Progressive’s Pet Injury Coverage

Do you have protection for your four-legged family members when they are riding with you?

With Progressive’s Pet Injury coverage your auto, boat, RV, and commercial insurance policies protect your dog and cat if they are injured in an accident while riding with you. Pet Injury coverage is complimentary with Progressive collision and comprehensive coverage, and may pay up to $1000.00 if your dog or cat is injured in an accident while in one of the covered vehicles.

To find out more about Pet Injury Coverage, call me, Courtney Myers, with C.T. Lowndes & Company @ (843)875-2300

 

www.ctlowndes.com

Why Property Rates & Deductibles Are Increasing

Please see the attached copy of the NOAA severe weather map. This is a great visual and valuable tool that adds texture to the discussion about why property rates and insurance deductibles are increasing…

 
 

   
 

 
 

Now may be a good time to call your agent at C. T. Lowndes & Company and discuss your coverages to make sure you have the protection you need.

HELP US HELP YOU KEEP DOWN THE COST OF YOUR INSURANCE AND PROTECT THE INSURABILITY OF YOUR HOME

These tips can help you avoid cancellation of your homeowners or business owners policy.

• Pay premiums promptly. Use the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) method if available.
  
• Have at least a $500 or $1,000 All Other Perils (AOP) deductible and enjoy savings in your premium.
  
• Maintain a good credit history. Order a credit report occasionally to check your history. Remember, you can obtain a free credit report once a year from the three reporting credit agencies
  These credit agencies are:…
  

EQUIFAX	1-800-685-1111	www.equifax.com
EXPERIAN	1-888-397-3742	www.experian.com
TRANS UNION	1-800-916-8800	www.transunion.com

 

• Obtain a copy of your CLUE report. You can order online at www.choicepoint.com. This Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange database contains information filed by a homeowner on a property.
  
• Do NOT use your policy as a maintenance policy. Do NOT report small or careless and preventable claims.
  
• Maintain your property in good repair. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
  
• Be careful in the selection of pets. Some dogs with a history of biting such as Rotwiellers, Pit Bulls, and some Terriers will cause your home to be uninsurable.
  
• Do NOT have a trampoline in your yard. This will cause your home to be uninsurable.
  
• If you have a swimming pool in your yard, make sure it is properly fenced with a self locking gate. Ask your agent for the exact guidelines.
  
• Keep in touch with your agent at least once a year to review your coverage and to ensure your property continues to meet the insuring guidelines of the insurance company.
  
• Prevent water damage claims, safeguard against fires, and prevent break-ins and thefts.
  

Veteran’s Day – 11/11/11

My wife and I recently took a New England and Canada cruise and on several occasions we crossed paths with a man and his wife from England. The man was a Veteran of Desert Storm and he and his wife thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and being able to get off the ship to see the sights.

They seemed very happy but the man was upset about one thing. He had left some sort of electrical device at home and, without it, he was unable to bend his leg. The equipment was being shipped to him but he had difficulty walking for a few days.

You see, the man had two artificial legs as he had lost both legs above the knees during the war. My goodness, it was difficult to know what to say to him. Thanks seemed not near enough. I admit I was at loss for words.

What a sacrifice this man had made. And what a sacrifice so many young men and women have made and are making to defend our nation. Be grateful to them all for they preserve our freedom.

By the way, did I mention that the gentlemen from England also had only one arm? His courage and positive outlook on life were inspiring! Next time you think you have a problem, think about this chap from England!

 

Thank a veteran today!!

 

Veterans within our ranks… Thanks to all of them

 

• Charlie Drake (1932-2008) served in Marine Corps from 1946-48. Joined when he was 15 after completing the 9th grade. The Corp was his escape from the coal mines of West Virginia and was his ticket to West Virginia University. Was in National Guard 1948-49 and 1953-54. 4 years active duty Navy 1949-1953. Marine Corps Reserve 1954-1959.
  

   

• Carl Allen is a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. 6 Years total service.
  

   

• James Thornal was in the Army in Vietnam.
  

   

• Don Robbins was in the Air Force (1964-1968) in Idaho (Titan Missile 1 squadron), Thailand, and Vietnam.
  

   

• Edward F. Lowndes, II (1942-2006) served in the Army in Germany from 1962-1965.
  

   

• Henry Lowndes, Jr. joined the Navy after college and served from1969-1972 on active duty (Vietnam War) plus 23 years in Navy Reserve. Oddly, he and Carl Allen were on ships in the Gulf of Tonkin at the same time. Henry was on the USS Robison and Carl on the USS Newport News when the two ships conducted a raid on Haiphong harbor in April 1972.
  

   

• Billy Silcox served in the Navy from 1966-1969.
  

   

• Mike Sottile was in the Air Force 1968-1972 at Langley AFB Virginia and Bitburg Germany.
  

   

• Lee Besse is an Air Force veteran, serving from 1970-1972 in the Space and Missile division.
  

   

• Bill Hackett served in the Army in 1942 and made one wartime mission in Sicily, Italy in Oct 1943 as part of Gen Patton’s Army. He participated in the first night mass parachute jump (about 12 people) at Fort Benning GA in 1942. Bill switched to Army Air Force to learn to fly and was a B-17 pilot for a year but war ended before he was assigned to war missions.
  

   

• Bill Towles served in the US Navy from 1968-1971, staff duty at Pearl Harbor.
  

   

• Marty Boren has two sons who served in the Navy – Chris served 4 years, was out for a few years and has now decided to serve again in the Navy Reserve. Brian is still on active duty in the Navy at this time, stationed in Germany. Marty’s father served as a Chaplain during WWII in N. Africa, Sicily, Italy and France from 1942-1945.
  

   

• Lynn Stokes’ oldest brother Jim Stokes served in the Air Force for 23 years, serving in the Gulf War.
  

   

• The late Norma Prioleau’s father, Norman Prioleau, served in the Army from 1964-1968 in Vietnam. Her brother joined the Marine Corps when he was 17 and served from 1982-1986.
  

   

• Paulette’s husband, Brent Klingel, served in the Navy from 1993-2003 in Japan and Bahrain. Her father, Robert James Burn, Sr. (1925-2005) served during World War II in the Navy along with his four brothers (Paulette’s uncles) One uncle, Lockwood Burn, was severely burned over 90% of his body and amazingly survived and received a Purple Heart.
  

   

• James Turner’s grandfather, Santo Nacarri served in the Navy from 1939 to 1943. He was at Pearl Harbor on December 7th during the attack and was wounded trying to defend his ship. James’ younger brother, Timothy Turner was in the Air Force from 1990 to 1993 and was based at Pope Air Force Base as an electrical technician for the C-117′s and C-131′s. His sister’s oldest son, CJ Gemots, is an Army Ranger and was deployed in Iraq.
  

   

• Sharon Warren’s son, Matt, volunteered for the Army in 2007 and is currently serving our country.
  

   

• Jackie Cunningham’s father served in the Army Air Corp then the Air Force for almost 30 years. One tour of duty found him stationed in Panama in the Canal Zone where he met Jackie’s mother.
  

   

• Pam Evans’ dad, David Miller (may he rest in peace) served in World War II in the 4th Marine Division, 1944-1946 in the South Pacific. He was injured and received a Purple Heart.
  

   

• Michelle Harper’s father, Eugene Burdette, served in the US Navy in the Korean War from 1953-1955 aboard the USS John W. Weeks.
  

   

• Paul Pye’s father, P. Paul Pye, Sr., (1922 – 2006) served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was the first resident of the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro and the recreation room is named for Mr. Pye.
  

   

• Michelle Connolly’s father served in the US Coast Guard for four years. Her grandfather served in WWII and she has two uncles who served in the Air Force, one in Korea and the other in the Gulf War.
  

   

• Pixie Melfi’s son Marc, a high school student, is in ROTC and Navy Color Guard and hopes to attend the Naval Academy.
  

   

• Paula Moss’ grandfather, Ray Stubblefield, served aboard the USS Shangri-La in the Navy in WWII.
  

   

• Ed and Rawlins Lowndes’ grandfather, Homer F. Thomas, served in the Navy in WWII as a shipbuilder.
  

   

• Carl Phillips has 3 brothers that served in the US Army as enlisted men. Roderick (now deceased) was Special Forces from 1977-1990, Jeff was Signal Corps from 1980-1987, and Tim was Tank Corps from 1983-1987.
  

   

• Nancy Miller’s father served in WWII as a private in the Army. She has his military ID card dated 1944.
  

   

• Tony Branch’s father, Oscar Branch, was a Chief Boatswain Mate in the navy, serving in WWII and the Korean War. Mr. Branch retired after 20+ years of service. Tony’s brother, Lenny, attained the rank of LTJG in the Navy, retiring after 23 years of active and reserve duty. (Lenny and Henry were in the same Naval Reserve unit for many years.) Tony is not a veteran but did his part by working with a DOD contractor repairing/building naval vessels.
  

   

• Jennifer Tiegs’ father served in the US Navy from 1968 to 1977 and now serves as Commander of a local American Legion
  

 

Henry H. Lowndes, Jr.

C. T. Lowndes & Company

www.ctlowndes.com

9/11 – Tenth Anniversary

On Thursday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this tenth anniversary of one our country’s worst tragedies. We should do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those serving in uniform who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity.  Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

On September 12, 2001, while feeling pretty helpless as to what to do in the aftermath of the attack, I purchased an American Flag and erected it on the CTL sign outside the Charleston office. I am proud to say that the flag (replaced many times) has flown at the office ever since. And now flags fly at all CTL offices and have for many years.

You do not need a large flag; just a small one you can stick in the ground in your yard will do just fine. Almost any store has them for a buck or two.

Be proud to be an American! God Bless America!!

Henry H. Lowndes, Jr.

C. T. Lowndes & Company

www.ctlowndes.com

2011 C. T. Lowndes & Company Sertoma High School Football Classic Recap

The 2011 C. T. Lowndes & Company Sertoma High School Football Classic was a rousing success as over 17, 500 fans watched 28 local high school teams compete on the field of play. The two night Classic was blessed with good weather, was very professionally run, and was a fun, family oriented event.

C. T. Lowndes & Company staged a Cheerleaders Powder Puff Football Throw Contest with each high school selecting one cheerleader to throw. A contest was held both Thursday and Friday with 10 young ladies competing each night. Thursday night’s winner was Kierstin Williams from Stratford High School and Friday’s winner was Hamilton Fitzgerald from Bishop England High School.

Safeco Insurance Company assisted the agency in sponsoring the Classic and four Safeco staff served as volunteers, assisting 35 C. T. Lowndes & Company staff volunteers.

C. T. Lowndes & Company thanks all Low Country citizens who supported the Classic. All proceeds go to local charities and those charities will be announced later on at www.charlestonsertoma.org.

More Sertoma photos can be found at our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ctlowndes

Memorial Day, D-Day, Navy SEALs, and a great book

We have just passed a Memorial Day in which we remembered the many men and women who gave their lives in defense of the USA. We have celebrated the 67^th anniversary of the landing at Normandy and I have often found it difficult to put in words why these brave souls put their lives on the lines on June 6, 1944, knowing full well they were likely to end up with a permanent home in Europe under a white cross. I recently read the following that might suffice:

“They do not serve in the U. S. Armed Forces for personal recognition or glory. They do it because deep in their granite souls they feel a slight shiver when they see Old Glory fluttering above them on the parade square. The hairs on the back of their necks stand up when these men hear the national anthem of the United States. When the president walks to the strains of a U. S military band’s “Hail to the Chief”, there’s a moment of solemnity for each and every one of them – for our president, our country, and what our country has meant to the world and the many people who never had a chance without America.”

Recently Osama bin Laden was brought to justice by a team of Navy SEALs. I was interested in how quickly that story faded from the headlines, just like the SEALs faded from sight in the aftermath, with little fanfare. But have you ever wondered who the SEALs really are? Being a former Navy guy, I thought I had a good idea. However, I just finished reading a book “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Lutterell and I now realize that I had no idea what a Navy SEAL really is!

I highly recommend that each of you read this book. It is one of those rare great reads, a true story, that you cannot put down. It will give you an interesting perspective about a lot of things going on in Afghanistan and you will discover what a SEAL really is. And in the process, you will shed a few tears. Just a great book.

 

Henry H. Lowndes, Jr.

April 12, 1860

150 years ago this morning, I imagine Charles T. Lowndes was awake early due to the sounds of cannons booming in Charleston Harbor as the War Between the States commenced. Mr. Lowndes lived at 39 East Bay, a large house located just as the High Battery starts. From his home, he had an unobstructed view of the harbor and Fort Sumter. During this day, he and his family and friends probably gathered on the street and watched the bombardment from the porches of the houses along the Battery.

I can imagine C. T. being somewhat subdued. At age 52, he was more than likely fearful of what was to become. On the other hand, his son, Rawlins, age 22, was most likely wide-eyed with excitement with thoughts of rushing to sign up for the Confederate Army. (By the end of the War, he was a Captain and delivered General Wade Hampton’s surrender documents to the Union General.)

But on this day, C. T. Lowndes would have been concerned about the future of the insurance agency he had started 10 years earlier and wondering what was to become of his new business. It is certainly a tribute to the Mr. Lowndes that the agency survived. And I think Mr. Lowndes would be very proud to see what his business has become today.

 Henry H. Lowndes, Jr.