Get 'Yo' Money!

Get 'yo' money!  One in 4 Texans has unclaimed property from uncashed refunds, security deposits, or returned mail.  Several of my friends have already collected checks by finding their names.  The website is free and easy to search based on your name and/or city.  The state of Texas will mail you a check if you can validate that the funds belong to you.  Click here to search in Texas.  If you've lived in other states, then google "unclaimed property" for the other states and you can search their databases as well.  Good luck!

Got New Stuff?



Was there a big ticket item under your Christmas tree this year?  New golf clubs?  New TV or computer?  New diamond necklace or ring?   If so, review your property insurance policy to make sure that your new valuables are properly covered.  A new year and a new decade are on the near horizon.  Review your policies to make sure you and your family have the right protection at a good rate in the coming year. 

Call me at 512.686.2904 for a free policy review or free quote.  I'll be happy to meet with you at your convenience or talk via e-mail.

Texas Minimum Auto Coverage Increases

Hey, Texans…the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage that Texans must have will be going up in 2011.

Coverage limits have been increased because liability limits will not cover all expenses after an accident, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.  According to industry data provided by the department, about 50% of vehicles in Texas are minimally insured with liability coverage, and about 1 in 5 vehicles are uninsured.

Prior to this change, Texas law requires that drivers have minimum liability limits of $25,000 for each injured person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident. It's commonly referred to as “25/50/25” coverage.

In 2011, the coverage minimums become $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.

The state requires drivers to carry liability insurance to pay to repair or replace the vehicle of the person who is not at fault in an accident. It also covers at least a portion of the medical expenses of the driver who is not at fault. It does not pay to repair or replace the at-fault driver's car or to treat the at-fault driver's injuries.

The coverage amounts of 30/60/25 will be the minimum coverage required by law; however, sometimes the minimum is not enough.  In Texas, if you cause the damage, then you pay the bills.  If you don’t carry enough insurance to cover the costs (like causing a multi-car collision or one involving medical injury), then the costs above your insurance coverage will come out of your own pocket!!!  Carrying low liability limits can reduce your monthly bill, but it also increases your risk.  If you have retirement savings or college education funds saved up, you don’t want to lose your life savings as a result of a mishap on the highway (or those crazy deer!).   

Accidents can happen at any time.  Make sure you are not taking on too much risk and have the right insurance coverage to protect your family.

If you have questions, please e-mail me at csimpson@farmersagent.com or call me at 512.686.2904.  I will be happy to review your policy and provide free professional advice on coverage levels for you and your family.

A Guardian Angel for Christmas

Rush to the mall.  Rush to Walmart, then to Target.  Swing by Best Buy and then hit Toys ‘R Us.  We do a lot of “hurrying” this time of year to give presents on Christmas morning.  Have you considered giving your family a gift that will provide security and peace of mind for years to come?  Life insurance may not be glamorous, but it is necessary.  Life insurance is actually one of the most loving gifts that you can give your loved ones.

Families without life insurance face a lot of risk and pressure.  If anything were to happen to Mom or Dad, the family members that remain will bear the burden of final expenses, looming debt or mortgage payments, lost income, and long-term goals like retirement or kids’ college education.  Please don’t fall into the trap of underestimating the extent that a premature death can affect your family’s income, assets, and overall well being.

As a parent, the idea of life insurance is pretty simple. Set up a policy for yourself and name your spouse (or children) as your beneficiary and they receive the future benefit if the unexpected were to occur.  Call me at 512.686.2904 or e-mail me at csimpson@farmersagent.com for more information about how to provide security and financial peace of mind to your family.

Getting Ready for Old Man Winter

Looking for ways to save some real dollars this holiday?  One way is to reduce your heating costs by weather proofing your home.  Here are some tips to prevent heat loss in your home:

1.      Seal your windows and doors – The weather in central Texas is cool and windy.  It’s a good time to check for potential leaks that may have occurred and seal them up to prevent future heat loss.  (Wouldn't you rather be walking around your house now than when it is 30 degrees out there?  Yep, me too.)

2.      Vary your heat settings – Adjust your house thermometer for times that you are home versus out of the house.  Programmable thermostats are recommended for use by Energy Star to help in adjusting the temperature each day.  (We already have lots to remember in the morning...matching socks for the kids, breakfast, jackets, homework, show-and-tell, keys, cell phone, etc...why worry with having to remember the thermostat too.)

3.      Clean your dryer vent – This has really nothing to do with the colder weather, but it can also help to reduce your electricity bill because your dryer will run more efficiently.  (Hey now!)

4.      Check vent and pipe outlets – Sometimes a source of heat loss in a home occurs around vents and pipes that come into the home from outside.  If the edges of the pipe or vent are not sealed, you could use spray foam insulation which can be picked at any home improvement store.  (Again, walking around the house with old man winter ripping at my ears just doesn't sound fun.  Do it before the cold snaps hit.)

According to the US Fire Administration, heating fires are the 2^nd leading cause of all residential building fires.  Be sure to keep you home and family safe and warm this winter.  Here are a few tips:

·         Have your heating unit cleaned and serviced by a professional technician once per year.

·         If you have a chimney, get it cleaned by a professional before lighting a fire for the first time this year.

·         Check that your smoke alarms are installed and working properly.

·         Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and make sure they work.

·         Clean air vents by removing the vent cover and cleaning/vacuuming any dust/debris.

·         If you use space heaters, make sure they work properly and don’t leave them operating unattended.  Also, be sure that no flammable materials are near the space heater.  And, be sure to unplug the space heater when not in use.

Are You Cooking for Thanksgiving?

I read recently that Thanksgiving is the leading day for cooking fires in the U.S.  Are you cooking this year?  Here are some tips for even the most professional of chefs to avoid distractions in the kitchen and minimizing the opportunity to spark a fire:

·         Don’t leave the kitchen unattended if frying, grilling, or broiling food.

·         Don’t walk away from the outside turkey fryer and leave it unattended...ever.

·         Use a timer so that you take the casserole out of the oven when it’s time, not when you see smoke.

·         Keep flammable objects like oven mitts, dish towels, etc. away from the stove top, grill, and fryer.

·         If you choose to burn candles in the house, be sure they are located in a safe area.

·         Keep decorations around a lit candle to a minimum to avoid the decorations or table cloth from catching on fire.



Be safe.  Be smart.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Honoring Those Who Serve

My grandfather is a veteran, and I could not be prouder him for the time that he devoted to serving our country.  He was a soldier during the war in Germany.  During that time, his bravery and self-sacrifice earned him a purple heart.  He always has been and always will be one that I admire for putting God, family, and country above his own self will.  May we all remember to honor those who give so much for our freedom.