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Monday, October 17, 2011

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.

Friday, September 16, 2011

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.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Pets Need Disaster Protection Too!!

The Insurance Information Institute shared a great article: Protect Your Pets—Remember to Include Them In Your Evacuation and Disaster Planning.

The article provide some key considerations:
1- Have a Disaster Plan - Know where you will go and how you will get there and how you will transport your pet


Consider taking the 10-minute Challenge to really understand how long it will take you to get ready to evacuate --- and include your family, your key belongings, and your pets!  A very enlightening exercise!
2. Have a Grab-and-Go Disaster Kit for your Family and your Pets (3 days worth of food and water --- and a can opener if appropriate!)

3. Be ready to Evacuate --- and do it as early as possible! (Bring your pets!)

4. When you return, consider the impact the damage will have on your pets - familiar landmarks may have been destroyed and pets need to get re-acclimated to the environment.  It is best not to let them run free because they may become disoriented.

KEEP YOUR INSURANCE UP TO DATE!  Be certain you are adequately covered for protection against important perils - in a Hurricane Zone: Be sure you have fire, wind, and flood coverage, in a Earthquake zone:  get Earthquake coverage!,  in Tornado Zones: be sure you have good wind/hail coverage.

Anywhere you live, you are exposed to perils, and that is what your insurance policy will cover.  Check with your local Trusted Choice agent to review your coverages.

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…

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Treutel Insurance is now SOUTH GROUP GULF COAST!

EXCITING NEWS!  Treutel Insurance is now SOUTH GROUP GULF COAST! Click here for more information: http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/welcome-TreutelClients.htm

A different name but familiar faces with enhanced product offerings and customized service.


President Angelyn Treutel, CPA said "This change is a great advantage for our customers. SouthGroup will provide locally owned and operated service with an outstanding experienced staff. We represent hundreds of carriers and are able to write coverage in 40 states. We offer high-tech high-touch quoting and servicing"

SouthGroup Insurance Services was named by the Insurance Journal as one of the Top 100 Privately-Held Independent Insurance Agencies in the nation. SouthGroup is a Best Practices and Trusted Choice agency.

SouthGroup offers personal, commercial, life and health insurance, has 20 offices throughout Mississippi, and is the premier writer of workers compensation coverage in the state. SouthGroup is a tremendous supporter of local community and civic events. SouthGroup Insurance Services was formed by a merger of 20 of Mississippi’s oldest and most respected insurance agencies who have been insuring consumers and businesses in the south for over 115 years.

Angelyn added "We're different. We don't just sell insurance. We help people and businesses save time and money".

The change is effective July 1st and the new office location is 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6 in Bay Saint Louis. Contact SouthGroup at 228-467-5662 or 228-466-4498, on the web: www.southgroupgulfcoast.com or Facebook (SouthGroup.GulfCoast).

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your 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…

Friday, June 24, 2011

Understanding Business Insurance

Running a business is hard enough ... but then you need to steer through the complexities of insurance coverages.  What do you need? How much coverage?  What is a fair prices?  What can you afford?

The Insurance Information Institute has a good guide that may answer some of your questions.  For starters, here are a few definitions you may find helpful:

Property Insurance - protects against damage to your structure or business contents.  Depending on where your business is located, you may need multiple policies to cover perils that you may be affected by (i.e. fire, wind, flood, etc)

Casualty or Liability Insurance - protects you against legal liability for damage caused to others or their property related to your business.

Package Policy or Business Owners Policy - this type of policy covers your business for mulitple perils such as property and liability combined.  Another valuable coverage to include is Business Interuption coverage which provides reimbursement for lost profit in the event your business is unable to operate due to a loss which is covered by your policy.

Home Business coverage - even if you operate your business from your home, you must protect your business property and liability exposure.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to find out if your home insurance policy offers an endorsement through your insurance carrier or if you will need to purchase separate commercial policies.

Business Use of Personal Vehicles - you must ensure that you are properly covered if you use any personal vehicles in your business.  Depending on your operations, you may be able to add an endorsement to your personal auto policy for business use, or you may need to purchase a separate Commercial Auto policy to protect you and your business.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent.

Larger businesses will need to consider  boiler and machinery coverage for large valuable equipment, crime coverage to protect against theft of inventory, money, or equipment, and other important protection based on the nature of your business.

Your Trusted Choice agent can analyze your 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/ / , Angelyn Treutel or Tammy Garfield or Melissa Moran at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  , 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…

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

How to Save Money on Insurance !!

Yes, we all know that “insurance” is a dirty word, but there are many things you can do to save money while maintaining adequate coverage on your assets. The Insurance Information Institute shared some ideas for saving money on coverage.


1) Shop Around – It is best to get at least 3 quotes – your local Trusted Choice agent (http://www.southgroupgulfcoast/ ) can provide you with more than 3 quotes for coverage which will save you time and energy from having to make calls or visit multiple insurance companies.

2) Before You Purchase, Compare Insurance Costs – Certain autos are more costly to insure. Better built homes are less costly to insure. High exposure businesses cost more to insure. Do your homework and you will be pleased with the results!

3) Ask for Higher Deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles will result in lower premiums.

4) Buy Your Home and Auto Coverage from the Same Insurer – Large credits are available for consumers.

5) Seek Out Other Discounts – Your Trusted Choice agent will find you many available discounts!

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/ , Angelyn at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by email: atreutel@southgroup.net, phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  , 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…

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Do you really need to buy Rental Car insurance?

The Insurance Information Institute provided useful information in a recent article titled “Do I need separate rental car insurance?” Have you ever wondered if it is a waste of money to purchase the extra coverage as you are signing your rental car agreement?

In general, if you are using the rental vehicle for recreation and not business, the coverages and deductibles on your personal policy will apply. However, if you are not carrying comprehensive and collision coverage, you may have a large exposure in the event your rental vehicle is wrecked or stolen. Check with your Trusted Choice Agent (http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ ) for a review of your specific policy BEFORE you rent a car.

Rental car companies usually offer a Loss Damage Waiver, which is not really insurance, but provides for “loss of use” costs if the rental vehicle requires repairs and is unable to be rented out by the company. You may also purchase higher liability limits if you do not have adequate limits on your personal policy. Medical and ambulance coverage may be offered for injuries to passengers of your vehicle during an accident, and you may be able to purchase extra coverage to protect personal items from theft, but this may be covered under your homeowners/renters policy.

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://http//www.southgroupgulfcoast.com  , Angelyn at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by email: atreutel@southgroup.net  , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast  , 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…

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Flood Safety Awareness Week

Flooding is a coast to coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. National Flood Safety Awareness Week is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.

There are wonderful resources on the http://www.weather.gov/floodsafety/index.shtml website to help you be as prepared as possible for the loss of rising water.

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and ways to save money on your insurance, if you are in Mississippi, Lousiana, or Alabama contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://http//www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , Angelyn at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , 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…