I AM SO CONFUSED!! Replacement Cost, Actual Cash Value, and Market Value Explained

Have you ever wondered how your insurance company determines how it will reimburse you for homeowners insurance claims? What if you had a total loss? Would you be able to rebuild? The answers to these questions depend on the type of home insurance policy you have and whether the value of your home is based on its replacement cost or its actual cash value.

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. 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

Top 10 Hurricane Preparation and Insurance Claim Tips

1) Flood damage from hurricanes is NOT covered by your home or fire property insurance policy on your residence or business. Even if you are not in a designated flood zone, flood insurance is recommended. You MUST have a separate FLOOD insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. There is a 30-DAY WAITING PERIOD before a new flood policy will become effective. Call or come by our office TODAY to get your flood policy!

2) Have a summary of your insurance policies with you if you must evacuate. NOW IS THE TIME to review your coverage levels on each policy (home, wind, flood, auto, etc) and your mortgage holders to ensure that your coverage is adequate and that all information is correct on your policy. Be sure you know your carrier's name and policy number for all of your policies. You may contact us (email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498, fax: 888-415-8922) if you need policy information or if you need any changes to your policy.

3) Home and business preparations:
* Remove yard debris, like dead tree limbs, that could become flying missiles
* Have a safe place to park your cars or store your boat
* Back-up computer records and store them at least 50 miles off-site
* Gather important papers, including inventory lists and insurance information, to take with you if you must evacuate (keep valuable papers in a WATERPROOF container)
* Take pictures or video your possessions to assist in documenting

4) If you evacuate, email us info@southgroupgulfcoast.com with your contact information (address and phone number), so that we will be able to assist you more quickly if you have a claim.

5) If a hurricane strikes our area, MAKE PERSONAL SAFETY YOUR FIRST PRIORITY! (Beware of dangling electrical wires, broken gas lines, etc.)

6) If you have hurricane damage, report it to us as soon as possible - call 228-466-4498 or email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com or fax 888-415-8922 or online through our 24/7 CLIENT SERVICE PORTAL. You may also report your claim directly to the appropriate carrier (phone numbers will be available at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ). Recognize that communication lines may be impaired, but keep trying!

7) Following a storm, make temporary repairs and take pictures of all damage. Don't throw away any damaged valuables until an adjuster has personally seen and documented them.

8) Thoroughly document your damage by listing damaged/destroyed items along with estimated values to provide to your adjuster. Take pictures if possible.

9) Your adjuster will discuss with you which damages are covered under your policy. Make a note of your adjuster's name and number, as well as the claim number you will be assigned. You will be assigned a different adjuster for each policy that you have. Keep in touch with your adjuster(s), at least weekly, until your claim is settled.

10) Contact SouthGroup Insurance (email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498, fax: 888-415-8922) with any questions you may have. May God bless us all during this hurricane season.

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

What Insurance Do You Need If You Are Under Age 30?

Life moves quickly... you wake up and you are out on your own.  You are making your own decisions and embracing life.  You have a new job and are making major purchase decisions.  Do you need insurance for your protection?  Maybe yes, and maybe no --- here are some things you need to know to make an informed decision, courtesy of www.InsureUonline.org. 

Buying a New Car?  You will definitely need insurance, but the rate varies based on the make and model of vehicle.  Before you make your final decision, check with your Trusted Choice agent to find out which of your favorite models is the least expensive to insure.  Also ask about discounts and credits you can apply to your policy for good grades, safe driving record, and more.

Getting a New Apartment?  Insurance is highly recommended and is very inexpensive.  Liability coverage will protect you from property damage or injuries if something bad happens on your property.  Contents coverage protects your furniture and electronics in the event of a fire or theft.  Check with your Trusted Choice Agent for options.

Hunting For A New Job?  At every age, health insurance is highly recommended.  The cost is less when you are young, and will protect you in the event of an unfortunate accident.  Ask your employer what is offered, and take advantage of wellness programs.  If your employer does not provide the coverage, discuss with your Trusted Insurance Advisor.

Walking Down the Aisle?  Many things change when you combine households.  Combining auto policies may even save you money.  You will want to be sure that your new beautiful ring is covered too!

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 @atreutel   

Hot Fun in the Summer Time -- But Are You Covered With The Right Insurance?

It's time for fun in the sun and on the water and with family and on vacation!  Whew!  Quite a busy time, and the one thing you really don't want to have to worry about is your insurance!

The NAIC has some helpful advice: http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_alert_summer_fun.htm

1) Trampolines and Pools - Check you home policy to understand your coverages and discuss your questions with your Trusted Choice Agent.  Many home policies exclude pool and trampoline liability coverage.  If the coverage is included in your policy, you will be required to have the items surrounded by a self-latching fence. Be sure to let your Trusted Choice Agent know if you add these to your home.

2) Boats - Be sure you have a good policy to protect you from the liability exposure for you as the operator and for other boater's on the water.  Discuss your options with your Trusted Choice Agent to understand your options and deductibles for protecting your boat hull, engine, and trailer.  You can choose from Actual Cash Value (which is the boat's value adjusted for depreciation), or Agreed Value which is the value you choose when you purchase your policy, or Replacement Cost which will pay to replace your boat with one like the current boat you have.  You should also consider protection for the items you have on the boat with you including fishing or skiing gear and electronics.

3) All-Terrain Vehicles - Check with your Trusted Choice Agent on the proper protection for off-road vehicles and who is covered when operating the ATV.  There may be limitations that you do not want to catch you by surprise.

4) Traveling - If you will be vacationing for an extended time, be sure you understand your coverages.  There may be limitations on how long your home may be vacant.  You also need to know what coverages may be available to you when if you may lose your belongings while on the trip, due to theft or an accident, particularly for high-valued items.

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 #savemoney  @progressive