Office is Closed for Christmas

Our office is closed for the Christmas holiday. It will re-open on Tuesday, December 27, 2011. If you have an emergency, leave us a message at the office, or contact us through this website. We will get the message and respond accordingly. See the Claims page for further information and carrier contact numbers. Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

A Season of Holidays

This time of year is very full. The only thing there doesn't seem to be alot of is time! At my house, we celebrate Christmas because we believe in the birth of Jesus Christ. Others celebrate Channuka, Ramadan, etc. Regardless of what you are celebrating, there is a different feeling. Different behaviors. Different activities. My sense is that it is  because these holidays are based on our faith, not a party. So, I try to remind myself to catch my breath, think of others, do good, remember the reason for the season, and just be merry. Sometimes that is harder to do than I would like. In order for the world we live in, whether we mean the whole globe, or just our circle of influence, to be better, it starts with me.

Merry Christmas. Enjoy the holiday you are celebrating. And here's hoping we can make a difference for the world around us.

Thanksgiving Greetings!!!

A group of voyagers come across the ocean and land in a strange new country. They have weathered the sea, the ship, illness and disease. They have built a colony, and lived off of the land. They got some help from the natives who where here, that we decided to call "indians." So, to celebrate their success and survival and community and fellowship, they gathered together to have a feast. The scene of their celebration has been depicted in many a book and school play.

Times have changed. The pace of life has gotten faster. We are now spread far and wide on this great continent, and we have been good stewards. We gather, just as they did, to celebrate our plenty, our provision, our relationships. In a day when there is so much wrong, we might forget or miss what we have, who we are, and what we are here for. The context of the celebration has changed; we aren't fighting against the elements for survival anymore. We are settled and productive, inventive and creative. But our context is of continuing the dream. They were celebrating starting it, we are celebrating continuing it. Many many people are still drawn to this land for what it stands for, because they can't get that where they come from. America is an idea, not a place, and although its home is on the North American continent, it can be created anywhere that people desire liberty, truth, and natural law.

I hope these words find you in good stead, with a view and a hope for the coming season that we celebrate this time of year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Ramadan and other faith celebrations, all the way through to New Years.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Veteran's Day

As I write this, I am remembering that I am able to do this because some wise men a long time ago decided it was important to protect our freedoms. Many many people after them, men and women, defended, watched over, fought for, suffered greatly, and some died, so that we can be and do what we want.
I did not serve in the military. They dropped the draft just before it was my turn. But many I know did. Robert K. Ruzicka Sr., Murray Kinnich, Uncle Paul, CJ Whitkop, and others, friends, children of friends.
Who do you know who served? Thank them, remember them, pray for them. Greet a soldier when you see one. Even if you don't know them. Pray for their families while they are away. Pray for the ones who have come home, missing something, even if what they are missing can't be seen.
From the first days of the revolution to now, there have been many who loved this country enough to lay it on the line for it, and for us. Most of them volunteered. All of them at considerable peril. Some lost their life for it.  Some continue to serve in private, using the skills and experience they learned while in uniform.
Fly a flag. Say a prayer. Think about what we have, and how we can best use it for the Good.
Thank you Veterans. Godspeed...

Veterans Day is Friday

Do you know a veteran? My Dad was in the Army in Germany. I was born there when he was still there. (Obviously Mom was there too) My Stepdad was in the Army in WWII. So was my wife's Uncle. Several people I know have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in uniform. Have you ever been to a military funeral? Greeted a fallen soldier on his final flight home? Start a tribute here in comments. Check back here for a perspective Thursday night. And fly your flag proudly. At the house, the office, on your car...

Local Farmers Market

We went to the local Sugar Land Farmers Market over the weekend. It's at the old Imperial Sugar Refinery on 90A. It's harvest time, so there are lots of fresh veggies, as well as bakery, canned goods, arts and crafts, and good food. Including my friend Jeff Brooks' Berryhill Baja Grill Sugar Land!

We only stayed for about an hour, but they also have music and cooking demos during the day as well. The market is scheduled to run every Saturday through the end of the year. Fun time for the fam!

Dave Ramsey is in town

Dave Ramsey at book signing Friday night, Katy Mills Mall

Took the chance to meet Dave Ramsey tonight at a book signing for his new book EntreLeadership. it was a very quick visit, but nice to see him in person. We are going to his Total Money Makeover Live at Reliant Arena Saturday. If you're there, hope to see you. We'll summarize the event later, here.

"Live like no one else, so you can LIVE like no one else!" --- Dave Ramsey

Open for business

We are up and running at our brand new location, 12808 W Airport Blvd (at Industrial) in Sugar Land. There are still some boxes to unload, but we ready to go, and excited about our new environment. Give us a call or stop by to say hi!

BRIA is Moving to Better Serve You!!!

Dear Friends,

Those of you who have known us for awhile know that we have made some changes over the past two years to take advantage of changing market and industry conditions. I can tell you that the past 17 months have gone by quickly, and our new agency is growing by leaps and bounds. If you are new to us since then, you are a part of our new strategy to be better able to meet the needs of the personal and commercial marketplace on the Gulf Coast, and all over Texas.

We appreciate your interest and partnership, and are pleased to announce that our growth has allowed us the opportunity to expand our facilities.

Effective October 1, 2011, our offices are relocating to

12808 W. Airport Blvd.,

Suite 327,

Sugar Land, TX 77478.

The phone numbers, email addresses, and website are all the same. Please make a note of the new address for future reference.

Thank you to our customers, friends, partners and vendors for your part in making this new phase a reality.

Have a great week; we hope to visit with you soon!


Sincerely,

Bob and Beth Ruzicka
Bob Ruzicka Insurance Agency

September 12, 2011

Today is Sept 12. The day AFTER the disaster. Do you remember that day? I remember flags, steeled resolve, camaraderie, the day we set our jaw to defend ourselves and our ideals. I think it is as important as Sept 11.

10 years later

Today, ten years later. You probably remember where you were then, and how it felt. The question is, how are you and me and we, different than on September 11, 2001. And are we different now, from how we were on September 12? Somebody took a swing at us. They hit us, but they didn't knock us down. And its not so much about hitting them back, but about defending who we are and what we stand for. And by that, I mean what we all share in common as Americans. Not what we argue and fuss about.

My youngest daughter is too young to remember that day. She knows about it, but she didn't experience it like I did. But she, and her kids, and beyond, depend on a soldier, firefighter, policeman, neighbor; just like we do. We need to pass it down, and keep it front and center, just like we did on September 12, 2001.

Thank a soldier or police or fireman. Do a good deed. Remember that there is more that binds us together, than separates us. There is a reason for it...

Update on Texas Fires - Insurance

I was on a conference call today with local and regional Safeco Insurance Claims Dept personnel. The important thing that you should know, whether you have a claim or not, is that the insurance industry takes these things seriously. They are here, on the ground, and with backbone support in their headquarters and regional facilities. Different carriers do it different ways. Some use bright, bold mobile claims centers, some use a more focused presence. But the major carriers, and likely the regional ones as well, are here. They are paying attention, and they know what you expect - straight answers and timely results.

The insurance industry takes a lot of hits. Some of them are deserved. Some companies do too. But I can tell you from multiple first hand experiences, that there are a lot of good, sincere people, working hard - in many cases away from their homes or suffering the same losses - to do the right things for the right reasons. It's not easy work, and you have suffered a loss that is personal. Money can't necessarily fix it all. You will likely have a good experience; but if you don't, it could  be because the policy just didn't cover all that you expected it to, or that the coverages were maxed out. On the other hand, if you have a less than acceptable encounter with an adjuster, ask them once to try again, and then go to their supervisor. The system is built to deal with these issues. You may not get what you want, but you will at least have an opportunity to let that company make it right, or explain why it is that way. Call your agent if you aren't satisfied. Agents can't adjust the claim, but they can get things straightened out for you.

We are all in this together. We will get through it. That's what makes us exceptional. All of us. There are many stories of people doing good for each other. Neighbors, family, friends, and company people. Find a way to do some good for someone else. It will make your own troubles shrink some. We'll have some stories to tell here in the coming days. Adversity brings strength, and shared experiences form a tight bond.

10th Anniversary of Sept 11

I don't like to call it 9/11. I think it trivializes it too much. Sunday is a stark reminder of what happened 10 years ago. But Monday, September 12, is the day when our resolve hardened, our flags went up, and we banded together.

So Sunday, fly your flag, go to your church or place of worship, remember our troops, and be PROUD to be an American. There's nothing like it, and we are blessed, no matter the situation.

Emergency Alert on Texas Wildfires

Austin news media is reporting devastating wildfires in various areas. Included are Bastrop and Travis Counties.
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/information-on-fires-in-central-texas
http://www.statesman.com/

In addition, substantial fires are now reported in Magnolia, Grimes and Wallis Counties.
http://www.khou.com/news/Wildfire-threatening-Renaissance-Festival-grounds-in-Grimes-County-129268548.html



Please be observant of your surroundings, and heed any instructions from authorities. This is a dangerous situation. Prepare yourself by --

• making an inventory of your belongings (video or pictures works)
• making a list of important items you must have if you have to go
• secure your property as best you can
• don't forget to consider your pets' needs when you go. They have to come with you.
• bring cell phones, computers, laptops. And power/charging cords, other related items.
• consider prescriptions, legal papers, etc. But don't delay on this if a threat exists.
• if you are evacuated, Grab and Go. There is no time to waste.

ALL OF TEXAS IS IN A SEVERE DROUGHT. Even if you don't live in these areas, you are exposed to this risk. If you are not directly affected, please pass this information on to friends, family, co-workers, etc. We are all in this together.

This message is for you, whether you are a customer of ours or not. The insurance carriers have staff who monitor these events, and will staff to meet the needs, both internally and in your local area.

If you suffer a loss, contact my office  - http://www.brinsure.com, claims@brinsure.com, or call us at 281-565-7550. Or contact the carrier directly. Phone numbers are at http://www.brinsure.com/claims#.TmWBxl08iIA

Do not panic. This is what you have insurance for. We will help you through the process. The adjusters are ready to adjust your claim, and will handle it professionally and with you in mind. Having as much documentation as you can come up with will make their job easier.

Breaking News - Central Texas Fires

Austin media reports several brush fires in the Travis and Bastrop County areas.
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2011/09/04/fires_raging_throughout_centra.html
Please pay attention to the authorities if you are in this area. If you are evacuated, as some of our folks already have been, get the essentials and get out. This is what insurance is for, so move quickly and keep your family safe. You can call us if you need help and we will get the process rolling quickly, The insurance  companies monitor this activity, and are well aware of the dry conditions. They have already reacted to fires in the panhandle and other areas.
If you are affected, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will help however we can.

New Carriers Now Available

BRIA is pleased to announce that we are now authorized agents for Cypress, GMAC Insurance, Gainsco Auto, and coming soon, Travelers Insurance. Growing and expanding to serve you better. Call us today for a free quote. We are better equipped to meet your needs, whether you have a clean record, some accidents or violations, youthful drivers, only need a basic policy, or even if you don't have insurance now.

And we still have our regulars, Safeco, Mercury, and Progressive, as well as a wide range of commercial business insurance carriers.

Have a great, fun-filled Labor Day weekend!

Did you just get a ticket?

I have talked to several people this week who have gotten a speeding ticket. Not sure that this is a national trend, but it happens from time to time. Have you noticed a hotspot where you drive regularly where the cops are frequently hiding? Sometimes they move around. There are several near here.
Most people know that you can take defensive driving to help lower your auto insurance cost, but did you know that you can take it again for a ticket dismissal? You can only dismiss a ticket once a year, but if you took DD to lower your insurance premium, you can take it again to submit to the court. Beats paying the fine, for sure.
By the way, you can get a free auto insurance quote from us anytime. Check us out at www.brinsure.com/auto. It's worth a look...

Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" - Houston Edition

Have you read his books? Listened to him on the radio? (KSEV AM 700 in Houston) Heard friends talk about how they "Live like no one else, so that they can LIVE like no one else"? Have you been through Financial Peace University?

Regardless (or irregardless, as I like to say) you can get lots of this in one neat, tidy, fun, challenging, and pleasant experience this fall. October 8, 2011, Reliant Arena. 1:00pm- 6:00pm. Tickets are $39 each, but I have a few if you want to go. 
Be the first caller at 281-565-7550 to win!!! Really. Not kidding. We have some at the office. First come, first served.

As one of Dave's Endorsed Local Providers, we get to talk to lots of people who have taken Dave's advice, and tackled their debt, snipped the credit cards, banked an emergency fund, and sleep better at night.

Come on out and check it out; we'll be there!

Here's more info

http://www.daveramsey.com/live/city/city/Houston/date/20111008/

Check out Dave's ideas for fixing the economy as well, one person, one family, one community at a time.

http://www.thegreatrecovery.com

Our new web-home

Well, it isn't a new address, but the old place has been gutted and completely redone from the ground up. Thanks to the guys at bruceandeddy.com, we are looking sharp and tech-y. This will be a place where you can get info, get help to file a claim, refer a friend, or get some new coverage for yourself.

It's still at www.brinsure.com. Drop us a line, or Like us. We like you too!

We're not done yet though. We'll have some other things up later, after they get off the drawing board.

Keep tuned, enjoy your surfing, and keep cool. This huge dome of hot air has to pop sometime...

Leavin', on a jet plane, Or a car or boat or train...

Summer is a great time to be out with family and friends. On vacation, a day trip to the beach, visiting relatives. With the multitude of interconnectivity options that we have these days, its easy to be careless about what you are doing. Don’t don’t don’t make comments on facebook, twitter, or anywhere else about being away from the house. Especially if you are out of town. Don’t do it. Yeah, they’re your “friends,” but not necessarily – trust me! Stuff happens.

Make sure you do these things before you leave –

1.       Turn on lights around the house. Especially ones that you normally leave on. In other words don’t light up the house like a storefront when you don’t do that when you’re home. Keep some lights on, and leave those on while you are gone. Or use timers. The mechanical ones are cheap.
2.       Be sure all your windows and doors are LOCKED. Even the upstairs ones. Tug on ‘em.
3.       Leave a radio playing.
4.       Have someone nearby keep an eye on the house.
5.       Leave a car out in the driveway.
6.       Lock  up your valuables. Jewelry, guns, cameras, etc.
7.       Don’t tell lots of people you are leaving.
8.       Have and use an alarm. Or, at least, get a sign or window stickers that say you have an alarm!
9.       Have lights on outside, front and back.
10.   Check on this stuff a few days before you leave, so if you have to fix something, you have some time to do it.
11.   Save your sharing and facebooking for when you get back. It’ll still be fresh on your mind.

Have a blast, take lots of pictures, and make some memories!!!

New Website Coming Soon

We are just about a week away from launching our new and improved website, www.brinsure.com. This blog will be incorporated into that, and you will be able to move seamlessly from one to the other. We are excited about it, and I hope it provides some fun and information for you as well. Stay tuned, its gonna be good!