Friday, December 9, 2011

Last Minute Christmas Shopping, Again?


Insurance: Perfect Gift for Picky Givers

It’s that time of year. Every newspaper bulges with sales fliers, and every television commercial hawks the gotta-have gadget of the season. So who can you really turn to for last minute gift ideas that break the mold?

Let’s face it — many Americans have more than they can manage when it comes to creature comforts: iPhones and iPods and iPads, Vera Bradley bags and Sperry topsiders, Xbox and Wii and Rock Band and Glee (not to mention the perennial Christmas favorites, Snuggies and Slankets in every fashion color, football team logo and animal print known to humankind).

And yet, the non-mainstream gifts, like those in our family, aren’t always instant favorites. With so much clutter in Christmas giving, is there a way to give a gift that’s both memorable and meaningful?

Don’t laugh. You may want to consider insurance.
Here’s why:

  • A life insurance policy for your child, grandchild, godchild or childlike adult may become a gift that keeps on giving. A small policy on its own won’t provide a big return, but it will do something important – protect your child’s future insurability. This becomes important should a serious health issue develop or accident occur later in life.
  • A bike (and a helmet) – If your loved ones can two-wheel it to work or school the old-fashioned way, this gift scores triple points for reducing insurance premium costs due to less regular auto usage, curbing carbon emissions and burning those holiday calories.
  • Renters insurance – If you’ve got an adult son or daughter on the move to independence, consider fronting them the premium for renters insurance. Their precious cargo will be protected and you’ll be gifting them with an important lesson — take care of your things.
  • Umbrella – Not the one for a rainy day — although the foldable ones make nifty stocking stuffers. We’re talking about insurance coverage that extends your liability coverage beyond the limits of your homeowners or auto protection. For the person who has everything (or a lot of things, anyway), personal catastrophe and liability coverage is a worthy way to self-gift.

Talk to your Agent at Murray Insurance Management about which insurance products apply to your situation now — and later. Should you find some big ticket items under the trees, like jewelry, musical instruments, high-end tech gadgets, you might want or need additional coverage to protect them.

Happy Holidays!


Murray Insurance Management December 2011

Friday, December 2, 2011

Winter Storm Disaster and Recover

Don’t Be Snowed Over. 
Adhere to Murray Insurance Winter Storm Advice:

Before and After a Winter Storm

Protect your home by:
  • ·         clearing sidewalks and entranceways
  • ·         keeping gutters free of leaves and debris, so ice dams do not occur and cause water leakage into your house.
  • ·         letting facets drip slowly so water will move and prevent pipes from freezing.
  • ·         winterizing your home by sealing windows and doors, and adding extra insulation.

Protect your car by:
  • ·         checking hoses, battery and antifreeze levels.
  • ·         keeping gas tank filled to prevent condensation from forming in the tank. Such condensation could cause the fuel line to freeze.

Protect your pets by:
  • ·         cleaning any antifreeze spills and storing antifreeze where pets cannot be attracted to its sweet scent.
  • ·         bringing pets indoors, into the house or garage, to provide warm shelter.
  • ·         providing plenty of straw or other warm bedding.
  • ·         remembering to provide fresh water and ensuring the water does not freeze. Use a plastic dish to prevent the pet's tongue from freezing to a metal bowl.
  • ·         checking underneath your car's hood for small animals (like cats) that may have crawled inside seeking warmth.

After the storm
  1.  Clear sidewalks and entranceways from snow and ice to prevent injury.
  2. Call your insurance agent to report any damage to your home.
  3.  Photograph any damaged areas before doing anything to them.
  4. Make temporary repairs only to your home to prevent further damage.
  5. Keep receipts of all materials bought or services rendered involving repairs.
  6. Do not make major, permanent repairs until you reach an agreement with your insurance company.
  7. Avoid downed power lines and contact your local power company to report them.



If you have any questions or problems concerning your insurance coverage, contact us at Murray Insurance Management
19700-A West Catawba Avenue
Cornelius, NC 28031



E-mail:     service@murray-insurance.com
Call us at:                               704.987.9577
Fax Inquiries/Requests to: 704.987.9588