To ring in the New Year, please “BEWARE” …

Be sure your home is free from hazards if you are throwing a party.  This includes walkways, handrails, and non-skid flooring.

Eliminate fire hazards such as candles, cigarettes, and clean the fireplace.

Watch out for Flying objects – that includes champagne corks, fireworks, and other things that may bump you in the eye!  (Protect children and pets too!).  Might be a good idea to keep a first aid kit nearby.

Always carry your drink with you – if you set it down, someone may slip something into it.  

Require guests to lock their cars and keep valuables out of site to avoid theft.

Entertain and have fun, but be wise.  Do not allow minors to drink alcoholic beverages, because of the inherent liability.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Some helpful information:

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/new-years-home-safety-resolutions.aspx

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/5-tips-for-a-safe-holiday-party.aspx

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/new-years-day-car-thieves.aspx

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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Twelve Days of Christmas from a Risk Management Perspective

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Risk Manager said to me – be sure to do these things so you can have a SAFE Christmas (source of Information is Insurance Networking News – The 12 Risks of Christmas)!!

1)      Be careful on frozen or wet surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

2)      Protect outdoor pipes from below-freezing weather to prevent frozen and broken pipes.

3)      Clear huge snow deposits on the roof of your home or business to prevent roof collapse.

4)      Be sure your business insurance has adequate coverage to avoid a loss due to business interruption.

5)      Use complex passwords and strong anti-virus and firewalls on your computers to avoid data breaches.

6)      Implement strong internal controls to prevent employee theft and fraud.

7)      Practice safe partying to avoid employee harassment claims.

8)      Ensure that any events including alcoholic beverages are covered for liquor liability.

9)      Monitor the news for any toy recalls to prevent possible dangers to children.

10)   Drive very safely to protect yourself and loved ones from auto accidents.

11)   Lock up valuables, especially gifts in your car, to prevent car theft.

12)   Take care of YOU!  Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid exposure to germs as much as possible to prevent flu, heart attacks and other health issues.

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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Avoid Holiday Hazards

Ho ho ho.  Everyone is busy busy busy.  Buying gifts, planning celebrations, working out travel details.  Stop and take a breath!!  Reader's Digest shared a great Holiday Hazards Checklist

Ideas:
+ Use a fire resistant tree and place your tree away from flames and other hazards, and watch out for breakable glass ornaments.
+ Be sure your lights are in good shape and that you turn them off before going to bed at night.
+ Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.
+ Be sure that toys are appropriate for the child's age to avoid choking or other problems.
+ Provide supervision for outside play to avoid accidents.
+ Clean up quickly to avoid food spoilage.
+ Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.
+ Have a list of emergency numbers handy, just in case.

No one wants to have to deal with a medical emergency or an insurance claim during the holidays, so take it easy and be safe.  Merry Christmas!

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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

How to File A Business Insurance Claim

So many disasters!  Tornados, fires, earthquakes, superstorms and hurricanes ... What a mess!  You must get your business up and running again very quickly. 

What do you need to do for your business to be prepared and to quickly recover from a disaster?

A) Work with your Trusted Choice agent to ensure that you have adequate coverages.  You must protect your property and your staff and your livelihood.  You need to become familiar with available coverages to protect your from liability claims, loss of business income, and emerging risks such as cyber liablity.

B) Think through disaster scenarios to be certain you have a Plan of Action depending on the impact.  Consider outside resources, remote access, system backups, and protection or assistance for your staff.

C) When a disaster strikes, know how to survive the claims process!

The Insurance Information Institute has a great article on "Filing a Business Insurance Claim after a Disaster" which provides step by step advice to follow:

1 - Contact your agent or insurer as soon as feasible after the property damage occurs.
2 - Make temporary repairs, but don't throw anything away, because an adjuster will need to see it.  Also, secure your property and prevent further damage from ocurring. 
3 - Compile business financial records to document your loss.  You will need to provide the value for damaged equipment and lost income.
4 - Keep great records on all of your repair expenses for reimbursement.  Most policies allow you to incur reasonable costs and will reimburse you for those.
5- Take pictures of the damage and any damaged items.  Be sure that you confer with your adjuster before disposing of anything, so you do not jeopardize your ability to recover on the loss.
6 - Keep your records organized and stay in contact with your adjuster at least weekly until the claim is fairly settled.  If you have problems with anything along the way in your settlement, your Trusted Choice agent will advocate for you.

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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

A Sad Day in History for the Mississippi Coast

Today marks the 43rd year since the Mississippi Coast was struck by Hurricane Camille.  With winds of over 200 mph and a tidal surge of over 20 ft, many lives were lost and millions of dollars of property, homes and businesses were destroyed.  And the disasters just keep coming - extreme weather, threats of fire and earthquake, and worse --- we need to be prepared at all times!

FEMA has a number of good resources to assist and recommends the following:
+ FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN - know how you will contact family members
+ FAMILY EMERGENCY NUMBERS - have a handy list of important phone numbers for evacuation sites, policy and fire, schools and doctors, so you know who to contact
+ CARING FOR ANIMALS - know how you will care for your pets
+ INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - have a plan to taking care of loved ones with special needs
+ PLAN FOR LOCATIONS - know where you will go if you need to evacuate
+ BASIC DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - have critical supplies on hand
+ NATURAL DISASTERS - stay informed on appropriate preparation and response for severe weather and wildfires

AND BE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE!

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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

Whew It's HOT! Time for Safe Summer Pool Fun!

The Insurance Information Institute just completed their Pool Safety Campaign and offer an educational video on Pool & Spa Safety.  Many areas of the nation are reaching 100 degrees or higher!  It's so hot that everyone wants to relax in a pool.

You may not realize it, but pools are very dangerous for young children, so there are several things you should do to ensure safe fun:
+ Keep the pool behind a fence
+ Empty portable pools when not in use or cover a larger pool
+ Always supervise children in a pool
+ Teach your children to swim and float, and basic water safety
+ Don't leave toys in the pool, because that attracts children
+ Limit alcohol use around pools and excessive heat

There are many pool safety videos and ideas at PoolSafety.gov and https://poolonomics.com/pool-safety/.

You are liable if someone drowns or is injured in your pool even if you did not give them permission to use the pool.  Make sure your Trusted Choice agent knows you have a pool so that the liability coverage may be added to your home policy.  Some insurance carriers exclude pool liablity coverage, so your agent may have to assist you in obtaining separate coverage.  A good practice is to carry at least $300,000 liability and umbrella coverage, if you own a pool.
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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman Webb 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 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 2 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, 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

Fires and Floods - Never Ask What is Next

In the past week, we have experienced terrible flooding in Florida from Tropical Storm Debby and horrible wildfires in Colorado.  The Insurance Information Institute shared information from the National Interagency Fire Service highlighting the worst fires, and FEMA shared information on US flooding.  So far in 2012, almost 26,000 wildfires have destroyed 1.3 million acres of property and there have already been 15 major flood disaster declarations.  How devastating!  Homes have been destroyed, businesses are now unable to operate, families have been displaced.

And even worse, many of the affected homes and businesses do not have proper insurance coverage, which will make it almost impossible for people to recover their lives and rebuild what they have lost.  Acts of God may be unavoidable, but proper insurance coverage can be obtained through your Trusted Choice agent.

A good practice is to review your home, fire and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly. Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.


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, 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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.


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Don't Get Stuck By Lighnting!

Summertime thunderstorms are barreling through your area!  The damage can be devastating - fire, power surges, explosions, destruction of expensive electronic equipment.  What a bummer!  BUT, if you have a good home and business insurance policy, you have protection (after the amount of the deductible you have chosen).  The cost to replace or repair can be huge, so make sure you are protected.
There are many precautions you can take to help mitigate your possible losses, and they are highlighted in an informative article from the Insurance Information Institute - "Lightning Coverage and Safety". 

To protect your home and business from a power surge and/or lightning strike, consider the following:

A) Install a lighning protection system to direct a lighning strike to the ground instead of to your valuables.  Check out the Institite for Business & Home Safety to determine the best lightning rod or air terminal to have your licensed electrician add to your building.

B) Install surge protection to prevent damage to electronics.  Make sure you use UL-listed surge arrestors for the main electric panel.  Use UL-listed transient voltage surge suppressors to protect specific pieces of electronic equipment.  Power strips are NOT enough.

C) Keep expensive electronics UNPLUGGED as an added precaution if you know a storm is approaching.

When a storm is approaching, for your safety - STAY INDOORS and avoid any place where you will be the highest object.  Avoid being in an open field, or on the golf course, or on open water.  Never hide under a tree!  You can choose a shrub and crouch down.  And stay away from any electrical conductors like an electrical pole or power line.  It is also best to NOT be on the telephone.

Most of the advice is common sense, but storms do come up suddenly, and it is best to keep yourself and loved ones as safe as possible.

Another good practice is to review your home, wind, and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly. Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.

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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 4500 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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Hurricane Season is HERE! Check your insurance coverages

Officially, hurricane season starts on June 1, but we have already seen two storms in May.  Rather foreboding for the active season expected.  Two major storms are expected during the season.  Tis the season for extreme weather.

The Insurance Information Institute has published a helpful video to assist with Hurricane Preparedness.

Another good practice is to review your home, wind, and flood coverages to ensure that you are insured to the correct value and that your mortgage holder(s) are listed correctly.  Check with your Trusted Choice Advisor to conduct a coverage review.

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 now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 4500 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.

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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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