Making sure your home is safe during the holidays

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It’s that time of year again when families gather at homes nationwide to celebrate the holidays. When everyone is together, it is more important than ever that your home be as safe as possible. Part of safety is knowing that no matter what happens, you have home insurance to protect what matters. In Friendswood, TX, Roberts Family Insurance makes sure that what you have for home insurance is what you need.

Clean the furnace and chimney.

Getting your furnace cleaned and tuned should be part of every autumn. If you have a fireplace and want to gather around it for the holidays, ensure your chimney is clean to prevent a house fire.

Don’t overload electric plugs.

There is a temptation during the holidays to have a lot of decorations, and plug-in ones are particularly popular. However, there are limits to how many items any electrical system can take. If you must have lots of decorations, make sure some are battery-powered, and the others are LED so they use less electricity.

Keep your real tree watered.

If you believe in having a real Christmas tree, it is important not to let it dry out and become a fire hazard.

Avoid falls

Slips and falls are among the biggest dangers in your home, and if Grandma or Great Aunt Agatha is visiting, not to mention all the kids or grandkids, you don’t want anyone to slip and fall. It is also important to avoid clutter on stairs and extension cords anywhere. Make sure that any dark area has plenty of artificial light so everyone can see where they are walking inside and out.

Friendswood, TX residents and the surrounding area can contact our office at Roberts Family Insurance for all their home insurance needs.

The Impact of Weather on Auto Insurance: Preparing for Natural Events

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Weather can be unpredictable, and its impact on your auto insurance is an important consideration. At Roberts Family Insurance, which provides auto insurance in and around the Friendswood, TX, area, we want to help you understand how natural events can affect your coverage and what you can do to prepare.

Understanding Weather-Related Risks

From hurricanes to hailstorms, severe weather can cause significant damage to vehicles. Comprehensive auto insurance is essential as it typically covers weather-related incidents. Reviewing your policy ensures you’re protected against these unpredictable events.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Taking proactive steps to safeguard your car can minimize damage. During storm season, keep your vehicle in a garage or covered area whenever possible. Regularly check for updates on local weather conditions, and if a storm is approaching, move your car to higher ground to avoid flooding.

Reviewing Your Coverage

Understanding your policy details is crucial. Make sure comprehensive coverage is included, as it covers non-collision-related damages, such as falling branches or debris. Contact your insurance provider to clarify any questions if you’re unsure about your coverage.

Filing a Claim

Knowing the claims process can make recovery smoother if your vehicle is damaged during a weather event. Document the damage with photos and contact your insurance company promptly. This information expedites your claim and helps you get back on the road faster.

When You Need Auto Insurance, We Are Here to Help

Staying informed and prepared can help mitigate the impact of severe weather on your vehicle. For personalized advice and to ensure you have the right coverage, contact Roberts Family Insurance, serving the greater Friendswood, TX area. We’re committed to protecting you and your vehicle through any storm.

Does Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Broken Windows?

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To protect your home effectively, it’s crucial to understand what your insurance policy covers. At Roberts Family Insurance, serving Friendswood, TX, we frequently ask whether home insurance covers broken windows? Let’s delve into this topic to help you gain better insights.

Standard Coverage Explained

Most standard home insurance policies typically cover window damage resulting from unforeseen incidents. If a storm in Friendswood causes a tree branch to crash into your window, your policy will likely cover the repairs. Similarly, vandalism is generally included—meaning if someone intentionally damages your window, you should be protected.

Accidental Damage and Negligence

On the other hand, if your window shatters due to an accident within your home, like a wayward baseball, coverage might not be automatic. Some policies offer additional protection against accidental damage, but verifying with your provider is essential. Negligence—like failure to maintain your windows’ integrity—is typically not covered. Regular maintenance is key in keeping your home protected under your policy.

Filing a Claim

If you encounter a broken window, the first step is to document the damage. Take clear photographs and promptly contact your insurance provider. At Roberts Family Insurance, we are committed to guiding you smoothly through the claims process and answering any queries you might have.

Review and Update Your Policy

We recommend an annual policy review to ensure you have adequate coverage. Life changes, and so do your insurance needs. If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes coverage for broken windows, contact us at Roberts Family Insurance, serving the Friendswood, TX area. Our team is here to help you at every step.

Should I Get Liability Only or Full Coverage Auto?

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Auto insurance is practically mandatory for driving a vehicle. Being adequately insured can protect you from potential liability issues in the event of an accident. However, choosing the right auto insurance amongst the many types available is vital. The team at Roberts Family Insurance, servicing Friendswood, TX, is committed to helping our customers make an educated decision and select the right type of auto insurance.

What Is Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance pays for the repair of the other driver’s vehicle if you cause an accident. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.

What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full-coverage auto insurance typically includes a variety of insurance types, including liability insurance, to provide as much coverage as possible for your vehicle. The coverage can vary, but typically, full coverage policies pay to repair or replace your vehicle under various circumstances, like after an accident or even if you collide with an object that isn’t another vehicle.

If your car is stolen, your full coverage auto insurance can replace it. If your car breaks down while in transit, your full coverage auto insurance may also cover roadside assistance to help get your car towed to a mechanic.

Full coverage auto insurance is generally required if you have an auto loan, so ensure you understand what your auto lender requires.

Which Type of Auto Insurance Should I Choose?

Our extensive range of auto insurance products at Roberts Family Insurance, servicing Friendswood, TX, can help our customers protect their vehicles effectively. Contact us today to learn more about your auto insurance policy options.

The benefits of making and safely storing a home inventory

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The aftermath of a disaster such as a fire or theft can be overwhelming. Remembering every item in your home for a claim is a stressful task. At Roberts Family Insurance in Friendswood, TX, we stress the importance of a home inventory to simplify this process. It ensures you have a detailed record of your possessions, making the claim process more manageable and ensuring you have adequate coverage.

Why a Home Inventory is Crucial

A well-documented home inventory assists in filing an insurance claim, ensuring it’s complete and accurate. Not only does this help you recover your losses, but it could also speed up the claim process. Without a comprehensive home inventory, you may forget some belongings, causing your claim to be potentially undervalued. Proving ownership with a home inventory may also result in a higher claim payment.

Creating Your Home Inventory

Starting with your current belongings, document each item, noting its worth, and update this list annually or whenever you make significant new purchases. Detailed item descriptions, serial numbers, and receipts can make your inventory more effective. Consider keeping a digital record or using inventory apps or software. This can make updating and retrieving your inventory easier, especially if your paper documents are destroyed in a disaster.

Storing Your Home Inventory

You can store a physical copy in a safety deposit box or a secure location in your home. If you opt for a digital home inventory, you could store it on an external hard drive or online. However it’s stored, ensure the inventory can be accessed easily after a disaster.

Creating a home inventory might feel like an extensive task, but its value becomes clear when disaster strikes. If you’re a homeowner in Friendswood, TX, and want to ensure your home inventory offers solid protection for your belongings, contact the knowledgeable agents at Roberts Family Insurance to review your home insurance policy.

Car Insurance and the Law

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Auto insurance is not just a wise consideration; it may also be a legal requisite. Understanding Texas auto insurance laws is vital for drivers to avoid severe penalties for not carrying adequate insurance and complying with Texas car insurance requirements. Penalties can be as stringent as a $1000 fine, seizure of their vehicle for 180 days, or even a two-year suspension of their driving privileges. Given these steep consequences, it’s prudent to have insurance.

Essentials to Keep in Mind

As a driver in Texas, you must have proof of insurance and be prepared to present it to a law enforcement officer if asked. If stopped, inform the officer that you’re reaching for your insurance before doing so. If you have a driving-eligible teen in your home, they must be included in the policy. In the event of an accident that results in injury or damage exceeding $1000, it’s necessary to file a report with a police officer. This also applies in case any involved driver is uninsured. After an accident, it’s wise to call the police (and paramedics if needed), exchange insurance details with the other driver, and, if it’s safe, take pictures of the damage. Committing insurance fraud and committing a hit-and-run could get you into deep trouble.

Entrust Your Auto Insurance Needs to Roberts Family Insurance, Serving Friendswood, TX

If you need auto insurance in Friendswood, TX, please contact Roberts Family Insurance. Our friendly, well-informed, and helpful agents will go above and beyond to help you secure the policy you need.

Financial Assistance in Legal Fees with Home Insurance Related Issues

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Home insurance protects property from damage and offers financial assistance in legal matters. The scope of coverage for legal fees in various situations is essential for homeowners around Friendswood, TX.

Legal Defense Coverage

Many home insurance policies include coverage for legal defense expenses in case of lawsuits related to damages or personal injury happening on the home or landowner’s property. This coverage aids in paying for legal fees, court costs, and settlements if you are found liable for damages.

Liability Protection

Home insurance liability coverage covers legal expenses and filing a lawsuit against you after getting hurt on your land. This coverage aspect safeguards your assets and provides financial aid during legal proceedings concerning personal injury claims. 

Laws vary between states regarding no-trespassing rules. Not everyone wants someone walking through their property. These cases are the most unfortunate because sometimes the property owner doesn’t know someone is on their property until it’s too late. 

Coverage for Property Disputes

Home insurance may also offer coverage for legal fees arising from property disputes, such as boundary disputes with neighbors or disagreements over property lines. This coverage assists in meeting legal expenses incurred in resolving such disputes, including attorney fees and court costs.

Most cases involve tree branches or other overhanging items over property lines. Then, these items become the culprits behind injury or property damage. 

Additional Legal Assistance

Some home insurance policies provide optional coverage extensions or endorsements that furnish additional legal assistance. These may include coverage for contractor disputes or legal expenses related to landlord-tenant issues, especially if you rent a property.

Let Roberts Family Insurance Give You the Information

Roberts Family Insurance is here to assist you with all your home insurance queries. We cover the Friendswood, TX, area. Contact us today. 

Auto Insurance Initiatives to Combat Rising Accident Rates and Fatalities

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The increasing prevalence of distracted driving poses significant challenges for road safety around the Friendswood, TX, region. Rising accident rates and fatalities are the result. Insurance companies are implementing innovative initiatives to address this epidemic and promote safer driving behaviors among motorists. 

Education and Awareness Campaigns

Insurance providers are actively educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving through awareness campaigns and outreach efforts. These courses push to raise awareness concerning the risks of using electronic devices, eating, or other distractions while driving. 

Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) Programs

Usage-based insurance programs leverage telematics technology to monitor driving behaviors and provide personalized feedback to policyholders. Insurers can analyze data on acceleration, braking, speed, and phone usage to assess distraction while driving. Policyholders who demonstrate safe driving habits may qualify for discounts or rewards.

Policy Incentives and Penalties

Insurers may offer lower premiums to policyholders who commit to safe driving practices and avoid distractions on the road. Conversely, drivers with a history of distracted driving incidents may face higher premiums or policy restrictions, encouraging accountability and risk management among insured individuals.

Collaborative Partnerships

Insurance providers collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to implement comprehensive strategies for combating distracted driving. By partnering with stakeholders in the transportation and safety sectors, insurers can support regulatory efforts, promote enforcement of distracted driving laws, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize road safety.

Technology Integration

Advancements in vehicle technology, such as hands-free communication systems and driver-assistance features, help mitigate distractions. Insurance companies may promote the adoption of safety technologies through policy incentives or discounts, encouraging drivers to leverage technology responsibly while minimizing distractions.

Let Roberts Family Insurance Inform You

Roberts Family Insurance helps answer auto insurance questions and serves the Friendswood, TX, region. Call us today. 

Home Fire Statistics

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At Roberts Family Insurance, we are proud to help protect some of the most valued possessions of our insured families in the Friendswood, TX, area. Fire damage is one of the disasters covered by a basic homeowners’ insurance policy.

How often do home fires occur, what are likely to be the causes, and what, on average, is the cost to repair home fire damage? Here is a closer look.

What Is the Main Cause of House Fires?

The most common cause of house fires in the U.S. is cooking. Cooking is the source of about half of all home fires. The second most frequent cause is electrical systems and lighting.

Are House Fires Becoming More Common?

House fires have actually reduced by almost half in the past several decades. Ironically, damage costs from those fires have almost doubled during that time.

Is There a Peak Season for House Fires?

The most popular months for house fires are December and January. House fires are also more likely to occur on a Saturday or Sunday.

What Are Average Damages From a House Fire?

Small house fires cost between $4,000 and $5,000, with larger fires costing an estimated $7,000 to $10,000.

What Types of Property Damage Can Result From a House Fire?

Besides the obvious damage from the fire itself, damage to a home from a fire can result from intense heat, smoke, water, and potentially mold. Houses that experience even larger fires may become uninhabitable until repairs are done.

Get Your Home Insurance Quote Today

If you have questions about your homeowner’s insurance and your coverage, we encourage you to contact Roberts Family Insurance. We can conduct a home insurance policy review and provide a no-obligation quote. If you live in the Friendswood, TX, area, reach out to us at Roberts Family Insurance today.

Insuring Teen Drivers

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Auto Insurance Requirements for Teen Drivers in Texas

Every driver in Texas, including teenagers, is legally obligated to have auto insurance. This is a requisite irrespective of whether an adult accompanies them in the car to aid their navigation in traffic. Roberts Family Insurance, operating in Friendswood, TX, has a considerable client base composed of families with teen drivers and can assist you in choosing the most suitable policy. This ensures your teen is well covered should the Department of Public Services question them. The options for insuring your teen driver in Texas include:

  • Including your teenager on your household auto policy. List your teen— who resides with you and holds a driving license— on your existing policy. While this leads to a higher premium, the insurance cost is indisputably less than the potential costs of driving uninsured.
  • Utilizing Non-owned auto coverage. This form of insurance covers your teenagers when they drive any car without considering the car’s owner. Effectively, this rider protects your teens if they borrow a vehicle.
  • Using Waivers of exclusions and limitations. Some insurance companies avoid covering high-risk drivers, including the safest drivers under 25. Roberts Family Insurance can aid by adding a rider to your policy, or if impossible, guide you to a company willing to insure your teen.

It’s essential to note that full disclosure about all household drivers when buying your auto insurance policy is crucial. Not doing so could make you liable for damages caused by uninsured children, and your teen could face the repercussions of driving uninsured. Roberts Family Insurance offers support in finding the right policy at the most fitting price. Please visit us for coverage consultations.

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