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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Goodbye 2015 - Welcome 2016 With An Insurance Review!

It's hard to believe we are in the final days of 2015.  It has been an action packed year with so much happening in all of our lives and in the economy as well.  It has definitely been a roller coaster ride and some of us are eager to say "Farewell, 2015!"  But let's not be too hasty, because with all farewells we want to be prepared for the journey that lies ahead.  Are you ready? 
Let's review some of the important insurance items we've discussed with you throughout the year.  With so many changes in the industry and in the economy, it's good to brush up on the facts!

Did your home insurance rates increase in 2015? Weather related catastrophes had been steadily increasing and the expenses to repair a home has also been steadily increasing.   
These increases have prompted many consumers to shop their insurance policies, which is always a wise decision, but many consumers are not insurance specialists and could be making a mistake unless you proceed cautiously.  

 Are you comparing apples to apples? SouthGroup Insurance Services is focused on not only saving you money but also recognizing your personal insurance protection needs to find what coverages are best suited for you as an individual.  Saving money is not the only important factor in protecting yourself or your loved ones, even though it may feel like it in this current economy.  A few things you want to consider when shopping your insurance coverages aside from savings are; What is the financial rating for the new company you are considering? Are the coverages you are considering adequate for your needs? Is your quote correctly rated or will you be facing a premium increase after you sign on the dotted line? Before you make an important decision regarding your future and your protection, we recommend you schedule a full insurance review at one of our 3 convenient coastal locations free of charge and without obligation.  Now is the time!

If you re-finance, it is your responsibility to make sure the mortgage clause is up-to-date on your insurance policy.  Your Trusted Choice Advisor insurance agent will follow through with any instructions provided by your new mortgage holder with your authorization, however if the re-finance fails for any reason, they are not obligated to contact your insurer or your agent, and this creates an issue with incorrect information on your insurance policy.  Many mortgage companies have been selling their accounts to other companies, and often the insurer is not informed in a timely manner which can cause gaps in insurance coverage due to non-payment.  Often, consumers don't even know their mortgage was sold.  We recommend you contact your mortgage holder within 2 months of your insurance policy renewal to verify if anything has changed.   To avoid periods without coverage, when you receive your copy of your insurance policy renewal billing, you should follow up with your mortgage company to verify they intend to pay in a timely manner.  

  How much do YOU have to lose? In today's litigious society, how do you know if you have enough insurance coverage to protect you and your assets in the event of a lawsuit? This is an important question to ask yourself any time of year and is the heart of the insurance industry's relationship with you!  A Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy may be the answer you're looking for when you have a lot to lose as it protects your assets and future income in addition to your primary insurance policies.  It is not the same as excess insurance and only goes into effect when your underlying policies are fully exhausted, which is very common in lawsuits today.  A typical umbrella policy premium averages $150/year.  Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above the limits of your home, auto and boat insurance policies and sometimes may be used to provide coverage for claims which may be excluded from your primary insurance policies.  

Remember, a new year is always a fantastic time to review your finances and your insurance.  We are eager to assist you and look forward to working with you in 2016.  Give us a call at 228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177 to schedule an appointment, but remember walk in clients are always welcome also.  Thank you for a fantastic year! We appreciate you and your business!
 
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.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

HO HO HO - Safety Tips from your Trusted Choice Agent

Planning to travel this holiday season? Most people are! Your loved ones may be scattered about and during this special time of year most of us like to see them all.  Here’s some safety tips for your road trip:

-Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.  Check your tires and fluids and make sure all of your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date before you hit the road.
-Map your travel route in advance and be prepared for heavy traffic. 
-If you are carrying valuables or cash, store these items in the trunk and out of view
-Have your insurance ID Cards and roadside assistance contact information on hand in case of emergency
-Keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times also in case of an emergency

Traveling means you’ll be leaving your home unattended for some time.  Don’t let your home be open to the dangers of severe temperature drops, burglary or fire. 
-Protect outdoor pipes from below freezing temperatures by wrapping them heavily and turning off your water source before leaving
-Do not leave holiday lights or lit decorations on when absent for long periods, even if used on a timer
-Do not dispose of boxes for electronics in your front yard. This is like advertising that you just purchased a new TV.
-Be sure someone is collecting your mail. Overflowing mail broadcasts you're away.
-Do not store anything outdoors that can be easily accessed by a burglar to use as a tool to break into your home such as stacked firewood, ladders, tools, etc...
-Do not post about long term absences on social networking websites. It is always best to share the adventures of your vacation after you return home rather than while you're away.

Cooking a feast? Be sure to follow these important tips for safe food preparation!
-Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling food
-Wash all surfaces that raw food comes in contact with after prepping each food item
-Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly
-Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature
-Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
-Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave-never at room temperature. 
-Cook thawed food immediately

Most importantly, enjoy your loved ones during this special time and ensure all of your safety so that you can enjoy these memories for years to come.  SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to serving you in 2014.  Please be sure to share your good advice with us and our readers and follow our blog for more useful information throughout the year!

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. 

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel
 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Ice Chest or Deer - Comprehensive or Collision?

We frequently get asked how comprehensive and collision coverage work on your auto insurance policy.  In a nutshell, your liability coverage protects the "other" guy in an at-fault accident, and your collision coverage kicks in to repair YOUR vehicle when you were at-fault.  You should always carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, because this is the coverage that protects YOU when you are involved in a not-at-fault incident, and the other guy or gal does not have any coverage or has inadequate coverage.  Your Comprehensive coverage pays for an "act of God" like flood or a tree falling on your car or theft.

So much for the easy explanation!

But life is always more complicated ---

What if an Ice Chest falls off of the truck in front of you and you hit the ice chest and trash your car?  Is this At-Fault or Not-At Fault?  Does your collision or comprehensive coverage prevail??????  Oddly enough, this is considered an At-Fault accident covered by your collision coverage. Same handling if you hit a pot hole or a tree or a ditch or a guard rail.


Got that one wrong?  Well, let's try again ...

What if you are driving along minding your own business, and a deer runs across the road in front of you and you hit the deer and trash your car? Is this At-Fault or Not-At Fault?  Does your collision or comprehensive coverage prevail??????  And the answer is .... the repairs are paid for by your Comprehensive coverage --- and you get free deer meat! (hopefully!)  Comprehensive coverage also is used for windshield damage or replacement, hail, wind, flood or fire damage, theft or vandalism, and even a tree falling on your car or truck.

AboutMoney.com has a very good explanation at http://carinsurance.about.com/od/CarInsuranceClaims/a/Help-I-Hit-An-Object-In-The-Road.htm


It may be a good time to review your auto policy with your Trusted Choice agent!!

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, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, November 30, 2015

Valuation Confusion - Replacement, Market, Actual Cash, Tax -- WHICH ONE TO USE??

Insurance companies provide coverage for your home and possessions based on either their actual cash value or their replacement cost. Actual cash value home insurance policies provide coverage for what your home is worth at the time of loss. Replacement cost policies will reimburse you for what it would cost to rebuild your home using all of the same materials at today’s prices.

It is important to remember that your home’s replacement cost is not the same as its market value, or how much you could sell it for. It is not the same as the value assigned by the Tax Collector.  A home’s replacement cost for insurance purposes is based on a number of variables that determine what it would cost to rebuild your home with similar materials at today’s costs. The variables that make up your home’s replacement cost will fluctuate over time, so the number is not set in stone. You will need to review your policy at least annually to make sure that your replacement cost figure is keeping up with the times.

How should you determine your home’s proper replacement cost? Your insurance company will likely ask you a series of questions about your home and your responses will be plugged into a model that determines its replacement cost. Your job is to have some idea of whether or not the figure is accurate so you can be assured that your home is properly protected or that you are not over-insured. Consider talking to some home builders in your area as well as visiting some home improvement stores to help figure out what it would cost to replace your home’s interior and exterior finishes (including labor) at today’s prices. Together we can make sure that your home is properly insured and its replacement cost is accurate.

Don’t forget to evaluate your personal property coverage as well. Personal property coverage in a homeowners insurance policy typically starts out at a percentage of your home’s dwelling coverage, but if you feel you need more coverage because of certain valuable items, don’t be afraid to increase your personal property coverage limit or add special riders or endorsements to protect your valuables. Preparing a home inventory is extremely helpful in determining if you have sufficient coverage for the contents of your home.

Once you have settled on a replacement cost figure, remember that it will need to be re-evaluated every year to account for changes in building materials and labor as they fluctuate over time. We will work closely with you to determine the replacement cost of your home and belongings, and we can help you with auto insurance, personal umbrella insurance and any other personal insurance needs that you may have.

Have you reviewed your homeowners insurance policy lately? Are you satisfied that your replacement cost figure is accurate? Do you need to upgrade your actual cash value policy to a replacement cost policy?

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, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, November 23, 2015

Umbrella Insurance -- You Need It For That Rainy Day!

Everyone is nice and understanding and even if they get hurt on your property they would never sue you, right? WRONG! Unfortunately in today's litigious society, anyone can and will probably sue you.  That is why you need an umbrella insurance policy!

A good home and auto insurance policy will provide you with a reasonable amount of liability protection which will provide you with litigation support up to your policy limits.  How much liability coverage do you need, you may ask?  You need enough coverage to cover your assets!  So spend a few minutes thinking about all that you have --- and how much it would cost you to replace if you lose it all.  If you own  a home, you should be carrying AT LEAST $300,000 liability coverage. 

So if your home and auto have a reasonable amount of liability coverage, why would you want an umbrella?  The umbrella protects you from that really bad lawsuit, the one where you are responsible for a tragic accident with extensive injuries or even a fatality, and you are sued for $1 million.  If you are sued and exhaust your policy limits on medical bills and property repairs and legal fees, all of your assets are at risk.  An umbrella insurance policy may save you from financial ruin.

A $1million umbrella policy will add to your liability limits and costs very little -- usually under $150-200/yr.

There may be some limitations to the coverage, so be sure you ask the questions before you make your purchase.  Check for coverage related to libel or slander or social media exposures.  Check if the policy extends to your child's college apartment or for a wild party at your home while you are out of town.  Verify that your policy will cover your rented vehicles and punitive damages. 

Your Trusted Choice agent will spend time with you and explain what your policy really covers. Insurance is a complex contract and NOT something you can buy “in a box”, even though advertisers try to convince you to believe this.
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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, November 9, 2015

Do you know what your home insurance covers?

WOW! According to a survey conducted by MetLife, 31% of Americans don’t know how much their home insurance coverage is, according to an Insurance Literacy survey. Many don’t know the difference between replacement cost and market value. Most don’t know believe their policy will pay “full cost” to rebuild their home after a major loss, and they don’t understand how the deductible applies.


More than half stated that they would rather pay more than not be covered for a loss. The BEST VALUE to select coverage that meets your needs, instead of just seeking the lowest price. Your Trusted Choice agent can help you get value for the money you pay.

Did you know - you have options available to protect the data and programs on your mobile devices?
Did you know – your college kids living on campus may be covered under your current home policy?
Did you know – earth movement and earthquake is not typically covered under a home policy and may require an endorsement or a separate policy?
Did you know – water or sewer backup into your home is typically not covered without adding an endorsement?
Did you know – there are limitations on your home policy for jewelry and collectibles?

Your Trusted Choice agent will spend time with you and explain what your policy really covers. Insurance is a complex contract and NOT something you can buy “in a box”, even though advertisers try to convince you to believe this.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, October 26, 2015

Don't Be Scared! It's A SAFE Halloween!

Our pride and joy are our precious children dressed up like little goblins for Halloween.  It seems that there are more dangers lurking in the dark from which we need to protect our Trick or Treaters. 

Let's spread the word and keep our Kids safe!  A few tips from safekids.org:
+ Be careful on the streets - watch for cars when crossing the street - stay on the sidewalks
+ Travel with an adult for proper supervision of smaller children
+ Use costumes that are fun but safe - not overly bulky, non-flammable, non-tripping, and good visibility
+ Spread the word for all drivers be extra cautious for the little cuties out and about.

The CDC shared a clever reminder:
S hort, soft, and flexible costumes
A void walking alone
F asten reflective tape to costumes
E xamine all candy before allowing children to eat

H old a flashlight as you walk
A void irritation to skin by removing makeup
L ook both ways before crossing streets
L ower risk by wearing eye protection
O nly walk on sidewalks where available
W ear well-fitting costumes
E at only wrapped treats
E nter only homes you know
N ever walk near flames

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Saturday, October 17, 2015

I Felt The Earth Move Under My Feet! Do You Have Earthquake Insurance?

Everywhere you live, you could have a catastrophe.  According to the US Geological Survey, over 20,000 earthquakes occur in the US every year impacting 42 states.  And earthquake coverage may not be covered under your home policy unless you add it back as an endorsement.  Yikes!

Earthquakes cause a breaking and shifting of rocks can trigger landslides, flash floods, avalanches, tsunamis, and fires.  They can occur at any time without warning.  In earthquake prone areas, earthquake insurance for your home or business property may be harder to obtain but is highly recommended. Your auto damage would only be covered under your auto insurance policy's comprehensive coverage.

According to a 2015 Insurance Information Institute survey, only 10% of American homeowners carry earthquake insurance.  This is at the same time that the U S Geological Survey is warning of more fatalities and damage expected from catastrophic earthquakes due to higher populations and development in earthquake prone areas.

So what do you need to do?  check your home and business policy and ask your Trusted Choice agent to what extent you are covered.  The coverage usually has quite a hefty deductible --- usually 10-15%, so be sure you understand what that means to you in the event of a loss.  If you have a $200,000 home with a 10% deductible, you will need to pay the first $20,000 on a loss.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to better understand your options, your deductibles and your coverages.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, September 7, 2015

Oh the Woes of Starting a Small Business and Buying Insurance Too!!

As if you didn't have enough to do with starting your business - you also have to determine a legal corporate structure, setup your tax id, register with the state, determine a location, hire staff, setup your accounting system AND BUY INSURANCE!

Thank goodness you can rely on your Trusted Choice Agent to assist you in understanding your risk exposures for your industry, and determining which options for coverage and pricing fit your particular need as you start out your business and as your business grows.

Coverages you will need to consider for your operations:
Commercial Auto - to protect your vehicles
Property Insurance - to protect your building, inventory, and contents
Liability Insurance - to protect from lawsuits
Cyber Liability - to protect from emerging risks related to technology
Business Interruption Coverage - provides for payment if your business is unable to operate due to a covered loss

Coverages for your staff:
Workers Compensation - for medical expense and lost wages if your staff gets hurt on the job
Group Health Insurance - for wellness and healthcare for your employees
Disability Insurance - provides compensation for employees unable to work
Group Life Insurance - provides for the families of employees and also can be used as a method of perpetuating your business

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, August 31, 2015

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Life Insurance is not for you; it's for those you leave behind. To know how much you need, you should consider 3 factors - 1) Your Annual Bills Are, 2) Your Total Assets 3) Your Total Liabilities.

You should do some planning to determine how much coverage you should obtain, and the younger and healthier you are, the lower the rate you will pay.

This is a good Life Insurance Calculator  you could use:  http://finance.yahoo.com/calculator/insurance/ins01/

Next, you will need to decide what type of coverage to purchase - Term or Whole Life.  Term Life has a definite period of coverage with the lowest premiums.  Whole Life is sometimes referred to as Permanent Coverage because it does not expire and may also provide a cash buildup and/or dividend option. Which is better depends on your personal needs.  As you age, your financial needs and obligations will change, so if you have a good retirement plan, you may not need permanent coverage.  If you are not disciplined about saving or anticipate ongoing needs, whole life may be a better option.  Your Trusted Choice Agent can assist you with evaluating the amount and type of coverage that would be the most beneficial

There are hundreds of companies and hundreds of options that can be very confusing.  Add to that the line of Annuity products that are available to provide fixed income and tax savings, you could easily be overwhelmed.  Check with a Trusted Choice Agent to better understand your options and to obtain a solution crafted to meet your individual needs.

How to save money on life insurance -   insure now instead of later and have your Trusted Choice Agent offer options from multiple carriers.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel


Monday, August 24, 2015

Watch Out For What Is NOT Covered By Your Insurance!

Few things would be worse than thinking you are covered for something that you are not.  Have you reviewed your policy and coverages lately?  Is there something on your policy you do not understand that you need to review with your Trusted Choice Agent?  The best time to do this is NOW!
 Here are the top things you should know about your insurance contract:

1)      What perils are covered under your policy?  Many policies have exclusions that limit or eliminate coverage.  You may be able to purchase the coverage under a separate policy, such as flood, or add back the coverage through adding an endorsement and paying an additional premium.  Know what you have!

2)      Is your policy providing Replacement Cost coverage?  It is difficult to replace “depreciated” items that are insured at only Actual Case Value.  Ask for Replacement Cost!

3)       Do you have enough coverage for your structure and personal belongings?  A good idea is to use your smartphone to make a visual inventory of all your stuff, and develop an estimate of the cost to buy everything again, because that is the coverage level you should have on your policy.  You may need to raise your coverage!

4)      Do you need “excess” coverage?  Many policies limit the coverage, but umbrella or excess polices may be available to provide you the extra protection needed for liability, flood, or high value items that should be separately scheduled for your home or business.

5)      Do you have coverage to provide living expenses or lost income while your home or business are not available for use during serious repairs to your structure after a claim?  Many policies allow for Loss of Use or Loss of Business Income Coverage.  You need to know your options!

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, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Born To Be Wild But Save on Your Motorcycle and Boat Insurance

Oh, to feel the wind blowing through your hair on the road or on the water. Whether you relieve your stress by riding on a motorcycle or a boat, there are a few things you can do to reduce the worry about your insurance and lower the cost. 

Most preferred insurance companies now base part of the rate on the consumer’s ability to pay their bills on time.  Just like with auto insurance, your credit history will impact your motorcycle or boat insurance cost. Insurance is based on the risk associated with the operator, so your age and driving history will also impact your rate.   The location where you use your bike and boat could impact the rate also, particularly if there are many thefts in your area.  If you ride frequently may impact the rate because the more you use, the odds of a claim are higher.  More powerful bikes and boat engines impact the rates and any special customizations.

For your protection, you will want to ensure that your coverage is adequate to protect what you stand to lose in the event  a major claim.
                Collision – in an at-fault accident this coverage will pay to repair your bike/boat
                Comprehensive / Other Than Collison – covers damage for “acts of God” like weather and also theft, vandalism, and any collision with deer or wildlife
                Medical payments – covers  doctor and hospital costs or burial costs resulting from an accident
                Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist- protects the policy holder if the other party in the accident is not properly covered
                Accessories/ Custom Parts – for an after-market additions to your toys

You can take safety courses and use protective gear to increase your level of protection. And discussions with your Trusted Choice Agent will help you understand your options and ways to save money on your insurance.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel



Monday, August 10, 2015

Wherever You Live, A Catastrophe Can Strike

I always prefer to be an optimist, but the reality is that anywhere you live, a calamity can strike. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Blizzards, Terrorism, Earthquakes, Floods, Fire, and more. 
 It's down right depressing!
Mitigation efforts and improved Building Codes can assist in protecting structures.  Many grants are available for consumers to use to retrofit their homes.  Check out The Institute for Business and Home Safety (www.DisasterSafety.org) to find out how to obtain a "Fortified" designation which may be used to get a credit on your property coverage.
There are many ways to reduce or eliminate risk.  Insurance is available to protect your property from catastrophes.  Check with your Trusted Choice Agent to find out your options. 
 You can save money on your insurance by insuring your property correctly and making your property attractive to the insurance marketplace.  Maintaining good credit, paying your bills on time, and maintaining your property will keep the insurance companies vying for your business.
Your Trusted Choice agent can help you understand the risks you face, and provide you with options so you can decide on coverages and deductibles for the policy you choose. 
 With a good agent and good insurance, you can sleep well at night knowing that you will be able to rebuild your home or business after the worst happens.
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 Coasthttp://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, 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:info@southgropugulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBookwww.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!
#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Monday, August 3, 2015

How Low Can It Go? Save Money On Your Auto Insurance!

Auto insurance is required is almost every state. But paying a ridiculously high premium is NOT required.  So how can YOU save???

The Insurance Information Institute shared information on the factors that determine the price of your auto insurance policy:

         + How Good Is Your Driving Record? - Better drivers (no accidents or tickets) get lower premiums.
         +  Do You Drive Your Car Long Distances?  From a statistical standpoint the more miles you drive, the more opportunity you have for getting into an accident, so higher mileage drivers are charged a higher premium
         + Where Do You Live and Where Do You Park Your Car? If you live in a city location that has a higher incidence of theft and traffic, you will pay a higher rate because the offs are higher that something could happen to your car.
         + What Is Gender Or Age?  Since women generally have fewer accidents, they usually get a lower rate, and more mature drivers have more experience so usually get a lower rate.
         + What Kind Of Car Do You Drive?  Every car has a different rate based on its cost of repairs and its safety record.  This impacts your rates, so check with your Trusted Choice Agent and Consumer Reports to find the cost of parts and the vehicle's safety record.
         + What Timely Do You Pay Your Bills?  Those who have better credit have been documented to have fewer claims, so they will get a lower rate on their auto insurance.
         +  How Much Coverage And What Type Of Coverage Are You Considering?  State Minimum limits are usually not sufficient to truly protect the parties to an accident, so purchasing a higher level of coverage is a much better value.
         +  Which Company Are You Buying Insurance From?  There are hundreds of companies offering coverage, but in the latest Consumer Reports review, they identified that companies who spend alot of money on advertising charge much higher premiums! So check with your Trusted Choice Agent to get estimates from several different companies who can save you money on your coverages.  Also, be sure that you are buying from a financially sound insuranc
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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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: info@southgropugulfcoast.com , 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!

#southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel