Pronto Insurance- Huntsville

05/02/2020

Saving Your Energy by Making Your Home as Efficient as Possible – Part 2
In a previous blog, we shared some valuable information about the way your home spends its energy and the steps you can take to keep your monthly costs low. Our goal is to help you minimize your energy bill and start saving some cash!
Now, we’re ready to offer some more important information that will hopefully keep the savings coming your way.
Put Nature to Work
Want to save money on your energy bill while beautifying your home and being environmentally friendly? Some strategically-placed trees could be exactly what you need.
Planting trees around your home will provide you with the shade you need to keep your house cool during the hot summer months. Once those trees lose their leaves in the winter, they will allow sunlight into your home to help keep it warm and cozy. It really is a win-win!
Unplug Away
Chances are that you leave a few things plugged in throughout the day in your home, right? We’re willing to bet your computer monitor stays plugged in along with some televisions, a few chargers, your gaming consoles, and some kitchen appliances like a toaster or blender.
It may not make an immediate noticeable difference, but unplugging all of these when they’re not in use can potentially save you money in the long run.
Seal it Up
The seal around your doors and windows can become dry and damaged with time. This, in turn, can lead to cool or warm air escaping and energy being wasted as your AC tries to keep up with keeping your home comfortable. We recommend resealing your windows and doors to keep all of that valuable warm or cool air inside. It’s affordable and easy to do as well!
Get Your Energy Audited
That’s right! Energy auditors are a real thing! These certified and trained professionals help evaluate the inefficiencies around your home and provide you with even more saving opportunities. Contact your energy company for additional information about energy auditors near you.

05/02/2020

Saving Your Energy by Making Your Home as Efficient as
Possible – Part 1

One of the highest expenses homeowners deal with each month is the energy bill. Think about it; your AC works overtime during the summer, some lights stay on all day, and some appliances in your kitchen have never taken a break!

Needless to say, your energy bill can leave you with a hefty hole in your wallet. But there are certain things you can do to make your home energy cost low and efficient!

Understand Where it All Goes

The most important thing you can do to make your home’s energy more efficient is figuring out exactly how it’s being used.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy:

44% of your energy bill is used in the cooling and heating of your house.
33% is used for lighting, cooking, and various other appliances.
14% is reserved for water heating.
9% is used by your refrigerator.

Now that you have a better idea of where it all goes, you can begin to formulate your energy efficiency plan.

Hot and Cold

A lot of energy can be wasted as a result of faulty or damaged ventilation ducts in your home. Lucky for you, it’s a relatively easy fix that will help keep your home cool and efficient.

Also:

Keep the air vents in unoccupied rooms closed so cool air isn’t being “wasted.” During the winter, use your heater as little as possible.
Keep the blinds drawn at the windows on the east and west sides of the home open to let sunlight in.
Close the blinds at night to ensure that heat collected in the day remains inside.

Toning Down the Big Guns

As you can imagine, big appliances like refrigerators, dryers, washers, and stoves are the biggest energy wasters in homes. This is especially true if they’re over 15 years old. It may seem like a large expense, but replacing your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones could save you hundreds of dollars every year.

04/11/2020

When It’s Wet, Stay Safe: 4 Things to Keep in Mind When Driving in the Rain

A bit of rain is definitely something nice to have in the Valley. However, strong rainfall can pose serious hazards if you happen to be on the road. There’s flooding, speeding drivers, and the minimized visibility that does no one any favors. If rain causes a bit of anxiety when you’re out on the road, the following tips may just help put you at ease.

Be Proactive

The first step to take to stay as safe as possible when out in the rain is to make sure your car is ready to handle it. Your brakes, tires, and windshield wipers should be ready to function the way they’re intended to on a moment’s notice. We advise you to get regular brake checks, monitor your tire pressure and wear, and ensure your wipers are in top shape.

Be Smart

It isn’t uncommon for drivers to want to arrive at their destination quickly when it starts to pour, but you should never speed when it rains. Your first action should be to slow down and leave some extra room between yourself and other drivers. This will ensure that you have time to react quickly if something happens up ahead that requires you to stop.

Be Observant

Many states require drivers to turn their headlights on when it starts to rain, but just in case yours doesn’t, do it anyway. It will help your visibility so that you know exactly what’s happening ahead of you. If the rain is too aggressive and keeps you from seeing much, don’t hesitate to safely pull over into a parking lot to wait for the weather to calm down. And remember, turning your headlights on also helps other drivers see you.

Be Prepared

There’s a chance that things might go wrong even when you’re driving safely. You’ll have to be ready to respond effectively if your vehicle suddenly begins to skid or hydroplane. The first thing you should do is remain calm. Continue to steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming on your brakes. You’ll also want to ease off the accelerator and let your car regain the traction it needs.

04/09/2020

Huntsville family hope everyone is doing well. During this difficult time let's help each other.That being said I would like to shout out to our local Arby's. If your hungry and want something other than a regular hamburger or pizza. Hit up Arby's for a filling meal. Their drive thru and delivery are available.

04/09/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10163380260810165&id=152275600164

5 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel Feels Shaky
We always expect our vehicles to get us from points A to B in one piece, to make every last drop of fuel count, and to run smoothly at all times. This is probably why we get into such a panic when we feel something irregular like a steering wheel shaking. We immediately wonder if it’s really that bad, if it can be fixed, and if it’ll be expensive. If your steering wheel shakes when you drive, it could be due to one of the following reasons.

Tires
Tires that are out of balance will inevitably cause your steering wheel to shake and wobble. If your tires have different pressures or worn out treads, there’s a big chance they’re unbalanced. Keep in mind that the faster you drive on unbalanced tires, the more shaking you’ll feel.

Brakes
If you try to slow down with malfunctioning brakes, you may feel strong vibrations moving up the steering wheel. These malfunctions could potentially mean your brake pads are worn out or your rotors are malfunctioning. Whatever the case, it’s extremely important that you get them checked to avoid further problems.

Wheels
Your wheel bearings should last years but will eventually wear out or get damaged. If this occurs, you’ll experience some shakiness in your steering wheel. If your vehicle shakes while driving in a straight line, it could potentially mean your ball joints are faulty.

The Axle
Although somewhat uncommon, there’s a chance your axle could be bent or damaged, especially if you’ve been in a car accident recently. If your car abruptly jerks to either side, your driveshaft may be broken. If you spot these problems, stop driving immediately and get your car looked at.

Engine
Your engine could potentially cause vibrations if it’s malfunctioning. It’s important to note that, even if this is the cause, you’ll likely feel the shaking throughout the entire vehicle. If you suspect your engine may be failing, it could potentially be issues with fuel delivery or air induction.

02/21/2020

Come on in to your Pronto store here in Huntsville, TX. We are located inside your lock H.E.B. We have insurance for the car, house, and business you have. Let us help you save money and come on in. We are open Monday thru Friday 8Am to 8PM and Friday's 9Am to 5PM.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10163114702380165&id=152275600164

Make a Great First Impression by Keeping Your Car Looking Good!
Whether you’re showing up for a date or job interview, the first impression you give off can make or break you. The same principle applies to your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you drive a brand-new luxury car or an unassuming older set of wheels. A bit of TLC will ensure that your car will give off a great first impression.

Keep it Clean
Have you ever had to wait an eternity while a friend or relative clears their passenger seat of mess and belongings for you to enter? It’s messy, sticky, and gross. Don’t be that person! Take some time out of your weekend to empty your vehicle of the mess you’ve accumulated. Be sure to vacuum the interior and take a drive to your closest car wash. Believe us, your passengers will thank you for it.

Keep it Organized
Everyone agrees with the notion that it’s important to know where all of your things are. Take that organization one step further by sorting through your car’s essentials and putting them where they belong. Maybe the jumper cables don’t need to hang around in the backseat and can be relocated to the trunk. Or perhaps the napkins you like to keep on the dashboard can move into the center console. Keep organized at all times!

It Has to Smell Fresh
Remember the last time you left your windows open when it rained and the seats got soaked? Or how about the time you forgot your gym bag in the back seat for a whole week? Well, we hate to break it to you, but your car might stink if something like this has happened. We recommend wiping your seats down with car-specific cleaners and invest in some car fresheners. You’ll notice the difference in no time.

Fix Those Imperfections
We understand that older cars are going to have imperfections that might be a bit too expensive to fix. That’s why you should focus on fixing the smaller ones! If your car has some minor dings or scratches, there’s an abundance of inexpensive methods to fix them. Or perhaps your floor mats are in rough shape? If so, take a quick trip to your local supercenter to replace them!

01/10/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10162904965415165&id=152275600164

How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution (And All Other Goals)!
Every January, people from around the globe make a promise to themselves to fulfill over the upcoming year. Some wish to lose weight, others want to save money, and some even carry over their previous resolution. Unfortunately, many of us fail to meet our goals and even give up just a month in! But what if we told you that there’s a set of guidelines you can follow to stick to your New Year’s resolution?

Specify What You Want to Achieve
Yes, you want to lose weight or save money, but how about homing in on a specific thing? For instance, say you want to lose five pounds per month or save $100 every other week. Once you have a specific goal in mind, it becomes easier to visualize achieving it.

Get Some Help
No matter what your New Year’s resolution is, we suggest letting some friends and family know what you’re trying to reach. Ask them for support and let them know it’s okay to give you a little push if they see you slow down. There’s even a chance they might tag along for the ride by hitting the gym with you or letting you join them on their morning jogs.

Keep Things Small
It turns out that if you want to lose weight this upcoming year, you’ll have to hit the gym and eat healthier, not to mention your other goals, such as flossing three times a day and reading a book per week. Perhaps having too much to do will inevitably prove overwhelming for you, so do the right thing and dial things back until you have a good grasp over one specific resolution.

Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
The reality of the New Year’s resolution is that it’s very easy to lose your focus. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be so hard on yourself. If you only made it to the gym one day this week or splurged on something you shouldn’t have, relax. Take time to clear your head and make it a goal to do better next time. Believe us, it’ll help you do better in the long run.

09/20/2019

https://www.facebook.com/152275600164/posts/10162332472385165/

4 Things to Double Check When Changing Your Car Insurance Coverage

Insurance rates oftentimes increase and decrease. This means drivers are constantly making the switch from insurance company to insurance company. There’s nothing wrong with that. After all, we all want the highest amount of savings we can get! However, there are certain things you should keep in mind when making the switch.

Your New Policy

In many cases, once you find a more affordable quote, you may want to rush and sign on with this new insurer. However, it’s in your best interest to fully explore your new policy. The last thing you want is to inadvertently pay less for less coverage. Avoid this by reviewing your coverage and its limits, deductibles, and everything else.

Potential Coverage Gaps

If you’re planning on changing policies, make sure your new one begins immediately after the old one ends. The last thing you’ll want is an accident while waiting for your new policy to kick in. However, you also don’t want for the gap between policies to end up increasing the cost for your insurance down the line. That is to say, drivers who have had continuous insurance (without gaps) tend to get better deals.

Your Old Policy’s End Date

If you’re looking for savings, the last thing you’ll want is to end up paying for two insurance policies. This doesn’t mean you should stop paying for your old policy without canceling it. Avoid any issues and give your old insurer a call to let them know that you’ll be going with someone else. In fact, this might work to your advantage since many insurers tend to offer deals and lower premium costs in order to prevent a client (you) from leaving.

Your Leaser

There’s a chance the leasing company that provided your vehicle, or the financing company that gave you a loan, may have some guidelines regarding your set of wheels. Some companies require more coverage while others only ask for a minimal amount. Whatever the case, make sure to keep the leaser or bank up-to-date on everything.

08/24/2019

https://www.facebook.com/152275600164/posts/10162233389485165/

Saving Your Energy by Making Your Home as Efficient as Possible – Part 2

In a previous blog, we shared some valuable information about the way your home spends its energy and the steps you can take to keep your monthly costs low. Our goal is to help you minimize your energy bill and start saving some cash!

Now, we’re ready to offer some more important information that will hopefully keep the savings coming your way.

Put Nature to Work

Want to save money on your energy bill while beautifying your home and being environmentally friendly? Some strategically-placed trees could be exactly what you need.

Planting trees around your home will provide you with the shade you need to keep your house cool during the hot summer months. Once those trees lose their leaves in the winter, they will allow sunlight into your home to help keep it warm and cozy. It really is a win-win!

Unplug Away

Chances are that you leave a few things plugged in throughout the day in your home, right? We’re willing to bet your computer monitor stays plugged in along with some televisions, a few chargers, your gaming consoles, and some kitchen appliances like a toaster or blender.

It may not make an immediate noticeable difference, but unplugging all of these when they’re not in use can potentially save you money in the long run.

Seal it Up

The seal around your doors and windows can become dry and damaged with time. This, in turn, can lead to cool or warm air escaping and energy being wasted as your AC tries to keep up with keeping your home comfortable. We recommend resealing your windows and doors to keep all of that valuable warm or cool air inside. It’s affordable and easy to do as well!

Get Your Energy Audited

That’s right! Energy auditors are a real thing! These certified and trained professionals help evaluate the inefficiencies around your home and provide you with even more saving opportunities. Contact your energy company for additional information about energy auditors near you.

08/16/2019

Saving Your Energy by Making Your Home as Efficient as
Possible – Part 1

One of the highest expenses homeowners deal with each month is the energy bill. Think about it; your AC works overtime during the summer, some lights stay on all day, and some appliances in your kitchen have never taken a break!

Needless to say, your energy bill can leave you with a hefty hole in your wallet. But there are certain things you can do to make your home energy cost low and efficient!

Understand Where it All Goes

The most important thing you can do to make your home’s energy more efficient is figuring out exactly how it’s being used.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy:

44% of your energy bill is used in the cooling and heating of your house.
33% is used for lighting, cooking, and various other appliances.
14% is reserved for water heating.
9% is used by your refrigerator.

Now that you have a better idea of where it all goes, you can begin to formulate your energy efficiency plan.

Hot and Cold

A lot of energy can be wasted as a result of faulty or damaged ventilation ducts in your home. Lucky for you, it’s a relatively easy fix that will help keep your home cool and efficient.

Also:

Keep the air vents in unoccupied rooms closed so cool air isn’t being “wasted.” During the winter, use your heater as little as possible.
Keep the blinds drawn at the windows on the east and west sides of the home open to let sunlight in.
Close the blinds at night to ensure that heat collected in the day remains inside.

Toning Down the Big Guns

As you can imagine, big appliances like refrigerators, dryers, washers, and stoves are the biggest energy wasters in homes. This is especially true if they’re over 15 years old. It may seem like a large expense, but replacing your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones could save you hundreds of dollars every year.

06/28/2019

https://www.facebook.com/152275600164/posts/10162028330835165/

Fourth of July: The Do’s and Don’ts of Firework Safety

The Fourth of July and fireworks are like Thanksgiving and turkey; it’s an American staple and a tradition that families around the nation will enjoy for years to come. However, we can’t just pretend there’s nothing inherently dangerous about fireworks. After all, you’re taking fire to some explosives and running for your life! So, if you want to keep your family safe this Fourth of July, then take a look at our helpful information.

The Do’s

Apart from hot dogs and ice-cold drinks, the Fourth of July is often accompanied by firework-related ER visits and burn injuries. Avoid these by always keeping our following list in mind:

• Follow the Law – If your city has ordinances against fireworks, follow them.
• Store Properly – If you’ll be lighting fireworks this year, make sure they’re stored in a cool and dry place until they’re ready to use.
• Keep a Distance – Whether you’re lighting or watching, always make sure everyone is at a safe distance away when the popping starts.
• Be Prepared – This means keeping a water hose, bucket, or fire extinguisher close by.
• Be Proactive – Soak all duds in buckets of water 15 to 20 minutes after they’re lit.

The Don’ts

If you’re manning the barbecue pit this Fourth of July while wearing some red, white, and blue and keeping the cooler full, you’ll surely get a thumbs up from your guests. Don’t be the person that gets a thumb down and avoid the following at all times:

• Illegal Fireworks – There are certain fireworks that can only be handled by professionals or considered illegal (such as M-80s and cherry bombs) in certain states. If that’s the case where you live, don’t have them in your possession.
• Glass or Metal Containers – Some fireworks require you to shoot them out of containers; avoid any that are made of glass or metal.
• Avoid Duds – If a firework didn’t go off, don’t try to reignite it and pour some water on it.
• Certain Areas – This may seem like common sense, but don’t light fireworks indoors or in dry and grassy areas.
• Children – Fireworks should only be used and supervised by adults and teenagers. Don’t let your younger children get near them.