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Monday, March 4, 2024

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.

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, 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

Monday, February 5, 2024

 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!

 

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, 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

Thursday, January 4, 2024

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.

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.

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 

Monday, December 4, 2023

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!

 

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

 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

Monday, November 13, 2023

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.

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.


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,Alexa Weldon,  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

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Auto Insurance 101 - Key Concepts You Need to Know

 There are several coverages included in auto insurance, each of which covers a different aspect of your risk as a driver. Here is a brief overview of the most common coverages:

  • Liability: Liability coverage will pay for repairs, property damage, and medical costs for injuries suffered by others in the vehicle, plus other expenses related to an at-fault accident such as legal fees. 
  • Collision: If you hit another vehicle or an object, your collision coverage will pay for to repair the damage to your vehicle after you pay a deductible. 
  • Comprehensive: Also known as "other than collision," this pays for losses to your vehicle if it suffers damage from something other than an accident, such as a tree falling on your vehicle.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for injuries and property damage you suffer in an accident when the driver at fault either is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries and damage. 

Additional coverages can be purchased to cover things like medical expenses, rental vehicles, and roadside assistance. 

How Does Auto Insurance Work?

Auto insurance helps you to recover from damage, injuries, and expenses related to a collision or other incident. When you purchase a policy, you'll have a deductible that must be paid before benefits kick in. 

In the event of an accident, you would pay your deductible and then receive financial coverage or reimbursement up to your policy limits. Each type of coverage you purchase will have its own limits, and every state has minimum limits that they require of drivers.

Why Is Auto Insurance Important?

Whether you're on the road or your vehicle is parked outside your home, there's a risk of an accident that can result in damage for you and your vehicle. Auto insurance provides a safety net when drivers make mistakes or unexpected things happen.

As a driver you're responsible for any injuries or damage you cause to others when driving your vehicle. If you're in an accident with an uninsured driver you'll be responsible for your own injury and damages as well. These costs can add up, and the lower the amount of auto insurance coverage you have, the more you have to pay out of pocket.

Is Auto Insurance Required?

Forty-seven states require vehicles to have some level of insurance coverage before they can be on the road. Failure to have insurance can mean a fine and/or jail time in these states, not to mention suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. 

In most of these states, the minimum required coverage is liability insurance to cover damage and injuries you may cause, though a handful of states require additional coverage, such as collision and comprehensive.

How Expensive Is Auto Insurance?

The national average cost for auto insurance is $1,311. While rates vary from state to state and take into account a variety of factors, car insurance is usually fairly affordable. 

The factors that affect your costs include whether your vehicle is new or used, the overall safety rating of the car, your driving record, your age and gender, and even your ZIP code, as certain areas tend to have a higher occurrence of accidents and claims than others.

The discounts you may qualify for include:

  • Good student discount: This may apply if a young driver in your family has good grades.
  • Good driver discount: This may apply if you’ve been accident-free for a certain amount of time.
  • Multi-car discount: This may apply if you insure more than one of your vehicles with the same company.
  • Multi-policy discount: This may apply when you insure both your home and vehicle with the same company.

Your local agent can also talk with you about these discounts and determine the ones that would benefit you and save you the most money on your policy.

Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?

If you are self-employed and use your personal vehicle for business, you can take a tax deduction for your car insurance on the actual mileage used for business travel.  

If you drive a vehicle 15,000 miles for business and 15,000 for personal use, your deduction will cover half of your overall use.

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

Monday, May 1, 2023

Business Insurance 101 - Insurance Terms You Need to Know

 Blood, sweat, and tears go into a new business startup.  You have enough to worry about with establishing your corporate structure, your accounting system, your location, your office layout, your stock, your inventory, and more --- but you also need to protect your investment -- and you need HELP!

This is where a good Trusted Choice Insurance Adviser comes in (www.southgroupgulfcoast.com).  Your Independent Insurance Agent will conduct a thorough Risk Assessment and will offer suggestions for mitigating or eliminating your risks.  If the risks cannot be eliminated, your Trusted Adviser will provide you with options to insure your exposure.

Forbes (www.forbes.com) provided a good outline of some coverages you will want to consider for protecting your assets and your investment.

1) 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
2) Property Insurance -  provides building, and business 
personal property, including office equipment, computers, inventory or tools protection from 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.
3) Business Owner's Policy - 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.
4) Commercial Auto Insurance - protects a company’s vehicles and vehicles that carry employees, products or equipment.
5) Worker's Compensation -  provides wage replacement and medical benefits payments to employees who are injured on the job.
6) Professional Liability Insurance -  provides defense and damages for failure to or improperly rendering professional services, and is critical for any professionals such as lawyers, accountants, consultants, agents, and any profession providing services.
7) Directors and Officers Insurance - protects 
the directors and officers of a company against their actions that affect the profitability or operations of the company.
8) Data Breach Coverage -  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.
9) Homeowner's Insurance - protect against damage to your home and against damage to items inside the home, and protects you for accidents for which you are deemed personally liable.
10) Renter's Insurance - protects against damage to the physical property, contents of the property, and personal injury within the rented dwelling.
11) Life Insurance - provides funds to your family or beneficiary in the event of your death.
12) Personal Automobile Insurance - protects against both physical damage and bodily injury resulting from a crash, and also any liability that might rise from the collision.
13) Personal Umbrella Insurance -  an extension to an already existing insurance policy and covers beyond the regular policies.

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, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, 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!
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