Saturday, February 22, 2014

Life Happens....Thats why there's life insurance

That’s why there’s life insurance
Life can take unexpected, unpredictable turns. Toward the amusing. The annoying. And, unfortunately, even
the tragic. So every day, you take little steps to improve the odds that good things will happen and to guard
against the bad. You wear seatbelts. You lock your doors when you leave home. You buy life insurance for
the same kind of reason — to protect your family financially. It ensures that your loved ones will have the
kind of lifestyle and opportunities you always hoped they’d have, even if you’re not here. Will your family
be OK when life happens?

Friday, February 14, 2014

Crazy4Love photos

The Things We Do for Love

A Legacy of Love

Leave a Legacy of Love With Life Insurance

You want your loved ones to have lives filled with happiness, comfort and opportunities, and you work very hard to make that happen. But what would happen to your family’s quality of life if you were suddenly gone and no longer able to provide for them? What would your legacy to them be? Would they be able to make ends meet financially with you no longer in the picture? Could they continue to live in your home? Would a college education be possible for your children? In short, would the legacy you leave be one of financial hardship or financial security? The choice is yours. Maybe you’ve been diligently saving money for many years and already have enough put away to guarantee a financially secure future for your loved ones. But if you’re like most people, you probably haven’t reached all of your long-term savings goals yet. That’s where life insurance comes in. When you’ve done the proper life insurance planning, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will be provided for after you’re gone. To find out more about how life insurance can help you leave a legacy of love and financial security, visit www.lifehappens.org, the website of the nonprofit LIFE Foundation. It explains who needs life insurance and provides tools to help you determine how much and what kind of life insurance might be right for you

Thursday, February 13, 2014

A trip in an RV shouldn’t ruin your marriage … or your day


Mistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.

The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.

A leading RV insurer, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to uncover amusing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling.

The survey found that the most common blunders made while traveling are:
•driving away with the steps extended;
•backing into something;
•misjudging overhead or side clearance space;
•not connecting taillights correctly; and
•running out of gas.

The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip.

Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.

Only 28 percent bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, 54 percent simply added their RV to their auto policy, and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance.

Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.

“There are huge differences in coverage and services from companies that specialize in RV insurance,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager at Progressive. “Check with your local independent insurance agent or do research online so that you buy the policy and coverages that are right for you.”


. For more information on specialized RV coverages, visit Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150
Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Gear up for motorcycle season


Those lazy days of summer will be here soon. If you’re like most bikers, you’re gearing up to hit the open road as soon as warm weather hits.

Before you get your motor running, be prepared. Call your independent insurance agent to make sure your policy is in the same great shape as your bike. Specialized coverages will ensure that you and your bike are properly protected.  For more information about motorcycle insurance with Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sinking boat insurance myths

You don't believe in the Loch Ness Monster. You don’t believe your friend caught Jaws fishing off the Florida coast. So why do most boaters believe boat insurance covers them wherever they go?

Progressive surveyed more than 1,000 boat owners. It uncovered a few insurance myths floating around. Here's a sample of the findings and the facts behind each:

Myth: Everyone pays more for insurance because of the hurricanes from a couple of years ago.
Reality: Even though it’s believed by 74 percent of respondents, it isn’t true. Boat insurers generally price policies based on claims in each state. For example, Ohio customers won't pay more for insurance because of hurricanes in Florida.

Myth: Boat insurance covers me anywhere I decide to go boating.
Reality: Seventy-six percent of respondents believed this one. The reality is some insurers only provide coverage where the boat is used most. Insurers may limit coverage to 100 nautical miles of your home port. Progressive provides coverage virtually anywhere you decide to go in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Myth: I’ll get a better insurance rate if I buy from the same company that insures my home or car.
Reality: Buying more than one product from the same insurance company doesn't mean you get the best rate – even though 45 percent of respondents thought so. Boaters can save by shopping around and combining specialized policies from different companies.

"It’s important to understand what’s available," said Dominic Mediate of Progressive. "You want to be properly protected in case your boat is stolen, you get into an accident or contents are damaged. We’re separating fact from fiction so boaters can make the best insurance decisions possible."

For more information about boat insurance with Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Tips For Protecting Boats And Motorcycles

Before you take your motorcycle on the road or put your boat on the water, it may pay to be certain your insurance is ship-shape.

Motorcycles and boats are often significant investments, and the right insurance policy can help protect them. Here are a few tips, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance

·         Evaluate your specific needs. Insuring a boat or a motorcycle is different than insuring your car or home. A specialized motorcycle policy, for instance, can provide coverage for custom paint jobs and aftermarket equipment that might not be covered if the bike were just added to a generic auto policy.

·         Similarly, a specialized boat policy could cover things like the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear and costly services such as emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup. You probably wouldn’t get this coverage by adding a boat to a homeowner’s policy.

·         Consult with an independent agency – like Hawkins Insurance. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent insurance agents and brokers are licensed insurance professionals who represent several companies. They can offer you a variety of coverages, review and evaluate your policies, suggest new coverage options that meet your changing needs and answer your questions.

“An independent insurance agent or broker can make sure you have the specialized coverage you need to protect your boat or bike,” said Jim Lloyd, of the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “Some insurance companies provide only bare-bones protection for your boat or motorcycle by simply adding it onto your existing auto or homeowner’s policy, but independent agents and brokers can review and evaluate your needs to help match you with the company that will provide you with the combination of specialized coverage, service and price that’s best for you.”

To learn more about Progressive Boat and Motorcycle insurance, contact Hawkins Insurance or visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150
Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Time is money: Save both

Time is money: Save both 

Saving 5 cents a gallon on gas is great. But, if you have to drive 20 minutes to get to the station, is it really a savings? If a deal costs you valuable time, it’s not a deal at all. The same holds true with auto insurance.

Bargain-basement policies can gobble up your time if you have to file a claim. You can spend up to four days calling repair shops, getting estimates and arranging for a rental car.

Remember, insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about service, too. The concierge level of claims service offered by Progressive can cut the claims/repair process from four days to only 15 minutes.

“You may think the most stressful part of being involved in an accident is the crash itself. But, that’s just the beginning,” said Craig Moore with Progressive. “We’ve come up with an easy, time-saving way to manage repairs.”

Simply drop off the damaged vehicle at a service center and a claims representative handles the entire claims/repair process for you. Repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own or lease your vehicle.

Here’s how the concierge level of claims service works:

Report the claim. Call or go online to report the claim. A claims rep will schedule a time to bring your vehicle to the service center.

Drop off and go. In about 15 minutes, you can be on your way in a rental car. Your rep prepares an estimate and then contacts a repair shop. When the work is finished, the vehicle is returned to the service center.

Pick up your vehicle. You’re contacted when the vehicle is ready. You inspect the repairs and leave with a written guarantee on the work.

Think about all aspects of insurance before you buy, especially the time you’ll spend if you have a claim. For more information, http://www.ryaninsuresme.comor call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Social Security insecurity: How advisors can help | LifeHealthPro

Social Security insecurity: How advisors can help | LifeHealthPro

Seven Shopping Strategies For New Car Buyers

New car shopping can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).

Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews, incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.

So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance in mind:

1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?

2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing person.

4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.

5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal.

6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.

7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.

Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost.

Wise car buyers know to shop around for insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit an independent insurance agency – like Hawkins Insurance. We can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price.

To get a Progressive quote with Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Monday, February 3, 2014

It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, Hawkins Insurance can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider:

• Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars.

• Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.

• Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium.

• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check.

• Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it.

To learn more about all an independent agency can offer you, call Hawkins Insurance.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Life Insurance Tips Made Easy

Life Insurance Tips Made Easy

Three Tips To Help Your Vacation Get Off To A Worry-Free Start

With vacation season in full swing, you may be in the process of planning an annual getaway. While most people spend lots of time looking for ways to maximize their budget, one costly decision is often left to the last minute—whether to buy the optional insurance offered by a rental car company.

“Deciding whether to buy ‘damage waivers’ or insurance at the rental car counter can be a confusing experience—especially if you don’t know if you’re already covered by your personal auto insurance policy,” said Rick Crawley of the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. “Optional rental car insurance can cost between $7 and $25 per day, depending on the rental car company, vehicle make and model and type of waiver. Those daily charges can significantly add to the cost of your rental.”

Follow these three tips, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance, to help you decide whether or not you should buy the coverage:

1. Consult with an independent insurance agency – like Hawkins InsuranceAs licensed insurance professionals, independent insurance agents and brokers can review and evaluate your policies to find out if the coverage you have on your personal vehicle provides protection for you in a rental car.

2. Check with your credit card company. Some credit card companies provide coverage at no charge if you use their card to charge the cost of the rental. However, some restrictions may apply so be sure to ask for a description of the exact coverages provided.

3. Take your personal auto insurance policy and details of your coverages with you to the rental car counter. You may be asked a question that these papers can help answer—or, if you’re in doubt, you’ll have your agent’s name and phone number readily available. “We want people to have the information they need to make more informed decisions about car insurance,” said Crawley.

“Knowing whether you need to buy additional coverage can save you money and give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation. Don’t start off your trip questioning your decisions—take control by talking with your independent agent or broker and knowing the answers to those inevitable questions.”

To learn more about all an independent agency offers, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or give us a call.
Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Four Questions To Get The Right Auto Insurance

Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.

If you’re a business owner and you or your employees use a vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that’s tailored to more closely suit the needs—and risks—of a business vehicle operator.

Here are some questions that can help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance:

• Do you need more liability coverage than your personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks.

• Do you need special coverage for situations associated with con-ducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain coverages—such as hired and non-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use—that are not available with personal auto policies.

• Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do this with a commercial auto insurance policy.

• Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery, you might need a commercial auto policy.

Hawkins Insurance is an independent insurance agency – trained, licensed insurance professionals who offer personal service and advice. We can help match you with the type of policy that best suits your needs and those of your company.

To learn more about all an independent agency offers, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or give us a call.

Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office:  2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing:  PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388  |  Fax: (800) 794-9150

Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com