McCorkle Insurance Agency

Oct 20

What to do at the scene of an accident

Oct 05

Test

Sep 30

10 Million Fisher-Price Items Recalled

This morning Fisher-Price announced massive recalls of toys, tricycles and high-chairs. Safety concerns with these products were highlighted after several injuries were reported. Six children injured on the Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles required medical attention. To learn more about these recalls and what specific products are affected, please visit http://www.service.mattel.com

This information was published courtesy of MyLocalHosting.com. Tricycle photo by Associated Press.

May 11

Hurricane Season Starts June 1st

Hurricane Season starts June 1st, and severe weather will threaten most areas located along the Gulf Coast. The National Weather Center is predicting at least 15 named storms this year with 8 storms being Major.  Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and tropical storms, it is imperative to have a plan now to protect your home, family and pets.

Hurricane Ike made everyone realize that we need to be more prepared when trying to evacuate. To start your Tropical Storm plan you need to have multiple evacuation routes or a safe place to stay. It is good to know where the nearest official shelter and Red Cross are in case you need help before, during and after a storm. Always think about your animals and make sure you have a place for them to go in case you can’t take them with you.

It is always good to have a “Go Bag” of items that are a necessity for survival for you and your family. Your “Go Bag” should be able to be taken with you at any time you need to evacuate the home.  Some of the items in my “Go Bag” are a first aid kit, flashlight, lighters, knife, clean drinking water, non perishable food, any medications and a battery operated radio. My “Go Bag” is in the closet and all I need to add is food, water, prescriptions and any important documents, and I am ready to go. My animals have their own “Go Bag” loaded up with leashes and a small first aid kit. The only items I will need to add to their bag is food, water and prescriptions. The “Go Bag” can be a plastic storage bin or even a backpack. Make sure you don’t get to big of a storage bin that you can’t carry it easily.

When your family makes the decision to not evacuate it is good to have enough supplies for up to three days per person. Each person in your home will need one gallon of clean drinking water per day and plenty of food. Make sure and have some tools in a place you can find them. You’ll never know when you might need to make a quick fix to keep the house together. Remember, the electricity will probably be out so you will need a manual can opener, a lighter for cooking and a lantern or flashlight. Mosquito and bug spray will be ideal since you will probably be outdoors cleaning up debris. We can not rely on the Red Cross and Government to provide food and water to everyone. Be prepared!

Today, you need to read your flood and home policies to understand the coverage. Flood and home insurance does not cover every single item or claim. Make sure your insurance amounts are based on the current reconstruction cost. A 2,000 square foot home might sell for $135,000 but would need coverage at $175,000 or higher to be reconstructed. Remember the insurance company is not going to buy your home but they are going to remove all debris and reconstruct the home with new materials.

Feb 15

Feb. 15, 2010 - Wacky Weather

If there is one thing that people everywhere can discuss, it’s the weather. From mudslides in California, to blizzards in DC, conditions in February have been far from normal in many parts of the country. Even Canada has been having abnormal weather, with higher temperatures in Vancouver putting some of the winter games on hold.

So what can you do when the weather takes a turn for the worse? Make sure that your homeowners policy is adequate to your situation. Most types of weather-related damage should be covered, provided that common sense preventative steps have been taken. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you need to file an insurance claim because of damages, be sure to contact your local agent as soon as possible. In good seasons and bad, we’re here to help.

Jan 08

Jan. 8, 2010 - Good News For Grads

With one semester remaining in the school year, many college students are already looking ahead to life after dorm rooms and lecture halls. For these students, some good news is being reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

For the first time in more than a year more employers are interested in increasing (instead of decreasing) the number of college graduates that they hire. The executive director of NACE calls this a “positive sign” but reminds us that “we’re still not where we were two years ago, in terms of recruiting activity.”

During such uncertain times it’s important to make sure that college students protect what they do have. It is now common for students to bring expensive electronics and laptops to college, besides other valuables. Are college students’ personal belongings protected while they are away at school? A parent’s homeowners insurance should cover a student’s personal belongings. Be careful though, as your specific policy may set limits on how much coverage applies to items being kept outside of the home. For more information contact us today and we’ll help you find out how much coverage might be necessary.
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Dec 18

Dec. 18, 2009 - Have You Heard of the CFPA?

A proposed bill in the House was recently amended in committee. While many consumer groups are cheering the intent of the bill, which would establish a new Federal regulator called the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, some are worried that recent exemptions have watered down the bill dangerously.

The big debate at issue is whether car dealers should be subject to the same type of regulation as mortgages, credit cards, student loans and a host of other financial products. Consumers should be aware that whatever form the final bill takes, it probably won’t bring decisive change immediately. As with any agreement, be sure to read the fine print and ask plenty of questions.

As your local insurance agency we want to be there for you after you purchase your next car or home. If you are looking for sincere, quality coverage of your assets, call us today.
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Nov 23

November 23, 2009 - Housing Market Looks Up, Slightly

This October saw a surprising rise in sales of existing homes, giving economic forecasters reasons to be cautiously optimistic. The overall decline in home prices, combined with an extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, has helped to fuel the highest number of sales since February 2007.

Sales of foreclosed homes have risen slightly, but some are cautioning that this “sales spike” could decline in December before picking up again next spring.

If you are looking to insure a new home or better protect your existing property contact us, your local insurance agency. No matter what turns the value of your house takes, we will be there to help you.
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Oct 12

October 9, 2009 - Flu Season Comes Early

Is your family ready for flu season? Studies of flu vaccines delivered in 2008 show that children, having the greatest risk for infection, are the least likely to actually receive flu shots. This year however, fears about the H1N1 strain are causing greater concern about flu season in general.

In some areas of the country traditional flu vaccines have been running short, but officials and pharmacies are still committed to producing and distributing vaccines to as many people as possible.

If you and your children haven’t been vaccinated yet, consider taking the time to visit a local clinic or pharmacy. Like insurance, taking steps to prevent a problem is often easier than facing that problem after it hits home.
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Sep 25

Sept 25, 2009 - “Healthy” Houses

Yesterday The National Center for Healthy Housing released a report on the “State of Healthy Housing.”

The non-profit’s study found that over the last ten years housing conditions may actually be on the decline due to the recent housing bubble and crash. The study also confirmed the troubling divide in housing quality across the US. Metropolitan rental properties consistently ranked lower in the study in terms of overall health and upkeep.

Are you doing your part to keep your home healthy and safe? Are there repairs you could do today that would significantly improve the cost of insuring your home? Talk to us, your local agent about the benefits of keeping your home healthy and sound.
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