Spring is finally here! We hope you all have had a fun and safe first quarter of the year! Read on to find out the safest vehicles for your teen, our Commercial Spotlight of the month, and how you can help CISSA by purchasing Fiesta medals.
The Best Vehicles for Your Teen
The IIHS and Consumer Reports team up every year to put together a list of safe vehicles for teen drivers. Whether you are looking for a new or used vehicle, this list will help you compare safety, affordability, and reliability. You can find the link here: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/safe-vehicles-for-teens
Safeco also has a useful “Parent Teen Contract” that you can download HERE. This is helpful when parents are looking for advice about how to set expectations with young drivers. Print this contract, go over it together, and make a copy for your teen to keep!
We care about the safety of you and your family and hope you find both of these useful when the time comes for your teen to start driving.
March Commercial Spotlight – GarageExperts of SA
Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your concrete floor or reclaim your space from clutter, GarageExperts® of San Antonio is ready to transform your garage with our proprietary Garage FX® epoxy and polyaspartic flooring systems, custom-made cabinets, and organizational solutions. Our business is locally owned and operated, while backed by the nationally respected GarageExperts® brand with over a decade of experience. Our team offers professional solutions designed for your garage that are backed by our lifetime warranty.*
Get your FREE estimate and learn more about Garage Experts by visiting their website.
*Information taken from their website
Communities in Schools San Antonio (CISSA)
Communities In Schools San Antonio (CISSA) are selling Fiesta Medals to support their mission to break down barriers so that every student can access the resources and opportunities that unlock their fullest potential! Visit cissa.org/donate to purchase a Fiesta medal or make a tax-deductible donation to CISSA today!
Thank you for trusting Ellis Insurance Agency! We love our clients.
Energy efficiency is a great way to save money on your monthly bills and help the environment at the same time. Making your San Antonio, TX area condo more energy-efficient can be as simple as changing a few habits or making a small investment in energy-efficient home appliances and fixtures. Here are a few tips from us at Ellis Insurance Agency to get you started.
Tips to make your condo more energy efficient
1. Install LED light bulbs, which use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Not only do LED lights last up to 25 times longer, but they also save around 75 percent of the electricity used by traditional incandescent bulbs.
2. Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors. These products will help keep air from escaping or entering your home, which will reduce energy costs. Additionally, if you opt for double-paned windows, you’ll have better temperature control throughout the year.
3. Make sure all of your appliances are ENERGY STAR certified. This certification indicates that an appliance has been tested for energy efficiency and meets certain criteria set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
4. Use power strips to control electricity flow in your condo and switch them off when not in use. Doing so will prevent any electronics from drawing unnecessary power (known as “phantom loads”), which will help you save money on your electric bill each month!
Give Us A Call
By following these tips, you can start making your condo more energy-efficient today! For more energy-saving tips, or if you want to review your insurance policy, give us at Ellis Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the San Antonio, TX area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and your budget.
Can you believe we are almost through February? We hope you all had a wonderful month. Read on to learn about how your roof’s age can affect your insurance, winter storm conditions in Texas, meet our Data Support team, learn about ChildSafe’s Cardboard Kids, and our newest Commercial Spotlight (they’re our neighbors)!
How Roof Age Affects Insurance
Your roof is the first line of defense between your home and environmental hazards such as hail, wind and more. It can also very pricey to repair or replace. Because of this, your roof is an important factor in determining your homeowner insurance rate. Here are some roof factors that can affect your insurance:
Roof’s Age:
Newer roof = lower rate. Older roof = more susceptible to damage, thus making it riskier to insure. Most insurance companies favor roofs that are 15 years or newer but, depending on material, older roofs may be eligible for homeowners insurance coverage at replacement cost. Talk to your agent. Your policy may be written on an actual cash value instead of replacement cost or your policy may be written with coverage for the roof excluded.
Roof’s Shape:
The shape of your roof may or may not have have an impact on your insurance, depending on your insurance carrier’s needs for their rating. Certain roof shapes can withstand weather better. The 3 main roof shapes are:
Hip Roof. This angles down on all four sides, making insurance providers happy as the likelihood for damage is less.
Gable Roof. This has two slopes on each side, but the roof line at the front and back of the house stop at a point. While they don’t typically hold water and debris, they are susceptible to wind damage.
Flat Roof. No slope at all. A flat roof may pool water, which can cause damage to the roof in the long run.
Roof’s Material:
The material of the roof can play a part in determining its insurability because some materials are more durable (and more expensive to repair or replace) than others. Common roof materials:
Wood Wood roofs are hard to insure because they are not fireproof unless a fire retardant has been applied. Wood shingles are typically least favored by insurance companies.
Metal A metal roof is the most durable and fire resistant of the roof types, making this a fan-favorite with most insurance providers.
Asphalt Affordable, durable against most elements, and long-lasting, the asphalt roof is the most used roof material. A con to this popular roofing material is they may decay easier than metal or slate.
Slate or Tile Similar to metal, slate or tile roofs are low maintenance and usually hold strong against rotting, insects, debris, and fire. However, unlike a metal roof, slate and tile may be more prone to cracking.
Can you use home insurance for your roof?
If you’re hoping to use your homeowners insurance to get a new roof, you need to know how the coverage works. Your homeowners policy will detail the coverage you have for your roof, but typically a homeowners policy will cover repairing or replacing a roof only if the damage was done by a covered peril (ex. fire, hail, windstorm, etc.). If your roof is old and it’s time to get a new one, it’s your responsibility to handle. Your home insurance will not cover it. Additionally, it is your duty as a homeowner to take care of the roof and replace any decaying or damaged shingles.
Winter Storm Conditions in Texas
It is best to avoid being on the roads and to stay indoors during a winter storm. Here are some quick safety precautions and tips to take into consideration:
If you have to drive, tread carefully…
· Elevated surfaces, such as bridges and overpasses, will likely be the first to become slick and hazardous as temperatures hover around or below freezing.
· Keep gas in the tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze.
· As outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure you have the right tire pressure based on the owner’s manual before driving in cold weather.
· Be sure you have a good spare tire and emergency tire repair equipment in the car.
· Make certain your wipers are working and there is sufficient wiper fluid.
· Have on hand: ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, sand/kitty litter, flashlight, batteries, warning devices, blankets, cell phone, and charger.
While at home, precaution prevails…
· For your furnace, inspect your air filter to ensure it is clean.
· If using a portable heater, ensure that the cord and plug are not worn or damaged before turning it on. Also, make sure the heater is shut off before leaving the house or going to bed.
· During very cold weather, letting a faucet trickle can reduce the pressure on the pipes that can build up between the faucet and any blockage from ice.
· Opening cabinet doors lets warm air reach water lines under faucets.
· Warm frozen pipes with a hair dryer. Move slowly and evenly, without aiming the nozzle over one spot.
· Run faucets and flush toilets a couple of times overnight to move standing water in both inbound and outbound pipes.
Maxx and Matthew are our awesome Data Support team! Maxx focuses on Commercial Lines while Matthew helps with data entry for our personal lines accounts. We have thoroughly enjoyed having them join our team as well as the amazing support they bring the team at EIA! Learn more about them by visiting our Meet Our Team page!
ChildSafe’s Cardboard Kids Campaign aims to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect. Every year, ChildSafe distributes thousands of cardboard kids for our children and families to decorate. Each cardboard kid represents one of the thousands of children that are abused and/or neglected every year. On April 6th, “Reveal Day”, ChildSafe encourages everyone to “reveal” their Cardboard Kid creations! Cardboard kids are also a sign for those who need help and need someone safe to talk to. We have supported ChildSafe and this cause for several years as ChildSafe is the only child advocacy center in Bexar County. This campaigns starts a conversation that everyone should be a part of. Find out where you can pick up your own Cardboard Kids starting in March by clicking HERE.
Check out some of our creations from years past!
February Commercial Spotlight
This month we featured our very own neighbors, Eurasian Auto Repair of San Antonio. Eurasian specializes in European, Asian, and other domestic vehicles. They offer services from auto repair, auto maintenance, tires, and more! With two locations across San Antonio, they are sure to meet your car needs. Be sure to check out their website for weekly and monthly discounts as they know luxury brand cars can get expensive. Check out our friends, neighbors, and commercial clients HERE!
Eurasian Auto Repair – Brook Hollow Location
As always, thank you for trusting Ellis Insurance Agency with all your insurance needs. We look forward to Spring ahead!
It is not unusual for parents to feel frightened and stressed out when teens start driving. Properly educating your teens on safe driving tips is crucial to their overall safety and well-being. At Ellis Insurance Agency, serving San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding areas, we hope to help with this job by providing safety information for teen drivers.
Here are the top 3 safety tips teen drivers need to know:
No Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a broad term, and it is broad on purpose. There are so many different things that can distract your teen when they are driving. The most common distraction is phones. Texting, calling, or any way touching a phone while driving can cause a dangerous situation. Phones are not the only distraction though. Passengers, eating, grooming, or doing any other activity other than paying attention to the road, can pose a threat to your teen’s safety.
Seat Belts
Although seat belt laws have been enforced for decades, this is still a habit that is difficult for some. Make seat belt usage a non-negotiable even before kids are driving age. This way, they will know that there is simply no option. You must wear your seat belt.
Follow The Speed Limit
Teens have a bad habit of pushing boundaries, and this applies to the boundaries of the roads as well. Speeding contributes to deadly accidents. Decreasing speed can decrease the damage that may be done to a vehicle or to a driver if they do happen to get into an accident.
Get Auto Insurance Today
If you would like to learn more about vehicle safety and insurance, please contact us at Ellis Insurance Agency serving San Antonio, TX and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you.
We are excited to embark on a new year with new faces and new goals! Ellis Insurance Agency continues to offer the best customer experience and always look forward to hearing from you. We are so honored to work with each and every one of you and are grateful for the kind words you shared about your experiences with us in 2022!
What to expect with Auto Rates in 2023 and things you can do to save!
We all know that inflation rates are the highest in decades. While inflation is expected to decline from 2022 to 2023, inflation rates are projected to remain elevated relative to historical averages. Texas has also seen a huge increase in severe auto accidents over the past few years. Compared to 2019, the number of deaths in 2021 and 2022 due to auto accidents have increased by 22.76%. In 2021, the economic loss of all motor vehicle crashes increased by $6.8* million compared to 2020.
These two areas have greatly impacted our Texas auto rates, but there are things you can do to help save now or save later when a claim comes along.
If you have no accidents, consider enrolling in Accident Forgiveness Coverage**, especially if you have youthful drivers that are about to be on or are currently on your policy. Accident forgiveness is a feature of an auto insurance policy that prevents the surcharge for a at fault accident from being added to your next renewal with your current company.
Consider Telematics! Telematics allows auto insurers to evaluate their driving patterns and habits, such as speed, travel distance, harsh braking and driving, and seat belt usage. This data helps them more accurately estimate your liability to the insurance company so that they can offer more personalized rates and discounts based on your actual use. Typically, you get a discount just for enrolling with an opportunity to get bigger discounts at your renewal or after the trial period has ended. Many of these programs are App-based, very intuitive, and will update you daily with tips to improve your score. This is a great option for a young driver on your policy that you want to keep an eye on and coach healthy driving habits.
If you owe money on your car (either a loan or a lease), consider loan/lease coverage, especially since the cost to repair/replace vehicles has increased. Simply put, loan/lease gap coverage is insurance that helps you pay off your loan or lease if your car is totaled and you owe more than it’s worth. If you decide on this coverage, it’ll pay on up to 20% (maybe more depending on your insurance company) more than your car’s actual cash value at time of loss to help you take care of your loan or lease.
Re-shop your auto insurance at every renewal. At Ellis Insurance Agency, we have dozens of auto insurance companies that we work with to find you the best coverages for the best rates. We typically do this on a pro-active basis, but if your renewal is coming up and you need our help to re-market your insurance portfolio, let us know and we will help!
* Economic Loss figures are estimated using the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Average Economic Cost on a per death basis figure for the year identified. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred million. 2021 figures are based on 2020 cost.
** At fault accidents are still reported to the CLUE (Comprehensive Loss and Underwriting Exchange) and other insurance companies could still rate the policy with the accident and add a surcharge. Rates may still go up if the client had an accident free discount but loses it since accident forgiveness doesn’t prevent this.
Goodbye Personal… Hello Commercial!
We are excited to announce that Jazmin Olivarez has been promoted from Personal Lines to Commercial Accounts Executive in our Business Insurance Department! She has spent all of January training and looks forward to working with Cindy and Amy to bring our Business Insurance clients the best service. Congratulations, Jazmin!
Be sure to check out Jazmin’s own business, Estilo Jazzy, a women’s and children’s boutique. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook, too!
Welcome, Marisol!
We are excited to announce our newest EIA employee, Marisol! She comes on as a Client Service and Sales Consultant for Personal Lines. You can find out more about Marisol and all our employees by visiting our Meet Our Team page!
January Commercial Spotlight
In 2022, we started featuring 2 of our commercial businesses a month. We value these partnerships and love that they trust EIA with their commercial insurance needs.
This month we featured Fast Wellness – Soft Tissue Center. Fast Wellness offers soft tissue pain therapy. Located here in San Antonio, their therapists are trained to have great communication, patience, and tenacity. They work with your sensitivity level to keep your sessions as pain-free as possible. Be sure to check out all they have to offer!
Our second spotlight this month is Maui Maui Kids Play Island! Maui Maui, located off Stone Oak Parkway, offers everything from birthday Parties to private events for the young (or young at heart)! Be sure to check them out. PS. If you’re a parent, sign up for their emails to find out when they host Parent’s Night Out!
Be sure to visit our Local Partner‘s page to see the different kinds of businesses we trust and insure!
Thank you for trusting Ellis Insurance Agency! We love our clients!
When you are renting a house, it is almost as if you own it in part. This is because you most probably have most if not all your property there, from the things that meet your most basic needs to the ones that give you comfort. If something were to happen to your dwelling and belongings, it would be devastating. We at Ellis Insurance Agency. serving San Antonio, TX residents, offer a renters insurance policy that can cover this and restore your comfort.
Benefits Of Renters Insurance
Renters insurance may be a requirement of some landlords. However, having this coverage is more beneficial for the renter. These benefits include:
Protection of belongings.
In the event of a disaster that have resulted in the destruction of valuables, or if there has been a theft, your renters insurance is able to cover the replacement of the item depending on the present market price of the item.
Covers the treatment of individuals who may have sustained injuries while on your property.
In some cases, lawsuits may be filed against the owner of the premises in the case of injury. The renters insurance works to shield you from these.
Service to your dependents.
You may choose to rent an apartment for your child in San Antonio, TX. Renters insurance will then cover your child’s property as well.
Cushioning against constraints from additional living expenses.
In the event that your rental is temporarily inhabitable, and you have to stay elsewhere, your insurance will help you cover the extra cost.
Contact Us Today
Did you just move out of home or have not yet insured your property by getting renters insurance? Are you worried about how long it may take to rebuild your savings after a sudden loss of your property? Consider getting a renters insurance policy from Ellis Insurance Agency and secure your investment.
More than 11 million U.S. households own a recreation vehicle. In the last decade alone, ownership grew by 26%. This isn’t a passing fad. Studies show that another 9.6 million households expressed a desire to buy their own RV in the next five years.
While these numbers continue to skyrocket across all demographic groups, every RV owner is different. But, whether you are a casual camper or escapist, RV insurance is always a must. Ellis Insurance Agency is here to assist San Antonio, TX RV owners with all their insurance needs.
Here are the three most common RV types and the coverage needed to ensure you are protected:
Fifth Wheels & Trailers
Towable trailers and "pull behind" campers are less expensive to insure since they are without motors. Yet this also means fewer coverage options overall. Most over-the-road issues are likely excluded. These would be covered as part of your towing vehicle’s plan.
Motorhomes
Every motorized RV is different, ranging in size, cost, and quality. Motorhomes are typically divided into one of three groups. Yet Class A, B, and C motorhomes should require the same insurance as any other vehicle on the roadway. At a minimum, collision, comprehensive, and liability coverages are key.
Full-timers
"Full-timer" is a name applied to anyone who lives in their RV. This status calls for additional insurance protection. You’ll want a policy that covers your belongings too, much like a homeowners’ or renters’ plan.
Give Us A Call
No matter what type of recreational vehicle you own, RV insurance is a must. Serving the greater San Antonio, TX community, our team of experts at Ellis Insurance Agency can find a policy that best meets your needs while traveling with your family. Schedule an appointment today.
Motorcycle insurance is a policy that covers losses or damage to your motorcycle, as well as injuries to yourself or others if you are involved in an accident. In most cases, the policy will usually cover both personal and property damage, along with medical expenses should you be injured during a crash.
An experienced insurance agent at Ellis Insurance Agency can provide detailed information about the best coverage for motorcycle riders in San Antonio, TX.
What Types of Motorcycles Are Covered Under Motorcycle Insurance in Texas?
Motorcycle insurance policies in Texas typically cover many motorcycles–from dirt bikes to sports bikes like ATVs. Having a motorcycle insurance policy in place at the time of an accident can save policyholders time and money on filing a claim.
How Much Does Motorcycle Insurance Cost in Texas?
The price of a motorcycle policy can vary depending on the type and amount of coverage that you choose, as well as your personal credit score and history with insurers.
What are the Benefits of Motorcycle Insurance in Texas?
One of the benefits of motorcycle insurance is that it can help protect you financially in the event of an accident. Coverage may include personal injuries, loss or damage to your bike, and even property damage. In addition, motorcycle insurance can provide financial assistance if you are unable to work due to an injury sustained in a crash.
Contact Us Today
San Antonio, TX residents who need motorcycle insurance to protect motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and similar vehicles can talk to the insurance experts at Ellis Insurance Agency to learn about the best motorcycle insurance for covering vehicles with two or three wheels and an engine, powered by gasoline or diesel.
If you are in the San Antonio, TX area, owning a boat can be a great option. When you are a boat owner here, you will be able to have a lot of fun during the warmest months of the year. While boats can be a lot of fun, you do need to make sure that you are properly insured with a boat insurance plan.
Why Boat Insurance?
Cover Your Watercraft
An important reason to have a boat insurance plan is so they can cover their watercraft. Any type of boat is going to take a big purchase and investment to acquire and care for. When you do own a boat, you will want to know that it is as well covered as possible. With a boat insurance plan, you will have coverage that can mitigate the risks of various types of loss including theft or accident damage.
Reduce Liability Risks
While a boat can be a lot of fun to operate, it can also come with risks. If you have a boat insurance plan, you can offset some of these concerns. When driving a boat, if you were to cause an accident, you would need to cover the damages incurred by the other parties. Your liability insurance in the boat coverage plan will provide the support you need to offset this risk.
Get Coverage Today
If you want to invest in a boat in the San Antonio, TX area, you also need to make sure that you have the right insurance for it. When you are looking for a new boat insurance plan, you can start your search by calling the team with the Ellis Insurance Agency. There are a lot of choices to make when shopping for coverage and the Ellis Insurance Agency can help you build your next policy.
Umbrella insurance is something that is a mystery to most people. What it is and why they need it is something they know nothing about. At the Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX, our knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. As independent agents, we represent a selection of the top carriers in the business.
What is umbrella insurance?
Umbrella insurance is what is known as excess liability coverage. It is a supplemental policy to a policy that you already have with liability coverage. That includes policies like home, auto, condo, motorcycle, RV, renters, and commercial insurance. What it does is add an additional layer of liability protection to what your primary policy has. When needed, the primary policy will pay up to its limit and then the umbrella insurance will kick in.
Who can benefit from umbrella insurance?
Anyone who has assets can benefit from this important coverage. It doesn’t matter if you own a mansion or a double-wide, you have worked hard to get where you are, and in the event you ever get sued, you want to protect your assets and your future earnings from a judgment against you. These days, the size of judgments can be quite astronomical and if you are not adequately covered, it could mean that your future earnings could be attached and nobody wants that.
How much umbrella insurance is enough?
Only you can determine that, but consider what liability you have on your primary policy and how much a judgment could be, you need to at least have enough to cover the difference between the two. Most umbrella policies start at about a million dollars of coverage.
Get Umbrella Insurance Today
Contact Ellis Insurance Agency in San Antonio, TX to discuss how you can benefit from umbrella insurance.
