Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Recovering From Disaster

Natural disaster recovery help from Safeco

Safeco Insurance: A Liberty Mutual Company.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Recovering from Disaster

If the unthinkable happens, we understand that your most valuable assets are more than just items on a balance sheet, and we know that getting information is critical during a time of catastrophe. Use links below to get the info you need if you are affected by a natural disaster.

Earthquake Insurance Claims

Solid Ground After an Earthquake

If you have Safeco earthquake insurance coverage, your policy typically covers the cost to repair common earthquake damage, including damage to your roof and walls, and most of your belongings. Damage to fences, patios, yard landscaping, and broken glassware or art objects may not be covered. You may have a higher deductible for earthquake damage than you have on your primary property policy. Call your local Safeco agentto add earthquake coverage or to review your policy details.

File a Claim

Call Us. We’re Here for You.

800-332-3226

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Track a Claim

Log in.

Track the status of your claim anytime in your online account.

What to Do After an Earthquake

During an earthquake, buildings may become unstable, collapse or slide off their foundations. Aftershocks may cause additional damage to weakened buildings, power lines and bridges. It’s dangerous out there. If you’ve just been through an earthquake, please be careful. Take the appropriate precautions by following these tips:

1. Be Safe

Make Personal Safety Your First Priority

Be prepared for aftershocks.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged.
Don't go back inside your home until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.

Check for Damage

Check gas, electric and sewage systems, and your chimney.
If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately and call a professional for service.

Drive with Extreme Caution

Watch out for downed power lines and debris.
Be aware that bridges and roads may be weakened and damaged.

2. Call Us

800-332-3226

When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.

Be ready to provide the following information:

Where is the damaged property?
How extensive is the damage?
Are temporary repairs needed?
If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number?
Your current contact information and the best time to reach you?

Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about damage caused by the earthquake. If possible, take photographs and videos of your damaged property and belongings. They can help expedite the claims process. Serial numbers, owner’s manuals and credit card statements can also be used to help document personal belongings that may have been damaged, lost or stolen.

We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious earthquake damage, we will make every effort to get to you as soon as possible.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Protect Your Home

It’s important to take some steps to protect yourself and your home from further damage after an earthquake.

Clean up broken glass and remove debris.
Board up broken windows and doors.
Cover any roof damage with tarps or plywood.
If possible, put damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
Save all receipts from any temporary repairs.

4. Repair Your Home

Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the earthquake damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. However, contractors can be difficult to schedule after an earthquake, so we encourage you to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our freeSafeco Contractor Referral service.

Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt

If you are unable to live in your home while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco will help pay for additional living expenses, typically for up to 24 months. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.

Home ImprovementsTo Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the earthquake. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.

Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.

Download a printable versionof this information.

Hail Damage Claims

We’ll Be There When You Need Us

Your property insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common hail damage to your roof, siding and personal belongings. You may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage on your primary property policy than you do for other types of claims. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Your local Safeco agent can go over your policy details with you.

File a Claim

Call Us. We’re Here for You.

800-332-3226

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Track a Claim

Log in.

Track the status of your claim anytime in your online account.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

During a hailstorm, windows may break and high winds can knock down trees and power lines. If the hail is big enough, it can cause shingle damage to the roof of your home. It can also damage the roof and hood of your car and maybe even crack your windshield. If you’ve just been through a hailstorm, be careful and follow these tips:

1. Be Safe

Make Personal Safety Your First Priority

Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
Wear proper shoes and gloves.
Don’t use rain-soaked electrical equipment.

Drive with Extreme Caution

Watch out for downed trees, power lines and debris.

2. Call Us

800-332-3226

When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.

Be prepared to provide at least a general description of your hail damage.

Take photographs and videos of the hail damage if you can. It’s a great way to help us understand what happened and expedite the claims process.

3. Safeguard Your Home and Your Car

Prevent Further Damage
A hailstorm may be accompanied by heavy rain and wind. The longer your home is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls and floors, as well as any personal belongings you have inside.

Hail Damage to Your House

Clean up any broken glass and remove debris.
Board up broken windows and doors.
Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood.
Move any wet items to a dry location.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
Save all receipts from any temporary repairs.

Hail Damage to Your Car

Cover any broken car windows with tarps or plastic sheeting.
Move any wet items to a dry place.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected at a later time.

4. Repair Your Home and Car

Get Your House Repaired

Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the hail damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.

Get Your Car Fixed

For hail damage to the body or your car, see Car Repairs and Damage Estimates.
For hail damage to your windshield or other car windows, see Car Repairs and Damage Estimates.

Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the hailstorm. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.

Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.

Download a printable versionof this information.

Hurricane Claims

We’ll Be There When You Need Us

High wind from a hurricane can damage your roof, siding and personal belongings. Your insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair damage caused by a hurricane. However, you may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage on your primary property policy than you do for other types of claims. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. If you’re uncertain, ask your local Safeco agent to review your policy and explain the details to you.

File a Claim

Call Us. We’re Here for You.

800-332-3226

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Track a Claim

Log in.

Track the status of your claim anytime in your online account.

What to Do After a Hurricane

Severe winds from a hurricane can down electric lines, telephone poles and trees. Heavy rain can cause water damage and flooding. If a hurricane has been through your town or neighborhood, be careful. Take some precautions by following these tips:

1. Be Safe

Make Personal Safety Your First Priority

Watch out for snakes and animals that may have taken refuge in your home.
Don’t run a generator or barbecue grill indoors. Hazardous fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.
Don’t leave candles or a fireplace unattended, and keep the area well ventilated.
Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
If you were evacuated, don’t return home until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.

Check for Damage

Check gas, electric and sewage systems, and your chimney.
If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.
Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged.

Drive with Extreme Caution

Watch out for downed trees, power lines and debris.
Be aware that bridges and roads may be weakened or washed out.
Avoid flooded streets. They can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your car away.

2. Call Us

800-332-3226

When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.

Be ready to provide the following:

Where is the damaged property?
How extensive is the damage?
Are temporary repairs needed?
If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number?
What is your current contact information and the best time to reach you?

Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about damage caused by the hurricane. If you’re able to take photographs and videos of the damage, they can be extremely helpful to the claims process. Owner’s manuals, serial numbers and credit card statements can also be used to help document personal belongings that may have been damaged, lost or stolen.

We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious hurricane damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Safeguard Your Home and Car

Water is a major cause of damage after hurricanes. The longer your house is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls and floors, as well as any personal belongings inside. After the storm has passed, it’s important to dry out any water damaged inside your home. Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate and speed up the drying process.

Hurricane Damage to Your Home

Clean up any broken glass and remove debris.
Board up broken windows and doors.
Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood.
Move wet items to drier ground.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
Save receipts for any temporary repair expenses.

Hurricane Damage to Your Car

Cover broken car windows with tarps or plastic sheeting.
Move any wet items to a dry place.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.

4. Repair Your House and Car

Get Your House Repaired

Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the hurricane damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.

Get Your Car Fixed

If your car has been damaged in a hurricane, see Car Repairs and Damage Estimates for more information on how to get it fixed.

Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt

If you are unable to live in your home while the damage is assessed and your home is being repaired or rebuilt, Safeco will pay for additional living expenses, typically for up to 24 months. If repairs take longer than the period of time covered in your policy, you may be eligible for additional assistance from federal emergency programs.

Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the hurricane. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.

Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.

Download a printable versionof this information.

Flood Damage

Your Safeco home insurance policy does not cover flood damage. If you purchased a policy through the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, contact your agent to file a claim for flood related damages.

Tornado Claims

We’ll Be There When You Need Us

High wind and hail from a tornado can damage your roof, siding and personal belongings. Your property insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair damage caused by a tornado. However, you may have a higher deductible for wind and hail damage on your primary property policy than you do for other types of claims. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Your local Safeco agent can go over your policy details with you.

File a Claim

Call Us. We’re Here for You.

800-332-3226

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Track a Claim

Log in.

Track the status of your claim anytime in your online account.

What to Do After a Tornado

Severe thunderstorms, lightning and hail can accompany a tornado. High winds can down electric lines, telephone poles and trees. Buildings damaged by a tornado may be unstable and can potentially collapse. If a tornado touched down in your neighborhood and caused damage to your home or your car, follow these tips:

1. Be Safe

Make Personal Safety Your First Priority

Stay out of damaged buildings.
Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
If you were evacuated, don’t return until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.

Check for Damage

Stay out of your home if it is severely damaged.
Check gas, electric and sewage systems, and your chimney.
If gas is leaking, turn it off at the main shut-off valve, leave the building immediately, and call a professional for service.

Drive with Extreme Caution

Watch out for downed power lines and debris.
Be aware that bridges and roads may be weakened and damaged.

2. Call Us

800-332-3226

When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.

Be ready to provide the following:

Where is the damaged property?
How extensive is the damage?
Are temporary repairs needed?
If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number?
Your current contact information and the best time to reach you

Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the damage. If possible take photographs and videos of damage caused by the tornado. They can help expedite the claims process. Owner’s manuals, serial numbers and credit card statements are useful to document personal belongings that may have been damaged or lost.

We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious tornado damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Safeguard Your Home and Your Car

Heavy rain is often a part of tornadoes and windstorms. The longer your home is exposed to water, the more damage you’ll see to your roof, ceiling, walls and floors, as well as any personal belongings you have inside. It’s important to take some steps to protect yourself and your property from any further damage after a tornado.

Tornado Damage to Your House

Board up broken windows and doors.
Cover roof damage with tarps or plywood and remove debris.
Move any wet items to a dry area.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.
Save receipts for any temporary repair expenses.

Tornado Damage to Your Car

Cover broken car windows with tarps or plastic sheeting.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.

4. Repair Your Home and Car

Get Your House Repaired

Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the tornado damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.

Get Your Car Fixed

If your car has been damaged by a tornado, see Car Repairs and Damage Estimates for more information on how to get it fixed.

Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt

Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the tornado. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with fiberglass, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.

Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.

Download the printable version of this information.

Wildfire Claims

You’re Not Alone. We’ll Take Care of You.

Your property insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common wildfire damage to your home and personal belongings. Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Ask your local Safeco agent to review your policy and explain the details to you.

File a Claim

Call Us. We’re Here for You.

800-332-3226

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Track a Claim

Log in.

Track the status of your claim anytime in your online account.

What to Do After a Wildfire

If a wildfire has moved through your neighborhood and caused damage to your home or car, be careful and follow these tips:

1. Be Safe

Make Personal Safety Your First Priority

Stay out of burned or smoke damaged buildings.
Wear protective clothing including sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves.
Avoid breathing ashes and soot by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or face mask.
Watch out for broken glass, sharp objects and exposed electrical wires.
Listen to the local radio for up-to-date information.
If you were evacuated, don’t return home until local authorities say it’s safe for you to do so.

Check for Burning Embers

Check your roof immediately for burning embers.
Inspect your entire property for signs of burning embers.
Put out any sparks or burning embers if you can do so safely.
Call the fire department if necessary.

2. Call Us

800-332-3226

When it’s safe to do so, call us as soon as you can.

Be ready to provide the following:

Where is the damaged property?
How extensive is the damage??
Are temporary repairs needed??
If the authorities were contacted, which department responded and what is the report number??
What is your current contact information and the best time to reach you??

Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the damage. If you’re able to take photographs and videos, they can help to explain overall property damage after a wildfire. Owner’s manuals, serial numbers and credit card statements are useful to document personal belongings that may have been damaged.

We will do our best to contact you within 72 hours after you file your claim to discuss what happens next. If you experienced serious wildfire damage, we will make every effort to get to you first.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Safeguard Your Home

This is a team effort. We’ll do our part. But we need you to help out by taking some steps to protect your home and your car from further damage after a wildfire.

Do not attempt to clean fire or smoke damaged items. Cleaning without the proper equipment can make it worse.
Board up broken windows and doors.
Cover roof damage with tarps and remove debris.
Save all receipts from any temporary repairs.
If possible, place any damaged items in a safe, secure area where they can be inspected later.

4. Repair Your Home

Please wait until a claims adjustor assesses the smoke and fire damage to your home before starting permanent repairs. We encourage you, however, to schedule permanent repairs as soon as possible. Find a local, licensed, bonded and insured contractor through our free Safeco Contractor Referral service.

Temporary Housing
While Your Home is Being Repaired or Rebuilt

Home Improvements
To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Safeco will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the wildfire. For example, if you had vinyl siding, we will pay to repair or replace the damaged area with vinyl, but we won’t pay to replace it with more expensive limestone slate. If you decide to upgrade your house with better or more expensive materials, you’re welcome to do so, but you’ll need to pay the additional expense out of your own pocket.

Any time you make improvements to your property, be sure to talk to your local Safeco agent to find out if your coverage is still enough, and if you’re eligible for any discounts.

Download the printable versionof this information.

Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, with their principal place of business at 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria. 36 USC 220506

Lewis Insurance
2525 S. Lamar Ste 11
Austin, TX
78704

www.nationwide.com/joshlewis
www.austinhealthbrokers.com

Protection For Your Biggest Investment

All the facts on Home Property Insurance from State Farm

Protection for Your Biggest Investment

Home Property Insurance

Whether you own or rent, live in a two-story house or high-rise condo, your home and its contents are likely among your biggest investments. Make sure they're protected with home property insurance from State Farm®. Our home property insurance coverage is packaged with liability protection, backed by one of the world's largest claims networks, and available with a variety of great discounts to fit your budget.

What is It?

Property and liability insurance protects your home and personal property from loss. It includes medical payments coverage in case someone gets hurts on your property, which helps protect your assets if you're found liable. We offer home property insurance for:

We also offer property and liability coverage for farms and ranches and small business owners, as well as home or condo associations, apartment buildings, and other commercial buildings with tenant-occupied units.

Who Needs It?

It's not just about protecting yourself from the unexpected. When you buy a house, condo unit, or manufactured home, your lender typically requires home property insurance to cover risk. Many property management companies and condo associations also require property and liability coverage for condo units and apartments. It makes sense to be proactive and get coverage at price you can afford. Your State Farm agent can help you identify your needs and choose the home property insurance policy to meet them.

Protect the Place You Love to Call Home

Talk to a State Farm® Agent Today About Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance...more people buy theirs from State Farm than any other insurer. Our claims network is one of the largest in the world, and is accessible 24/7, online or by phone. State Farm helps you save on homeowners insurance coverage by offering a host of discounts for everything from multiple-line policies to everyday safety items like deadbolts and fire extinguishers.

With State Farm Homeowners Insurance coverage, you'll be protected if disaster strikes.

Basics of Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Covers:

Examples not limited to:

Fire or Lightning
Windstorm or Hail
Freezing of plumbing system
Theft

Homeowners Insurance Doesn't Cover:

Bodily injury or property damage that is expected or intended by the insured
Business pursuits
Professional services provided or not provided
Ownership, operation, use, or maintenance of aircraft, motor vehicles, and certain watercraft

HOME & PROPERTY

The Details Here Help You Estimate How Much Home Insurance Coverage You May Need

Your home may be the biggest investment you'll ever make. If you're serious about protecting that investment, here's some important information to consider when determining how much home insurance coverage you need.

Insure Your Home for at least 100% of Estimated Replacement Cost

First get an estimate of the replacement cost of your home, then select the coverage amount that best fits your needs. We recommend you purchase home insurance coverage at least equal to your home's estimated replacement cost. But the choice is yours. Determining your home's estimated replacement cost is important because it ultimately determines which policy options are available to you. Since it's impossible to predict today what the exact cost will be to replace your home in the future, it's important to have enough home insurance coverage to account for unforeseen circumstances.

Know the Difference between Market Value and Replacement Cost

Market value is the amount a buyer would pay for a home, including the land, regardless of how much it would cost to rebuild the home. Replacement cost is the rebuilding cost necessary to repair or replace the entire home. Replacement cost IS NOT:

The market value of the home
The home's purchase price or the cost of the land
The outstanding amount of any mortgage loan

Obtain a Replacement Cost Estimate

Before you purchase a new home, make sure you determine the appropriate amount of home insurance coverage needed. Building contractors or professional replacement cost appraisers are a good source for obtaining an estimated replacement cost. Estimates from these sources should reflect your home's features, including any architectural details or unique building materials:

Upgraded bathrooms or kitchen (including cabinets)
Finished or partially finished basement
Additional rooms or living space
Custom molding or arched windows
Other unique features

If you're unable to obtain a detailed estimate from a contractor or professional appraiser, your State Farm® agent can discuss other options for estimating the replacement cost of your home.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage Annually

Have you recently remodeled or improved your home?

When you upgrade or improve your home, you may increase its estimated replacement cost. Your State Farm agent will help you adjust your policy to meet your home insurance coverage needs. As part of your policy's provisions, you have 90 days to notify us of any remodeling or additions to your home that increase its value by $5,000 or more.

Has the rate of inflation risen since your last appraisal?

State Farm provides home insurance coverage that automatically adjusts each year in an effort to compensate for increases in construction costs in your area. However, certain conditions such as severe weather can increase the demand for labor and materials and raise costs beyond normal inflation. It's important to update your home insurance coverage amount each year to keep up with the changing economy.

What influences building costs in your area?

Market conditions may affect what it would cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss. Replacement cost estimates are influenced by supply of labor, demand for labor, and the cost of construction materials. Keeping up with current market conditions in your area and changing your home insurance coverage amount accordingly will help you maintain comprehensive coverage at least equal to 100 percent of your home's estimated replacement cost.

If you have any questions, contact a State Farm agent.

All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions, and conditions in the policy itself and in any endorsements.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company

HOME & PROPERTY

Affordable Home Insurance Starts With Great Insurance Discounts

State Farm® offers various discounts to help make your homeowners insurance more affordable.

Homeowners Insurance Discounts

Multiple Line Discounts

When you purchase your home and auto insurance from State Farm, you could be eligible for premium insurance discounts on both policies.

Home Alert Discounts

You may qualify for homeowners insurance discounts for having devices such as fire and burglar alarms.

If you have a home monitoring system, contact your agent to see if you are eligible for the Home Alert insurance discount. If you are considering the purchase of a home monitoring system, check out our special offers to State Farm customers.

Higher Deductibles

In addition, choosing a higher deductible may result in more affordable home insurance. Higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase the amount you must pay out of your own pocket if a covered loss occurs. Ask yourself how much you are willing to pay in order to save on your premium.

Homeowners insurance discounts are not available in some states or provinces.

HOME & PROPERTY

How to Determine Your Home Insurance Coverage

Understanding the Value of Your Home

Your home may be the biggest investment you'll ever make. So if you're serious about protecting that investment, here is some important information to consider when determining the coverage amount for your home.

Market Value and Replacement Cost Differences

Sure to Obtain a Replacement Cost Estimate

Before you purchase a new home, make sure that you determine the appropriate amount of coverage needed. Here's how:

Ask if a replacement cost estimate is available when you have the home appraised.
Or, consult with your local builder association or a reputable builder for an estimate.
You can also check with your State Farm® agent to help you with this process.

Be Aware of any Architectural Details or Unique Building Materials that may Affect Your Estimated Replacement Cost, such as:

Upgraded bathrooms or kitchens (including cabinets).
Finished or partially finished basement.
Additional rooms or living space.
Custom molding or arched windows.
Other unique features

A Contractor or Appraiser can Help Estimate Your Home's Replacement Cost

Building contractors or professional replacement cost appraisers are a good source for obtaining an estimated replacement cost of your home. Estimates from these sources should reflect your home's features, like those mentioned above. If you are unable to obtain a detailed estimate from these sources, your State Farm agent can discuss other options for estimating the replacement cost of your home.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage Annually to Make Sure that Your Coverage Meets Your Needs

Have you recently remodeled or improved your home?

When you upgrade or improve your home, you may increase your home's estimated replacement cost. Your State Farm agent will then help you adjust your policy to meet your coverage needs. As part of your policy's provisions, you have 90 days to notify us of any remodeling or additions to your home that increases its value by $5,000 or more.

Has the rate of inflation risen since your last appraisal?

State Farm provides coverage that automatically adjusts each year in an effort to compensate for increases in construction costs in your area. However, certain conditions such as severe weather can increase the demand for labor and materials, and raise costs beyond normal inflation. It is important to update your coverage amount each year to keep up with the changing economy.

What influences the building costs in your area?

Market conditions in your area may impact the amount it will cost to rebuild your home if you experience a loss. Replacement cost estimates are influenced by supply of labor, demand for labor, and the cost of construction materials. Keeping up with the current market conditions in your area and changing your coverage amount accordingly, will help you maintain coverage at least equal to 100 percent of the estimated replacement cost coverage for your home.

If you have any questions, contact your State Farm agent.

All coverages are subject to the terms, provisions, exclusions, and conditions in the policy itself and in any endorsements.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company

Lewis Insurance
2525 S. Lamar Ste 11
Austin, TX
78704

www.nationwide.com/joshlewis
www.austinhealthbrokers.com

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Know Your Numbers

Helpful Health information from BXBS

Know Your Numbers

Preventive screenings help you learn your numbers and address health concerns before they become more serious—or to prevent problems altogether.

When you visit your doctor for your health checkup, be prepared to talk about which preventive screenings you need:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Fasting glucose (blood sugar)
Body mass index (BMI)

Solving the total health equation is a lot easier if you know your numbers.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, happens when your heart uses too much pressure to pump blood through your body. It also can happen when your arteries are too tightly constricted. High blood pressure is serious because it can often lead to heart disease, kidney failure, stroke and other health problems.

A blood pressure check is performed by wrapping a cuff around your arm, inflating it and measuring when the blood flows. The test can be done by a person (using a stethoscope), or by machines. The test measures the amount of force your heart uses to pump blood through your body.

Testing your blood pressure regularly is important because HBP is painless and shows no symptoms. You can have it for years and not know it until you have serious damage to your heart, kidneys or eyes.

When you get your blood pressure checked, your results will include 2 numbers. The "top number" is your systolic pressure, or the pressure your heart exerts while pumping blood. The "bottom number" is your diastolic pressure, or the pressure your heart exerts when it is at rest between beats.

Results for adults fall into the following groups:

	Systolic (mmHg)		Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal	Less than 120 mmHg	And	Less than 80 mmHg
Prehypertension	120-139 mmHg	Or	80-89 mmHg
High Blood Pressure
Stage 1	140-159 mmHg	Or	90-99 mmHg
Stage 2	160 mmHg or higher	Or	100 mmHg or higher

Your systolic and diastolic pressures can fall into different groups. In this case you would fall into the more serious group of the two.

If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure is defined as 130/80 millimeters (mm) of mercury or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens.

Body Mass Index

Body mass index (BMI) is used to estimate the amount of body fat a person has based on height and weight. In most cases, the higher your BMI, the more body fat you have. Diabetes and heart disease are two of the many health problems linked to having a high BMI.

BMI is an estimate and not a direct measure of how much body fat you have. The weight used to figure out BMI includes both muscle and fat, so some people may have a high BMI but not a high percentage of body fat.

As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with the same BMI may have different amounts of body fat. For example, at the same BMI:

Women tend to have more body fat than men.
Older people tend to have more body fat than younger adults.
Athletes tend to have less body fat than non-athletes

To figure out your BMI, enter your height and weight in the fields below. Your doctor uses your results, combined with other measures and risk factors, to find your chance of having weight-related health problems.

Please note these values apply only to adults age 20 and older. The CDC explains more about BMI for children and teenagers.

Height

ft.in.

Weight

lbs.

Calculate BMI

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5-24.9	Normal
25.0-29.9	Overweight
30.0 and Above	Obese

Sources:

Waist Measurement, or Circumference

Your waist measurement, or circumference, can be another good predictor of health risk. It estimates the amount of abdominal fat, or "belly fat," you have.

Where you carry your body fat can be just as important as how much body fat you have. People who carry too much fat mainly in their waist area are more likely to develop health problems than those who carry it in their hips and thighs, even if their BMI falls within the normal range.

For men, a healthy waist measurement should not be more than 40 inches.
For women, a healthy waist measurement should not be more than 35 inches.

If your waist circumference is above recommended measurements, you increase your risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and other conditions.

To measure your waist circumference, place a measuring tape snugly around your waist area just above your hip bone. Do not squeeze the skin. Do not hold your stomach in. Take the measurement at the end of a normal breath.

Learn more about obesity.

Cholesterol

A cholesterol test is a blood test that checks the level of cholesterol in your blood. This test helps doctors estimate your chance of heart disease. Beginning at age 35 for most men and 45 for most women, a cholesterol test is recommended every 5 years or as directed by your doctor.

While people vary, most of the time the best levels are:

Total cholesterol level	Less than 200 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL)
HDL cholesterol level	More than 40 mg/dL for men More than 50 mg/dL for women
LDL cholesterol level	Less than 100 mg/dL*
Triglyceride level	Less than 150 mg/dL

* Your goal LDL level should be based on your chances of having a heart attack, which includes other factors. Learn more about LDL levels.

A cholesterol blood test is used to find out if you have high cholesterol. It is almost impossible to have cholesterol levels that are "too low" except in very unusual illnesses.

Your test result will fall into one of these ranges:

Normal	Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high	200–239 mg/dL
High	More than 240 mg/dL

If your test results show your total cholesterol to be 200 mg/dL or higher, your doctor will most likely do another test called a lipid panel to measure your LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels.

The higher your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, the better. HDL removes cholesterol from the blood stream. For the most part, men's HDL levels should be above 40 mg/dL and women's levels should be above 50 mg/dL. Values lower than these thresholds increase your chances for heart disease. Levels higher than 60 mg/dL in fact lower your chances for heart disease.

Unlike HDL, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are better. LDL deposits cholesterol on your artery walls, creating cholesterol plaque that can clog your arteries. This explains why having less LDL cholesterol is better for your body.

Your goal LDL level should be based on your chances of having a heart attack, which is based on your age, tobacco use, blood pressure and HDL level. Your doctor will also factor in diabetes and family history of heart disease.

For a person who has an average change of having a heart attack, LDL level is:

Normal	Less than 100 mg/dL
Near/above normal	100–129 mg/dL
Borderline high	130–159 mg/dL
High	160–189 mg/dL
Very high	190 mg/dL

Triglycerides are a form of fat made from leftover calories your body does not burn off as energy. If you eat more calories than your body needs, your triglyceride level may be high.

Your triglyceride level falls into one of these groups:

Normal	Less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline high	150–199 mg/dL
High	200–499 mg/dL
Very high	500 mg/dL

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