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)

Safe Holiday Cooking

The holiday season is a time to share with loved ones. It’s a time to take a break from your hectic work schedule and relax. It’s also a time to stuff yourself with succulent meals and sugary sweets. Preparing such meals takes an enormous amount of effort, and with your focus pulled in so many directions simultaneously, the risk of a kitchen fire increases. In this article, we’ll look at safety measures you can take while cooking for the holidays.

Keep a Watchful Eye
The number one culprit of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Always remain in the kitchen when using the stovetop or grilling. While simmering for extended periods or using the oven you can roam the house and complete other chores, but do not leave and keep an open ear for timers going off.

Dress for the Occasion
While cooking, you should wear clothes that fit snugly. Any dangling sleeves or baggy shirts can easily catch fire, especially around your stovetop. Close-toed shoes will protect your feet from hot drips and spills.

Avoiding and Treating Burns
If children are in the house, use the back burners when possible and turn pan handles inward to prevent accidental tipping. However, you may want to make a rule that children must stay at least three feet away from heated cooking appliances for their own safety.
If you or a child does get burned, immediately submerge the burned portion of skin in cool water for three to five minutes. If any burns appear to be more severe than a first degree burn, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Fight or Flee?
If a fire ignites inside of a pan, carefully slide a lid over the pan using an oven mitt. Immediately turn off the burner and let it cool before removing the lid. Never douse grease fires with water, as that could splash burning oil to other areas of your kitchen.

If a fire is too big to contain or extinguish, evacuate your home immediately. Close all doors to the burning room as you leave to prevent spreading. Alert everyone in the house to leave and call 911 immediately.

Enjoy your holidays in a safe, secure home. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas home insurance.

A Common Winter Task: Scraping Ice Off Your Windshield Each Morning

If you park your car outdoors, you may be familiar with having to de-ice your car before you can get to work during the winter, even in Dallas, Texas. This task doesn’t have to become a lengthy process; you can get it done in just a few minutes if you do it properly. Let’s talk about some tips to shave time off your morning preparations.

First off, never make the mistake of pouring hot water over your windshield to melt the ice away. The water can refreeze while you’re driving, putting you right back in the same position where you started. Very hot water can even crack your windshield. Instead, try safer methods of de-icing.
Start your car’s engine (open the garage door first if necessary) and turn the heater on the highest setting. Tilt the vents upward so the hot air is directed at your windshield. While the heat is running, spray your windows with a solution of one part water and two parts rubbing alcohol (vinegar also works). You can use a spray bottle or fill your wiper fluid reservoir with this solution, which cuts through the frost residue. Whichever you choose, turn on your wipers to push off the remaining ice. Between the solution and your heater, the windshield will be blasted on both sides.

Spray this solution on your other windows and mirrors as well. An ice scraper can help remove the broken up ice. Brush away any ice or snow from your headlights and taillights as well. Having your windows, mirrors and lights clear will improve your visibility and make winter driving safer for you and other drivers around you.

Commercial lock de-icer breaks away pesky ice that builds up inside of locks. If you’re caught in a pinch without any, dip your key into a bottle of hand sanitizer. The alcohol content can help penetrate the ice. It’s a good idea to keep hand sanitizer, and ice scrapers, both inside your car and inside your home (or garage) in case these items get frozen inside your car when you need them.
For better protection, a tarp or car cover decreases the snow and ice buildup on cars. You can start your morning by simply removing the cover and performing any necessary touch ups.

A safe car can means a safer winter driving experience. Call Americo Direct Insurance at (214) 374-9997 for more information on Dallas auto insurance.

Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

After a car wreck there are a number of things  you may be worrying about, or you just may not know what to do. First, if you or anyone you know is injured, immediately call 911. After you have confirmed the safety of your loved ones, survey your home and property. If your car has been damaged after a disaster, would you know how to file an auto insurance claim?
To help mitigate your stress during this process, below is a list of steps as to how to file your auto insurance claim.

Report your claim

If your vehicle has been damaged, report your claim online. Phone lines may be busy preventing you from speaking and/or reaching your car insurance company’s claims department. Filing a claim online is as effective as speaking with a claims representative. However, if you prefer to call in and report your claim you may do so as well. Please note that during catastrophic events, callers can experience delays and wait times because of unpredictable spikes in call volumes.

Update your contact information

A disaster can leave you displaced. If you are staying at a different location when reporting your auto insurance claim, make sure to provide the representative with your updated contact information. If you have an email address, it is recommend you provide that as an alternative means of communication during the auto insurance claims process. This will allow your car insurance company to keep you informed of the progress of your claim and repairs.

What’s next?

Once your auto insurance claim is reported your car insurance company will assign you a claims associate. Your representative should contact you within 24 hours after you report your claim. This associate will guide you through the claims process, cover your next steps, and explain your repair options. During catastrophic events repair, towing, and rental car facilities may also be affected by the disaster. This may delay the time it takes to repair your vehicle. Your claims associate should set time-bound expectations to help you anticipate when your claim will be resolved.

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