Do My Children Need Life Insurance?

When we think of life insurance, we often think primarily of adults and older people. You might be wondering if your children even need life insurance policies. Here at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, we want to help you and your family make wise insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about children and insurance policies. 

Do Children Need Insurance Policies?

As uncomfortable as it might be, the truth is your children need to have insurance policies active. An insurance policy is a smart financial move to ensure you have the proper resources should a tragedy hit your family. If you ever faced the tragedy of losing a child, the last thing you would need or want to consider would be how to pay final expenses. A life insurance policy removes this burden from you and your family. 

How Much Insurance Does a Child Need?

The answer to this question will vary from family to family. No set amount is suitable for everyone. Sitting down with an insurance representative to get the best information would be best. This professional will be able to discuss your family dynamics and help you decide how much life insurance might be right for your children’s policies. 

Will I Be The Beneficiary?

Yes, parents are often the beneficiaries of their children’s life insurance policies. However, it would be best to keep in mind that you need to have a living will in place that also names the beneficiary should you pass first. This is a crucial way to protect your children. 

If you want to learn more about life insurance, please get in touch with us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, and the surrounding areas. 

Protect Your Small Business From Cyber Attacks – Learn Why You’re At Risk

In today’s digital age, protecting your Arlington, TX business from cyber attacks is more important than ever. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and millions of cyberattacks are occurring every year. In this post, Rickey McGill Insurance Agency will explain how to protect yourself, your customers, and your company from potential cyber threats.

How Many Cyber Attacks Target Small Businesses?

Small businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to the lack of cybersecurity measures in place. Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report reveals that a shocking 46% of cyber breaches target businesses with less than 1,000 employees. This figure has been steadily increasing in the past few years. A report published in 2021 shows that small businesses have become prime targets for hackers and cybercriminals, with 42% of businesses being affected by cyberattacks last year.

Why Are Small Businesses Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks?

Cybercriminals can easily manipulate small businesses, as they often do not take cybersecurity seriously. Additionally, these organizations cannot say no to ransomware attacks because they do not have a backup system to recover data if they are attacked. Human error is the leading cause of data breaches at small businesses, with compromised credentials being the most common way cybercriminals initially attack a company’s data.

Implementing Good Cybersecurity Practices

Small businesses should take a proactive approach to cyber security to protect their information, networks, and systems. Establishing good cyber security practices such as using strong passwords, regularly updating software and applications, and training employees on safe online behaviors is important.

Additionally, small businesses should consider investing in cyber insurance to protect against the financial losses associated with a cyber-attack or data breach. Cyber insurance can help cover the costs of notifying customers, investigating the incident, recovering lost data, and restoring systems.

Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX is a premier provider of cyber insurance services. We understand the unique needs of our clients and strive to provide comprehensive protection from cyber threats. Reach out to us today to learn more!

Tips to make your house more energy efficient

We at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency strive for energy efficiency, but it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to make your Arlington, TX home more energy efficient and save money in the long run.

Here are some tips to help make your house more energy efficient:

  1. Use energy-efficient light bulbs: Energy-efficient lighting like LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, so making the switch can have an immediate positive effect on your energy bill and reduce the amount of electricity used in the home.
  2. Install insulation: Insulation helps keep the heat inside your home during winter and outside during summer. Installing or upgrading insulation in areas like attics or walls can make a huge difference in keeping your home’s temperature regulated and maintaining comfortable temperatures year-round without using excess energy.
  3. Change air filters regularly: Dirty air filters reduce airflow and make it harder for your HVAC system to do its job efficiently, increasing energy consumption. Regularly changing air filters ensures your system is working at its full potential, saving you money on energy costs over time. 
  4. Utilize natural lighting: Using natural light during daytime hours can save electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions while providing an enjoyable living environment within your home! Try setting up mirrors strategically around rooms to reflect daylight into dark corners of the house, allowing natural light to flow through windows more readily throughout the daytime hours. 

For more tips on optimizing energy efficiency and getting the most out of every dollar spent on energy bills, call us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today. We serve the Arlington, TX, and DFW area.

How to prepare your vehicle for winter weather

Steps for Winter Weather

As winter approaches the Arlington, TX area, it is vital to ensure your car is ready for the cold months ahead. To prepare your car for winter, there are several steps we at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency suggest that you should take. 

  • First, make sure to check the level and quality of your oil. If the oil has a dark color or a lot of sediment, it’s time for an oil change. You should also check the coolant levels in your radiator and top it off as needed. While doing so, checking your other fluid levels is also a good idea. 
  • Next, check your headlights and taillights to ensure they are in good condition and working properly. Winter weather can decrease visibility significantly, so it is important to have lights that are bright enough for other drivers to see you clearly. 
  • Also, consider getting new windshield wipers if yours no longer works efficiently. Snow and ice can be tough on wipers, so having good ones will help keep you safe in those winter storms. 
  • Finally, make sure all four tires are properly inflated and ready for winter driving conditions. Tire pressure often drops as temperatures get colder, so check them frequently throughout the season just to be safe. 

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your car is prepared for whatever this winter throws! For more winter driving tips, call us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the Arlington, TX area and would be glad to help keep you safe on the road this winter.

Don’t Set Out on the Open Road Without Recreational Insurance

If you and your family plan to set out on the open road for adventure, be sure to secure adequate recreational insurance to protect you from the unforeseen. The agents at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, serving Arlington, TX, are ready to help you get the coverage you need today. 

Recreation Insurance 

Recreation insurance allows you to get extra protection for recreational vehicles like RVs. Even if the rental company provides you with insurance, you might need more. You can purchase this temporary coverage to give you extra protection while traveling if there’s a covered incident. 

If you’re interested in getting good recreational insurance for an upcoming vacation or excursion, you can contact our insurance agency and get the assistance you need to make the process hassle-free. Our team members are ready to help you get the best coverage for your specific situation. We work one-on-one with each individual to understand their present and future needs. We also assist with the buying process and offer customer service for any changes, claims, or renewals while you’re a customer. It’s all a part of our commitment to delivering unparalleled service when you need it. Don’t leave home without recreational insurance coverage. 

Reach Out Today 

Anyone in or near the Arlington, TX area needing recreational insurance or other insurance products can call or stop by our office at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency to speak to an agent. We can provide details about the services and coverage we offer. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind with the protection they can count on while on an adventure or going about their daily lives. Reach out today. 

Three Instances When Renters Insurance Kicks in to Help

Most people believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover them in the event of an accident or theft, but this is not always the case. Our renter’s insurance at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, is designed to protect tenants from financial loss if their personal belongings are damaged or stolen. The following are scenarios in which your policy would provide coverage.

1. Damage Caused by a Neighbor

You are not responsible for damage caused by another tenant in your building, but their landlord’s insurance will not cover the repairs. If a fire starts in your neighbor’s apartment and spreads to yours, damaging your belongings, your renter’s insurance would step in to help pay for the repairs.

2. Water Damage

Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that it is up to code, but they are not responsible for damage caused by your negligence. For example, if you leave the water running and flood your apartment, your landlord’s insurance will not cover the repairs. However, your renter’s insurance would cover the damage to your personal belongings.

3. Theft

Your landlord’s insurance will not cover your belongings if stolen, but your renter’s insurance will cover the loss. It is important to remember that there is usually a deductible that you would have to pay before your policy kicks in. Hence, choosing a policy with a deductible that you are comfortable with is important.

Find The Right Tenants Insurance Policy to Protect Your Belongings

No one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, but it is always better to be prepared. If you are a renter, ensure you are protected by obtaining a renters insurance policy. At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, we can help you find the right policy for your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Getting ready to store your motor home for the winter? Here are some helpful tips!

Rickey McGill Insurance Agency is here for motor home owners in Arlington, TX, and the surrounding area. If you’re getting ready to store your vehicle for the winter, these helpful tips can help you make the process a smooth one!

Follow these tips when securing your motor home for the winter

Owning a motor home is a great way to travel and see our wonderful country. If you own a motor home and are getting ready to store it for the winter, follow these helpful tips and ensure that your vehicle will be ready to go in the spring!

  1. Clean – make sure that the motor home is thoroughly cleaned before storing it for the winter. Take special care to remove all food and crumbs to prevent any bugs or insects from moving in!
  2. Winterize – drain your water pipes and ensure all water has been removed from the vehicle. Any below-zero temps that may occur in the winter months can cause a freeze-thaw cycle that can damage any pipes that still have water in them.  
  3. Secure – put up a windshield screen to protect your dash from any damage caused by sunlight. Be sure that your vehicle is locked and stored on level ground. It’s also a brilliant idea to take measures to avoid any infestation by rodents in your vehicle as well as under your hood and within the vehicle’s overall engine area. 

Give us a call today!

If you live in Arlington, TX or the surrounding area, give the team at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency a call for all of your insurance needs. We are here to help. Call or stop by today!

Three types of coverage your RV insurance policy should include

Protecting your RV with adequate insurance coverage is essential. Whether you live in your RV or travel in it occasionally, your RV is likely to be one of your most valuable possessions. That’s why insurance coverage is so essential. 

You should invest in three types of coverage as part of your RV insurance policy. 

Liability coverage

If you get in an accident in your RV and cause damage to other vehicles or property, you could be held liable for the resulting costs. 

Liability coverage covers costs to any other vehicles out on the road that may have resulted from an accident deemed your fault. Liability coverage also protects you from medical expenses resulting from accidents in which you are involved and are considered the "at-fault" party. 

Collision coverage

Your RV is a valuable investment. Collision coverage protects the value and condition of your RV.

When you have collision coverage, you can cover the costs of repairs to your RV after an accident. Collision coverage typically covers damage costs resulting from accidents with other automobiles. 

While collision coverage is an important type of coverage to carry, it will not cover damages resulting from numerous additional issues like vandalism, flood damage, and more. 

Comprehensive coverage

You can get even more coverage from your RV policy if you invest in comprehensive coverage. 

Comprehensive coverage offers additional coverage for damage costs involving your own RV. Comprehensive coverage covers the costs of damage caused by fires, accidents involving wildlife, theft, flooding, vandalism, or riots. 

At Rickey McGill Insurance Agency, we offer liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage on RV insurance policies. If you’re an RV owner in Arlington, TX, contact us to learn more about our policy offerings. 

 

Texas Motorcycle Insurance Requirements and Options

According to the insurance agents at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX, securing a motorcycle insurance policy in Texas is not only required but also the right thing to do to be a responsible driver. While motorcycle liability insurance is required by law in Texas, there are also various other auto coverage options to choose from.

Liability Insurance

In Texas, it is illegal to operate a car, truck, SUV, or even a motorcycle on the road without proof of financial responsibility or proof that you have the required insurance in place. Minimum liability coverage will help pay for the damage you may cause in an accident to someone’s property or injuries they may suffer due to an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage will help you pay to repair or replace your bike if it is stolen, damaged, or destroyed by some type of natural disaster, including a tornado or hurricane, a fire, or even an act of vandalism.

Collision Insurance

Suppose you collide with another vehicle or some sort of object and damage your motorcycle or cause damage to the other person’s property. In that case, collision insurance will be handy since it will help you pay for those damages.

As a side note, if you owe money on your motorcycle, your lender may require you to have both collision and comprehensive coverage, along with the liability insurance required by law.

Underinsured or Uninsured Motorcycle Insurance

While this type of coverage is not required in the state of Texas, it can be important to have if you become involved in an accident with someone who does not have any insurance in place or does not have an adequate amount of insurance to cover the damages to your motorcycle or for the medical bills from any injuries you may have to endure.

Contact Us

To secure the appropriate amount of motorcycle coverage, you need to contact an experienced motorcycle insurance agent to help you create a policy that will give you the peace of mind you deserve. Call today to start your policy with one of the agents at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX.

Why You Need Boat Insurance

When you own a boat, there are a lot of risks that you face both on the water and out of it. There are many things that can happen to a boat to cause it damage, and you could be liable for accidents that damage other boats and watercraft. In Texas, there is no requirement that boaters must have boat insurance, but it’s smart to have it for your own protection. In addition, some marinas and bodies of water may require that you have insurance in order to use them. When you need a boat insurance policy, call us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX.

Water Accidents

It’s always possible for collision accidents to happen on the water. If you should get into an accident on the water that is your fault, you will be liable for paying for the damage done to the other boat or medical bills if someone is injured. All of this can be highly expensive to pay for if you don’t have boat insurance. When you do have coverage, it can pay for all of these bills that are due so that you won’t have to come up with the money yourself. When you have this coverage, you will have better peace of mind every time you’re on the water. 

Other Boat Coverage

In addition to liability coverage, there are other types of coverage that can help protect you when you own a boat. Getting a policy type called comprehensive boat insurance will protect you against damage that can happen to your boat when you aren’t on the water. A number of risks to your boat exist on land, and you should be covered against them. You can also get property damage coverage that pays for things in the boat that are lost when you have an accident. 

Get Boat Insurance Protection

When you have boat insurance, you have protection. When you need this coverage call us at Rickey McGill Insurance Agency in Arlington, TX.