Navigating the Howard Webb Insurance App

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One of the many amenities we offer to our customers is the Howard Webb Insurance App. Today’s blog is dedicated to teaching you how to navigate our app in a helpful and efficient manner. Our app can be found on Itunes and is completely free to download and use. When you open the app, you will be presented with a home screen with six different links: Claims, Contact Us, Payments, Roadside/ID Cards, Policy Changes, and Referrals. Each button has a unique purpose aimed to help you easily execute routine procedures concomitant to your insurance policies.

•Claims

The Claims button links to a page that has two options: Auto and Home/Other. The Auto

page allows you to navigate the process of reporting and processing claims involved with vehicle accident. There are links to submit a claim, call your insurance carrier, leave a voice note, and access a comprehensive accident diagram. It also compiles a list of helpful tips about how to deal with such an event. The Home/Other page compiles a similar list of tips about how to deal with several different kinds of home damages or

miscellaneous emergencies. It also includes links that allow you to call your insurance

carrier, leave a voice note, or take a video. We recommend recording a video and narrating the events of the incident while they are fresh in your memory. The app will allow you to access the date, time, and location of the accident and provides the option to send any videos or voice notes directly to us. It is wise to include footage of the scene, license plates, driver’s licenses, and the insurance information of the other driver. If preferable, there is also an option to contact your insurance company directly to report the claim from the scene.

•Contact Us

The Contact Us button links to a page that contains all the information necessary to contact us presented in a simple, easy-to-access format. This page includes the options

to either call, email, locate, or research our company.

•Payments

The Payments button allows you to access your account with your insurance provider and make all necessary payments

•Roadside/ID Cards

The Roadside/ID Cards button allows you to access, send, and store digital copies of your necessary documentation and ID Cards. In order to take advantage of this service, it is necessary to download a digital copy of your ID card from your insurance company onto your device or take a photo of the card with your phone camera when prompted. You must then associate that file with the mobile app so that the app is able to display the proper document later on. We are happy to assist with this process when you are in the office.

•Policy Changes

The Policies button links to a page that allows you to choose from four options: Policy Changes, Payments/ID Cards Online, Certificate Request, and Get a Quote. The Policy

Changes tab allows you to add or change the drivers or vehicles on your policy or contact a representative about other miscellaneous policy changes. The Payments/Id Cards Online tab allows you to either make a payment, access your ID Cards, or make an emergency claim/check on an existing claim. The Certificate Request tab allows you to contact a representative about certificate requests. The Get a Quote tab allows you to process a quote request.

•Referrals

The Referrals button links to a page that will prompt you to either send a referral or share our mobile app. All referrals that result in the referred customer getting a full coverage auto and home quote will be acknowledged with a complimentary gift.

Follow this link to check out our free mobile app today!
https://itunes.apple.com/kz/app/howard-webb-insurance/id1040489587?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.redhead.howardwebbins&hl=en

7 Little Known Facts about Auto Insurance

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It seems like these days, there are studies and statistics for everything. For example, did you know that there are over 13,000 knives, forks, and spoons? It may seem like this fact is irrelevant to your daily life, and that’s because it is. However, auto insurance is far from irrelevant. So today, we have compiled a list of seven little known facts about auto insurance.

1.17.9 is the number of years between the average driver’s accident claims.

Whether you are above or below average, it is important to make sure your auto insurance is always ready and up-to-date in case of an accident.

2.16-19 year old drivers are three times as likely to incur a speeding infraction.

This fact may not come as a shock to you, but it certainly serves to highlight the importance of insuring yourself against the dangers of reckless driving (the #2 cause of vehicular accidents).

3.Insurance premium usually go down significantly once a customer turns 25.

This goes hand-in-hand with the last statistic. As a customer ages, they statistically become less of a risk to insure, and thus, are less expensive to insure.

4.The 5 most expensive states for auto insurance are Michigan, Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

Regardless of which state you reside in, all drivers in the U.S. are required to carry auto insurance.

5.The 5 least expensive states for auto insurance are Massachusetts, North Carolina, Hawaii, Alaska, and Oregon

In case you were looking for another reason to move to Hawaii, the Aloha State is one of the cheapest states for those looking to purchase car insurance.

6.16% of drivers are uninsured at any given time.

Despite the legal requirements, approximately 1 out of every 6 drivers on the road are uninsured. Don’t endanger the well-being of yourself and others by being one of them.

7.The 7 most common auto insurance claims are fender benders, theft, whiplash, vandalism, windshield damage, back injuries, and animal collisions.

Insurance providers are accustomed to dealing with these types of incidents. Your carrier is most likely extremely familiar with the process of dealing with these kinds of claims and would be happy to help. Just be sure to record all the details and let them do the rest!

Some of these statistics might have surprised you. Don’t let an auto insurance crisis catch you off guard too. Contact one of our representatives today!

Contact Howard Webb Insurance today at 765-644-8847

On The Move

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On the Move: Protecting Yourself from Moving Scams

Packing for a move can be a stressful time full of checking and rechecking to make sure you got everything. However, one thing many movers forget to check is the legitimacy of their moving company.

Nearly 3.000 consumers filed moving fraud complaints just last year. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to make sure that you don’t have to. The first step is being aware of the red flags that can help you recognize a fraudulent moving company.

One practice that is common among rogue movers is giving estimates over the phone or online without ever inspecting your items in person. The figures they give you often sound too good to be true, and usually that’s because they are. You should also be wary if a mover refuses to give you a physical, written document recording the estimate he offered you. The company should also be willing to provide this information well before the move. It is important to do so in order to insure that they mover can not charge you more than the agreed amount.

Another thing that unreliable companies will do is ask for cash or a significant deposit beforehand. Reliable companies should have no problem with transporting your possessions before receiving any significant payments.

Moving companies are not only responsible to provide you with quality service, but also with the proper paperwork. All movers are required by law to give their clients a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s “Ready to Move” brochure.

You should also be skeptical of any company that does not offer a physical address on their website, or answers the phone with a vague description of the company rather than giving the specific company name.

And finally, it is not too late to back out if the company arrives with a rental truck rather than a company moving vehicle. This detracts from the company’s legitimacy, and should signal to you that they are unreliable.

Moving is already stressful enough. Don’t let an unreliable moving company make it worse.

Contact us here at Howard Webb Insurance 764-644-8847 or www.howardwebbins.com for more information

Home for the Holidays

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Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a time that often brings families together. But unfortunately, visiting family often requires lengthy road trips. So we’ve compiled a few tips to make those trips a little bit safer and a whole lot cheaper.

One of the most costly expenses when traveling is gas. However, even though fuel prices are often notoriously high, there are ways to save yourself a significant amount of gas money during your travels. One resource that can be advantageous on a road trip is a gas-pricing app such as Gas Buddy or Fuelzee. These apps will compare gas prices along your route to aid you in minimizing expenses. You can also save money by obtaining a gas card from a station that you regularly visit. These cards often come with discounted prices or opportunities to gain rewards.

Furthermore, you can save money not only by monitoring what you put in your car, but also by making sure your car itself is in top notch shape. Visiting a mechanic before your departure will undoubtedly help you save money in the long run. Ask your local repair shop to top off your brake fluid and antifreeze. They can also take a look at your brakes, belts, and hoses for signs of damage.

By far the easiest way to save money on your trip, however, is simply by slowing down. Studies by the U.S. Department of Energy have proven that each 5 mph you drive over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas. It’s simply not worth it to save a little time only to spend a lot more money.

You can also save money on costly repairs along the way by getting a membership to AAA or another roadside assistance agency. These agencies offer such assistance as jump starts, free tows, and lost key assistance. The small expense involved in becoming a member has the potential to pay itself back several times over.

Along the way, make sure you pick routes void of toll booths. Apps such as Google Maps often allow you to choose routes specifically designed to avoid these fixtures.

And of course, the best way to get some peace of mind about your holiday travels is making sure that you have quality auto insurance. Talk to one of our representatives today about insuring your vehicle so that you too can travel in confidence!

Winter’s Coming – Be Prepared

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Winter is right around the corner; which means you probably have Christmas shopping and festive get-togethers on the mind. But holiday cheer isn’t the only thing that should be preoccupying your thoughts during this season. It is also important to ensure that your house provides a safe environment in which to enjoy these things. So what can you do to make sure your family shares their favorite Christmas traditions in safety?

Well, let’s start from the top down. The first thing you’re going to want to do is repair any leaks in your roof. You can even hire a contractor to test your roof’s ability to withstand the weight of snow and ice.

You will also want to make sure that your Christmas tree isn’t the only one getting trimmed this winter. It is necessary to get rid of any tree branches in your yard that could get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house – or your neighbor’s. This is important in order to avoid liability. It is also important to clean out your gutters to make sure they don’t get clogged and weighed down by snowfall.

Next you will want to check that your walls are properly insulated so that your house is not only safe, but also warm. Another way you can keep your house heated is by rearranging furniture to places that don’t block any heating vents.

Your living spaces aren’t the only things you want to keep warm, however. It is important to make sure your pipes don’t get so cold that they freeze. A busted pipe can cost you up to $3,800. You can do this by wrapping them with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer. It is also helpful to keep a constant stream of trickling water circulating through them. You can also completely drain the water supply if your home will be unattended while you are on vacation.

And finally, keep your cabinets open and your fireplace flue closed. By doing these things, you allow warm air to ventilate throughout your house.

By keeping these important safety measures in mind, you can assure a safe, warm holiday season for you and your family!

As always, we at Howard Webb Insurance are always available to answer your questions and help you prepare for the change of seasons. contact us at:
765-644-8847 or www.howardwebbins.com

Household Safety Tips Change with the Season

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Household safety tips change with the season

As days get shorter and nights get longer, our habits begin to change. Most of us typically spend more time hunkering down at home and less time frolicking at the beach. That usually means resuming favorite fall pastimes like huddling through {local football team} games on {day of week} and drinking hot cocoa on the sidelines of our little ones’ soccer games.

Arriving along with the season of autumn is a host of safety hazards we didn’t have to think about over the summer, creating the need for a little extra vigilance. As the temperatures drop and you settle in for the approaching cold spell, consider the following pointers for ensuring you and your family stay not just warm, but also safe!

Warm up carefully. All types of heating units can be dangerous. If you use a wood-burning fireplace, secure it with a screen to prevent sparks, and make sure the fire is completely out before you retire for the night. If you depend on your home’s furnace, make sure it has been inspected before you start to use it again. And, if you resort to space heaters, make sure they are in good working order (no frayed cords) and out of the reach of children.

Enjoy ambiance safely. If you use candles to add a warm glow to a cold night, make sure they are safely out of reach of children, can’t be overturned by pets, and are not close to flammable items such as blankets, paper or other furniture. If you’re known for falling asleep before heading to bed, extinguish all candles early in the night to avoid an unsafe, all-night burning situation.

Exercise yard safety. If you’re going to be pruning trees and shrubs, hanging Halloween decorations, raking leaves, or engaging in other yard activities, use caution: be careful on ladders, avoid power lines, and put away yard tools when you’re finished.

Be grounded. Make sure you make weather-friendly shoes and boots handy for the whole family. This is the season for slippery driveways and walkways. Without proper footwear, you can find yourself on your back or in the hospital.

At Howard Webb Insurance, we wish you a fabulous and foible-free fall season!

Contact Us!

At Howard Webb Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 765-644-8847 or send us a note at Email Us Today. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Before the wind blows, secure your trees and shrubs

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The seasons are changing, and the colors of autumn abound.

Regrettably, fall’s stunning display is often accompanied by some unwelcome weather hazards in Indiana – namely, wind – that can cause considerable damage to the very trees that produce those beautiful fall leaves.

At Howard Webb Insurance, we want your yard and home to stay great throughout the season. Take a look at the following tips to ensure you keep your trees and shrubs healthy and avoid destruction that can result when the wind blows.

To protect existing trees
Bundle ‘em up. Go to a home and garden store and buy enough landscape fabric and plant ties to cover trees and shrubs vulnerable to the changing weather. Wrap them up for the winter and then unwrap them after spring has sprung.
Exercise pruning prowess. Proper pruning is essential to ensure trees can withstand winds, so make sure you use correct pruning techniques or hire a professional.
Trees and more trees. If you have trees that are especially susceptible to wind, consider planting more trees. Experts say to choose trees, like conifers and evergreens, to create a windbreak. As an added bonus, a windbreak placed in correct proximity to a home can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent. Keep in mind: conifers should be planted at least 20 feet away from a structure, evergreens at least 30 feet away.
When planting new trees

Know which way the wind blows. Pay attention to the wind patterns in your part of Indiana through the fall and winter seasons and how they affect your particular lot. Plant trees in areas where structures, such as your home, garage or shed, can serve to shelter them from the wind.
Give them some space. Plant trees far enough away from structures and foundations. A smaller tree should have at least a 10-square-foot space to itself, and a larger tree needs at least 30 square feet.

What if you have neighbors whos trees are overhanging your property and are at risk of falling? …. You must notify them in writing of the issue to or else you are responsible. For more details, contact us today to discuss your specific situation.

At Howard Webb Insurance, we hope these tips will ensure that you and your yard hang tough all season long… even when the wind starts howling.

As always, contact us to get more specific information about your situation and how to mitigate any issues you may have.

Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

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Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?
There’s a ticking time bomb in your house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.
We here at Howard Webb Insurance are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.
Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety(IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.
You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:
Washing Machine
Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.
Dryer
Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.
Refrigerator
If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.
Dishwasher
Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose. 
Gas Grills
At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.
In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.
To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.
If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Howard Webb Insurance are happy to help.
 
WEB: www.HowardWebbIns.com
Ph: 765-644-8847
 

 

Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day

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Top 10 ways to honor a veteran on Veterans Day
Americans celebrate Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall. While it can be easy to confuse the two holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to honor American’s war dead; Veterans Day is intended to honor the service of all U.S. veterans, both living and dead.
In fact, celebrations surrounding Veterans Day often place a special emphasis on thanking all living U.S. military veterans who have or are currently serving in any U.S. armed service. And it’s the perfect time for all Americans to show appreciation for their service.
The best way to thank a military U.S. veteran for his or her service depends on the individual and his or her needs. But the most important thing is to do something to show your gratitude.
Here are 10 ideas to get you thinking about how to be grateful for veterans on November 11.
  1. Raise. Display the American flag in your yard to demonstrate your support of veterans everywhere.
  2. Listen. Strike up a conversation with a disabled or homeless veteran and be an active listener as you hear about their experience.
  3. Speak. Simply say, “Thank you” to veterans you see.
  4. Reach out. Contact a disabled or homeless veteran whom you know and spend some quality time together.
  5. Support. Send a donation to organizations that support the special needs of veterans.
  6. Find. Trace your ancestry and identify how many veterans are in your family.
  7. Write. Send a letter to someone who’s currently serving in the military.
  8. Visit. Visit a disabled veteran in his or her home or a homeless veteran on the street.
  9. Learn. Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face when retiring from service to rejoin civilian life.
  10. Share. Use your social media to help celebrate Veteran’s Day and acknowledge the service of all veterans.
To learn more ways to honor a veteran on November 11, visit http://www.wallawalla.va.gov/Misc/Honor_Veteran.asp.
To all our American heroes, we at Howard Webb Insurance thank you for your service to our country. Howard was a WWII veteran and always supported our veterans in every way he could.  We continue that tradition to this day and ask you to do the same.
Did you know?Veteran’s Day is always celebrated on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. It’s also a federal holiday, so federal government employees take the day off on Monday if the 11thfalls on a Sunday, and they take the day off on Friday if the 11thfalls on a Saturday.
Contact Us!
At Howard Webb Insurance we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 765-644-8847 or send us a note at hwsm@hotmail.com.  We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!
Content provided by Safeco Insurance

 

Truck Insurance Myths Debunked

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Truck Insurance Myths Debunked
By Mike Miller, product marketing director, Progressive
Your truck is the backbone that keeps your business up and running. But when it comes to insuring your truck, it can be difficult to distinguish insurance facts from myths. And buying insurance without knowing the facts might cost you big bucks in damages or downtime.
We’ve compiled a number of truck insurance myths and facts. Use them to make sure you have the right insurance coverage for your truck.
Myth: If you’re on a motor carrier policy, you’re covered.
Fact: Motor carrier policies often provide only liability coverage to owner-operator vehicles on lease, so you need to have your own physical damage coverage. Plus, the motor carrier policy only covers you when you’re driving for work or are under dispatch. So if you have a claim when you’re on a non-business or personal errand, it likely won’t be covered. A non-trucking liability and physical damage policy can protect you andyour truck.
Myth: You should have a separate cargo insurance policy.
Fact: Consider adding your cargo insurance as an endorsement on your vehicle policy instead of carrying cargo coverage with a different carrier. If you’re in an accident that damages both your truck and cargo, you won’t need to waste time waiting dealing with two separate companies for your claims. Plus, a cargo endorsement can be less expensive than carrying a separate policy, and one policy means paying just one bill instead of two.
Myth: Downtime following a truck accident is annoying, but won’t significantly affect your bottom line.
Fact: If your truck is out of commission for 30 days, your business could only have a 50 percent chance of survival.Make sure that your insurance company will provide a rental vehicle or downtime payments to help you get back on the road quickly following a claim.
Myth: It’s cheaper to cancel your insurance for stored vehicles if you have a seasonal business.
Fact: Not necessarily. If you cancel your insurance policy, your stored vehicles won’t be protected. A Comprehensive-only policy provides coverage for businesses that don’t need liability coverage during certain months, but want basic protection against incidents like vandalism, fire, theft, falling tree branches, and hail. This is ideal for vehicles that sit for long periods during the off-season.
Plus, a Comprehensive-only policy provides continuous insurance. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay significantly more to get a new policy when your peak season rolls around because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage prior to offering their best rate.
Myth: All commercial insurance companies provide help with state and federal filings.
Fact: Some insurers won’t cover vehicles that require filings, while others simply don’t have the capability to help you get the filings your business needs. Progressive can leverage its truck insurance expertise to provide its customers with filings assistance.
Myth: All insurance companies offer 24/7 service.
Fact: Many insurance companies are only available during regular office hours, which can make filing a claim, adding a vehicle to yourpolicy, obtaining a Certificate of Insurance,and paying bills inconvenient. Before you buy, check with your insurance company to make sure they’re available when you need them.
Wonder if one of your perceptions about truck insurance is myth or fact? Talk to a local independent agent. He or she can answer those questions and help you determine which coverages are right for you.
For more information about trucking insurance, please contact our trucking expert, Kris Zinszer at Howard Webb Insurance.
Ph: 765-644-8847