Bellamy Insurance Agency

01/03/2018

Folks, other than some rain we've had a pleasant holiday season. Now, we're facing the first major (freezing) storm of the New Year.
First of all, if at all possible, please stay off the roads... the freezing rain will create aweful driving conditions!
Secondly, while I am sending my staff home early (so they won't have to drive on icy roads), Nationwide's toll free Service Center will be able to respond should you have a policy issue. That number is: 877-669-6877.
Finally, should you incur a claim event, please call our national, 24/7, toll free Claims number: 1-800-421-3535.

Warm regards for a happy New Year :)
Robert.

09/06/2017

Folks,
It's Wednesday morning and Hurricane Irma is steadily advancing through the Leeward Islands, probably brushing the Eastern coast of Puerto Rico soon.
While the computer models are showing a good degree of variance in its projected path, we should not slacken in our effort to prepare. The good thing about hurricanes is that they come with advance warning, unlike tornados, earthquakes and wild fires. So, please use this precious time to prepare.

My earlier posts from storms past have great items of interest... one being mindful of medical and/or special care needs for your elderly parents! Remember, it doesn't take much rain to create local flooding that impairs or prevents traffic flow. This means care providers may not be able to travel to your (parents') home. Also, with the loss of electricity, drugs that require refrigeration may be compromised.

Moral of the story... please use the luxury of time to your best advantage.

We are already seeing some insurance markets shutting down.
Some, but not all... but, it's just a matter of time before they do. If you need coverage for your car(s), your home (rented or owned), or any thing else, please call your agent. Some companies are operating on a case-by-case basis... so don't delay if you have a concern!

Again, we will stay open as long as we can; and, we will re-open as soon as we can. Currently, based on Irma's current timeline, we will hold to our current office hours (ie, we'll be closed as normal for the weekend.) Like you, we'll be watching the forecasts and prepping our homes and families for what looks like a stormy Wednesday.

Sincerely,
Robert.

ps: don't forget about your pets!!!

09/05/2017

Folks, it's Tuesday, Sep 5, and Hurricane Irma is approaching the Leeward Islands at Category 5 strength... that means winds are in excess of 156 mph!
This morning's Weather Channel has Irma hitting Florida sometime late Friday, early Saturday... which will also be about the time we get some clarity on its track.
I'm not a meteorologist, but even if it dips into the Gulf side of Florida, I'm sure we will still experience tropical storm winds. Obviously, if it does what Matthew did and come across Florida before moving up the Coast or, much worse, come unabated up the Eastern side of Florida... we stand to get hammered with high winds, heavy rain and resultant flooding. [It's always best to be prepared for the worst!]

If you haven't done so, please review your insurance policies (home, car, business, boat, etc.) to ensure they're in-effect, you're comfortable with the coverage(s) and that their information is close at-hand in case you need to file a claim.

To assist you, we will keep this office open as long as is prudent (our employees need to prepare their homes and families, too) and we'll re-open as soon as possible.

Please be aware that (all) insurance companies will start suspending binding authority for property coverage (that includes cars, boats, golf carts, too) soon... I'm expecting that to happen NLT Friday. That means we will not be able to write new property coverage, or increase property coverage already in-effect (which also includes lowering deductibles), once that suspension goes into effect. Yes, if you buy a new car during that period of time we can put liability coverage in to effect, but not coverage for the car itself until the suspension is lifted.

Should you need to file a claim and our office is closed, you can call the following numbers for claims assistance:

For Nationwide policies: Ph: 800-421-3535
[for 24/7 payment making, call: 877-669-6877)

For SC Wind & Hail: Ph: 803-779-8373

For NFIP Flood policies: Ph: 800-421-3535
(the same call center number for Nationwide Claims)

Also, depending on the situation, Nationwide will broadcast emergency response and assistance information regarding any catastrophe response teams brought into the area to assist with filing and adjusting of claims.

I will put out more information as the situation develops. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 843-449-2511.

Sincerely, Robert.

10/10/2016

It's the end of Monday, and it's been a long two days!
Our claims activity has been light, but we've had a few with serious, tree-related damage. I'm just thankful that nobody was injured!

Our normal Nationwide Claims number, 800-421-3535, is good for all Nationwide policies, to include Flood policies.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our office (843-449-2511).

Remember, you need to take action to minimize additiional damage... ie, put a tarp over a hole in the roof or over a broken window; get the water out of the house and get the soaked carpet and padding out; etc., but, don't throw it away. Keep it so the adjuster can see it... and, take pictures.

Our Claims catastrophy response teams are in the area. If you need help with your claim, or if it's more serious than initially thought, call us. We can help.

At the end of the day I'm thankful for God's grace and for the beautiful, neighbor helping neighbor activity! RLB.

10/06/2016

From an insurance perspective, our office will be open through Friday noon. After which, I plan on closing to allow my staff to get home and make their final preparations with their families. We will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so, even if it is Sunday.

Two important important points of contact:

1) Nationwide's Claims Reporting Call Center: 1-800-421-3535

2) Nationwide link for Disaster & Recovery Preparation: http://bit.ly/2bCrVQr

10/06/2016

Folks, it's Thursday morning and I hope everyone has a good plan and are almost finished with their implementing steps. Remember, we have 3 phases: preparation, emergency response and recovery. In all phases, please keep safety in mind. Don't over-work yourselves into a medical condition; don't let your anxiety lead to unsafe driving; and, don't be hesitant to ask for assistance.

10/03/2016

While everyone tends to focus on food, water and boarding up their windows, don't forget:
- your senior parents if they are living alone... especially their medicines, and what you'll do if their care givers can't make it to them; and,
- your pets... it may be best for them if you re-locate them to a safe location prior to storm's arrival. If not, then be sure to have cages (to secure and protect them), their meds and, or course, enough of their food to last well beyond the storm's arrival.

10/03/2016

I recommend the first thing to do is confirm the in-force status of your Wind & Hail and Flood coverage and/or policies.

If they are past-due, but still within their grace window, then make a valid modal payment NOW!

If it is too late to salvage your SC Wind Pool policy, you may be able to purchase coverage from a carrier that has recently entered the local market... since they do not have a waiting period to be satisfied. However, since they will probably be suspending the writing of new policies very soon, I would get that business done NOW!

Should you have any questions about these, or any other insurance coverage issues, please do not hesitate to contact us at Bellamy Insurance, telephone # 843-449-2511.

10/03/2016

Tropical Storm Hermine was the "warning", and now we have Hurricane Matthew, currently a Class 4 hurricane and located in central Caribbean Sea, moving northward through the Cuba - Haiti gap. It is still unknown what path Matthew will take once it clears this gap and passes through the Bahamas but, regardless, due to its size and strength, it is prudent to begin your "preparations" now.

02/11/2014

Friends, we have another severe winter weather event approaching; and, I'd like to provide a few snippets of information that may be beneficial...

- if you have to drive, please prepare your car in advance; sand bags, kitty litter, full tank of gas, ice scraper, tow rope, battery jumper cables, etc. for the car... water, high energy food bars and/or trail mix, blankets, cell phone, air activated hand/toe warmers, etc. for you, in case you get stuck. However, the best advice is to avoid driving in it, if possible!

- staying warm... the loss of electricity causes us to use alternative methods that are inherently more dangerous; such as portable propane or kerosine heaters; wood burning fireplaces, camping stoves; etc. Please read and follow all applicable instructions and practice using them to ensure operational familiarity and suitable function. Don't let a temporary situation lead to a permanent calamity such as losing your house to fire or a life to carbon monoxide poisining!
Please read the following for further precautions with heating things up! http://www.nationwide.com/winter-weather.jsp


- please be diligent about protecting your water pipes; dripping them, insulating them, draining them, etc. Did you know the average frozen pipe claim is more than $10,000, and repair of the damage can take weeks. Learn how to protect your pipes during freezing: http://www.nationwide.com/frozen-pipes-prevention-tips.jsp


Cold weather has settled in & you need to heat things up! Whether it's a space heater or a fireplace take precautions: http://www.nationwide.com/winter-weather.jsp

Use this frozen pipes infographic to prevent damage to your home this winter.

01/22/2014

Identity theft... we hear and read about it every day; and, when it happens to you, it's devastating!
We can help you recover from this assault on your financial well-being with our "Identity Theft Policy". It works in two ways: it provides up to $25,000 in expense reimbursement AND personal assistance from resolution services. For $45 per year, you can keep your good name and peace of mind!