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Take the Domestic Partners Quiz

1/19/2021

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Take the Domestic Partner Quiz
A domestic partnership describes a same-sex or opposite sex couple in a committed relationship — similar to a marriage — but without an official marriage license. Know your rights, employee benefits, and the laws in your state to make sure that each of you has the protection that you need.
Please contact our office for a no-obligation review of all your insurance needs.
Take the Domestic Partner Quiz
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Do you rent? Here's why you need Renter's Insurance

1/15/2021

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US statistics show that that renters experience higher rates of property crime, theft, and burglary than people who own their home. Renters are in danger of losing their belongings from vandalism, water damage, fire, smoke, electrical surge, ice, snow, and other perils. Despite the risks, many renters don't have renters insurance.

What if everything you own was damaged, stolen or destroyed? Would you have the thousands of dollars to replace valuable merchandise, such as your clothes, jewelry, computer, DVD player, television, furniture, and stereo equipment?

If you live in a rented apartment, house or condominium, your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your personal property in the event that it is stolen or damaged as a result of a fire, theft or other unexpected circumstance.

If your building burns to the ground, your landlord isn't responsible for replacing the charred contents of your apartment.
Whether you rent an apartment, own a condominium or have any rental property, you need insurance  to protect your belongings. While your landlord and condo association might have insurance, it only protects the building and not its contents.

So if your building burns to the ground, your landlord isn't responsible for replacing the charred contents of your apartment. Likewise, if your house guest trips over your ottoman and fractures his arm, your landlord's insurance on the property won't protect you from liability. Your landlord may be liable for injuries outside of your rental property, common areas such as the lobby or stairs. But once your guest crosses your front door, he or she is your responsibility.

When you look at the trade-off — paying a small premium for coverage against the cost of replacing what has taken you years to accumulate — renters insurance makes perfect sense.
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Contact our office for a no-obligation quote on Renter’s Insurance. Most coverages can be quoted and bound from the comfort of your home.
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​ARE YOU UNDERINSURED?

1/11/2021

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Do you have enough insurance coverage to completely rebuild your home? Have you talked with your agent recently to update your policy? Don't wait until disaster strikes to find out you're underinsured. Stay current on your policy and keep yourself protected.
It's a homeowner's nightmare, a fire or other catastrophe destroys their home and everything in it. To make matters worse, some homeowners discover too late that they did not have enough insurance coverage to rebuild their home and replace their personal property.
Homeowner's need to ask their agent if they have enough insurance to rebuild their home, replace their personal property and protect their assets if they are sued.
Make plans to meet with our agents for a no-obligation review of your policy every year to make sure your insurance is keeping up with you and your home.
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Do You Ever Wonder ...?

1/4/2021

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In the past 30 years what determines your insurance premium has undergone huge, complex changes. At one time car insurance premiums were based simply on your age, vehicle and driving record, but those days are over. Credit history and stability are becoming huge factors in your premiums in addition to claims history, homeownership, and prior insurance coverage. There are dozens of insurance carriers who want your business but their premiums to cover you can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage. If you call an insurance company directly to get a policy you will only get one price and it may be way too high.  By using an independent insurance agent such as ours, you will have the advantage of an insurance expert working on your behalf to find the lowest price for great coverage.

Many people ask why our agency will get the the lowest price.  It is because our agents know that if they don't find you the best price you will look elsewhere for insurance. Like any other retail store an agency won't stay in business if they are selling products at a high price.  

You may wonder if you are getting the best coverage.  This is what our agents are trained to do.  Selling poor coverage will ultimately lead to you being dissatisfied in the event you have a claim. If you are dissatisfied then the agent loses a customer.  Our agents depend on making sure their customers are satisfied and coming back year after year. Our agents know the difference between quality carriers and carriers that may not be there for you when you need them.  

By using an independent insurance agency such as ours, you will have the advantage of an insurance expert working on your behalf to find the lowest price for great coverage. Contact us at your convenience for a no-obligation review of your coverages. The beginning of a new year is a great time to do it!
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"Tag Applied For" is a "Red Flag" for Law Enforcement

1/2/2021

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  • When a vehicle is sold, whether to a dealer or to a private individual, the license plate from the vehicle that is sold is transferable to another vehicle owned by the seller.
  • The license plate stays with the seller who should notify the Department of Revenue if it is being transferred or cancel registration since insurance will be terminated on the sold vehicle.
  • The new owner has 30 days from the date of purchase or acquisition of the vehicle to register and obtain a Georgia license plate, or to transfer an existing valid Georgia license plate to the vehicle.
  • Vehicles should be registered at the tax commissioner’s office in the Georgia county where the owner lives.
  • While the new registration is being processed, owners should keep a copy of the front and back of the vehicle’s title or a copy of the bill of sale to prove ownership until they receive the new title and license plate.
  • During this period, the vehicles purchased from another individual should have nothing on the rear bumper where a license plate normally would be affixed.
  • Handmade signs saying “Tag Applied For” have no validity and are in reality a “red flag” for law enforcement. Failure to register a vehicle within 30 days of purchase or acquisition could result in fines of as much as $100 if stopped by law enforcement.
  • You'll need proof of insurance when you register the vehicle. Our agency can provide "Instant Proof of Insurance" for you. Contact out office and see just how affordable it is to get peace of mind.
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Happy New Year!

12/31/2020

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Is Cheap Auto Insurance Good Enough for You?

12/28/2020

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​Advertisements for cheap car insurance seem to be everywhere. Is this good enough for you? 
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It is a misconception that all auto insurance policies are the same. For some people, the least expensive policy is good enough. However, it is best to customize the policy to meet the specific needs of your vehicle and your lifestyle. How do you know what is too cheap and what is just right for you then?

What Your Policy Needs to Do for You
When choosing car insurance, there are a few key things to look for to determine if it is the right one for your needs. Put price aside for a moment. Only after you consider coverage, then you can compare providers to determine which offers the best price for that amount of protection. Here are a few things to consider.

Do You Have a Loan or Are You Leasing the Car?
Those who have a lease or loan on their vehicle may have a requirement from the title holder to carry full coverage. This generally includes:
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Collision insurance
  • Liability insurance
  • Underinsured and uninsured coverage
These policies protect the value of the car. This is the value the title holder cares about. They don't want to lose their investment in your vehicle, after all.

Does the Vehicle Have Value?
​If you do not have a loan or lease, consider the value of the car. If the car was not possible to repair in an accident, could you easily replace it? If it would cause financial hardship for you to lose the car like this, it may be worth considering collision insurance and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance covers damage to your car if you hit something. Comprehensive covers the vehicle from losses such as fire and theft.

How Much Liability Insurance Do You Need?​
One of the ways some companies offer very low-cost auto insurance is by providing you with just the state minimum requirement. However, this is a big risk. A simple accident can cause significantly more damage than this basic policy can cover. In an accident, the lowest car insurance may not cover all of the losses you need it to. This means you may have to pay out of pocket for it.
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Is cheap car insurance a good thing? It can be if you do not have a lot of value in the vehicle. However, a customized auto insurance policy is best. Work with our agency to obtain one.
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We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

12/23/2020

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“May your family have a holiday season that is full of wonderful surprises, treats and nonstop laughter.”
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Don’t Let a Burglar Grinch Ruin Your Holiday; Protect Expensive Gifts with the Right Amount and Type of Insurance

12/21/2020

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Gifts are an important part of many holiday traditions, and while you can’t put a price on their sentimental value you certainly can—and should—insure their financial value in case a costly item is lost, stolen or destroyed by a fire or other disaster.

If you receive a sparkling engagement ring, a stunning piece of art or even took advantage of the end-of-year sales to treat yourself to a new set of golf clubs or fast new bike, it is important to contact our insurance agency to make sure the items are properly insured.

Generally speaking, personal possessions are covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, there may be a limit on the amount covered for theft. Typically, items such as jewelry, furs, collectibles and precious stones are limited to $1,000 to $2,000.

To properly insure jewelry, consider purchasing additional coverage through a floater. In most cases, a floater also provides coverage for ‘mysterious disappearance,’—for example, if your wedding ring falls off your finger or is lost, you would be financially protected.

Floaters (also known as endorsements) are available as an addition to homeowners and renters insurance policies, carry no deductibles and frequently provide the option of having the insurance company replace the item for you. Prices vary depending on the type of jewelry, the insurance company you choose, where you live and where the item will be kept. In addition to jewelry, floaters are also available for furs, fine art, musical instruments and even sports equipment.

If you receive an expensive present and want to make sure it is adequately protected, we suggest that you contact our insurance agency even if you are insured elsewhere. Let us know that you now own a piece of jewelry, a fur or other expensive item. We will review your insurance to find out how much coverage you have under your current policy and whether additional insurance is needed.
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Will Car Insurance Cover Any Wear And Tear Issues?

12/18/2020

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​If you're lucky, you might never need to make a major home repair. Cars, on the other hand, will eventually need some parts replaced. Tires don't last forever, and neither do spark plugs, brake pads or timing belts. So, it's worth asking whether auto insurance will cover those replacements when they need to be made.
The answer is no. Car insurance will not cover normal wear and tear. In fact, if you are in an accident because you failed to maintain your car, such as driving on bare brake pads, your auto insurance provider might not approve your claim.
​The reasoning is simple: Car insurance is designed to cover unexpected damages and losses. A smashed windshield, a stolen car, liability costs. Wear and tear damages are losses that we can plan for.
You can generally expect your provider to cover damages and losses relating to the following causes:
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Traffic accidents
  • Damages suffered while parked (a falling tree, for instance)
You can generally not expect your insurer to cover damages and losses such as the following:
  • Bald tires
  • Worn brake pads
  • Exterior rust
  • Ripped or worn out upholstery
  • Electrical problems
  • Worn down axles
It is a general rule of thumb in insurance that you cannot expect the anticipated to be covered. Insurance will not cover the inevitable, only the possible. Even if damages or losses are common, there is a good chance that you can find a provider. If damages or losses are unavoidable, there's simply no motive for insurers to cover the risk.

​Further, insurers do expect you to take good care of whatever it is that you are insuring. A homeowner who discovers a leaky pipe and simply leaves it to drip will likely see their claim rejected when they file for the damages they've suffered as a result. The same goes for your car. If you want to make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident, make sure that anything that needs to be replaced is replaced. Also remember to take the vehicle in for regular maintenance.

Has it been over three years since you compared your coverages and rates?
Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
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