Posts Tagged ‘Texas’

At least 6 killed, dozens hurt and over 100 homes damaged in Granbury tornadoes

Hood County Sheriff Roger Deeds said at a press conference this morning that all six people who died were adults, although he did not release their names or other details.

He said 37 others were known to be injured, and around 110 homes damaged or destroyed. Sheriff Deeds said the death count could rise as seven people remain unaccounted for and nearby rural areas had not been searched thoroughly. But he did not expect anyone else to be found in the rubble.

At iMGA we are honored to be able to help restore people’s belongings after severe weather events. But every spring we are reminded that:

• Nature is an awesome, powerful and unpredictable force, and
• Some losses simply cannot be replaced.

We are proud to provide insurance for thousands of Texas homeowners and we work every day to live up to the trust placed in us by our agents and customers, but we often wish we could do even more. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Granbury, and all the others who have been and will be affected by severe weather.

Some video from Granbury:

On the morning of March 6, 1836  General Antonio López de Santa Anna‘s overwhelming Mexican army force of around 2000 attacked the 200 or so Texians holding the Alamo. None of the Texians survived.

It was a pyrrhic victory for Santa Anna, though. Not only did he lose a reported 600 of his 2,000 soldiers in the battle, he fired up the resolve of the Texas settlers, causing volunteers to flock to the Texan army.

Only two months later Sam Houston would command the forces at the Battle of San Jacinto that would decimate the Mexican army and lead to the capture Santa Anna.

Prominent among the battle cries at the Battle of San Jacinto was “Remember the Alamo!”.

Two weeks earlier, Lt. Colonel William B. Travis at just 26 years old, had written asking for reinforcements. The letter said:

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-

Fellow Citizens & compatriots-

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna – I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man – The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken – I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls – I shall never surrender or retreat.

Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch – The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days.  If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country –

Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis.

Lt. Col.comdt.

P. S.  The Lord is on our side – When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn – We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.

Travis

For the first time in the 177 years since it was written, this letter has returned to the Alamo where it will be on display in a special exhibit until March 7.

For an extra special experience, listen to this 1968 recording of Willie Nelson reading the Travis letter.

Photo courtesy flickr user photophnatic

There are plenty of great older homes in Texas – homes that show lots of pride of ownership.

At iMGA we’re happy to insure older homes. In order to offer your clients with older homes the best possible quote be SURE to enter their update information.

Information about updates on plumbing, electrical, heating and the age of the roof can make a huge difference in the offer you can present your clients – sometimes changing the price by up to 50%!

Updates increase the value of the home, show pride of ownership and good maintenance practices – and significantly reduce the likelihood of losses.

So make sure you don’t leave a quote without double-checking the update information - and get us the update information on any renewals too!

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Susan E Adams

The Texas Revolution began this day in 1835 when the Mexican army tried (and failed) to take the cannon from the people of Gonzales.

Today the Gonzales flag still stands as an emblem of freedom and liberty.

May the people of Texas always stand up for each other.

Thanks to great input from our agents we are happy to announce iMGA’s new Longhorn Renters program, designed to meet the needs of Texas renters.

Just some of the highlights of the program include:

• Apartments, homes and mobile homes eligible
• Up to $50,000 contents coverage
• Theft coverage included
• A low $500 deductible for most perils
• $0 deductible for covered fire and lightning losses!
• $100,000 liability/$1,000 medical payments limits
• Liability only policies available
• No credit check
• Entire state eligible
• Policy term from 1-12 months
• Up to 8 payments
• Optional additional insured coverage available
• Discounts for seniors, fire and burglar alarms, and claims free history
• From start to bound policy in just minutes

Log in today to review the Renters Program Summary or begin a quote.

If you’re not already an iMGA agent and need an excellent Renters, Homeowners, Dwelling, Vacant and MobileHome program to offer your clients, contact us today.