Pet Insurance: Protect Your Furry Friends

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself” –Josh Billings

We all love our pets and want to keep them healthy and safe.  But how is this possible with the rising cost of veterinary bills?  One avenue to explore is pet insurance.  There are different plans to choose from for cats and dogs.  Dog and cat insurance plans cover accidents and illness, including cancer, in dogs and cats over 7 weeks of age.  For routine care coverage you can add coverage to help pay for preventive care like spay/neuter, vaccinations and blood work.

The prices are based on a variety of factors including the age, location and breed of your dog or cat.  Plans start at less than $1 a day.  You are able to choose any licensed veterinarian, specialist or emergency center anywhere in the world.

What do the plans cover?

• Emergency visits
• Hospitalization
• Specialist care
• Surgeries
• Outpatient care
• Prescription medications
• Cancer treatments
• MRI, CAT, and X-ray
• Acupuncture (limited)
• Medication injections
• Lab tests
• Chiropractic (limited)

For more information you can visit Pets Best Insurance’s website at http://petinsuranceaffiliate.com/agent-portal/1224.html

Posted by: erochefort

Memorial Day 2013 – Freedom Isn’t Free

Memorial Day is always celebrated on the last Monday in May.  It is to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States.  Tradition is to fly the flag at half mast from dawn until noon on this day.

Memorial Day is seen as the start of the summer season and many people hold picnics, sporting events, and family gatherings on this weekend. However, it is important not to forget what Memorial Day is truly meant for.  It is a day of remembrance for the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

There are many ways you can show your support and honor those who have passed away.
• Observe a minute of silence at 3:00 PM local time
• Attend a Memorial Day parade or ceremony
• Visit a cemetery or memorial
• Donate to veterans and militarysupport groups

Best Insurance Agency in Bluffton South Carolina

Last year, Beacon Insurance Group was voted “Best Insurance Agency” and Brian Rose won “Best Insurance Agent.” Well, we have been nominated again this year!

Please take a minute to head over to the Island Packet website (www.islandpacket.com) and vote for us again! Voting ends tomorrow, May 24th!

We are very proud to serve our community in more ways than just providing the best insurance coverage available. We wouldn’t be who we are today without our trusted clients, our great friends, and our families. Thank you to everyone who makes Beacon Insurance Group possible!

Here is a flashback to our win last year:

“Beacon Insurance Group Awarded Island Packet Readers’ Choice “Best Insurance Agency” for Bluffton, Hilton Head Island & Beaufort”

 

May is National BBQ Month!

May is National BBQ Month. the kick off to the outdoor cooking season!  In the Southern United States, barbecue initially revolved around the cooking of pork.  During the 19th century, pigs were a low-maintenance food source that could be released to forage for themselves in forests and woodlands.  When food or meat supplies were low, these semi-wild pigs could then be caught and eaten.

Each state seems to have their own way of making their BBQ unique.  The Carolinas tend to prepare tangier vinegar based sauces.  South Carolina is the only state that includes all four recognized barbecue sauces, including mustard based, vinegar based, light and heavy tomato based.

So, where can you get your hands on some of this delicious South Carolina BBQ?  Hilton Head and Bluffton have a few places that will be sure to please your BBQ craving. 

Bluffton
• Bluffton Barbeque
• Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
• Choo Choo BBQ

Hilton Head Island
• The Smokehouse
• Bullies BBQ

Oklahoma Tornadoes: Disaster Planning

Since tornadoes are popping up all over the country, it is possible that they could head to South Carolina, too. Even though we always discuss preparing for a hurricane, it never hurts to learn what to do when (and after) there is a tornado or severe storm.

Before a storm:

• We always suggest that you should build an emergency kit that contains an essential collection of basic items that you and your family may need. The kit should include food, water, and other supplies (such as medications, flashlights, ) that will last you 72 hours. We reccomend a battery operated radio as well. Of course we highly suggest that you keep your South Carolina Home Insurance and flood insurance claim information in the kit should you need to make a claim.
• In the event of a possible disaster in your area, we suggest that you listen and watch commercial radio or television newscasts as there will be instructions given by emergency management officials. They will give you details on where to go, who is providing what, and who to contact. In recent storms, social media outlets, such as Twitter, has been full of necessary details. It would be smart to go ahead and follow people such as @Fema, @redcross and your local television and radio shows. We also suggest that you follow @Beaconinsgroup on Twitter as we will make our own updates (if we are able) in the event of a disaster.
• Keep an eye out for danger signs such as dark or greenish skies, hail, low-lying rotating clouds or exteremly loud noises. Because these things can happen so quickly, you could be one of the firsts to see it. If this is the case, seek shelter immediately.

During the storm:

• If you are in a structure (such as a small building, shopping center, residence) put as many walls between you and the outside. If you are in a trailer, mobile home or something easily destructable, get out right away and go to the nearst building or storm shelter. If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. If you can get to a ditch that is clearly lower than the road, go to that area and cover your head with your hands. Do not: get under an over pass, try to out run the tornado or continue to drive a vehicle that has been damaged by flying debris.

After the storm:

• Keep up to date by listening to your battery operated radio for emergency information. Take caution when entering into structures that have been damaged by the storm. Make sure you wear shoes, gloves, etc, and be aware of broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Steer clear of downed power lines. Cooperate with public emergency management officials. If you are able, consider volunteering to help the police, fire fighters, relief organizations and emergency management.

Our thoughts are with the people of Oklahoma as they deal with the aftermath of the horrific tornadoes. Learn how you can help: www.redcross.org

It is unfortunate that disasters like this happen, but it also reminds us that we are not invincible and we must be prepared.

Beacon Insurance Group Gives Back: Military Appreciation Month 2013

Beacon Insurance Group is showing their support of National Military Appreciation Month by having employees bring in items to package up and send to some of the troops overseas.  If you would like to donate anything or would like an address of where to send something, please contact us.  We will be collecting items through the end of next week.  There are plenty of ways to show your support.  Below are a few ways:

How to Show Your Support: 

• Send a care package to a soldier
• When you see a person in military uniform, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country 
• Fly the flag at your business or house during May

“Home of the Free because of the Brave”

National Military Appreciation Month was legislated in 1999 by the United States Congress.  It was founded by Alice Wax and is now in its 14th year.  The month of May provides an opportunity to thank the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.  This includes all branches of the services.  It is meant to thank all those who are currently serving, those who have served throughout our history, and their families.  This includes well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation’s history.  May was selected because it has the most days set aside for celebrating and commemorating our military’s achievements.  Some of these special days include:  Military Spouse Day on May 10th, Armed Forces Day on May 18th, and Memorial Day on May 27th.  Ms. Wax states, “Our military represents the highest caliber of professionalism and technology.  We ask them to willingly risk their lives on a moment’s notice; should we not willingly and openly recognize their contributions and their sacrifices as well?”

 

A Good Reason to Have an Independent Insurance Agent…

No Duty to Inform Insured of Benefit – A Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled in March that Erie Insurance Company did not have an obligation to inform policyholders they are entitled to reimbursements while litigating claims.  The court ruled that the insurance contract imposed on the policyholder “a duty to come forward with his or her claim”. 

Another good reason to have an independent insurance agent and representative who is knowledgeable in claims to help you through the process.  Do you think direct writers of insurance are really on your side at the time of claims?

Things to do for Mom on Mother’s Day

Things to do for Mom on Mother’s Day

1. Take her out for a nice brunch with the family (See other blog: brunch options in Bluffton and Hilton Head)
2. Surprise her with a day at the beach!
3. Take your Mom to the spa for a relaxing massage or facial
4. Give your Mom a day to herself to relax
5. Take your Mom shopping at her favorite stores
6. Bring your Mom her favorite flowers
7. Have a picnic in one of the beautiful area parks
8. Take your Mom on a bike ride
9. Make your Mom breakfast in bed with her favorite breakfast foods

Don’t forget to tell her how much you love her and appreciate everything thing she does for you and your family J Happy Mother’s Day!

World Red Cross Day 2013

Today, May 8, 2013 marks 150 years of the Red Cross.  The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

6 Interesting Red Cross Facts:

1. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood
2. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O
3. The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints
4. A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 3 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year
5. The American Red Cross works with over 50,000 sponsors each year to hold more than 120,000 blood drives, providing convenient locations for people to give blood
6. The American Red Cross supplies approximately 45% of the nation’s blood supply

“Although its growth may seem to have been slow, it is to be remembered that it is not a shrub, or plant, to shoot up in the summer  and wither in the frosts. The Red Cross is a part of us–it has come to stay–and like the sturdy oak, its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.” – Clara Barton; Red Cross

Check out the Bluffton Red Cross:
59 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-7437 www.redcross.org

Mother’s Day Brunch in Hilton Head and Bluffton

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” ( Mitch Albom, For One More Day)  

Show mom how much she means to you this Mother’s Day.  Several local restaurants are offering a special Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday May 12th.

The Black Marlin Bayside Grill
Join The Black Marlin Bayside Grill for their Mother’s Day Brunch.  Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  They are voted best of the Island.  With their signature Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.  To view their brunch menu visit: http://blackmarlinhhi.com/menus/weekend-menu-2/.  For more information call 843-785-4950.

Skull Creek Boathouse
Skull Creek Boathouse will be serving Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  To view their brunch menu visit: http://skullcreekboathouse.com/archives/menus/weekend-menu-2.  For more information call 843-681-3663.

Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge
Frankie’s Fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch- Fit for a Queen.  Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  They are now accepting reservations by calling 843-682-4455.  To view their brunch menu visit: http://frankieboneshhi.com/menus/sunday-brunch/.

Redfish
Redfish on Hilton Head will be serving a special brunch just for Mother’s Day.  The brunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and include 3 courses.  The cost is $30 per person.  For more information or to make a reservation call 843-686-3388.

Sunset Grille
Sunset Grille will be having their regular brunch menu with a bit of a twist for Mother’s Day.  Brunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.  They will only be taking reservations.  To make a reservation or for more information call 843-689-6744.

There are also other restaurants in the Bluffton area that will be serving normal brunch such as The British Open Pub, The Cottage, and Tavern on 46.  Treat mom to bottomless mimosas, pancakes or even some indulgent stuffed French toast!