Karen Ehlers Insurance Agency

05/14/2026

After a home insurance claim, choosing the right contractor can make a huge difference in how smoothly the repairs go and whether the work is done correctly. Here are some of the biggest things to look for and watch out for:
Look for a Contractor with Experience With Insurance Claims
A contractor familiar with claims work understands:
• Insurance estimates
• Supplements
• Scope of repairs
• Depreciation and recoverable depreciation
• Documentation/photos needed
They tend to communicate better with adjusters and help avoid delays.
Get Multiple Estimates
Try to get at least 2–3 estimates. Compare:
• Scope of work
• Materials being used
• Timeline
• Warranty
• Payment schedule
• Are they insured should something go wrong. Ask them to provide a certificate of insurance and call the carrier to confirm the policy is still in force.
The cheapest bid is not always the best. Extremely low estimates can mean shortcuts or future change orders.
Read Reviews Carefully
Look at:
• Google reviews
• Facebook community pages
• Neighborhood groups (Nextdoor)
Pay attention to:
• Communication issues
• Missed deadlines
• Warranty problems
• Complaints about surprise charges
Consistent patterns matter more than one bad review.
Never Pay Large Amounts Up Front
Typical red flags:
• Demanding full payment before work starts
• Cash-only requests
• High-pressure tactics
A normal structure is:
• Small deposit
• Progress/Draw payment schedule
• Final payment after completion
Be Careful With “Storm Chasers”
After large storms, out-of-town contractors often appear quickly. Some are legitimate, but warning signs include:
• Door-to-door pressure
• “We’ll waive your deductible”
• No local office
• No references
• Asking you to sign immediately
In Texas, offering to absorb or waive deductibles is illegal insurance fraud.
Read the Contract Thoroughly
The contract should clearly include:
• Detailed scope of work
• Materials/specifications
• Timeline
• Payment schedule
• Permit responsibility
• Change order process
• Cleanup expectations
Avoid vague contracts with little detail.
Ask Who Will Actually Be Doing the Work
Some companies sell the job and subcontract everything out. Ask:
• Who supervises the project?
• Are crews employees or subs?
• Who is my point of contact?
Do Not Sign Over Insurance Checks Blindly
Avoid signing:
• “Assignment of Benefits” agreements unless you fully understand them
• Open-ended contracts allowing unlimited supplements
Maintain control of claim funds when possible.
Document Everything
Keep:
• Photos before/during/after
• Emails/texts
• Receipts
• Contracts
• Change orders
This protects you if disputes arise.
Questions Worth Asking
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you specialize in insurance restoration?
• Can you provide recent references?
• Who handles supplements with insurance?
• What happens if hidden damage is found?
• What is your estimated timeline?
• Are you using subcontractors?
• What warranty do you provide?
Major Red Flags
Avoid contractors who:
• Pressure you to sign immediately
• Ask for full payment up front
• Cannot provide insurance
• Have no physical business address
• Want to “work around insurance”
• Offer to waive deductibles
• Refuse written contracts
• Have lots of unresolved complaints

05/01/2026

We are proud to congratulate the 2026 recipients of the Glenn Ehlers Memorial Scholarship!

This year’s outstanding winners are:
🎓 Sage Arnsworth of Conroe
🎓 Kellen McClanahan of Lake Creek
🎓 Isaiah Mendoza of Montgomery

Each of these students has demonstrated hard work, dedication, and a commitment to their future. We are honored to recognize their achievements and support them as they take the next steps in their educational journey.

Please join us in celebrating these incredible young individuals and wishing them continued success!

To learn more about the scholarship and its mission, visit:

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Glenn Ehlers by supporting students who are preparing to finish high school and begin their collegiate studies.

03/20/2026

🚨 Protect Your Property from Fraud – FREE Alert System! 🚨

Did you know Montgomery County offers a FREE property alert service to help protect you from potential fraud?

You can sign up to receive instant email notifications anytime your name (or your business name) is used in a real property filing within Montgomery County. This is a simple but powerful way to catch suspicious activity early and protect your assets.

🔎 Stay informed. Stay protected.
✔️ Quick & easy to set up
✔️ No cost to you
✔️ Peace of mind knowing you’ll be alerted right away

👉 Sign up here: https://montgomery.tx.publicsearch.us/property-alert

It only takes a minute—and it could save you from a major headache down the road. Share this with friends, family, and fellow property owners!

*If you found this post helpful please be sure to give it a like. *

01/22/2026

How to Protect Your Home From an Upcoming Freeze
Freezing temperatures are expected in our area within the next 48 hours. Because South Texas homes and plumbing systems are not designed for prolonged cold, it’s important to prepare now to prevent costly damage.

Steps to Take Before the Freeze
1. Protect Your Pipes

Wrap exposed outdoor pipes with foam insulation, towels, or rags secured with tape.

Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers (or use towels and plastic as a temporary solution).

Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.

If possible, insulate pipes in garages, attics, and under sinks.

2. Drip Faucets

Allow faucets (especially those on exterior walls) to drip slowly.

Run both hot and cold water to help prevent freezing.

3. Open Cabinet Doors

Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

4. Set Your Thermostat

Keep your home heated, even if you are away.

Set the thermostat no lower than 65°F.

Avoid turning the heat off overnight.

5. Check Outdoor Systems

Turn off and drain sprinkler systems if possible.

Cover pool equipment and exposed valves.

Secure outdoor hoses, spigots, and irrigation controls.

6. Prepare for Power Outages

Charge phones and battery packs.

Have flashlights, blankets, and extra layers ready.

Know how to safely use generators or space heaters (never indoors without ventilation).

What to Know If a Pipe Bursts
Even with preparation, pipes can still burst. Acting quickly can significantly reduce damage.

1. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Locate your main water shut-off, usually:

​
Near the street in a ground box, or

On the side of your home where the main line enters

Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to turn it off. If you have not turned it of in a while it can be difficult and you may need a water meter key.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water immediately.

2. Shut Off Electricity If Needed
If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off power to the affected area to avoid hazards.

3. Document the Damage
Take clear photos and videos of:

​
The burst pipe

Water-damaged walls, ceilings, floors, and belongings

Do this before starting major cleanup if it’s safe to do so.

4. Minimize Further Damage
Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.

Open windows and doors (once temperatures allow) to help dry out the space.

Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area.

5. Know Your Homeowners Insurance Deductible
Review your homeowners insurance policy:

​
Know your deductible amount

Estimate whether the damage may exceed it

This helps you decide whether filing a claim makes financial sense.

6. Call the Right Professionals
Contact a reputable plumber to repair the pipe.

If there is extensive water damage, consider a water mitigation or restoration company.

Keep receipts and records of all repairs and expenses.

7. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Report the claim as soon as possible if damages are significant.

Provide photos, videos, and documentation to support your claim.

Final Tip
Preparation now can save thousands of dollars later. Taking a few hours today to protect your home can prevent days—or weeks—of repairs after the freeze.

01/22/2026

12/16/2025

Ehlers Insurance has helped us for years. They always compare and explain our options for renewal, always finding competitive prices. They provide recommendations to lower our costs. The one time we had to file a claim and they helped us every step of the way.

Customer since 2018- Henry Caminos-Vargas

Ehlers Insurance has helped us for years. They always compare and explain our options for renewal, always finding competitive prices. They provide recommendations to lower our costs. The one time we had to file a claim and they helped us every step of the way.

10/08/2025

Here are a few key reasons auto rates increase even though your vehicle is getting older:

Rising Repair Costs – Even older vehicles are more expensive to repair today due to higher labor costs, parts shortages, and technology built into vehicles (like sensors, cameras, multiple air bags and safety systems).

Inflation and Claim Costs – The overall cost of handling claims (repairs, medical bills, lawsuits, rentals, etc.) has risen across the industry, which impacts all policyholders.

Location and Risk Factors – Changes in where you live, traffic patterns, theft patterns, weather events, or the number of claims in your area can all affect your rate, even if your car stays the same.

Coverage Choices and Discounts – If you still carry comprehensive and collision coverage, those premiums may not drop much unless you adjust or remove them. Also, losing a discount (such as multi-policy, safe driver, or loyalty) can cause an increase.

Insurance Market Trends – Insurers regularly update their rates based on new data, accident trends, and state regulations. These changes can affect everyone, regardless of vehicle age.

In short — while your car may be getting older, the cost to insure it depends on much more than its current market value.

09/18/2025

Prior to renting a vehicle, please check with your auto insurance carrier to confirm whether your coverage extends to rental cars. Be sure to advise your agent where you will be renting the vehicle from. Be aware that some companies specifically exclude coverage for rentals through peer-to-peer car sharing providers such as Turo and Getaround. Certain insurance carriers will not provide coverage if you rent through these platforms. Be sure to like this post if you found it helpful.

08/15/2025

🚗💡 Why Your Car Insurance Might Cost More Than Your Neighbor’s

Ever wonder why your neighbor with the same car pays less for insurance? 🤔
It’s not just your driving record that matters — insurers look at more than a dozen factors when setting your rate:

1️⃣ Where you live – Higher accident, theft, or weather-claim areas = higher rates.
2️⃣ Credit score – In many states, a good credit score/insurance score can lower your premium.
3️⃣ Driving habits – Annual mileage matters; that short work commute could save you. Insurance Carriers can pull from third party sites to verify your annual mileage use.
4️⃣ Vehicle type – Safety ratings, repair costs, and theft rates all affect price.
5️⃣ Claims history – Even small claims(tow, glass, etc.) can impact rates for several years.

💡 Tip: Bundle your home/auto insurance, review your policy yearly, and ask about new discounts — many people are surprised to find they can save without changing coverage.

It’s not about “shopping cheap” — it’s about buying smart. 🏆
Your policy should protect you when life doesn’t go according to plan.

07/23/2025

📢 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: BE VIGILANT WITH PACKAGE DELIVERIES
In today’s world of convenience and doorstep delivery, it’s easy to overlook who is delivering your packages — but recent events remind us why that caution is more important than ever.

We want to raise awareness about the risks associated with package deliveries, especially when dealing with third-party delivery services or unvetted carriers.

Recently, there have been two troubling incidents reported:

-A known and reputable delivery company was involved when a driver stole a personal item from customer’s driveway during a delivery.

-In another case involving a third-party delivery service — which had previously delivered to the same home on multiple occasions — a package was dropped off as usual. However, this time, there were multiple individuals in the delivery vehicle. One exited the vehicle a few houses away, jumped the fence into the homeowner’s backyard, broke a rear window, and burglarized the home. Shockingly, after completing the delivery, the driver circled back and loaded the stolen items into the same vehicle before fleeing the scene.

These instances are disturbing and raise serious questions:

Is the company using third-party contractors?

Do they screen or background-check their drivers?

Are delivery routes being used to case neighborhoods for theft?

With more delivery services outsourcing to independent contractors or gig workers, not all drivers go through the same level of screening, training, or monitoring. Some may not even wear uniforms or drive marked vehicles, making it difficult to identify suspicious behavior.

🔒 What You Can Do:
Know your carrier: Stick with companies that use well-known, vetted employees and clearly marked vehicles.

Watch for red flags: Unmarked vehicles, multiple people in the car, or unusual behavior are worth reporting.

Install security cameras: Visible cameras can deter theft and provide evidence if a crime occurs.

Coordinate delivery times: If possible, be home or have a trusted neighbor collect packages for you.

Use secure drop-off points: Some carriers offer lockers, in-store pickups, or alternate delivery addresses.

We’re not asking you to stop using delivery services — just to be aware. Not every delivery driver has bad intentions, but it's clear that some may be using their access to scope out homes for potential theft.

Your safety and peace of mind matter. Stay alert, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to report suspicious behavior.