Love being outside, but hate the bugs? Here are a few things you can do to prevent them from hatching as well as a few suggestions to help during a gathering outside.

1. Remove things that will attract bugs to your yard. Standing water is a good place to start, where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Look for buckets, empty planters, dishes, old tires, unused kiddie pools and turn them over or put them away.
2. Change the water in your birdbaths often or add a small pump to circulate the water and discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs.
3. Clear out rain gutters so they don't hold water and become a mosquito breeding ground.
4. Keeping your grass mowed prevents Mosquitoes from hanging out in tall grass and weedy areas.
5. You could also add a bat house in your yard. One brown bat can eat as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in one hour.
6. A fan can create a breeze which mosquitoes dislike.
7. Move trash and recycling bins away from the house. Make sure lids are always secured. If using trash cans outside at your party, make sure they have lids.
8. Keep all food covered. Mesh food tents work well to keep flies off your picnic fare and can be lifted off easily when it's time to eat.
9. To keep ants off your deck, slide some garlic cloves between the boards.
10. Put a chalk line around the area you don't want the ants to cross. Cucumber slices, peels and mint leaves also repel ants.

These tips can help you enjoy your next gathering or day outside without as many bugs. Visit foremost.com for more info.

Our agency can assist with all your homeowner’s insurance needs. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com
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Thinking of buying or building a house, but wondering how much insurance will cost? There are a few factors to consider before that can be answered.

• The deductible you choose
• The value of your home and belongings
• Your claim history
• Age of your house
• Location: material costs vary from place to place and the types of weather your home is exposed to will vary depending on location
• Condition of roof
• Does your home have a pool or a fence?
• Do you have any custom items in your home such as hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen, or a custom tile roof?

 
When you are shopping for homeowner’s insurance it helps to understand your options. Call our office to talk to an agent if you need help understanding a home insurance quote or your current home insurance needs. The visit the allstate blog for more info.

Our agency can assist with all your homeowner’s insurance needs. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

It’s officially summertime! Here are few tips and tricks to keep your house cool as temperatures rise.
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First check to make sure your air conditioning unit is working efficiently and effectively. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a broken AC in the middle of the summer.

• Be sure your air conditioner is the correct size for your home.
• Avoid air conditioning unused rooms.
• Check that your air ducts are properly sealed and insulated.
• Provide shade for the outside half of your air conditioner.
• Clean your air conditioner's air filter at least once a month to increase the air flow.

It's a good idea to have a few alternatives to cut down on energy usage. Here are 10 ideas for staying cool in your home during the summer without air conditioning:

1. Cook outside on a grill instead of preparing food with an indoor stove or oven.
2. Open the windows and let the cooler nighttime air in before you go to bed.
3. Turn on bathroom fans after you take a shower and turn on the exhaust fan in your kitchen after you cook. This will blow away the hot air that is created by both activities.
4. Unplug your electronics when they are not in use. Even if they are turned off, your gadgets will produce heat when they are plugged in.
5. Make sure your house is properly insulated.
6. Plant trees around your home to create shade.
7. Use appliances like dishwashers in the cooler parts of the day.
8. Switch to cotton bed sheets. Cotton is lightweight and lets more airflow.
9. Be creative and experiment with fans. Try facing box fans out the windows so they push away hot air.
10. Keep the lights off in rooms you aren’t using because they emit heat.

These tips can help keep your home cool this summer and save on your electric bill. Visit foremost.com for more.

Our agency can assist with your insurance needs. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

Safe boating practices are important, because unlike roads, waterways have no stop lights or painted lines. To minimize the risk of accidents in the water here are a few tips to consider.

• Take a Boating Safety Class. If you are new to boating this is an excellent place to start. A class can help you learn and understand different signals and maneuvers commonly used while boating.
• Use Safety Passing Techniques
  • Being passed by another boat: the boat being passed must maintain it’s speed and course to allow other boats to safely pass.
  • Approaching a boat head on: Both boats should keep to the right to pass.
  • Crossing paths with another boat: The boat on the right has the right of way. The other boat should slow down or change course to pass behind it.
• Horn Signals
  • One short blast: This means you plan to pass when crossing paths with another boat, leaving them on your left side. If you are behind a boat and intend to pass, one quick horn blast signals that you will pass on their right side.
  • Two short blasts: opposite of one short blast. If you are crossing paths, you’ll leave the boat on your right side. And I passing when your behind a boat, you’ll pass on their left side.
  • Three short blasts: This lets others know you are backing up.
  • Five or more blasts: Danger signal. If a boat responds with the same signal it  means they understand.
  • One prolonged blast: Leaving dock.
• Be careful to avoid high speeds at night. The dark makes it harder to see what you are approaching.

Being cautious and paying attention to your surroundings can help you minimize the risk of accidents while enjoying time on the water.
Visit theAllstateblog for more information about boating safety.
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Our agency can assist with your boater’s insurance needs. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.

The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

Did you know car insurance quotes are different than car insurance rates? When shopping for car insurance it is important to know the difference. Comparing rates can help you assess if you’re getting the most value for your money.

What is a car insurance quote? It is an estimate provided by an insurance company outlining how much you can expect to pay for an insurance policy.

What about a car insurance rate? A rate is the amount you pay for an auto insurance policy over a certain period of time. The rate is affected by what coverages you choose and other auto related factors such as your driving record.

When requesting a quote it’s a good idea to have some personal and vehicle information ready. You may be asked to provide an address, social security number, vehicle identification number and mileage.
It is a good idea to compare quotes. The Insurance Information Institute suggests getting at least 3 quotes from different insurance providers.

Visit theAllstateblog for more information about quotes and rates.

Our agency can assist with your car insurance needs. Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
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The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

Warmer weather means more time with friends and family! If you are planning a cookout, keep these tips in mind to avoid any accidents
 

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet from your home, railings, and overhanging branches.
• Make sure children and pets keep 3 feet away from your grilling area.
• If you’re using a propane grill, make sure the lid is open before lighting it.
• When using a charcoal grill, remember to use the correct lighter fluid.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended.
• If you smell gas while your cooking, turn off the grill and propane.
• When you’re finished grilling on propane, scrape off grease and fat buildup that’s left over in the trays below the grill
• Make sure the coals from your charcoal grill are completely out before disposing in a metal container.

Following these tips can ensure everyone is safe from harm and has a good time! Call or stop by our office today for help with your insurance needs. Click here to see these tips in a video.
 
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com
 
 

This checklist of basic home maintenance tasks will help keep your home in good working order for years to come.
 

1. Clean gutters and downspouts.
2. Check gutters and roof for damage.
3. Inspect your air conditioning unit and change air filters.
4. Check the exterior of your home for loose or damaged siding.
5. Inspect windows for peeling or cracked caulk around the seems and make sure screens are in good condition.
6. Consider resealing your deck if it is showing wear.
7. Look for any cracks in your foundation and check walls and flooring for damage.
8. Trim trees, shrubs, and other plants to keep them from damaging your house and to make room for new growth.

Tackling this checklist will ensure you can enjoy the spring season. Call or stop by our office today for help with your home insurance needs. Visit the allstate blog for the full checklist.
 
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

Buying your first car can be an exciting experience, but now that you have your own set of wheels, you’ll need to consider the coverage options on your first car insurance policy.
 
Having a car can be expensive, but don’t let that deter you from getting good coverage. Understanding your auto policy options and exactly what it covers can help you make a comprehensive decision.
 
Here are some coverages to consider.
 
COVERAGE THAT CAN PAY FOR DAMAGE YOU CAUSE
These two types of liability coverages are required in most states.
              Bodily Injury Liability- if an accident is your fault and someone is injured this coverage can help pay for legal fees, the injured persons’ medical bills and lost wages. This coverage has separate limits on the amount for each injured person and each accident.
              Property Damage Liability- this coverage can help reimburse someone for damage you caused to their property such as, a fence or garage door.
 
COVERAGE THAT HELPS PROTECT YOU IF YOU’RE HURT
              Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- this coverage may help pay for your medical costs related to a car accident, including your deductible and costs that exceed your health insurance limits. It could also help pay for lost wages or funeral expenses in a worst-case scenario.
              Medical payments- similar to PIP this coverage can help with medical bills but will also extend coverage to your passengers. It may also help with medical expenses of a family member injured in another car or as a pedestrian.
 
COVERAGE THAT PROTECTS YOU FROM DRIVER’S WITHOUT INSURANCE
              Uninsured/underinsured motorist- this coverage can assist when you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance, or their coverage won’t cover the full cost of the accident.
             
COVERAGE THAT PROTECTS YOUR VEHICLE
              Collision-this coverage helps with repairs or to replace your vehicle after a collision.
              Comprehensive- Coverage that helps with damage not relating to an auto incident; theft, fire or falling objects.
              Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)- this protects you if your car is totaled or stolen and will typically cover the fair-market value of the car.
 
If you need help selecting the coverage that fits your needs call our office today. Visit the allstate blog for more information.
 
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

​You are walking back to your car and you notice a huge scratch with a matching dent. What to do? First, don’t panic; there are some things you should do before leaving the spot you were parked.

1. Call the police: they will investigate and create an accident report. Be sure to also request a copy of the report and case number.
2. Gather info: document as much information about the accident and damage as possible. Take pictures of damage and anything else at the scene, like tire -marks. Be sure to also notate location, time of day and weather conditions. If the person is still at the scene or left a note acquire their information as well.
3. Notify your insurance agent: they will get the claims process started.

What if it is a hit and run?
Your insurance company may consider the absent driver as uninsured. There are different penalties for hit and run accidents depending on your state- but in some cases it is considered a felony.
 
Will insurance pay if someone hits my car while it is parked?
It depends on your coverage. Collision coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage are two types that could help cover damage, but you may still have to pay a deductible first.
 
Although this could potentially be a stressful situation, having certain coverage options can help. Call us to see what coverages are available in your area. Visit the allstate blog for more information.
 
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com

Are you expecting a baby? It is likely that you have a long to-do list to help prepare for your new addition. But have you thought about life insurance? You might want to look at that list and add “buy life insurance” somewhere between decorate nursery and stock up on diapers.
 
A life insurance policy can secure a financial future for your family in the event you or your partner were to pass away. It could assist with paying off debt, income, living expenses or help pay for future college expenses.
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What type of life insurance is right for you? There are some important questions you should consider before making a decision.

• How much coverage do you need?
• Do you have a mortgage or other debts?
• Do you want to help pay for your child’s college tuition one day?
• What type can I afford?
• Is my life insurance enough?

 
Call our office and we can help you navigate your coverage options and find the best coverage to meet your needs. Visit the allstate blog for more information.
 
The team at Hutto & Dalchau Insurance Agency help with auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, renters insurance and umbrella insurance as well as business, commercial liability, contractor, commercial auto and surety bonds in the Hill Country area. For more information and to learn about our agency visit our website at www.huttoins.com