Benchmark Agency Blog


Common Auto Insurance Discounts You Don’t Want to Miss

Nearly every insurance company claims they can offer the cheapest rates and the most discounts on your auto insurance. Details matter, however, and while one policy may offer the steepest savings on your premiums, it is important to always compare several plans to ensure you are receiving the best deal. One discount that some people can overlook is the savings realized for those who own their house, condo or mobile home. Renters simply pay more for home insurance than owners. This is because rental units have statically
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Texas Historic Home Insurance

San Marcos, TX and the surrounding region has carefully preserved its past. Many residential neighborhoods are designated historic districts with Victorian, Classical Revival and Craftsman architecture built as far back as 1880 through the 1940s. Each lovingly restored and maintained historic home is a treasure, and for that reason each will have unique insurance needs. The Importance of Historic Home Insurance At Benchmark Insurance, we understand the insurance needs of historic Texas homes. Historic homes are
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Insurance that Follows Your Business Around the Globe

In today's digital world, commerce often crosses oceans, geographical and national borders with a simple click of the mouse. The global economy all businesses must compete in also means more and more companies are engaging in international transactions. If your business sends employees abroad or across the northern or southern borders, has an international sales office, enrolls in international trade fairs or conferences, imports or exports materials or products, or performs any services in a foreign country, you need
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Why Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?

When it rains, it pours. In the case of some lawsuits, it can be a monsoon. You have home and auto insurance policies that protect you from limited liability claims, but when those costs exceed your coverage, you are left exposed to the torrential downpour. You need an umbrella insurance policy to keep you safe and dry. Umbrella policies start to work after your home and auto insurance limits are exhausted, providing you with extra liability coverage. Very few home insurance or car insurance policy limits exceed $500,000
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Preparing Your Home for Winter = Savings on Home Insurance

Even though the winter season is still a few months away, now is the best time to start thinking about winterizing your home to prevent future damage and costly homeowners insurance claims. The fall weather is ideal for preparing your home against any hardships the seasonal elements may cause in the future. Here are some precautions you can take now to get ready for winter: Insulating Properly Adding insulation is an excellent way to protect your home during winter. It may seem a bit expensive, but you’ll save a
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What You Need to Know About Texas Workers Compensation

While most states require virtually all employers to carry workers compensation insurance, it’s handled a bit differently in Texas. The Texas workers´ compensation system is the method by which covered workers are compensated for work-related injuries or illnesses. An employer´s insurance company or certified self-insurance plan pays scheduled benefits for work-related injuries, even if the injured worker´s negligence contributed to the accident. Although Texas law does not require workers´ compensation in most cases,
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Fall Home Inventory Tips

As the leaves begin to turn and we clean up the yard to prepare for colder weather, it is time to put some fall and winter projects on the “to do” list. Have you considered adding a home inventory to your fall project list? Now is a great time to spend some time indoors, get organized, and make a detailed inventory of your belongings. No one wants to think about the consequences of a major loss of property. But if you do a little work now, the process will be far less stressful and the outcome much more satisfactory if
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Why is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Important?

You may be a stellar driver, but it’s always “the other guy” who poses a risk. According to data from the Insurance Research Council, 1 in 7 U.S. drivers is currently uninsured, despite the fact that most states require auto insurance. Now, many states are requiring uninsured motorist coverage in their car insurance policies to help with costs associated with injuries after being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver. In the event of an accident, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage will protect you and
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Tips for Protecting Your Home While You Are On Vacation

While the summer may be over, there is still time to enjoy the warm weather and enjoy a trip out of town. Consider the following tips for avoiding disasters in you home and keeping thieves out while you are away. Prevent Disaster Check your water heater before you go. It can break at any time, and if it occurs while you are away, cleanup and repair costs can be horrendous. Look for drops of water, small leaks, and rust or corrosion around the edges of the tank. Unplug appliances and other electronics in order to
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Back to School Health and Safety Tips

Going back to school can be physically and mentally challenging for both kids and parents. One day it is summer vacation, and the next we are back to our busy schedules, rigid bedtimes, and getting up and out of the house on time—with our lunch, books, homework and everything else in tow. How can you help to reduce back-to-school stress for your kids, and help them keep up with the schedule and stay healthy all year long? Exercise and sleep are two of the most essential elements to keeping your kids—and yourself—on track
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