Modern cars, more so today than ever before, are built to last a very long time. For example, here is a list from Forbes of 10 cars that can run for over 200,000.

While this may be intriguing, keep one thing in mind: if you don’t take care of your car as recommended, you are going to run into issues down the road,  are more likely to see more insurance claims and in turn higher car insurance premiums . This holds true no matter what make or model you purchase.

Here are 7 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Car

1. Yes, a break-in period does exist. Somewhere along the line, for one reason or the next, people stopped believing this. During the first 750 to 1,000 miles, you should not travel in excess of 55 mph.

Additionally, avoid heavy loads (particularly true if you purchase a truck) as well as hard acceleration.

Note: speak with a service manager at the dealership before leaving the lot. This is the best way to obtain information related to your vehicle’s break-in period.

2. Just be careful. Is there any reason to race from one stop sign to the next? Is it necessary to hit that pothole when you could easily slow down and maneuver around it? You are going to drive your car, day in and day out. While some situations are unavoidable, you should be as careful as possible at all times. Not only will this extend the life of your car, but it will also keep you safe.

3. Change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer. You cannot afford to ignore this tip. If you don’t change your oil as recommended, it could cause damage to your engine as well as other components under the hood. Consequently, the chance of your vehicle lasting a long time is not nearly as good.

Know the recommended schedule and stick with it, no matter if you do your own oil change or visit the dealer’s service department.

4. Clean the interior and exterior on a regular basis. When was the last time you washed your car? When was the last time you cleaned the dash and vacuumed the carpet? If you don’t know the answers, something is wrong.

Taking pride in your vehicle can pay off in the long run. This may not sound important, but it can help your car last a long time while also ensuring its beauty.  Have you seen what West Texas sun can do to a dashboard?

5. Take care of minor nicks and scratches before they get worse. A small nick may not seem like a big deal, until it turns into a gouge. From there, rust can begin to form. If not dealt with, you may soon find that the rust has compromised the paint and is eating through the panel.

Tip: you can buy touch-up paint direct from the manufacturer, at an auto repair store, or at your local service department.

6. Carefully choose who works on your car. Some people only trust one mechanic. Others will only visit the dealer’s service department for service. As long as you trust the person and know that they provide reputable service, you don’t have anything to worry about.

This also holds true if you have been in an accident. Don’t just visit any auto body shop. Instead, do your research to ensure that your car is in good hands.

7. Preventative maintenance is the only way to go. While it may cost money upfront, there are things you can do, such as regularly waxing your vehicle and changing the fluids, which will keep your car running smooth over the long haul. This is in contrast to waiting for a problem to occur and then dealing with it at that time.

A Few More

For more car care advice check out this video from the folks at Auto Week.

What Now?

At this point, you should realize that there are things you can do to extend the life of your car. The question remains: are you going to do what you can to make this happen or simply cross your fingers and hope for the best?

What’s The Deal?

Well the deal can be found posted on Google Offers on this post.

(Update: Big G didn’t seem to like our free gas card offer so we are just going to run it here.)

For those of you that don’t feel like clicking through we are offering anyone that visits our office and gets a homeowners and auto insurance quote a free $10 gas card.

The deal is officially set to run through April 30, 2014 or until 50 cards are redeemed but that might change.  If enough people are interested we will consider increasing the number of vouchers.

We figure why not at least pay for your trip and put a little extra gas in your tank for the opportunity to show you what we have to offer.  Obviously we think you will be impressed and we hope to earn your business.  While the posted offer is for auto and home quotes we can get additional discounts by bundling other products such as commercial or life.  We strive to be your one source, high quality insurance provider so if have a unique situation let us configure a custom solution tailor fit  for you specific needs.   If you would like to schedule and appointment before visiting please call 325-224-0000.

Related: Farmers Agency of the Year

Offer Terms:
Offer must be redeemed at Courtney McCutchen Insurance offices. No cash value unless otherwise indicated in these terms. Offer subject to change at any time. Must be 18 years or older. Google does not make any warranty in relation to the offers, including without limitation their validity and/or value. Google is not a party to any transaction that the advertiser and user may enter into.

What type of commercial insurance does your business have?

No matter if you work in the state of Texas or somewhere else in the United States, you must realize the importance of protecting your organization.

With the right business insurance coverage in place, you can rest easy knowing that you are covered no matter what happens. This will give you more time to focus on what is most important: growing your business.  Before getting started it is important to know that there is no cookie cutter coverage when it comes to commercial lines.  Each business is unique and has its own unique coverage needs.  While it is a great idea to familiarize yourself before securing a policy it is always best to sit down with an insurance agent to ensure all of your bases are covered.

Five Types of Business Insurance

Some business owners make the mistake of thinking they only need one type of coverage. While this may be true for some, it is not the case for most.

Here are five types of Texas policies to consider:

1. Business Property Insurance
What will you do if your business is damaged by a disaster such as fire, wind, or hail? How about vandalism? With this policy, you will be able to repair or replace any damaged physical assets.

2. Business Liability Insurance
A claim of injury or damage caused by you or your property can financially disable the business. Fortunately, this type of coverage will protect against such financial losses.

3. Workers Compensation Insurance
What would happen if an employee suffered an accident or illness preventing him or her from returning to work? Workers’ comp insurance can pay for some or all of your employees’ medical needs.

4. Commercial Auto Insurance
Does your company have people on the road at all times of the day? This could hold true with everybody from delivery drivers to sales people. The right business auto insurance will keep your employees and vehicles safe.

5. Business Crime Insurance
You may think your organization is safe, but you never know when a crime will hit. This insurance provides protection against robbery, forgery, theft, and fraud.

Additional Types of Insurance

While the five policies above are most common among businesses in Texas, here are other options to consider:

• Employment practices liability insurance
• Spoilage coverage
• Non-owned auto coverage
• Transportation and cargo coverage
• Bailee coverage
• Life insurance for business owners
• Umbrella coverage

Talk to an Insurance Agent

While it may sound simple enough to purchase the right policy, until you speak with a reputable agent you will never know if you have the perfect blend of coverage.

Once you are confident that you have all the coverage your business needs, you can put this behind you and begin to think about the future with a clear mind.  If you have a business in the San Angelo area we invite you to swing by the office for a free consultation.  If you’d like to get started right now simply visit our business insurance page to get a quote started.

Related: Home Insurance 101

Although you have the right to opt against purchasing a policy, this may not be in the best interest of you and your family.

Remember this: without a life insurance policy, your family may face extreme financial hardships should you pass away.

Before we take a closer look at the three most common types of life insurance – term, whole, and universal – here is something you need to know:

Life insurance policies fall into two primary categories:

• Term life, which provides a death benefit for a predetermined number of years. There is no cash value.
• Permanent life insurance, which provides a death benefit regardless of when you pass on. There is a cash value associated with this type of coverage.

Three Types of Life Insurance

At this point, let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of life insurance;

1. Term Life

Since this is the simplest and most affordable type of life insurance, it is also the most common.

Term life insurance coverage is typically available for predetermined periods such as 5, 10, 15, 25, or 30 years. As long as you continue to pay your premium in full and on time, your policy cannot be cancelled.

While it is true that term life insurance is most affordable, it is important to note that when the “term” expires you will be left without coverage. At that point, you will have to purchase another policy if you desire to have coverage into the future. Since you will be older, there is a very good chance a new policy will be more expensive than the one that recently expired.

From small policies, such as $25,000, to those that are $1 million or more, this type of life insurance is flexible in terms of the death benefit.

2. Whole Life

If the thought of your coverage expiring after a set period of time bothers you, whole life insurance may be the answer. This type of coverage offers permanent protection as long as you continue to pay your premium.

Another difference, when compared to term life insurance, is that whole life insurance gains a cash value over time. At first, your cash value will build slowly but as you continue to pay your premium it will quickly gain ground.

At any point, you can withdrawal your cash or take a loan against it. That being said, if you don’t pay the money back before you pass away the death benefit paid to your beneficiary will be adjusted accordingly.

It is much easier to plan for the future with a whole life policy, since you know your coverage will stay active as long as you continue to pay the premium.

3. Universal Life

This is also a type of permanent life insurance; however, it is not exactly the same as a whole life policy.

Generally speaking, the primary attraction to universal life insurance is the flexibility.

Once you make your initial payment, you have the right to increase or decrease your death benefit as you see fit. Along with this, you can pay your premium in any amount at any time as long as you meet the minimum thresholds set by your insurance company.

Depending on the insurer, you may be able to structure universal coverage in the same way as term life insurance with a level premium and death benefit guaranteed for a particular period of time.

Any excess payment will be credited towards the cash value of the policy. From there, the cash value will gain interest while also paying the premium as well as any other fees. With this in mind, there may be months when you don’t make a payment. Since you have a cash value, you are not required to do so unless there is a minimum requirement in place (see above).

Has all this information confused you? If you life in the San Angelo area and  have any questions or are interested in discussing your current situation, contact us for a free life quote at your earliest convenience. We can help you buy the right policy at an affordable price.

Still not sure if you need life coverage?  Check out the video below…

Also See: What To Do After a Car Accident

If you have purchased insurance in the past, you may have some knowledge as to what the most basic terms mean. With that in mind, there are likely several common terms you may not be familiar with.

Glossary of Insurance Terms:

Actuary – an insurance specialist who calculates rates and other statistics, also known as a mathematician.

Admitted assets – assets permitted by Texas law to be included in an insurer’s annual statement.

Attained age – the age of the insured at the time of purchasing a policy.

Convertible – term life insurance policy that has the ability to convert into permanent insurance.

Encumbrance – a claim on a property, such as a mortgage or a lien for work and materials.

Exclusions – the conditions and items that are not covered by an insurance policy.

Floater – a separate policy, typically in addition to home or renters insurance, that covers the value of property not covered by a standard policy. For example, jewelry.

Guaranteed issue right – the ability to purchase health or life insurance without a physical exam.

Living benefits – a policy feature that allows the insured to receive proceeds of a life insurance policy before passing away. This is for those suffering from a terminal illness who need the money for long term care. Often times referred to as accelerated death benefits.

Mortgage insurance policy – with health and life insurance, a policy that offers the payment of a mortgage balance upon the insured’s death.

Occurrence – any event that results in an insured loss as outlined by the insurance contract.

Out of pocket limit – with health insurance, this is the maximum amount of money a person must pay before their policy covers 100 percent of future expenses.

Personal lines – insurance policies for individuals and families including but not limited to auto, home, health, and life.

Preferred auto – auto insurance coverage for drivers who have never been involved in an accident and do not pose a high risk to the insurance company that offers the policy.

Replacement cost – the amount of money needed to replace a structure or personal property without deducting for depreciation.

Standard auto – a policy for everyday, average drivers who are relatively safe on the road but have had a few accidents in the past.

Surrender period – in an annuity, this is the time that a particular amount of money must be kept in the contract. Generally speaking, surrender periods last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.

Total loss – a large loss that results in little to no value remaining. The total destruction of property.

Underwriter – an insurance professional who evaluates risks and decides the rate the insured will be charged.

Underwriting guide – explains the details of the underwriting process, including what the underwriter considers when deciding how much a person will pay for coverage. Also referred to as underwriting guidelines and underwriting manual.

Viator – a person with a terminal illness who sells his or her life insurance policy.

Waiver of premium – a clause in some insurance policies that allows the insured to keep a policy active, without paying the premium, due to the inability to work caused by illness or injury.

The list is by no means comprehensive so if you were looking for something and did not’t find it just let us know in the comments and we will get it added.  If you just can not wait you can find a full glossary over at AM Best that is quite good.This post will grow over time as more terms are included.

Related: Home Insurance 101

You need this type of coverage to pay for or replace your house and/or personal property should it be damaged, destroyed, or stolen.

Any homeowner’s insurance policy is better than having no coverage at all. However, with so many details you need to compare multiple policies before making a final decision.

Texas Home Insurance Policy Coverages

While not all policies are the same, here are some coverages that most share:

• Dwelling. This pays if your home is destroyed or damaged by a covered loss as outlined by your policy.
• Personal property. If the items in your home – such as clothing, furniture, and other personal belongings – are stolen or damaged, you will be reimbursed.
• Other structures. Pays to repair or rebuild any damaged structures not attached to your home including sheds, fences, and garages.
• Personal liability. This coverage will pay to defend you in court should be you sued due to someone being injured on your property.
• Loss of use. If you are unable to use your home due to a covered loss, this coverage will pay your living expenses for a temporary period of time.
• Medical payments. If somebody is injured on your property, this coverage will pay any related medical bills.

Two Policy Types

Generally speaking, there are two basic types of home insurance policies sold to homeowners in Texas. These include:

• Named peril policies. This is the cheaper of the two options because it only covers losses specifically outlined in the insurance contract.
• All-risk policies. This type of policy offers broad protection and includes all losses unless specifically excluded in the contract. Many refer to this as open perils coverage or comprehensive coverage.

Financial Tips

It is easy enough to be happy with just any Texas home insurance policy. But this doesn’t mean you have the right coverage.

There are two financial points to consider when shopping for coverage:

• Policy dollar limits. In short, this is the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay if your home is destroyed by a covered event. The question you have to ask yourself is this: am I getting enough coverage to rebuild my home if it is destroyed?
• Coverage for personal property. If the structure of your home is damaged or destroyed, there is a good chance your personal property has suffered the same fate. While most policies provide coverage for personal property, it is typically noted as a percentage of your dwelling limit. Do the calculation to ensure that you always have enough coverage for your personal property.

Additional Residential Policies for Texans

In addition to home insurance, there are five other types of policies to consider. One of the following may better suit your current living situation:

• Renters insurance. As the name suggests, this is for those who rent instead of own.
• Condo insurance. If you live in a condo with attached walls the coverage is not the same as a single family dwelling.
• Townhouse insurance. This is similar to condo insurance due to the nature of the structure.
• Mobile home insurance. If the mobile home does not have wheels a standard home policy may be the way to go. On the other hand, if the wheels are still in place a mobile home insurance policy is the way to go.
• Farm insurance. In Texas, farm and ranch insurance is a big part of the industry. This makes it easier for the owner to purchase coverage for equipment and additional structures such as barns.

If you have any questions regarding Texas home insurance or are interested in receiving a homeowners quote, give us a call at (325) 224-0000 at your earliest convenience.

You can also find more info at the Texas Department of Insurance website here.

Courtney McCutchen Insurance was recently awarded the 2012 Farmers Insurance Agency of the year award. The award is presented to the top agency in the San Angelo area district which put us up against 38 other agents. The criteria for the award are based on customer experience and agency growth. We came in first place in sales production, growth, customer experience and professionalism. We’ve been knocking on the door for a few years so it is nice to finally break through.

While we are very proud of the accomplishment this announcement is by no means something we are bragging about. In fact, it is quite a humbling experience that wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding team here at our agency and most of all our incredible clients. We thank you so much for your feedback and giving us the opportunity to service your insurance needs. Here is to an even better 2013.

Thank You All!

Courtney McCutchen Insurance, a Farmers Insurance agency in San Angelo, Texas, launches a new website at SanAngeloInsurance.com to provide another channel of access for local clients and residents.

San Angelo, Texas, February 21, 2013 – Courtney McCutchen Insurance today announced the official launch of its new website SanAngeloInsurance.com. The site has been developed to provide more ease of access for its current client base and provide an additional channel of access to visitors seeking information via PC or mobile phone.

Despite the lack of an official self-owned website since his start as a San Angelo Farmers Insurance agent in 2003, Courtney McCutchen has managed to build a loyal base of customers in the quaint West Texas town.  Today, his company is the fastest growing insurance agency in the region with well over 2500 policies insured.

When asked about the new website Courtney said, “I think the development of SanAngeloInsurance.com will help us access our clients and those interested in our services is a more effective manner.  More and more people want to be able to get instant access online and with their smart phones. We developed our mobile friendly site to be front and center in our community offering a channel for quick access to information, insurance quotes and contact details when people needed it most.  Additionally, we have expanded our presence with additional Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Google+ social media profiles. In addition to the ease of use I wanted an address that everyone could remember and I’m not sure it gets more memorable than SanAngeloInsurance.com.”

Visitors to the website can get information regarding the various insurance products offered by the San Angelo agency as well as insurance quotes for auto, home, life, business, motorcycle and recreational policies.  The site also features a “news and articles” blog as well as a ratings and testimonials page for reading or leaving a review.  Clients wishing to continue using the Courtney McCutchen Farmers Insurance page will continue to be able to do so.

More details regarding the website launch can be found at SanAngeloInsurance.com.

Press Contact:

Courtney McCutchen Insurance
113 South A and M Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76901
Phone: 325-224-0000
Info@SanAngeloInsurance.com

Distribution links: Insurance News Net, CBS Market Watch, Renewable Energy World

I just want to let all my clients know to be careful driving, especially on the 2 lane rural roads outside San Angelo.  Not only is the oilfield traffic here but it is filling up the roads.  Please drive defensively.  Give those guys double the room you would normally give other traffic.  Also, make sure your insurance limits are up to par to protect you adequately.  We want you and your family home safe every night!

I think we can all understand the desire to save some money and go with state minimum auto coverage but the lower premium could eventually end up costing you a lot more money. It will not be enough to cover you in a major accident.

We have a client who ran into a bicycle rider the other day.  There was hardly any damage to his pickup, but the rider suffered major injuries.  After a lengthy recovery for the rider, the medical bills were far more than his base policy provided.  Luckily, he carried an umbrella on his policy.  If not for that, my client might have lost all his assets including his life savings and a ranch!  Review those insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage.  There is never a problem until there is a problem.

Oil and Gas Commercial Insurance

Another note for any current clients, visitors and new residents associated with a San Angelo oilfield related business.  We carry and specialize in a full selection of oil and gas commercial insurance coverage.  We can get you a policy for just about anything your business could need covered from heavy equipment to a fleet of trucks to your employees.  All backed by the dependability of Farmers Insurance.  If you are anyone you know needs help sorting out oil and gas business insurance coverage needs call 325-224-000 and ask for Courtney.

Thank You!

Courtney

Now what are you supposed to do? While nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, this is the reality of driving. No matter how careful you are, there may come a time when you have a run-in with another vehicle.

It is important to know how to proceed if you are involved in a car accident.

5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

1. If possible, remove your car from traffic and turn on your hazard lights. This may not be the first thing on your mind, but it is important from a safety perspective.

Note: you should not attempt to move your vehicle if it is inoperable or if you are injured in any way, shape, or form. Instead, wait for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.

2. Assess your situation. This means taking a closer look at yourself as well as your vehicle. Do you notice any injuries to you or any of your passengers? If so, this is priority number one and you should immediately call 911 if the injuries are serious. Always take care of your health before your vehicle.

If you feel fine, look over your car to assess the damage. Will you be able to drive home? Will you need the assistance of a tow truck?

Tip: as noted above, you should not assess your vehicle in the middle of traffic. Only do this when you are safely out of harm’s way.

Also See: Texas Tops All But Nine Countries in Yearly Insurance Premiums

3. Exchange information with the other driver. This includes: drivers license information, insurance information, vehicle information, and contact details. The more you gather now the fewer problems you will face in the future.

Note: don’t let the other driver “talk you out of” requesting this information. If the person doesn’t want to share the information with you, contact the police right away.

4. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles. At the same time, jot down notes related to the accident. You may think you will remember everything at a later date, but this is not always the case. After all, there is a lot going on around you.

Tip: if any witnesses stop to assist you, be sure to collect their contact information as well. Your insurer may need this.

5. Let your insurance company know you have been involved in an accident. This is not something you should wait to do. The sooner you inform your agent as to what has happened the sooner he or she can jump in with the appropriate assistance.

Follow the five steps above if you are involved in a car accident. These can help save you time, money, and lots of headaches in the future. For more info check out some tips from Texas.gov.

Here is a quick recap we made for those that prefer video: