homeowner's insuracee Archives

August 27, 2019 by Lauren Sullivan

We are excited to welcome Brian Fleury to the team as a Personal Lines and Small Commercial Distribution Leader! In this role, Brian will lead the personal lines and core business unit teams in strategies for new business development, retention practices and book of business analysis to maximize profitability. To learn more about Brian, check out this Q&A:

Q: How did you get into the insurance industry?

A: I started as an Allstate agent in 2009 and later transitioned to Chubb as a marketing/sales representative in 2012.

Q: Are you seeing any new trends in the industry?

A: An increasing number of insurance agencies are selling to large multi-national brokers and private equity backed firms. These organizations are often focused on large commercial accounts, and typically, don’t show much interest in providing insurance solutions for small businesses and individuals. This creates a fantastic opportunity for a local, independent agency like The Prewitt Group to step in and tailor insurance coverage to this growing segment of the population.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working for The Prewitt Group?

A: It’s absolutely the people that make up the agency. Everyone takes a lot of pride and accountability in their work – it shows great dedication to our clients daily.

Q: Who’s your biggest role model?

A: My dad has always set a tremendous example as a family leader and hard worker. Plus, he is always available as a friend and mentor.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: Always work hard and put forth your best effort, but also remember to work smart. Harder is not always better. Sometimes harder is just harder.

Q: What are three words that describe you?

A: Perseverant. Committed. Analytical.

Q: What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I’m originally from Connecticut and moved to Birmingham in January 2005 to work in minor league baseball for the Barons. It was supposed to be a temporary assignment, but instead I met my now wife a few months into living here and never left.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.” – Wade Griffith

Q: Favorite travel spot/vacation?

A: New York City

Q: Favorite spot to hangout in Birmingham?

A: Pretty much any golf course in town.

Q: Hobbies?

A: Enjoying time away with my family at Lake Martin, playing golf and other sports activities.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My wife Courtney and I have been married for 9 years and have two kids, a 3-year-old daughter, Kate, and a 10-month-old son, Jamey.

July 30, 2019 by Lauren Sullivan

It’s that time of year again: back-to-school! Are you sending a child off to college? If so, don’t forget to review your insurance coverage before they go back to campus. Remember, your insurance needs change as you and your family members reach certain life milestones. Plus, college is expensive enough without incurring unexpected expenses of an accident uncovered by your current policies.

Health Insurance

Is your child staying on your health insurance policy? If so, he/she is covered until they turn 26. If your child is going to school out of state, check with your insurance company to see how their out-of-state coverage works and ensure that there are in-network providers near the college. If not covered by their parent’s policy, college students have other health care options, such as enrolling in the student health plan offered or purchasing an individual policy.

Car Insurance

Is your child taking a car to campus? Be sure they are covered on your policy or have an individual policy that provides enough coverage. If they are going to college out of state, make sure they at least have the minimum coverage required by that state. Even if your child isn’t taking a car to school, it’s smart for them to remain insured so they are protected when driving a borrowed car.

Homeowners or Renters Insurance

Unfortunately, theft and burglary are very common on college campuses. Whether your child is living in a dorm, apartment or house, you will want to protect their valuables. Students who live on-campus are usually covered by their parent’s homeowners insurance policy as long as they are listed as a dependent on their policy. However, the extent of coverage depends on policy specifics and limitations, so it’s a good idea to check your policy before relying on it.

Students who live off-campus should obtain a renters insurance policy to protect their valuables and their bank accounts in the case of unfortunate situations, such as fire, theft or on-premise injuries. While renters insurance does NOT cover the building itself, it does cover the stuff in your rented house/apartment, like furniture, valuables and cash. A renters insurance policy can also cover liabilities and additional living expenses, if needed. Renters insurance is fairly affordable, but it’s important to understand the coverage and limitations of your policy.

All in all, it’s best to inform your insurance agent that you have a child going to college and discuss the additional coverage he/she needs depending on your current policies.

March 12, 2019February 26, 2019 by Lauren Sullivan

The wet, wintry months are almost over, and spring is just around the corner! While you may be ready to jump into spring, is your home? Cold temperatures, ice and heavy rain are really hard on your home. Before you head outside to enjoy the sunshine, warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, it’s important to freshen up and protect your home with some spring cleaning and maintenance.

Prevent water damage and get your home ready for spring with this spring cleaning and maintenance checklist. We’ll work from top to bottom and from the exterior to the interior. Here goes…

Check your roof and chimneys for damage: Inspect your roof, shingles, flashing, eaves, and overhangs for signs of damage. Your roof is often the first line of defense against water entering your home, so it’s vital that it is doing its job. If you notice any damage, contact a professional roofer for repairs before it becomes a significant problem.
Clean gutters and downspouts: Improper drainage from your gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool around your foundation. While spring showers are unlikely to flood your home, consistent water around your foundation is likely to cause water damage.
Pressure wash the siding of your home: Once this is complete, carefully inspect all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. Deal with any problem areas quickly to avoid further damage! Sand the area, apply a primer and repaint.
Examine the exterior caulking of your home: Damage or deterioration to the exterior walls could allow water, insects, rodents and even birds to enter your home. Make sure there are no leaks or drafts around doors or windows. If there are, seal them with caulk.
Wash and weather-proof windows and doors: Wash windows and screens inside and out. If damaged, repair or replace them. Gaps in windows and doors can also allow water to enter your home. Make sure that windows and doors form a firm seal. Replace weather stripping and fill gaps with caulk, if necessary.
Check your basement for cracks and leaks: Inspect your foundation walls, the floors, concrete and any mason work for cracking, damage or deterioration. If you notice multiple bricks are losing their mortar or significant cracks in the concrete, bring a professional in as soon as possible to assess your foundation’s status and prevent any further deterioration.
Check for fire hazards: Frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs are potential fire hazards. Outlets, fuse boxes and extension cords also should be checked to make sure they are not overloaded. Built-up lint in the hose of your clothes dryer can also cause a fire, so be sure to vacuum it occasionally.
Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and ensure they are in working order. Be sure your fire extinguisher is accessible and in good condition in case of an emergency.
Be sure your air conditioner, furnace and water heater are running efficiently: Schedule spring maintenance for your air conditioner and water heater and change the furnace filters to keep them in good working order!

Whether you tackle a few tasks each day or set aside an entire weekend, a thorough home inspection after the last frost of the season can help you spot damage before it becomes a larger issue. Happy spring cleaning!

December 18, 2018 by Lauren Sullivan

The new year gives us the opportunity for a fresh start. It’s the season for goal-setting and resolutions. It’s also a good time to ask yourself, “What could go wrong this year?” and “How would my insurance company respond if the worst scenario occurred?”

Reflect on the happenings of the past year and evaluate your insurance policies to guarantee you’re covered in the coming year. Consider your family, business, property, home, health, vehicle, etc. A lot can change over the course of a year, and sometimes those changes may impact your insurance coverage. Here are a few items to asses to ensure you’re covered in 2019:

Health insurance: Did you recently enroll or change your health insurance? Make sure you have your new insurance cards and before you visit a doctor and verify that they are in your provider network.
Life insurance coverage: Major life changes, such as a birth, divorce, remarriage or even a new mortgage or new job, are indicators that you might need to make changes to your life insurance policy.
Homeowner’s insurance: Take account of your assets with a detailed home inventory. This is the best way to determine the appropriate level of coverage needed. It’s also a good idea to know your deductible amounts and check to see if you’re eligible for any discounts.
Auto insurance: Driving underinsured is not a good way to enter the new year. Examine your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. Talk with your agent to determine how raising or lowering this amount would affect your premium.
Commercial coverage: Take inventory of your business. Be sure you have coverage for all locations and aspects of your business. If you’ve purchased new real estate or equipment, added new operations, expanded your online presence or made any other drastic business changes in the past year, be sure your insurance agent is aware.

The Prewitt Group is committed to mitigating risk by understanding your needs and delivering customized services to fit those needs. We would be happy to meet with you and discuss strategies that will empower you and/or your company in fulfilling insurance needs for the new year. Contact us today!

August 28, 2018 by The Prewitt Group

Whether it’s a car accident involving expensive medical bills, an incident on your property, or a slander claim, the damage expenses you’re responsible for can add up quickly and exceed the limits of your auto or homeowner’s insurance policies. Plus, unexpected events like these could easily result in a costly lawsuit.

August 27, 2018February 13, 2018 by The Prewitt Group

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J.R. Prewitt & Associates is thrilled to honor Cathi Berry as the 2017 Employee of the Year! After 7 years of serving J.R. Prewitt’s clients as a Claims Coordinator, Cathi is more than deserving of this honor. Cathi not only successfully juggles countless claims, but she also brings a positive attitude to the team and is always a joy to be around. To get to know the 2017 Employee of the Year, check out this Q&A:

August 27, 2018December 27, 2017 by The Prewitt Group

As we venture into the New Year, it’s time to reflect on the happenings, both good and bad, of the past year and evaluate your insurance policies to guarantee you’re covered in the coming year. It’s a good time to ask yourself: “What could possibly go wrong over the course of the coming year?” Consider your business, family, property, home, health, vehicle, etc. How would your insurance company respond if the worst scenario occurred?

August 27, 2018November 28, 2017 by The Prewitt Group

Along with the cheerful hustle and bustle of the holiday season unfortunately comes increased risks to yourself, your family and your business. It may be something as simple as slipping on an icy sidewalk, a flare-up in your oven while you’re cooking or a mishap while hanging decorations. Or it could be more serious, such as robbery, identity theft or a death in the family.

The Prewitt Group Welcomes Brian Fleury to the Team