Blog Archives - Arthur Blake Insurance

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What You Should Know About Home Insurance

April 28, 2025 Blog 0 0

If you are a first time homeowner, or just bought a home, congratulations! Owning a home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities — one of which is making sure your home is properly insured. While setting up your homeowners insurance might feel like a one-time task, there’s a lot more to it than just choosing a policy and forgetting about it. Here are seven surprising facts about homeowners insurance that could help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your home is truly covered. 1. An Independent Agent Can Save You More Than Just Time You may think buying homeowners insurance is as simple as browsing online quotes, but the truth is, having an independent insurance agent on your side can be incredibly valuable. Independent agents work with multiple insurance carriers, giving them the flexibility to find the best policy for your unique needs. They can also conduct an insurance checkup, ensuring your coverage keeps pace with any updates or renovations to your home, and help you avoid gaps in protection. 2. Water Damage Coverage Isn’t as Clear-Cut as You Think Water damage can be one of the most destructive events for a homeowner,... Read more

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Choose the Right Insurance Brokerage

March 24, 2025 Blog 0 0

These days, insurance is just a click away. With so many options, finding the right policy—or the right broker—can feel overwhelming. The truth is, not all insurance agencies are created equal, and choosing a knowledgeable, trustworthy broker can make all the difference in protecting your assets and your wallet. At Arthur Blake Insurance, we are committed to delivering top-tier, client-focused insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. As a leading insurance agency in Texas, we take pride in providing tailored coverage strategies that give our clients peace of mind. If you’re looking for a reliable insurance provider, here are key industry standards to guide your decision: 1. Read Reviews and Testimonials Take advantage of online tools and social media to research customer experiences. While no two clients are alike, patterns in feedback can reveal a lot about a broker’s reliability, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Feedback from past or current clients will tell you a lot about what kind of business they run. When it comes to reviews, take each one with a grain of salt. However, if there are recurring issues and complaints, that may be something to consider! 2. Verify Licensing and Reputation Before committing, check your state’s... Read more

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How Credit History Affects Insurance Rates

February 24, 2025 Blog 0 0

When shopping for insurance, most people focus on coverage options, deductibles, and premiums. But did you know your credit history could also impact how much you pay? Many insurance companies use your credit-based insurance score to help determine your rates. Understanding how this works can save you money and help you get the best coverage possible. How Credit History Affects Insurance Rates Insurance companies assess risk when setting your premium. While factors like your driving record, claims history, and home condition play a role, many insurers also consider your credit score—especially for auto and home insurance. Studies show a connection between credit history and the likelihood of filing a claim, leading insurers to adjust rates accordingly. Here’s how it works: Higher Credit Score = Lower Premiums: If you have a strong credit score, insurers see you as a lower risk and reward you with better rates. Lower Credit Score = Higher Premiums: A poor credit history may signal financial instability, which some insurers link to a higher chance of claims. As a result, your rates could increase. Why Do Insurance Companies Check Credit? You might be wondering—why does my credit matter for insurance? Insurance companies analyze data to predict risk... Read more

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5 Smart Strategies to Lower your Car Insurance in 2025

January 27, 2025 Blog 0 0

Car insurance premiums often feel like an unavoidable expense that just keeps climbing. With the rising costs of vehicles and fewer new drivers entering the market, it’s no surprise that premiums steadily increase over time. But here’s the good news: there are actionable ways to cut your car insurance costs today—and even prevent future hikes. From smart bundling to improving your customer profile, these strategies will help you keep more money in your pocket while staying covered. 1. Contact Your Insurance Provider One of the easiest ways to lower your car insurance is also the most overlooked—simply ask. Call your insurance provider and inquire about potential discounts or savings programs. Many companies offer safe driver discounts, bundling options, and loyalty rewards that you may not even know exist. Remember, insurance companies aren’t in the habit of advertising new ways to save money—so it’s up to you to ask. A quick phone call could uncover surprising opportunities to lower your premiums immediately. 2. Bundle Your Policies for Bigger Savings If you have multiple types of insurance, bundling them with one provider can lead to substantial savings. Many companies offer discounts for combining auto and homeowners insurance into a single policy. However,... Read more

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What You Need to Know Before You Buy Universal Life Insurance

December 23, 2024 Blog 0 0

When it comes to protecting your family’s financial future, life insurance is often a top priority. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Universal Life Insurance (ULI) is a flexible, long-term solution that combines financial security with savings potential. Let’s dive into what makes universal life insurance stand out and whether it’s the right fit for your needs. Here’s the basic idea: part of your premium covers the cost of insurance (like a term life policy), while the other part goes into a cash value account. This cash value grows over time, typically at an interest rate determined by the insurer. The Appeal of Universal Life Insurance It is designed for those who value flexibility and want more control over their insurance. Here’s why many people find it appealing: Adjustable Premiums Life is unpredictable. With universal life insurance, you can increase or decrease your premium payments (within certain limits) to match your budget. If you’re in a tight spot, you might even be able to use the cash value to cover your premiums temporarily. Lifetime Coverage Unlike term life insurance, which expires after a set period, universal life insurance offers coverage for your... Read more

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As a Homeowner: What To Watch Out For

November 25, 2024 Blog 0 0

Home insurance is designed to protect you from financial loss due to unexpected events. While you hope never to file a claim, understanding the most common home insurance claims can help you take preventive measures and ensure you have adequate coverage. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons homeowners file claims and what you can do to minimize the risks. 1. Water Damage and Freezing One of the most frequent claims made on home insurance policies is due to water damage. Whether from burst pipes, leaky roofs, or appliance malfunctions, water can cause significant damage to your home. In colder climates, freezing pipes are a particular concern. When temperatures drop, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs. Prevention Tip: Insulate pipes in colder areas of your home and inspect your roof for leaks or damage regularly. Installing a smart water leak detector can also help you catch leaks early, preventing more extensive damage. 2. Wind and Hail Damage Severe weather, especially wind and hail, is a leading cause of home insurance claims. These storms can wreak havoc on roofs, windows, and siding, leaving your home vulnerable to additional damage. After a storm, homeowners often discover missing shingles,... Read more

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Important Insurance Terms For Your Benefit

October 28, 2024 Blog 0 0

Insurance plays a significant role in protecting your financial health, but navigating the world of insurance policies can feel like learning a new language. Understanding key insurance terms is essential if you want to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you’re adequately covered. Without knowledge of these terms, you could be overpaying for services you don’t need or under-insuring important aspects of your life. Let’s dive into why it’s crucial to grasp these terms and the ones you should familiarize yourself with. Why It’s Important to Know Insurance Terms Avoid Misunderstandings and Financial Loss When you don’t understand the terms of your insurance policy, you risk making assumptions that could lead to unexpected financial burdens. For instance, you may think you’re covered for a specific event, only to find out that a clause or exclusion limits your coverage. Understanding insurance jargon helps you make sure you get the protection you expect. Maximize Your Coverage Comprehending insurance terms empowers you to make the most out of your policy. Knowing the difference between “premium” and “deductible” allows you to balance what you’re paying monthly with what you’ll owe if you file a claim. In addition, understanding “co-insurance” or “out-of-pocket maximums”... Read more

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Protecting Your Employees and Your Business

September 23, 2024 Blog 0 0

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Workers’ compensation insurance, often referred to as workers’ comp, plays a vital role in protecting both your employees and your business. This insurance provides crucial support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial assistance they need. Regardless of your industry, the risk of workplace injuries or illnesses exists, making workers’ comp an essential consideration for any business. Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Texas: What You Need to Know In Texas, private employers are not required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. However, choosing not to carry this insurance comes with responsibilities. You must report your coverage status and any work-related injuries or illnesses to the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. While opting out of workers’ comp might seem appealing, understanding the risks and liabilities involved is crucial. What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover? Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to cover a wide range of work-related injuries and illnesses. If an employee gets injured while performing their duties or working on your behalf, workers’ comp can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. This coverage extends to injuries caused by work-related violence, terrorism, and even natural disasters. For example, if... Read more

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Craft Brewery Insurance

August 26, 2024 Blog 0 0

Craft brewery insurance is specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges and risks that craft breweries face. It actively safeguards breweries from financial losses by covering potential liabilities, accidents, equipment failures, and unexpected events. By providing this critical protection, brewery insurance ensures that these businesses can continue to thrive even in the face of unforeseen challenges. From the brewing process to distribution, every step involves risks that could disrupt operations or lead to significant financial setbacks. This insurance not only covers these potential pitfalls but also offers peace of mind, allowing brewery owners to focus on their craft without worrying about what could go wrong. Why Is Craft Brewery Insurance Necessary? Complex Operations: Craft breweries involve multiple processes, from brewing to packaging and distribution. Therefore, each step carries its own risks, such as equipment malfunctions, product contamination, or accidents during delivery. Insurance helps protect against these risks. Liability Issues: Breweries face potential liability from several sources, including customers, employees, and suppliers. For example, if a customer becomes ill after consuming a product or an injury occurs while an employee is on the job, the brewery could be held responsible. Liability insurance covers legal fees, settlements, and other related costs. How... Read more

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Understanding Auto Insurance Rate Increases

July 29, 2024 Blog 0 0

Insurance should be easy at this point, we live in the 21st century. But somehow car insurance hasn’t gotten any easier to understand. You drive safely, you avoid traffic violations, you choose a reliable car, and your premiums should stay where they are, or even go down. But, somehow, no matter your driving record you find that your premium continues to be on the rise. And you’re looking for answers as to why. Many factors go into why insurance premiums and how those will influence the costs. A lot of the time it is for things no driver can control. Your driving record will always affect the cost, but so does how many drivers are on the road, average road speeds and even the health of the economy may see you paying more at year’s end. Here are a few reasons that your auto insurance premiums may rise no matter what you do: A Strong Economy Means Busier Roads What’s good for the country overall may not be good for your insurance premiums. As the nation’s economy strengthens, more and more of those who previously relied on public transportation are choosing to take their own cars instead. Meanwhile, low gas... Read more