Top 5 Things to Know about Flood Insurance

1)      The cost of a flood is STAGGERING!  Use the interactive tool at floodsmart.gov  to calculate your potential loss based on the size of your home --- a 6” flood in a 2,000 sq ft home will cost over $39,000 in repairs!  Ouch!

2)      Everyone is in a flood zone.  Everywhere it rains, it can flood … not to mention hurricanes, thunderstorms, flash floods, mudflows, snow melt, and other extreme weather.

3)      Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States  L

4)      Check with your agent on “grandfathering” if you are in an area where the flood maps have been updated.  You may be eligible for a “PRP Extension” which will lower your rate, but be aware, because the Extension is only for 2 years, then the cost of your coverage will increase again.

5)      Use the interactive tool at floodsmart.gov to understand more about the risk where you live.

AND don't forget that there is a 30 day waiting period for a new flood policy to become effective (unless your coverage is associated with a loan closing).

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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But What if you Live?????

Life insurance will help your loved ones when you are gone, but what if you become Disabled?  You may not be able to work.  You will lose income.  You will have high medical bills.  A very devastating situtation.

The Insurance Information Institute has provided some advice to help you with your consideration of Disability Insurance.  Disablity insurance complements your health insurance to provide a replacement for lost income if you become hurt and unable to work.  There are Short Term and Long Term policies available and many allow for a cost of living adjustment.  Disability premiums are based on your age, sex, occupation and the amount of potential lost income you are trying to protect.

You can save money on your premiums by requesting a longer waiting period before benefits begin, as an example, you can choose to begin after 60-90 days of disablity, instead of after 30 days.  You can also save money if you choose an age to end the benefits, instead of requesting "lifetime" benefits. 

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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How to Save Money on your Auto Insurance

The Insurance Information Institute has developed a short Video to assist consumers in saving money, which is really needed in today's economy!  

1) Shop around.  There are many insurers who offer auto coverage, so even if you THINK you have a good deal, it is a good idea to look around every once in awhile to be sure you still have a great rate.  Your Trusted Choice agent has access to multiple carriers and can check your pricing and give you options.

2) Select higher deductibles.  This is a way to "self-insure" for a small part of your overall risk.  If you are willing to pay a bit more when or IF you have an accident, your ongoing insurance rate will be much lower.  It is a calculated risk based on your compfort level.  If you put some money aside for a "rainy-day", you can be more comfortable using higher deductibles.

3)  Reduce coverage on older vehicles.  As your vehicle ages, the "fair market value" is reduced, which means that you will get fewer dollars in the event of a total loss; therefore, you may prefer to save money by dropping collision coverage.

4) Most insurers give credits if you drive fewer miles and if you have good credit, because this makes you a safer risk.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to find out about other available discounts.

5) And last, but not least, be sure that your Trusted Choice agent and your insurer provide EXCELLENT service.  If you are paying money to an 800 number, then you will lose in the long run, because they will not be there for you when you need them, but your local Trusted Choice agent will.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.


To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net  , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel  !

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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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Is Your Home Business Covered Under Your Insurance?

Is your Home Business covered under your insurance?  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to be sure you are properly insured against losses.  You should not assume that your home policy is providing you with coverage, because there are typically exclusions for business equipment and business operations. 

Depending on the type of business you operate, you can get coverage by adding an endorsement to your home policy for an additional fee, as long as the business is considered “incidental”.  Otherwise there are other policies available to provide you with the coverage you need to protect your investment in business property from theft, fire and liability exposures.  A businessowners policy is often very affordable and provides a number of valuable coverage such as protection of property both off and on the premises, accounts receivable coverage and loss of business income coverage if you suffer a loss from a covered peril.

You may also need an endorsement to your auto policy to cover the business use of your personal auto.  Also, as your company grows, you may wish to provide health insurance or other employee benefits.  More information is available at www.iii.org

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.


To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !


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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

 

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April is Financial Literacy Month-Time to Review Your Insurance Needs

The Insurance Information Institute published a helpful article reminiding all to take inventory of major life events and their impact on your insurance policies.  April is Financial Literacy Month, the Perfect Time to Review Your Insurance Needs. 

Getting married or Divorced? This will impact home and renters insurance due to combining or separating households.  Newleyweds should ensure expensive wedding gifts are included on their policies.  The III provides free Home Inventory software which you may use  Know Your Stuff®.  With a camcorder or cell phone camera, you can video the contents of your home for future reference.

Having a Baby?  This will impact your life insurance needs.  You want to be certain that your family is provided for in the event of your untimely death.  Also, be certain to update beneficiaries to include the new baby.

Renovating Your Home?  After adding a new room or upgrading existing rooms, be sure to notify your Trusted Choice agent to ensure your coverage is adequate.  Also verify that outside structures are covered by your policy. 

Renting a New Home or Apartment?  You need to insure your belonging because this is not covered under your landlord's policy.  A recent study conducted by ORC IUnternational concluded that only 29% of renters have proper insurance coverage for fire, windstorm, flood, or liabliity.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent for your options.

Planning to Retire?  If you stop working, your vehicle mileage will probably be reduced which will qualify you for a credit on your auto insurance coverage.  There may also be discounts for drivers over age 55 or for taking Defensive Driving classes.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Ane Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.



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Winter-Proof Your Home

Home damages related to winter exceed a billion dollars in losses each year.  A staggering statistic!  Even the Deep South is not exempt, because The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting COLDER THAN NORMAL temperatures this winter for “the eastern third of the country, (New England down to Florida and as far west as the lower Ohio River and Mississippi River Valley).

The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following to protect your home from extreme weather and a winter-related disaster:
+ Clean out gutters and install gutter-guards
+ Trim trees and remove dead branches
+ Repair stairs and handrails
+ Seal cracks in outside walls and foundations
+ Keep your house warm and have your heating system serviced
+ Add attic insulation
+ Make sure your smoke and fire alarms are working
+ Protect any outside pipes

“Standard homeowners policies cover winter-related disasters such as burst pipes, ice dams, and wind damage caused by weight of ice or snow, as well as fire-related losses,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. “Coverage for flooding is available from the National Flood Insurance Program and from some private insurance companies. Winter-related damage to cars is generally covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy.”

Now is a good time to contact your Trusted Choice agent and and review your insurance coverages to be sure you have adequate coverage and proper endorsements such as water/sewer backup.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Mike Benvenutti, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

1 in 7 Drivers are UNINSURED!

Pretty scary statistic!  The driver next to you may not be covered by insurance which means YOU would be left having to pay for the damage if they cause an accident! The Insurance Information Institute shared an interesting report on how many of our fellow drivers are uninsured:  Mississippi (28%)  New Mexico (26%) Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Florida  (24%) and the national average reflects that 1 in 7 drivers do not carry insurance!

CHECK YOUR POLICY AND CONTACT YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE AGENT!  Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage reimburses policyholders in an accident involving an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run driver.   Be sure you have adequate coverage levels to protect your assets.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your personal and business operations and recommend coverages from a variety of insurance providers for you to consider. They can also help you find cost effective ways to manage your risk exposures, implement safety and security plans, and understand different deductible levels. All of these will help you to manage your overall cost and help you to understand the complexities of the coverage you need.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and 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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net  , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel  !

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, and many other states.  We specialize in coastal exposures.