Safeco Insurance® honors Paschall Insurance Group for the fifth year in a row with Membership in the Safeco® Premier Partner Program

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Published on Wednesday, April 05 2017 15:15

Paschall Insurance Group, LLC has been selected for membership in the Safeco Premier Partner Program for the fifth year in a row.  This elite program recognizes the outstanding achievement and partnership of only the best insurance agencies.

Fewer than 10% of independent insurance agencies that sell Safeco personal lines products receive this distinguished honor.

At Paschall Insurance Group, we are pleased to be among the top agencies in the country!

As a member in the Safeco Premier Partner Program, Paschall Insurance Group will receive access to special resources and programs that will support us in serving our customers even better with expert data and advice.

Paschall Insurance Group continuously strives to provide our clients with the absolute best products and services available in the industry; this distinct honor helps to recognize our achievements and success!  We are extremely proud to carry this Safeco honor for the fifth year in a row! 

After the Storm: How to Check Your Property for Damage

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Published on Tuesday, March 28 2017 15:02

Conduct a Storm Damage Inspection

The beauty of spring is often tempered by powerful storms, with heavy rains, strong winds and destructive hail. Through it all, your home protects you from the elements, so be sure to check it for damage afterward.

Even if you have no reason to suspect that damage occurred, check your home and its surroundings (once it’s safe to do so, of course). It’s important to identify problems, make emergency repairs and determine if an insurance claim is necessary.

Here’s a handy list of things to check after a storm from the National Storm Damage Center:

Roof Your roof might be the area of your home most vulnerable to damage in a storm, because so many things can impact it. Whether you’ve had high winds and downed tree branches or just a simple hailstorm, look for these indicators of damage:

• Holes in the roof  
• Split seams  
• Missing shingles  
• Leaks in your roof or ceiling

Building Exteriors While siding, stucco and brick all are durable, they also are susceptible to storm damage. In some instances, homeowners don’t notice until it’s too late to file a claim, so check carefully for:

• Cracking, chipping or dings and dents on siding. Even if there doesn’t appear to be damage at first, check again at a different time of day. You may see something you missed when the lighting is different.  
• Holes in stucco. This is a serious problem, even when small, so look closely. If you find holes, have a professional conduct a full property inspection.  
• Damaged brick and tuck pointing. While brick typically holds up well, a check can identify any problem areas.  
• Detached or damaged trim, gutters, etc.

Driveways and Walkways Concrete can chip, crack and split, not only reducing the lifespan of your driveway or walkway, but potentially creating a safety issue.

Trees:   Fallen trees and limbs cause more than $1 billion in damage each year, according to the National Storm Damage Center. Keep in mind that property owners generally are responsible for removing trees and limbs that have fallen on their property, even if it is a tree from a neighbor’s yard. Your insurance policy may help to cover the cost of removal and repairs, depending on the coverage you have and the circumstances of the incident. (There are exceptions to this, depending on the maintenance of the tree, so check with your insurance agent.)

General Tips

• Severe storms often will knock down power lines. If this happens on your property, rope off 30 feet in each direction around the line and do not touch it. Call 911 and the power company immediately.  
• Be sure to do a full check of your property, including things such as your air-conditioning unit, fences, vent caps, etc. And don’t forget to check your vehicles if they were not garaged at the time of the storm.  
• Don’t forget the crawl space. “Most people don’t ever look down there,” according to J. Szczesny, owner of 4 Seasons Home Inspections in Seattle and a Certified Master Inspector. “You need to be sure no water is getting in, and, if it is, make sure it is removed quickly via a sump pump or underground drainage system.”  
• Take pictures of all damage from different angles. You want to document as much as possible.

Finally, knowing the details of your homeowners coverage, your limits and your deductibles can help you during the insurance claims process. It’s a great idea to examine your policy and know what your homeowners insurance covers now, before the storm.