What kind of discounts are available for insurance?

Auto Discounts:

• You're a homeowner
• You have your home/condo/renter policy with same carrier as auto
• Paid in full
• Multi-car
• Advance quote (quoted 8 plus days before issue)
• Anti-Theft device
• Low Mileage
• Teen Safe Driver
• Good Student
• Distant Student Driver
• Driver Training
• Accident Prevention Course

Home Discounts:

• Newer home
• Renewal
• Companion (home and auto with same carrier)
• Umbrella
• Burglar alarm

To find out what discounts you are eligible for, contact Shelly at Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100 or shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

Did you realize employee coverage from employers is getting more rare?

In the last 10 years, premiums for a family of four have jumped 70% from $6424 to $10,945. The employee portion of those premiums increased by 90% from $1,780 to $3,389.

The percentage of employees who get their health insurance through their jobs is down 8 points in the last 10 years to 162.5 million. In Texas only 51.5% of employees have employer-sponsored insurance.  Across all income levels, more than half of those who have lost their employer sponsored insurance were in families earning moderate incomes (for a family of four).

On top of that, more doctors are charging patients if they are asked to complete forms (i.e., health form for summer camp, school physical). The per-item fees are typically ranging anywhere from $5 to $20+.

Safe Driving Tips

Maintain your car in good condition - Each time you have oil changes, tune-ups or other type of work on your car, record the date in a notebook and keep the car's maintenance on a regular schedule. Make sure tire tread is above the wear bars. Worn tires can blow out, skid and cause accidents, and don't keep good traction in wet road conditions. Check brake lights and turn signals regularly to make sure they are working.

Do what you can to avoid collisions - By driving the legal speed limit and by keeping at least one car length between you and the car in front of you (for every 10 mph you are traveling) i.e, 4 car lengths if you are traveling at 40 mph, you can minimize the risk of a collision.  Use your turn indicator and slow down gradually to avoid being hit from behind.

Be cautious at intersections - Over 2/3 of all traffic injuries occur at intersections, so be prepared when you approach one. Always use your turn signal if you are planning to turn, and assume other drivers don't see your signal. Proceed cautiously. DON'T assume others will give you the right-of-way.

Don't drive if you are taking medications or are tired - Many cold remedies cause drowsiness. Driving while tired increases the potential for injuries.

Always wear your seat belt - You can increase your chance for survival in an accident if you get into the habit of wearing your seat belt.

Keep infants and toddlers in car seats - By law, children under four must be belted into specially designed car seats and not permitted to move around while the vehicle is moving. Infants should never be in an adult's lap.

Yield as often as possible - A defensive driver will yield as often as possible to other drivers who are determined to go first. If you approach an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, allow the other driver to proceed first unless he or she signals to you otherwise. A little patience can save time and injury.

Don't drink and drive. Coffee cannot alter the chemical effects that alcohol has on your body.

Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

Shop Smart for Insurance with a Local Independent Agent

When you're tackling something unfamiliar - doing your taxes, booking a vacation - and you want to make sure it's done right, you hire a professional. The same is true with insurance.

A local agent asks you about your vehicle, home, and your life, and recommends options that match.

Some local agents sell policies from only one company (captive), and others sell policies from multiple companies. An "independent" agent who sells policies for multiple companies can offer you more options because they have more companies and insurance products to choose from.

When you're ready to talk to a local agent, here are questions they might ask to create a policy that's right for you:

• Do you have an older car? Once your car reaches a certain age, you can lower the amount of physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision). Your agent can adjust your policy accordingly. He or she also might suggest raising your deductible to save more money.
• What's changed in your life lately? If you've recently moved, gotten married or had a birthday, you might be eligible for discounts.
• Do you need coverage for a different kind of vehicle? Your agent can help you get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles, and they don't have to be cars. If you have a boat, RV, ATV, or motorcycle, it needs insurance too.
• Do you need to insure something other than a car? One of the main advantages of an agent who sells more than one company's products is the ability to pick the best matches for all of your insurance needs - home, business, life, etc.

A local agent can help maximize your selection and savings.  Call Shelly @ Ben Goodwyn Agency today at 972.618.0100

Do you know the terms used by experts for impending floods?

Flood Watch:

Flooding is possible. Tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for further information.

Flash Flood Watch:

Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground,and tune in to the radio/TV.

Flood Warning:

Flooding is occurring or will soon occur; if you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning:

A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground immediately.

Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

• Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause loss of control and possible stalling.
• Twelve inches of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles (including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups).

Contact Ben Goodwyn Agency for more information 972.618.0100

Could you pass the standard DMV 20 question written test?

Millions of people across the nation, driving on the roads each and every day, may fail.

Are you one of them?

Our office is teaming up with GMAC Insurance this year to ask the Texas driving public this very question and encourage you to take a test that will help you keep the rules of the road and recall safe driving habits to your minds.

It's part of the 7th Annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test. We're partnering with GMAC Insurance for this fun and simple way to refresh your driving credentials and make you a better, safer driver.

Look for future posts to follow and get ready to brush up on your driving knowledge.

Thank you for your business.

Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

Are you complying with Texas Workers Compensation Law?

Workers’ compensation is a regulated insurance system in each state that provides covered employees with income and medical benefits if they are injured on the job or have a work-related injury or illness. Workers’ compensation insurance limits an employer’s liability if an employee brings suit against the employer for damages except in cases of gross negligence . In Texas private employers can choose whether or not to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

Texas employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report their non-coverage status and work-related injuries and illnesses to the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). Employers are also required to notify their employees if they do not carry workers’ compensation insurance. Only very large employers are technically "self insured".  If you, as an employer, expect to pay for injuries out of your own pocket, you are NOT self insured.  You must still file with TDI.  Employers who do carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage are required to report any work-related injuries and illnesses to their insurance carrier. Employers that fail to meet these requirements commit an administrative violation and may be subject to administrative penalties.

Contact Ben Goodwyn Agency for your free quote. 972.618.0100  shelly@bengoodwynagency.com

 

Small Business Owners' Safe Driving Tips

Keep your vehicle maintained. Remember to have regular (professional) inspections, and repair or replace parts when necessary.

Keep a safe distance. You may be carrying more weight than other drivers if you're driving a truck.  Try to keep a two to three second distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.  You want to make sure you have enough room to come to a complete stop in case they slam on their brakes.

Pull over when you need to check directions or change destination.  Take the next exit or stop at the neares rest area (don't pull over on the freeway median).

Be ready for the unexpected.  My dad used to say "expect stupid". Be property insured. You should have liability and physical damage (covers damage you cause to your vehicle or someone else's) in case of an accident.

As a business owner that depends on transportion for work, reliable transportation is a must.  These tips will keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely while you're on the road.

Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100

Do you want to be a Rock Star? or a Rocking Chair Star?

Men's health issues are on the rise due to the fact many men do not take advantage of routine health screenings.  Don't be one of the 70% of individuals who have not seen a health care provider in the last 5 years (American Medical Association).

We encourage you to schedule a health screening and include the following (per the Harvard School of Public Health):

1. Cholesterol and lipoprotein profile.  Cholesterol should be less than 200; LDL/bad cholesterol level should be under 100; HDL/good cholesterol greater than 60; triglyceride/fat level less than 150.

2. Blood pressure check.  High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Target systolic blood pressure is under 140 and diastolic (bottom number) below 70.

3. Diabetes screening. Diabetes affects insulin production and can lead to vision problems, kidney malfunction, and poor blood circulation.

4. Bone density test. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin and easily break and is responsible for approx. 70% of bone fractures in people over the age of 45.

5. Vitamin D level. We usually receive vitamin D through diet and exposure to sunlight. As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin D decreases putting us at greater risk for fractures and osteoporosis.

6. Colonoscopy. Baseline screen for colon cancer should be done at age 50.  Unless you have other risk factors, you only need this test once every 10 years.

7. Fecal occult blood test. Checks to see if there is blood in the intestinal tract which could be a sign of colon cancer, diverticulitis, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids.

8. Skin cancer screening. This is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Most can be cured if caught early.

9. Vision screening. By age 65, you should have an eye exam every year. The risk of glaucoma and cataracts increases with age.

10.Hearing test. The incidence of hearing loss increases after age 50.

11.Thyroid test. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are essential for many important body functions.

12.Metabolic syndrome screening. This condition comprises a group of symptoms: abdominal obesity, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, elevated prothrombin level, and elevated C-reactive protein.

13.Testicular cancer screening. Signs can be detected during a physical exam. Note any abnormal lumps in your testes, as well as any change in size or shape.

14.Prostate cancer screening. More common in men over age 50, African-American men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

15.Bladder cancer screening. More common among older men and those with a history of smoking, occupational exposure to carcinogens, or chronic bladder infections, or a family history of bladder cancer.

Make a promise to yourself to become more proactive when it comes to your health.

If your health care plan does not cover a test listed here, you have other options. Consider attending local health fairs and senior fairs that often provide health screenings for free or for a nominal fee.

For more information, contact Shelly at Ben Goodwyn Agency 972.618.0100  shelly@bengoodwynagency.com