David Yates Insurance Agency

Doh -- a deer!

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:52:00 +0000

We're nearing the peak of the deer-mating season, the time to be extra watchful for deer while you are driving. In fact, about half of all deer-related crashes happen in October, November, and December here in Tennessee.

Tips to avoid deer-related crashes, courtesy of The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Highway Patrol:

• When you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow. Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit.
• Be attentive and drive defensively constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic causing a serious crash. Swerving can also confuse the deer as to where to run.
• When you spot a deer, slow down immediately. Proceed slowly when passing.
• If you do collide with a deer, never approach the animal. They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human. Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

If you don't own the place you live, here's some must-know help...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 15:54:00 +0000

Most of us have heard of renter's insurance, right? If you're renting at one of the major apartment complexes in Franklin TN and the surrounding area, your landlord/property manager probably required you to get a renter's policy with at least some basic amount of Liability coverage.

But what if your landlord doesn't require it, or ...

...you're just living at a friend's house for a couple years while they are working at a job elsewhere?

...you live in a home owned by a family member who lives somewhere else.

...you just pay to stay in one room while the owner of the property also lives on site?

...maybe you don't even pay rent, so how could you be considered a "renter"?

Let's look at it another way. If you don't own the place you live, don't assume that, just because you live there, whatever insurance the owner of the building has in place covers you and your things. A policy written for the owner of a property, would generally be focused on helping the owner recover from a covered loss. The owner. NOT the tenant/occupant.

Without a renter's insurance policy, a tenant could well find themselves on their own to replace everything they've lost - AND might additionally be faced with the extra expense of having to find another place to live...all of which could easily tally up to far more than a minimal renter's insurance policy might cost for a year.

AND...what if you were to be found liable for harm to someone, or damage to their property. What if you were the one who caused the fire that burned down the place you were staying? Sure, the home or apartment would be rebuilt, paid for by the landlord's insurance...but it might not end there. If you were negligent, the insurance company could sue you to recover what they spent on rebuilding.

Whether the place you don't own, but do reside, is a house, apartment, or single room, whether you pay to stay there or not, can we just agree you most likely own something, need a place to live, and could possibly do some harm to someone or their property for which you could be held liable? All good reasons to make sure you have appropriate renter's insurance protection of your own.

Good news: renter's policies are generally among the most economical of insurance policies, and many of them are flexible enough to accommodate as much or as little personal property as you wish.

We encourage our clients who are owners/landlords to make this a priority, too. After all, wouldn't you feel bad if your tenant were to find him- or herself homeless and property-less after a major claim...especially if that tenant is a friend or relative? Being clear on the front end about where the owner's coverage ends and the tenant's responsibility begins could save both parties headaches and expense down the line.

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

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Leaf nothing to chance...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 17:29:00 +0000

The autumn change of seasons can be spectacular. The thrilling colors and invigorating cooler temperatures make it a favorite for many of us. Whenever things are changing, though, it pays to be extra aware of our surroundings and take a little additional care.

Those vivid falling leaves, of course, are one of the most iconic features of the season. Each drifting crimson or gold masterpiece, on its own, likely doesn't pose much of a hazard...but a number of them together, plus a little rain, can be seriously slippery. This is something to look out for as we drive to and from all of the events of this busy season. For those of us on whose properties leaves tend to collect, it's something that requires proactive and ongoing management. If leaves accumulate on the roof or in gutters, they can, over time, damage your home. Leaves on your driveway, sidewalk, or yard could be a slip and fall risk for your family and guests, or could obscure the view of features or objects on your property that might cause someone to trip and injure themselves. In short, left unchecked, fall leaves could become a liability issue. It is important for homeowners and business owners to be diligent in their fall landscape management efforts to keep conditions safe for all who come onto their property.

And how about the dropping temperatures and shorter hours of daylight? Are you and your vehicles prepared? Driving visibility is less in those darker hours. Be careful, and make sure your headlights and signals are in good working order. Many cars' headlights are on automatically whenever the car is running (we love this feature), but if your car's lights are strictly manual, don't be afraid to turn them on a bit early, as opposed to late, to help make sure the other day-into-twilight commuters can readily see you. In addition to being ready for more dark-driving, your normal morning and evening commute may suddenly include a differently-timed blaze of sunrise or sunset, so take extra care (and maybe a good pair of driving sunglasses).

Fall is a big season for sporting events and outdoor activities, which can mean more people out and on the move in places and at hours they might not be at other times of the year. Add to that seasonal changes in animal behavior, migration patterns, etc... deer, birds, pedestrians...all merit an extra measure of awareness and adaptability to help keep you and them as safe as possible.

With the changing temperatures, frost on roads, bridges, overpasses can become a factor. Assure your tires and brakes are in peak condition, watch your speed, and allow extra following distance. Where possible, time or alter your route to accommodate seasonal changes. As always, keep a close eye on tire pressure, too, which can be affected by a number of things, including fluctuating temperatures.

It can be easy for many of us to be in a hurry as we hop in our vehicle to go wherever we are going. It may be tempting to ignore a bit of frost or condensation, or scrape just a strip so you can "mostly" see, but, no matter how short the jaunt, please don't EVER skimp at all when it comes to visibility! It's well worth the few extra moments to assure you have the full, clear view needed any time you are behind the wheel. Make sure you have a high-quality windshield scraper (or two) in each of your vehicles, and that the heating and defrost functions of your vehicles are performing optimally.

It's easy to think now, on this summer-like first day of fall in Franklin TN and Middle Tennessee, that there's plenty of time to get around to these things, but we encourage you to be ahead of the game.

Fall is a season of change. Think ahead, prepare, and plan now so that, as this amazing season (that is so especially amazing in this part of the country) progresses, you'll be ready and free to fully enjoy it all as safely as possible.

Happy fall!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

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One final item on your spring travel checklist...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 22:01:00 +0000

Thank goodness insurance is there to help with some of life's "unforeseeables," but wouldn't life just be simpler if we could foresee everything and therefore avoid the unpleasant stuff? We like to plan for safety where we can, and the spring travel season brings a lot of extra subject matter to mind. You leave your home behind when you go on vacation, which has implications for your home, your stuff, and YOU...

First, your HOME:

Most of us make a point of doing a thorough check before we leave to make sure everything that should be turned off, unplugged, or put away before we leave is, but how about making sure your home itself is in good shape for your trip? Are the roof sound, the gutters clear, and the earth graded such that water flows away from the home? Are trees and bushes trimmed back so branches are not likely to touch or fall on your home and would-be burglars don't find opportunities to hide? Are your heating/cooling systems on conservative settings so they don't have to work too hard while you're away, and have they been checked recently to make sure they are functioning properly with no shorts or worn parts? Are the mail and paper stopped so as not to tip anyone off to your absence? How about some of those nifty light timers (UL-approved ones, of course!)? And, finally, have you designated a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to look in on things while you're away?

Next, that leave YOU and your STUFF, out in the world, taking a departure from the familiar:
Make sure essential phone numbers are in your phone in case something comes up - your family doctor, credit card companies in case cards are stolen, perhaps the number for your insurer(!)...

If travelling by car, don't forget to have an emergency kit along, just in case. Also, you'll probably have more stuff in the vehicle than usual. Do it the right way. Keep any valuables well-secured and out of sight (includes stashing any appealing tech-toys passengers may be using en route when you hit the gas station or rest area), and don't load the passenger area with anything that might shift, lurch, or move abruptly out of position and injure a passenger in the event of a sudden stop. If travelling with pets, keep their safety in mind, too, making sure they are secure in sturdy, approved, well-ventilated travel carriers. It may be tempting to let them roam freely so you can enjoy their company over the miles, but that could be a distraction for you and likely not in their best interest in the event of a sudden stop, etc. (Here's an ASPCA link we linked with some more good thoughts for travel with pets - https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips )

...and (do we have to say it?) LOCK THE CAR. Even if you're only stepping out for a few moments at a friendly-looking fruit and vegetable stand in the middle of nowhere. You just don't know. Hey, surely you've got the 4 extra seconds it takes to lock/unlock the door...you're on vacation, for goodness' sake!

As you draw near you destination, in addition to watching for favorite restaurants and attractions, keep an eye out for essentials in the area - drugstores, hospitals, and such.

So...out of the car, into the hotel room at last. Make sure to take a good look at that map inside the door so you'll know your escape route, if needed, and confirm any unexpected arrivals at your hotel room door with the front desk.

Virtually infinite opportunities for relaxation and adventure await . Enjoy, but keep in mind you are outside of familiar territory. Be extra watchful for other possible hazards while you're taking in the scenery, or looking for that street you want, and expect other drivers and pedestrians may be distracted. Depending upon how different your getaway environment is from home, there may even be cultural differences to consider. You may stand out as a non-local. There are opportunists out there, so beware. Many are the tales of tourists being "swarmed" by seemingly well-intentioned locals, then finding their belongings missing. Keep your kids close and your essentials well secured - inside pockets and inner layers of clothing are great, and, where possible, toward the front of your body, the area of which most of us are most aware.

Make sure key friends and family members have at least a general itinerary, know where you'll be and how to get in touch with you, if needed. As for the rest of us back here in Franklin TN and Middle Tennessee, we'll look forward to hearing about your vacation and seeing those photos after you get back - no sense broadcasting that you'll be away in advance!

Hope you have a chance to get away for a bit of fun soon to make some great memories - safely!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

Read before you leave Middle Tennessee for a summer vacation...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 17:27:00 +0000

With gas prices starting their dramatic dip in 2014, and continuing into 2015, one consequence was that the number of overall miles driven by U.S. drivers increased 3.5% in 2015 over 2014, as reported in a Federal Study.

Nothing in this world is free -- unfortunately, another consequence soon emerged: According to the National Safety Council, the biggest one-year percentage increase (+8%) in the number of traffic deaths in 50 years occurred from 2014 to 2015.

If that doesn't make you a little nervous, consider that 50% of drivers admit to reading a text message or e-mail while driving, so says an AAA report.

Self-driving cars can't come fast enough!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

Why is your home insurance policy more expensive in the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin areas of TN?

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Fri, 27 May 2016 19:37:00 +0000

It's always helpful knowing the context of a situation in order to better understand it. Here's a homeowners insurance example. Rates have been increasing industry-wide for the past few years, at least, in much of Middle Tennessee. Part of that is a reflection of more homeowners claims occurring than expected. However, another significant component is the fact that building costs have risen dramatically in the Nashville metro area, including Franklin, Brentwood, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill, and Nolensville.

How does this impact your homeowners insurance premium? Well, it's no secret that our entire area has been hot-hot-hot when it comes to people relocating here. This has dramatically increased demand for construction crews to build homes, condos and apartments to house them, not to mention commercial buildings to cater to them. When demand is high, this naturally causes the cost of labor and materials to go higher and higher.

Since insurance companies are in the business to make people whole after a loss, they pay to rebuild homes after disasters like tornadoes and fires. If we know the price of labor and materials is going higher and higher, where will your insurance company get that extra amount from? You guessed it, from you, and its other customers. Maybe you've noticed the "Reconstruction Cost" amount on your homeowners policy has increased during the past few years, meaning your insurance company thinks it continues to cost more and more to rebuild your home in the event of a catastrophe, based on local variables, like construction costs. That's just a consequence of living in a high-demand area.

On the other hand, who can forgot the recession in the late 2000's and beyond? During that time, hardly anyone was building, and you could get excellent pricing for construction crews and materials, due to little demand. During that time, some homeowners' Reconstruction Costs amounts on the policies actually decreased. So the reverse can be true.

Of course, this is a pretty simplistic explanation of just one aspect of home insurance pricing. A lot more is factored by those big black boxes at insurance company headquarters, to eventually determine your rates. However, I thought it might be helpful to give you a little context.

I'm always available to advise you on your personal and business insurance needs. Thank you so much for your support as I celebrate completing my 10th year in the business!

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

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The hidden costs of "cheap" auto policies -- just ask your insurance agent these three questions...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:05:00 +0000

Q: Does my auto policy automatically cover a rental car if I decide to take one on vacation instead of my regular car?
Restrictive policies cover only the vehicles specifically listed on the policy. Don't assume all policies are the same. You may have to accept the additional expense of the car rental company's pricey insurance.

Q: Does my policy allow "permissive use", or does it cover only drivers who are specifically listed on the policy itself?
Be sure you know if you can loan your car to a friend or other family member. What if they crashed your car and your insurance refused to pay for it because it doesn't allow "permissive use"?

Q: If I wreck and total my car, do you take depreciation out before you pay me, or do you give me a fair market valuation, similar to what car dealers in the area are charging?

How your insurance policy valuates your vehicle at claims time can mean a huge difference in dollars to you. Watch out for the phrase "Actual Cash Value" in your policy.

Do you think the low-cost insurance purveyors are going to specifically point out these deficiencies in their policies? Of course not. You only learn about them after it's TOO late. Now, you have no excuse, if you read this blog.

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

Why you should first stop by your insurance agent's office when shopping for a home or vehicle...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 15:01:00 +0000

Whether you're buying a house or a vehicle in Franklin TN, Brentwood TN, or elsewhere in Middle Tennessee, I can help save you money and prevent headaches, in ways you might not expect.

Home help: Check with me early in the process of your home hunting, even as you're looking at multiple homes. When I create a home insurance proposal, I'll also be able to tell you if the home had insurance claims filed recently -- crucial information for you, especially for a claim that wasn't disclosed. Absence of claims is probably a good thing, where an abundance of claims likely isn't!

Auto help: If you're considering several different makes/models of cars or trucks, let me provide you with auto insurance quotes for each one -- early on.

You'll be surprised at the difference in insurance rates for various vehicles. As you'd expect, some are safer than average, or less expensive to repair than average -- and should cost less to insure. Others are quite the opposite, and will cost more to insure. Wouldn't you like to know this early on?

I'll bet I can save you $$ in more ways than one!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

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Need a last-minute free stocking stuffer (no, it's not related to auto or home insurance!)...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:49:00 +0000

As we wish for and buy gifts this Christmas, it's important to remember that our most precious gifts are our children. Help us keep our community’s kids safe. For the 10^th straight year, the David Yates Insurance Agency is pleased to offer Child I.D. Fingerprint kits, courtesy of Farmers Insurance, free of charge to anyone who requests them.

These kits have everything you need to properly take and store your child’s fingerprints and personal information, and have ready in the event of an emergency. It's a terrific stocking stuffer!

These all-in-one kits could play such a significant role in keeping your children safe, that I'll be glad to deliver them to you in person in the Nashville/Brentwood/Franklin/Nolensville/Spring Hill area. Just give me a call.

Of course, you are always welcome to stop by our office located at 1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103, Franklin TN 37067 (in Cool Springs), and we'll be happy to provide I.D. Kits to you free of charge.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

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Car insurance -- demystified! The best 1-minute explanation I've ever seen...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:20:00 +0000

Here's an easy way to understand what car insurance provides:

"Other-Person" coverage. Hurt or kill someone, or damage their car, and your "other-person coverage" (also known as BI/PD or bodily injury/property damage) kicks in, but only to the limits you chose when you got your policy. Is it enough? Otherwise, you could be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars -- coming from your home equity, savings/investments, even some of your future income.

"You and Your Family" coverage. If you or a family member is hurt or killed by someone with little or no insurance (half of the drivers out there), your "Uninsured/Underinsured" coverage steps in, up to the amount you chose when you first bought your policy. Where would your family get the rest of the money to pay for the medical/funeral bills? Do you think you have enough?

"Your Car" coverage. Make a mistake and wreck your car, and your "Collision" coverage helps out with the cost to repair or replace your car (after you pay an amount called the deductible). If something else damages your car (tree branch, hail, road debris, hitting an animal, vandalism, stolen, etc.), your "Comprehensive" coverage helps out with the cost, after you pay the deductible. You don't need this coverage forever, though -- did you know that?

Now that you know the absolute basics, know this: Auto insurance policies ARE different. That's why they're not all the same price.

And that's also why you'll get different answers to questions like these, depending on your insurance: Is your friend covered when they drive your car? Is that car you rent already covered by your insurance? Is your new car covered for the full value of your loan?

If you bought your policy online or from a 1-800 call-center, these things probably weren't explained to you. And you don't have an agent who will take a long-term, personal interest in you, explaining potential gaps you have in your coverage and fixing them for you. With you and your family's financial future at risk, don't you think it's time you worked with an agent and company who will take the time to help you, not just themselves?

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

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Beware when someone uses the term "full coverage" when discussing your auto insurance...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 22:41:00 +0000

Generally, when you hear that you have "full-coverage" auto insurance, what you think that term means, and what someone else thinks it means are likely to be two different things. Same with "liability-only" auto insurance. When protecting yourself, your family, and your assets, you don't want any misunderstandings between you and your insurance company! That's why I don't use these terms with my clients.

The state of Tennessee requires you, at minimum, to have auto liability insurance that covers bodily injury/death and property damage for the "other guy" if you have a wreck with somebody. That's it. Yet, there are 5 to 7 specific coverages that you also need if you want to be properly protected. How are you going to know if you have them, or not, if you tell a 1-800 company you want "liability-only", or full-coverage"? How do you know what's right?

You need a local, qualified insurance agent who will happily spend the time with you, in person, to explain what the risks are, and make the proper recommendations based on your specific situation. You can't get that from someone in a cubicle 500 miles away or from an online website.

Let me know how I can help you at my office in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, TN.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

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Best tips I've ever seen for teaching a teen to drive...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 22:32:00 +0000

When my second daughter was learning to ride a bike without training wheels, I Googled the subject and came across a simple, yet highly effective tip. Instead of holding to the seat to steady them, gently hold the child by the back of the neck to keep them upright while riding, yet letting their body naturally learn to come into balance. It literally took 2 or 3 uses of this technique, and my daughter was riding like the wind!

It is in this spirit of improving an important parental teaching moment that I want to share a terrific article I came across in the October 22, 2014 edition of The Wall Street Journal: "Better Ways to Teach Teens to Drive" by Sue Shellenbarger. It was so helpful, that I thought I'd paraphrase the real salient points for you lucky(?!) parents who are teaching their teenagers how to drive, like me (on my second one -- the same one with the bike!).

Apparently, we do an okay job with teaching our kids how to steer, park and generally control a vehicle. But, parents are not expert in teaching the skills new drivers need to avoid accidents.

Parents tend to follow routine daytime driving along familiar routes, but don't go on to teach how to spot and avoid possible hazards, such as slowing when coming to a crosswalk where there might be people waiting to cross.

Deborah Hersman, president of the National Safety Council, says, "The most important things parents can teach teens are how to develop hazard recognition and judgment -- making the left turns into oncoming traffic, how to merge on and off highways at high speed."

Other successful tactics gleaned from the article include:
--Take your teen into gradually more challenging and varied roads, at night and in bad weather.

--Teach the young driver never to glance away from the road for more than two seconds.

--Require them to silence cell phones and keep stored away while driving.

--While accompanying your teen in the car, parents need to stay calm and avoid being overly critical. Don't bring up touchy issue (like poor grades, or a significant other issue).

--Be specific and sensitive in any constructive criticism.

--Stay calm. Try to not panic and stomp on the imaginary brakes if you think they're going too fast.

According to a 2011 study of 257,000 accidents by Robert Foss, of the Highway Safety Research Center, teens still make mistakes for their first few months of solo driving, then, as the learning sets in, the potential for accidents does start quickly tapering off.

So, if you follow these tips and do a little praying while your teen starts driving solo for the first few months, you should be able to rest a little easier after that.

I have access to an excellent, free, teen driving video that Farmers created. Let me know if you're interested in having your teen watch it.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

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These shocking stats may make you think twice about life insurance...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:18:00 +0000

Do you have life insurance? If you do, is it enough? Here are some truly surprising statistics about life insurance usage in America, courtesy of LIMRA:

-- The average amount of life insurance coverage for U.S. adults has dropped to $167,000 -- which is DOWN $30,000 compared to the average amount of coverage in 2004! That really surprised me. Costs of living generally go in the opposite direction, so it appears more folks are worse off than they were 10 years ago.

-- There are 11 million fewer American households covered by life insurance today compared to just six years ago. Could that be related to the Great Recession's impact, with folks cutting all kinds of costs?

-- Just as bad, right now, 30% of U.S. households have NO life insurance at all.

There's really no excuse for a family to not have at least a basic term policy in place, particularly when there are children involved. Term policies are very reasonably priced.

However, you don't want to skimp on the company you buy it from. I've heard of people with "no-name" life policies find that their original insurance companies went out of business, and that their policies were SOLD to other no-name life insurance companies. You don't want your policy to backed by "Lloyd's of Lubbock" (sorry, old joke from the Odd Couple TV show from the '70s)!

Quality companies, like Farmers Insurance, of course, offer excellent pricing, so you can get cost savings AND a company that will be there when you need it.

How's YOUR life insurance plan -- or IS there one? It's very important to me, personally, to make sure families are properly covered, because my mother passed away when I was three, and our family had NO life insurance in effect. I know it was hard on my Dad and all of us kids in the days that followed. How a simple insurance policy would have made a difference.

So during September, which is Life Insurance Awareness Month, please take some time to sit down with your trusted insurance advisor, and make sure you have a good plan in place to protect your loved ones, now and in the future.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

Three crucial changes to make to your auto insurance policy RIGHT NOW...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:53:00 +0000

Change your bodily injury liability coverage to a $500,000 limit -- if you hurt somebody in a car accident, your policy's bodily injury limit represents the highest amount your insurance will pay for the "other guy's" medical expenses, funeral, etc. If you're not my customer, you probably only have a $100,000 limit -- which seems like a lot, but it's NOT, considering the average "bodily injury" lawsuit jury award nationwide is now about $400,000. Where does the rest of the money come from? From your assets, current income, and future income. Isn't it worth a few extra dollars to properly protect yourself?
Make sure you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist bodily injury coverage -- if someone with little or no insurance hurts you in an accident (half of the drivers out there), you need to have at least a $500,000 limit covering your own injuries, loss of future income, etc., etc..
If your vehicle is worth $1,500+, you need Comprehensive and Collision coverages -- covers physical damage your own vehicle. Comprehensive coverage pays to fix or replace your ride due to vandalism, theft, or if you hit an animal. Collision coverage pays to fix or replace it if you have an accident that's your fault. If you don't have these basic protections, then your insurance won't pay if you wreck your own car or truck! Of course, if the "other guy" is at fault, then their insurance is responsible.
These are basics, but you'd be surprised how many folks are driving around without the proper insurance. Are you at risk with not enough coverage? Remember, you can't choose when you have an accident, so please make sure you're properly insured today. Call me if I can help review your current insurance with you.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

dyates1@farmersagent.com

Water: Your home's arch enemy…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:51:00 +0000

When you think about all the pipes, hoses, gutters, and openings throughout your house, it's no wonder that water poses the one of the greatest threats to your home -- and your bank account. Sure, after your deductible, a high-quality insurance policy will typically pay for sudden and accidental water damage, but the inconvenience, and possibility about insurance not covering "lack-of-maintenance"-related water issues should make us to take this threat seriously and do what we can to prevent problems in the first place.
Inside Your Home: A water leak can occur anywhere in your home — most often in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room — and cause big-time damage to both your home and personal belongings. In addition to making sure everyone in your house knows how to turn off the water shutoff valve, there are several other specific steps you can take to lessen your risk.
In the Kitchen: To reduce the chances of a water leak, regularly check under the sink to see if the water connection supply line to the dishwasher is secure. Also, check around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks. If your refrigerator has an icemaker, check the hose connection to make sure it is securely attached to the water supply line. Finally, inspect the caulking around sinks and check the pipes under the sink for signs of water leaks.
In the Bathroom: Check any caulking where walls meet the floor or the bathtub, looking for cracks or mold. Discolored or damp areas around floors and walls near showers, bathtubs or toilets are a good indication of a leak. If the shower walls or floor are tiled, a leak may develop if the tile grout develops cracks or there are areas of missing grout. If either situation is found, clean and remove loose material and apply new.
Laundry room: Inspect washing machine hoses regularly for dampness around hose ends and for any cracks or fraying. If any problems are found replace the hose. As a preventative measure, replace the hose every 3-5 years with metal braided hoses.
Outside: A leaky roof, poor drainage and clogged gutters or downspouts can lead to significant water damage inside a home and lead to damage to a roof or siding. Keep your roof and downspouts free from buildup of leaves, twigs and other materials that prevent proper drainage, and keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against the roof.
What to do when damage occurs: If water damage occurs to your property, such as with a storm, it is important to dry all wet areas and provide air circulation to aid in the drying process. Also, cover any exposed areas of the dwelling with a tarp to prevent further water damage. Covering exposed areas along with drying and dehumidifying wet areas can help minimize the possibility that mold will form due to the water damage. Always contact your insurance agent immediately to discuss whether it makes sense to start a claim.
Don't forget -- flood damage is NOT covered by your homeowners policy, as many folks in Franklin TN sadly realized only after the May 2010 flood. You need separate flood insurance, available through insurance agents, but provided by the U.S. Government, if you think there's a potential threat.
Hope you're having a great summer!

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

Three letters you never want to see on your auto policy: "ACV" Here’s why…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 15:08:00 +0000

If you wreck your car, how does your insurance company determine how much it will pay for a replacement or repair? It depends on your policy and how it's worded. Remember how I always say that all insurance is NOT the same? Here's a great example of this.

Cheaper auto policies "settle" (meaning, pay for) claims using depreciation to figure the value of your vehicle, for either the repair, or to compensate you for the car's value (if it was totaled). Every year, your auto loses a tremendous amount of value using this method.

Your huge clue to policies that settle in this manner is to look at your declarations page (that sheet you receive from your insurance company at renewal time, detailing your coverages). Look at the line items "Comprehensive" and "Collision". These are the parts of your coverage that fix or pay for your auto for various reasons (you hit an animal, or it’s stolen, vandalized, or you wreck it). If, listed next to these terms, it also says "ACV" or "Actual Cash Value" -- look out! This is a policy that likely uses straight line depreciation to devalue your vehicle's worth, before paying you. Typically, after ten years, a car's been fully depreciated, which, after subtracting your deductible, means you're not getting much, if anything, for your former ride.

Better auto insurance policies look at the "fair market value" of your vehicle, which take market factors ( including automotive industry car value guide books, and local car dealer pricing) into account, instead of a one-size-fits-all depreciation devaluation. This common-sense method means you'll usually get more from your car insurance at claims time.

If you'd like me to help you review you current policy and see if you have ACV claims settlement, just call on me.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

Use your car for business? Are you sure it’s covered by your current insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Mon, 05 May 2014 23:35:00 +0000

One of my newest customers is an real estate agent, spending much of his days driving clients around Brentwood, Franklin and Spring Hill looking at homes, and visiting with prospective home sellers at their homes. When he originally came in to see me, one of the first things I asked him was whether he had business usage coverage on his current policy. He said he didn't know. Careful review showed he had none.

Look at yours or ANY personal auto policy. It will specifically state it only insures only for personal use, and not “business usage”. If you use your personal car for your occupation or business, and regularly do more than just commute back and forth, you may be at risk. I'm talking about salespeople, home physical therapists, delivery drivers, etc..

There is help available. Some insurers (including Farmers Insurance) offer their customers a “Business Usage endorsement”, which changes the policy to extend coverage for when you use your car for business.

Not every occupation will be acceptable. Insurance companies will not extend this extra coverage for vehicles used for potentially more dangerous occupations like a pizza delivery driver or taxi service.

My client said his previous insurance agent of over ten years never inquired about his occupation nor periodically reviewed his coverage with him, so this gap was never discovered. Rest assured he has this coverage now through my Franklin TN agency and Farmers Insurance.

The topping on the cake for my customer? Not only did I add the business usage coverage, but also doubled his overall liability protection, and saved him $138 for the year, compared to his previous (and lacking) auto insurance!

This is the type of result I am proud of achieving quite often for my clients. Does your insurance agent KNOW you? Or is it time to come see me?

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817
dyates1@farmersagent.com

New agent joins David Yates Insurance Agency staff...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 20:00:00 +0000

I'm pleased to welcome Sales Service Representative Wendy Martin to my agency. She is a fully licensed Property & Casualty agent, offering full support for our existing and prospective clients' auto, home, and commercial insurance needs.

Wendy is a capable professional who genuinely cares about her clients. Her commitment to details and above-and-beyond customer service has won her friends and fans in several industries.

I think you will appreciate Wendy's warm personality, too, in addition to her insurance knowledge. She is committed, as I am, to giving you the attention you deserve and assuring we are there to understand and meet your changing needs, now and in the future.

Please stop by our office or give us a call any time. We'd love to hear from you!

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

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Free Child ID fingerprint kits available

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 22:05:00 +0000

Come on over to the soccer fields on Downs Blvd in Franklin TN this Saturday, March 29, 2014, and I’ll give you a free Child ID fingerprint kit. For the eighth straight year, in addition to being a team sponsor, I’ll be handing out free Child ID Kits to parents at the Williamson County Soccer Association (WCSA) picture day from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.. I’ll have a booth set up at the entrance of the indoor soccer arena at 1878 Downs Boulevard, Franklin TN 37064. It’s also where WCSA soccer teams will have their team pictures taken, starting at 7:30 a.m. Hope you can stop by! If you can’t make it on Saturday, but still want one or more a Child ID fingerprint kits, please call or stop by my office, and we’ll be glad to give them to you.

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

Don't wait until after a fire or tornado to learn if your home insurance will pay enough...

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:03:00 +0000

What would it cost to re-build your home in the event of a catastrophe? Does your insurance provide enough?
When you sign up for a home insurance policy, your insurance agent asks you for details about the house. What's your square footage, how many full and half bathrooms, what size is the garage, what kind of flooring you have, is there a basement, is it finished or unfinished, and the list goes on!
It may seem nosey, but it's really so the agent and insurance company can accurately calculate a "Reconstruction Cost Estimate" -- what the insurance company thinks it would cost for a contractor re-build your house, as it was before. With your input, this amount eventually becomes the "Dwelling" limit on your policy, meaning the maximum amount of rebuilding dollars your policy will pay to rebuild in the event of a covered claim.
Though you can't decrease this amount, you can increase it, if you think your home warrants it. Ultimately, approving the Dwelling amount is your responsibility.
What's a good amount to have? Well, here in Franklin, Brentwood, and surrounding areas, a good rule-of-thumb for a majority of homes is anywhere from $95 per square foot to $130 per square foot.
It's a pretty good bet that you can rely on the agent's and insurance company's expertise to come up with an accurate Dwelling amount. But you should have your own figure in mind, too. How you determine it is up to you, but you should consider data from the local tax assessor, and input from experts in the construction industry. I do this, and more, as part of my due diligence when calculating the Dwelling amounts for customers and prospective customers.
Here's a couple of watch-outs: Do not rely on using the sales price of the home, or the value from an online home price estimating website. One reason is that the value of your land is included, and, of course, land isn't insured by your home policy. Another reason is that sales prices and online estimating websites don't necessarily reflect actual, current construction costs, as they change throughout the year.
Having your own idea about what it would cost to rebuild your home will help make your conversations with your agent that much more productive, and ensure your home is properly covered.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

Prevent your pipes from freezing…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:55:00 +0000

We’ve had many homes with bursting pipes in the past few days here in Middle Tennessee. Every winter, the pipes in your home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Here are ways to avoid the problems before they can begin…

* Disconnect all gardening hoses.

* Most outside faucets have an interior shut of valve. Close this line at the shutoff valve.

* Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher, even if you're leaving the house for an extended period of time.

* Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.

* Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.)

* Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls. Also insulate any exposed pipes in the attic.

* Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.

* Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.

* Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.

* If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during the winter months, shut off the main water supply valve. Then open up the faucets and allow the water in the lines to drain out.

Monitor Freezing Pipe Conditions

* Allow a faucet to drip slightly (lukewarm water) in order to minimize freezing.

* The first sign of freezing is reduced water flow from a faucet.

* Check your faucets for water flow and pressure before you go to sleep and when you wake up.

* Check pipes around your water meter, in unheated areas, near exterior walls, in crawl spaces and attics.

* Identify cold air drafts coming in from a flue or chimney chase and caulk any gaps near pipes.

If a Pipe Freezes

* If a faucet or pipe inside your house freezes, you can thaw it using a good hair dryer. (For safety purposes, avoid operating a hair dryer around standing water.)

* To thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.

* When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out.

If a Pipe Bursts

* Shut off water at the main valve. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.

* If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.

* Call a plumber. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick access.

* Call your insurance company’s claims office

Here’s hoping you and your home’s pipes stay warm this winter!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

On the road again -- Frisky deer make for risky driving…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 14:55:00 +0000

Seen more deer out and about while you’re driving these days? There’s a good reason – we’re reaching the peak of the deer mating season here in Franklin TN, and all of Middle Tennessee. Which reminds us that we need to watch out for these beautiful creatures while driving.

November is traditionally has the highest number of deer-related auto crashes in Williamson and Davidson counties. It’s a year-round issue, really. In fact, last year, Williamson County TN was tied for second of all Tennessee counties for the number of deer-auto crashes. Montgomery County had the highest number. These numbers are holding so far, this year, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Stay safe with these tips:

-- Keep a sharp eye out for deer, especially during their busy mating season -- now.

-- When you see one deer crossing the road, there are likely more to follow soon, so go slow.

-- Dawn and dusk is prime time for deer to appear, coinciding with commuters’ drive times, so be especially aware at these hours.

-- Don’t swerve to avoid a deer; you could make it an even more serious accident.

It’s also a good idea not to stop in the middle of the road to take pictures of deer that you see as you drive, as I recently came upon someone doing exactly that, after I had come around a curve!

David Yates Insurance Agency

1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103

Franklin, TN 37067

Phone 615-778-1816 Fax 615-778-1817

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Many more parents in Williamson County TN sleeping better tonight thanks to David Yates Insurance Agency’s community service giveaway…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 16:31:00 +0000

Following a long-standing tradition, the David Yates Insurance Agency passed out over 175 free Child I.D. fingerprint kits to parents last Saturday at the Williamson County Soccer Association Picture Day event in Franklin, TN. Held at the Williamson County indoor soccer arena on Downs Boulevard, thousands of soccer players and their parents were there to take team pictures, as well as to compete in soccer matches.

It was also a tremendous privilege to meet the David Yates Insurance soccer team, a great group of young ladies who are, so far, undefeated on the field! My agency has sponsored many WCSA soccer teams for eight straight years now, ever since our inception.
If you’d like one or more free Child I.D. fingerprint kits, please call me at 615-778-1816, and I’ll be more than happy to provide them to you.

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr., Suite 103
Franklin TN 37067
Phone: 615-778-1816

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Free Child I.D. Fingerprint kits provided by David Yates Insurance Agency at Sept 28th soccer event

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:03:00 +0000

Help us keep our community’s kids safe. For the 8^th straight year, the David Yates Insurance Agency is pleased to offer free Child I.D. Fingerprint kits at the Williamson County Soccer Association (WCSA) Picture Day on Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the county’s soccer facility at 1878 Downs Blvd, Franklin TN 37064. My agency is also proud to be long-term WCSA team sponsor.
The kits have everything you need to properly take and store your child’s fingerprints and personal information, and have ready in the event of an emergency.
The event starts at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. During that time, the league’s 2,000+ players, coaches, and parents will be at the facility to take their team photographs. While there, many of them will stop by my Farmers Insurance booth to get their free kits. Even if you don’t have a child or grandchild playing soccer in the league, you are also welcome to stop by and pick up your free Child I.D. kits. Look for my booth located at the entrance to the indoor soccer arena, where team pictures will be taken.
Of course, you are always welcome to call me or stop by my office located at 1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103, Franklin TN 37067 (in Cool Springs), and I’ll be glad to provide I.D. Kits to you free of charge.
Hope to see you on Saturday, September 28^th!

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103
Franklin TN 37067
Phone: 615-778-1816

Parents of teen drivers need to know this…

noreply@blogger.com (David Yates) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:43:00 +0000

“But Dad, I only looked down for a second when I dropped my cell phone!” More than one parent has heard this excuse when their newly minted teen driver calls after plowing into the rear of another car. But all the safe driving lessons, all the lectures, and all the threats in the world aren’t always going to keep kids from crashing, nor keep lawyers from knocking on your door in the aftermath of a more serious accident.
Injuries and deaths in accidents are not only tragic and heartbreaking on a personal level, but can expose you to high-dollar lawsuits potentially affecting the rest of yours and your family’s life. Here in Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville, we’ve all heard our share of local tragedies.
Is your auto insurance up to the task? I’m talking about your liability coverage. If you’re not one of my clients, your auto insurance liability limits may very well be way too low. I’ve seen it time and time again.
But high liability coverage limits aren’t always enough. Once you have a teen driver in your household, your risk of being sued jumps dramatically. You definitely need to consider adding an umbrella policy to your insurance plan. Umbrella policies are designed to protect your assets, and future earnings, which are at risk in a lawsuit.
An umbrella policy adds an additional layer of liability protection (you can choose $1M, $2M, $3M or more) on top of your existing liability limits of both your auto AND home insurance (think dog bites, or a trip and fall off your front steps).
So, for instance, if you currently have a $500,000 limit on your auto policy’s bodily injury liability coverage, and choose a $1M umbrella, you’ll have a total of $1,500,000 of asset protection for a high-dollar lawsuit.
Cost of an umbrella policy is around $150- $200 per year for $1M of extra liability protection here in Williamson and Davidson counties. When you have a higher potential for bad things happening, as you do with teen drivers, you need the extra protection an umbrella can provide, not to mention the peace of mind.
Give me a shout if you want to discuss umbrella policies or anything else on your mind!

David Yates Insurance Agency
1881 General George Patton Dr, Suite 103
Franklin, TN 37067
615-778-1816