Tips to prepare your car for a storm

With the upcoming storm season looming here in the Kingwood, TX area, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for any and all extreme weather conditions.

Here are a few tips from us at Boss Insurance Agency to help you prepare your car for a storm.

Tips to prepare your car for a storm

1. Check your battery and tire pressure

Having a strong battery and properly inflated tires can help you stay safe during long drives in bad weather. Make sure to check both before the storm season so you’re not caught off guard. 

2. Stock up on supplies

Keep an emergency kit in your car, just in case you get stuck somewhere during the storm season. This should include things like jumper cables, flashlights, water, snacks, blankets, and other essential items that will come in handy if something goes wrong. 

3. Inspect your windows

Make sure all of your windows are sealed properly so they won’t leak or be affected by heavy rain or winds coming through them. This will also help keep the interior of your car dry during storms. 

4. Top off fluids

Check all of the fluids in your car such as oil and windshield wiper fluid to ensure they’re at optimal levels before any storms hit. Having these fluids topped off can help reduce stress on your engine and other components during bad weather conditions. 

Reach Out To Us

Following these tips can help keep you safe during a stormy season and keep your car running smoothly throughout it! For more tips like this, give us at Boss Insurance Agency a call today. We are proud to serve the Kingwood, TX area.

Frequently asked questions about life insurance

Some types of insurance are required by the state or lenders, but some types are optional. One of these is life insurance. Boss Insurance Agency assists the greater Kingwood, TX area residents with this vital coverage. 

How do you know if you should get life insurance? Below is the answer to that and more common questions about life insurance.

Life Insurance FAQs

Do I need life insurance?

It depends on a few factors. If you are the main income provider and your family or dependents will suffer financially if you die, it would be a good idea to get life insurance. If you do not largely contribute to your household’s income, it doesn’t make sense to get a policy.

What is the difference between term and permanent life insurance?

There are a few different types of life insurance. The most common types are term and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance means you are insured for a certain period of years before it expires. Permanent life insurance lasts for the rest of your life until you die and has the option of cash value.

How much life insurance should I get?

It depends on your income and your net worth. People use a few different formulas to determine how much life insurance to get. You can multiply your annual salary by ten. Another way is to multiply your salary by ten and add college for each child. Some people use another formula called DIME. DIME stands for debt, income, mortgage, and education.

What types of life insurance are there?

There are three types of life insurance. These include term, permanent, and universal.

Give Us A Call

If you are in the market for life insurance, give us a call at Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX.

Benefits of Health Insurance

Health insurance is important for your health and financial security. An unexpected health event can quickly result in big bills when you are at your most vulnerable. At Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX, we offer many types of insurance, including health insurance. 

Benefits of Health Insurance

Financial Security 

One of the benefits of purchasing health insurance is financial security. Medical bills are the top reason why Americans remove money from retirement accounts or file for bankruptcy. 

Insurance coverage protects you from catastrophically high medical bills. 

Less Expensive Healthcare

Insurance coverage not only protects you from high medical costs associated with a serious illness or injury. They also make routine care less expensive. 

Doctor visits and prescriptions are much less expensive with health insurance. 

Preventative Care 

Most insurance plans provide certain types of preventative care for free. Other types of preventative care are covered under insurance, so you only need to pay your copay. 

Preventative care is important for staying healthy. It’s designed to prevent diseases or to catch them in the early stages, while they are easy to treat. 

In fact, studies show that people with health insurance live longer and are healthier than those without insurance. It’s believed that access to preventative care is one of the reasons for this. 

Access to Care 

Insurance isn’t typically required to receive medical care, but it does make it easier to be seen by a provider. You are only responsible for your copay, and many doctors’ offices are willing to bill you. 

When you don’t have insurance, most offices will require payment upfront. This can make getting care more difficult. 

Give Us A Call

If you need health insurance in the Kingwood, TX region, contact Boss Insurance Agency. We are here to meet all your insurance needs. Our friendly agents will discuss your needs and coverage options and help you select the best policy for you. 

Tips to Help Minimize the Chances of a House Fire This Holiday Season

At Boss Insurance Agency, serving the greater Kingwood, TX area, we have seen many house fires happen during the holiday season. As such, we are offering tips that can help you to minimize the chances of your home going up in flames this holiday season. 

Tips to Minimize the Chances of a House Fire

Keep Your Tree Hydrated

One of the most common reasons for house fires during the holiday season is that trees get dried out, and then warm lights can ignite a flame. If you decide to get a real tree, always ensure the tree stays hydrated. If the tree is drying out, avoid using the lights on the tree. 

Ensure You Do Not Overload Your Electric System

Electrical fires are also common this time of year. You are plugging more things into your electrical system, including holiday lights, inflatables, trees, and other decorations. It is easy to overload your electrical system. Be mindful of what you plug in, and if you are setting up an extravagant holiday display, contact an electrician to ensure your electrical system can handle the new load. 

Blow Candles Out  

You may host many holiday parties with friends and family during the holiday season, and you want your home to look and smell its best. As such, you may light some scented candles. Always be sure to blow these candles out at the end of the night. 

Get or Update Insurance Coverage For Your Home

These tips can help to minimize the chances of a house fire happening this holiday season, but you cannot prevent every house fire. This is why it is so important to have home insurance that you can trust and rely on. Here at Boss Insurance Agency, serving the greater Kingwood, TX region, we can help you find a policy that will cover you should the unexpected happen. Give us a call now to obtain estimates for a home insurance policy. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover in Texas?

As a homeowner in Texas, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of flooding and to have adequate protection against this natural disaster. Flood insurance is an integral part of that protection, but what does it actually cover? Boss Insurance Agency is here to help. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flood insurance covers damage to your home and personal property caused by flooding. This includes water that enters your home through foundation cracks, windows, or doors; water that rises from the ground and enters through openings in your foundation; and water that overflows from rivers or lakes onto your property.

What Does Flood Insurance Not Cover?

There are some things that flood insurance does not cover, such as damage caused by storms, high winds, or sewage backup. It also does not cover costs associated with moving your belongings to a safe location or repairing any cosmetic damage to your home (such as repainting).

Your Boss Insurance Agency representative in Kingwood, TX can help determine whether you need flood insurance and how much coverage is right for you.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

The cost of flood insurance depends on several factors, including the age and value of your home, its location, and whether you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Other factors affecting your premium include the policy type and the coverage you need.

Get The Right Coverage Today

For a homeowner in Texas, it’s crucial to have adequate protection against flooding. Flood insurance is essential to that protection, but what does it cover? Now that you know more about what flood insurance covers and doesn’t cover, you can decide whether it’s right for you. If you have questions or want a quote for flood insurance, give us a call at Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX today.

Does boat insurance cover water skiers?

Picture this: You’re out on the lake, enjoying the warm summer sun and the freshwater smell. You’ve got your boat, and your friends, and everyone is having a great time. Suddenly, someone falls while water skiing and sustains some injuries. Will your boat insurance cover them? Boss Insurance Agency is here to answer your questions about boat and watercraft insurance in Kingwood, TX.

Water Skiers Are Usually Covered Under Boat and Watercraft Liability Insurance

There are a few things you need to know about boat insurance and what it covers. Most standard boat insurance policies will cover you for liability if someone is injured while on your boat. This includes water skiers, wakeboarders, tubing, and even swimmers who are hurt while in the water near your boat. And just so you know – Injuries that occur while people are loading or unloading from your boat are also usually covered.

But There Are Some Exceptions

However, there are some situations where boat insurance will not cover injuries. For example, if someone is hurt while using equipment that came with the boat, such as oars or a tow rope, they may not be covered. Additionally, most policies exclude coverage for racing boats or boats used for commercial purposes.

Boss Insurance Agency is Here to Help

So, does boat insurance cover water skiers from Kingwood, TX? The answer is usually yes, but there are some exceptions. The best way to know for certain is to check the coverage listed in your policy. Contact an agent at Boss Insurance Agency to look at your policy to see if water skiing (or any other activity) is covered. We’ll make sure you have the coverage you need.  Then go out and have fun!

The Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you’re in the market for car insurance, you’ve probably come across the terms "comprehensive coverage" and "collision coverage." But what exactly do these terms mean? And do you need both types of coverage? At Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX, we’re here to help you understand the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

Auto Insurance: What You Need to Know

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage, also known as "other than collision" coverage, is an insurance policy that pays for damage that is not caused by a collision. This can include damage from events such as fire, theft, or vandalism.

It can also cover damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or hail storms. In most states, comprehensive coverage is optional, but if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to carry it. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage is an insurance policy that pays for damage to your vehicle that is caused by a collision either with another object or vehicle. This can include damage from accidents, hit-and-run incidents, or parking lot fender benders. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to have collision coverage.

Deciding Whether You Need Comprehensive and Collision Coverage 

If your vehicle is paid off and you don’t rely on it for transportation to work or school, you may be able to get by with just liability insurance. However, if your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender will likely require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage.

Even if it’s not required, carrying both types of coverage can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected against a wide range of potential risks.

When deciding whether to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, consider the value of your vehicle and whether or not you could afford to replace it if it were damaged beyond repair. An old car with a low book value may not be worth the expense of carrying comprehensive and collision coverage.

On the other hand, a newer car with a significant loan balance, carrying both types of coverage could give you financial protection in the event of an accident. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.

Get the Right Car Insurance Coverage

At Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX, we can help you find the right car insurance coverage for your needs and budget. We offer a wide range of coverage options, including comprehensive and collision coverage. Contact us today to get started.

Life Situations That Require Changes in Your Life Insurance Coverage

Life changes, and with it, your life insurance needs may change as well. Reviewing and updating your policy regularly ensures your family is always taken care of in Kingwood, TX.

There are a few critical life situations that require changes to your life insurance policy:

Getting Married or Divorced

If you get married, you will probably want to increase your life insurance coverage to ensure your spouse is taken care of financially during your death. If you get divorced, you may wish to remove your ex-spouse from your policy, so they are no longer covered. Also, if you are the primary breadwinner in your family, you may want to increase your coverage so your spouse and children can maintain their current lifestyle if you pass away unexpectedly.

Having a Baby

When you have a baby, you will want to increase your life insurance coverage to ensure your child is taken care of financially should something happen to you. A benefit of life insurance is that it can also be used as a savings vehicle for your child’s future education.

Your Boss Insurance Agency can help you with any changes you need to make to your Kingwood, TX life insurance policy.

Changing Jobs

If you change jobs, your life insurance needs may change as well. For example, if you leave employment providing life insurance coverage, you will want to consider purchasing a policy on your own. Alternatively, if you take a new job that offers life insurance coverage, you may want to decrease your coverage since you will now have some coverage through your employer.

A Boss Insurance Agency expert can help you assess your life insurance needs based on any life changes.

Home Insurance Tips

If you’re in the market for home insurance in Kingwood, TX, you may be wondering what discounts are available to you. There are a number of discounts that insurers offer, and it’s important to know about them before you purchase a policy. Here we discuss some of the most common discounts available on home insurance policies. We’ll also provide tips on how to qualify for these discounts.

Home Insurance: What You Need To Know

1. Multiple Policy 

One of the most common discounts available on home insurance policies is the multiple policy discount. If you have more than one type of insurance policy with the same insurer, you may be eligible for a discount on your premium.

For example, if you have both auto and home insurance with Boss Insurance Agency, you may qualify for a multiple policy discount. To qualify for this discount, you’ll need to have both auto and home insurance with the same insurer. You’ll also need to maintain both policies for a certain period of time, typically one year.

2. Safety Device 

Another common discount is the safety device discount. If you have certain safety devices installed in your home, you may be eligible for a discount on your premium. Some of the most common safety devices include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and deadbolts. To qualify for this discount, you’ll need to have the required safety devices installed in your home. You’ll also need to maintain them in good working order.

3. Claims-Free 

If you have a home insurance policy that has no claims on it, you may be eligible for a discount. This discount is typically called the claims-free discount. To qualify for this discount, you’ll need to have a policy with no claims for a certain period of time, typically three years.

4. Loyalty 

If you’re a loyal customer of an insurer, you may be eligible for a discount. This discount is typically called the loyalty discount. To qualify for this discount, you’ll need to have been a customer of the insurer for a certain period of time, typically five years.

Give Us A Call

There are a number of discounts available on home insurance policies. Boss Insurance Agency in Kingwood, TX can help you navigate through your insurance options. Contact us today to learn more.

How Can I Determine My Flood Risk?

If you live in the greater Kingwood, TX area, chances are that your property has a moderate to high flood risk. Boss Insurance Agency is here to help you navigate your flood insurance options. 

Flood Insurance: What You Need To Know

There are two main reasons you should get flood insurance in Texas: 

Floods are the number one natural disaster in Texas

Although “Flash Flood Alley,” which includes places like Austin, has a higher flooding potential than most parts of Texas, every area in the state, including Kingwood TX, is vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters. 

Homeowners’ insurance in Texas doesn’t cover floods

Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover floods, even those that take place due to natural disasters that are covered under their policies. For example, if your roof gets damaged in a hurricane, your insurance policy will likely pay for wind- or hail-related damages but not for water damage caused by flooding. 

Contact Us Today

As you can see, having flood insurance, especially if you live in the state of Texas, is extremely important. But if you’re considering purchasing flood insurance, you’ll need to determine your risk of flooding. Your flood risk is determined by the climate of your region as well as factors specific to the exact location of your property, e.g., low vs. high ground. 

Thanks to FEMA and the NFIP, there’s a wealth of resources available to help you evaluate the general risk of flooding in your area. To determine whether your property is in a flood plain, you can use the Legal Service Corporation (LSC) flood zone lookup. 

Although the NFIP issues most flood insurance policies, you can also purchase flood insurance through private agencies such as Boss Insurance Agency, which serves the Kingwood, TX area and other parts of Texas. For a free, no-obligation consultation and overview of our services, contact us at 832-955-7288 or email one of our agents.