F Joseph Flaugh Insurance Agency F Joseph Flaugh Insurance Agency F Joseph Flaugh Insurance Agency

1355 E. Napier Ave.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

Call Now: 269.925.0611

Fax: 269.925.1010

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Agent Profiles
  • Coverages
    • Auto Insurance
    • Boat Insurance
    • Business Insurance
    • Disability Income
    • Health Insurance
    • Home Insurance
    • IRAs & Annuities
    • Life Insurance
    • Long Term Care
  • Client Services
  • Request a Quote
    • Auto Insurance Quote Form
    • Home Insurance Quote Form
    • Life Insurance Quote Form
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

Blog

How to Handle Insurance Claims for Hail and Storm Damage

04 March 2022

Spring is the time of year where random hit-and-miss storms bring high winds, hail, flooding downpours, lightning and thunder to our area. If you are a homeowner unlucky enough to experience one of these bad storms, knowing how to deal with the aftermath can make all the difference on getting your life back to normal.

After major wind or hail storm has hit your area, it can be apparent that your home is in need of repair. Missing or torn shingles, dented or scarred siding, cracked windows, downed gutter spouts can be some or all of the side effects of hundred balls of ice being pelted against your home.


Immediately after the Storm Contact Insurance Company and Contractor:
When a storm does such a large amount of damage to your home, it can be intimidating and surreal. Now is not the time for panic or inaction. It is important to reach out to your insurance agency and a contractor you can trust as soon as possible.


Get your facts all in a row:
Take pictures of any pieces of hail against a measuring tape or ruler and a round object similar in size, such a ping-pong ball similar in size
Note the date and exact time that the storm hit
Take plenty of photos of your home’s interior and exterior, plus surrounding property
Be sure to focus on any obvious signs of damage, such as dented siding and torn shingles
Check out roof, siding, windows, gutters and doors
Don’t forget to check out any equipment, such as air conditioner for damage


Storm and Hail Damage Is NOT Always Visible:
Keep in mind that the effects of storm and hail damage can be invisible for a while. A few months later, a homeowner may discover a leak caused by damaged shingles that went unnoticed. That is why it’s important to have a professional contractor come out to access your home.


Most important of all, is prior to any storms, contact Flaugh Insurance Agency to ensure your home and auto coverage is up to date.
Flaugh Insurance is an independent, family owned, local agent who writes with several national carriers. We can service all of your insurance needs no matter where you are located - Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Hartford, Coloma, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, and many more! Call our office today to review your insurance at 269-925-0611 or visit Flaugh.com.

Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Call us to check your Insurance Coverage before your Guests Arrive

01 February 2022

If you are hosting a Super Bowl Party, it’s important to understand your homeowners or renters insurance policy and make sure you’re covered if the unexpected happens.

 

Damage to your home

If you’re having a party at your home or apartment, your homeowners and renters insurance policy may cover things like:

Fire and smoke - property in your home that could be damaged by fire or smoke; be sure to check your smoke detectors before guests arrive

Vandalism - property in your home that could be broken

Theft - property in your home that could be stolen

Broken windows - home windows that could be broken

 

Injury to a guest

You never know when something could go wrong at a party. That’s why it’s important to have enough liability coverage for:

Accidents or issues resulting from alcohol you’re serving

Guests getting sick from the food you’re serving

Damage to equipment any vendors, like photographers, bands or caterers, might bring

If your dog bites a guest

Guests having a slip, trip or fall on your property

Remember, the more people you have in your home, the more potential liability. Why not consider a Personal Umbrella Policy. It kicks in when your homeowners policy runs out of coverage, which helps you protect your personal assets.

 

Damage to your stuff

Some items in your home might be more valuable than what’s covered under your homeowners policy. A Personal Articles Policy can help make sure you’re protected.

Create a home inventory before the party starts. If anything, like an accident or theft, happens to something you own, you’ll have a record for your insurance company.

 

Keep your guests safe

Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food.

Don’t pressure guests to drink quickly or rush to refill their empty glasses.

Stop serving alcohol toward the end of the party.

If a guest has had too much to drink, call a cab or ride share service, arrange a ride with a sober guest, or have them sleep at your home or apartment.

Remind all your guests to wear seat belts on the way home.

 

Most of all, remember to call Flaugh Insurance for all your insurance needs at 269-925-0611. Flaugh Insurance is an independent, family owned, local agent who writes with several national carriers. We can service all of your insurance needs no matter where you are located - Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Hartford, Coloma, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, and many more! Call our office today to review your insurance at 269-925-0611 or visit Flaugh.com.

I have Life Insurance through work. Isn’t that enough?

01 December 2021

Many employers offer low cost or free life insurance as a benefit; the policy offered usually has a low face value or not be a comprehensive plan suited for your individual needs and lifestyle.

Here are some other disadvantages of an employer life insurance policy:

 

  • • THE VALUE OF THE POLICY MAY BE TOO LOW

If you have a spouse or dependents, it is suggested to obtain a life insurance policy that is worth at least 6 to 10 times your annual salary to cover costs such as but not limited to; childcare, mortgage or rent costs, student loans, and credit card debt.

  • • YOU CAN LOSE COVERAGE IF YOUR JOB SITUATION CHANGES

If you change jobs, get laid off, retire, or reduced to part time status; you could lose your coverage. This can mean you lose your life insurance policy when you need it the most.

  • • YOUR WORKPLACE POLICY MIGHT BE OVERLY EXPENSIVE

Many employer sponsored life insurance policy rates increase over time unlike an individualized term life insurance policy which rates are locked in.

  • • WORKPLACE POLICIES ARE NOT TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

Options are limited through workplace life insurance policies and may leave you under-insured and exposed.

  • • WORKPLACE POLICIES ARE A BENEFIT NOT A GUARANTEE

An employer can change or stop offering life insurance coverage without your consent as the contract is between the employer and insurer.

  • • WORKPLACE POLICIES MAY NOT OFFER SPOUSE COVERAGE

Do not assume just the highest income earner in the household needs life insurance. Any sudden and unexpected decrease in household income will create an economic hardship in the family.

 

Don’t be left unprotected! Contact us today at 269-925-0611 to explore your options. We write with numerous top rated Life Insurance carriers and can customize a plan to fit your needs so you and your family are protected.

Flaugh Insurance is an independent, family owned, local agent who writes with several national carriers. We can service all of your insurance needs no matter where you are located - Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Hartford, Coloma, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, and many more! Call our office today to review your insurance at 269-925-0611!

How your New Year’s Resolutions can save you money on Life Insurance!

03 January 2022

Eat Healthier & Exercise

Exercising and eating better may lower your weight, which Life Insurance companies’ factor into calculating your policy premium. Keeping up your healthy habits will lead to better health as you age, meaning more affordable premiums if you need to buy a new policy when you’re older.

Quit Smoking & Drinking

The key is that it’s about sticking to your resolutions. Most providers will still treat you like a smoker if you’re using nicotine patches or gum to wean off of a tobacco habit. If you remain tobacco free for at least a year, you can have your Life Insurance policy reviewed for a possible decrease in premium.

Create a New Budget

January is a great time to start a new budget and savings plan. Being financially smart and savvy, could get you a better rate with Life Insurance. Many companies will consider your credit score and past late payments history when reviewing your application and rates.

Insurance underwriters price your policy based on your health and lifestyle. If your goals for next year will improve your health or finances, life insurance companies could offer you lower rates. However, it’s safest to get coverage as soon as possible, even if your health or lifestyle might make your policy more expensive while you’re making changes. Buy a policy now to ensure your loved ones are protected and reapply or ask for reconsideration for lower premiums in the future.

Don’t be left unprotected! Contact us today at 269-925-0611 to explore your options or visit our website at flaugh.com to fill out a FREE online quote form. We write with numerous top rated Life Insurance carriers and can customize a plan to fit your needs so you and your family are protected.

Flaugh Insurance is an independent, family owned, local agent who writes with several national carriers. We can service all of your insurance needs no matter where you are located - Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Hartford, Coloma, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, and many more! Call our office today to review your insurance at 269-925-0611 or visit Flaugh.com.

Giving Thanks for your Insurance Coverage this Thanksgiving

02 November 2021

During the celebratory season of Fall, most people are not thinking about their Home and Auto Insurance Coverage when they are sitting around the table enjoying the Thanksgiving feast.


Despite Insurance not being the most delicious or exciting part of the season; here are the Top 4 reasons to be thankful for your Insurance Policy this year-


1. Coverage for Accidental Home Cooking fires
2. Coverage for Guest Accidental Injuries
3. Coverage for Car Accidents
4. Coverage for Theft of Personal Property

 

So this year, when going around the table sharing what you are thankful for this year, mention “Insurance”. If anything, you will get a few laughs from your friends and family.

 

At Flaugh Insurance Agency, we wish you a safe and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Flaugh Insurance is an independent, family owned, local agency who writes with several national carriers. We can service all of your insurance needs no matter where you are located - Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Hartford, Coloma, Watervliet, Berrien Springs, and many more! Call our office today to review your insurance at 269-925-0611 or visit flaugh.com to fill out your FREE online quote form.

More Articles ...

  1. Interesting Fact about Insurance Part 2
  2. Interesting Facts about Insurance Part 1
  3. Summertime Life Insurance
  4. June National Insurance Day
Page 1 of 4
  • Start
  • Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next
  • End
  • Facebook

Hours of Operation

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed

Contact Us

Call Now: 269.925.0611
Fax: 269.925.1010
Email Us
1355 E. Napier Ave.
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
Statements on this web site as to policies and coverages provide general information only. This information is not an offer to sell insurance. Insurance coverage cannot be bound or changed via submission of any online form/application provided on this site or otherwise, e-mail, voice mail or facsimile. No binder, insurance policy, change, addition, and/or deletion to insurance coverage goes into effect unless and until confirmed directly by a licensed agent. Any proposal of insurance we may present to you will be based upon the information you provide to us via this online form/application and/or in other communications with us. Please contact our office at 269-925-0611 to discuss specific coverage details and your insurance needs. All coverages are subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the actual policy issued. Not all policies or coverages are available in every state. Information provided on this site does not constitute professional advice; if you have legal, tax or financial planning questions, you should contact an appropriate professional. Any hypertext links to other sites are provided as a convenience only; we have no control over those sites and do not endorse or guarantee any information provided by those sites.
Bootstrap is a front-end framework of Twitter, Inc. Code licensed under Apache License v2.0. Font Awesome font licensed under SIL OFL 1.1.