Fortress Insurance Podcast

#1: In the beginning ...

How did Fortress Insurance start? Join Tim as he shares how high school classmates, WWF wrestling, and time created the Fortress Insurance you know and love! 

#2: TOP 5 Questions, #1: Why'd My Rate Go Up?

In this series of Top 5 questions that get asked, #1 is "Why'd my rate go up?" ... Do you ask this question? Listen to find out the answer! 

#3: Top 5 Questions, #2: Am I Covered to Rent a Car?

In this series of Top 5 questions that get asked, #2 is "Am I covered to rent a car?" ... Do you ask this question? Listen to find out the answer! 

#4: Top 5 Questions, #3: Rock Chips & Glass?

In this series of Top 5 questions that get asked, #1 is "Rock Chips & Glass?" ... Do you ask this question? Listen to find out the answer! 

#5: Top 5 Questions, #4: When to Add My Kid & When to Remove My Kid?

In this series of Top 5 questions that get asked, #4 is "When to Add My Kid & When to Remove My Kid?" ... Do you ask this question? Listen to find out the answer! 

#6: Top 5 Questions, #5: How to Add My New Vehicle?

In this series of Top 5 questions that get asked, #5 is "How to Add My New Vehicle?" ... Do you ask this question? Listen to find out the answer! 

#7: New roof proof

Got a new roof from a recent claim? Don't forget an important, but often overlooked, step that Tim discusses in this episode! 

#8: Is it cheaper on their own plan?

Do you wonder if it might be cheaper for your child to be on their own plan instead of yours? Tim shares the answer from his experience to this common question. 

#9: Big Deal or No Big Deal?

Listen for the top 3 things people assume are a big deal - that actually aren't! And also the top 3 things people assume aren't a big deal - that actually are! 

#10: Timber!

In this episode Tim is talking about trees! Who is responsible for them? Who isn't? What else should I know? Listen for clarification on these commonly confusing questions.

#11: Fortress Roles and Responsibilities

There's are a lot of individual specialties that our team members at Fortress Insurance focus on and we want to make it easy on you to contact us in order to answer your important questions! Listen in to find out more about us, and more about how we structure our time and efforts to be the most beneficial to you!

#12: Solar Panels

Do you have coverage on your solar panels or not? Is it even available? Listen in to learn more about solar panels and what's covered for your investment. 

#13: Will My Rate Go Up?

A TOP 10 frequently asked question: "Will my rate go up if I [insert claim here]?" ... Who's at fault? Who isn't? What rate will it go up? ... Listen in to get answers to these common questions about rate increases.

#14: Progressive 101

We're talking about The Flow show - Progressive Insurance! A quick history, along with current details, so that you know more about their organization and if they're the right choice for us to help you make. 

#15: Why the Dashes?

Let's make you an auto insurance pro by talking about the "dashes" in your auto insurance policy! What do they mean? Why do they matter? What are the 3 P's? Find out in this episode.

#16: Get to know: Ben Sage

Let's introduce you to Ben Sage! Learn about this lifelong friend of Tim's, what the "Silver Tuna" was on their street, and more in this first of many exciting interviews with our staff at Fortress Insurance.

#17: Get to know: Jon Buller

Let me introduce you to Jon Buller! Learn about his musical service in the military, his commitment to his commercial clients and more in this exciting series of interviews with our staff at Fortress Insurance.

#18: Most Common Claims "Fantasy Draft", with Jon Buller

It's Insurance Claim "draft day" with Tim & Jon. Listen to see what their first round picks are, what unexpected picks they have and learn a little (maybe a lot) along the way!

#19: How umbrella insurance works, with Jon Buller

Confused about umbrella insurance? Maybe you've heard of it, but not totally certain what it includes. You're not alone! Most people have a misunderstanding of what it does. Don't be that guy! Listen in to learn exactly what umbrella insurance is! 

#20: 3 Reasons Group Life May Not Be the Best for You

Is your life insurance policy the right choice for you? Listen in as Tim provides 3 important considerations that you'll want to hear about in order to make the right choice for yourself!

#21: Get to know: Terry Miles

Let me introduce you to Terry "T-sizzle" Miles! Learn about his childhood in Morning Sun, his driving skills for roadtrips and more in this exciting series of interviews with our staff at Fortress Insurance.

#22: 5 things to know about life insurance

Learn what the most common facts and common types of life insurance are, as well as what Fortress has learned over the years to best help their customers with it all!

#23: What is a P.A.F.? (Personal Articles Floater)

What's a P.A.F.? A Personal Articles Floater of course! ... Well ... what's THAT?! Listen in to learn what they are and why they're important! 

#24: How to best reach us

What's the best way to reach us? By phone? By text? By email? Listen in to find out how we like to most effectively and clearly communicate with our customers!

#25: Who let the dogs out? with Jon Buller

Dogs and liability ... what does the state, judicial and insurance agency say about who is liable with a dog incident? Listen in to hear examples from our experience and learn something maybe you didn't know before! 

#26: Is my company good? with Jon Buller

Have you wondered whether or not you've got the best company caring for you? It could depend on many factors. Listen in to learn what factors you would want to care about for your situation. 

#27: What's the Rush?

Why can't we just punch a few buttons and immediately get you an insurance policy? Life should be that easy right?? ... Well, there are some specific considerations and understandable limitations that are put in place for reasons that you'll want to hear about in this episode!

#28: In-home Business Equipment

Listen in for 3 quick stories to help you understand the relationship between personal property and in-home business equipment, coverage of those items, and details you'll want to be aware of when considering coverage or a claim. 

#29: When to File a Claim

Do you know what goes in to filing a claim and what considerations you should be aware of before you file? Listen to this episode for some tips on when to file and when not to! 

#30: Settle Down

Would you like to learn about what's involved in settling claims and who all is involved! Then settle down and listen up ... to this episode! 

#31: Stop with the White Out

Don't waste your time hiding your rates. Listen in to learn why! 

#32: 80%, 100%, 125% Replacement Cost

Are you a home owner? Learn what the difference is between market value and replacement cost for your home, and what percentage you're required for coverage. 

#33: Ramsey Unpacked

Did you know Fortress Insurance is a Ramsey Trusted independent insurance agency? Learn why that matters and what it took to be a part of that trusted network. 

#34: Content Claims

Tim explains what to expect with personal property claims and shares his personal pro-tip to make those claims even easier! 

#35: Mean Parent. Nice Parent.

Are you a parent? Are you thinking about having your student chip-in for their insurance? You'll want to listen in for tips on how to best decide what will work for your family and your coverage. 

#36: Über Info on Vehicle Business Use

What's the difference between personal use and commercial use for your vehicle? If you're using your car for certain business uses you'll want to listen in and learn all about the coverage you may need.

#37: Meet a Real Live Insurance Lawyer - Interview with Lyssa Henderson

We've got a REAL LIVE insurance lawyer on the episode today! Lyssa Henderson has lived all over the U.S. and has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she wants to share with you.

#38: What is Loss Assessment Coverage?, with Jon Buller

Are you or someone you know a part of an H.O.A.? Tim & Jon share some cautionary stories and clear up what exactly Loss Assessment Coverage entails and how to get the perfect coverage for yourself.

#39: Ya Fired!

Insurance companies want every customer they can get right? ... or do they? ... Listen in to find out why insurance companies are much more selective about policies they choose and what you can do to ensure you still have coverage.

#40: Is Switching Bad?

Ever wonder if it makes you look bad if you're shopping around insurance companies? The answer is simple, but there are a few key things to consider. Listen in to learn Tim's tips on when a good-time vs a bad-time to switch is.

#41 I've Heard Bad Things About Progressive

Have you ever heard something about Progressive and wondered if it's true or not? Tim shares his hands-on experiences with Progressive Insurance in this informative episode!

#42: What's a Permissive User?

Ever wonder, if you're driving someone else's car and you should happen to get into an accident, whose insurance you should involve? Get the answer and more clarification on this kind of situation from Tim in this episode!

#43: No Auto? Big Problem!

How soon after getting a new vehicle should you report to your insurance to make sure it's covered? The answer is simple, but different for different situations. You won't want to miss this episode to keep yourself safe, "in the know" and covered!

#44: Level Up Your Finances - Interview with Justin Bennet

Justin Bennet is a not only local businessman who coaches people to control their finances, but he also learned to do this from his own mistakes. He has written a book called "Level Up Your Finances" and in this episode he and Tim talk about how they met, what kind of commitment it takes to write a book, and what exactly it means to "Level Up Your Finances".

#45: Divorce & Insurance

What do you do, as it pertains to insurance, when divorce is involved? Tim shares 10 quick checklist items to help out those that are going through this transition. 

#46: Disability 101

Tim makes simple one of the hardest policies to decide on: Disability Insurance. Have you wondered if you need it? What is all included? Listen in and learn! 

#47: Roof Replacement Schedules, with Jon Buller

When's the last time that your roof was repaired? Has there been any damage in that time? How much of your roof is covered in these cases? ... Tim and Jon will easily inform you about the details of these questions and claims!

#48: Rebuilt Titles, with Jon Buller

This is definitely in our "Top 10 Questions": Is a rebuilt title covered under insurance? Tim and Jon talk about this question and review the "ins and outs" of this situation in this episode!

#49: When to Call it Business Use

Is it personal or is it business? Or maybe something else? Tim provides some clear insight into understanding how to best decide on the right coverage for your situation.

#50: Renewal Review Recommendations

When you're ready to renew your insurance we want to be there for you! Tim shares some quick tips on how to best connect with us at Fortress and shares some cautionary tales to help you prepare for your renewal!

#51: Parking Lot Tips

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. 

#52: What's an AOR?

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.

#53: Full Coverage or Liability Only?

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.

#54: Escrow the Scarecrow, with Terry Miles

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 surprises and keep your finances on track.

#55: Top 3 Inspector Disasters, with Jon Buller

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!

#56: Starbucks or Renters Insurance?

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."

#57: The Story on Storage Units

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 off guard!

#58: Are the LA Fires Effecting Me?

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.

#59: What's the Actual Cash Value?

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.

#60: Why Rates Go Up After a Car Accident

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.

#61: Bikes and eBikes

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!

#62: Excluding Drivers

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.

#63: Scammers

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.

#64: Starting a Business, with Jon Buller

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 long before you open for business.

#65: Subcontractors and Insurance, with Jon Buller

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.

#66: Workers Compensation Insurance, with Jon Buller

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.

#67: Get to know: Thaylin Washington

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!

#68: Renters Insurance Dorm Room Reality Check, with Thaylin Washington

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! 

#69: Home Insurance for Rookies

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.

#70: Early Possession Tips and Tricks

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.

#71: Glorious Health Insurance, "A Letter from Bill"

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. 

#72: Claims FAQ #1: Water Damage

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.

#73: Claims FAQ #2: Parking Lot Claims

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.

#74: Claims FAQ #3: Five Components of a Claims Experience, with Jon Buller

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.

#75: Claims FAQ #4: What's a Claims Adjuster?, with Jon Buller

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! 

#76: Claims FAQ #5: Roadside Assistance & Glass, with Terry Miles

Don't get stuck on hold! Tim and Terry explain the most efficient strategy for handling towing and windshield repairs.

#77: Claims FAQ: BONUS Episode - Yes, We Do Claims!, with Jon Buller

Tim and Jon quickly answer a simple common question, "Do you do claims?" But, that's not all! They'll help you understand the agent’s true role, the limits of advice, and how we advocate for you when it counts.

#78: Medicare: Top 3

Applying for Medicare supplements? Tim is quickly explaining the top 3 critical factors you need to know before you sign or renew.