SouthGroup Gulf Coast - Your Trusted Choice

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Data Breach! Identity Theft! Cyber Fraud! Every day there is another headline!

Data Breach! Identity Theft! Cyber Fraud! Every day there is another headline!

The thieves are working overtime to steal your hard earned money and reputation. Be on guard!

How they can steal from you:

Phishing-an emailed message is sent appearing to be legitimate but tricks you into providing personal information to an evildoer
Ransomware-criminals lock access to your files and demand payment to unlock them
Breach – hackers break into a company’s computer files and steal sensitive information
Credit Card Fraud – attackers steal your credit card number with a skimming device or through a data breach
Identity Theft-thieves impersonate you and open credit accounts to make fraudulent purchases
Malware-crooks gain access when you click an email link to install damaging software on your computer
WiFi Eavesdropping – lawbreakers monitor your unprotected wifi or public networks to intercept data and monitor activities

You need to step up your protection to avoid being duped.

Use Complex Passwords –longer and more complex password that you change regularly need to include Upper Case, Lower Case, Symbols and Numbers
Implement Two Factor Authentication whereever you can – this requires 2 or more checkpoints for accessing the system typically using your smart phone in addition to the password
Consider Locking Your Credit Card and signing up for Notifications on all charges placed using your card
Put a Credit Freeze in place at the Credit Bureaus and sign up for Alerts on all activity under your methods of identification
Closely Monitor Financial Accounts – Check bank balances, credit reports, and investments regularly and watch for suspicious transactions
Be skeptical of every email and/or link you receive
Backup Important Computer Files in case your files become encrypted or are destroyed
Keep Learning about cyber -security and make changes to stay ahead of the bad guys

The cost associated with data breach, notification and credit monitoring can be costly. Disruption to your operations and reputation can be overwhelming, and preventive measures will help you avoid business and personal interruptions. Cyber Liability Insurance is a specialized form of insurance that provides an additional safety net for legal and technical support in the event of a cyber incident. Be sure that you understand your exposures and the coverages included, because coverage can vary significantly between policies. Areas of available coverage may assist with expenses related to data breach notifications, legal fees, interruption compensation for lost income due to business disruption, fines and penalties, ransom payments, third party liability, data restoration, investigation and recovery. Having Insurance can assist you with keeping your business alive during recovery.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent. Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Friday, May 2, 2025

Top 5 Things To Know About Your Business Insurance

Having the right insurance in place is a key to your company's success. It helps protect your profits by protecting you from sudden, catastrophic expenses, like after a natural disaster or a major lawsuit.

#5 What is a Business Owner’s Policy?

A business owner’s policy or “BOP” is insurance coverage designed specifically for small or medium-sized businesses. A BOP combines several types of insurance coverage in a packaged format, and can be customized to suit a particular business.

#4 Does Insurance Cover Lawsuits Brought Against Your Business?

Business insurance will cover legal expense from lawsuit up to your liability insurance policy limit. To be sure that enough liability coverage is in place for extreme circumstances lover $1 million in damages, many businesses buy a commercial umbrella liability policy. Certain liability exclusions also apply, such as if an injury or damage was expected, or was caused intentionally. Most policies also have something called a “workmanship” exclusion, and some exclude coverage of punitive damages, so you may need Errors & Omission Coverage for “your work”.

#3 What Types of Business Insurance Do I Need For My Business?

Each Business is different and depending on your operations, you may be legally obligated to carry certain coverages. In addition, the following types of business insurance should be considered essential:

General liability: Coverage against accidents, injuries and negligence

Product liability: Coverage against product defects

Professional liability: Covers professionals against malpractice, negligence or errors

Commercial property: Covers damage to your business property, such as fire or a severe storm

Business interruption: Protects your business if you are no longer able to conduct your operations because of a loss

Home-based business: Covers general and/or professional liability.

#2 Is Business Insurance Tax Deductible?

Business insurance is tax deductible, as long as the coverage is for the purpose of operating a business, profession, or a trade.

#1 How Does Business Insurance Work?

Business insurance is a contract between an insurance company and a business. The insurance company agrees to share the risk with the business entity in exchange for

premium payments. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company pays for the financial losses the business incurs up to the limit of the policy after the deductible amount is paid by the business filing a claim.

At the time of a loss, the business will file a claim, and an adjuster will assess the damage and process the claim settlement based on the terms of the policy contract.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

ALMOST ANYWHERE IT RAINS IT CAN FLOOD – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. I often hear people say that it could never flood where they are, and I have learned to never say never. Areas that never flooded before have been flooding due to nearby developments or natural/man-made changes in the geographic area. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of exposures.

Flood damage is typically not covered by your business property insurance, homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs offered by FEMA and many private companies to assist with repairs and replacing your structure or contents due to damage caused by rising water. Depending on your proximity to a water source such as a river or tidal waters, your rate could be high unless you mitigate the possibility of damage.

When you allow water to pass through the foundation or ground floor by the use of venting, you reduce the possibility of structural damage by relieving hydrostatic water pressure. Elevated structures and elevated home equipment, such as air conditioners and generators, are more protected from rising water. Land grading, storm drains, and cleared gutters help to divert water from around your structure.

Flooding will cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath. Floodwater is often contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, not to mention displaced animals, so avoid contact as much as possible. Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink. Boil-orders may be issued.

If you don’t have flood insurance, contact a local insurance agent to obtain it, as there are waiting periods before coverage becomes effective. Be sure to plan ahead, and never let your insurance coverage lapse. There are penalties for losing your coverage, and your rate could increase by thousands per year to replace the coverage. Yesterday, I assisted someone who had lost their coverage and they had been paying $900, and now the rate is over $3000 for the same coverage level. The flood insurance premium is based on your specific property including the distance from a body of water, the type and frequency of historical flooding in your area, the elevation of the lowest floor of your structure, and the estimated replacement cost of your building. Each building needs to be insured separately in most cases.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Monday, March 3, 2025

How Can Property Owners Mitigate Against an Increase in Insurance Premiums?

Do you think the industry in Mississippi is preparing for more and possible worse natural disasters?

I respectfully disagree with the PolicyGenius article. Mississippi is diligently working to mitigate damage from flooding and wind exposures. Extreme heat is not a concern, because we live in a Coastal region with access to waterways and breeze. Our building codes are strict, and we are building stronger and smarter. Hurricanes are a wildcard, because they are unpredictable, but this is nothing new for our area. Our people and our area are very resilient.

What are insurers recommending property owners do?

The better protected the home, the lower the insurance rates. Insurers are providing policy credits for homeowners adding mitigation for the protection of their property and add credits for the use of smart-devices that provide an early warning alert for water or smoke damage to reduce damage. Central alarms for fire and break-ins also receive credits. A roof that was replaced after Katrina is now considered to be old by the Insurance Companies. Roofs that were promised a 30 year life when installed are failing in record numbers, and Companies offer a steep discount for a new roof. Consumers need to review their policy’s coverage level to confirm they have an adequate replacement cost estimated for their home and that they are insured properly. Aging homes that are not well maintained will pay a higher premium. The Companies providing the lowest rates are requiring tree limbs to be cut back at least 3 feet from the home, handrails on stairs, removal of liability hazards from the property, repair of any existing damage, and in some cases, they are requiring an old roof to be replaced or the deductible could be 5% or higher. Trampolines and vicious dogs are a liability hazard and cost more to insure. Having a good credit history and low number of claims on your record help you get a better rate.

Is it likely we will see an increase in premiums?

Insurance is impacted by global events. With the recent spike in inflation, construction costs, labor costs, lawsuits, and claims expense, we are seeing increased pressure on insurance rates, even for those who did not file a claim. Our Mississippi Insurance Department works well with the Insurance Companies to ensure that they are being treated fairly with adequate rates, and that the Companies are treating Consumers fairly and in compliance with their insurance contracts. Nothing stays the same, and prices for every industry are increasing, but through mitigation, pride of ownership, and a strong supply of insurance companies, consumers have options for their coverage and pricing. Private flood companies are offering coverage in our area. Shopping your insurance every 3 years is a good strategy to be sure you have the best available rate. You don’t want to shop every year, because you will lose out on loyalty credits. Bundling home and auto with the same agency may help. There may also be deductible buy-downs available to assist with the higher deductibles being mandated by the insurance companies.

Monday, February 3, 2025

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CAN HELP YOU SAVE ON YOUR INSURANCE!

Having your property well maintained will help you save money on your insurance. Many new companies are now in our coastal area and offer better pricing, but the companies are very strict on the homes they will insure. Many insurance companies will send an insurance inspector or require a self-inspection where you send in pictures of specific areas of your home to document the condition and any problems areas. This helps in the event of a claim because the current condition is documented, and the company may more easily determine the extent of the damage, since they will have a before and after audit file. This also assists with risk management to possibly avoid insurance claims.

Insurance companies desire property which is free from liability hazards. A liability hazard is “an accident waiting to happen”. You will find insurance companies asking more questions about your pets and any history of biting. A swimming pool without proper fencing or not in proper working order could allow for injuries. Likewise, if you allow excessive debris to pile up, this could attract rodents or become a fire hazard. Lawsuits abound from accidents occurring from a trampoline, so many companies do not allow them at all. Your property should not have any existing damage or condition issues on the exterior or interior, decks and porches. Any dry rot or plumbing leaks lead to more damage. Mold or algae on siding is unsightly and should be pressure-washed off. Clogged gutters cause extensive home damage, so get those cleared annually.

In our area with the high probability of severe winds, many companies require tree limbs within 3 feet of the home or large trees close to the home be cut back for the protection of the structure. Excessive foliage growth and overgrown shrubs around the home should be periodically trimmed back so the insurance companies can visibly see that you care about your property and its condition and appearance.. Most companies require the crawl space under a home to be enclosed with lattice or some other material to prevent debris from accumulating under the home which could become a fire exposure. So many people fall off of stairs leading to lawsuits, that if you have more than 3 stairs leading to your property entry, the insurance company will require a handrail be installed to reduce the risk.

Many insurance discounts are available if you have installed wind or flood mitigation on your property. Be sure you provide pictures of a new roof, impact glass, or working shutters to your insurance agent for any available discounts. Tankless water heaters result in fewer water overflows, and your insurance company may offer a discount. Contact your insurance agent to discuss other ways to protect your property.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Smart Insurance Considerations for Your Business

If you are starting a new business or expanding, it is good idea to review your risks and exposures. Some risks, such as theft, you can address with a good security system, but acts of nature may be out of your control and are best covered with insurance.

Act of Nature Exposures:

Property Insurance provides building, and business personal property protection. This includes office equipment, computers, inventory or tools and pays claims for fire, vandalism, theft, smoke damage etc. You may also want to consider business interruption/loss of earnings insurance coverage to protect your earnings if the business is unable to operate. Commercial Auto Insurance protects a company’s vehicles and any vehicles that carry employees, products or equipment.

Human Exposures:

General Liability Insurance provides both defense and damages if you, your employees or your products or services cause or are alleged to have caused Bodily Injury or Property Damage to a third party. Worker's Compensation coverage provides wage replacement and medical benefits payments to employees who are injured on the job. Professional Liability Insurance offers defense and damages for failure to or improperly render professional services. This protection is critical for any professionals such as lawyers, accountants, consultants, agents, and any profession providing services. Directors and Officers Insurance covers the directors and officers of a company against their actions that may affect the profitability or operations of the company. Umbrella Insurance extends an already existing insurance policy and covers beyond the regular policies. Employee Benefits are ancillary coverages that provide benefits for your working staff and their families. There are many options: Health, dental, vision, cancer, accident, disability, and life insurance for your team.

External Exposures:

Data Breach Coverage/Cyber Liability provides protection in the event of data loss of sensitive or non-public information and all of the compliance requirements and legal action necessary following a breach. With all of the spam and phishing schemes prevalent today, this coverage protects you and your customers.

A less costly insurance option when you are starting out may be a Business Owner's Policy (BOP). Often, BOP’s will include business interruption insurance, property insurance, vehicle coverage, liability insurance, and crime insurance- and you can tailor it to your specific needs.

Be aware that coverage for your business will not protect your personal use, and your personal policies will not protect business use, so consult your agent to be sure you are properly protected.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Averett, Alexa Weldon, Denise Pickers, and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, December 2, 2024

Ho Ho Ho – How December Can Impact Your Insurance

Tis the season for gifts and family celebrations – bonfires and feasts! In between all the festivities, please keep the following in mind:

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (www.samhsa.gov). If you are impaired while celebrating, don’t get behind the wheel to drive. An automobile crash is costly because you will have higher insurance cost, you will be inconvenienced while your auto is being repaired, and even worse, someone could be hurt or killed. Use a Designated Driver or an Uber to get you safely to your destination.

Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. Your health insurance may require that you first pay a deductible for treatment, and you will waste hours of your precious holiday sitting in an emergency room if a child or family member is injured by an unsafe toy. Balloons can choke or suffocate a child so discard any burst balloons right away. Toys with small parts could cause choking for young children. Be sure to review the age appropriateness of the gifts. Riding toys such as bikes and skates can result in falls with concussions, abrasions and worse. Ensure that proper safety helmets and other gear is worn. Discarded wrapping paper, boxes, and plastic should be disposed right away.

Expensive gifts may require that you alert your insurance agent so you are properly covered. Beautiful jewelry or art, vehicles, ATV’s and more require insurance protection for their value and any liability exposure. An appraisal or invoice may be required to add fine art or jewelry to your policy, and stand alone coverage may also be available.

With all the great parties and plentiful foods, be certain to keep up your exercise routine and medications, so you do not have to use your health insurance due to illness. Large events that you may host at your home or business with adult beverages served may increase your liability exposure, so for a large event, you should consider Event Insurance for your protection.

December brings colder weather in most areas and also brings dangers to your home and business with possible burst water pipes and for your auto with freezing ice or roads. There are more home fires during December, from kitchen fires due to more cooking, to holiday decorations catching fire, or candle fires, fireplace issues, or brittle Christmas trees. Take precautions to avoid having to file insurance claims. Confirm that your smoke alarms are functioning and that you have your escape plan in place and that all family members know what to do.

Be safe and enjoy your holidays! Merry Christmas!

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our convenient locations!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

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