Read below to learn more about New Texas Vehicle Inspection laws starting January 1, 2025, Hurricane Helene update and hurricane preparedness, and the difference between an Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company.

New Texas Vehicle Inspection Law

Starting January 1, 2025, Texas will eliminate the requirement for annual safety inspections for most non-commercial vehicles, as part of House Bill 3297. This means vehicle owners will no longer need to visit inspection stations for annual checks. However, a $7.50 fee, known as the “inspection program replacement fee,” will still be applied during vehicle registration. The collected fees will support state funds such as the Texas Mobility Fund and the Clean Air Account.

Despite the elimination of the safety inspections, vehicles in certain counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery, will still be required to undergo annual emissions testing to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Commercial vehicles, however, are not affected by these changes and will still need to complete annual inspections.

Click HERE for more information.

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall on the night of September 26, 2024, in Florida’s Big Bend area as a powerful Category 4 storm. With sustained winds of 140 mph, the storm caused widespread damage, particularly along the northwestern coastline. Officials issued warnings about life-threatening storm surges, which resulted in catastrophic flooding, while hurricane-force winds knocked out power to nearly a million homes and businesses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other southeastern states declared states of emergency as the storm’s impact extended into Georgia and the Carolinas.

For detailed guidance on staying safe during hurricane season, check out our previous blog on hurricane preparedness. It covers essential tips and strategies to help you protect your home and family before, during, and after a storm.

Insurance Agency vs. Insurance Company

An insurance agency and an insurance company serve distinct roles in the insurance market. An insurance agency acts as an intermediary between customers and insurance companies. Agencies represent multiple insurers and work to find the best policies for their clients, tailoring coverage options to meet individual needs. They essentially sell and manage policies on behalf of insurance companies.

An insurance company, on the other hand, is the entity that underwrites and provides the insurance policies. It assumes the financial risk, collects premiums, and is responsible for paying out claims. While agencies focus on selling and servicing policies, insurance companies are the ones that create and back the coverage financially.

Referrals and Reviews

Referrals and Google reviews are key to our business growth by boosting credibility and expanding our reach. Referrals provide trusted, word-of-mouth endorsements, while positive Google reviews increase online visibility and showcase the quality of our services. Together, they build trust, attract new customers, and drive sustainable growth through customer acquisition and retention.

Property insurance in Texas (and in most states in the US) continues to challenge the insurance industry – inflation, large weather-related claims, inconsistent weather patterns, material and labor increases have found their way into all our premiums.  2023 added another layer of complexity in Texas as many of the insurance companies tightened up restrictions on where and what kind of homes they want to cover.  One of the biggest areas of focus (and rating factors) for property insurance is the age of our roofs.  Many insurance companies are now requiring proof of roof age, this proof comes in several forms:

• Roofing Permit or Certificate (typically from a licensed roofer and/or roofing company)

• Paid receipt showing roof replacement (and scope of work done)

• Pre-purchase inspection (hold on to these if you have recently purchased a home)

• Roof Inspection completed within the last 6-12 months, including photos showing all sides of the roof

Knowing the age of roof and being able to provide proof will become more important as the years go on.  Educate yourself on what to know about roof coverage or even filing a claim by clicking here: Insurance and your roof: What to know when buying a policy or filing a claim (texas.gov)

When it comes to commercial insurance, our team has you covered. We are excited to introduce our newest member, Veronica, who brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Learn more about Cyber Security and its importance for your small business, as safeguarding your digital assets is crucial in today’s landscape. Additionally, explore whether your company requires commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicles and drivers. To foster a productive work environment, check out an article written by our friend and client, Levi Kirwin, on creating clarity and communication throughout your organization, where we discuss effective strategies to enhance transparency and engagement within your team. In our Client Center, we offer personalized assistance to address your specific needs, ensuring you get the most comprehensive coverage.

Meet Our Newest Commercial Lines Account Manager

Do you need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Are you unsure whether your business needs commercial auto insurance? Progressive Insurance has published an insightful article that clearly outlines the differences between personal and commercial auto insurance. This resource can help you determine whether your business vehicles require commercial coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected on the road. Check it out to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Creating Clarity and Communication Throughout Your Organization

1 Point, 2 Minutes:  Energize your teams through communicating consistent clarity of purpose.

Founders and CEOs need to answer six questions to create clarity and communicate clarity consistently throughout your organization (see Patrick Lencioni’s “The Advantage”)

1. Why do we exist?
   1.  “Because the world needs…” (fill in your WHY)
2. How do we behave?
   1.  Define core values, no more than five.
3. What do we do? 
   1. Your one sentence value proposition for prospects.
4. How will we succeed? 
   1. What are the unique(s) your product or service brings to the market?
5. What is most important, right now? 
   1. The time horizon should be from 3-12 months.
   1. This choice you make should be exactly ONE thing that, if accomplished, will move your firm forward more than any other choice.
   1. Outline one sentence as a thematic goal, and define objectives in clear steps as work tasks.
   1. Connect these to your business goals for the year.  Revenue, prospect pipeline strength, cost reduction, something else.
6. WHO must do WHAT to accomplish the most important choice you have identified?
   1. This isn’t a prompt to Ctl-C, Ctl-V your org chart. 
   1. Instead, you are assigning each clearly defined work task to exactly one owner to accomplish “what is most important.”

Get your leadership team aligned and agreed on (1) – (6).  Congratulations, you have created clarity!  Now, communicate clarity.  Create a short simple communication for (5) and (6) for each team leader to cover, each week, on progress to the goal.  Repeat clarity.  Every week.

You’re the visible leader and you set the rhythm of your organization; you set the pulse by your words and presence.  You cannot, you CANNOT, repeat this enough in your daily interactions with your team.  You will feel like you are repeating yourself in annoying ways.  But each of your team only hears you a small fraction of his or her day.  Your words frame the day, maybe the week, when your team hears you.  Communicate what you want them to remember.

Clarity galvanizes your marketing strategy, your prospecting and sales processes, and your operational muscle towards one goal, one vision, One Point on the horizon to run towards.  Help them keep their eyes on the prize. It’s your responsibility. Executing well is how you win the year.

Ready to create clarity for your team, prospects, and customers? 

Cyber Security and It’s Importance to Your Small Business

Last week’s CrowdStrike software update resulted in outages for millions of Microsoft Windows users, potentially costing the economy billions of dollars and triggering cyber policy claims for numerous businesses worldwide. Today’s businesses depend on technology to thrive. However, with the benefits of technology come increased risks. Now is the time to review your current cyber insurance coverage. Determine which policies provide coverage, check notice of loss requirements, limitations, and any other coverage considerations. Watch this video from Central Insurance to learn how to protect your small business from a cyber attack.

Inspection Recommendations

Inspection recommendations have become increasingly crucial as Excess and Surplus (E&S) carriers have tightened their inspection protocols. To ensure compliance and secure the necessary coverage, it’s important to adhere to these stricter guidelines. By following detailed inspection recommendations, businesses can avoid potential coverage issues and maintain the high standards required by E&S carriers, ultimately protecting their assets and operations more effectively. Watch this VIDEO by Fusco Orsini & Associates Insurance Services X 4C to learn more!

Ellis Insurance Agency Client Center

Did you know about our digital customer service? You can use our Client Center to view your insurance policies, make payments, print insurance ID cards, update your contact information, download documents, and more!

School is OUT and Summer is HERE! Read on to learn more about Hurricane Season, the top car models stolen in 2023, and how your referrals and Google reviews help our business!

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. Learn more about hurricane preparedness and what to do in the event of a flood/natural disaster.

Hurricane Preparedness

A hurricane can be a devastating force of nature whether you live inland or on a coast. Being prepared can potentially help save you, your family, and your home from permanent damage. Read on to see what steps you can take to prepare for this hurricane season.

Evaluate Your Risk

Living on the coast is a higher probability to being hit by a hurricane, but inland residents are also at risk. Heavy rains, winds, and storm surges can cause wind damage and flooding. Once you evaluate your location and review historical hurricane information, you can decide whats best for you to prepare.

Preparing Your Family

You and your family’s safety is essential. Follow this guide to ensure you have a plan in place in the event of a hurricane

• Develop an evacuation plan.
• Prepare for power outages. Flashlights, electric lanterns, and gas-powered generators are a great place to start.
• Build an emergency kit. Click here to find a list of basic emergency supplies to have on hand.
• Be sure to secure important documents in a fire/water proof safe.

Preparing Your Home

While preparing your family and their safety is most important, it is good to start preparing your house before hurricane season starts. Here are some tips for preparing the exterior of your home.

• Check window and door seals. It’s important that these are in good condition to prevent water damage inside your home.
• Install storm shutters (if you’re in a high-risk area) or have boards available to put over your windows.
• Trim tree branches around your roof. High winds can cause trees and branches to damage your home.
• Clean your gutters to help water flow and prevent roof damage.
• Make sure you garage door(s) are secure.
• Have sandbags available to divert water from your home if you are in a high-risk area.

Now that your home and your family are prepared, be sure to check with your insurance agent to review your home policy. Most homeowners insurance will cover wind damage, but not flood damage as flood insurance is a separate policy. Be sure to ask what the best steps will be in the event that you need to file a claim after a hurricane. You can track current hurricanes and tropical storms by visiting the NOAA tracking site. Stay prepared and safe!

Top Stolen Car Models in 2023

Hyundai and Kia: Among the Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in 2023

In 2023, Hyundai and Kia vehicles made headlines for an unfortunate reason—they were among the top 10 most stolen cars in the United States. This surge in thefts has brought significant attention to these popular brands, prompting concerns among car owners, manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies.

The Rise in Thefts

The increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles can be attributed to several factors. A primary reason is the relative ease with which certain models can be stolen. Many Hyundai and Kia cars manufactured between 2011 and 2021 lack engine immobilizers, a standard feature in most modern vehicles that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. This omission has made these vehicles particularly vulnerable to theft through techniques as simple as breaking a window and manipulating the ignition.

Social Media Impact

Another surprising catalyst for the spike in thefts has been social media. Videos demonstrating how to steal these cars have proliferated on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, providing would-be thieves with step-by-step instructions. This phenomenon has not only increased the number of thefts but also highlighted the vulnerability of these vehicles to a global audience.

Impact on Owners and Communities

The rise in thefts has had significant repercussions for car owners and communities. Many Hyundai and Kia owners have reported increased insurance premiums and difficulty securing coverage due to the high risk of theft. Communities, especially in urban areas, have seen a notable uptick in car theft-related crimes, straining local law enforcement resources and fostering a sense of insecurity among residents.

Manufacturer Response

In response to the surge in thefts, Hyundai and Kia have taken several measures to address the issue. Both companies have expedited the implementation of engine immobilizers in their newer models to enhance security. Additionally, they have provided software updates and security kits for older models to make them less susceptible to theft.

Moreover, Hyundai and Kia have collaborated with law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the theft risk and educate owners on preventive measures. They have also offered steering wheel locks and other anti-theft devices to affected customers at no charge, aiming to mitigate the immediate risk while longer-term solutions are developed.

Legal and Regulatory Actions

The theft epidemic has also spurred legal and regulatory responses. Several cities and states have called for stricter regulations and standards for vehicle security to prevent such vulnerabilities in the future. There have been discussions about potential class-action lawsuits against the manufacturers for failing to equip their vehicles with adequate anti-theft technology, reflecting the growing frustration among consumers and policymakers.

Looking Ahead

While Hyundai and Kia have taken significant steps to address the theft issue, the long-term impact on their reputation remains uncertain. The companies’ swift response and commitment to enhancing vehicle security are positive signs, but restoring consumer confidence will likely require sustained effort and innovation.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Hyundai and Kia theft phenomenon underscores the importance of robust security measures in vehicle design. For car manufacturers, it serves as a crucial lesson in the necessity of keeping pace with technological advancements and emerging threats to ensure the safety and security of their customers.

In conclusion, the inclusion of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the list of the top 10 most stolen cars in 2023 has spotlighted critical vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Addressing these challenges head-on, both manufacturers and regulatory bodies must work together to prevent such issues from recurring in the future, ensuring safer streets and greater peace of mind for car owners everywhere.

Referral Program and Google Reviews

Referrals and Google reviews play a crucial role in boosting our business by enhancing our credibility and expanding our customer base. Referrals from satisfied clients provide powerful word-of-mouth endorsements that build trust and encourage potential customers to choose our services. Meanwhile, positive Google reviews improve our online visibility, making it easier for people to find us when searching for relevant services. These reviews also serve as testimonials to the quality of our work, influencing potential clients’ decisions and fostering a sense of community trust. Together, referrals and Google reviews create a virtuous cycle of customer acquisition and retention, driving sustainable business growth.

Thank you for trusting Ellis Insurance Agency – We love our clients!