Newsletter

Dowd Insurance Agency  •  January 2024 Updates

New Year, New Look!

Our website is starting off the year with a fresh look! All of the same information is available on the website, but most importantly, you can access your account online through the Client Center. Just click on the Client Center button on the top right of the home page and follow the verification steps.

When you log in to the Client Center, you can:

• View Policies – View a snapshot of active policies.
• Request Policy Changes – Submit policy change requests online. The office is immediately notified and will follow up appropriately.
• Download ID Cards – Immediate access to your auto ID cards with the ability to download them on your computer or mobile device.
• Add Claims Information or Images – Quickly upload important claims documents to your account.
• Generate Certificates – Request new certificates in seconds.
• Share Documents – Easy two-way document sharing with the office, ensuring that your confidential information is securely transferred and accurately logged in the agency’s system.

Don’t Make These Home Insurance Claim Mistakes

Navigating the intricate landscape of home insurance claims can be daunting, and avoiding common mistakes is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful process. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned one, understanding the pitfalls to avoid can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

The following are the most common home insurance claims mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Failing to understand policy details
• Waiting to make a claim
• Cleaning up before a claims adjuster arrives.
• Failing to document damage properly
• Making permanent repairs too soon
• Filing too many claims
• Using poor communication
• Neglecting to mitigate further damage

More Claim Mistakes To Avoid 

Cybersecurity Tips at Home

Cybercriminals have increased their activity in recent years. Even while in the comfort of your own home, you, your devices and your private information could be targeted.

To protect yourself, implement the following home cybersecurity steps:

• Safeguard your Wi-Fi network with a unique password.
• Regularly monitor your Wi-Fi and remove any unknown devices.
• Implement multifactor authentication on all online accounts.
• Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments sent by unknown parties.
• Install antivirus software and keep devices up to date.

Personal Cyber Insurance

Important Insurance Reminders

Post Holiday Insurance Updates
If you have made any major purchases or received any high-value gifts over the holidays, make sure your insurance coverage reflects those changes. Contact the office today to make sure any new jewelry, expensive artwork, big-ticket electronics or any other high-value items are covered under your existing coverage or to add protection for those items.

When To File A Claim

Sometimes it difficult to know if you should file a claim or get a repair quote first. We recommend calling the office prior to submitting a claim. Having multiple claims can increase your premium and decrease your options when we shop your policies to try to find lower rates. Even if a claim is closed with $0 being paid, it can still affect your insurance rating. If you ever have a question on whether or not you should file a claim, call the office, so we can help you navigate the process.

Uber/Lyft/Airbnb/Vrbo
While partnering with Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and Vrbo is a great way supplement your income, it is important you have the right insurance to ensure your vehicles and property are fully covered. Many insurance policies exclude coverage when engaged in these activities unless the policy is properly endorsed. If you drive for Uber, Lyft or any other delivery service or rent your home or even a room on Airbnb or Vrbo, please contact the office, so we can make sure you have coverage in place.

Life Events That Affect Your Insurance Needs

What To Do If You’re In An Accident

Life Insurance Review

Access Your Account Online

Your Referrals = Donations

Thanks to your referrals, we’ve donated $150 to Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child, our charity of the quarter from October to December. Every time you refer a friend, we donate to a charity, and you’re also entered into our annual $100 gift card drawing.

Congratulations to Jason Fisher, the winner of our 2023 gift card drawing!

Referral Program Details

Trends Affecting Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance plays a critical role in protecting the assets of a business. In the event of a loss, this coverage can help businesses replace or rebuild their damaged or destroyed property and restore their operations in a timely manner. As such, it’s crucial for your business to obtain a sufficient commercial property insurance and understand the main factors influencing this line of coverage. Click to learn about 6 of the latest trends impacting the commercial property insurance space.

The 6 Big Trends

National Blood Donor Month

It’s National Blood Donor Month! Winter is one of the most challenging times of the year to collect enough blood products and donations to meet patient needs. That’s why National Blood Donor Month is celebrated every January.

Learn More