There’s no better feeling than being out on the water on your boat. Whether you’re out there fishing, tubing, water skiing, or just taking a relaxing sunset ride, we can all agree that life is better on the water.

This summer, make sure you and your boat are safe on the water. Check your boat’s insurance to make sure that it’s up to date, and follow these safety tips when boating.

Boats provide recreation and adventure for owners, however, you don’t want to let an accident or disaster sink your boat. That’s why it is important that your boat is properly insured.

There are many different things that factor into which type of insurance you will need and how much you will be paying for coverage. These factors include the size, type, and value of your boat, as well as the type of water you plan to be taking your boat out in. Billy R. Martin Insurance Agency can help you determine the right amount of coverage to meet your needs. Here are some things to consider when shopping for boat insurance in Texas:

• Navigational Area
• Agreed Value Coverage
• Liability
• Medical Payments
• Physical Damage Coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury
• Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal
• Personal Effects
• Unattached Equipment Coverage
• Emergency Assistance

There are thousands of boating accidents each year that can be costly in damages as well as injuries. The best way to ensure an accident and claims-free experience is to follow boating safety tips.

• Properly equip your boat: Make sure your boat is ready to go with required navigation lights, whistles, and horns. You also should have plenty of life jackets on board with you, as well as emergency equipment like paddles or oars. In case of an emergency, you’ll also want to make sure your boat has a first aid kit, radio, flashlight, flares, and a fire extinguisher.

• Check the weather: The last thing you want to happen is to be stuck out on the water when a storm comes. Before you go out, make sure you check the weather and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Pay attention when loading: Make sure you distribute the weight evenly throughout the boat and don’t overload. If you have a small boat, make sure you warn passengers not to stand up or shift the weight suddenly.

• Learn and obey marine traffic laws: Learn distress signals and other boating signals before you hit the water.

• Be alert in shallow water: When driving your boat through shallow water, be on the look-out for swimmers, other watercrafts, floating debris, and shallow water.

• Don’t operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs: You should not be driving your boat if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should also never allow someone else who is under the influence to drive either.

Billy R. Martin Insurance Agency can help make your time on the water relaxed and worry-free. We will find you comprehensive protection that protects you, your friends and family, your watercraft, and your boating equipment.

You’ll enjoy being on the water, even more, when you aren’t worried about your safety, the safety of your passengers, or your investment. Give us a call today at 903-581-8191 or visit our website to get started!

Sources

https://www.iii.org/article/boat-insurance-and-safety

https://www.billymartininsurance.com/watercraft.html

Summer is almost upon us. Before you head out on vacation or a road trip to visit family,  it’s a good time to review your insurance policies. Life happens and things inevitably change, so you want to make sure you and your family are adequately insured.

Reviewing your insurance policies and premiums should be done once per year, ideally at their renewal date, much like scheduling your annual physical. Most policyholders don’t understand the coverage they have and could be potentially spending more for coverage they don’t actually need.

Insurance policies are considered living documents, meaning they can be changed based upon life events or circumstances. Some of the  life events that could have a huge impact on your insurance cost, coverage, and options include, but are not limited to:

• Getting married or divorced
• Birth of adoption of a child
• Children leaving home or going to college
• Caring for aging parents in your home
• Starting or leaving a job
• Paying off your mortgage

Any of these events can substantially impact your coverage needs and your annual premium costs. Reviewing your insurance yearly gives you the opportunity to view how these life changes affect your coverage and allows you to make any necessary changes.

Since each insurance policy is different, here’s an overview of what to look for.

Homeowners Insurance

When your homeowners’ policy is up for renewal, take the time to review each section even if you haven’t made any significant improvements. Any changes in your income or living situation will cause a change in your policy coverages and premiums. Circumstances beyond your control, including changes in your local real estate market and recent weather events (i.e. flooding, tornadoes), could also affect your policy.

If you’ve added onto or remodeled your home since your last renewal, the value of your home has increased as well as the cost of repairing it in the event of a covered event. You’ll likely need to review your policy and increase the amount of coverage to ensure your investment is adequately protected.

Automobile Insurance

In order for all the drivers in your family to have adequate coverage and protection, review your auto policies annually. If you’ve purchased or sold a vehicle, increase or decrease your coverage accordingly. If the value of a vehicle is less than $3,500, you might be able to carry liability coverage only. If there’s a new driver on your policy, increasing coverage would be in your best interest.

Policy renewal is also a good time to review your driving habits. Do you have any upcoming trips that might require additional coverage? Are you putting more or fewer miles on your vehicle(s) as compared to last year? Reviewing your policy and asking these questions will save you money as well as give you peace of mind.

Life Insurance

Life events, such as a new baby or caring for an aging parent, should trigger a review of your policy. Your life insurance should increase to accommodate for all of the family members who depend on you for care. If there has been in your health (for better or worse) or stress levels due to your job or family dynamic, it could be a good time to review and possibly amend your life insurance policy. In general, you should not reduce your life insurance, regardless of your current situation. If the unfortunate event occurs and you are no longer there., you still will want to be able to provide for your loved ones.

Reviewing insurance policies isn’t exciting, but it is essential to your long-term financial planning. Plus it will give you peace of mind if you have to file a claim, as you know you and your family are sufficiently covered.

Since 1956, Billy R. Martin Insurance Agency has been providing the Tyler area with the utmost in customer service and support. We offer a variety of commercial and personal lines insurance, performing an evaluation to ensure each client receives the most optimal coverage for the best possible price. If you’re searching for a professional insurance agency with a good ole’ fashioned touch and customer focus, visit our website and give us a call at 903-581-8191.

 Sources

https://bridgefirstinsurance.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-review-your-insurance-annually/

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-review-an-insurance-policy-2388605

Filing for any kind of insurance claim can be a stressful process. Not only are you worried about whatever you may be filing a claim for, but the claims process may be unfamiliar to you and stress you out even more! The good news is that insurance agents are there to help you, and good agents will be willing to walk you through the entire claims process, so you feel as comfortable as possible.

The team at  Billy R Martin Insurance believes you should know the role of an insurance agency during the claims process, as well as the insurance agent’s role so that you know what to expect before you make your claim. The claims process will go something like this:

At Billy R Martin Insurance, we understand the importance of building relationships with all of our clients. That’s why we have a team of experienced and knowledgeable agents ready for you at any moment because you never know when you’ll have to file a claim. Our insurance agency has been serving the Tyler, Texas area since 1956, so trust us when we say we know claims services and how to best serve you! To learn more, send us a message or give us a call at 903-581-8191.

Sources:

https://www.insureon.com/small-business-insurance/general-liability/how-to-make-a-claim

http://www.mcneilandcompany.com/blog/insurance-agents-role-claims/

There’s no doubt, learning how to drive is one of the most significant milestones in your life, and while your child is probably more eager to hit the roads and gain that much-anticipated independence than you are, there are a few things to remember. Getting a driver’s license is a huge responsibility so following safety procedures is a crucial first step. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Buckle Up

Your seat belt could be the difference between life or death if you are ever involved in an accident. Not only is not wearing your seat belt unsafe, but it’s also against the law. The law in Florida states that all passengers must wear a seat belt at all times. So, be safe and smart and wear your seat belt.

Stay Focused

We get it. Teenagers love to feel connected and love to stay in touch with their friends. However, behind the wheel is not the place for that. When driving, avoid distractions at all times. This is one of the biggest safety tips we can give teen drivers. Leave your phone in your pocket or purse until you get to your destination.

You also cannot stay focused on the road when you’re tired. Whether you didn’t get enough sleep the night before or are coming home from a friend’s house late at night, if you’re tired, don’t drive.

Take Your Time

It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re in a hurry to get somewhere, chances are you’re driving recklessly. Driving recklessly can lead to serious consequences, whether it’s a speeding ticket or even an accident.

Drivers should always make sure they give themselves enough time to get to where they need to be. Before leaving, check Google Maps. This is a great resource and will tell you approximately how long it’s going to take you to get to where you need to go.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence

You should never drive under the influence, no matter how old you are. Driving while being impaired by drugs or alcohol is dangerous, not only for the driver and their passengers but other drivers on the road. Don’t ever do it. If you have been drinking or using drugs, contact a friend or family member to come pick you up.

Have the Proper Insurance

At Billy R. Martin Insurance Agency we offer several types of insurance so you can have peace of mind when you or your teen gets behind the wheel.

Collision insurance coverage pays for damage caused to your vehicle in an automobile accident. A collision is defined as colliding with an object or overturn the vehicle.

Standard collision coverage will pay for any repairs up to the fair market value of your car. Collision coverage usually also comes with an insurance deductible. It’s the amount of money you pay toward repairs before your collision insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the less the collision coverage will cost.

Comprehensive coverage is very similar to collision coverage in the definition – the main difference is that comprehensive covers damage caused to your vehicle caused by any unknown party or “act of God”. Vandalism, flood, hurricane, theft, windshield damage, and fire are all events usually covered by comprehensive automobile insurance. Like collision, comprehensive will pay up to the fair market value of your car (less your insurance deductible.) And although it’s not legally required by any state, you will probably need it if your car is financed.

At Billy R Martin Insurance, we understand the importance of building relationships with all of our clients. That’s why we have a team of experienced and knowledgeable agents ready for you at any moment because you never know when you’ll have to file a claim. Our insurance agency has been serving the Tyler, Texas area since 1956, so trust us when we say we know claims services and how to best serve you! To learn more, send us a message or give us a call at 903-581-8191.

Sources

https://www.labovick.com/2020/08/17/safe-driving-tips-for-florida-teen-drivers-to-avoid-car-accidents/

https://driversed.com/florida/drivers-ed/driving-safety-tips-for-teens.aspx