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!