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Monday, June 30, 2014

BANG!! Be safe with those fireworks! Safety tips for you and yours

SNAP CRACKLE POP!!!!! POP POP!!  It's 4th of July!  Since the days of John Adams, even before our Declaration of Independence was signed, the idea of celebrating with "illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more" has been our goal.  4th of July is a joyous family time with BBQ, Ice Cream, swimming, games, and fireworks "red glare".


The Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds us that fireworks can cause serious burns and injuries.  No one wants to spend their "family day" in the hospital!  So please be safe!




The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers some good and common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks that should be heeded.
  • Closely supervise children and teens if they are using fireworks.
  • Do not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
  • Only use Fireworks outdoors.
  • Have water ready to douse any fires.
  • Read the caution label on your fireworks before lighting them.
  • Obey local laws. Fireworks may be illegal where you live..
  • Don't drink and light fireworks at the same time --- this is a bad mixture!
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Only light one firework at a time.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework.  Soak it in a bucket of water to be sure it is truly extinguished.
  • Never use homemade fireworks!
  • Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to your local fire or police department.
  • Always soak used fireworks in water before disposing of.
Have fun!!  and remember, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 Suite 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!  

Monday, June 23, 2014

Hey Pay Attention!! Distracted Driving Kills!


Texting is not the only distraction while driving – I have seen people reading, eating, putting on makeup, and reaching for a child in the back seat.  Yikes! More than 3,000 people were killed in 2012, and the number is exponentially more in 2014.  According to www.distraction.gov, more than 70% of adults and teens admit that they read and text while driving.  Until our cars can drive themselves, we need to pay attention while we are driving !!

Distracted driving is anything that momentarily may take our attention away from driving our vehicle.  Because texting requires mental, visual, and muscle attention, it is an extremely alarming distraction.  Texting has been around for 20 years and about 9 BILLION text messages are being sent annually.  Young adults are the heaviest users of texting with an average daily usage of more than 80 texts sent and received each day.

www.itcanwait.com provides ideas on how to disengage from the texting distraction while driving.  If you send “#X” before you start your engine, your friends will be alerted that you are driving and that the next text can wait.  An idea is to draw an X on your thumb to remind you to “#X” before you put your vehicle in Drive.  “No text is Worth a Life”.

Many states have laws banning texting while driving, so not only is it dangerous, but it may be illegal. This is a disaster that is preventable!

Adults need to set a good example for younger drivers too.  Just because you may be an experienced driver does not mean that you can text or answer emails while you drive, even on the Interstate.  Your family loves and needs you, so PUT THE PHONE DOWN AND DRIVE!

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 Suite 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!  

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Claims Claims Claims -- How to File an Insurance Claim

Automobile Claims...
The Basics...
  • Your agent's job is to help you.
  • But you can also help us to help you.
  • The more you can tell us about a loss, the more we can do to ensure that your claim quickly and efficiently.
  • If you are in an automobile accident, first seek medical attention for anyone who has been injured. Then you can begin gathering information to help with your claim.
  • Keep in mind that you are the best person to tell us what happened. So be prepared to provide as many details as possible about the accident, where it happened and how it occurred. This information can be critical in settling a claim.

Homeowners Claims...
When it comes to your home, any loss can be devastating. By working together, we can help make your recovery from a loss a lot less painful.
Property Damage Or Theft...
  • Begin by making a list of everything that has been damaged or lost in the claim. The more information you can provide, the more quickly we can adjust your claim.
  • List as much detail as possible including the model, place and date of purchase, and amount of all your damaged or stolen property.
  • Receipts, owner's manuals, canceled checks and credit card bills are especially helpful.
Fire And Smoke Damage...
You can take other steps to minimize the impact of a loss at home.
  • In case of fire and smoke damage promptly report your loss.
  • Do not try to clean the damaged items as sometimes cleaning things without the proper equipment can do more harm than good.
  • We can advise you how to best protect your property and review what is covered.
Water Damage...
If your home has suffered water damage...
  • Move all your possessions out of the affected areas and then make sure that all the water is removed.
  • A wetvac or emergency cleaning service can help with this job. If you use a cleaning service, save your receipts.
In the case of either fire or water damage, help protect the safety of your family and pets by keeping them out of the damaged areas.
If Your Home Is Uninhabitable...
  • If your home is uninhabitable and you must stay elsewhere, keep the receipts for all your expenses.
  • Your homeowners policy will pay for the covered expenses that exceed your normal, day-to-day living costs.
  • Receipts are helpful in determining how much you should be reimbursed.
  • It is also important that you provide us with a telephone number where we can reach you or a family member.

Liability Claim...
Another loss that is covered by homeowners insurance is a liability claim.
  • Liability claims occur when one person feels that he or she has sustained an injury because of someone else's negligence.
  • If you think you or a family member may have caused an injury to someone, or if someone is claiming that you have, please report the claim to our office immediately.
  • As with any other kind of incident, the more information you can provide to us, the better we can serve you. If someone is injured on your property, begin by making sure the person receives immediate medical attention.
  • Then collect full names, addresses and phone numbers for all parties involved.
  • Finally, gather as much information as you can about how the injury occurred and be prepared to provide your adjuster with as clear an account of the incident as possible.
Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 Suite 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Build It Baby! But Be Sure You Have The Right Contractor Insurance Coverage!

As a Contractor or a Consumer, it is prudent to understand the risks associated with building a structure, as well as the ways to protect yourself from a catastrophic loss.

Construction insurance is a catch-all phrase referring to a wide range of insurance products designed for general contractors, specialty contractors (masons, carpenters, framers, plumbers, electricians), homebuilders, remodelers, and other businesses involved in certain areas of a construction project.

Construction insurance is vital to making sure these businesses minimize the risks they face from employee injuries, equipment and materials damage, motor vehicle accidents and more.
Construction firms face complex, costly risks every day—from a project’s start to finish. In fact, the risks that construction companies face are as unique and numerous as the businesses themselves.

However, most of these specific risks can be categorized into one of the following types of exposures: property damage, loss of income, employee injury, illness or death, and liability claims.
Because of the diversity of construction companies and the work that they perform, not every type of construction firm needs the same type of insurance. Your insurance needs should be based on the size of your company, the number of employees you have, and the type of work you do. In general, construction companies should consider the following types of insurance, but not all of them will be necessary for you.  Be sure to consult with your Trusted Choice agent to discuss your exposures and appropriate coverages.
  • General liability insurance protects you if your business is responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others. Be mindful that most construction firms need general liability insurance in order to obtain a contractor’s license, so this is not a coverage that you can go without!
  • Builders risk insurance provides coverage if you experience business property damage at a construction site.
  • Professional liability insurance (or errors and omissions insurance) covers you if a client experiences a loss based upon any professional services you have provided, such as design work or advice.
  • Loss of income/business interruption insurance provides coverage in the event that you are unable to operate due to a business interruption.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical and certain other expenses for employees who experience a job-related illness, injury, and even death.
  • Commercial auto insurance provides liability and property damage coverage for any vehicles owned by your business or used for business purposes.
Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 Suite 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Monday, June 16, 2014

Gain a Brilliant Understanding of Your Auto Policy - Go Go Go!!!

Every company and their brother are writing auto insurance now --- think about it --- even Walmart has joined into the frenzy.  There are commercials that suggest that you can purchase auto insurance from a box on the shelf in a store .... NOT!!


Many who but from an 800 number, or from a box, or from Walmart will learn the hard way, that insurance is a complicated contract, that must be understood, and is best obtained through an agent who is able to advocate for you in the event of a loss, so that your nearby attorney doesn't need to get involved and TAKE 40% of what you deserve as a claim settlement!!


The Insurance Information Institute has a great article on what is covered by a basic auto insurance policy. Your Trusted Choice agent can explain all of this to you in plain English and also recommend the best coverages for you based on your personal situation


1) Bodily Injury Liability - this is extremely important an should be high enough to protect you and the sum of your assets.  You have worked to hard to lose all that you have earned throughout your life. Be sure that you have enough protection.


2) Medical Payments - This is a liberal coverage to protect you and anyone within your vehicle or another vehicle you may accidently injure.  This level should be at least what your health insurance deductible is, so that in the event of an accident, you will minimize your out of pocket costs.


3) Property Damage Liability - This coverage pays for the damage you cause to another person's property --- their car or building or anything you may hit --- be sure it is high enough to protect your assets!  The average car today costs significantly more than the $25,000 minimum limits.


4) Collision - This pays to repair your vehicle in the event you are in an at-fault accident.  To save money, choose a higher deductible, which is the amount you must pay toward a repair


5) Comprehensive - This covers theft  or weather or acts of God or getting hit (or hitting) a deer -- To save money, choose a higher deductible.


6) Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist - this is HIGHLY recommended, because far too many drivers do not carry the right level of coverage, which will hurt only you --- This level of coverage should match the coverage you select to protect "the other guy" --- in other words, the UM coverage should be the same or close to the level of coverage


Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting  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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  




Monday, June 9, 2014

Feeling HOT HOT HOT -- Fire Up the Grill ... Safely!

The Gulf Coast is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors in the summertime. Wether you're camping, boating, or having friends over - at some point, we all enjoy outdoor grilling. While we focus on making sure the kids are safe in the pool, and we're all slathered in sunblock and staying hydrated, there are those special safety factors about outdoor cooking that can be easy to overlook if you're busy having fun too!

In this blog, we would like to share with you some important safety tips regarding food handling and grill maintenance that could save you from spending your fun time in an emergency room instead of with your toes in the sand! If you have some additional tips you'd like to share with us, please do! And, we're also not opposed to any good recipes you can share for family grilling fun time!

Before you fire up your grill, be sure of the following:

  • Inspect behind, underneath and inside your grill to be sure there are no lingering objects from the last time you grilled which could flame up. If you have a gas grill, be sure lines are not damaged or leaking and are secure.

  • Lighter fluid is dangerous and should never be added to hot coals or active flames on another type of grill in hopes to kick up the heat

  • Be sure your grill is grease free - clean and safe from grease fires

  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby your grill

  • Everyone should keep their distance from a grill when in use

  • A grill should be distanced from the home and any overhangs when in use and as it cools down after use


Now that your grill is ready to use, here are some important dos and don'ts about cooking outdoors (or cooking any time)!!

  • DO wash food before you prepare it and wash your hands after you handle each item before touching another. Wash everything raw meat, poultry or seafood comes in contact with.

  • DON'T leave food uncovered! Flies and insects carry bacteria and germs on their feet from their nasty travels and could spread this to your uncovered food if they land on it.

  • DO be sure to clean any cooking utencils you store outdoors. Even though they may appear to be clean and you cleaned them after your last use, they have been exposed to the elements and those pesky, dirty insects we mentioned above!

  • DON'T use a marinade that held raw meat to baste cooking meats afterward. Create your baste fresh instead.

  • DO keep it hot!! Bacteria die around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that all cooking surfaces are brought to a very high temperature. If you enjoy low & slow cooking, start your smoker off by making sure all metal parts are brought to a temperature above boiling water before you start cooking.

  • DON'T leave thawed meat out in the elements too long. It's best to thaw and leave thawed meat in the refridgerator until it's time to put it on the grill.


Remember, when you're grocery shopping, you should keep raw meats separated from your other groceries to avoid cross contamination. We recommend using the plastic produce bags to wrap packages of raw meat before puting them in your shopping cart.

SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast is wishing all of our friends a fantastic summer! Keep watching our blog for more useful info regarding your safety, your insurance needs or other useful information. Like us on facebook for our fun summer contests and awesome updates you can use;
facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast.

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting  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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Importance of Health, Life and Disability Insurance


Many people receive health, life and disability insurance from their employers in the form of employee benefits. But many others might only receive some of these benefits, or none at all. The fact remains that all of these types of insurance are important for protecting us from the financial ruin that can result from a variety of unexpected events. If you don’t receive health, life and disability insurance through your employer, you need to seriously consider purchasing them as individual policies. Here is why:
Why is Individual Health Insurance Important?
All of us will get sick at some point in our lifetime, even if you are healthy now. An unexpected illness or injury can quickly decimate your finances if you do not have health insurance. Health insurance provides you with a means to afford health care when you need it.
In addition, health insurance can help you pay for preventive care that can keep you from getting a more serious illness later on. And if you already have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure or asthma, health insurance can help you manage your disease and keep you from getting sicker.
Just like car insurance, health insurance protects you and your family from future financial losses associated with the need for health care services. Consider the following statistics from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association:
  • The average cost of a trip to the emergency room for an adult is about $700, not including any tests or hospitalization.
  • A “simple” broken leg can cost up to $7,500.
  • The birth of a child can cost up to $8,800 for a natural delivery and $10,000 for a C-section.
  • A hip replacement can cost up to $32,000.
With the right health insurance plan, you can protect yourself from most of these costs. Even with the rapid changes to health insurance being brought about by the Affordable Care Act, we can help you find the right plan to meet the needs of you and your family.
Why is Individual Life Insurance Important?
Life insurance is a vital part of your long-term financial plan. In its most basic form, it pays a lump-sum death benefits to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. But there are many forms and variations of life insurance, and the best one for you will depend upon your goals for the policy. The proceeds from a life insurance policy make cash available to support your family almost immediately upon your death. In addition, life insurance proceeds can be used to pay your debts, final expenses and estate taxes, and can even be a source of inheritance for your heirs.
Term life insurance provides financial protection for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20 or 30 years. It is ideal for people looking to simply pay some final expenses and provide income replacement for their remaining spouse or other dependents.
Permanent life insurance is a more complex financial tool. These types of policies offer a long-term savings component or an investment component as well as the death benefit. Permanent life insurance is very complex and offers many possible outcomes throughout the life of the policy.
Your financial obligations do not necessarily go away if you die, and your family’s financial future will certainly be at risk without some thoughtful planning. Life insurance is vital to helping your family meet your financial obligations and sustain their lifestyle should you die.
Why is Individual Disability Income Insurance Important?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, forty-three percent of all people over age 40 will have a long-term disability event by age 65. Disability income insurance helps replace some of your earnings so you can continue to pay your bills if you are disabled and unable to work for a period of time. It is important because it protects your most valuable asset: your ability to earn an income. In exchange for your periodic premium payment, the insurance company promises to pay you a predetermined benefit amount for a specified period of time.
Disability income policies will replace from 50% – 70% of your pre-disability income, and when you pay the premiums yourself (rather than if they are paid by your employer), the benefits you receive are not taxed.
Individual health, life and disability insurance is extremely important for those who do not receive these as benefits from their employer, or who are self-employed. The experts at SouthGroup Insurance services can help you assess your needs and find the right policies to complete your personal insurance package. Contact us today to learn more.

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Friday, June 6, 2014

Home Sweet Home Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is often overlooked. We watch our insurance bills, tax bills and everything that keeps the house running financially - but are we actually giving enough attention to the home itself?

Experts say that a little home maintenance goes a long way and saves you money long term. For example, trimming away tree branches near or touching your roof can extend the life of your shingles. This example and many other items also happen to be the minor issues that can make or break your insurance contract.

 In some cases, poor home maintenance signifies lack of pride in ownership which is a breach of your insurance contract. Seasonally, your check list could vary, but while we move from a very rainy spring into our usual humid summertime here on the Gulf Coast, here is a checklist you can use that may help save you a lot of money long term.
 

> Check your roof for leaks or damage such as peeling shingles or holes. Be sure to check around vents, skylights and chimneys carefully to be sure there are no gaps or leaks. If you discover any issues, resolve them as quickly as possible. If you can't resolve immediately, patch the area to protect from further damage while you await repairs. Also, if you discover damage, be sure to check the interior of your home in the same area for ceiling damage.


> Keeping the air moving in your attic is a must! If you don't have a ridge vent, be sure you keep your gable vents open year round for proper ventilation. Living in a humid area like this, ventilation is key in preventing issues such as mold.

> Keep your gutters clean! Clogged gutters and drain pipes can also result in damage to your home. Make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation and are clear of debris.

> Filtering the air is only a small part of the necessary filtering for home maintenance. Not only should you replace your Air Conditioning filters once a month but also check your dryer ventilation and stove ventilation to make sure passageways are clear without obstruction and working properly. Check these both internally and externally. Speaking from experience, have you ever considered a maintenance check on your air conditioning unit? Most of us don't think about this until a problem occurs, but with light maintenance you can extend the life of your unit and avoid possible home damage from flooding units.


> Not only do we want you to stay safe, but in many cases keeping your safety equipment active offers additional insurance discounts. Ensure that all your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries as needed.

> Regularly check your plumbing by feeling the pipes for leaks and looking underneath. If you find a leak, do your best to prevent damage and repair. Often times pipes spread or loosen over time or as your home shifts and most of us don't think to check this on a regular basis. You will be surprised at the minor leaks you can discover under a sink. And, though a leak can be minor, the damage can be major over time. While checking your plumbing, be sure to check the hose connections for your washing machine and dishwasher and the tubing connections for your ice maker.

> In the bathrooms, be sure to check shower and tub surroundings for any signs of damage or mold as well as your toilet supply/shut-off valve.

> Regardless of the season, drafty doors and windows cost money! A large enough draft invites damaging rodents or rainwater into your home, but even a small draft can suck away energy costing you hundreds! Replace seals as needed.

> Check the exterior of your home for cracks or holes in your siding or paint. Replace caulk immediately if you see areas where it has cracked or fallen away leaving a gap without a seal. Also, when you discover any damage - verify that it is caused by wear and tear instead of rodents.

> Check your water heater thoroughly to verify that it is in proper running condition without leaks. At least once a year you should drain the water heater and remove sediment from the bottom of the tank. This will also extend the life of this very expensive appliance.

> Look up! Check your ceilings whenever you think of it for water damage. What's not in view today could be tomorrow. This is especially important after heavy rainfall.

> Check your home for termites and other rodents by doing a full walk around inspection of the exterior of your home and also checking your attic if able. Signs would include droppings, heavy dust piles, and holes. Remember, never store firewood within 2 feet of your home and always store at least 18" above ground to prevent termites.

> Electrical fires remain one of the main reasons for total home losses due to house fires. Prevention is key and takes little effort. Walk around your home to check all of your outlets for proper hot, neutral and ground. Check all electrical cords to ensure there is no damage. Remove outdated electric air fresheners from outlets and do not leave active air fresheners in outlets when not in use.

> Keeping your property safe not only protects you and your loved ones, but also protects your assets in the event someone could be injured. For instance, check your property for safety hazards that could result in persons tripping and falling for any reason.

> Always be sure the fence around your swimming pool is in tact, has a working lock and will keep unwanted visitors away from the area.

> Check your property for low areas. After such heavy rainfall this spring, low areas in your yard can create trip hazards or foundation issues as well as pool water causing dangerous insect breeding grounds.

Staying on top of regular home maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs or worse! Scheduling seasonal inspections is a great way to start doing what you can to prevent hazards and expenses that you don't need while also making your home a better place to live. After this extensive winter, the summer sun is soon to shine on your leaf infested gutters, dead plants and cracked driveways. Now is the time to get your home back to 100% so you can relax and enjoy the summertime!

Do you have maintenance tips to share? Post them in the comments below. Remember, a free insurance review is always in season. We can review your policies with you to be sure you have the proper, personalized coverage you need. We know, just like home maintenance, your insurance also needs regular reviews to verify you have the best coverage available to you at the best rates. Call our office today to arrange your visit with one of our trusted choice agents at any of our 3 convenient coastal locations.

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting  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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Yes, You Need Cyber Liability Insurance for Your Business!

Digital information is critical to every day operations for business of all sizes. Your important data must be kept secure and organized to protect against viruses, data theft, identify theft and a host of other cyber threats. In addition, small businesses like most others are increasing their web and social media presence every day, and with that exposure comes the proliferation of cyber liability claims that can literally wipe out a business in one fell swoop.


Most Common Cyber Threats
Malware: Malware, or malicious software, comes in the form of viruses, worms, spyware, Trojan horse programs and more.
Social engineering: This is a catch-all term to describe the threat associated with fraudulent attempts to get employees or individuals to hand personal or confidential information—typically banking information—to a third-party pretending to be a legitimate outlet. Social engineering threats include phishing, spear phishing, whaling, vishing, SMiShing, pharming and dumpster diving. The result: stolen bank account and credit card information and a serious problem for your business.
Mobile devices: Mobile devices in the workplace are proliferating much like the cyber threats. These devices certainly bring a lot of value and efficiency to businesses, but your data and device security should always come first.
Data breach: Sensitive data stored in your computer or network can be breached by stolen laptops and portable devices, rogue employees, theft of digital assets, privacy breaches and human error.
Internet attacks: Everything is on the Internet, and that fact won’t change. With unparalleled gains in efficiency and our newfound ability to trade with partners anywhere in the world without ever leaving our desks, we have also gained a whole new set of potential cyber threats not only in our backyard, but from cyber criminals across the globe.


Costs Associated with Cyber Liability Threats
The costs to your business from the attacks described above—and others—can include:
  • Costs associated with statutory requirements to notify those whose data has been breached
  • Public relations and investigative costs
  • Loss of income
  • Personal injury (libel) claims against you stemming from your website, blog or social media accounts
  • Business interruption and loss of income
Insurance companies have responded to increasing cyber threats by offering a variety of insurance products that continue to evolve, as do the threats. No true policy standard yet exists, but some typical coverage areas have emerged to protect against the most common—and most costly—cyber liability claims.


Today, cyber liability policies might cover everything from legal and forensic services to crisis management/public relations and liability judgments. In addition, you can add cyber liability endorsements to your commercial general liability policy to provide protection against certain types of cyber liability that you are most susceptible to.


Because of the increasing risks and the costs associated with statutory notification, fines, fees, penalties and class action lawsuits associated with privacy breaches, you should by no means ignore cyber liability coverage for your business. Rather, you need to assess your risks and find appropriate insurance coverage. What’s more, you need to take a careful look at the types of security you have employed enterprise-wide, and find ways to institute best practices to make sure that your data and your customers’ data is protected.


What kind of cyber threats do you feel pose the greatest risk to your business? Have you assessed your security practices? Do you need additional insurance coverage?


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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Don't Have a Chevy Chase Vacation! Be prepared for Vacation Season Safety!

It's that time of year when your kids get out of school and you're packing your bags for that family vacation. Planning for any type of get-away, big or small, can be very detailed. It's easy to forget something important in the hustle and bustle of vacation planning and packing. While there is so much to think of, we want to help you with 3 useful checklists that will highlight the important items you may forget during the family excitement.

If you are driving long distance for your vacation, we offer this checklist for your vehicle and your journey:

  1. Check all fluid levels for your vehicle; coolant, oil, power steering and brake fluid

  2. Check your tires for wear, damage, or any issues that could create danger

  3. Check all your lights, signals, and horn are working properly

  4. Check the condition of your brakes

  5. Check the condition of your windshield wipers as well as your windshield wash supply

  6. Check the working condition of all seatbelts, and be sure there are enough seatbelts for every passenger

  7. Pack a copy of your vehicle registration and current auto insurance in your vehicle


Many people don't think about the possibilities of what could happen to their home while they're away. Here are some dos & don'ts for you to remember when leaving your home vacant for any length of time.

  1. Do ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you're away, including picking up your mail on a regular basis (overflowing mail is the first sign you are away)

  2. Don't alert people on social networking sites that you are going away - save the excitement for when you return and share your vacation photos

  3. Do advise your local police department you will be away for some time and would appreciate extra patrolling in your area

  4. Don't close your curtains if you normally have them open. Not only is it a signal that something is 'different' at your home, but also a friend or officer checking on your home needs to be able to see inside to verify everything is all right

  5. Do use a timer on your lights rather than leaving them on or off for extended periods

  6. Do unplug electronics such as televisions, computers, portable phones or any item that could be damaged in a power surge. Something unpredictable such as a severe storm could occur while you are away

  7. Do turn off all gas pilots and water faucets as a precaution much like unplugging your electronics

  8. Don't leave a spare key outdoors. When you are gone, that leaves your home very vulnerable


And last, but not least, do your homework before you make the trip. It's always good to get to know the area you will be visiting as best as you can before you travel there. These days, technology makes this really simple. You can use the internet not only to learn about the place you will be visiting, but also to plot your stops along the journey. Research any hotels you plan to stay at on the internet as well. Websites such as yelp.com share consumer reviews that may be helpful to you regarding hotels or places to eat along the way. Make a checklist to verify you have packed important items such as medications, phone chargers, identification and personal items you will need that can't be purchased elsewhere.

Vacations and road trips are one of the best activities you can share with your loved ones. Enjoy these special times to the fullest while staying safe and protecting your home at the same time. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!
For more tips, useful information and other valuable news follow us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast and keep reading our blog. If you have questions about your insurance, contact one of our 3 convenient coastal locations and speak to one of our knowledgable Trusted Choice agents

Most importantly, as your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wants you to know you can call on us with your questions or concerns seeking more helpful advice or answers to your pressing insurance questions. A full insurance review is always your best bet to make sure you have all of the adequate coverage for your personal insurance needs. Remember, we offer a personalized insurance review to anyone who is interested at no charge – just visit any one of our 3 convenient coastal locations!

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, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso, Mark Strickland, 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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting  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. Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!
  

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!