If you made it here, I hope this helps you on your insurance journey. Some of this may not age well in this new world of high inflation but most will help you become a better and more judicious consumer. Cheers!

​Sure, comprehensive and collision coverage is important for your vehicle, but a lot of people want to only buy the liability coverage that is mandated by the state. The difference between minimum coverage and 50/100 is often only 5 to 10 dollars per month more and gives double the coverage.
Imagine your vehicle is involved in a serious accident and the driver of your vehicle was at fault. If the person in the other car was seriously injured and had to go to the hospital, the medical bills often would far exceed the 25,000 dollars in coverage that a minimum coverage policy would pay out. You could be left on the hook for the remainder of that person’s medical bills.
 
My Recommendation: 50/100/50 liability protection should be as low as you go. You should explore higher coverages whenever you renew and if you are shopping make sure the agent doesn’t dumb down the coverage to make the sale.  

​We recently spoke with a customer who used to buy his insurance directly from the carrier. He didn’t understand the importance of uninsured/underinsured motorist, but he loved how cheap the policy was. After he was hit by another driver who was uninsured, he was left with a totaled vehicle and no payout from the insurance company. Uninsured/underinsured motorist covers you in case someone who does not have insurance should get in an accident with you or in a hit and run accident.  
 
My recommendation: Don’t cut corners on your auto policy. Always ask for uninsured/underinsured motorist and be wary of any agent or company that tries to sell you a policy with out this coverage. 

​Roadside and towing coverage is a great add on to your policy but be careful how often you use it. Every time you use this service it can be considered a comp claim and can hurt your insurance score and cause your insurance premiums to be high.  
My Recommendation: If you use this coverage a lot because you have multiple cars then go ahead and get AAA. If you rarely need a tow then this can be an extremely cheap coverage for you.
 

​It does not matter whether you buy your insurance directly or buy it from an agent, it will cost pretty much the same. So why wouldn’t you go with an agent? They are experts on what is in a policy and more importantly (if they are a good one), experts on the company they are representing. They can help you find the most value in a policy and warn you if something important is missing. Would you go to court without a lawyer? So why would you go around an agent when they are literally a free resource to you. A good agent can advise you on how to handle claims, help you with payments, get on the phone with the insurance carrier on your behalf if you have a problem, inform you whether something is covered with your policy and help you adjust your coverages so that they fit you and your needs. If you buy direct you are a number on a screen with no one to look out for you.  
 

​A captive agent can only sell you one company. They represent some of the most well-known insurance companies out there (State Farm, Farmers, etc.) but they can only offer you one policy for one price. If you do not fit perfectly into their little box then you are out of luck, your agent can only offer higher deductibles or less coverage if your premiums are too high. There are some great captive agents out there, but why build a relationship and trust an agent who can only offer one product?
 
Alternatively, an independent agent contracts with many different insurance companies. They know what each company’s “appetite” is, which is insurance jargon for the type of customer that they prefer. They can work with you over the years and move you between companies as your life changes (get married, have kids, buy that new boat you always wanted, etc..) to keep your insurance rates down. 

A big gap in insurance coverage for most homeowners and renters is for personal property. A typical homeowners policy often has very limited coverage for theft of your most valuable personal possessions like your wedding rings, a valuable collection of guns, records, memorabilia, etc. 
Always ask your independent agent these questions:
1. What are the limits of coverage for my personal property?
This will encourage your agent to dig into the policy details with you and make sure you are covered. 

2. Are there any upgrades to my policy that extend more coverage for my personal property? 
Many insurance companies have different levels of coverage that can be added for next to nothing extra and will be enough to give you the coverage you need. If not, they will offer a rider, which is like a small policy attached to your homeowners that will extend extra coverage to specific items.
 
3. Are there any special exclusions in this policy that is different than a typical HO3?
Many insurance companies like to sneak in little exclusions (ex. they do not extend liability coverage for bites from one your dogs). You can work with your independent insurance agent to make sure there are no exclusions that may affect you. 
​
Always disclose what valuable items you own and their value during your homeowners insurance quote so that your independent insurance agent can help you compare policies and provide you a quote for an additional policy to cover these items if you do not have enough. 

Remember, your independent insurance agent is as big an asset to you as the policy you buy and their expertise is free!

Maybe you’ve been here before. You’ve just come off the plane in Ga, picked up your baggage and gone to the rental car counter. You’re tired from the flight, about to begin an ambitious vacation or a challenging business project. And, this is the point at which you’re asked, “Do you want insurance with that?”

Most travelers, facing that question from the rental representative, have the vague notion that they don’t really need to buy rental car insurance in Ga – which somehow is covered already. With just enough doubt in their minds, and the need to make a quick decision, perhaps they buy it just to be safe.
So, which is it?
Do you need to buy rental car insurance in Ga or not?
Truth be told, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, you can likely reach a conclusion you’re comfortable with by considering these three questions.
1. What Types of Rental Car Insurance Are Available?
Typically, car rental agencies will offer you four types of insurance to purchase:

• Collision damage waiver – The rental car company won’t charge you for a damaged or stolen vehicle when you buy this.
• Supplemental liability protection – Electing this will ensure you’re covered for costs to others if you cause an accident in the rental.
• Personal accident insurance – This coverage will pay for injuries or death of the driver and passengers of your rental car.
• Personal effects coverage – Reimburses you for stolen personal items while renting the car.

2. What Rental Car Coverage Might I Already Have?
Start with your personal auto insurance in Ga. It’s likely that your policy will provide the same level of coverage for your rental as it does for your own car. That usually includes liability insurance, and, depending on the policy you purchased, may include collision, comprehensive and medical payments, too. There are exclusions, however. Some insurers won’t cover rentals in a foreign country, or rentals that are being used for business. Get in touch with your independent insurance agent in Ga to verify your coverages.
Next there’s your credit card. Most cards offer some degree of coverage, but it varies widely. Coverage is usually secondary, designed to step in and pick up where your auto insurance leaves off, and it tends to be mostly confined to collision, damage and theft. For coverage to apply, most cards require that you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver and pay for the car in full with the card that provides the protection. Again, contact your card company to find out exactly what is covered.
Then, consider your health and life insurance, too. If you’re in an accident involving a rental car and you have these policies, you likely have coverage for your own costs. Plus, with your homeowners insurance, you may have personal property coverage to help repair or replace valuable belongings that are lost, damaged or stolen while you’re in a rental. Your deductible and policy limits will apply, and the same goes for renters insurance or condo insurance.
3. What Rental Coverage Might I Be Missing?
In the event something does happen to the rental car, you may be looking at loss of use and diminished value fees, and your regular policy may not cover them. Loss of use is the income that the rental agency loses due to the vehicle being in the shop for repairs, and diminished value is the calculated reduction in a vehicle’s resale value as the result of an accident. Credit cards sometimes cover these, but be aware that they may require documentation that rental agencies can be reluctant to provide.
So, before you make that next trip, give us a call and check with your credit card company. That way you’ll be ready to make an informed decision when you get to the rental car counter.
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.
Top image by Flickr user Timo Newton-Syms used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

​Your dashboard is filled with icons and alerts that can tell you when your vehicle needs attention. Some of these notifications are more serious than others, but it’s a good idea to know what they all mean.
But your dashboard isn’t the only way to tell if something is wrong. Sometimes you need to rely on your senses, which is why it’s also important to listen to the sounds your vehicle makes. 
Have you noticed any clunking, grinding or high-pitched squealing lately? Here’s what some of these odd noises might mean.

• Squealing when you start the car. A high-pitched squealing noise that happens when you start your car could indicate a worn serpentine belt. 
  
  
• Grinding when you brake. A grinding noise when you brake typically means that your car’s brakes need to be serviced or replaced. 
  
  
• Humming when you accelerate. A humming noise when you step on the gas could point to a wheel bearing issue. This kind of noise may also be related to the engine. 
  
  
• Clicking when you turn. If you hear a clicking or maybe a popping noise when you make a turn, parts on your car’s front axle may need to be replaced. 
  
  
• Clunking while you drive. A clunking noise coming from underneath your car as you drive could be caused by a few different things: an issue with the suspension system, shock absorbers or the rods and pistons. 

Ask Your Mechanic 
These warning noises may help you diagnose the problem, but this list is by no means comprehensive. If you hear something unusual, always ask a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a strange sound can mean more expensive repairs down the road. 
Have questions about your coverage? Reach out anytime.

Maybe you’ve heard that people who drive red cars get pulled over more, so insurers charge them higher rates. Or that if you let someone else drive your car, their policy will cover an accident. 
Well, when it comes to auto insurance, you shouldn’t always believe what you hear. 
Get the facts about common car insurance myths, and reach out to make sure you have the coverage you need.
Myth #1: A ticket automatically increases your rate.
A moving violation doesn't have to increase your insurance rate unless it's a frequent occurrence. You may be able to take a driving course to maintain your rate and even pay less for your ticket.
Myth #2: Car color affects your insurance rate.
The truth is that the color of your vehicle most likely doesn’t affect your premiums. However, there are special cases where color can raise the value of your car — like a custom paint job — which could potentially increase your rates. 
Myth #3: Older cars need less coverage.
If you don't have a loan on your car, you may not have to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, only the liability coverage required by the state. But you may not want to drop or lower your optional coverage if your car still has significant value, as it would be pricey to repair or replace.
Myth #4: Someone borrowing your vehicle is covered by their own insurance.
Laws vary by state, but usually the insurance covers the vehicle. Before you drive someone else's car, verify that it's insured. Don't assume that your own policy will cover an accident. 
Myth #5: You only need the auto liability insurance that's required by law.
It's smart to buy more than the minimum, because personal liability for an at-fault auto accident can be expensive. Adding a personal umbrella policy for additional coverage can be a wise decision, especially when you have assets to protect.
Get in touch today with any questions you have about your policy.

​If you ever needed to evacuate or shelter in place, would you be prepared?
You can't always predict things like severe weather or power outages. But you can prepare for the unexpected by packing a home emergency kit for you and your family.
Review this list of must-have items, then get in touch to make sure your home has enough coverage to bring you peace of mind.

• First-Aid Kit: In addition to bandages, gauze, antiseptic and petroleum jelly, keep an extra supply of pain relievers, stomach soothers and prescription medications for all the people and pets in your home.
  
  
• Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (preferably with charging capability) may be good options. A radio may be the best way to get local news in an emergency that affects cellular and internet services.
  
  
• Lights: A flashlight will do, but a headlamp or lantern can also be helpful. Make sure to have extra batteries and backup lights, such as candles and lighters or waterproof matches.
  
  
• Water and Nonperishable Food: Pack at least three days' worth of water and nonperishable goods. Protein bars are compact and may provide you with more energy. And don't forget about food and water for your pets.
  
  
• Miscellaneous Items: Cash, personal documents and paper maps might not seem essential now, but they could come in handy. Other nice-to-have items include duct tape, cleaning products and a multitool.

Together, we can make sure you have the right protection for your home and car so your losses are limited in case of unexpected events. 
Reach out if you have questions about what's covered in your policy or anything else.

​Do you know how damaging potholes can be? 
Unfortunately, this common road hazard can potentially send your vehicle to the repair shop. 
Here’s what to know if you ever find yourself dealing with pothole problems. Plus: Find out how you might be able to avoid them in the first place.
What kind of damage can a bad pothole cause?

• Tires: They could sustain internal damage that can’t be patched or repaired. Check your dashboard for the tire pressure light to see if you’re losing air.
• Wheels: As with tire damage, a bent or cracked wheel rim may need to be replaced.
• Alignment: Does your car seem to pull to the right or left after you hit a pothole? You could be looking at a bent steering or suspension part in your alignment. Get it checked out to be sure. 

Thinking of filing a pothole damage claim?
Your policy may cover pothole damage, but such a claim is likely to be considered a single-car accident, which means the fault gets assigned to you. Having an at-fault accident on your record could cause your rates to go up. 
Before you file a claim, check your deductible to see if the cost of repair will exceed your out-of-pocket amount. If not, there’s no benefit to filing a claim. Not sure what to do? Reach out to us for help weighing your options.
How can you avoid pothole damage?
Pothole season may be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean potholes themselves can’t be avoided. Here are a few tips for preventing pothole damage: 

• Keep your eyes on the road. The best way to avoid hitting a pothole is to see it coming up so you can switch lanes or drive around it.
• Use a navigation app with pothole warnings. Waze and other GPS apps now have this feature.
• Beware of puddles. It might actually be a pothole full of water, so go around or drive slowly through it. 
• Mind your speed. The slower you go over a pothole, the less likely you are to sustain damage. 

Have questions about pothole damage claims or your policy in general? Reach out today.

Unfortunately, car break-ins happen, but you can take steps to minimize your risk and keep your vehicle and belongings safe. 
By taking a few minutes to review these tips now, you could avoid the hassle of repairing (or replacing) your car later.
Here are 10 smart ways to keep your vehicle safe from theft.
Don’t Make a Break-In Easy

• Lock your car and never leave it running unattended, even if you’re just heading inside your home for a minute. 
• Close your windows and sunroof when you’re not in the car.
• Take your key fob with you, and don’t leave a spare house or car key hidden in your vehicle.

Plan Ahead (Even in Your Neighborhood)

• Stow valuables in your trunk. 
• Avoid driving or parking in high-crime areas. If you’re driving to an unfamiliar destination, research your route ahead of time.
• Seek out well-lit parking spots, garages and lots. And if you park in your driveway at night, consider installing a motion-sensor light.

Hide What’s Important

• Don’t leave anything a thief might want, including spare change, shopping bags or other personal belongings.
• Take your garage door opener, wallet, purse, phone and keys out of your car. If necessary, hide your items — but not in an obvious place like the center console.
• Keep your vehicle title in the house and your registration in your wallet.

What to Do After a Crime
If you’re the victim of a vehicle break-in or theft, take photos of the damage, file a police report and reach out for help filing an insurance claim. 
We can also help you be more proactive. Get in touch to learn about additional coverage for your vehicle or home.

The spring season calls for refreshing and maintaining your most lived-in spaces, including your home and car. 
Taking care of basic maintenance tasks can also help you avoid dealing with expensive repairs in the future. 
In other words, now is the perfect time to make sure your property is in tiptop shape. Here are six essential car and home tasks to have on your radar.
Car Maintenance
First, check your vehicle's service schedule. That way, you'll know when and how often your car needs certain repairs, including: 

• Oil Change: Check with your mechanic, but most people advise replacing engine oil every 3,000 miles. Delaying this can result in damage to your engine.
• Tire Rotation: Like an oil change, see if your tires should be rotated every 3,000 miles to prolong their use and save you money on future replacements.
• Worn-Out Parts: Using old wiper blades, engine air filters and brake pads can lead to bigger problems later on. Replace these as needed to avoid damage to your vehicle.

Home Maintenance
Do you want to avoid expensive home repairs in the future? Here's what the experts suggest.

• Roof Inspection: Have a pro check leak-prone areas such as the attic, chimneys and skylights to catch a problem before it affects your home's entire roof. 
• Gutter Cleaning: Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof. You can clean out this area yourself or hire someone, depending on the size of your home. 
• Exterior Paint and Siding: The exterior protects your home from weather and water damage. Touch up cracked paint and issues with siding quickly to avoid the whole area needing to be remodeled. 

Do you have questions about your policy? Reach out today.

​Do you know what’s covered by your homeowners policy? Or that you can purchase additional coverage for more protection?
Even if your current policy meets your needs, it’s always a good idea to learn about your options, especially as we start a new year. 
Here’s what you should know about standard homeowners insurance (and when you might need to supplement it).
What does standard homeowners insurance cover?

• Structure of the Home: If a tree falls onto your property, for example, your policy may cover the damage.
  
  
• Personal Belongings: Also known as contents coverage, your policy may help replace items (such as furniture) after a loss. 
  
  
• Liability Coverage: If someone slips on your porch and hurts themselves, your policy may protect you financially.
  
  
• Additional Living Expenses: If extensive damage keeps you from living in your home, your policy can help you afford short-term housing during repairs.

If you’d like a more detailed list of what’s covered by your policy, reach out anytime.
Do you need additional coverage?
Every home is different, which is why it’s important to carefully review your options to make sure you’re considering your property’s unique needs.
Your policy may not cover:

• Flooding: You’ll need a separate policy for flood insurance.
  
  
• Property Wear and Tear: Protect your home by completing regular maintenance, because a poorly maintained structure may not be covered by your policy.
  
  
• Jewelry: You can purchase a rider to cover valuable pieces like wedding rings or family heirlooms.
  
  
• Collectibles: Do you have valuables or vintage items? Ask about special coverage.

While typical homeowners insurance offers many benefits, additional coverage can help give you and your family more peace of mind.
Do you have any questions? Or are you ready to check in about your 2022 coverage needs? Get in touch today.