tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9367891392897408312024-03-05T21:40:34.557-08:00Graham Insurance AgencyCoverage for all your needs.Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-67438491909767519452012-05-08T15:42:00.001-07:002012-05-08T15:42:18.842-07:00Why Compare?You've been with the same agent for a long time. There's never been a problem. No accidents. No big question about service, because nothing has happened. So why check out anything else on the market? Why spend the time (your valuable time) when everything is in place and seems to be operating just fine. <br />
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Here's why. Most people never question anything about their insurance until something happens and they end up paying much more out-of-pocket than they ever expected. Or, they have to reach somebody by phone and all they can get is a toll-free number and maybe a voice on the other end of the phone in some far off place. That person sends you to another, then another. <br />
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When you do business with a local agent, someone you know personally, someone you may get to know well in fact, you create a safe place for yourself and your family to rely on in really bad times. That's why we buy insurance anyway, right? It's not because we think something is going to happen, it's because it invariably does happen, and not at the right time in our lives. <br />
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Sometimes it is hard for an agent to talk you up to a level of insurance they know is right for you, but if they truly care about you, they will. They will insist that you consider some higher levels of coverage because they know you have more to protect than a car, or a home, or any number of other things. Insurance protects you and the lives around you if the really bad thing happens. And those bad things do happen all the time. Just watch the news or read the papers. Every day someone who really needs insurance maybe doesn't have it, or they don't have it quite right. <br />
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You have an income and income potential that others can go after in a lawsuit. You have accounts, and assets, and all sorts of things that the other attorney will want. Pain and suffering, hospital bills, well -- you name it, they want you to take care of it after someone is injured. <br />
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The other primary reason you may want to check out another company is one that you may have already considered -- price. How does your current company stack up against the others? Are you paying for things you don't need? A good agent does the work for you and shows you points that are weak in another policy, things that may be covered in a different policy, in a different company. How much time do you spend shopping for a vacation? For a new sofa, or a new TV? Probably as much or more than your insurance, but you're bound to spend more money on your insurance than any of these things. And for good reason. Good insurance isn't cheap. It takes care of you and your family. Good insurance means you have a personal agent you can talk with face-to-face to resolve issues when the going is tough.Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-71565462989970490932011-11-12T13:26:00.000-08:002011-12-09T14:53:32.112-08:00Graham Insurance 2 Tickets GiveawaysGraham Insurance is offering two tickets to see a play, an opera, a concert, or a game to two lucky fans. Just stop by a restaurant on our list below, have a soup or sandwich, and drop a business card in the fishbowl. You stand a chance to win if you meet certain criteria posted at the restaurant counter. <br />
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We just finished our fishbowl giveaway for two tickets to see Sacramento Opera's Pagliaci at Sampino's Italian Towne Foods Cafe at 16th and F streets in Sacramento. Dena, the tickets winner, also stands to benefit from Graham Insurance's discounts for occupation or education, as well as other discounts if she chooses to go with her insurance quote from Graham Insurance.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Our next restaurant for the </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Graham Insurance Agency Two Tickets Giveaway, is: </span></strong><br />
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Shine Cafe, at 14th and E Street. This place has a relaxed atmosphere, inexpensive eats, often with live entertainment, and interesting art on the walls. Stop by and drop your business card in the fishbowl for a chance to win two tickets to see "Watching Wynter" -- a B Street Mainstage performance by Buck Busfield. Contest ends December 20.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Menu, Entertainment, Schedule, etc</span><span style="color: red;">.</span> <span style="color: white;">--</span> <a href="http://shinesacramento.com/"><span style="color: red;">http://shinesacramento.com/</span></a><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">You must be eligble to be quoted for insurance in the state of California, and age 18 or over, to win. Must have been a customer of the restaurant on the day of entry into contest. Winner must be reachable within 36 hours of the close of contest or another winner will be selected, each subsequent selection will be given a few hours to respond, and no more than 4 additional selections will be made. Correct phone number and address for each entry must be on the business card. Cannot be an employee, nor a spouse or domestic partner, nor a child living at home, of any employee of Zurich, nor the Farmers Insurance Group of companies or its affiliates, agents, producers, or agency employees, nor a current customer of Farmers or it's related companies. One entry per customer.</span></em>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-81033658384271087312011-10-23T23:10:00.000-07:002011-11-10T14:49:44.772-08:00Cash Accumulation Has Value and Purpose<span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;">Most people outlive shorter term policies. That's why it is so cheap! It might be in your best interest to have both coverages - a term <em>and </em>a whole life policy. Whole life or universal whole life (a form of whole life) almost always pays out with a death benefit as long as the customer continues to pay the premium. Cash value is part of that whole policy (which does not exist in a term policy), but it is sometimes sold by inexperienced agents as a retirement benefit. That's not often the best purpose of a whole life policy, nor of the cash accumulation. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;">What other product do you know t<span class="text_exposed_show">hat will pay your family $50K - $500K the day after you bought it if you die? Nothing. That's right. Nothing. No other product has this benefit. This is the primary purpose and optimum benefit. However, i</span><span class="text_exposed_show">f you want to help fund your retirement, your payments into this plan provide cash too. If you have unexpected expenses you need to take care of, it is there. Or, in addition, or instead, an opportunity pops up that you want to take advantage of - it is there again. It may be used for a plethora of reasons - from college funds, to expanding your home. What other product offers you funds to borrow at low interest that you technically never have to pay back anyway? Nothing. That's right. Nothing. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Life insurance that has cash value may not outperform a high performing stock. It just isn't the role it plays in your investment portfolio. First and foremost, this is an insurance product. But if you want to accumulate some cash and maybe even see it grow, there's less risk involved in this product than many others, and tax treatment is favorable. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text_exposed_show">The flexibility of universal life policies makes this specialized product an even more attractive way to protect your family from suffering, loss of income, payment of debt, final expenses, and major expenses such as college if a family member should pass away early and unexpectedly. Maximize your contributions in good years to take full advantage -- or cut back on your premium, if you wish, in tougher years. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Life insurance is a valuable part of a thinking person's portfolio. Only with Farmers will you be certain to get a quality product -- with discounts on other lines of coverage -- that help make complete protection against any financial stress a reality.</span></div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-47696216733708607252011-09-23T18:01:00.000-07:002011-11-10T14:56:50.722-08:00Flood and Earthquake -- Northern California's Biggest Claims<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">As a wise old agent once said, "You know what a no-brainer is, right?...It's when you don't have to use your brain to figure it out, you just do it." You do it because you're in an area that is at higher risk for flood or earthquake. Are you surprised to know that your homeowners coverage does not cover you for these specific perils? Well, that's the case. Unfortunately, these two perils present such high risk for disaster that nobody covers them, unless you specifically have the coverage purchased separately from (but quite possibly alongside) your homeowners or commercial insurance coverage. Call an experienced or well trained agent to find out if you are in a higher risk area. And don't think about it, just get it covered. Your lender may require it anyway, but protecting one of your most valuable assets is a necessity in today's world.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-24182523371818152222011-08-22T11:00:00.000-07:002011-11-10T14:57:31.847-08:00Don't Do your Insurance Business at the Bank<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">It may seem common sense to some, but self insuring is a risky proposition. Let's say you decide to go with the minimum legal auto insurance coverage of 15/30/5 in California (and similar low requirements in many states). Those are the minimums and refer to what and how much will be covered for liability, bodily injury and property damage. These limits are far too low to cover many accidents. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The "5" in 15/30/5, refers to the amount of property damage coverage you have for vehicles or items you are responsible for repairing, should you be liable for an accident -- this amount is $5,000. How many $30,000 cars are on the road? Well....many! This means, of couse, that if you cause the accident that causes more than $5,000, you are responsible for paying the difference. Effectively, that's like having another deductible to pay - one that is perhaps three times your coverage! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unless you have that money in your bank account, the courts may decide to go after other assets if you aren't liquid enough to satisfy the judgement that will come your way. The other part of the state required amount of coverage, the 15/30 part, refers to bodily injury -- $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident. Long story short, if you put someone in the hospital, with emergency room visits, xrays, scans (not to mention setting a break, or physical therapy), can easily drive the cost for one injured person over $150,000, if not $300,000. Average settlements for injury cases are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars today, not tens of thousands like decades ago. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Would it be a simple thing for you to come up with the difference on an injury claim? If taken to court, a trial and attorney costs can eat into your life savings and then some. In a serious accident the attorneys on the other side are going to investigate how many and what kind of assets you have and pursue that amount. If you have $500,000 to your name, that's what they want. If you have more, they'll be going after more. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Depending on the insurer you go with, substantial increases in liability can be increased with relatively low increase in your premium. It's like buying a decent refrigerator. A good one will take care of you for a long time. Get a bad policy or one that minimally covers your assets (not just your car) and you'll be paying for more than the food that's going to spoil in the fridge. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't you want a policy that's going to serve you well and pay when it's really important that it does so? It's a good way to go. The best way, frankly. It's only then that you can drive with the ease of knowing you are covered for almost anything, anytime, and have no worries. And the best thing? It costs you next to nothing to do it right.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-69920990986501135672011-08-16T17:39:00.000-07:002011-11-10T14:58:08.373-08:00Why Life?<div style="text-align: justify;">Life insurance is one of the most necessary, and yet, can be one of the most confusing, of coverages. It is available for several reasons. The primary purposes of a good life policy are to see that those who depend on you in some way can go on in a similar fashion after your death. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Life may be purchased by a person who has an "insurable interest" in you. If they could suffer from your death, they may insure you -- this goes for companies and family members, but generally for oneself with the beneficiary being a loved one. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These policies can provide an immediate estate if a large enough death benefit is selected. The death benefit passes on financial stability to survivors. Burial expenses are the most basic of purposes. But payment of debt, including a mortgage, or payments on other debt. Other features that may attract a family are favorable tax treatment, and even preparation for college expenses if a family provider passes on. The cash that is accumulated can help one in times of difficulty, providing a low interest, or no interest (in some cases) loan to oneself that may never need to be paid back. The funds will simply be reduced from the death benefit if necessary.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are several forms of life policy. Whole life and term life are simple. Whole life insures you for exactly that, your whole life. You can drop premium payments at any point, but you will lose the death benefit. Cash accrual is possible, even likely, with a whole life policy and you may have access to that cash as you get older, or when it is necessary. It can take some time for any cash to accrue, but once it does, it is a plus to the policy holder. "Riders" - or little side policies - may be added to this type of policy for specific purposes, such as insuring yourself against untoward events that cause financial stress, but do not result in death, or covering a juvenile.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The most common way to describe term insurance is that it is like renting instead of buying a home. For a specific period of time you will have insurance on your life, a death benefit of perhaps $100,000 - $250,000, in case you or a loved one lost their life. Term policies are very inexpensive, especially if you are young and in good health.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In any life policy there is the issue of incontestability. After two years (this may vary according to your jurisdiction) life policies are virtually incontestable. They may be contested (or revoked) perhaps under certain conditions, but generally the death benefit is payable to you upon death. Within two years of purchasing the policy, things like preexisting conditions that were not disclosed at the time of application can be reason to deny the claim or limit it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are two more policies that get more tricky. One is a universal life policy and the other is variable life. Paranthetically, the agent you purchase a variable policy from must pass special registered representative licensing for selling variable life, because it is indexed to the markets. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Universal life, however, is a very flexible plan that, depending on the policy, allows you to adjust premium, death benefit, and/or cash accumulation. Universal life may be like moving from a one gear bike to a ten speed. The various speeds give one the ability to climb those hills when times are difficult and maximize the benefits of an insurance policy when times are easy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You may be perfectly content with a "one speed" plan, but the options or gears of this plan make it very attractive to many people. These plans were developed in the 1980's when the idea developed to get term and invest in perm. So, as it goes, one can make minimal payments in times of difficulty to simply fund the death benefit. There's a target premium that is disclosed to the insured at the time the policy is written that will keep the policy running for the future. And there are also maximums that may be paid to the policy to reap the full benefit, if the insured so chooses. </div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-70824134445804439942011-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:002011-11-10T14:58:53.206-08:00Referral: The Name of the Gameby Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">You need referrals to make your business grow. Any business depends on it. Most likely you will need more than one source of referral, because one person or entity can't provide all the business you need. Gaining one referrer is like making a sale, but this sale can mean so much more to you and your business. You have to cast a wide net, sometimes more than once, to get a pool of interested parties. Once you've got their interest, you must finalize that sale to count on them - again, and again, and again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Truth be known, the best referral source is the one you never have to ask, but those are few and far in between. While close friends and people who have been very happy with the way you do business are your best workers, you need to expand your search for more than one pot of gold beyond the immediate rainbow. You see, there are many rainbows in the future and many pots of gold! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You will want to recall that even those closest to you, and those others who want you to succeed along the way, must be coached on how to help you. Some may even need to be coaxed into it, but not as many as you would think! Ask for their referral - tell them, "My business depends on people like you who have benefitted from what I do and tell other people about it." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The referrer can use their own words for the referral. After all, they know their friends and neighbors and people they do business with far better than you. They also know how those people think and and how they speak. So don't over inform the person you think might actually help deliver your message, but do let them know you count on them and appreciate them passing along the word about what you do and how well you do it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Always reward your source. You may think that they do it for nothing, but everyone helping your business deserves some recognition. Find out a few things about the people who seem most comfortable with referring your business and reward suitingly. If they garden, maybe a little shoveling of manure is the trick. Ok, maybe that's going to far, but know what they like and make a small gift, a token of your appreciation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't stop gifting your referrers. I had a dog who I trained to bring the paper to the front door. He was a puppy named Gatsby. This small dalmation, after about a week of helping him pick up the paper each morning, would proudly pounce up the long drive to the house, paper locked in his jaws, and drop it religiously each day at the front steps. But it didn't come without reward at first. He wanted his treat each day for a couple of weeks. After that he delivered the paper each day, on Sundays the paper was bigger than he, so he would literally drag it the quarter mile, the front page in shreds, but we got the paper, on cold days, without much effort. Gatsby kept delivering the paper, day after day, week after week. But one day, then one week, then one month, the paper disappeared completely. Our family went bezerk. You see we are curious about the world - and curious about what happens to our paper when it is missing. So we accused the paperboy of not delivering. We accused the neighbor's kid (at least among ourselves). Well, not to get too off the lesson here, one day I went out to clean Gat's pen. He had a stack of 30 papers in the back of his doghouse, piled neatly like logs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rewards don't need to be excessive, nor every single occasion, forever. But they do need to be meaningful, regular, and permanent. By this I mean to say, you should keep giving - and never forget the true value represented in what is otherwise work offered to you for free. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even if they aren't a client, you can take the referrer (or potential referrer) to lunch. This is the best opportunity to sell them on the idea and coach them on how to do it. Always recognize birthdays, holidays, send cards of thanks to people you come into contact with. The internet makes it simpler, but tangible recognition of who they are and their value to you is to your benefit. B</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By all means refer back to the referrer and the people around them. Drop cookies for the office to share. Recognize the administrative assistant(s) and others working for the "boss" referrer. The people around your clients and primary referreral sources have far more power than often estimated. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some businesses may be more dependant on the process of referral than others, but all need a good word for them now and then. That's the nature of referral. It's a good word that sends a client or prospect your way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't just go for the business the referrer is sending you - the referrer should also be a client. Your treatment of any client will make you. Word travels fast about what that person thinks of you. And the people you don't close the sale with also have something to do with whether you prosper or not. You can't go making people angry with poor service during the sale, not listening, pretending to care. You have to care about every person who seems interested. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I once told a sales manager, "I've learned that the primary motivator for a person to do business with us is that we make them think we care about them." The manager, who had far more experience and, more importantly, understanding, said to me, "No. They have to <em>know</em> you care about them for them to listen." People don't think that you care about them if you really do - they <em>know </em>it. There's no fooling anybody and what are we in this for anyway? This has been my biggest lesson in sales. I know that I must<u> </u>genuinely care about my clients. If you care about your clients, you will have an endless source of referral. Word gets around.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-47203109059283488472011-07-07T14:30:00.000-07:002011-11-10T15:01:29.886-08:00Coaching, Sports Injuries, and Your Policy<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Owner, Graham Insurance</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Do you coach? If you do, you might know the risks associated with this activity, and maybe not. But you should be aware if you're dealing with other people's kids, that extra coverage may be in order. Kids are at risk for all kinds of injuries, and can bring a lawsuit against a coach or team representative for a myriad of other reasons. If you're new to coaching, or you've been at it for several seasons, and you don't have an umbrella policy that names this peril, you might want to consider purchasing it. Self insuring (or simply having the funds available) should you be subject to a lawsuit brought by a parent or child is one way to go - but if you have assets to protect, you'll want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your's have your assets protected with a policy. Your league may have a policy that protects them, but does it cover you? Find out.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-64488367886038334052011-05-19T09:11:00.000-07:002011-11-10T15:00:30.069-08:00Why Renters Insurance?<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">For so many reasons, you will want to have insurance on your apartment or rented home. If you are landlord, you certainly want to request or require that your clients carry it. Here's why renters insurance is so important. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You looked and looked and found a place you treasure as a rental in the vibrant, beautifully old and elegant, but young and hip, neighborhood. You fit right in. You know that your landlord has to insure the property, but did you also know that their insurance only covers the business, not you really, nor your property. If you did experience a loss, in the same way a homeowner, due to a fire, wind damage, or some other calamity, could suffer, you would need coverage to pay for all that happened to your property inside. Your property is generally not covered by the landlord's policy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For a landlord, a renter with coverage is more stable, more reliable, less likely to cause a problem regarding your property -- and won't be in a bind and looking for a way out when something negative does happen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Much like the driver of a car, a person who rents an apartment or a home will almost certainly be liable for expenses if they cause, or are found to have caused, an accident. You left a cigarette unattended, an iron is left on when you're on your way to work, or you have a party and a guest takes a bad fall because of something you, the renter, did or didn't do. Do you think your landlord is going to let you walk away? Guess again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another thing to consider is, where will you, the renter, live when the apartment is being reconstructed? Who will pay for that? Even worse, you cause the fire that burns down not only your apartment, but the two adjoining it. In these cases, you have been negligent for an accident that occurred in your home. It doesn't happen to everybody. It doesn't happen that often, but it does happen. And when it happens, it can ruin a person's financial future.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A good policy and agent will make certain that your personal property -- your stereo, furniture, books, electronics, and more -- are covered right in many situations. Not every policy is the same, but the state does have certain standards. That being said, it is best to sit down with an agent face to face and let them know what's important to you and what assets you want to protect.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-24616077327353292762011-05-13T16:49:00.000-07:002011-11-10T15:02:19.494-08:00Wildfire Season Approaches. Act Now.<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">You might think it is impossible to encounter a wildfire and have your house "live through it". But it is possible to improve fire prevention against this all too common western United States disasaster. From Oklahoma to California, a dry season, coupled with some wind, and a tiny spark in the wrong place, will make havoc on many families this year. </div><br />
Here are some of the basics:<br />
<ul><li>Create a defensible space. Clear away the risks.</li>
<li>Mesh all vents properly.</li>
<li>Know your family escape route.</li>
<li>Keep gutters clean.</li>
<li>Upgrade your roofing material to Class "A".</li>
<li>Have an emergency kit and family plan in case of fire.</li>
<li>Decks should be made of flame retardant material.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">There are some relatively low cost measures you can take to help prevent damage from a wildfire. First off, establish a fire prevention (or defensible) zone around your home. Begin with 30 feet, replacing highly flammable vegetation and items, with lower or non flamable ones. If you live in, or near, a forest, extend your zone to 100 feet, if you are the top of a hill, extend it even further. Fire travels rapidly up hills. Any dead vegetation, clear away. Your barrier to a large fire can include a stone wall, a swimming pool, or a pond, but it doesn't stop there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The most at risk item for wildfire on your house is your roof. It is a large, relatively flat space that has traditionally been the starting place for many large fires that begin externally. Keep debris off your roof and cut tree limbs back. Check your roofing materials and if you're not already there, upgrade to Class A roofing materials, if at all possible. It may be required by code where you live, but even if it isn't, it's a good measure to take to help resist those flames. You may also choose to have an external water supply, such as a well, a pool, or pond.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dead leaves and vegetation invite fire into your area. Keep your chimney area clear of limbs or debris, just as you would in winter. It is the flammable material outside that brings it in. Remove any vines. Cut the lawn on a regular basis and keep the lawn well irrigated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you have a choice of construction materials at this point, go with stone, brick, or stucco. Flame retardant shingles may also prove effective deterrant. Well screened vents and airways help keep out embers, meshed or sealed as best possible. Screening your vents is a catch 22: you need to be certain to use smaller size mesh to prevent fire material from entering the house -- but flammable material can accumulate around or under those mesh areas too. Use flame retardant material to block those sources of fire entry into the house when a fire is on it's way. Check vents at least a couple times a year, and especially before fire season so you reduce the chance of a fire entering the house that way. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Large windows offer a beautiful view, but they also pose a higher risk for wildfire entry. Go with multipane windows if you want to go big. Dual pane tempered glass is always better for your windows, when considering fire safety, anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Any wood material is more prone to catch fire - fences, gutters, rails, sheds, and anything else that might help spread fire to your home is something to be aware of and protect against. Your homeowners policy will address these issues as well as your home. However, be certain that the separate structures section of your policy adequately covers these items.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Decks present unique problems. Thicker wood slats are, generally, better in a fire. Fire from decks can heat windows to the point of breakage, spreading the fire by embers, into the interior of a house. Consider plastic, fire resistant, or wood-plastic composite materials. There are also some fire retardant treated woods you may decide to go with.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, you and your family should have a plan in case of this and other emergencies. Always have an emergency kit with essential items to live and deal with what may come your way. You and your family should take care to know the escape routes. Store flame resistant materials to be able to use quickly - and install them if and when you are up against a wildfire. If fire approaches, you will need to turn off the main gas line, put sprinklers on the roof letting them soak, and exit the area knowing you took every measure you could.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check with your agent to see exactly what your policy would cover in the case of a wildfire. A disaster such as a fire does not need to be nearly as traumatic as it can be if your financial picture is protected appropriately.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-84659628001408265402011-01-02T12:28:00.000-08:002011-11-10T15:03:02.215-08:00Why Life Insurance Is So Important to Have<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXIJEpcb3SUvoMQtLNcQqjingwoxE9zsG8TE_-ad6MCsZenFHxJdHwxRO0s7-qWpRZpt1X-IP5P97qJTwBAejOiyUo-mHoqvngn6keuLzmIS-Wot9gg1xAGETHn6-vl6N8KZrMv8DgrJk/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXIJEpcb3SUvoMQtLNcQqjingwoxE9zsG8TE_-ad6MCsZenFHxJdHwxRO0s7-qWpRZpt1X-IP5P97qJTwBAejOiyUo-mHoqvngn6keuLzmIS-Wot9gg1xAGETHn6-vl6N8KZrMv8DgrJk/s200/birthday.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Protect Your Most Valued Possessions<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>As your family increases in size, so does your need for life insurance</em>.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Life insurance is what you need to cover expenses at your death, to provide a similar lifestyle for your spouse and children after death. The mortgage, the debt, the funeral expenses - as well as estate taxes that may be required at your time of death, are all important considerations when reviewing your life insurance needs. A properly balanced portfolio of investments may also include life insurance for the purpose of funding your retirement. But primarily, life insurance is a product that helps provide a substantial financial assistance in a time of need. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Term insurance is relatively inexpensive and yet provides the security and peace of mind that your spouse and/or children will have the means necessary after you are gone. Not only is this type of preparation valuable to you and your family, but those looking at you as a borrower, or businessman, might take this asset into account. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Life policies are fitted to the customer, a young family with not much income can still acquire a policy easily, but a family with many assets to protect will be happy with a flexible plan that allows them to grow financially, building their protection as the family size or income increases.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-22245178690878127562010-10-02T14:00:00.000-07:002011-11-10T15:05:14.054-08:00Are You Paying For The Premium and The Claim Too?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4aHfywp4bhHqSM7veIXGwJWGT2hDLilYXMNvnvSkd_eEfUapyX8_AKhzOueZyKBQI2QsFisCo-j0i5E8R9Q9p1RK9R2HFEVzvw6A2GUE6cyoZjH9MSyNBIG3uMU4PsxXl1A2OkSQN7jG/s1600/crash_accident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4aHfywp4bhHqSM7veIXGwJWGT2hDLilYXMNvnvSkd_eEfUapyX8_AKhzOueZyKBQI2QsFisCo-j0i5E8R9Q9p1RK9R2HFEVzvw6A2GUE6cyoZjH9MSyNBIG3uMU4PsxXl1A2OkSQN7jG/s200/crash_accident.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=96623"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=96623</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Are you paying for premium on your car insurance that will have you paying for the claim too? If you are paying for a minimum level of coverage, you will get just that when the serious accident happens. Imagine that you are driving down the road, and reach to change the radio or attend to a child sitting in the seat next to you, you look up, and the obvious happens, all you see are brake lights. What happens next is your own guess, but traveling at perhaps 75 feet a second at over 40 miles an hour, it is hard to stop in time. Are you more concerned about the dent in your hood, or is it the health of the person in the car ahead of you? The ambulance has just arrived with a police car alongside. A lawsuit is a near certainty. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With hospital costs as they are, in Sacramento (one of the highest average cost communities in the state), you will need the best personal injury lawyers and better coverage than you are currently carrying. This is only one good reason to go with a solid company, one that has been in business, based in California, for over 85 years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You don't want to skimp on insurance that will only cover a minor accident, do you? Not likely. Like most people, you probably want insurance you can afford that will cover all the expenses necessary and defend you when you really need it.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-31148477025548569042010-10-02T11:51:00.000-07:002010-10-02T14:53:54.581-07:00How to Protect Your Home from Fire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN9sHJYR78Pcubvqxg6msLko-ZJdCuuahg-nHNOv2PWwoEsv7jBON8igXP9B1yYh1S0WoVuRUYCwMiZ-uy7h37P2Bv6OCUmfa70TXwg-GWTv71hbV3TIACbRVxD4ge5gF7hdo8Ou1xlnc/s1600/Fire_disaster_accident_229822_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN9sHJYR78Pcubvqxg6msLko-ZJdCuuahg-nHNOv2PWwoEsv7jBON8igXP9B1yYh1S0WoVuRUYCwMiZ-uy7h37P2Bv6OCUmfa70TXwg-GWTv71hbV3TIACbRVxD4ge5gF7hdo8Ou1xlnc/s200/Fire_disaster_accident_229822_l.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Take time to get your policy structured the right way.</div></td></tr>
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The basics of preparing your home against the disaster a fire can pose to your household:<br />
<br />
1. Kitchen<br />
<br />
<ul><li>keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen</li>
<li>maintain stoves in good condition</li>
<li>store matches/lighters out of reach of children</li>
</ul><br />
2. Living room<br />
<br />
<ul><li>install a screen in front of the fireplace </li>
<li>store ashes from fireplace/bbq in a small container and dispose only when cold</li>
<li>clean chimney and flues at least once a year</li>
</ul><br />
3. Hallway<br />
<br />
<ul><li>install smoke detectors between living and sleeping areas</li>
<li>install child safety plugs on all electrical outlets</li>
<li>replace electrical cords that do not work, have loose connections, or are frayed</li>
</ul><br />
4. Bedroom<br />
<br />
<ul><li>install a smoke detector in the bedroom</li>
<li>turn off electric blankets and other appliances when not in use</li>
<li>do not smoke in bed</li>
<li>security bars on windows and doors should have a quick release mechanism</li>
</ul><br />
5. Bathroom<br />
<br />
<ul><li>keep items such as towels away from wall and floor heaters</li>
<li>disconnect hair dryers, curling irons, when done - store in a safe location until cool</li>
</ul><div>6. Garage</div><div><ul><li>mount a working fire extinguisher</li>
<li>have tools such as shovel, hoe, rake, bucket, ready for wildfire emergencies</li>
<li>dispose of oily rags in UL approved metal containers</li>
<li>install a solid door with self-closing hinges between living areas and garage</li>
<li>disconnect electrical tools and appliances when not in use</li>
<li>store flammable liquids in approved containers and away from ignition sources, such as pilot lights</li>
</ul></div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936789139289740831.post-67953521879767875682010-01-28T13:46:00.000-08:002011-11-10T15:04:36.915-08:00Your Need for Flood Coverage<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Frank Graham, Owner of Graham Insurance Agency</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Just the other day I was driving down highway 5, from downtown to Natomas, and saw the amount of flooding in Discovery Park. I lived in Natomas in my first five years in Sacramento and have seen the levy fill up to the brim. It wouldn't take much more H2O for a flood to spread across the entire valley basin. In 1985 there was a flood that caused me to move temporarily from my riverside apartment in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I witnessed a 18 wheel semi truck trailer pinned up against the side of a pedestrian bridge and large oak trees washed up on top of structures. Sacramento is safe in many ways, but one of the most vulnerable communities to massive flooding in the country. Many have already suffered a flooding either here or elsewhere and some were completely without coverage when it happened. Ironically, within the same year I experienced a flood in Tulsa, there was a significant flood in Sacramento. Doubtless, we experienced much the same.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Given our exposure to risk in the central valley, flood insurance is a great idea even if you aren't required to have it. In many areas of Sacramento and the rest of California, flooding is all too common. If a river runs outside its banks, or if the accumulation of water causes only an inch of water in your home, you risk thousands of dollars of damage that you may well be otherwise unprepared for. Sandbagging is a preventative measure that could stop or delay flooding to your home and this could provide valuable time for you to remove or relocate your property, but it isn't an end all for many reasons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you need coverage, go with an agent you can trust. In times of emergency, you need an agent who will stand by your side to make sure your needs are attended to fairly and quickly. Go to an agent with current NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) training. Note that extra care should also be taken when insuring for flood. Contents and the home itself are insured separately. One must be sure to have both things covered and covered properly. If you live in an apartment, rented home, or condo, coverage is also available for you. Flood coverage is generally some of the most affordable and practical forms of protection there is. FEMA supervises the national flood program and our agency can help you write a policy designed specifically for you.</div>Frank Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18238961421422043848noreply@blogger.com0