Safeco's Agent Giving Program

Safeco is committed to doing what's right so others (agents and customers) can do more.  They support and honor civic minded agents and individuals by offering grants to the organizations they support.

Community Hero Awards and nominated two times per year (Spring and Fall) and Agent Giving Program grants are usually in the range of $1500-$5000.  Last year Safeco gave 33 grants and 13 Community Hero Awards

Smoke and Fire Damage Do's and Don'ts

After the fire:

Do: limit time spent in home to lessen soot particles from being disturbed and get embedded in upholstery and carpet.

Keep hands clean so soot is not transferred from item to item.

Put dry, old linens in high traffic areas.

Empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open if electricity is off.

Clean off soot from chrome and protect surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.

Change HVAC filters, but leave system off.

Cover air registers with double layer of cheesecloth.

Don't: Touch walls or attempt to wash painted surfaces.

Attempt to clean any electrical appliance that was near to the fire.

Consume any food or beverages that may have been close to fire, heat or water.

If ceiling is wet, leave ceiling fixtures off.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance for HOAs

Are you on your HOA board?  Do you sleep well at night wondering whether your personal assets are safe because of a decision or action - inaction - the board made on behalf of the association?

When you join a board, you are volunteering your time and effort and the responsibility of making decisions for the association.  There is a fiduciary duty to make decisions in the best interest of the association as well as interpret and enforce the association's governing documents.  These actions can lead to potential lawsuits alleging breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, slander or libe,l and discrimination.  A good D&O policy will cover lawsuits for either monetary or nonmonetary relief.  Call Shelly at Ben Goodwyn Agency for your options. 972.618.0100

Personal Watercraft Insurance

 

Make waves with the right watercraft insurance.  Coverage can include wreck removal, trailer, accessories, towing/assistance.

Discounts include multi-unit, multi-policy, prior insurance, and renewal discounts.

Several deductible options.

Call Shelly @ Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 for more information - 7 days a week!

Off Road Vehicle Insurance

Do you own a snowmobile? dirt bike? dune buggy? golf cart? or 3-4-6-or 8 wheel ATV?

Policies can include comprehensive, collision, liability and medial payments

Year round coverage is available

Safety apparel coverage is also available

Transport trailer coverage is optional

Shelly @ Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

Homeowner Theft Prevention

Before you Leave on Vacation

Your home should look "lived in" even if you're not there

• Have your newspapers and mail picked up by a trusted neighbor
• Use timers on lights, TV and stereo that turn on/off randomly
• Turn phone ringer off or down.
• Install motion detector.
• Join Neighborhood Watch group.
• Keep valuables in safe deposit box.
• Lock doors/windows when you leave

Should I Buy the Damage Waiver When I Rent a Car?

Most definitely!  Your personal auto policy will extend some coverage, but it will not cover things such as: administrative fees charged by the rental car company; if the vehicle is damaged, you may be charged the daily rental rate for every day the vehicle cannot be rented to someone else; and depreciated value.  We strongly recommend that when you do the walk around at the time of rental, that you photograph all sides of the vehicle, as well as the interior so you have proof of the condition of the vehicle before you drive it off the lot.  Shelly, Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

Are RV owners at risk?

The answer is YES! An independent study reveals that approximately 90% of RVs are underinsured.  If you are covering your RV with ordinary auto insurance, you could be exposed to serious financial risk.  You may also be paying too much for your premium.  As an independent insurance agency, we have access to several carriers and know the RIGHT insurance coverage for the RV enthusiast.  Contact Shelly at Ben Goodwyn Agency.

 

Safety Tips for your Home in the Event of Severe Weather

 

Be Prepared: Put together emergency items before severe weather strikes.  Store your basic emergency kit in a waterproof container. Include flashlights for each person with extra batteries, first aid kit, work gloves, duct tape and more.

You can also think for a survival kit that includes a 2 weeks supply of non-perishable food, drinking water (one gallon per person per day for 2 weeks), plastic tarp, extra clothing, cash, camera and two coolers - one for food and the other to hold ice.

Remember that if there is no electric power, banks may be temporarily closed.

Manufactured Home

Do you have an older manufactured home and having difficulty finding an insurance carrier?  Foremost Insurance has been insuring mobile and manufactured homes for over 50 years.  They were actually the first carrier to design a policy specifically for manufactured homes.  Many companies will only insure homes up to a certain age or over a certain value.  Foremost will consider ANY home ANY size ANY age ANY value and whether located in a park or on private property.

If you have a total loss, Foremost will pay the full amount of insurance, less any applicable deductible.  In addition to manufactured home insurance, golf carts are covered for liability for on premises use at no additional charge.  Optional coverages include credit card and check forgery; additional living expenses; emergency repairs after loss and fire department service.

When you're looking for a local manufactured home agent, contact Shelly and Ben Goodwyn Agency for quotes through an independent insurance agent.  972.618.0100

Home Office Insurance

Do you have an in-home business?  Most homeowners policies do not cover business exposures.  The items you use for your business such as filing cabinets, fax, computers, tools and inventory may be limited to $2500 in your hmoe and $250 away from home.  Can I still get more coverage for my in-home business?  Definitely!  Depending on the type of business you may be able to endorse your homeowners policy or get an in-home business owners policy.  Shelly with Ben Goodwyn Agency can help you find the answers.  972.618.0100