brokers as they are commonly called, can research what the top insurance companies offer and let you choose the rates and coverage that is best for you. Basically, they are free to do business with any carrier in order to find a package that is tailored to your needs. By working with an independent agent, you have more choices available than just what a single company offers.
How Can I Lower The Cost of My Insurance?
In order to lower their insurance costs, many people choose to ask for a higher deductible. Deductibles are what you are required to pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By asking for a higher deductible, you can save more on your monthly premiums, but the potential for out-of-pocket expenses is much greater. For example, if your deductible is $2000, a trip to the emergency room, or even a minor surgical procedure may require you to pay the whole cost up front. If doing that would plunge you into severe financial strain, then requesting a higher deductible is unwise.
Many people also decide to minimize the amount of coverage they currently have with a policy in order to save money. “That’s not necessary”, says John Coyle, agent at Tri-Star Insurance, "there are legitimate ways you can retain decent coverage while not draining your pocketbook". Prices vary from company to company, so shop around for the best rates. That is where an independent agency such as Tri-Star in Plano - Frisco - North Dallas can come in handy, because they will do all the legwork for you by researching to find the most affordable plan available. Also, by combing packages such as auto and home insurance, you may receive a multi-policy discount.
If you are looking for the best in low-cost insurance, call John Coyle or one the talented associates at Tri-Star Insurance today at 1-800-880-4600, or visit www.tristarinsurancepros.com.
Related Links
Insurance Information Institute
Texas Department of Insurance
Insurance Blog
Posted by John Coyle on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
When you are reviewing your insurance needs, you are likely to realize that you need homeowners insurance or renter's insurance, car insurance, boat insurance, if applicable, and health insurance, but have you considered adding an umbrella insurance policy to your insurance portfolio? Many people may not even know what umbrella insurance is, but Tri-Star Insurance wants you to be aware of all of your insurance needs. Roger Harkins and his insurance staff have been meeting the needs of individuals and families in the North Dallas, Frisco and Plano, TX area for years and they can provide you with complete information about umbrella insurance, as well as all of your other insurance needs.
Your homeowners insurance, as well as your car and boat insurance all provide coverage for personal liability in case of an accident that causes damage and/or injuries. Liability insurance is required by law in Texas and for good reason. The expense and cost of damages to property from an accident can rise rapidly and when serious personal injury is involved as well, those costs can shoot out of sight in a big hurry. If damages result in a lawsuit, the dollar amounts can easily escalate into hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. Your current liability insurance isn't likely to cover anywhere near those amounts of money.
No one wants to think of ever being liable for an accident that causes damages and injury to another person, but accidents do happen every day. In the age we live in, responsibility and liability for severe damage and injury quite often winds up being decided in a courtroom. If you aren't independently wealthy, a loss in a legal fight can cost you dearly. Those costs can include your home, your vehicle, your life savings and even your future earnings. Even if you win your court case, you can still be found liable for court costs and attorney's fees, which can be substantial. To prevent the potential loss of your financial security, an umbrella insurance policy is becoming a necessary piece of your insurance portfolio.
An umbrella policy picks up where your other insurance leaves off. Your homeowners, auto and boat insurance coverage will only pay up to a predetermined amount of money. If expenses rise above that amount, umbrella insurance covers the additional expense. Umbrella policies typically provide coverage from one to five million dollars, sometimes even more.
Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?
If you own considerable assets, such as a home, a couple of cars, maybe a boat and a bank account, including retirement accounts, you really should consider an umbrella insurance policy. The cost is minimal, considering the potential financial disaster you could find yourself in because of an accidental injury or property damage.
Tri-Star insurance has a knowledgeable, professional staff that knows how to help you determine the types and amount of insurance coverage that will protect you and your assets, including umbrella insurance. Call 214-387-0600 or call toll-free at 1-800-880-4600 today and talk to an agent at Tri-Star Insurance Professionals about an umbrella insurance policy to protect your future.
Related Links
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Posted by Roger Harkins on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
If you are one of the millions of people who rent a home or an apartment, no doubt you enjoy the freedom that homeowners can only dream of. With the long list of amenities that most apartment homes offer, you don’t have to worry about yard work, repairs, or maintenance issues. Another attractive feature to most renters is that there is no need to pay for insurance, which is something that is required of all homeowners. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in Plano knows every aspect of home or renters insurance that is available in Texas. However, as the rental house or apartment where you live is required to have a policy covering any damage that the building may suffer, what reason would you have to take out an insurance policy on property you don’t own? As Jack Morris found out, there is a very good reason.
When Jack moved to Frisco from Shreveport to start a new career, he found a great deal on an upscale two-bedroom apartment home. As it was his first time living in an apartment, his leasing agent mentioned the idea of renters insurance. Not really knowing anything about it, he took the time to do a little research on the specific policies offered in the lone-star state. Even after examining the available packages and learning that personal possessions are covered up to a certain amount, Jack decided that paying the little extra for renter’s insurance wasn’t for him.
After living in the complex for about eight months, Jack was nicely settled and enjoying his relaxed lifestyle. However, that all came to an end when he was awoken one night by the sound of alarms blaring from every direction. After realizing it was the smoke detector that was causing the ruckus, he quickly got dressed, grabbed a few things, and ran outside just in time to see the fire brigade approaching. As he looked up to his second story unit, he could see flames licking the inside if his neighbor’s window. As it turned out, his neighbor had accidentally started a kitchen fire that had spread to three other units, including his, before fire officials were able to put it out.
After everything was said and done, the estimated damage to Jack’s property was around $18,000. If only he had paid the relatively small amount for renters insurance, he wouldn’t have suffered such a tremendous loss. Not only is insurance for renters easy to get, it is also usually very inexpensive. Some policies are available for as little as $10 a month, and when combined with auto insurance, the cost may drop even further. Not only does it cover fire, but also smoke theft, and vandalism.
If you want to avoid the painful and costly process of replacing your belongings in the event of a disaster, 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 valuables are protected!
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
Find a Rental Home or Apartment in Texas
Texas Fire Prevention Society
Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
If you are one of the millions of people who rent a home or an apartment, no doubt you enjoy the freedom that homeowners can only dream of. With the long list of amenities that most apartment homes offer, you don’t have to worry about yard work, repairs, or maintenance issues. Another attractive feature to most renters is that there is no need to pay for insurance, which is something that is required of all homeowners. Tri-Star Insurance Professionals Inc. in Plano knows every aspect of home or renters insurance that is available in Texas. However, as the rental house or apartment where you live is required to have a policy covering any damage that the building may suffer, what reason would you have to take out an insurance policy on property you don’t own? As Jack Morris found out, there is a very good reason.
When Jack moved to Frisco from Shreveport to start a new career, he found a great deal on an upscale two-bedroom apartment home. As it was his first time living in an apartment, his leasing agent mentioned the idea of renters insurance. Not really knowing anything about it, he took the time to do a little research on the specific policies offered in the lone-star state. Even after examining the available packages and learning that personal possessions are covered up to a certain amount, Jack decided that paying the little extra for renter’s insurance wasn’t for him.
After living in the complex for about eight months, Jack was nicely settled and enjoying his relaxed lifestyle. However, that all came to an end when he was awoken one night by the sound of alarms blaring from every direction. After realizing it was the smoke detector that was causing the ruckus, he quickly got dressed, grabbed a few things, and ran outside just in time to see the fire brigade approaching. As he looked up to his second story unit, he could see flames licking the inside if his neighbor’s window. As it turned out, his neighbor had accidentally started a kitchen fire that had spread to three other units, including his, before fire officials were able to put it out.
After everything was said and done, the estimated damage to Jack’s property was around $18,000. If only he had paid the relatively small amount for renters insurance, he wouldn’t have suffered such a tremendous loss. Not only is insurance for renters easy to get, it is also usually very inexpensive. Some policies are available for as little as $10 a month, and when combined with auto insurance, the cost may drop even further. Not only does it cover fire, but also smoke theft, and vandalism.
If you want to avoid the painful and costly process of replacing your belongings in the event of a disaster, 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 valuables are protected!
Related Links
Texas Department of Insurance
Find a Rental Home or Apartment in Texas
Texas Fire Prevention Society