Bibby Brilling News

Simple Road Rules to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:30:41 GMT

If you are the parent of a teen driver, then you understand that having them on the road can leave you a bit worried and stressed. The road can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, especially for those who might not be that experienced yet. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you create a set of rules to keep your teen safe.

1- Always buckle up. This may be a given, but buckling up your seatbelt exponentially reduces the risk of injury during any kind of accident. The best way to enforce this rule is to always buckle up before turning on the car, so that positive habits can be created.

2- Keep the number of passengers low. Every new person in a car serves as a distraction which reduces the driver’s ability to process important information. For teen drivers, these distractions should not be allowed until they get more experience.

3- Drive during the day. Night driving brings with it a certain series of dangers unique to the situation, and experience is needed to get through safely. By insisting on daytime driving, parents will protect their kids from many possible issues that mainly happen during the night.

By setting up these rules ahead of time, both the parents and the teen are able to establish a safety net of trust to keep them safe on the road. By taking the time to have a mature conversation with your teen, you can create a positive set of guidelines to make a real difference.

Choosing Between Term and Whole Life Insurance

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:33:16 GMT

One of the most important decisions you can make as an adult concerns whether you will select term or whole life insurance. Both options have pros and cons, and it is ultimately up to the individual to pick out the best options for them.

Term life insurance is a policy that gives the person the full benefits of a life insurance policy for a set period of time. This term is a set amount of years, wherein the person decides how long their policy will extend, and when it will end.

Full life insurance is acquired with the understanding that someone will pay into their policy for as long as they live, while receiving the full benefits form their plan during that time.

The main difference between the two options (besides the differences in time span) is that the term life insurance will only pay out death benefits once someone has passed, while full life insurance will offer large cash amounts to beneficiaries as well. Term policies are going to be cheaper with their premiums, while full options will have more perks to them.

It comes down to pricing and available perks, as well as the ability to renew or pay into different funds, based on how long someone has lived for.

Essentially, the choice is yours, as you look to give your loved ones the best possible situation when it comes time for these benefits to help them. There is no perfect answer for anyone, but there are the options that will best suit their situation.

Why Earthquake Insurance is a Smart Investment

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:29:51 GMT

When it comes to insurance of any kind, it is better to be safe than sorry. Earthquake insurance definitely falls into the category of good protection that is better to not have to use. There are several reasons as to why having earthquake insurance is a smart investment.

1- First of all, an earthquake can strike anywhere at any time. While there are certainly going to be areas that are prone to it more often than others, such as California, the fact of the matter is that one could potentially hit anywhere.

2- All of the regions of the United States actually are near or any geological fault lines. Indeed, this even includes the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the country. Put simply, there is no area that is completely safe.

3- It is better to be safe than sorry. Paying a small investment every month is something that will pay off many times greater should there be an actual emergency. If there is an emergency, then getting your life back on track as soon as possible should make the experience more bearable.

4- Protection Is not that expensive. When it all comes down to it, the small amount paid is made to reflect that while a quake may not be likely, people can be covered properly at all times.

All of these factors stand as prime reasons as to why earthquake insurance is a smart investment. While one does not wish to ever see such a situation unfold, it is belter to be ready if it does.

Why Have Classic and Antique Car Insurance

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:57:23 GMT

If you are the owner of a classic or antique car, you understand that the value of the car doesn’t just come from age. Ensuring that your investment is protected so that your car can continue to appreciate is very wise. When you are looking for the right policy for your classic car, you should be sure that you are wise about finding an insurance policy that will meet the needs that your car has. As you are looking for this specialty car insurance you should make sure that you look for these features…

Agreed Value – This means that if you are to suffer the loss of the car the provider will pay you the full (agreed) amount minus any agreed deductible. You do not want to sign up with a company that will only give you “actual cash value” or “stated value”.
Lower Rates – When you are not driving the car full-time you do not want to pay the same rates that you are paying for the cars that you are driving full-time.
Coverage Options – Your car is different than other collector cars and you want to make sure that you are getting coverage that is just as unique as your car.
Generous Mileage – You should not be afraid to get out and drive your car. Not all insurance companies have a mileage limit, but to ensure that you are able to maintain the value of your car we set our mileage limit at a generous 5,000 miles.
Roadside assistance – This feature of your insurance will ensure that no matter where you breakdown and need help a flatbed will be on its way to pick you up.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Car

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:24 GMT

Buying a new car is an exciting time - but it can also be stressful. After all, you're trying to get the best deal on price, while also deciding on the make, model and features you need.

We can't really help you become a master negotiator when it comes to buying a car. But we can give you some things to consider when you're looking around the lot - and when you're trying to answer the age-old question of "new, or used?"

Now, the new vs. used argument is pretty well documented - with people usually staunchly in one camp or the other - and you probably already know what side you're on. But read on with an open mind, and you might just come to a different decision the next time you’re on the car lot.

New cars

Ah, that new-car smell. It's a bit of a cliché, but it's one of the things that people love about climbing into a brand-new car. And while they make air fresheners that supposedly give you that same smell for your used car, it just doesn't seem the same, does it? Still, there are other benefits to buying new - and, of course, there are drawbacks as well.

PRO - Choices: When you buy new, you get to choose your color and the exact features you want. From spoilers to sunroofs to leather seats and stereo systems, you can customize your car to best fit you.
PRO - Maintenance: Some manufacturers offer free scheduled maintenance for a set period of time after you buy the car, and you likely won't need a new battery, tires, etc., for several years after your purchase.
PRO - Peace of Mind: Your new car may have a warranty for up to 10 years, and also is covered by "lemon laws" that could allow for a replacement or refund if the car has serious defects.
CON - Cost: Depending on the make and model, buying a new car is almost always more expensive (at least in terms of the purchase price) than a used car.

It's also worth noting that if you purchase a new car in its first model year (meaning it's a new model for the automaker), there won't be many user reviews available, and data on reliability and repairs will be limited. In addition, sometimes newly introduced cars have some kinks that generally are ironed out by the second and third model years. These aren't necessarily serious issues, and the warranty should cover them, but in some instances, you and your car could be headed to the shop more than you'd like.

Used Cars

Don't care about the new-car smell? Looking to save some money on your purchase? Well, a used car might be right for you. There are many advantages to buying used, but you'll want to be a little more careful. After all, it's hard to know exactly how well the previous owner treated the car. But you can limit your risk with a little bit of work.

PRO - Choices: While you won't necessarily get to customize your used car, you likely can find a pretty good fit. There are lots of used cars out there.
PRO - Cost: New cars depreciate quickly after they're purchased. By buying used, you're letting someone else take that financial hit over the first few years of the life of the car.
PRO/CON - Reliability: Buying a used car is less of a gamble than it used to be, particularly with the advent of "certified pre-owned" programs many automakers now offer. However, used cars generally don't carry the same warranties as new cars, even though the original manufacturer's warranty is usually transferable to a second owner.
CON - Maintenance: While a used car theoretically shouldn't need more frequent maintenance than a new car, you'll likely need to replace things like tires, headlights, etc., earlier. And scheduled maintenance probably isn't covered by the automaker.
PRO/CON - History: You'll need to check the car's title history to make sure it hasn't been in a serious accident or salvaged. Ask the dealership to provide this information, usually from Carfax.

Of course, whichever car you purchase, the important thing is that it's a good fit for you. Bear in mind that certain makes and models can result in higher car insurance costs for you, so feel free to check in with us before you buy.

Have fun shopping - and we'll see you on the road!

How Much Homeowners Insurance Do You Need?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:33:36 GMT

When you are shopping for home owners insurance it can be difficult to figure out exactly who much you need. To ensure that you have enough coverage you should be sure that your home owners insurance will cover…

The structure of your home. You want to make sure that the insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding your home at the current rates that construction charge. This will not include any price of land, just the base costs of rebuilding the home. There are many different factors that go into determining this cost, and you will want to talk to an insurance representative about what the cost of your structure would be.
Your personal possessions. More than likely, you will need to find a homeowners insurance policy that will cover at least 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of possessions that you have in your home.
The cost of additional living expenses if your home is damaged and you have to live elsewhere during repairs. You want to make sure that you will be able to be taken care of if you are not able to live in your home. These costs will help you survive.
Your liability to others. This is the part of your coverage that will cover your against lawsuits for any bodily injury or property damage that you or family members may cause to other people.

Why Have Renters Insurance?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:20:58 GMT

Just because you are renting does not mean that your possessions are not important to you. When you are renting you should be sure that you understand how you are going to protect everything that you own.

A renters insurance policy can protect your…

Sound system
Sports gear
Computer equipment
Television
MP3 player
Any other valuable possession

All of your personal property will be covered against any theft or damage. Your policy will have limits and deductibles but you will be a part of choosing these limits and deductibles. Even if you are not home, your possessions will be protected and covered.

When you are looking into having renters insurance you will also want to make sure that you look into full value coverage. This way, you can be sure that you are able to get the full replacement cost of items that are every damaged or stolen.

After you sign up for renters insurance you should understand that your legal defenses may also be provided. You should also understand that your bodily injury and property damage claim can be covered by your renters insurance.

You will also have the option of having your medical payments covered by your renters insurance. If you are interested in renters insurance it is important that you sit down with an insurance adjustor to find the right amount of coverage for you and those that you live with.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:38:21 GMT

When you are looking into the insurance policies you want to invest in, you should be sure that you understand how you can research an umbrella policy. Many people do not realize what an umbrella policy is or how it could help them with their insurance policy.

In essence an umbrella policy will give you the additional layers of liability protection. When you have exhausted all of the liability limits with your home, auto or any other insurance policy your umbrella insurance policy will provide you with the extra protection you need.

An umbrella policy can provide you with as little or as much extra liability insurance as you need. The umbrella policy that you sign up for can provide you with coverage for your home, automobile, spouse, family members or even your household. This insurance policy may also pay for your legal defense fees.

An umbrella policy enables you to create a unique plan to fit your needs. You have to make sure that you can take the time that you need to understand how you are going to be wise assessing all of the insurance plans that you have so you know how much umbrella insurance you need.

Talk with your insurance adjustor today if you think that an umbrella policy will be good for you. Find a policy that fits your needs and helps you have the peace of mind that your insurance coverage can give you.

Is Your Home Energy Efficient?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:03:55 GMT

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues here in Texas, and they’re not only annoying – they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Bibby Brilling, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver – the area should be completely filled with insulation.
Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.
Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us.

Flood Insurance

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:54:31 GMT

When you move into a new home you have to understand that your home insurance will not cover flooding. You want to make sure that you find flood insurance that will cover the damage that your home incurs in the case of a flood, hurricane, tropical storm or even a heavy rain.

As you are looking for flood insurance you should make sure that you have building coverage. Building coverage will include…

The insured building and its foundation
The electrical and plumbing system
Central air conditioning, equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring

When you are looking for content coverage it will include…

Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
Curtains
Portable and window air conditioners
Portable microwaves and dishwashers
Carpeting that is not already included in property coverage
Clothing washer and dryers

If you feel that there is even a slight chance that your home may be touched by a flood, you should be sure that you look into your flood insurance options. Make sure that you sit down with an insurance adjustor to figure out what coverage is going to be the best for you.

Flood insurance may save you from financial ruin in time of a disaster. Do not take the process lightly and if you feel that you might need flood insurance, insure yourself sooner rather than later.