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Brooker Insurance Agency's 
Brooker Bulletin

Timely Tips and Information to "Insure" A Good Life 
Volume 7
October, 2015
In This Issue
Oh Deer! Avoid A Deer Collision
Happy Fall!
Employee Spotlight
Homeowners Insurance Discounts
Health Insurance Update
Brooker Insurance  
Agency

Your Trusted Local Independent Insurance Agency Since 1938
   
10749 Pearl Road
Strongsville, OH  44136
(440) 238-5454
800-722-0055
 
Oh Deer!
Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid A Deer Collision



More car/deer collisions happen in the months of October, November and December than any other time of year.

Follow these defensive driving tips to help avoid hitting a deer:
 
1.  Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise.
 
2.  Drive with caution when moving through posted deer crossing zones, in areas known to have high deer populations, or in areas where roads divide agricultural fields or forestland.
 
3.  When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic.  High beam lights will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
 
4.  Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
 
5.  Brake firmly when you notice a deer, but stay in your lane and try not to swerve!  Most accidents occur when drivers swerve and hit another vehicle or lose control.
 
6.  Always, always wear your seat belt!
 
Safe travels!

Insurance Information Institute, Inc., "Avoiding Deer-Car Collisions".
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Happy Fall!  
       We hope you enjoy this edition of the Brooker Bulletin, which is distributed quarterly and contains useful tips and helpful information for you and your family.
Employee Spotlight
Janet Hunter - Office Administrator  

In the past several issues of The Brooker Bulletin, we have highlighted different departments of our agency to introduce you to the folks responsible for handling your daily insurance needs.  We hope you have enjoyed "meeting" each of them through the pages of this newsletter.

In this issue, we would like to spotlight one of our very best, brightest and hardest working employees, Janet Hunter, our Office Administrator.  Janet has been with Brooker Insurance for more than 30 years and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of our business.  As Administrator, Janet wears many hats, and her far-ranging responsibilities include everything from billing to licensing to accounting, with HR and IT management responsibilities to fill in her "spare" time.  Janet is truly one of the most dedicated employees you'll ever find, and she manages everything with incredible grace, good humor and professionalism.  Janet keeps things running smoothly , and we are so fortunate to have her overseeing our daily operations.
                                      *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
Our staff recently helped Janet celebrate a milestone birthday with an excursion on a luxury motor coach to several downtown Cleveland hot spots.  We had so much fun together celebrating and toasting Janet's special day!  Happy Birthday Janet!
Homeowners Insurance
Are you taking advantage of all available discounts? 
 
Did you know that according to a national survey conducted in 2011, more than 34% of respondents did not know about most of the homeowners insurance discounts available to them?

Homeowners insurance shouldn't have to strain your budget.  Most insurance carriers offer a range of discounts on your homeowners insurance for which you may qualify.  Here are a list of some of the discounts you may be eligible to receive:

Multi-policy discount - Bundle your homeowners insurance and your auto insurance with the same insurance carrier.

Protective Device Discount - Earn a discount if your home has smoke detectors, fire alarms, burglary alarms or other protective devices.

Claims Free Discount -  Your insurance carrier may offer a discount on your home insurance when you stay claim free.

Age of Construction Discount - You can earn additional savings on your insurance coverage based on your home's age, or the age of your home's roof, plumbing or electrical systems.

 Age of Insured Discount - You may earn a homeowner's insurance discount if you are 60 or older.

Call Brooker Insurance today for a quick policy review to see if you can take advantage of any of these additional money saving discounts.
Health Insurance Update
Open Enrollment is Quickly Approaching 
 
For health insurance coverage starting in 2016, the Open Enrollment Period (the period of time during which individuals can enroll in a health plan) begins on November 1, 2015 and runs through January 31, 2016. 

Here are some important dates for 2016 enrollment:
  • November 1, 2015    Open Enrollment begins - first day you can enroll in a 2016 Marketplace plan.
  • December 15, 2015    For coverage that begins January 1, 2016, you must enroll  by this date.
  • January 1, 2016    First date 2016 coverage can start.
  • January 31, 2016    2016 Open Enrollment ends.

If you don't enroll in a 2016 plan by January 31, 2016, you can not enroll in a health insurance plan for 2016 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.  You qualify for a special enrollment period in the 60 days following certain life events that involve a change in family status (examples:  marriage, birth of a child) or loss of other health coverage.   

 

For questions about or assistance with your individual or family health insurance for 2016, call Karen at (440) 238-5454.  For assistance with your company's health insurance and employee benefits, call Jamie at (440) 238-5454.