bluesmileyThe Brooker Bulletin
Tips and Information to Insure a Good Life! 
Issue # 8                                                                               April 2011
In This Issue
Spring Weather Insurance Planning Tips
Spring Cleaning Your Car
Health Care Reform Update
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Brooker Insurance Agency 

 
Your Local Independent Insurance Agency

 

Serving Our Community Since 1938


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Good News! 

 Brooker Financial Corp. is now offering Fannie Mae's "Flex 97 Program", which provides home purchase loans with as little as 3% down! 

This is a great program for first time home buyers or other potential buyers who do not have a lot of liquid funds to bring to the closing table. 

 Call
Andy Morean at
Brooker Financial Corp. today for more details!

 

Telephone (440) 334-5269
 

Toll Free    (866) 537-2476

 

Concerned About the Rising Cost of Health Insurance?

 

If you're interested in a having a comparison quote prepared for your individual or family health insurance plan, or want to compare rates for your group insurance plan, our  Health Benefits Manager, Karen Potoczak, is here to help!  Call Karen today for more information:

(440) 238-5454.

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Spring Weather Insurance Tips 

Rain

Reviewing Your Homeowners Policy Should Be Part of Your Storm Season Preparation 

 

Spring weather in Ohio is always unpredictable. The potential for severe weather can result in major property damage and possible financial loss.  It is important to take time now to check with your insurance agent to make certain you have adequate coverage to protect against damage from the spring and summer's volatile weather.

 

Here are some valuable insurance planning tips from the Ohio Department of Insurance:

 

       1.  Examine your homeowners and auto policies to determine if you need to update your coverages to reflect any improvements or changes.

       2.  Compile a detailed written inventory of your home and belongings, and supplement that inventory with

video/photos.  Keep the inventory off premises in a

safety deposit box or other secure location.

       3.  Rain, hail, lightning and tornado damage are generally covered in a standard homeowners policy, but now is the time to check with your agent to determine the necessity of flood insurance and/or a policy rider for flooding from sewer backups or sump pump issues.

        4.  Consult with your agent to be sure you have deductibles that are reasonable for your needs.

Spring Cleaning Your Car
Spring Cleaning Tips to Freshen Up Your RideWashing Car
 
Spring cleaning isn't just for houses and garages - your car can also benefit from some extra care and attention this spring.  Here's how to prepare your car for the warmer months ahead:

1. Wash the exterior of your car, and be sure to focus on cleaning the undercarriage to remove the corrosive salt, chemicals and grime that build up from winter driving.  This will go a long way toward preventing rust. 
2.  Thoroughly vacuum and spot treat stains on the carpeting to eliminate all traces of winter's dirt. 
3.  Spray a light coating of fabric freshener on the carpet to give it a fresh smell.  Tucking a few dryer sheets under the seat of your car will keep your car smelling fresh and clean.

 4.  Have your tires rotated and check your tire pressure to ensure optimal tire performance as the warmer months arrive.

 5.  Check and replenish the fluids in your car, including the coolant level and quantity, and washer fluid levels.  Don't forget to check your engine oil and air filter, too.  Clean oil, a clean air filter and plenty of fluids will keep your engine running at its best.

6. Be sure to check your windshield wipers to make certain they are still in good working order and providing optimal visibility in wet weather.  Replace with new blades if necessary.

Health Care Reform Update

  

With the enactment of the Affordable Health Care Act, significant changes to the health care and health insurance industries will be implemented over the next several years. 

Each quarter in The Brooker Bulletin, we'll answer a question relating to health care reform to help you understand the various changes brought on by the new legislation.
                              *    *    *    *    *    *   *

QUESTION:  Under the Affordable Care Act, will preventative services now be covered?

ANSWER:      Yes, if you are covered under a job-related health plan or an individual plan created after March 23, 2010, preventative services will be available to you as soon as your plan begins its first new "plan year" or "policy year" on or after September 23, 2010.  Depending on your age, you may have free access (no co-payment, co-insurance or deductible) to:
    * blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests
    * many cancer screenings, including mammograms and
      colonoscopies
    * flu and pneumonia shots
    * regular well-baby and well-child visits, from birth to
      age 21
    * counseling on topics such as smoking cessation,
      weight loss, depression treatments and alcohol abuse.

For more information, log onto www.healthcare.gov, or contact your health care plan administrator.