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You can't have enough liability but you can have TOO LITTLE

11/1/2013

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We recommend at least $500,000 in auto liability to all of our customers. Is it any wonder why? Anyone around here could cause an accident just like this on Pellissippi or I-40. Start doing the math on property damage alone -- don't even factor in the possible medical costs which could be exponentially higher.

TN state minimum limits provide only $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for medical expenses and $15,000 per accident for property damage liability.

What do think the numbers were for this accident?

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Home fire safey -- matter of life or death

10/18/2013

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Here's a great video from the Oak Ridge Fire Department which shows how quickly a fire grows. Getting out immediately and calling 911 is the only sane course of action.
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Drive less, pay less

9/21/2013

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What's the most dangerous thing you do?

5/10/2013

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What's the most dangerous thing you do every day? The answer is probably "start your car." The risks of simply operating (or parking -- see this story) a vehicle are enormous. You, your car, and your financial future are all at stake so you need as much auto liability and uninsured medical protection as you can reasonably afford. Imagine if the gas leak mentioned in the story below had turned into a fire or explosion. The owner of the truck might have been liable for millions in damage and loss of life. And did you know you can also be liable for damage to public property, like signs, barriers, bridges, etc.?
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"Emergency workers started evacuating about 100 people at an apartment complex and day care center after a pickup truck ruptured a two-inch natural gas line in central Oak Ridge on Friday morning.
"The apparently unoccupied pickup truck, which might have popped out of gear, rolled down a small hill at Broadway Apartments on East Madison Road and into a gas meter, which was attached to the gas line, Oak Ridge Fire Chief Darryl Kerley said."  -- Oak Ridge Today

Imagine the sheer risk possibilities of driving through Knoxville, TN on I-40: You spill your coffee and swerve from the center lane into a Lexus which is totaled ($55,000) and forces a contractor's pickup full of tools and material to run off the road and overturn ($45,000). Swerving to avoid the pickup is an 18-wheeler with a load of electronic equipment. It too overturns ($475,000). Only the driver of the Lexus is hurt and the injuries seem minor, but after a visit to a well-advertised law firm the medical bills start stacking up ($720,000). All of this is "your fault." Cost of that cup of coffee: $1,295,000. Cost to you if you have "good" $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 auto liability: $1,095,000. Cost to you if you have $500,000 auto liability plus a $1,000,000 umbrella policy: $0. Cost difference per year: maybe $300-$400. 
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100 home safety tips from Underwriters Laboratories

4/9/2013

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UL -- they worry professionally...
  1. Test each smoke alarm in your home
  2. Replace the batteries in each smoke alarm
  3. Count how many smoke alarms you have in your house. If you do not have one on every level and near sleeping areas, purchase additional smoke alarms
  4. Designate an outside meeting place for your family (for example: the mailbox) in case of a fire or emergency
  5. Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep
  6. Use a sturdy candle holder or hurricane lamp
  7. Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent burns
  8. Roll up your sleeves before you start cooking
  9. Have oven mitts nearby when cooking
  10. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
  11. Store all matches and lighters out of reach of children
  12. Put hot food and drinks near the center of the table only
  13. Put down your hot drink when carrying your baby
  14. Test hot water with an elbow before allowing a child to touch
  15. Post your fire escape plan on your refrigerator
  16. Put water on cigarette butts before throwing them away
  17. Unplug small appliances such as hair dryers and toasters after using them
  18. Use flameless candles
  19. Move anything that can burn, such as dish towels, at least three feet away from the stove
  20. Practice “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your kids
  21. Schedule an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected
  22. Look for the UL Mark when you buy appliances
  23. Tell kids to stay away from the stove/oven
  24. Turn space heaters off before going to bed
  25. Remove any gasoline from your home
  26. Put non-slip strips in your tub and shower
  27. Install night lights in the hallway
  28. Put a flashlight in each bedroom
  29. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent slips and falls
  30. Use a sturdy Christmas tree stand
  31. Water your Christmas tree every day
  32. Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from any heat source
  33. Inspect your Christmas lights for signs of damage
  34. Flip over large buckets so water cannot accumulate and become a drowning danger
  35. Store cleaners and other poisons away from food
  36. Post the Poison Control hotline number (1-800-222-1222) next to your phone
  37. If you have young children, use cabinet locks on cabinets that have poisons such as antifreeze, cleaners, detergents, etc.
  38. Keep medicine in its original containers
  39. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home
  40. Test your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm
  41. Put your infant to sleep on his/her back
  42. Remove any soft bedding, stuffed animals and pillows from your infant’s crib
  43. Cut your toddler’s food into small bites
  44. Use safety straps on high chairs and changing tables
  45. Check www.recalls.gov to see if any items in your home (including cribs) have been recalled
  46. Move cribs away from windows
  47. Use safety covers on unused electrical outlets
  48. Test small toys for choking hazards – if it fits in a toilet paper roll, it’s too small
  49. Remove all plastic bags from the nursery
  50. Pick up any small items, such as coins or buttons, that can be choking hazards for infants and toddlers
  51. Write down emergency contact information for your family and make sure everyone has these numbers
  52. If young children live in or visit your home, move furniture away from windows so they don’t climb up to look out and accidentally fall
  53. Tie window cords out of a child’s reach
  54. Check your child’s bath water temperature (use your wrist or elbow) to make sure it is not too hot
  55. Remove drawstrings from your baby’s clothing
  56. Keep the toilet lid shut to prevent little fingers from getting slammed by a falling lid
  57. If you have toddlers, install a toilet seat lock
  58. If you have young children, install door knob covers on bathroom doors
  59. Use a fireplace screen
  60. Put toys away after playing
  61. Don’t refer to medicine or vitamins as “candy”
  62. Put on safety glasses before any DIY project
  63. Put tools away after your DIY project is complete
  64. Post emergency numbers near your phone
  65. Pick up one new thing for your family’s emergency preparedness kit
  66. Use a ladder, not a chair, when climbing to reach something
  67. Use plastic instead of glass near the pool
  68. Cover any spa or hot tub when it is not in use
  69. Purchase a first aid kit
  70. Drain the bath tub immediately after bathing
  71. Remove clutter from the stairs
  72. Use the handrail when you are walking up or down the stairs
  73. If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
  74. Ask smokers to smoke outside
  75. Wear proper shoes when climbing a ladder
  76. Check your home for too many plugs in one socket and fix the problem
  77. Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs if you have young children
  78. Never leave food cooking unattended
  79. Make sure pools or spas are properly fenced to keep out small children
  80. Teach kids to tell you when they see matches or lighters
  81. Turn out the lights when you leave the room
  82. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use (especially in the kitchen)
  83. Take your hair dryer off of the bathroom counter and store it safely
  84. Check your electronics for the UL Mark
  85. Identify two exits from every room with your kids in case of fire
  86. Check your holiday decorations – keep breakable decorations out of reach of young children
  87. Replace an old light bulb with a new energy-efficient option
  88. Check the walls for loose paint chips and re-paint with low-VOC or VOC-free paint
  89. Check all the outlets in your home for overloaded sockets or extension cords
  90. Remove any extension cords that are pulled under rugs or tacked up
  91. Place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home
  92. Place an escape ladder in an upstairs room that might not have an easy exit
  93. Remove any painted furniture that is pre-1978 to avoid possible lead exposure
  94. Lock medications safely in a cabinet
  95. Consider low-flow toilets
  96. Check that all major appliances are grounded and test your GFCIs
  97. Clean the lint trap and hose on your dryer
  98. Check your swing set for sharp edges or dangerous S-hooks
  99. Take a tour of your home from your child’s perspective looking for hazards
  100. Hold a family fire drill
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We insure weddings, really

2/14/2013

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Valentine’s Day is the most popular day of the year for engagements. It’s the day you have been waiting for since you were a little girl. He finally pops the question and you say yes, of course, and now you’re planning the big event!

We’re sure you want to make your wedding day the most memorable day of your life. Decisions will have to be made regarding the banquet hall, the food, the dress, the right flowers, the most delicious wedding cake, the music and, of course, the very best photographer available to capture all the special moments of the big day. Yet, even though you think that you have covered every contingency, sometimes things can go wrong no matter how carefully you plan. Haven’t we all heard horror stories of bridal shops going out of business and and entire wedding parties unable to get their dresses? Or what about a reception venue that suddenly declares bankruptcy a month before the big day taking with it your non-refundable deposit? Suppose the culprit is a black-out, a hurricane, a severe snowstorm or some other weather emergency which results in a postponement of the nuptials? Are you aware that you can protect your investment with a Tennessee wedding insurance policy  from Windrock Insurance and Travelers for as little as $160? Wouldn't you say that is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that should anything happen, you can salvage the day? The Wedding Protection Plan covers such circumstances as damaged or lost wedding bands, ruined photos, and even wedding gifts that are damaged. It can also reimburse you for non-recoverable expenses if you need to postpone your wedding because of situations such as:

• a sudden illness on the part of the bride, the groom or even their parents thereby preventing them from attending the wedding; 
• a commercial transportation shutdown resulting in a situation where the bride, groom or their parents can’t get to the wedding;
• a bride and/or groom who are in the military and are unexpectedly called to active duty necessitating postponement of the event.

While a wedding is usually expensive, insurance to protect your wedding plans is reasonable and certainly can fit into any budget! If you want to learn more about this popular and affordable insurance, don’t delay. Just contact our independent insurance agency and we’ll be happy to help and you don’t even have to invite us to the wedding! Happy wedding planning and here’s wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

We also have great insurance coverage for wedding photographers and videographers. We seek out products to help small, independent businesses since we understand -- we too are small, local, and independent.


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Top Ten Ways to Save on Tennessee Car Insurance

1/24/2013

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Everyone loves saving money. Here are 10 ways to reduce your auto insurance costs in Tennessee:

10 -  Encourage your teens to take drivers ed classes. Senior citizens can also benefit from defensive driving courses.

9 - Take advantage of discounts. For instance, some companies offer low-mileage discounts for cars driven less than 8000 miles a year.

8 - Find the right company. Some companies are friendlier to different classes of drivers than others are. If you have drivers under 21 or over 70, for instance, or if you have an at-fault accident on your record you need to shop around.

7 - Choose an independent agent who can choose from many companies and match you with the best – for you. No one company will always be the best option. Don't get stuck with a “captive” agent who only writes for one huge company.

6 - Pay your bills on time. Credit factors in to most auto insurance rating formulas.

5 - Bundle – most of  the time. Sometimes you'll actually come out better having your home or renters insurance with a different company than your auto, especially in rural areas.

4 - Raise your liability limits. It may seem odd, but over the long term drivers who keep higher-than-minimum limits will end up with better rates.

3 - Raise those deductibles to find the perfect balance between coverage and price.

2 - Avoid parking lot accidents. Private property accidents are almost always considered your fault and can really hurt your rates, even if the damage and claim is minor.

1 - Drive a little slower! Simply avoiding speeding tickets keeps those dreaded points off of your record.

--

BONUS - Call or message us today to know that you are getting the best rates! Start your quote here.

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Essential apps for the homeowner & renter

1/4/2013

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Did you know that the only way to take full advantage of personal property replacement cost coverage on homeowners or renters policies in Tennessee is to be able to prove what was lost? Insurance companies will not always "take your word for it" on property losses -- you must me able to justify your claim. 

There is, of course, an app for that. Actually there are several, plus online tools. Here are two great resources to help you inventory your personal possessions and store that information securely. 

MyHomeScr.APP.book comes highly recommended and is available for the Apple devices and Android.

The non-profit Insurance Information Institute offers their Know Your Stuff app and an online/software platform for those without smartphones. 

Do seriously consider using these tools or at least photographing each room and all your most significant possessions. If none of these tools work for you, please contact us for more options. We can even help you store your data.

And make sure that your policy has replacement cost coverage for personal possessions!

If you are a renter (or know one), remember that we have three companies that will write renters insurance, which provides property coverage, medical payments, and personal liability. It's usually quite affordable so don't do without.
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Choosing a car (and affording the insurance) for  a teen driver

12/31/2012

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At Windrock Insurance we’re often asked “What's the best type of car for my new teen driver?” Because we help lots of East Tennessee families get the best auto coverage for less, we do have some expertise to offer.

Safety and affordability can go together. That's what we'll consider as we try to answer this question. When choosing a first car for teen drivers there are three factors to consider:

  1. Initial cost of purchase. This is self-explanatory -- you must be able to afford it!
  2. The vehicle’s safety features. Airbags are a must, anti-lock brakes are important too. Crash test data is available online for almost any car.
  3. Cost to insure. Generally, the more safety features a car has, the better its crash test data, and the lower its repair cost -- the cheaper it will be to insure. Performance cars are a no-no. They will always be the most expensive for teens. Boring is good; speed kills.

And remember this: the most expensive type of auto insurance coverage in Tennessee is collision. You must have comp & collision (full coverage) if you finance a vehicle. Therefore, to save money, avoid financing your teen's vehicle if possible. Otherwise, the monthly insurance payment could equal or exceed the car payment!

Pickup trucks and minivans often rate lower for insurance purposes than cars (Not that your teen is going to want to drive a minivan).

And remember, some companies offer discounts for drivers ed course completion and good grades for full-time students. Again, boring -- but very helpful.

Here's another tip: Your insurance will always be cheaper if there are more drivers than cars in your household. If there are two adults and one teen in a household and only two cars, that's going to be cheaper than having three cars in the household. Also, if you have two teens it will be much cheaper to insure if they share a car rather than each having a car. 

Choosing a first car for teen drivers can be a stressful task. However, by doing a little homework you can feel more confident in your decision.  There are safe, inexpensive cars out there that you and/or your teen driver can afford to operate and insure in Tennessee.

You just have to find them. And we're always happy to do advance quotes on cars that our customers consider adding to their policies. Just call, text, or e-mail from the car lot and we can usually get you a rate in minutes. This is just one of the extra services we try to provide for our customers.

If you would like a quote for your teen driver on auto insurance call us at (865) 435-7470 or start a quote here.


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Windy questions

12/21/2012

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    Owner/agent Brad Isbell is a strange person -- he actually likes to talk and blog about insurance, safety, and saving money.

    Windrock Insurance
    Oliver Springs, TN

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