Google+ Profile

.

Monday, April 27, 2015

AirBnB and Your Home Insurance


AirBNB.  It’s all the rage!  What a great way to see the world and help other travelers see the world!  Travelers always need a place to stay and today’s internet world makes it very easy to offer a room in your home for a traveler looking for a place to stay.  Currently there are offerings in almost 200 countries and almost 35,000 cities around the world and over 25 million guests so far!  The service connects travelers at unique locations including castles and villas.  All you do is book a room through the online share site at airbnb.com, and off you go!

It’s free to list your space online for travelers to find, and they are able to send you a reservation request. You may add pictures and information on your location and the amenities and the rate you wish to charge.  There are limits to your protection as a Host, and there are Hospitality Standards that must be adhered to. The coordinator does offer some assistance in the event of a problem with the rental, BUT BE SURE TO READ THE SMALL PRINT!

As part of the Host Guarantee stated by airbnb.com, there is limited protection for your property in the event of damages by a Guest, which is ultimately paid by the guest or the guest’s insurance policies.  THIS IS NOT INSURANCE, and the airbnb.com coordinator does not act as your Contracting Agent.  You are able to make the selection of your Guests through the invitation process offered online coordinator.  To compensate the airbnb coordinator for the use of their service and online platform, a 3% fee is paid to them by the Host and 6-12% is paid by the Guest.  In addition, Hosts will receive a IRS-Form-1099 which must be included as part of your income tax filing.

The stated Host Guarantee covers your property at the Accommodation and extends up to 1,000 feet out for personal and real property which would relate to your structure.

But this is what is NOT covered:  money of any kind, pets, boats, vehicles, or anything over 1,000 feet of the “accommodation” fine arts, acts of nature, overuse of utilities by the Guest, booking lost income, mysterious disappearance, identity theft or identity fraud, terrorism, dishonest acts, slander or defamation of character, mold or pollution or structural defects, and more.

Starting in January 2015, Host Protection Insurance is available as excess coverage in the United States and provides liability protection up to $1million for bodily injury or property damage.  If you as a host or landlord have other insurance that is applicable to the situation giving rise to the claim, then that insurance will be the primary coverage. If the host or landlord doesn't have insurance that covers the bodily injury or property damage, then the Host Protection Insurance program will act as primary for covered losses.

For most homeowner policies, only “personal liability” is covered, so any issues arising from your paid-guests would not be covered in the event of a claim.  Renting out a room in your home or renting your entire structure, whether part time or full time, is considered to be a business use and would not covered under a personal home or renter’s policy. 

Sooooo, from a homeowner’s perspective, this is what you need to know:

Short-term vacation rentals are considered a business in the eyes of the insurance world.  If you collect money to allow a guest to stay at your place for a short period of time; this is a business transaction.  Your vacation rental is no different than a coffee shop or grocery store, it’s a business.

A homeowner’s policy does not cover business activities.  It specifically excludes business activities.  It will not respond to any claim involving running a business from your home.

A homeowner’s policy and most dwelling/landlord policies carry personal liability coverage.  Personal liability coverage will not respond to business activities. For example, a paying guest slips and falls and may sue you for their hospital bills.  For this event, you need a commercial liability policy (business liability).

A personal umbrella does not cover you for running a business.  A personal umbrella will not cover business activities.  A personal umbrella will follow you anywhere you go in the world; but only for personal negligence.  

If you are renting a property and have setup an airbnb as a sublease, be aware that you are completely changing the nature of your agreement with your landlord.  The same logic applies, and you are deemed to be conducting a business on the premises, and you must be properly protected with an appropriate insurance policy.  You should list your landlord on your commercial insurance for their protection (also, you need to let them know that you are subleasing their property!).  The frequency of airbnb rentals will be viewed differently by the insurance company, and your personal Renter’s policy will not provide you the protection you need if you are subleasing.


Check with your Trusted Choice agent to ensure you have protection for your operation. And Travel on!!


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@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 #savemoney  @progressive

Monday, April 20, 2015

TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING AUTO INSURANCE (PART 1 of 2)

Enjoy your new wheels!!  But don't drive off the lot without getting the right insurance!  Here are the Top 10 Things you should ask before buying auto insurance - courtesy of www.howstuffworks.com


PART 1
10) What is the best coverage to have?  Each state has different laws, but basically, each state defines the minimum coverage you must have to legally drive on the roads.  LIABILITY coverage protects "the other guy" when you are in an at-fault accident.  This will pay for medical costs for anyone injured as a result of the car crash and also pays for the damage to their vehicle and property.  COLLISION coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle following an accident, less your deductible.  COMPREHENSIVE coverage covers "acts of God" such as weather and covers theft and windshield repairs or replacements (less your deductible). UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST coverage protects you if your vehicle is damaged by another party who does not have adequate coverage or has no insurance.


9) What is my real risk?  If your real risk is high, then the price you pay for insurance will be higher. Soooooo if you reduce your "risk", you will save money.  Clean driving records with no criminal record, no speeding tickets, and are more experienced drivers will receive lower insurance rates.  Age, sex and credit worthiness also impact the rate.  It helps to shop around with different carriers.  A Trusted Choice independent agent can provide multiple quotes from multiple carriers to make your shopping easier.


 8) Who is covered to drive my car?  Typically, the insurance follows the vehicle, so if you loan your vehicle to someone, you are also loaning them your insurance, which may not work out well for you.  Making deliveries using your vehicle for pizza or newspapers, is considered a business, and is not typically covered under a basic auto policy.  Check with your Trusted Choice Agent.


7) How much is my deductible? Ahhhhhh - it depends.  To save money on your insurance rate, you may choose a higher deductible.  But remember, that in the event of a claim, you will be required to first pay your deductible, after that the costs are paid by your policy up to the limits of your policy coverage.  Your agent can provide you with several options.


6) Am I eligible for any discounts?  Your Trusted Choice agent can assist you with saving money through discounts.  You may receive credits which reduce the rate of your insurance by choosing a safer vehicle, having a clean driving record, having good grades if you are a student, paying for the full policy term instead of monthly installments, or purchasing additional policies with the same company.  Many companies offer reductions for having a higher education degree, owning a home, having a garage for parking, or having a hybrid vehicle. 


SEE "PART 2" FOR THE REST OF THE GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK!!


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 #savemoney  @progressive


Monday, April 13, 2015

Come Sail Away --- and Be Safe On The Boat!!!

The weather is beautiful!  It's time to jump in the boat for a nice leisure ride, and maybe some fishing and skiing.  But wait --- let's first do a brief safety check!


Checklist for important equipment to have on board:
+Fire Extinguisher - and be sure you know how to use it!
  Remember the P-A-S-S WordIn the heat of the moment you won't have time to read directions
  1. Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder
  2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
  3. Squeeze or press the handle
  4. Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out
+Flares/Distress Signal Devices
Federal requirements are as follows- you should also check the State laws
For boats under 16’ in length: Distress signals are only required when operating between sunset and sunrise. If operating at night, one electric distress light or three combination day/night red flares are required.
For boats 16’ in length or greater: One orange distress flag and one electric distress light –or- three handheld or floating orange smoke signals and one electric distress light –or- three combination day/night red flares; handheld, meteor or parachute type.


+Flotation Devices for Everyone on Board
  • There must be at least one life jacket for each person aboard
  • Life jackets must be properly sized for each person aboard
  • Throwable devices must be immediately available for use


  • +Marine Communications
    . Cell phones may not have sufficient range
    . VHF Radio is preferred for Distress Calling and NOAA Weather Broadcasts (use Channel 16 or 9 for hailing another vessel)


    +Drinking and Boating Don't Mix


    +Good insurance protects you, your boat, and your passengers
    -Check with your Trusted Choice insurance agents on a customized and cost-effective solution for your insurance needs and your peace of mind


    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 #savemoney  @progressive



    Monday, April 6, 2015

    Protecting Teenage Drivers from Themselves!

    Our most precious possession is our children, and nothing in scarier than when our babies start driving!!! What advice can we give to better prepare and protect a young driver?

    + DRIVE DURING THE DAY LIGHT HOURS  - the crash rate for teenage drivers is three times = higher after 9pm
    + USE SEAT BELTS - over 50% of teens involved in fatal crashes are not wearing seat belts
    + STAY FOCUSED AND DRIVE ALONE - fatal crashes are almost 4 times higher when teens carry passengers
    + BE CAUTIOUS AT ALL TIMES - inexperienced drivers have more accidents related to speeding, tailgating, not paying attention to traffic signals, making dangerous turns or passing, and not being aware of pedestrians. 
    + KEEP CLEAN - drugs and alcohol detrimentally impair your ability to drive well
    + GOOD GRADES AND A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD REDUCE THE COST OF INSURANCE another good reason to do well in school and practice safe driving habits!
    + PUT THE PHONE AWAY!!  no texting or social media or even talking while driving --- lives can be lost in a split second

    The insurance rates for young drivers are higher because of the tendency for young people to have bad driving records.  As a teen gains driving experience and proves their maturity and sense of responsibility, their rates will get much lower after age 25.


    In addition, the safer vehicles on the road cost less to insure.  As you and your young driver begin shopping for a vehicle, a good idea would be to talk to your local Trusted Choice Agent to get quotes on the different vehicles to check the rates.


    Trusted Choice shared a good graphic:Protect Your Teen With Car 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, 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 #savemoney  @progressive