December 9, 2025
jdowdins5 Smart Ways to Cut Winter Heating Bills
When winter finally makes its way to the Hill Country—usually after teasing us with 85° days in December—it can still pack a chilly punch. And while we may not be shoveling snow like our northern neighbors, those cold snaps can send your heating bill climbing faster than a cedar pollen count in January. At Dowd […]
December 2, 2025
jdowdinsLighting Up the Holidays Safely: What Homeowners Should Know
There’s nothing quite like the glow of holiday lights reflecting off a Hill Country sunset. Whether you live in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, New Braunfels, San Marcos, or anywhere in between, decorating your home is one of the most joyful traditions of the season. From twinkling rooflines to sparkling trees, holiday décor helps turn […]
November 18, 2025
jdowdinsStay Calm, Stay Covered: Road Rage Tips for Central Texas Drivers
Hey Central Texas drivers — whether you’re navigating I-35 through Round Rock, cruising 281 near New Braunfels, or commuting across Cedar Park to Austin — here’s a friendly but important reminder: your drive doesn’t just affect your destination. It affects your safety and your auto insurance. At Dowd Insurance Agency, we know traffic can test […]
November 13, 2025
jdowdinsErgonomics & Best Practices for Remote Workers: Keeping Your Central Texas Team Healthy, Happy, and Covered
If your Central Texas business has employees who work remotely — even just part-time — you’re probably juggling a few hidden risks. Sure, the commute’s gone, but the posture problems, eye strain, and long hours at the dining room table? Still here. And when discomfort turns into injury or fatigue, it can affect productivity and […]
November 10, 2025
jdowdinsProtecting Your Hill Country Home from Wildfire Risk — and Insurance Sticker Shock
Living in the Texas Hill Country means wide-open views, winding roads, and the kind of sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence. But it also means you’re surrounded by cedar, oak, and limestone terrain that can turn from scenic to risky when wildfire season hits. At Dowd Insurance Agency, we know that being in or near […]
November 6, 2025
jdowdinsShorter Days, Darker Drives: Staying Safe on Central Texas Roads This Fall
Daylight saving time officially ended this past weekend, and if your evening commute suddenly feels a little darker (and longer), you’re not imagining it. With the sun setting earlier, Central Texas drivers are now facing reduced visibility, more glare during rush hour, and an increased risk of evening accidents. Whether you’re heading home from work […]
November 4, 2025
jdowdinsDon’t Snooze and Cruise: Why Sleep Matters for Safe Driving in Central Texas
We all know the dangers of texting and driving—but what about tired driving? Every year, thousands of preventable accidents are caused by drowsy drivers who thought they could power through. That’s why the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (November 2–8, 2025) is here to remind us all of one simple truth: sometimes, the […]
October 23, 2025
jdowdinsCybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Be Scary: Here’s How to Lock Down Your Digital Life
Whether you’re in Austin, New Braunfels, or anywhere across Central Texas, you’re surfing the web, checking email, managing finances, and staying connected. And while that’s all awesome – it also means you’re part of the digital world where cyber-threats are very real. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the perfect time to brush up on protecting your data […]
October 21, 2025
jdowdinsCelebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week with Your Teen Behind the Wheel
Hey there, Central Texas parents! Buckle up—this week (October 19-25) is National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW), a great moment to hit “pause” and chat with your teen driver about staying safe on the roads of the Hill Country. At Dowd Insurance Agency, we’re all about helping families protect what matters most—and yes, that includes […]
October 16, 2025
jdowdinsFireplace & Smoke Detector Safety: Your Fall Home Safety Double-Check
A roaring fire and a cup of cocoa sound perfect on a chilly evening—but safety should come first. Fall is the best time to double-check your fireplace and smoke detectors. Fireplace Safety Use a fireplace screen to catch sparks. Burn only seasoned wood—never trash or cardboard. Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away. Smoke […]