Fortress Insurance Podcast

Agent vs. Adjuster: What's the difference? Tim & Jon clarify the roles of field vs. desk adjusters, CAT teams, and the multiple eyes that review the many claims that are submitted every day! 

Get an insider's view on what matters most in insurance claims! Tim and Jon discuss accessibility, speed, and the five critical factors that define a quality claims department.

Continuing our 5-part claims series, Tim tackles tricky parking lot accidents. Learn about moving vehicles vs. stationary cars, the difficulty of proving fault, and minimizing your risk of a claim.

Kicking off a 5-part series on claims, Tim first helps you understand water damage claims. Learn about the basic 3 categories of water damage claims, the good/bad news in claims and tips to help you be prepared.

Tim reaches out to Fortress's internal Health Insurance guru, Bill, and shares the TOP 3 things you need to know before renewing or applying for Marketplace Health Insurance. 

We hear it all the time: Can I move in early and start my home insurance before closing? Tim has a simple answer for you, and breaks down the steps to help protect you and the seller in this common situation.

New to homeownership? Tim helps you understand the essentials of home insurance: the impact of your roof's age, understanding replacement cost, and navigating escrow accounts.

Expanding on a previous podcast (#56: Starbucks or Renters Insurance?), Thaylin Washington - our resident Rental Insurance specialist - joins Tim to update you on when and where rental insurance is required and a place it's now not even available! 

From high school rivalries to becoming coworkers, Tim helps you get to know Thaylin Washington - our resident "One-Off" & Rental Insurance specialist! Hear how she went from "no sales" to being our favorite "sales machine" for all the strange insurance odds and ends! As well as some personal details like her college football star son!

Tim and Jon discuss common questions about workers comp, revealing essential details for business owners. They cover everything from who needs a policy to how rates are set, and even discuss the true purpose of this crucial coverage.

Tim and Jon help you understand how the line between subcontractors and employees affects your business insurance and what you need to do to protect yourself with the right documentation and coverage.

Do you have a business or are thinking about starting one? Tim and Jon cover everything from what an "S Corp" is to unique factors that affect your insurance rate, like job classifications and projected sales. Learn what steps new business owners can take to protect their personal assets, the complexities of calculating insurance costs, and why it's a great idea to plan for your insurance needs lo...

Hackers, scammers, and thieves — oh my! Tim talks about the fastest-growing threat to your finances: Cybercrime. He'll share stories and experiences, including one about a victim who lost over half a million dollars! But it’s not all bad news. Tim gives you the playbook to protect yourself — from spotting a scam instantly to securing your personal information.

One of the most dangerous and delicate topics in the world of auto insurance: Excluding a driver from your policy. Whether it’s a college student or someone in the military, Tim is breaking down exactly why this "money-saving" move could cost you everything.

Hold on to your helmets, because we're talking bike insurance! From the sting of a stolen ride in my college days to the big questions about what's really covered by your homeowners policy, Tim is breaking it all down. Plus, we'll hit the accelerator on e-bikes and see how new, dedicated policies are a game-changer. Get the insider tips you need to secure your two-wheeled investment!

Ever wonder why your insurance premium goes up after an accident – at-fault  or otherwise? Tim breaks down the point systems insurance companies use and what they really prioritize when it comes to claims and raising your rate.

The world is falling apart, and so is your roof! But who's paying to fix it and how much is covered? In this episode, Tim is talking about a million-dollar word — "depreciation" — and how it's secretly costing you money. Listen in to find out if your policy is a plan or a surprise waiting to happen.

Is your home insurance rising because of wildfires or other natural disasters across the country? Tim tackles this hot topic and reveals some surprising factors and links influencing your premiums and what the future holds for homeowners.

Got a storage unit packed with treasures? You're not alone! But here's a crucial question: is your stuff actually protected by insurance? Tim unlocks the secrets of insuring your belongings in storage. He shares fascinating real-life stories and reveals surprising details about how your existing policies might – or might not – extend to your off-site valuables. Don't let a mystery claim catch you...

Discover the surprising ways renters insurance safeguards you – from covering temporary housing if disaster strikes to protecting you from costly liability. You'll be amazed at how affordable it is! REALLY! Plus, hear why it might even benefit students and how it can boost your "insurance score."

Ever wonder what insurance companies look for when they're inspecting out your property? In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of property inspections, and sharing our TOP 3 wildest stories about what can go wrong!

Some say they're super simple, while others find them to be a real headache – whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just curious, we'll break down what an escrow account is and why banks often require them. Plus, we tackle those tricky questions about what happens to your escrow when you switch home insurance companies. We've got tips to help you navigate it all smoothly, so you can avoid surpr...

Ever wonder if you're paying too much for car insurance? It's a question we hear all the time, especially with today's economy! Many drivers ask us when it's okay to drop from full coverage to just liability-only. Depending on your unique situation, you may want to choose one over the other.

An A.O.R. is an "Agent of Record" ... ok, but why is that important to you? And what happens when that changes? Tim quickly breaks down this simple detail and why you want to have an AOR, as well as be aware of who yours is and how this information can help you in the long run.

From door dings to personal safety, Tim share's some quick tips that will help you stay safe and incident-free in a parking lot.