Newsletter - Katy Contractors Insurance

Can you believe all the new innovations that are available for your home? Many new technologies can help you in the kitchen, help keep your home cooler in summer, and some even reduce your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Here is a recent quote from an insurance company, “If somebody has some sort of temperature-monitoring system in their house, we give them a discount for that.”

Here are a few technologies that will help keep your home safe, and will also lower insurance costs.

1.Security systems -- It seems like everywhere you go, there's a camera capturing images. If you own a smartphone or tablet, you probably have a camera that's built into the device. You can not only secure your home, but actually see what is going on through videos.

2.Electronic locks -- Nowadays you don’t even need a key to get into your home! These electronic locks can add additional security to your home.

3.Connected appliances -- Appliances that you can turn off and on from your smart phone not only help with your lifestyle, but also keep your home safe.

4.Leak detection systems -- Smart homes can be controlled from your phone, and when connected to your home's water and electrical system, can provide you with real-time updates on how these systems are performing. If you are using more water than normal, you will be notified that there is likely a leak present.

5.Timed lighting -- Having outside and inside lights come on during the evening while you are away deters burglars.

6.Smoke and fire detectors -- Having good detection systems keeps your family safe and insurers provide discounts for these.

Home weather warning systems -- There are weather warning programs that can detect high winds and identify severe weather earlier than ever.

As always please keep us in mind when you are looking for a competitive quote for insurance either online or calling us at (713) 893-8047.

These tips are brought to you by Katy Contractors Insurance.

Summer is the perfect time to get in shape. But the summer heat can be a problem, especially if you exercise during the hottest part of the day. Let’s face it, there is so much you can do in the summer to get in or stay in shape.

All these activates are a great way to get in shape.

1.Yard work
2.Hiking
3.Water Sports
4.Tennis
5.Walking or running
6.Rafting
7.Fishing

Brought to you by Katy Contractors Insurance

Keep these in mind when involved in summer activities.

1. Walk in the early morning or evening.
2. Take water with you when you exercise.
3. Use sunscreen.
4. Always stretch before you exercise.
5. If you run, wear bright colored clothing so you can be seen.
6. Do not run alone at night.
7. Change up your workout from time to time.
8. Try exercising in the rain...you may enjoy it.
9. The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work. So, if you normally run at a 10-minute-mile pace, when the temperature hits 90 you may find yourself having to slow down to a 12.
 

Everyone loves a barbeque! Summer is here and we know that many of you are already firing up your grill and bringing on the steaks. But be safe when grilling. Did you know that in 2014, there were over 8,000 home fires that started from grills? 27% of these were stated on a balcony or porch. Every year, over 7,000 people are injured while grilling.
 
Summer is also a good time to complete a home insurance review. We can make sure that you have the right combination of price, coverage, and service.
 

Grilling Safety Tips

 

• Thoroughly clean your gill before you start a new season of grilling.
• Always check for leaks on gas grills.
• Keep paper and other flammables away from the grill.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

• Never BBQ inside, in a garage, on the roof or on a second story deck.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
• Open the grill lid before you light it.
• Don’t wear loose fitting clothing.
• Keep a fire extinguisher outside or close by.
• Never bring the propane tank into the house.
• Make sure you use the grill at least10 feet away from your house.
• Don’t over indulge in alcohol while barbecuing.
• Always clean your grill after every use. Don’t allow grease to build up.

 
Our goal at Katy Contractors Insurance is to protect you and your family from unexpected events by finding the right coverage at an affordable rate. If you need Auto, Home, Business, Life, or any other personal insurance coverage, we can tailor a package to fit your individual personal insurance needs.

 

These Business Tips Brought to You by Katy Contractors Insurance

Every business goes through changes including growth, new products or services, or equipment upgrades.  If your business has experienced any change it might be time to have a business insurance and risk review.

New Products Or Services

If your business is providing new services or is selling new products it will be important to make sure your business insurance covers these changes. For example, if you are a contractor and are now providing plan review services, you will need Professional Liability Insurance.

Employee Changes

With employment changes always comes the need for Employment Practices Liability Insurance. If you have added new classes of employees, your workers’ compensation coverage will need to be updated.

New Equipment

If your business has purchased new computers, office equipment, or machinery you may not have enough property insurance coverage. Your Property Insurance premium varies depending on the type and volume of hardware/software you buy.

Change In Ownership

Often businesses have a change in ownership. It could be the death of a shareholder, divorce involving one of the shareholders, or your business may have added a new partner. Whatever the case, these changes need to be addressed with your agent and insurer. If you do not have Directors and Officers insurance, now may be the time to consider this coverage.

Remember that when things change in your business, one of the first things to consider is how those changes will impact your risk coverage.

Please call us anytime at (713) 893-8047 to set up an appointment.
 

It is the time of year when many people are preparing for a restful vacation. Perhaps you  are heading off to see the grandkids, or your whole family is taking a cruise. No matter what the activity, vacations are no reason to give up on healthy living. Here are few tips to help you stay healthy while on vacation.

How To Have A Healthy Vacation:

• Wash your hands often.

• Take vitamin C or Echinacea. Echinacea is a popular herbal supplement used to boost immunity.

• Dink lots of water. If you travel abroad, consider bottled water.

• Take long walks everyday, use the stairs when possible, or use the hotel fitness room.

• Limit fast food.

• Pack healthy snacks likes dried fruit, healthy crackers, or nuts.

• If you are driving, take breaks every few hours.

• Find a famers market near you. Pick up some fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, pretzels and popcorn that can serve as snacks or a breakfast alternative during your stay.

• Always select a sit down restaurant. Order dressing on the side. Try local cuisine or fish.

• Share your meals around the table. Serving sizes at standard restaurants can easily feed two people.

• Turn off the IPad and TV news for a few days. Try reading a book.

• Limit the use of alcohol.

• Keep bed bugs away.  Don’t store your clothes on the ground, use luggage racks; bed bugs do no climb.

According to travel experts these are the top vacation spoilers: overeating, dehydration, hangovers, overspending, and getting sunburned. Try to stick to your normal sleep schedule and, bring your own pillow with you if possible.
​