Renter’s Insurance—Think Again!

When you don’t own your home, you don’t think about insurance.  That’s your landlord’s problem, right? Wrong! Your landlord is probably insuring their asset, which is the structure you are renting from him(her), but not your property inside. Your contents are your responsibility to insure. Also, in most cases, you are the liable party if someone is injured at your rented residence. Another myth about renter’s insurance is that is costly and coasts as much as homeowner’s insurance. Wrong again! The average renter’s fire policy ranges from $30-50 per month.  And if you think about it, it’s something you can’t afford NOT to have!

Why do you need renter’s insurance? Kitchen fires cause damage…dangerous damage!! Think you’re too good of a cook to worry about that, think again – about your neighbors! One wall away there could be a bad cook, and in moments your home could be on fire because of that bad cooking! Notice water dripping from the light fixture above your head while you’re brushing your teeth? Perhaps the neighbor above you let their tub overflow! What items of yours are damaged because of this!?!? Of course, you may have the greatest neighbors around, or perhaps you’re renting a house and not sharing your walls with the careless person next door. That helps! Now you just have to worry about weather threats, burglary or the crazy chance that you may have a fire or water damage without having a bad neighbor to blame.

In other words, bad things happen to responsible people every day.  Renters Insurance can protect you from the terrible incidents described above and more! Coverage for clothing, furniture, appliances, and computers is an important part of why you should have this insurance.  Also, in today’s litigious society, you need to be protected in the event you find yourself legally responsible for someone who may have been injured while at your residence.  A renter’s insurance policy can offer you that kind of protection at a very reasonable price.
Take a few moments to do a quick inventory of your belongings.  Don’t do it in your mind, but physically go around and list the items you possess.  Every fork, every sock, every DVD and everything in between.  Can you afford to replace all of this yourself? Many people don’t realize how quickly this adds up.  The average renter has $50,000 in personal belongings at stake.

Now consider your valuable items such as your fine jewelry, art, collectibles and even your car.  In other words, consider your assets. At this point you may be thinking how would a renter’s insurance policy protect my car? That’s a great question.  Renter’s insurance doesn’t protect your car from collisions or comprehensive claims, but it does protect your assets in the event a liability claim is raised against you.  For example, a door to door salesman comes to your residence on a rainy day and slips on your wet doorstep causing an injury.  He decides to sue you for medical expenses.  Is this your landlord’s problem or is it your problem? You didn’t have a proper rug in place to prevent slips, you didn’t dry the step after a hard rain to prevent slips, you could be the at fault party in such a law suit.  Can you afford to pay his $30,000 in medical bills? You may not have that kind of cash on hand, but your assets could add up to that much. So, with renter’s insurance, the question is not do you need the coverage but how much coverage do you need!

Here we just addressed a few questions about renter’s insurance, but we know you have more questions! At SouthGroup Insurance Services, we have several Trusted Choice Agents on staff ready to answer your questions.  An insurance review takes only a few moments and could save you thousands of dollars.  Make a list of your questions along with your inventory and visit one of our 3 coastal locations today.  It’s always the right time to think again and play it safe! 

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Emergency Weather Alert - Gulf Coast!

Brrrr!!  The Gulf Coast is typically sunny and HOT!  But for the second week in a row, the Gulf Coast is being covered with devastating cold, and possible sleet and icy conditions!  Please take precautions now (while it is still 60 degrees!!)

STAY INSIDE - but if you must go out, remember that ice is clear and slippery.  Rock salt is environmentally safe and assists with melting ice.  Sprinkle some on your stairs and decks to keep walkways safer.
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This is a weather alert from the City of Bay Saint Louis.  Weather officials are predicting very cold weather, with possible sleet, ice and snow, to begin affecting our area Monday night and lasting into Wednesday.  This weather is life threatening to people and animals.  We are asking residents to stay off of roadways if there is sleet or ice.  Do not travel if you do not have to.  You have a much greater chance of being involved in an accident and you could be stranded away from home if roads are closed due to ice. If you must travel you should have a warm blanket and drinking water in your vehicle in case you are stranded. Please complete your shopping or other errands by tomorrow night (MONDAY).

If enough ice forms on power lines you may lose electricity.  If the power goes out, do not use candles - they are a fire hazard.  Have battery operated flashlights or lanterns available, as well as warm clothes and blankets.  Do not use charcoal grills, generators or any appliance that uses fuel for heat inside your home, garage or any enclosed area.  Gasses produced by these appliances can kill you. 

Pets should be brought indoors.  Do not put portable heaters where pets or children can knock them over or knock something onto them.  They will start a fire.  Residents should closely monitor the news and weather for any changes in the forecast and for other emergency information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Numbers to call to see if bridges and roads are closed in Mississippi

Hancock County 228-255-0942
Harrison County 228-865-4087

And remember, your Trusted Choice Agent is available 24/7.  Just let us know what you need!

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Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Don’t get burned - Get an umbrella instead! Insurance!!

According to the Oxford Dictionaries, the term “liability” is defined as: the state of being responsible for something; especially by law.  The finance journal defines “liability insurance” as the promise of reimbursement as protection from claims arising from injuring others or damaging other’s property. One of the most famous liability lawsuits you may be familiar with occurred in 1998 when a woman sued McDonald’s Restaurants for suffering third degree burns after spilling a hot cup of coffee purchased from a McDonald’s restaurant in her lap.  ABC news called the suit “the poster child of excessive lawsuits”.  The victim’s attorney sought $160,000 to cover medical expenses and $2.7 million in punitive damages.  Sound outrageous? Well, when your pockets are as big as McDonald’s, this type of threat is highly likely.  But, how does this apply to you?  

According to Peter E. Lang of High Tower Advisors, most clients’ largest concern is “an event that’s unlikely to occur, but if it occurs can disrupt your financial future forever, even for some who own a home and little else of great value.” In today’s litigious society sometimes even $500,000 in liability insurance coverage is not enough.  The important question is - how do you know if you have enough coverage? You have liability coverage on your home and automobile insurance policies, and you feel comfortable with that, but wouldn’t you feel more comfortable if you had an extra blanket of protection at a reasonable price? Unless your pockets are as deep as McDonald’s, you could really feel the burn of an excessive lawsuit. 

A Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy may be the answer you are looking for! The term “umbrella” refers to how the policy shields your assets more broadly than your primary insurance policies.  Personal Umbrella Insurance Policies protect your assets and future income in addition to your primary insurance policies, but it is not the same as excess insurance, as they only go into effect when your primary policies are totally exhausted.  An umbrella policy can become the primary policy on a risk in certain situations.  For example, Mary was involved in an auto accident where John ran into the back of her vehicle.  Mary suffered severe injuries and damage to her vehicle.  John has $100,000 in liability coverage on his auto insurance policy, but Mary’s total claim against him adds up to $250,000.  This leaves John responsible for $150,000 above and beyond his auto insurance coverage.  What are John’s assets? Are they at stake? If Mary gets the right attorney, they could be, unless John has an umbrella policy to further protect him!

Aside from the logical precautions of actively doing your best to avoid hurting others, purchasing a Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy can prevent a devastating blow to your financial future.  A typical umbrella policy is sold in increments of one million dollars and usually costs less than $200 per year in premium.  It provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your homeowner, auto and boat insurance policies.  Sometimes, umbrella policies even provide coverage for claims that may be excluded from your primary insurance policies such as false arrest, libel, slander and more.
 
To learn more about how much you have to lose and what an umbrella policy can do for you, meet with a Trusted Choice insurance agent at one of our 3 convenient SouthGroup Insurance locations today for a full insurance review.  Don’t get burned, get an umbrella! 

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Walking the Tight Rope - The Fine Line Between Your Escrow Account and Your Insurance

You may feel confident that paying into your escrow account for your insurance and taxes, as well as your loan, ensures that your bills are paid. In the past this seemed to be true, but in more recent years, we are seeing a different trend. We are seeing a pattern of many mortgage companies waiting until the last minute to pay an insurance bill from your account. In the insurance industry time is of the essence. Policies lapse when renewals aren't paid, and while they can be reinstated within a grace period, if a claim occurs during the lapsed period, it may not be covered. That's dangerous territory to be in.

Many consumers believe that mortgages and insurance are one in the same, because escrow accounts tend to muddy that water. The truth is many mortgage companies will not communicate directly with insurance agents because the consumer is THEIR client, not the insurance agent. The communication gap is another strain in getting policy renewal premiums paid in a timely manner. As Trusted Choice Agents, we have seen many consumers are unaware their mortgage company has not paid their insurance renewals and will not discuss your account with our agency. What can be even scarier is on the very frequent occasion that a consumer's mortgage was sold from one company to another, and the consumer is unaware of the change, and the insurance agent has not been notified of the change, and the insurance renewal billing is sent to the wrong address.

Many consumers are currently refinancing their mortgages for better rates. Mortgage Companies want Insurance Companies to provide proof of insurance listing this new mortgage prior to the closing of the financing. This is a logical request in some ways, but what happens if the financing falls through for one reason or another? It is NOT the mortgage company’s (who didn’t get your business) responsibility to contact the insurance company to let them know that the insurance needs to be changed again to the original loan information - it is the consumer’s responsibility to let their Trusted Choice Agent know that another policy change is required. Without proper notification to your insurer, your insurance billing will be misdirected if your policy is paid via escrow.

So, as you walk that fine line between your escrow and your insurance, our best advice for you is to be pro-active at your renewal. If your policy has lapsed, you are at risk in the event of a claim, and you may also have to repeat the insurance application and approval process, which can extend your time without coverage, or you will have your insurance coverage "force-placed" by the mortgage holder, which is a huge expense to you. The best way to be pro-active with your insurance and mortgage companies is to check in with both at least 2 weeks prior to your insurance renewal date. No two insurance companies are alike, and some updates may take up to 2 weeks to process. Here are some ways to be Pro-active in this situation:

1)Contact your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent to check on payment and/or billing status:
Has the renewal been paid yet? If not, verify the amount due and due date and contact your mortgage company.

2)Contact your mortgage company and verify their mortgage clause and your loan number. Verify this information against your documents to be sure nothing has changed. If something has changed, contact your Trusted Choice Advisor to update your account. Find out if the mortgage holder has sent payment for your insurance renewal. If they have - request the check number, amount and address it was sent to. If they have not - advise them of the renewal information provided by your insurance company.

3)Advise your mortgage company that you agree to have your mortgage and escrow information communicated with your insurance agent, and that you request they work together to get your insurance paid in a timely manner.

Remember, SouthGroup Insurance Services Gulf Coast has a team of professionally trained Trusted Choice agents who are eager to assist you with your insurance renewals as well as all of your insurance needs. Call on us today or visit one of our 3 convenient coastal locations to learn more.

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom! 

Top 6 Reasons Why You Need to Review Your Insurance Coverages

It's a brand new year filled with resolutions of things we all plan to do to better our lives this year. We think about our diet, our lifestyle and our habits for starters, but who thinks about their insurance?

Like any good and necessary financial review, looking over your insurance policies is equally important and here's the top 6 reasons why you should!

1) Changes to your property could make a difference in the event of a claim!
Have you added a room to your home? Changed the style of roofing material from shingle to tile?
Added a workshop to your property? There are so many simple changes you can make to your
property that are more significant than you realize when it comes to making a claim. If you spend
$10,000 on an addition but failed to inform your insurer to increase your coverage then face a total
loss later on, that addition will not be included in your claim pay out and can cause problems by
delaying the claim processing. This is just one example of many ways these types of changes can affect your policy.  When reviewing your insurance with your Trusted Choice Advisor, be sure to mention any updates you've made to your home regardless of how significant you think they are!

2) Lifestyle changes can create a demand for more or less insurance coverage.
Do you have any new household members? Did someone move in or out? These things may affect your coverage needs. Employment changes, driving distances, and so much more may cause you to need to make important changes to your coverages. In some cases marriages, safer jobs, installing a security system and so much more can be beneficial to your insurance and reduce your rate. Make a list of changes in your life to review with your Trusted Choice insurance agent today.

3) You could have too much or too little coverage?
Most people purchase an insurance policy when they first purchase their home, but never review
the policy again after years of ownership. Changes in market values, building supply costs, changes to your home design or even the contents of your home are just a few items that need to be discussed with your insurance agent on a regular basis. Does your home or wind or flood policy provide an inflation guard?  Are your coverages consistent on all of your policies?   Your Trusted Choice insurance advisor can tell you after reviewing this information if you have the right amount of coverage for your protection. In some cases you may even have more coverage than necessary, causing you additional expense that you don't need.

Unlike your home policy, however, when you first purchase an auto policy it's usually for a new car
and the value of the car decreases over time. Also, the way you use your vehicle may change over
time. Are you traveling more or less? Are you using your car for business? Is anyone new driving
your car or has a driver previously listed left your household? These are just a few questions to
consider when reviewing your auto insurance policy with your Trusted Choice Agent.

4) You may be too complacent
Your life and surroundings are constantly changing, but you've had your faith for years now that your insurance will automatically do what you need it to do. Without your input or updates, your policy will remain as it was written years ago, but that may not be suited for you. Have you become complacent? Are you forgetting something? You may not even realize you are, but sitting down with your Trusted Choice insurance agent may spark your memory!

5) Your business may not be accurately protected
In Business, owners are very focused on day-to-day activities, and small business changes could effect insurance rates. For example, new equipment for your business may have been purchased or new insurance products and services are now available. Have your sales increased significantly? You may need to adjust your coverage.  Have you downsized in some way? This could result in a premium reduction. If you have made any changes during the year, be sure to discuss these with your Trusted Choice Advisor.

6) When your child goes away to college, what will YOU learn?
As the primary purchaser of your child’s belongings, you are truly aware of the value, so protecting your child’s possessions against loss is a financial priority. Is your child taking a vehicle to school? This is an important consideration as it can have an impact on your auto premium. Planning ahead will help make sure your child is properly insured while away at college. Having the right coverage in place could save you money in the long run.

We're just scratching the surface here!

Make a list of your questions to bring to your insurance review. Remember no question is foolish. We are licensed Trusted Choice agents with training and education in the industry, and we don't expect our clients to fully understand the ins & outs of insurance, but we are eager to share our knowledge with you. "Do I need extended coverage for my valuables?" "Is my landscaping covered?" "Do I qualify for any discounts?" "Has the rating of my insurance company changed since my policy was written?" These are just a few examples of important questions you need answers to.

Schedule your appointment at one of our 3 convenient locations today. We are looking forward to your review!

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Yikes! Don't make these costly insurance mistakes!

There is so much to know about insurance!  That is why you need a great agent who is willing to spend the time needed to review your coverages with you so that you do not make costly mistakes by being over-insured or over-insured.  Be certain that you are keeping your Trusted Choice agent up to date (at least annually) on any changes in your life such as marriage or divorce, home renovations, a mortgage-holder change, a new baby or a new young driver.  All of these can severely impact your coverages.

Trusted Choice identified the most common MISTAKES Consumers make with their insurance:

1) Not Knowing Limits of Coverage - if your coverage is too low or not keeping up with inflation, you may be penalized at the time of a claim.  Coverages increases cost very little.  Be sure to review your coverage levels at least annually.

2) Not Taking Advantage of Discounts - be sure to always ask about discounts.  Your Trusted Choice agent is happy to assist you in finding credits for home security systems, students with good grades, updating your roof and/or electrical.

3) Not Considering Insurance in Your Estate Planning - if you establish a Trust, be sure to notify your Trusted Choice agent to properly document the changes to avoid problems for your heirs.  Since moving your assets into a Trust changes the ownership, some of your policies may need to be changed for your to be properly insured.

4) Not Properly Insuring Your Home - if you have a change in how your home is occupied or you are putting your home up for sale or your home is now vacant, this could VOID your coverage.  Always discuss occupancy changes with your Trusted Choice agent.  Also consider adding valuable coverages such as sewer and water backup, flood insurance, and earthquake insurance.  

5) Taking the Cheapest Policy - cheaper is not always better.  Insurance policies vary greatly and there are many ways to safely reduce the price you pay without sacrificing important coverages that protect you. 

Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all.

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / ,
SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 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 have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.