Company News and Press Releases
Binding Authority Restored
TEXAS – 9/19/2011 Binding authority has been restored in the state of Texas. On Tuesday September 6th, American Risk Insurance revoked binding authority in the following counties: Anderson, Bastrop, Cass, Grimes, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Travis, Upshur, Waller, and Williamson. Improved weather conditions have allowed us to restore normal business throughout the state.
Filed under: Agent News, Direct News, Insureds News
Revoking Binding Authority due to Wildfires
At 5:00PM Tuesday, September 6th, American Risk Insurance is revoking binding authority for specific localities due to dangerous fire and drought conditions in the state of Texas. We are revoking binding authority in the following counties: Anderson, Bastrop, Cass, Grimes, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Travis, Upshur, Waller, and Williamson.
Please visit the Texas Forestry Service for more information regarding these conditions: http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=12888
We will continue to closely watch the movement of these wildfires and will suspend binding authority as necessary.
For clarification, here is the entire text of the company’s rule regarding the suspension of binding authority due to Severe Weather.
- Binding authority automatically terminates for any area placed under a Tornado or Severe Weather Warning or Watch by the National Weather Bureau.
- This rule will not affect issuance of policies for business previously quoted and bound prior to the weather warning being issued or with effective dates at least 10 days into the future.
Contact your underwriter if you have any questions concerning this bulletin. You will be advised when the threat of property damage from this storm has passed and binding authority has been restored. Thank you.
Filed under: Agent Bulletins, Agent News, Direct News, Insureds News
Tropical Storm Don – Revoking Binding Authority
HOUSTON, TEXAS – At 10AM today, Tropical Storm Don was located near 24.1 N 90.1 W. Maximum sustained winds were near 45mph with higher gusts. It was moving 13mph NW. We will be suspending binding authority effective 8:30 AM on Thursday the 27th of July for all Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties south of Matagorda.
For clarification, here is the entire text of the company’s rule regarding the suspension of binding authority due to Hurricane, Tropical Storm or Severe Weather.
- Agent’s binding authority automatically terminates for new business and coverage increases in First and Second Tier Counties when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch or Warning has been issued by the National Weather Bureau within any part of the Gulf of Mexico, or when a when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, or when a Hurricane or Tropical Storm is: West of 80° W longitude and north of 20° N latitude
- Binding authority automatically terminates for any area placed under a Tornado or Severe Weather Warning or Watch by the National Weather Bureau.
- This rule will not affect issuance of policies for business previously quoted and bound prior to the weather warning being issued or with effective dates at least 10 days into the future.
Contact your underwriter if you have any questions concerning this bulletin. You will be advised when the threat of property damage from this storm has passed and binding authority has been restored. Thank you.
Filed under: Agent News, Insureds News
Hurricane Season
HOUSTON, TEXAS – It is hurricane season again and American Risk Insurance Company is committed to the personal safety of our Texas insurance customers and agents. To assist in these efforts, we are urging you to prepare for the coming season. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide excellent resources fore developing a “Family Disaster Plan.” You can access these resources on the internet at: TDI – www.tdi.state.tx.us, and FEMA – www.fema.gov
We also provide information on our Consumer Website’s Hurricane Planning Resource Page.
If you own a home or rental property, make sure you take the opportunity to purchase Flood Insurance before the storm comes, since the standard Homeowners and Dwelling fire policies exclude flood.
BE SAFE THIS SEASON!
- The ARI Team
Filed under: Agent News, Insureds News
Freezing Conditions
HOUSTON, TEXAS – As many of you are already aware, below freezing temperatures are expected to hit Texas in the upcoming week. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through a house. Homeowners can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect the home. Below are some valuable instructions for handling freezing pipe conditions. Homeowners should be aware of the dangers of freezing pipes and prepare to take the appropriate actions.
Before the Freeze
Insulate and Cover:
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, heat tape, or plastic foam.
- Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
- Seal any visible air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
Drain:
- Drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store water hoses indoors.
- Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
- If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Then contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
Prepare:
- Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
- Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
- Let indoor faucets drip; it isn’t necessary to run a stream of water.
- Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
If Your Pipes Freeze
- If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
- If a pipe hasn’t burst but water is not flowing the pipes may have frozen. Leave the faucet on and thaw the pipe out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe.
- Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They may cause a fire or expose you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide!
If You Have a Loss
- Contact your insurance agent or company promptly.
- Review your coverage. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
- Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.
Filed under: Agent News, Direct News, Insureds News
Be Prepared for HURRICANE SEASON 2010
HOUSTON, TEXAS – It is hurricane season again and American Risk Insurance Company is committed to the personal safety of our Texas insurance customers and agents. To assist in these efforts, we are urging you to prepare for the coming season. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide excellent resources for developing a “Family Disaster Plan.” You can access these resources on the internet at: TDI – www.tdi.state.tx.us, and FEMA – www.fema.gov
We also provide information on our Consumer Website’s Hurricane Planning Resource Page.
If you own a home or rental property, make sure you take the opportunity to purchase Flood Insurance before the storm comes, since the standard Homeowners and Dwelling fire policies exclude flood.
BE SAFE THIS SEASON!
- The ARI Team
Filed under: Agent News, Insureds News, Uncategorized
Freezing Conditions
HOUSTON, TEXAS – As many of you are already aware, below freezing temperatures are expected to hit the Houston area over the next three days. Temperatures in the mid 20′s are expected Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through a house. Homeowners can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect the home. Below are some valuable instructions for handling freezing pipe conditions. Homeowners should be aware of the dangers of freezing pipes and prepare to take the appropriate actions.
Before the Freeze
Insulate and Cover:
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, heat tape, or plastic foam.
- Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
- Seal any visible air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes.
Drain:
- Drain hoses and sprinkler systems and store water hoses indoors.
- Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
- If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Then contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
Prepare:
- Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
- Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
- Let indoor faucets drip; it isn’t necessary to run a stream of water.
- Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
If Your Pipes Freeze
- If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
- If a pipe hasn’t burst but water is not flowing the pipes may have frozen. Leave the faucet on and thaw the pipe out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe.
- Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They may cause a fire or expose you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide!
If You Have a Loss
- Contact your insurance agent or company promptly.
- Review your coverage. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
- Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.