Insurance companies run credit-based insurance scores as part of their assessment process because these scores are seen as indicators of an individual’s financial responsibility and potential risk. Studies have shown a correlation between credit-based insurance scores and the likelihood of filing insurance claims. Individuals with lower insurance scores are statistically more likely to file claims, which can lead to higher costs for insurers. By using insurance scores, insurers aim to predict and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that they can set premiums that accurately reflect the likelihood of future claims. This practice allows insurers to price their policies more effectively, offering lower premiums to those with better insurance scores who are perceived as lower risk, while charging higher rates to those with lower scores to account for the increased likelihood of claim activity.
It is important to note that these companies use credit-based insurance scores rather than traditional credit scores, which means requesting an insurance quote will not hurt your credit score. An article on FICO.com provides a more detailed explanation of the differences between a credit score and an insurance score. Please click HERE to learn more.
Understanding how insurance companies utilize credit-based insurance scores can help consumers navigate the insurance landscape more effectively. While these scores are a tool for predicting potential risk, they also highlight the importance of maintaining good financial habits, as credit scores can influence not only loan rates but also insurance premiums. Insurance companies do offer exceptions to credit-based insurance scoring if you were the victim of identity theft or another qualifying life event, please click HERE to learn more. By leveraging credit data, insurers can offer more accurate pricing, rewarding financially responsible individuals with lower premiums. For more insights into how insurance scores differ from traditional credit scores, be sure to check out the detailed explanation on FICO.com.
Read below to learn more about New Texas Vehicle Inspection laws starting January 1, 2025, Hurricane Helene update and hurricane preparedness, and the difference between an Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company.
New Texas Vehicle Inspection Law
Starting January 1, 2025, Texas will eliminate the requirement for annual safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles, as part of House Bill 3297. This means vehicle owners will no longer need to visit inspection stations for annual checks. However, a $7.50 fee, known as the “inspection program replacement fee,” will still be applied during vehicle registration. The collected fees will support state funds such as the Texas Mobility Fund and the Clean Air Account.
Despite the elimination of the safety inspections, vehicles in certain counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery, will still be required to undergo annual emissions testing to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Commercial vehicles, however, are not affected by these changes and will still need to complete annual inspections.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on the night of September 26, 2024, in Florida’s Big Bend area as a powerful Category 4 storm. With sustained winds of 140 mph, the storm caused widespread damage, particularly along the northwestern coastline. Officials issued warnings about life-threatening storm surges, which resulted in catastrophic flooding, while hurricane-force winds knocked out power to nearly a million homes and businesses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other southeastern states declared states of emergency as the storm’s impact extended into Georgia and the Carolinas.
For detailed guidance on staying safe during hurricane season, check out our previous blog on hurricane preparedness. It covers essential tips and strategies to help you protect your home and family before, during, and after a storm.
Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company
An insurance agency and an insurance company serve distinct roles in the insurance market. An insurance agency acts as an intermediary between customers and insurance companies. Agencies represent multiple insurers and work to find the best policies for their clients, tailoring coverage options to meet individual needs. They essentially sell and manage policies on behalf of insurance companies.
An insurance company, on the other hand, is the entity that underwrites and provides the insurance policies. It assumes the financial risk, collects premiums, and is responsible for paying out claims. While agencies focus on selling and servicing policies, insurance companies are the ones that create and back the coverage financially.
Referrals and Reviews
Referrals and Google reviews are key to our business growth by boosting credibility and expanding our reach. Referrals provide trusted, word-of-mouth endorsements, while positive Google reviews increase online visibility and showcase the quality of our services. Together, they build trust, attract new customers, and drive sustainable growth through customer acquisition and retention.
Property insurance in Texas (and in most states in the US) continues to challenge the insurance industry – inflation, large weather-related claims, inconsistent weather patterns, material and labor increases have found their way into all our premiums. 2023 added another layer of complexity in Texas as many of the insurance companies tightened up restrictions on where and what kind of homes they want to cover. One of the biggest areas of focus (and rating factors) for property insurance is the age of our roofs. Many insurance companies are now requiring proof of roof age, this proof comes in several forms:
Roofing Permit or Certificate (typically from a licensed roofer and/or roofing company)
Paid receipt showing roof replacement (and scope of work done)
Pre-purchase inspection (hold on to these if you have recently purchased a home)
Roof Inspection completed within the last 6-12 months, including photos showing all sides of the roof
When it comes to commercial insurance, our team has you covered. We are excited to introduce our newest member, Veronica, who brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Learn more about Cyber Security and its importance for your small business, as safeguarding your digital assets is crucial in today’s landscape. Additionally, explore whether your company requires commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicles and drivers. To foster a productive work environment, check out an article written by our friend and client, Levi Kirwin, on creating clarity and communication throughout your organization, where we discuss effective strategies to enhance transparency and engagement within your team. In our Client Center, we offer personalized assistance to address your specific needs, ensuring you get the most comprehensive coverage.
Meet Our Newest Commercial Lines Account Manager
Introducing Veronica Caesarez, our newest Commercial Lines Account Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Learn more about Veronica and our other amazing team members HERE.
Do you need Commercial Auto Insurance?
Are you unsure whether your business needs commercial auto insurance? Progressive Insurance has published an insightful article that clearly outlines the differences between personal and commercial auto insurance. This resource can help you determine whether your business vehicles require commercial coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected on the road. Check it out to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.
Creating Clarity and Communication Throughout Your Organization
1 Point, 2 Minutes: Energize your teams through communicating consistent clarity of purpose.
Founders and CEOs need to answer six questions to create clarity and communicate clarity consistently throughout your organization (see Patrick Lencioni’s “The Advantage”)
Why do we exist?
“Because the world needs…” (fill in your WHY)
How do we behave?
Define core values, no more than five.
What do we do?
Your one sentence value proposition for prospects.
How will we succeed?
What are the unique(s) your product or service brings to the market?
What is most important, right now?
The time horizon should be from 3-12 months.
This choice you make should be exactly ONE thing that, if accomplished, will move your firm forward more than any other choice.
Outline one sentence as a thematic goal, and define objectives in clear steps as work tasks.
Connect these to your business goals for the year. Revenue, prospect pipeline strength, cost reduction, something else.
WHO must do WHAT to accomplish the most important choice you have identified?
This isn’t a prompt to Ctl-C, Ctl-V your org chart.
Instead, you are assigning each clearly defined work task to exactly one owner to accomplish “what is most important.”
Get your leadership team aligned and agreed on (1) – (6). Congratulations, you have created clarity! Now, communicate clarity. Create a short simple communication for (5) and (6) for each team leader to cover, each week, on progress to the goal. Repeat clarity. Every week.
You’re the visible leader and you set the rhythm of your organization; you set the pulse by your words and presence. You cannot, you CANNOT, repeat this enough in your daily interactions with your team. You will feel like you are repeating yourself in annoying ways. But each of your team only hears you a small fraction of his or her day. Your words frame the day, maybe the week, when your team hears you. Communicate what you want them to remember.
Clarity galvanizes your marketing strategy, your prospecting and sales processes, and your operational muscle towards one goal, one vision, One Point on the horizon to run towards. Help them keep their eyes on the prize. It’s your responsibility. Executing well is how you win the year.
Ready to create clarity for your team, prospects, and customers?
Levi Kirwin, founder of Nissi Revenue Generation, translates founders’ and CEO’s vision for conquest into marketing strategy, brand storytelling, and sales process execution.
Levi Kirwin | 813-424-7812 | nissirg@proton.me
Cyber Security and It’s Importance to Your Small Business
Last week’s CrowdStrike software update resulted in outages for millions of Microsoft Windows users, potentially costing the economy billions of dollars and triggering cyber policy claims for numerous businesses worldwide. Today’s businesses depend on technology to thrive. However, with the benefits of technology come increased risks. Now is the time to review your current cyber insurance coverage. Determine which policies provide coverage, check notice of loss requirements, limitations, and any other coverage considerations. Watch this video from Central Insurance to learn how to protect your small business from a cyber attack.
Inspection Recommendations
Inspection recommendations have become increasingly crucial as Excess and Surplus (E&S) carriers have tightened their inspection protocols. To ensure compliance and secure the necessary coverage, it’s important to adhere to these stricter guidelines. By following detailed inspection recommendations, businesses can avoid potential coverage issues and maintain the high standards required by E&S carriers, ultimately protecting their assets and operations more effectively. Watch this VIDEO by Fusco Orsini & Associates Insurance Services X 4C to learn more!
Ellis Insurance Agency Client Center
Did you know about our digital customer service? You can use our Client Center to view your insurance policies, make payments, print insurance ID cards, update your contact information, download documents, and more!
School is OUT and Summer is HERE! Read on to learn more about Hurricane Season, the top car models stolen in 2023, and how your referrals and Google reviews help our business!
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. Learn more about hurricane preparedness and what to do in the event of a flood/natural disaster.
Hurricane Preparedness
A hurricane can be a devastating force of nature whether you live inland or on a coast. Being prepared can potentially help save you, your family, and your home from permanent damage. Read on to see what steps you can take to prepare for this hurricane season.
Evaluate Your Risk
Living on the coast is a higher probability to being hit by a hurricane, but inland residents are also at risk. Heavy rains, winds, and storm surges can cause wind damage and flooding. Once you evaluate your location and review historical hurricane information, you can decide whats best for you to prepare.
Preparing Your Family
You and your family’s safety is essential. Follow this guide to ensure you have a plan in place in the event of a hurricane
Develop an evacuation plan.
Prepare for power outages. Flashlights, electric lanterns, and gas-powered generators are a great place to start.
Build an emergency kit. Click here to find a list of basic emergency supplies to have on hand.
Be sure to secure important documents in a fire/water proof safe.
Preparing Your Home
While preparing your family and their safety is most important, it is good to start preparing your house before hurricane season starts. Here are some tips for preparing the exterior of your home.
Check window and door seals. It’s important that these are in good condition to prevent water damage inside your home.
Install storm shutters (if you’re in a high-risk area) or have boards available to put over your windows.
Trim tree branches around your roof. High winds can cause trees and branches to damage your home.
Clean your gutters to help water flow and prevent roof damage.
Make sure you garage door(s) are secure.
Have sandbags available to divert water from your home if you are in a high-risk area.
Now that your home and your family are prepared, be sure to check with your insurance agent to review your home policy. Most homeowners insurance will cover wind damage, but not flood damage as flood insurance is a separate policy. Be sure to ask what the best steps will be in the event that you need to file a claim after a hurricane. You can track current hurricanes and tropical storms by visiting the NOAA tracking site. Stay prepared and safe!
Top Stolen Car Models in 2023
Hyundai and Kia: Among the Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in 2023
In 2023, Hyundai and Kia vehicles made headlines for an unfortunate reason—they were among the top 10 most stolen cars in the United States. This surge in thefts has brought significant attention to these popular brands, prompting concerns among car owners, manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies.
The Rise in Thefts
The increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles can be attributed to several factors. A primary reason is the relative ease with which certain models can be stolen. Many Hyundai and Kia cars manufactured between 2011 and 2021 lack engine immobilizers, a standard feature in most modern vehicles that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. This omission has made these vehicles particularly vulnerable to theft through techniques as simple as breaking a window and manipulating the ignition.
Social Media Impact
Another surprising catalyst for the spike in thefts has been social media. Videos demonstrating how to steal these cars have proliferated on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, providing would-be thieves with step-by-step instructions. This phenomenon has not only increased the number of thefts but also highlighted the vulnerability of these vehicles to a global audience.
Impact on Owners and Communities
The rise in thefts has had significant repercussions for car owners and communities. Many Hyundai and Kia owners have reported increased insurance premiums and difficulty securing coverage due to the high risk of theft. Communities, especially in urban areas, have seen a notable uptick in car theft-related crimes, straining local law enforcement resources and fostering a sense of insecurity among residents.
Manufacturer Response
In response to the surge in thefts, Hyundai and Kia have taken several measures to address the issue. Both companies have expedited the implementation of engine immobilizers in their newer models to enhance security. Additionally, they have provided software updates and security kits for older models to make them less susceptible to theft.
Moreover, Hyundai and Kia have collaborated with law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the theft risk and educate owners on preventive measures. They have also offered steering wheel locks and other anti-theft devices to affected customers at no charge, aiming to mitigate the immediate risk while longer-term solutions are developed.
Legal and Regulatory Actions
The theft epidemic has also spurred legal and regulatory responses. Several cities and states have called for stricter regulations and standards for vehicle security to prevent such vulnerabilities in the future. There have been discussions about potential class-action lawsuits against the manufacturers for failing to equip their vehicles with adequate anti-theft technology, reflecting the growing frustration among consumers and policymakers.
Looking Ahead
While Hyundai and Kia have taken significant steps to address the theft issue, the long-term impact on their reputation remains uncertain. The companies’ swift response and commitment to enhancing vehicle security are positive signs, but restoring consumer confidence will likely require sustained effort and innovation.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Hyundai and Kia theft phenomenon underscores the importance of robust security measures in vehicle design. For car manufacturers, it serves as a crucial lesson in the necessity of keeping pace with technological advancements and emerging threats to ensure the safety and security of their customers.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the list of the top 10 most stolen cars in 2023 has spotlighted critical vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Addressing these challenges head-on, both manufacturers and regulatory bodies must work together to prevent such issues from recurring in the future, ensuring safer streets and greater peace of mind for car owners everywhere.
Referral Program and Google Reviews
Referrals and Google reviews play a crucial role in boosting our business by enhancing our credibility and expanding our customer base. Referrals from satisfied clients provide powerful word-of-mouth endorsements that build trust and encourage potential customers to choose our services. Meanwhile, positive Google reviews improve our online visibility, making it easier for people to find us when searching for relevant services. These reviews also serve as testimonials to the quality of our work, influencing potential clients’ decisions and fostering a sense of community trust. Together, referrals and Google reviews create a virtuous cycle of customer acquisition and retention, driving sustainable business growth.
Thank you for trusting Ellis Insurance Agency – We love our clients!
Our team and families are grateful for the nice, cooler weather. Read on to learn more about Home and Auto rate increases, meet our two newest team members, and our latest Commercial Spotlight!
Understanding Home and Auto Rate Increases
Thanks to Travelers Insurance, we wanted to share two visuals to help you understand why we’ve seen rate increases in Home and Auto insurance.
We hope these visuals can help you understand some of the reasons for rate increases. If you have any questions about your policy/policies, please feel free to call your agent! We are here to help.
Welcome to the team!
We are excited to expand our team to create a better experience for our clients. Please welcome Yvonne and Mary Lou!
Yvonne joins our commercial team as a Commercial Account Manager. Check out her proudest moment and what she does to stay “zen” by clicking HERE!
Mary Lou came on as a Client Service and Sales Consultant for our Personal Lines team. She has been in the business for 20+ years and loves the outdoors! Find out more about MaryLou by clicking HERE!
Commercial Spotlight
Our most recent Commercial Spotlight was Statesman Hair Restoration and Aesthetics. They specialize in hair transplant right here in San Antonio. Their microscopic analysis lets them see underneath the scalp to determine the root of the problem. Hair loss can be caused for many reasons, so if you or anyone you know are experiencing hair loss or thinning, Statesman offers FREE consults. You can visit their website by clicking HERE.
Referral Winners – July and August
Did you know that for every referral you send to us, your name is entered in for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card for that month? Yes! It’s true! We are so thankful for our clients and appreciate your referrals and reviews. Had a good experience? Let us know! Thank you to our 2023 July and August client referral winners:
Laura Guerrero-Redman
David Dullnig
EIA Thanks you for your trust and support. We love our clients!
Have you had a great experience? Feel free to leave us a Google review!
Kemper Insurance is exiting the home and auto insurance market. If you are currently a Kemper personal-lines insurance policy holder, you may have received the letter below. Please read and feel free to call our agency with any questions you might have.
We officially made it to Summer! (Although, here in Texas, it’s felt like Summer for a couple months)
Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year? Read on to understand home replacement costs, meet June’s Commercial Spotlight and our referral program winners!
Understanding Home Replacement Costs
Home insurance is based on the cost to rebuild and replace your home, not its market value. While market value is the amount your home is worth on the housing market, your home insurance coverage limit is based on the estimated cost to rebuild your home: the cost to repair, rebuild or replace what you had before, using materials of similar type and quality.
What is replacement cost? Replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair, replace, or rebuild your home at current prices of construction materials and labor. When you insure your home for its estimated replacement cost, you help to ensure you have the coverage you need to repair or rebuild if it is damaged by a covered loss.
What is market value? Market value is the amount your home is worth on the housing market.
Why is the coverage limit of my home higher or lower than the home’s market value? Your home insurance amounts are based on its estimated replacement cost, or the cost to rebuild. Not the amount it would sell for on the housing market.
Why are many policyholders seeing increases in their coverage limits in 2022? Coverage limits need to keep up with rising inflation. This is an industry-wide issue. Many factors are considered when estimating your coverage – one of these factors is reconstruction costs. Reconstruction costs have risen steadily since our last assessment.
Our June commercial spotlight was Texas D-Willie’s Smokehouse! DeeWillie’s BBQ has been serving the San Antonio and surrounding areas for the last 3 years. Be sure to check out San’s Antonio’s “BEST” BBQ and country breakfast at all of their locations!
Meet Drake!
Drake is part of our awesome Data Support team! We have thoroughly enjoyed having him join our team as well as the amazing support he brings to EIA!
Learn more about him by visiting our Meet Our Team page!
April/May EIA Referral Winners
Did you know that for every referral you send to us, your name is entered in for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card for that month? Yes! It’s true! We are so thankful for our clients and appreciate your referrals and reviews. Had a good experience? Let us know! Thank you to our 2023 April and May client referral winners:
Irma Rodriguez
Bradley Evans
We appreciate you being part of our EIA family and will always strive to give you the best service!
Receiving a notice of an audit can sometimes cause a business owner stress; although, that’s not the intention. An audit is performed to ensure you have the appropriate premium for your exposure, or the thing for which you have insurance. Your initial deposit premium was based on your best estimate of the auditable exposure (payroll, sales, etc.). Insurance companies use a Premium Auditor at the end of the policy period to compare the “actual” auditable exposure against your “estimated” amount.
What is an Insurance Audit?
An insurance audit examines your business’ payroll or gross annual sales and risk exposure. An audit makes sure you’re paying the correct amount for insurance.
What happens in an Insurance Audit?
The word “audit” may sound stressful, but don’t panic. At the beginning of the year, you pay a certain amount for coverage. If you’re asked to go through an audit at the end of the year, an auditor, hired from the insurance company, reviews your business’ payroll and other documents to determine if the premium you paid was accurate.
An audit looks at some or the following:
Your business’ gross annual sales
Job duties of employees and independent contractors
Changes from the prior year
Your annual payroll to W2 and 1099 workers
Depending on the audit results, you could have additional premium due because you needed more coverage, so you’ll have to pay the difference.
Preparing for a Premium Audit
Having the necessary documents and information can make for a smooth audit. Some documents you may need include:
Payroll (for your W2 and 1099 workers)
Certificates of insurance (for your 1099 workers or a waiver signed from them)
Tax documents
Subcontractor or independent contractor documents
Do I have to do an Insurance Audit?
Insurance companies may perform an insurance audit at the end of the year for:
General liability insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance
Commercial property insurance
If you’re notified of an insurance audit it’s important to send your insurance company any documents or information they ask for. Completing an insurance audit, or any type of insurance audit ensures you’re paying for the right amount for coverage.
Be aware that if you don’t complete an insurance audit, your insurer can:
Charge a premium increase. In some cases, this can be a significant amount.
Cancel your policy, leaving you without coverage.
Report you to a collection agency if there’s a balance due on your premium and you don’t pay it.
Learn More About Audits and Coverage
Choosing the right policy and coverages is important and can help you run a successful business. Insurance is backed by years of experience and know every business owner has unique needs. Our specialists are here to help you every step of the way. So, if you need help completing an insurance audit or have any other questions, we’ve got your back.
April showers bring May flowers! We are flying through this year and it’s not slowing down. So let’s SPRING right into this months news. Read on to learn more about increasing auto rates, this months Commercial Spotlight and our referral program and winners!
Rising Auto Rates
As most of you know, auto rates have been increasing. There are several reasons for the rising rates – from inflation to distracted driving, supply chain blockages to labor shortages. Let’s talk about the 4 major trends driving up auto rates.
Supply and Demand. The supply of New vehicles is low due to shortage of raw materials and chips. The demand for Used vehicles is high and with rising prices, it’s causing total loss payouts.
Parts and Technology. The supply of auto parts is down globally, while the cost to repair cars is up. More advanced technology is a big factor.
Labor shortages and costs. The amount of skilled auto technicians is decreasing. It’s difficult to hire, train, and retain people. The auto body repair costs are increasing and with the labor shortages, prices are rising.
Healthcare and Large Verdicts. Bodily injury claims are rising and big jury payouts are also a major factor.
To learn more about these rising auto rates and what you can do, click HERE. Thank you to Travelers Insurance for breaking it down and if you have any questions about how YOU can save, please contact your Ellis Insurance Agent today!
April Commercial Spotlight
Our April commercial spotlight was Garage Experts of San Antonio. Garage Experts offer professional solutions for your garage from floor coating to cabinets and organization! Their business is locally owned and operated, while backed by the nationally respected GarageExperts® brand with over a decade of experience. Their team offers professional solutions designed for your garage that are backed by a Lifetime Warranty. You can get a FREE quote by visiting their website and finding the closest location to you.
Welcome Back, Mary!
We are excited to announce that Mary Postel has re-joined our team! If you don’t know Mary already, you can learn more about her by clicking HERE. She is one of our Client Service and Sales Consultants and excited to be back with our team and family at Ellis Insurance Agency. Welcome back!
EIA Referral Program and Reviews
Did you know that for every referral you send to us, your name is entered in for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card for that month? Yes! It’s true! We are so thankful for our clients and appreciate your referrals and reviews. Had a good experience? Let us know! Thank you to our 2023 client referrals we’ve had so far…
January Winner: Debra Galvan
February Winner: Shannelle Roy
March Winner: Jo Garcia
We appreciate you being part of our EIA family and will always strive to give you the best service!
