SouthGroup Gulf Coast - Your Trusted Choice: 2017

Friday, December 1, 2017

Over the river and through the woods …

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around.

At SouthGroup Insurance, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter
Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And - we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us - your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave
Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof - ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road
Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all - stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled
Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tracy Arnold, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton 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 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!
#trustedchoice #southgroup
#southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time

Daylight Savings Time is also Daylight Safety Time.

In most places in the United States, November 5, is Daylight Saving, when clocks are moved backward one hour. We here at SouthGroup Insurance want to remind you it’s also a great time to improve your family’s safety.

Be safe in your home

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The American Red Cross suggests you test your smoke alarms and talk with your family about your fire escape plan. Wherever you live, practice the plan too – at least twice a year.

Daylight Saving is a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Carbon Monoxide a concern too

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people die annually in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. The CDC recommends changing the batteries in your CO detectors when moving your clocks forward this Sunday.

The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

See the CDC’s site for more ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.

We here at SouthGroup Insurance hope these tips help and that you’ll consider sharing them with the people you care about so they can live safer lives 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, Tracy Arnold, Johnny Walton 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 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.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Lowest Cost Commercial Vehicle Auto Coverage

Commercial Vehicle Insurance - Cover Drivers and Vehicles

The risks you face as a business owner vary widely from liability concerns to workers compensation issues to the possibility that one of your workers could be responsible for an accident. If you have staff members who get behind the wheel, your commercial vehicle insurance will protect your business financially in the event of incident on the road.

One of the best ways to identify the right commercial vehicle policy for your needs is to work with an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network. These professionals have relationships with many different insurance companies, so they can help cover every aspect of your business insurance needs. Contact a local member agent in your area to get your questions answered and find the protection you need.

Who Needs Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

Freight companies and other businesses that use commercial trucks
Independent contractors who drive during the course of doing business
Any business that makes deliveries or transports goods
Limo services, taxi services, bus companies and other transportation services

If you or your staff members use a vehicle for commercial purposes, you need a commercial auto policy, as your standard personal auto policy will typically not cover you for business use of that vehicle.

The risks associated with commercial use of a vehicle, whether it is personally owned or company owned, often call for higher policy limits and different policy provisions.

Do You Need Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

In some cases, it is obvious that you need a commercial vehicle policy. For example, if you have a delivery service, limousine service, or a restaurant that delivers food, you know for certain that your business takes on risk each time you or a staff member drives one of your vehicles.

But there are many confusing scenarios where business car insurance is concerned. What if you use your personal vehicle to drive your kids around and to deliver cakes from your home bakery service? What if you attach a plow to the front of your truck each winter and offer snow plowing services?

It is typically a question of primary use, but you may have a unique situation to address. If you use any vehicle for business purposes, it definitely pays to talk with an agent who understands both personal and commercial vehicle insurance so you can make sure you have the right protection to meet your needs.

What Does Commercial Vehicle Insurance Cover?

Commercial vehicle policies, like personal auto policies, are primarily designed to cover your liability risks and provide compensation for damage to your vehicle. But instead of just covering your personal use of the vehicle, the policy covers you and any other person who drives the vehicle. If you have employees who use their own vehicles for work related to your business, you need to make sure your commercial auto policy covers those employees and their vehicles.

A typical policy will include:

Liability: Covers expenses resulting from an accident you or an employee causes, including:
- Bodily injury to another person
- Property damage to another person’s property
- Legal fees
Medical payments: Covers hospitalization and other medical expenses for you or your employees, and any passengers in your vehicle
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Covers bodily injury and property damage you or your employees and passengers incur if an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused the accident.
Collision coverage: Covers your vehicle when another object or vehicle causes damage.
Comprehensive coverage: Covers “other than collision” perils such as weather damage, theft and vandalism.

Get the Right Business Vehicle Insurance for Your Company

With commercial vehicle insurance, there is no “one size fits all.” The variables that affect the kind of coverage you need include the size of your company, whether you have one company car, a dump truck, a fleet of limousines or freight trucks, or a few delivery vans. You also may need special coverage for transporting hazardous or flammable materials.

In addition to these factors, your commercial vehicles may be subject to state and federal regulations that impact your insurance coverage. Every business is unique, and therefore each commercial vehicle policy must be tailored to the business.

To get the right policy and the right amount of coverage for your company, talk with an agent who will fully explore your commercial vehicle usage and risks. When you meet with your agent, be sure to provide all the important facts regarding your company vehicle use, such as:

How is the company organized (from a legal perspective)?
What types of vehicles does your company use?
Who owns them?
Who drives them? You will need to provide driver’s license information for each driver.
How often do you or your employees drive these vehicles?
Do you transport people? Transport or deliver goods? Use the vehicles to provide services? What kind?

The bottom line is that a business needs a flexible, tailored company car insurance policy, and it is important to make sure your policy adequately covers your real world use and risks.

Get a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Quote for 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, Tracy Arnold, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman Webb 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 2 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi 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!
#trustedchoice #southgroup @southgroup @stateauto @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The SBA defines a small business as one that employs fewer than 500 people. By this definition, there are more than 27 million small businesses currently operating in the United States. These can range from incorporated, self-employed individuals to community banks and construction firms. If you own a small business, it's a good to consider acquiring the proper insurance to protect your business venture.

If you are one of the millions of entrepreneurial Americans who have started their own businesses, you can turn to an independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network for guidance when shopping for small business insurance. These agents can work with several different insurance companies to provide you with several policies and premium rates to compare. Contact a local agent near you to start comparing small business insurance quotes today.

U.S. Small Business Statistics

There are currently more than 27 million small businesses in the U.S.
More than 70% of these businesses are owned and operated by a single person
77 million people, or 57% of this country’s workforce, are employed by small businesses
Approximately 70% of all small businesses remain in operation 2 years after inception
Approximately 50% of all small businesses remain in operation 5 years after inception
54% of small businesses are home-based

What Types of Insurance Do Small Business Owners Need?

Very small businesses often do not have employees and are therefore exempt from insurance requirements. However, if your company does have employees, you may need the following insurance for small businesses:

Workers compensation insurance: This coverage can be purchased either through your state’s worker’s compensation insurance program or through a commercial insurance agent. Refer to the guidelines set by your state or speak with an agent in the Trusted Choice network for more information.
Unemployment insurance: This coverage is paid for through unemployment insurance taxes collected by your state. Once you establish and register your business with your state’s workforce agency, you will begin paying this tax.
Disability insurance: Small business owners are currently only required to purchase this insurance for their employees if they are located in one of the following six locations: California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Puerto Rico. Otherwise, this coverage is optional.
Medical insurance: Under the recently passed Affordable Healthcare Act, small businesses that employ more than 50 people could be required to purchase healthcare coverage plans for employees. Medical insurance for small business does not have to be unmanageably expensive. A Trusted Choice member agent can help you find insurance providers that offer affordable rates through group insurance for small business.

Regardless of whether or not you have employees, you may want to consider the optional coverage provided by a small business insurance policy.

What Is Small Business Insurance?

Small business insurance is an optional insurance plan that provides you with the coverage necessary to keep your business operational, especially in the aftermath of a catastrophe or a lawsuit. Catastrophes can include fires, major weather events, and accidents with extreme losses. Lawsuits can also devastate your business. These insurance plans can be customized to meet the inherent risks faced by your particular business.

Nearly half of all businesses that are forced to temporarily stop operations because of a natural disaster fail within 5 years. Of those that are unable to resume operations within 10 days, nearly 80 percent close within one month. A solid business insurance policy can prevent this from happening by allowing your small business to remain profitable, even in the face of disaster.

Small Business Insurance Protects Against Property Loss and Damage

There are many different kinds of small businesses, all with varying degrees of property coverage needs. Here are some considerations:

If your company is home-based and your business equipment and materials have a value lower than $2,500, you might be best served by purchasing a business property rider on your homeowners or renters insurance policy.
If your assets are between $2,500 and $10,000, a home-business insurance policy may be your best choice.
If your property coverage demands exceed this amount or your business is located outside of your home, you will most likely need the protection of a small business insurance policy.
If you own the building in which your business is located, you will want to make sure that you purchase enough insurance to cover the structure of the building as well as any contents within. This coverage will provide the compensation necessary to repair or replace lost, damaged or stolen materials and equipment.
These policies almost always exclude damages caused by floods, so you will want to consider purchasing a flood insurance policy as well.

An agent in the Trusted Choice network can provide you with more information about various property coverage options as well as flood insurance policies, and help you choose the right small business insurance for your unique needs.

Small Business Insurance Protects Against Liability

Small business liability insurance is one of the most important components of your commercial policy. Different industries have different liability risks, and for this reason, small business insurance policies can be customized. You need only purchase the type or types of liability coverage you require. Your small business liability insurance options can include:

General liability: This covers most liability claims that may be brought against you. It protects against payments for bodily injury, property damage, libel and slander. It will also cover court costs and legal fees associated with covered events.
Professional liability: This coverage is also known as errors and omissions insurance. It protects your business from liability claims due to malpractice, negligence and errors. Some states may require certain businesses, such as those in the medical field, to have this coverage.
Product liability: This is important for companies that manufacture, distribute or sell products. If a product defect results in illness or injury, your company may be sued. This will provide coverage for this type of lawsuit.

Your small business liability insurance rates will depend on how much coverage you purchase and the likelihood that your business will face liability charges.

Insurance for Small Business Offers Other Coverage Options

Small business insurance policies can be customized to fit your business plan. Some other coverage options include:

Loss of income insurance: If your business is forced to temporarily cease operations because of a covered event, this coverage can provide you with continued income so that you can pay employees and cover your monthly bills and expenses. This coverage is usually limited to one year.
Fidelity insurance: This coverage will shield you from losses resulting from the illegal actions of an employee, such as theft or embezzlement.
Commercial vehicle insurance: If you drive a car, taxi, truck, delivery van or other vehicle for your small business, you will typically need a commercial vehicle policy to cover your risks. If your employees drive while on the job, you will also need this coverage.

Find the Right Insurance Policy for Your Small Business

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

What Protection is Offered in Homeowners Insurance?

Crime, accidents and severe weather are part of life, and every home experiences loss or damage of some kind, at some point. You can’t predict when you will experience a loss, but you can protect yourself financially. Where do you begin, and how can you compare homeowners insurance quotes when it seems every company offers something different?

Start by getting a free home insurance quote from a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent. When you work with a local agent you'll get quality service and can compare different rates and savings that will match the insurance plan you are looking for. Your agent can also answer any questions you may have about the types of homeowners insurance coverage you need, including personal property coverage, liability and more. Call and find a local agent near you to get set-up with an the right policy.

Home and Property Damage Facts

In an average year, 374,000 residences catch fiesulting in an estimated $4.6 billion loss
1,691 tornadoes occurred in the U.S. in 2011, a
re, resulting in $7.32 billion in loss
In 2010, 2,158,878 houses were burglarized, r
t a cost of $28 billion

Getting coverage for the risks of owning a home is simply a wise investment. Be sure to call a qualified Trusted Choice agent who understands your geographic area and can help you make sense of the many options available to you.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Broadly speaking, insurance covers you for potential loss resulting from risks such as burglary or theft, severe storms, fire and also your personal liability. The specific risks you may face as a home owner could include floods and earthquakes, which you must cover with separate policies, as these disasters are not included in home insurance.

Your home liability coverage protects you in the event that someone is injured on your premises or you are responsible for damage to someone else’s property. You homeowners insurance can even protect you against injury you cause to another person off-premises under certain circumstances. Note that liability insurance will not cover acts of violence or intentional damage.

Your liability insurance would also typically provide coverage if:

Your child throws a baseball through the neighbor’s window
Your dog bites a visitor to your home
A visitor is injured on your backyard swing set or trampoline, or by falling on your icy sidewalk
A dinner guest gets food poisoning and is hospitalized

If someone files a liability claim against you, your insurance can pay for property repairs, medical or funeral costs or even a lawsuit if the injured party chooses to launch a legal process.

When evaluating the amount of liability coverage that makes the most sense for you, be sure to fully discuss your limits and deductibles with your agent. Take time to understand your risks, and determine whether you will be well covered in various circumstances. In the event of a disaster, the costs of recovering can devastate household finances. Quality home insurance can make a difficult situation bearable and help you get your life back on track.

Is Homeowners Insurance Mandatory?

Homeowners coverage is not required by law. However, if you borrow money to buy a home, your lender will likely require you to buy a homeowners insurance policy in order for you to qualify for a home loan. In this case, your home is collateral and the lender wants the collateral maintained. The lender requires insurance so you can afford repairs if the home suffers an insurable loss.

At a minimum, your lender will want your policy to cover or exceed the amount you owe on the loan. Most home owners, however, want enough coverage to repair or replace the home. A Trusted Choice agent can help you decide how much insurance is right for you and if you qualify for any special savings.

Be Sure Your Home Insurance Provides Adequate Coverage

A recent study concluded that 69 percent of home owners are under-insured. Unfortunately, many home owners think they are fully protected and are stunned to find out at the time of loss that their coverage is inadequate.

Getting the right homeowners insurance coverage for your home and belongings depends on many things, from crime rates, tornado risk and wildfire hazards in your area to the specific personal property coverage and deductibles that make the most sense for your household.

Here are a few key strategies you may want to consider to make sure you have adequate home insurance:

Increase your liability insurance with an umbrella liability policy, which will provide liability coverage up to $1 million or more.
Get replacement cost home insurance to cover what it would cost to replace your home and personal property, instead of “actual cash value” coverage, which will only cover the current depreciated value.
Be sure to read over the policy's exclusions carefully and ask your agent if any of these items are a risk, and if you can purchase additional insurance to cover them.
Add coverage for specific items of value, such as jewelry, art and collectibles, through “endorsements” or “riders” on the policy.

While you may be able to buy online homeowners insurance, consider working directly through an agent who can provide in-depth explanations of each aspect of your policy. When you buy home insurance, you are protecting your financial future. Take time to seek good advice from a knowledgeable independent agent.

Making Sure Your Personal Belongings Are Covered

When choosing the amount of personal property coverage you want for your belongings, consider what it would cost to replace all of your personal items after a total loss from a fire. Many home owners assume that all of their belongings are fully covered until they experience a loss. Depending upon the type and amount of coverage in the policy, personal items may not be covered, or may only be covered up to a depreciated value. In most cases, this amount is far less than what it would cost to replace them.

The following steps can help you determine the value of your items and be prepared in the event that you need to file a claim:

Compile an inventory of what you own, room by room.
Take pictures of your belongings, particularly anything of high value.
Keep receipts for all valuable items you purchase, including appliances.
Record a replacement value for each item on your inventory.
Go over this list with your insurance agent and determine whether you need to purchase additional coverage to be protected in the event of a loss.
Place your inventory list, images and receipts in a secure place such as a fire safe.

These records will help you to complete the claims process more efficiently and accurately if you suffer a loss.

Why Work with an Independent Agent?

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Flooding is coming your way - how to protect yourself

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that we at SouthGroup Insurance can discuss with you. Just contact us at 228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177 or info@southgroupgulfcoast.com for more information if you live in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, or Texas.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:

+ Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
+ Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
+ Elevate your air conditioner, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
+Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
+If possible, employ flood mitigation measures to stop floodwater from entering your home.

During a flood

If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:+Get information from the radio or television.+Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.+If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.+Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.+Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.+If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

After a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath.+Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.+Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.
+Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

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, Tracy Arnold, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Mark Strickland, Johnny Walton and Whitney Zimmerman Webb 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 2 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi 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.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Prom and Graduation Safety

Teen driving tips to keep prom and graduation safe

High school is full of defining moments for teen,s and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation.

However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments - serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

At SouthGroup Insurance, we want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe.

First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:
+Absolutely no alcohol
+Always use seat belts
+No cell phone use (including texting) while driving

Special circumstances
Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations well before each event, putting some guidelines into place before your teen heads out for the night. Here are some ideas:

+Make sure you know the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone.
+Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want to require them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening.
+Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult.
+Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case.
+Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening.

If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver. You also will be able to limit changes to the itinerary and contact the driver.

Prom and graduation are special times in a teen’s life. And just a little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come.

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, Johnny Walton 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 2 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi 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.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

What Is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include four essential types of coverage:

Coverage for the structure of your home
Coverage for your personal belongings
Liability protection
Additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of an insured disaster

1. The Structure of Your House

Your homeowners policy pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or other disasters listed in your policy. It will not pay for damage caused by a flood, earthquake or routine wear and tear. When purchasing coverage for the structure of your home, remember this simple guideline: Purchase enough coverage to rebuild your home.
Most policies also cover detached structures such as a garage, tool shed or gazebo—generally for about 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home.

2. Your Personal Belongings

Your furniture, clothes, sports equipment and other personal items are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, hurricane or other insured disasters. The coverage is generally 50 to 70 percent of the insurance on the structure of your home. The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory.
The I.I.I. offers a free home inventory tool that lets you create, maintain a photo home inventory, and store it safely in the cloud. To learn more, visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
Personal belongings coverage includes items stored off-premises— this means you are covered anywhere in the world. Some companies limit the amount to 10 percent of the amount of insurance you have for your possessions. You also have up to $500 of coverage for unauthorized use of your credit cards.
Expensive items like jewelry, furs, art, collectibles and silverware are covered, but there are usually dollar limits if they are stolen. To insure these items to their full value, purchase a special personal property endorsement or floater and insure the item for its officially appraised value.
Trees, plants and shrubs are also covered under standard homeowners insurance—generally for about $500 per item. Trees and plants are not covered for damage by wind or disease.

3. Liability protection

Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by your pets. So, if your son, daughter or dog accidentally ruins a neighbor’s expensive rug, you are covered. (However, if they destroy your rug, you’re out of luck.)
The liability portion of your policy pays for both the cost of defending you in court and any court awards—up to the limit stated in your policy documents.
Liability limits generally start at about $100,000, however, it’s a good idea to discuss whether you should purchase a higher level of protection with your insurance professional. If you have significant assets and want more coverage than is available under your homeowners policy, consider purchasing an umbrella or excess liability policy, which provides broader coverage, including claims against you for libel and slander, as well as higher liability limits.
Your policy also provides no-fault medical coverage, so if a friend or neighbor is injured in your home, he or she can simply submit medical bills to your insurance company. This way, expenses are paid without a liability claim being filed against you. It does not, however, pay the medical bills for your own family or your pet.

4. Additional living expenses (ALE)

ALE pays the additional costs of living away from home if you cannot live there due to damage from a an insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other costs, over and above your usual living expenses, incurred while your home is being rebuilt.
Keep in mind that the ALE coverage in your homeowners policy has limits—and some policies include a time limitation. However, you can generally increase the amount of ALE coverage for an additional premium.
Your ALE coverage limit is separate from the amount available to rebuild or repair your home. Even if you use up your ALE your insurance company will still pay the full cost of rebuilding your home up to the policy limit.
If you rent out part of your house, ALE also covers you for the rent that you would have collected from your tenant if your home had not been destroyed.

source: www.iii.org

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, Johnny Walton 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 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.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Smart Steps For Buying Life Insurance

Shopping For Personal Life Insurance That Meets Your Needs And Budget

Life insurance can form a vital part of your family’s financial stability and well-being but, if you’re like most people, you may find the thought of shopping for the right type of coverage a little daunting. Fortunately, these eight simple steps can guide you along the way.

Determine whether you actually need life insurance. Most people do, but not everyone. If no one depends on you financially, if you have no debt and would leave an estate with enough cash to pay its own taxes and expenses, you probably don’t need life insurance. If you do not meet these criteria, you probably will need individual life insurance.

Calculate how much life insurance you need. There are two important questions to ask:
1. What financial resources will be available to survivors after your death? For simplicity, consider three categories of resources: (1) Social security and other retirement-related survivor benefits; (2) group life insurance; and (3) other assets and resources. It is also important to know when these resources will become available—for example, social security survivor benefits are payable immediately to a surviving spouse with dependent children, but only after age 60 if there are no children.
2. What financial needs will your survivors have after your death. For simplicity, consider three categories of requirements: (1) final expenses; (2) debts; and (3) income needs.
3. Then subtract your survivors’ financial resources (step #2) from their financial needs (step #3) to determine how large a policy to buy. Many people are underinsured, often because they skip these steps or take a shortcut (such as simply buying a multiple of annual income). For more help in determining the right amount of life insurance, see: How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Consider other objectives you may have for your life insurance. Some types of life insurance policies include a savings feature that can be used for purposes other than paying death benefits.

Determine what type of life insurance best meets your needs. Essentially, there are three types of life insurance policies—term life, whole life and universal life. If you need the insurance for only a specific period of time, or are on a limited budget, a term policy, which has lower premiums, may be a good fit. If, however, you need the insurance for as long as you live and want to accumulate savings, a whole or universal policy may be a better choice.

Find out if you need to add any “riders” to the policy. There are two that you should consider—waiver of premium and guaranteed insurability. Some policies come with one or both included with the basic contract but, if not, it is generally a good idea to add them. Waiver of premium pays the life insurance policy premium for you if you are disabled. Guaranteed insurability permits you to add to the death benefit without providing additional evidence that you are in acceptable health.

Shop around. There are many ways to save money when buying life insurance, but they don’t always entail paying a lower premium immediately. That said, life insurance is a very competitive business so quotes can vary significantly between companies.

Decide whether to pay premiums annually. In most cases, it is better to pay annually rather than in installments because there is often a relatively large additional charge for paying smaller amounts more frequently.

Tell your beneficiaries about your life insurance policy. Once the policy is issued, inform your beneficiaries the company that issued it, where to find the paper copy of the policy and any specifics about what you want them to do with the death benefit. While is rare for people to be unaware they are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, it does happen and you want to make sure that the benefit will not go unclaimed. And store your documents so that they can be easily accessed by your beneficiaries.

These tips apply to personal life insurance purchases. For information on the uses of life insurance for businesses see: Insuring Against the Loss of Key Personnel.

source: www.iii.org

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, Johnny Walton 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 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.

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