How to protect your home while away on vacation

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How to protect your home while away on vacationSummer is the perfect time to embark on a well-deserved vacation, but it’s crucial to take precautions to protect your home while you’re away. By implementing simple measures and adopting preventive strategies, you can deter potential thieves and ensure the safety of your property.

When it comes to safeguarding your home during vacation, there are several important factors to consider. Let’s delve into these points to help you keep your home secure from burglary while you enjoy your time off:

Social Media Awareness:

One common mistake people make is sharing their vacation plans on social media platforms before leaving. This essentially serves as an open invitation to burglars, indicating that your home is unoccupied. Avoid posting about your trip until after you return. By doing so, you prevent potential criminals from being aware of your absence.

Neighbors:

Maintaining a good relationship with your neighbors can be invaluable when it comes to home security. Inform them about your vacation plans, so they can keep a watchful eye on your property. Trusted neighbors can help by collecting your mail, removing newspapers from the driveway, and even putting out the trash, creating the illusion of an occupied home.

Utilize Technology:

Take advantage of the technological advancements available to protect your home. Home security systems have evolved significantly, making it easier than ever to monitor your property remotely. Consider installing devices like Canary, which provides video surveillance and sends you instant notifications when motion is detected at your home. This allows you to view live video feeds, record any suspicious activity, and even contact the authorities if necessary.

Outlet Timers:

A simple and affordable technology solution is the use of outlet timers. These devices can automatically turn on and off lights at different times throughout the night, giving the impression that someone is home. By investing in outlet timers, which cost around $9.00 each, you can create the illusion of activity within your house. For optimal energy efficiency, pair the timers with energy-saving LED bulbs in the lamps you plan to leave on.

Home Maintenance:

Before leaving for your vacation, ensure that your home is well-maintained and secure. Double-check all windows and doors to make sure they are locked properly. Repair any broken locks or hinges, and consider installing deadbolts for added security. Additionally, trimming any overgrown bushes or shrubs around your property can eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.

Alarm Systems:

If you haven’t already, consider investing in a reliable alarm system for your home. Modern alarm systems offer comprehensive security features, including motion sensors, door and window sensors, and even surveillance cameras. These systems often come with 24/7 monitoring services, ensuring prompt response in the event of an intrusion.

Home Watch Services:

If you plan to be away for an extended period, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional home watch service. These services typically involve regular inspections of your property, ensuring that everything is in order and addressing any issues promptly. Home watch professionals can also maintain your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, watering plants, and performing other necessary tasks to give the appearance of occupancy.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Remember, a little bit of preparation and attention to detail can go a long way in protecting your home while you’re away.

Wildfires, home insurance & staying safe during poor air quality days

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Wildfire & home insurance With an increase in wildfires over the last few years, some insurance carriers around the country have needed to make adjustments to home insurance policies.

Here are two common scenarios we are seeing:

  • Depending on the state you live in, there is limited or no home insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.
  • An increase in home insurance costs across the board for all home insurance policy holders throughout the United States.

When insurance carriers see a spike in insurance claims, they will raise their premiums regardless if you live in a high-risk area or not.

This is a big reason why you may have noticed an increase in your home insurance premium at renewal. Unfortunately, this is out of our control since only insurance carriers can determine the rate of home insurance.

For homes that are located in high-risk areas, we understand your frustration with insurance coverage. Some states are offering special insurance coverage for homes located in high-risk areas.

Contact our agency if you fall into this category and we will see what coverage is offered in your area. Our agency represents several top insurance carriers. With a quick phone call, we can shop all our home insurance carriers at once to see if we can find you the right coverage for your needs.

Wildfires occur in every state throughout the United States and it is important to know what to do if one breaks out near your home.

Steps to Take if a Wildfire Threatens Your Home:
1.) Stay up-to-date on evacuation info & remain calm. Stay inside and turn on a portable air filter inside your home. HEPA-filtered air cleaners are best.

2.) Pack your car with emergency supplies in the event you need to leave – include emergency supplies & valuables from your home.

3.) Put on protective clothing to protect your body, face and lungs. Be sure to have a respirator or good mask to reduce your smoke exposure when outside. N95 masks or P100 respirators are ideal. Make sure it is snug to your face. It should have two straps to go around your head to ensure it is tight.

4.) Keep your loved ones updated on where you are going if you decide to evacuate.

Steps to Take if You Are in a Low Risk Area, But Air Quality is Poor

1.) You can check the air quality in your area by checking AirNow.Gov. This will give you a good indication if it is safe to be outside.

2.) If air quality is poor, stay inside. If you absolutely have to be outside, wear a N95 mask or P100 respirator. Limit your time outdoors, even with your mask on.

Please enjoy your summer responsibly. If you have questions about your home insurance coverage when it comes to wildfires give us a call. We’re here to help.

How to do your part to reduce wildfires this summer

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Wildfire Prevention Tips To Know and FollowIt is that time of year when we like to remind you of the importance of wildfire prevention. Preventing a wildfire requires a collective effort and best practices need to be utilized to lower our risk.

Did you know the majority of wildfires are caused by humans? According to Wildland Fire Management Information, humans cause 85% of wildland fires. That is an alarming number. If we could educate everyone in the United States on how to prevent fires, we could see a major improvement.

Most common scenarios where human fires start:

  • Campfires left unattended
  • Burning debris
  • Equipment use or malfunction
  • Arson
  • Not properly discarding cigarettes

Other scenarios where wildfires start:

  • Natural causes such as lightning

How You Can Lower the Chance of Starting a Wildfire

1.) Pay Attention to Your State’s Burn Bans.

If the weather is hot and dry, burn bans may automatically be put in place. Always respect these rules and never burn during these times. This includes campfires and burning debris in your backyard. They are in place for a reason.

2.) If It Is Safe to Burn, Be Sure You Know the Correct Protocols for Burning

If you plan to go camping this summer or burn debris in your backyard, it is important to review the correct protocols to avoid starting a fire. Even using your family car, lawn equipment or farm equipment can increase your risk. Review fire safety here. 

Fires should never be started near flammable materials. This includes grass, leaves, logs and brush. Learn how to build a proper campfire here.

Did you know wind can play a role in starting a fire? Even if there is not a burn ban in place, you should never burn debris or start a campfire if it is windy.

By leaving a fire unattended or simply not putting out the fire correctly, you can be liable for starting a fire. A simple reminder, “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.” Whether you are camping in the backcountry or at a campground, a shovel and a bucket can be a few key items you can use that will ensure your fire is out when it is time to leave.

3.) Don’t drive your vehicle or use equipment over dry grass.

A simple spark from your vehicle’s exhaust can cause a fire. By performing regular maintenance on your car or equipment, this lowers your risk of shooting off sparks.

If weather conditions are fine and you plan to explore off-road, it never hurts to have a few safety items on hand in the event a fire starts. Items include a shovel, bucket or fire extinguisher.

We hope you have a great summer! If you have questions about your insurance policy, contact our agency. We are here to help address your concerns or answer questions.

An update on auto & home insurance rates in 2023

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Inflation Continues to Impact Insurance Policy Premiums in 2023

An Update On Auto & Home Insurance Rates in 2023We all feel the impact of inflation. Whether it is at the gas station, grocery store and your insurance policies at renewal. Unfortunately, the insurance industry continues to be impacted as insurance carriers are forced to adjust their risk based on inflation and claims.

We know it is frustrating to see your premiums increase even though you may not have experienced any activity such as an insurance claim. Inflation is the main reason insurance premium rates continue to increase across the country.

Another strike against policyholders is the rise in insurance claims across the country. Not only are insurance carriers receiving more insurance claims than before, but it is also costing insurance carriers more with settling claims.

Anytime insurance carriers see an increase in claims and the cost to settle these claims, they will raise their premiums to all customers around the country. Some insurance carriers have even dropped offering specific policies in certain states which experience a high severity.

Summary on why your insurance policy went up even though you didn’t file a claim or receive a vehicle infraction:

  • Building materials for homes have increased (some materials are 20% to 50% higher now).
  • There are less skilled workers available to work. This means companies are now paying higher wages to those who are available to work.
  • Car parts and equipment are more expensive (some over 22% higher now).
  • It costs more to maintain and repair vehicles.
  • Used cars prices increased over 37% since 2020. New car prices have increased over 20%.
  • Medical bills for insurance claims have increased.
  • Most companies are now using underwriting holding periods by asking for proof of ownership, photos of interior and exterior of home, proof of when roofs, plumbing and HVAC systems were updated. I.e. Requiring receipts for the work, etc. This may delay or help insurance carriers avoid writing any new policies until their rate increases are approved, which may be 20% to 50% higher.
  • Some carriers are no longer offering insurance to high risk areas or on specific vehicles (wildfire areas, specific cars that are prone to theft, etc.) The insurance carriers who continue to offer insurance coverage have to take on additional risk, which makes insurance premiums more expensive.

If your insurance policy has increased significantly, reach out to us. We can re-quote you with other insurance carriers we represent to see if we can find you a more affordable policy. This is one of the best benefits of working with an independent insurance agency. We advocate for you!

Here are some ways we have helped customers save on their insurance premium. Each of our insurance carriers offer unique discounts so reach out to us to review your current policy.

  • Bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
  • Install and maintain a burglar alarm system on your home and receive a protective device discount.
  • Discounts for your teenager – good student or distant student (for college students who attend school more than 100 miles away)
  • If you recently built a home or significantly renovated it, you may qualify for a discount.
  • If you have been accident-free for at least three years, you can be eligible for a discount.
  • Earn a claims-free check too! Eligible customers who remain claims free for 6 months can receive a check in the mail from some insurance carriers. Score another check if you remain claims-free for the rest of the year on your policy.

Bonus Coverages Offered

With the rise in insurance premiums, some insurance carriers have added additional coverage to their policies.

Water backup, service line and personal property replacement for claims are the three most common coverage upgrades.

Contact your agent if you have any questions regarding your current insurance policy. We are here to help.

Proper insurance coverage for your summer activities

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Insurance for your summer activitiesSummer is near! With the start of a new season, you may be looking forward to the activities that are typically enjoyed during the summer season. Whether you plan to take road trips, use your dirt bike or ATV, swim at your home or spending time on your boat, you may wait all year to enjoy these activities to the max.

Before summer season officially kicks off, it may be a nice time to discuss your insurance coverage for the most common summer activities.

Road Trips

If you plan to rent a car, it is important to understand what your personal auto insurance covers and what it doesn’t cover. If you aren’t sure, speak with an agent in our office. If your personal auto insurance policy contains comprehensive and collision coverage you can typically transfer that coverage to a temporary replacement like a rental vehicle.

One coverage you would be missing is loss of use coverage. If you get into an accident in the rental car, the rental car agency can charge you for loss of use while their vehicle is being repaired. You can purchase coverage for this through the rental agency.

If you only carry a liability policy on your personal auto insurance policy, you may have to purchase additional coverage to simply rent the car from the rental agency. Collision and comprehensive coverage will cover damages to the rental vehicle and are required to rent a car. If your policy doesn’t contain these coverages, you’ll need to purchase them from the rental agency.

Dirt Bikes, ATV, Boats, Electric Bikes and More

Some people wait all year to use these summer toys. These vehicles should have their own insurance policy and we can help you find affordable coverage.

Protecting yourself with an insurance policy that is specific to the vehicle you’re driving is important as you cannot rely on your insurance coverage from your home insurance, renters insurance or auto insurance policy if you get into an accident or injure someone while operating one of these vehicles.

Other Summer Activities

If you like to host parties at your home, are throwing a large event this summer like a wedding or your kids like to have their friends over to swim, you should know these activities can increase your risk for a liability claim.

Talk to an agent in our office about special event insurance policies for things like baby showers, bah mitzvahs, birthday parties and weddings. This is also a great time to discuss our next topic: Umbrella Insurance.

Umbrella Insurance

Purchasing an umbrella insurance policy offers you above and beyond insurance protection on your vehicle and homeowners policies all at an affordable price. Accidents happen and the total damage can add up quickly, exhausting your limits on your vehicle or home insurance policy.

Umbrella insurance offers another layer of protection if this happens. Talk to us about your insurance options. There are countless scenarios where this coverage can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Contact Our Agency for an Insurance Review

It’s our job to help ensure you have the best insurance coverage for your needs. Give us a call if it is time to review your auto, home, umbrella or specialty vehicle insurance.

Homeowner’s insurance discounts

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Home Insurance DiscountsWhether you are looking to purchase a new home or if you find your current home insurance premium is too high, our local, independent insurance agency can help. We represent the top home insurance carriers in the country. In one click, we can provide you with quotes from all of our carriers at once!

Here are the most common home insurance discounts you can receive:

Bundle your auto insurance with your home insurance: Bundling your auto and home insurance policies together with the same insurance carrier is our first discount we search for. If you have an existing auto insurance policy already, we can quote your home insurance with the same carrier. We can also provide you with a new quote for auto & home insurance with our other carriers.

Pay in Full: if you opt to pay your home insurance once a year, many insurance carriers will lower your premium. This also is the same for your auto insurance policy.

Longevity: Stay with the Same Insurance Carrier Year after Year: Many insurance carriers give a loyalty discount. If you have been with the same insurance carrier for years, you may be able to receive a lower home insurance premium. Talk to an agent in our office to see if you are qualify for a loyalty discount.

No Claims? Get Rewarded: You may see insurance carrier commercials promoting claims-free discounts. This is true! Each insurance carrier has their own set of criteria for rewarding their customers with discounts for being claims-free. Many times this means receiving a check in the mail throughout the year.

Military or Retired Discount: If you are in the military or recently retired, talk to an agent in our office to see if your insurance carrier can provide you with a discount.

Invest in Smart Home Devices: Many insurance carriers like it when homeowners invest in the safety of their home. This could include sensors for leaks or being able to lock your home when you’re off your property. Talk to us to see what your insurance carrier may provide.

Go Green: Many homeowners are investing in solar panels and it is earning them a home insurance discount. Other ways to earn a discount – upgrading your windows or appliances to being more energy efficient such as your windows, heat pumps or other appliances in your home.

Other ways to lower your premium:

Adjust your deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly or yearly home insurance premium. Yes, you would have to pay more out of pocket if you experienced a home insurance claim. However, if you see yourself as lower risk, it may be better for you to earn a monthly discount on your premium instead to save more money in the long run.

Keep your Credit Score High: Insurance carriers can view a good credit score as less risk. This can earn you a lower home insurance premium.

If you Live in an Old Home, Upgrades Can Lower Your Premium: some old homes have knob and tube wiring, which can increase your risk for a home fire. If you’ve upgraded your home electrical system, be sure your agent knows this was completed. It can lower your premium.

Call Our Agency for a Home Insurance Quote or Re-Quote

We want to make sure you are getting the best rate and coverage on your home insurance. Contact us to shop our home insurance rates.

Should You Insure A Golf Cart?

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Golf Cart InsuranceGolf carts aren’t just used for the golf course. Many people use as an easy transportation around their neighborhood.

Depending what state you live in, insurance for your golf cart is either required or optional. Golf cart insurance is going to provide you with the best coverage versus simply relying on your home insurance policy for coverage. Home insurance can also deny coverage if you get into an accident or injure someone away from your property.

What protection does golf cart insurance provide you?

Similar to car insurance, golf cart insurance can provide you with a wide variety of protection.

Property damage liability – if you damage someone’s property with your golf cart, this can pay for the damage.

Bodily injury liability – if you injure someone who is not a passenger with your golf cart, this can pay for the medical bills.

Guest Passenger liability – if you injure your guest passenger who is riding with you, this may pay for medical expenses.

Collision insurance – this coverage can pay for any damage you cause to your golf cart if you get into a collision with another object.

Comprehensive insurance – this can provide coverage if something happens to your golf cart such as fire damage, theft or any other event that causes damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage – this coverage helps pay for damage on accidents where you are not at fault. If you get into an accident with someone else who is at fault, but that person doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage, uninsured motorist coverage may kick in.

Medical payments – this can provide coverage for medical bills related to you and your guest passengers regardless who is at fault for the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions about Golf Cart Insurance –

I have a home and auto insurance policy, if I choose not to buy a golf cart insurance policy, am I covered by my other insurance policies?

Auto insurance rarely provides coverage for golf carts. Your home insurance may provide some coverage for your golf cart, but only if you have a claim that occurs on your property. We don’t recommend relying on this coverage because it can be minimal. Talk to an agent in our office about what your home insurance could cover. If you get into an accident away from your property, most likely your home insurance will deny any coverage.

Is golf cart insurance affordable?

Definitely! Insurance premiums vary based off of what coverage you want to purchase. If you want to purchase all the coverage options above, your cost will be more versus just purchasing liability insurance.

Other factors that play a role in your premium – your driving history, your vehicle, if you wish to pay yearly or monthly or taking a safety course.

Call our agency for a free insurance quote! If you have other policies, we can bundle with your current insurance carrier to provide you with additional discounts.

My Home was Burglarized and Valuables were Stolen, Am I Covered By My Home Insurance?

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Home Theft Protection in Lubbock, TXLike car theft, many cities and communities throughout the United States have seen an increase in home burglaries. If your home is ever burglarized, it is important to understand your home or renter’s insurance coverage.

Home insurance can provide you with coverage for replacement if you have valuables stolen from your home. In insurance terms, this is known as personal property coverage. Coverage varies depending on your policy limits and your deductible.

A Claim is Processed on Actual Cash Value or Replacement Value for Stolen Valuables

It is important to note that covered claims are processed based off your policy verbiage. Often policy holders believe valuables that were stolen from their home will be reimbursed at the same price as what they paid for it. This is not always the case.

Actual Cash Value – Actual cash value is the amount you paid for the item, minus depreciation at the time of your insurance claim. The insurance carrier reimburses you simply off what this specific item costs today. In most situations, insurance adjusters will determine the price of reimbursement is less than what you originally paid. Depreciation is broken down by wear and tear or the age of the item. 

Replacement Value – Replacement value is the amount you paid for the item. It does not factor in depreciation. In a covered claim, an insurance adjuster will reimburse or replace an item similar to what was stolen at today’s price.

Choosing what coverage, you prefer for your policy is up to you. Actual cash value coverage tends to offer a more affordable insurance premium but does offer a little less coverage. Replacement value offers more coverage but increases your insurance premium.

Are all items in your home covered under personal property coverage?

Certain high price items should be covered under a policy rider.

This is separate from personal property coverage. Items such as wedding or engagement rings, other valuable jewelry, fine art, as well as equipment such as high price cameras, bicycles, musical instruments, firearms, or any other valuables you consider high price.

Contact an agent in our office to discuss if you need specific items in your home on a policy rider. It’s important to have separate coverage for these items because home insurance policies do have policy limits. If a high price valuable was stolen from your home, you may be underinsured. Therefore, your home or renters insurance policy could not provide you with proper replacement for your valuable.

Have Questions about Your Home or Renters Insurance Policy?

Our agents are here to answer your questions and ensure you understand your insurance coverage. Contact us for a home or renters insurance policy review.

Car Theft – Am I Covered?

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Auto Insurance & Car Theft in Lubbock, TXWhen a person thinks about car theft, there are a few scenarios to imagine such as personal property items stolen out of your vehicle, car parts stolen from your vehicle, or your car was physically stolen and couldn’t be recovered.

So, the question is, are you covered if you experience any of the following theft scenarios? The answer varies based on what type of auto insurance coverage you purchased.

Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy typically provides coverage if your car was stolen (and was never recovered) or if you had car parts stolen out of your vehicle. If you do not have this coverage on your auto insurance policy, your insurance carrier cannot offer you any assistance.

Common Car Parts Targeted in Vehicles Recently

The past few years, thieves have been targeting catalytic converters in vehicles. This car part not only has precious metals that makes it valuable to re-sell, but catalytic converters can be easy to steal due to its location in a vehicle. Also, some vehicles tend to be easier to target this parts than others along with some being more valuable parts than others. The best tip here would be to park your car in a well-lit area.

If you had your catalytic converter stolen from your vehicle and you had comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you should be covered by your insurance policy.

My Car was Stolen – But It Has Been Recovered Vandalized

Vandalism is included with comprehensive coverage and should pay for the damages up to your policy limits, less your deductible.

I had personal valuables stolen out of my vehicle – am I covered?

Your auto insurance policy does not offer coverage for stolen personal property items that were taken from inside your car. However, you could file a claim under your home or renters insurance policy.

Thinking of investing in a car alarm system? Talk to your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount. Not only do car alarms offer some peace of mind, but you could be rewarded with an insurance discount too.

How to Prevent Car Break-ins

There is only one way to prevent personal property theft out of your vehicle – never leave anything in your vehicle!

Sometimes this is easier said than done.

If you do have to store valuables inside your vehicle, be sure they are out of sight. Investing a car alarm can also bring some peace of mind. It’s also important to know the area where you are parking your vehicle. If it is known for break-ins, always plan on bring your valuables along with you.

Looking to Add Comprehensive Coverage to Your Current Auto Insurance Policy?

Call our agency for a free quote. We can review your current auto insurance coverage or provide you with a new quote that includes comprehensive coverage. We’ll quote our top carriers and help you find the best policy for your needs.

6 Benefits of Working with a Local Insurance Agency

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Independent Insurance Agency Lubbock, TexasA local insurance agent listens to your needs then finds a customized insurance policy that fits those needs. When looking for insurance, consider your local, independent insurance agents in Lubbock, Texas. We do more than just provide you with a great insurance policy.

Because we live in a “need it now” society, instant quotes for auto insurance, home insurance and more seem attractive. However, these instant quotes don’t guarantee you are getting the best insurance rates and coverage for your situation.

Here are some ways a local insurance agent can help you:

Professional Advice

Not sure how much coverage you need to protect your home or confused about what line of insurance you need to protect your small business? Local insurance agents not only want what’s best for you but we’ll provide our professional guidance as well. We’ll listen to your needs, strive to not only educate you on what you are and aren’t covered for, but also counsel you on what insurance company best fits you. Because we represent multiple insurance companies, you get choice.

Did you insurance increase? We can help.

If you have insurance through a direct carrier and you notice your car insurance increases by $300 the following year, you might be thinking it’s time to change carriers. While your insurance may increase with a local insurance agent, all you have to do is reach out to your agent via email or phone. We’ll shop our many insurance carriers to find the best coverage for your needs & budget. Our agency works to save you time and money by working with pre-selected insurance companies and acting on your behalf to fit you into the right insurance program.

Guidance with how to deal with a claim.

Being involved in an insurance claim can be a hassle, but we can assist you throughout the entire process to make it easier on you. By simply calling us, you’ll quickly learn how to settle your claim and be made whole again.

Build a Relationship

Just like you have built trust with your doctor or dentist, we want the same type of relationship with helping you with your insurance. We strive to build that same trust when it comes to needing insurance guidance or saving you time & money. To us, you’re not just a customer, you’re a valued client who needs to be properly protected.

You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Your lifestyle and needs change over time and we are here to assist you with all of life’s changes. Whether you’re looking to start a business, going from renting to owning a home or needing to insure your new classic car vehicle, we are here to help with all your insurance needs.

We Can Do It All

Since we offer many lines of insurance, we can cover all your needs. Plus, when you bundle insurance policies, it may qualify you to save additional money. Get your home, car, boat and business insurance all under one roof to make it easy for you.

If you are looking to find a local insurance agent in Lubbock, Texas for your auto, home or business insurance, call Grimes Insurance. We look forward to earning your business and will strive to create a lasting relationship.