Why Comprehensive RV Insurance is Necessary

For many families, their RV is their home away from home. However, no matter how frequently or not you utilize your RV, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect your investment by purchasing a specialized RV insurance policy. The mistake many RV owners make is simply adding their RV to their auto insurance policy. While this offers these individuals a certain amount of protection, it can be more beneficial for these RV owners to consider upgrading to a specialized RV insurance policy. This is due to the fact that standard auto insurance policies may not cover everything you need them to. Here are just a few of the many things you should ensure are covered under your RV insurance policy.

Roadside Assistance

Many insurance policies now include roadside assistance that offers towing up to a certain distance. However, these policies may not cover towing for your RV, which could be a large expense should you break down far from a town. For this reason, you will want to make sure that your RV insurance covers towing for your RV. Furthermore, you may want to consider a policy that provides temporary housing while your RV is being repaired, since, depending on where you were when you broke down, it is likely that your RV would not have been towed all the way home for repairs.

Personal Liability Coverage

When you park your RV at a campsite, you may be liable in the event that someone is injured in, on or even around your RV. However, it is also likely that your general auto insurance would not protect you during this scenario. This is where having a more specialized RV insurance policy can be beneficial as it will cover you in the event that you become responsible for someone’s injuries they acquire near your RV.

Personal Property Coverage

A standard RV insurance policy through your auto insurance would likely cover the repair or replacement of your RV should something happen to it, but it is likely that it would not cover the contents inside of your RV. Being your second home, it is likely that you store thousands of dollars in personal belongings including clothes, electronics, housewares, linens, dishes and even food inside of your RV. For this reason, you will want to ensure that you choose an insurance policy sufficient to cover the cost of replacing your personal belongings that were within your RV.

Purchasing a proper RV insurance policy is imperative for any RV owner. In the case that disaster strikes. Having an RV insurance policy will ensure you are taken care of properly and that you are able to replace what was lost to you. Contact us to find out more about RV insurance, as well as to find out how much RV insurance you need for your RV.

Get the coverage you need. Call Americo Direct Insurance at 214-374-9997 for more information on Dallas RV insurance.

Bonds Guarantee Performance, Honesty and Financial Integrity

Bonds make it possible for businesses to function because they guarantee performance and honesty to potential customers. Bonding companies provide the deep pockets to financially back up a company’s commitments. As not every person or business can qualify for every bond they seek, the ability to secure a bond can be an indication of a company’s honesty, ability and good financial standing.

Bonds are not insurance, but they have a few things in common. Both bonds and insurance are contracts that make a formal promise to pay for something that hasn’t happened yet. Both pay money in the event of a covered event or occurrence. Both are written by insurance companies and sold by licensed insurance agents.

A bond is a contract with three participating parties: a principal, a surety and an obligee.

• Principal: The principal is a company or individual whose promise to perform is backed up by a bond.
• Surety: The bonding company that agrees to pay when a bonded event takes place is called the surety, instead of insurance company.  
• Obligee: The obligee receives the benefit if something goes wrong.

There are many types of bonds, but they all fall within two categories: fidelity and surety.

Fidelity Bonds
Businesses and financial institutions purchase fidelity bonds to guarantee the honesty of employees. Bankers, accountants, stockbrokers, business office personnel and other employees with the access that could allow them to steal, embezzle or commit other crimes should be covered by fidelity bonds.
 

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires retirement plans to purchase fidelity bonds. Fidelity bonds guarantee the conduct of plan administrators, trustees, fiduciaries or anyone who has contact with plan assets, cash or financial instruments.
 

A fidelity bond can also guarantee the honesty of service providers, such as carpet cleaners, maid services and home repairmen. As employee behavior is impossible to predict, a bond financially backs the business owner's promise that his employees won’t steal personal belongings, valuables or cash while on a customer’s premises. If an employee does commit a crime while on the job, the bond can pay.
 

Surety Bonds
When a company or person makes a promise to perform certain duties or obligations, a surety bond backs up that promise. The Small Business Administration website discusses how some businesses and government entities require bid bonds to guarantee that a company will do a job if they win the bidding process. After winning a competitive bid, a surety bond can guarantee the company's performance based on contractual guidelines and time frames.
 

State and local governments require surety bonds to guarantee that a business will pay their tax obligations. A Financial Responsibility bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees to the state that a driver has at least the minimum limits of liability coverage in force.
 

Bonds can be complicated, but your independent agent can answer any questions you may have.
We’re happy to assist you. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas surety bonds.

Why You Might Need to Bond Your Business

With so many reported burglaries and “stranger danger” scares in the news, many people feel very uneasy about letting strangers into their homes. However, electricians, plumbers and contractors — among others — must enter the home in order to perform their jobs. While word of mouth referrals may help customers feel at ease in terms of the professionalism of a business, a surety bond can help give customers the peace of mind of knowing that the money they invest in a project will lead to delivered results.

What does this mean? If you signed a contract to remodel a family’s kitchen, they will expect the job to be completed as agreed upon. If your business breaches the contract or goes bankrupt mid-project, you could be in big trouble. However, being bonded can help sort out similar dire situations.

A bond is essentially a guarantee that the job will get done according to expectations as detailed in the contract. If something goes awry, the bond insurer is there to cover any necessary expenses for the project to be completed.

In fact, bonds are so vital for establishing a trusting relationship between business and customer that many construction professionals are required to purchase a bond before they can obtain a business license. This helps limit the industry to trustworthy professionals, which is beneficial to property owners.

What type of bond does your business need? There are many types available, each designed to serve a specific occupation. Speak with your independent insurance agent to determine the right coverage for your needs.

Prove your professionalism to potential customers. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas bonds.

You Need Commercial Insurance to Protect Your Business

Large companies hire people to manage the risks associated with the business. However, owners and manager of smaller companies often have to handle risks themselves — along with taking care of the day-to-day issues of running an office and directing staff. Commercial insurance is the ideal solution. What can it do for your business?

1. Property Insurance: Just as with personal property, your business property needs to be protected against loss, liability and damage. Consider if you have any of these types of property that need coverage:
2. Equipment Breakdown Insurance: When you have jobs to do, the last thing you need is your equipment to break down. This type of insurance covers the sudden and accidental breakdown of machinery, boilers, equipment and often electronic equipment — such as computers and phones. Coverage usually includes reimbursement for property that may be damaged as well as expediting expenses — such as faster shipping costs for new parts. The coverage can also cover loss of business due to the breakdown.
3. Employee Theft Coverage: Unfortunately, your employees may not always be trustworthy. This crime coverage will protect you against losses you may experience because of an employee's dishonesty.
4. Accounts Receivable Coverage: In case of loss or damage, financial records of what customers still owe your business may be lost. This type of additional insurance will pay all the amounts owed to your company which cannot be collected because of the lost documentation. Collection expenses may also be covered.
5. Liability Insurance: This type of insurance protects your business assets if your company is sued for something the business did (or failed to do) that caused bodily injury or damage to another person's property. Liability coverage also pays attorneys' fees and other costs for defending against the lawsuit, whether your company is at fault or not.
6. Cyber or Internet Coverage: Many businesses think they have enough firewall and cyber protection in place, but the risks to businesses in this arena are escalating. This type of insurance covers crisis management and hiring a public relations firm if there is a data breach. The insurance can cover the costs of repairing computer systems that have been hacked.
7. Employment Practice Liability Insurance (EPLI): This insurance provides an attorney if a suit is brought against your business for wrongful termination, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination.

Get the coverage you need. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas business insurance.

Picking The Right Location For Your Business

Quality, sought after employees tend to be selective with where they choose to work, making it imperative that you do everything you can to make your business an attractive place of employment. One of the ways you can appeal to workers is by choosing a top-notch location. What do employees want out of a workplace? Everyone has different tastes, but some factors are preferred by most individuals. They are as follows.

Facility

People are attracted to visually appealing places. Your building should be attractive, clean and in good repair. This doesn't necessarily mean that you need a brand new, state-of-the-art building. Older buildings can be well maintained and decorated nicely to provide a similar atmosphere. In addition, many studies have shown that the condition of the bathrooms contribute to a person's employment decision.

Parking

Morning commutes are frustrating enough without the hassle of searching for a parking spot. Your building should have ample parking, which also helps prevent tardiness. For some businesses, assigning parking spots is an ideal solution to ensure that everyone has a place nearby.

Public Transit

Some individuals prefer using public transportation to get to work. A workplace located near bus/train stops opens up more commuting options.

Neighborhood

Lunch breaks are the perfect time to grab a bite and run an errand or two. A workplace located near restaurants, grocery stores, dry cleaners etc. provide immense value to your employees, who can save valuable time in the evening by getting a few things done in the afternoon. Many people also enjoy having a gym close to the office for morning or evening workouts.

The right location should be paired with the right coverage. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas business insurance.

Keep Your House Environmentally Fit With These Composting Tips

If you’re looking to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, or if you’re interested in gardening, you may have read about composting. Compost is a nutrient-rich soil additive created when plant and animal matter decomposes. With a little help from waste-conscious humans, the process of composting at home can be a great way to educate whole families on how to live a more “green” lifestyle.

According to statistics from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household yard clippings and food waste make up somewhere between 20 and 30 percent of the waste Americans annually throw into landfills. Once there, these organic materials take up landfill space and release greenhouse gases such as methane. One way to help keep these materials out of landfills is to compost this waste at home, rather than throwing it away. The EPA provides a list of items that you can compost, and some you shouldn’t.

Composting Payoffs

Organic material recycling has a number of rewards for your yard, greater community and overall carbon footprint. By dedicating a little time and space to proper composting, the EPA says you can start enjoying the following benefits:

- Keeping items out of landfills: This is probably the most well-known effect of composting. As mentioned above, anything you compost instead of throwing away saves space in your local landfill.

- Soil enrichment: By adding fresh compost to your garden, your soil becomes enriched with the nutrients shrubs, plants and flowers thrive on to grow strong. In addition, it enables moisture to reach thirsty roots. And, by keeping your yard and garden healthy, compost acts as a natural guard against soil erosion.

- Reduction in added chemicals: When you regularly add compost to your soil, you reduce your dependency on chemical lawn fertilizers and pesticides. Think about this win-win situation: You add scraps you were throwing out anyway to a compost pile, and — voila — you simultaneously save money and your garden from unwanted chemicals.

- Healthy bacteria production: Another byproduct of composting is the creation of good fungi and bacteria. These essential ingredients to the decomposition process encourage the microorganisms necessary to sustain long-term garden and soil health.

Composting Methods

There are various methods of composting, but for home use, two are likely the most practical:

Soil microbes: In this method, you moisten your materials and put them in a pile or bin, in a dry, shady spot near a water source, and wait for the items to decompose. The EPA says this can take anywhere from two months to two years.

Vermicomposting: If you’re not a fan of worms, this probably isn’t the method for you. In vermicomposting, you put red worms into a covered box lined with leaves, newspaper or dirt, according to the EPA. The red worms eat fruit and vegetable scraps you put into the container, and they leave behind droppings that the EPA says can be used as a natural plant food. Because this method takes less space than the compost piles or bins needed for soil microbes, people who live in apartments may opt for vermicomposting.

Where to Compost

If you’re using the microbe method, turning yard and kitchen waste materials into compost is simply a matter of providing the right space, air and moisture. However, depending on where you live, the amount of waste you’ll be composting and how far you plan on traveling to add items to the compost pile, you have three basic composting options:

- Outdoor piles. An easy way to begin composting is to simply start a compost pile in a shady spot in your yard. Just add yard clippings and approved table scraps in alternating layers. The EPA says you can surround your pile with chicken wire or nail wood beams together to create a small fence.

- Outdoor bins. The EPA says that a compost pile may work for yard waste, like dead leaves, but if you’re going to compost food waste, you should use a bin in order to keep small animals from raiding your compost bin for dinner. You can either buy a bin or build your own; just remember: Any bins you dedicate to composting must have holes or openings to allow for air movement, to help avoid any unpleasant smells.

- Indoor bins. If you don’t have space outdoors for a compost pile or bin, you may want to consider indoor composting. Like an outdoor bin, you can either buy a special indoor composting bin or build your own, according to the EPA, But, if you’re keeping your bin indoors, it’s even more important to make sure you maintain it in order to help avoid rodents and odors.

For vermicomposting, you can either buy or make a bin for your red worms. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln says you can turn an old drawer into your composting bin, or use a plastic storage container, making sure the lid loosely covers the bin and is not tightly latched. You’ll need to line your bin with moistened bedding for the worms, such as shredded cardboard or paper.

Now that you’ve selected and set up your compost pile or bin, it’s time to start composting!

For information about Dallas home insurance, give Americo Direct Insurance a call at 214-374-9997. 

What You Might Not Know About Renters Insurance

Many renters overlook buying renters insurance because of they believe it to be an unneeded cost. However, here are five things to consider about renters insurance that you might not have been aware of before:

1. Landlord is not responsible: Your landlord is not responsible for the items that you have inside of your apartment. This is why many landlords require that their renters have renters insurance. With insurance, you're covered in the case of fire or theft. Without it, your losses must be paid out-of-pocket.
2. Not all policies are the same: You can personalize your insurance coverage to meet your needs. Coverage amount can be anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. Some policies will replace lost items from a fire or theft and some will just give cash for the total cost of the items lost. Ask your agent about the details of your policy.
3. Affordable: Most of the time, renters insurance is avoided because people believe it will cost much more than what it's worth. However, the average amount for having renters insurance is about $15 to $30 per month. The cost will vary depending on location, as well as the type of property you live in.
4. It is worth it: You might think that all of your items are not worth covering. However, if your computer, your phone or all of your clothes are lost, think about how much you would have to spend to replace it all. Having renters insurance is definitely worth saving your money on replacing every single item in your possession.
5. Extra protection: Renters insurance can also provide liability coverage. This means if someone is hurt in your apartment, the medical and legal costs can be covered.

Renters insurance is definitely worth having. Call your agent to get started today!

Learn about your coverage options. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas renters insurance.

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Premium

Paying for insurance that you don't use often can be irritating, but it's very important for the times that you do need to file a claim. However, to soften the blow to your budget, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your auto insurance premium. Your agent can explain them in further detail, but here are five ways to save to get you started.

1. Policy bundles: By bundling your personal insurance policies together with a single insurance company, you can save up to 15 percent across-the-board on your insurance portfolio. It's a win-win; insurers get more of your business and you save money on the coverage you need. The most popular bundle in America is auto, home and life, but you can add virtually any policy to your bundle.
2. Fewer payments: Each time you make a premium payment, you will most likely be charged a processing fee. Even though these fees may only be a few dollars, they add up over time. To minimize what you spend on fees, simply make less payments. If you can, pay your entire premium for the year all at once. If not, try biannual or quarterly payments as opposed to monthly. You'll save in the long run.
3. Safe drivers: Safe drivers save money. It's that simple. If you maintain a driving record free of tickets and accidents, your premium is likely to be lower than a driver who displays reckless behavior. Insurers calculate premium prices based on the risk level of each driver, so don't give them a reason to classify you as a risky investment.
4. Good credit score: A person with a good credit score is typically more responsible than a person with thousands of dollars of debt racked up. So, similar to the point above, individuals with good credit are viewed as a less risky investment and, therefore, are likely to pay less for car coverage.
5. Discount options: Most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to good students, loyal customers, seniors, military personnel, teachers and more. You may not be told upfront, but you can always ask your agent if you qualify for a discount on your auto insurance.

We’ll help you save on coverage. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas auto insurance.

Reduce Stress by getting your Security Deposit Back

Renters are all too familiar with security deposits, costing anywhere from $300 to a full month’s rent in advance of moving in. In most cases, the deposit is half (if not fully) refundable, but your landlord can deduct from that amount to fix damages and/or replace property. Disagreements over deposit refunds are the number one source of tension between residents and landlords. So how can you relieve the tension and get your deposit when it’s time to move out?

When you moved in, your landlord probably asked you to fill out a checklist, noting any existing damages. Remember that? Keep your copy somewhere safe because it relinquishes you from the responsibility of paying for damages that were already there before you received your key. As an added layer of protection, you can take time-stamped pictures of existing damages to back up your notes.

Your landlord will conduct a final walk-through before you move out, checking for any damages that he or she can pin on you. But if you have documentation that those damages were there before you, then you can contest the claims and you’ll stand a higher chance of getting your full deposit refund back. Note that regular wear and tear is generally acceptable without a fine, but you may be responsible for a broken dishwasher or a cracked window.

Apart from damages, you can also be charged for theft, whether intentional or accidental. Many renters forget to turn in their key or garage door opener, which can reduce your refund if replacements must be purchased by your landlord. While these charges may be minimal, there will obviously be larger charges if you steal, for instance, a coffee table from a fully furnished apartment. Double check that you turn in property or leave it in your unit before completely moving out.

By documenting and turning in landlord property, you stand a very good chance of receiving your full refund upon moving out, which can help finance your next rental deposit or property purchase.

Our goal is to help save you money. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas renter’s insurance.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return

Come tax season, everyone wants to get the biggest tax return they possibly can. But, without proper research and/or professional assistance, many people end up paying more than they truly owe. There are many extensive resources online to help you with your tax return, but here’s a good place to start.
Deductions vs. Credits
A deduction is a qualified expense that is subtracted from your taxable income. This can include donations to charities, business travel expenses, job search expenses and more. A credit is subtracted directly from the amount of income tax that you owe, making credits much more effective than deductibles when it comes to increasing your tax return. Ask a professional if you’re eligible for tax credits if you have a child in college, if you’ve made energy-saving home improvements and more.
Itemizing vs. Standard Deduction
Most Americans enjoy the ease of simply using the standard deduction, but many people can save more by itemizing their deductions. Young, single individuals may not need to itemize, but you should consider it if you’ve made significant charitable donations, had unreimbursed business travel expenses, paid property taxes and more.
IRA Account
IRA contributions not only help you plan for retirement, but they also reduce your taxable income. If you have a Roth IRA account, you may be able to claim the retirement savings contribution credit when preparing your taxes. Either way, your savings could help you receive a bigger tax refund.
If this all sounds like gibberish to you, it’s best to seek assistance from a tax professional to ensure that you’re not overpaying and that you get back as much as possible.
We’ll help you get ready for tax season. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas tax preparation.

Renting a Car After an Accident: Insurance Info

Getting into a car accident is a stressful experience. And, if your car is damaged and has to go to the body shop, it can mean days — even weeks — without your vehicle.

So, if you don’t want to rely on family, friends or public transportation while your car is in the shop, you might choose to rent a car. Here are some important things to think about:

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

There are a few ways insurance comes into play when you’re renting a car after an accident. The first thing you need to think about is whether you have rental reimbursement coverage as part of the auto insurance policy you have on your own vehicle. Rental reimbursement coverage is typically an optional coverage that helps pay for the cost of a car rental while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss. If you want rental reimbursement coverage to help pay for your rental after an accident, you must purchase it in advance — before an accident occurs.

If you have rental reimbursement coverage, there is typically no deductible for renting a car after a covered accident, but there are usually limits to the rental car cost per day and also the number of days your insurer will help pay for the rental.

Insurance at the Rental Counter

Once you determine whether your car insurance policy will help pay for your rental car while your own vehicle is being repaired for covered accident damage, it’s time for some more questions: What if you get into a crash in the rental car — are you protected? Should you buy the extra insurance offered at the rental car counter?

To answer these questions, check your car insurance policy. In many cases, the liability, comprehensive, collision and other coverages might extend to your rental car. If you’re unsure, you can always double-check with your insurance agent.

Additionally, rental car companies typically offer car insurance at the counter. Some credit cards also offer secondary rental car insurance that helps you pay for costs not covered by your car insurance policy, such as deductibles and coverage gaps. Click here to learn more about the options for protecting yourself in case of an accident in a rental car.

For more information about Dallas car insurance, give Americo Direct Insurance a call at 214-374-9997.

(Source:Allstate)

Auto Insurance Savings Tune Up

If you’re like me, you hate paying for stuff that you don’t use regularly. But insurance is one of those things that I’m willing to grit my teeth and write a check for because it’s a crazy world out there.
That doesn’t mean you should just go with the first quote you get, or just blindly accept the recommendations of your insurance guy. Auto insurance is expensive. In some cases, it can be as much, if not more expensive than your actual car payment.

Here are a few things you should know about auto insurance policies and a few tips that could save you a few bucks every month on your coverage.

Risky Business

So much of your auto insurance premiums are determined by risk factors. Things like your credit score, your driving history, where you live and how much you drive are a huge factor in determining what you will pay for your policy.

It’s a cold science. Younger people get into traffic accidents more often than people in their 40s and 50s. If you’re driving more often, or live in a high-crime area, you’re more likely to file a claim. If you have a poor credit score, insurance companies see that as a predictive factor in determining your future claims history.

You can’t help things like age, but you can improve your credit score and driving record. Both are slow processes, but will pay dividends.

The Loyalty Factor

Being loyal to your current insurance provider can both help and hurt you.

It helps if you “bundle” your policies. You’ve seen the ads. Having your Homeowners/Renters, Life and Auto policies through the same provider can save you a lot of money. It works like a volume discount would. Insurance companies want to sell you multiple policies, so they give you a break on the price for buying multiple policies.

But just because you bundled your policy doesn’t mean you’re getting the best price out there. Don’t be afraid to shop around and get the best prices. It’s not the most entertaining way to spend an afternoon, but it’s worth it. I just switched my insurance provider and ended up getting better coverage for less money. That’s a twofer!

Know Your Policy

By the time you’re factoring in behaviors, where you live and the car you drive, your opportunities to save big start to dwindle. But, if you’re realistic about what you need, you can ring some more cash from the savings sponge.

First, your deductible: the higher the deductible, the lower your cost. Look, no one likes to pay out of pocket when you make a claim. If you’re a safe driver, you might do well to consider raising your deductible to $500 or even $1,000. Sure, it stinks when you have to write a check. But if you don’t file a lot of claims, you’re essentially paying for something you (hopefully) won’t use.
Also, look into what collision coverage you have. If your policy is “Broad Form” that generally means you don’t have to pay your deductible under certain circumstances, like when you’re not at-fault (make sure to check with your provider). But that might not be worth it if you’re paying extra. Run the numbers and see if it makes sense for you.

Finally, be sure to ask about what special policy discounts your provider might offer. Some auto insurance companies will give you a discount for belonging to certain clubs, or being a college graduate, some might even give you a break if you drive around with a device that monitors your driving habits. Don’t be afraid to ask. Saving a percent or two on your policy could add up to a pretty nice chunk of change.

Saving on auto insurance involves a little homework, some time and possibly a change in your driving behavior. But most importantly, make sure you’re balancing the risks and rewards of a lower policy. Some people don’t mind paying more for peace of mind. Others would be fine with a less expensive policy with fewer perks and a higher deductible.
Which insurance option do you prefer?

For more information about Dallas auto insurance, call Americo Direct Insurance at 214-374-9997.

(Source:QuickenLoans.com)