Tips to improve your gas mileage

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Are you looking for ways to save money on gas here in the Deer Park, TX area? Here are some easy tips from us at Shell Insurance Agency to help improve your gas mileage: 

1. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated – under-inflated tires cause you to use more fuel due to unnecessary drag. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate when needed. 

2. Avoid heavy loads – try to keep the extra weight in your car to a minimum. The heavier the load, the less fuel efficient your vehicle will be. 

3. Use cruise control – this helps stabilize the speed of your car and reduce fuel consumption while driving on highways or other roads with minimal stops. 

4. Keep up with regular maintenance – regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other check-ups can help ensure your car is running as efficiently as possible, which can help improve your gas mileage. 

5. Drive sensibly – aggressive driving such as speeding, hard braking, and accelerating all impact fuel efficiency quickly negatively, so try to drive smoothly whenever possible for maximum savings on gas. 

6. Make sure your tires are properly inflated – not having enough air in them can strain the engine and cause it to use more fuel than necessary. Be sure to check your pressure regularly for maximum efficiency. 

For more gas and money-saving tips, call us at Shell Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the Deer Park, TX area and would be happy to help you find an auto policy that meets your needs and budget.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

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Keeping your home safe and protecting the investment you have made is crucial to your financial security. Flood damage can be a devastating event in the life of a homeowner. At Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help you better understand flood insurance options. Keep reading to learn more. 

Is Flood Insurance Included In My Homeowner’s Policy?

Often, flood insurance is not included in a homeowner’s policy. This is because flood risks can be very different from place to place. This makes it difficult for underwriters to create insurance policies that are one size fits all kind of policy. Flood insurance policies often need to be customized to your particular needs and risk factors. 

What’s The Difference Between Natural Flooding and Interior Flooding?

Interior flooding refers to flooding within your home due to plumbing or appliance malfunctions. This type of flooding is often included in your homeowner’s policy. 

Naturally occurring flooding would be flooding that results from natural disasters or events that are taking place outside your home. You often need a flood insurance policy in addition to your homeowner’s policy to cover this type of damage. 

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

The answer to this question can vary from person to person. Some homes are located in areas with so little chance of flooding that they may not be needed. Other homes are located in very high-risk flood zones. The best way to determine whether you need this type of coverage is to talk with an insurance representative. 

To learn more about flood insurance, please get in touch with us at Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Mold?

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Having adequate home insurance is essential for protecting you from losses associated with covered perils. There are many instances where your home could sustain damage and, as a result, develop mold. If you need quality home insurance, you can trust the professionals at Shell Insurance Agency, serving the residents around Deer Park, TX. 

Home Insurance Protection

Most home insurance policies protect the homeowner from incurring losses associated with mold due to a sudden accident or incident that wasn’t the homeowner’s fault. Before choosing a policy for your home, make sure you know the terms and conditions associated with mold coverage and similar points of interest. 

When you work with our team of experts, you can be assured that our agents will thoroughly explain any mold-related details or any other incidents needing clarification. We take the time to match our clients with suitable policy options to ensure they are completely protected. Not only do we help offer the right choices for insurance coverage, but we also assist with the submission of documents, policy changes, and any claim submissions. We are committed to offering our residents the best customer service out there. 

Reach Out Today

If you or someone you know is looking for top-quality home insurance, contact an agent at Shell Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the residents in and around the Deer Park, TX, area. Find out how we can help provide a blanket of protection against risks such as mold and other related damage that threaten your home and health. We are ready to give you the support and answers you need for peace of mind. 

Do You Need Identity Theft Insurance?

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Identity theft is a surprisingly common problem that Americans face, with a new theft occurring every 22 seconds. Identity thefts are expected to increase over time, with many expected to experience financial loss. You should consult an insurance agent for protection if you’re somebody with a high risk of identity theft. Identity theft insurance is one method of many in protecting yourself in this situation. At Shell Insurance Agency, we’re offering identity theft insurance to the people of Deer Park.

How Do I Know if I Need Identity Theft Insurance

Because the internet is now such a pervasive platform, many use it for banking purposes. Americans have a 1 in 6 chance of losing money to a scam. If you have some of your money stored in a digital storage space – like an online banking account or a payment processor – then identity theft insurance comes highly recommended. 

What to Expect From Identity Theft Insurance

There are various types of protection against identity theft, and insurance offers its own set of benefits. In an identity theft insurance plan, you can expect payment if your identity is stolen. It can also cover additional theft-related fees, like legal aid, application charges, or lost wages on the job. When shopping for this insurance, find policies matching your needs.

Finding Identity Theft Insurance from Deer Park, TX

Ready to purchase an insurance plan that covers situations like identity theft? If so, please contact our Deer Park agency at 713-527-2209. Our team would be happy to discuss insurance options with you. 

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

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In Texas, people are expected and required to pay for any accident they cause while driving. Most motorists have auto liability insurance to help cover any expenses for damage to the other vehicle or injuries that anyone suffers due to an accident. Our agents at the Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX are touting the importance of auto insurance and explaining the different types of auto insurance coverage options.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

One of the options that Texas motorists have to choose from when it comes to auto insurance is uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage. This is a great option to have in place if you happen to become involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough to cover everything.

Comprehensive and Collision Insurance Coverage

If you borrowed the money to purchase your vehicle, you are more likely required to have both comprehensive and collision insurance in addition to your liability auto insurance policy. This is because these two types of insurance will help protect your bank’s investment in your vehicle. These two types of coverage options will also help you protect the investment you made in your car. Comprehensive coverage helps you take care of any damage to your vehicle if it involves a natural disaster, vandalism, or fire. It will also help if someone steals your car, truck, or SUV. Collision insurance will help fix your vehicle if you collide with a stationary object or another vehicle when you are behind the wheel of your car.

Contact Us

You can turn to the experienced and trusted agents at the Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX for all your auto insurance needs. Call for a quote today to get your policy started!

Three Wise Ways to Flood-Proof Your Yard

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Torrential rainfall, hurricanes, and floods can all cause significant damage to your Deer Park, TX landscape. From Shell Insurance Agency, here are three wise ways to flood-proof your yard and keep your property safe.

Identify Low Areas in Yard to Elevate or Fill In

1. Look for standing water: Areas, where water collects and stands after a rainstorm or sprinkler use, can indicate low spots in the yard.

2. Measure elevation changes: Use a laser level or another tool to measure elevation differences across your yard. Low spots will have a lower elevation than the surrounding area.

3. Look for drainage patterns: If you have a large yard, look for signs of water draining away from specific areas. This could indicate that those areas are lower than the rest of the yard.

Install Sloping Landscapes to Guide Water Away From House

Installing sloping landscapes around your home can help prevent flooding by guiding water away from the house and its foundation. Sloping landscapes are designed to direct surface runoff away from the house, preventing it from pooling around the foundation and causing water damage. They also help prevent water from entering the home in heavy rainfall or floods. By directing water away from the house, sloping landscapes help reduce the risk of flooding, property damage, and costly repairs.

Choose Plants That Can Withstand Flooding

Flood-tolerant plants can be an excellent asset for properties prone to flooding. They have deep roots that help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and reducing the risk of landslides or mudslides. Additionally, these plants can provide a buffer against rising waters and help absorb excess moisture, thus lessening the impact of flooding on your property.

At Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX, we provide flood insurance to protect you and your property. With us, you can trust that you’ll be getting quality coverage and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered in case of a flood. Contact us today to discover more!

What every new homeowner should know about home insurance

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Most new homeowners don’t have a lot of knowledge about home insurance. They count on their insurance agent to ensure they have the right coverage. At Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX, we get to know our customers so that we can offer you the right choice. 

You can choose the deductible amount that is right for you

Having a higher deductible can help make your home insurance more affordable. But, the amount you choose has to be reasonable for you to pay if you file a claim. The deductible is usually between $500 and $2000 but can go as high as $5,000. It is also important to know that the deductible is on every claim; it is not a yearly amount. 

Not everything is covered by home insurance.

Home insurance policies have exclusions, things that just aren’t covered. Some things not covered are:

  • Floods
  • Earth movement
  • Sewer backup
  • Wear and tear
  • Owner neglect 

Home riders you may want to add

Riders, also called endorsements, are additions to your policy that either expand the overage you already have or add excluded coverage. You should consider a jewelry rider if you have more than a small amount of jewelry. You need to provide an appraisal for valuable pieces. If you have antiques or expensive electronics, these also need an additional coverage rider. 

What type of coverage does home insurance provide?

Home insurance offers very important coverage for your home. Property insurance covers the basic structure and any attachments. Unattached garages, sheds, and casitas are also covered. The content of your home is covered. You have liability insurance coverage and loss of use protection which helps you have a place to stay if your home is damaged. 

Contact Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX if you have questions about home insurance.

Three reasons why everyone should have ID theft protection

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Shell Insurance Agency is here to serve the insurance needs of the Deer Park, TX community. If you have questions about ID theft insurance and how it can help to protect you, we are here to answer them. Call our office or stop by today to find out more.

Top reasons why you should have ID theft protection

  1. ID theft insurance is an effective way to avoid serious financial problems. When your ID is stolen, it can lead to a lot more headaches than just having your accounts changed. Hackers typically use the data they steal to open credit accounts and mortgages. Protecting yourself from this financial risk is smart in today’s environment. 
  2. You can maintain tighter control over your data and information. It can feel like a challenge to successfully protect your privacy and personal data in today’s online world. With an ID theft protection policy, you can access the resources necessary to keep your personal data and online information safe. 
  3. It is an effective way to protect your credit profile and score. We all know how important a healthy credit score is to obtain a loan or open a credit card account. Ensure you have the protection you need to keep a strong credit score. An ID theft policy can alert you to unusual activity before it becomes a problem. 

Contact us today!

If you live in the greater Deer Park, TX area, Shell Insurance Agency is here to help with all your insurance needs. Most people spend a lot of time online and protecting your data, and privacy only makes sense! Give our office a call today and learn more about this important type of insurance. 

Four Add-ons to Consider For Your Auto Insurance

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Auto insurance can be such a life-saver when involved in an accident. It protects you and your vehicle when life serves you with lemons. While standard auto insurance works, sometimes it can fall short. For this reason, Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX advises clients to consider “add-ons” to boost their basic car insurance. But since there are several add-ons to consider, we have narrowed them down to four that are well worth your cash.

Umbrella Insurance

Are you a high-net-worth individual? Are you at a high risk of being sued? If yes, consider umbrella insurance. This policy takes over from where your conventional liability coverage leaves off. Your car liability coverage will likely max out if faced with a significant liability claim. In such instances, umbrella insurance takes over, preserving your assets and personal savings.

Roadside Assistance

Do you frequently travel long distances? Your auto insurance could use a roadside assistance add-on. This coverage saves the day when your car breaks down miles away from your residence. So, when you encounter a flat battery, puncture, or empty tank, you don’t have to make frantic calls to your friends and relatives. You need to call your insurer for help.

Zero depreciation cover

You should consider this coverage if you own a vehicle over three years old. If your car is stolen or written off after an accident, your insurer compensates you for the loss, less the depreciation factor. If you want to buy a vehicle similar to the one you have insured, you will have to fork out the difference from your pocket. However, you can cushion yourself from depreciation by purchasing “zero depreciation” coverage.

Engine protect coverage

Your standard auto insurance only covers engine damage when a covered peril destroys it; in case of an oil leak or water logging, you must purchase an add-on to cover the damage.

Would you like to learn more about car insurance? Please reach out to Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX, and its surrounding area.

Can FEMA Re-map Your Town?

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You bought a home that doesn’t sit in a flood zone, but when FEMA updated its flood maps, you received notice that you do own a home in a flood zone. Here’s how to handle that problem.

Shell Insurance Agency knows that your Deer Park, TX home means a lot to you. That’s why you insure it. When you purchased your home, it may not have appeared in a flood zone on any map. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducts regular research in the area of floods and updates the US flood maps accordingly. Your community can also decide to re-visit the flood maps and update the flood zones.

FEMA and Community Agencies Can Re-map

When the agency updates the flood maps for Deer Park, it can result in your home and others moving into a flood zone that requires federal flood insurance. Typically, this occurs due to a flood or series of flash floods striking the area.

Re-mapping causes homeowners who previously did not need to purchase flood insurance to need to do so. The Agency requires this to ensure that each homeowner can repair or rebuild after a flood, since homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood or rising water damage.

Updating Your Insurance Coverage

While it’s rare that this occurs, it can happen. Shell Insurance Agency can help you obtain flood insurance locally. Our insurance policies meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which works in conjunction with FEMA.

Let us help you properly insure your Deer Park, TX home against flood. Contact us if you find that either FEMA or your community updated the flood map for Deer Park and your home or business now falls within a flood zone that requires coverage.