Home Insurance Terminology for Dummies - Fun Definitions YOU Need to Know!

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?

Home Insurance Policy - Terms Defined
http://www.rmiia.org/homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Glossary.asp  

Actual Cash Value The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property with property of the same kind and quality, less depreciation (i.e., in the same physical condition as the original property prior to damage). Additional Coverages Extra coverage that can be purchased to provide protection above and beyond that provided in the homeowners policy (e.g., a higher amount of coverage against the theft of jewelry). When such additional coverage is purchased, it becomes an Endorsement or Rider to the original policy. Additional Living Expense The part of homeowners insurance that provides reimbursement for motel rooms, meals and other expenses when loss of property by a covered peril forces you to maintain temporary residence elsewhere. Also called loss of use coverage. Adjuster An insurance company representative who seeks to determine the extent of the insurer's liability for loss when a claim is submitted. Agency An insurance sales office that is directed by a general agent, manager. independent agent or company manager. Agent A person licensed by a state insurance department who solicits, negotiates or effects insurance contracts on behalf of one or more insurers. Captive Agent An agent who sells insurance for one company. Catastrophe To insurers, a catastrophe is a single incident, or series of related incidents, causing insured property losses totaling more than $25 million. Insurance actuaries calculate the probability of catastrophic loss on a state-by-state basis, using a formula based on the total number of catastrophes in each state over a 40-year period. This catastrophe factor, calculated annually, is included in the price of insurance. Claim A demand made by an insured, or an insured's beneficiary, for payment of benefits provided by an insurance policy. Condominium Owners Insurance Though similar in personal property and liability coverage to homeowners insurance, structurally the condo owner's policy is from the "walls in" and does not cover the building itself. Coverage The scope of protection provided under an insurance contract. Depreciation A decrease in the value of property over a period of time resulting from use, obsolescence or wear and tear. Dwelling Policy Though similar in personal property and structural coverage to a homeowners policy, a dwelling policy excludes liability coverage. Emergency Measures Those repairs or other actions taken to protect the insured and the insured's property from further loss when damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Endorsement An attachment to an insurance policy that amends and alters the coverage provided in the policy. Also called a Rider. Exclusion Specific situations, conditions or circumstances that are listed in the insurance policy as not being covered. Floater Property insurance for items that are moved from location to location, covering losses wherever they occur. It is typically bought to cover jewelry, furs and other items whose full value may not be covered in standard homeowners policies. Homeowners Insurance A "package" policy providing coverage against property and liability perils facing homeowners. Independent Agent An agent who represents more than one insurer. Insurance A formal device for reducing the chance of loss by transferring the risks of several individual entities to insurance companies. Insurance Commissioner The head of a state's insurance regulatory agency. Also known as the Director or the Superintendent in some states. Insurance Fraud Intentional lying or concealment by policyholders to obtain payment of an insurance claim that would otherwise not be paid. Insured The party covered by an insurance arrangement, to whom an insurer agrees to indemnify for losses, provide benefits or render services. Liability Individual responsibility for causing, through negligence, injury to another person or damage to another person's property. Also called Personal Liability. Liability Insurance Insurance that pays and renders services on behalf of a policyholder who is unintentionally, but legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage that is caused to another person and covered in the policy. Loss of Use See Additional Living Expense. Market Value The price for which something would sell under current market conditions. Ordinance or Law Exclusion Homeowners policies may exclude situations where repair or replacement of damaged property must be done in conformance with building codes requiring upgraded materials. A standard homeowners policy may cover only the cost of replacing or repairing with the original grade of materials. The difference in cost between the old materials and the new materials required by ordinance or law is excluded or limited, unless the homeowner has purchased additional coverage. Package Policy A single insurance policy that combines several coverages available separately. For example, homeowners insurance is a package policy, combining property, liability and theft coverages. Peril A property insurance term referring to the possible cause of loss such as a fire or a windstorm. Personal Liability See Liability. Personal Property All tangible property not classified as real property. Policy A written contract for insurance between the insurance company and the policyholder, stating which perils and damages are covered and which are not. Premium The amount of money an insurance company charges, based on a given rate, to provide the coverage described in the policy, or, simply stated, the price of insurance protection for a specified risk for a specified period of time. Typical homeowners insurance premiums are charged annually. Property Coverages Insurance that covers damage to or loss of the policyholder's property. Rates The cost of a unit of insurance as determined by insurance companies and state regulators. The rate serves as the basis for the premium. Real Property Land and most things attached to the land such as buildings and vegetation. Regulation Insurance is a state-regulated business. State insurance laws are administered by insurance departments, whose job includes approval of rates and policy forms, investigation of company practices, review of annual financial statements, periodic examination of books and liquidation of insolvent insurers. Renters Insurance A form of homeowners insurance offering coverage for personal property and liability, but excluding real property. Replacement Value The cost of replacing property without deducting for depreciation. Rider See Endorsement. Risk This word has two meanings for insurers: (1) the chance of loss, such as from a peril; and (2) the person or entity that is insured by a policy. Underwriter A company representative who reviews applications for insurance coverage to ensure that they are acceptable and appropriately priced.

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!

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman Webb at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
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

You Could Lose Everything - Even If You Rent You Need Good Insurance!

An apartment building burned to the ground recently.  So tragic.  Almost 100 people are now without a home and have lost all of their possessions.  Hopefully, the impacted people had insurance.

When you don’t own your home, you may not think about insurance.  That’s your landlord’s problem, right? Wrong! Your landlord is probably insuring their asset, which is the structure you are renting from him(her), but not your property inside. Your contents are your responsibility to insure. Also, in most cases, you are the liable party if someone is injured at your rented residence. Another myth about renter’s insurance is that is costly and coasts as much as homeowner’s insurance. Wrong again! The average renter’s fire policy ranges from $30-50 per month.  And if you think about it, it’s something you can’t afford NOT to have!

Why do you need renter’s insurance? Kitchen fires cause damage…dangerous damage!! Think you’re too good of a cook to worry about that, think again – about your neighbors! One wall away there could be a bad cook, and in moments your home could be on fire because of that bad cooking! Notice water dripping from the light fixture above your head while you’re brushing your teeth? Perhaps the neighbor above you let their tub overflow! What items of yours are damaged because of this!?!? Of course, you may have the greatest neighbors around, or perhaps you’re renting a house and not sharing your walls with the careless person next door. That helps! Now you just have to worry about weather threats, burglary or the crazy chance that you may have a fire or water damage without having a bad neighbor to blame.

In other words, bad things happen to responsible people every day.  Renters Insurance can protect you from the terrible incidents described above and more! Coverage for clothing, furniture, appliances, and computers is an important part of why you should have this insurance.  Also, in today’s litigious society, you need to be protected in the event you find yourself legally responsible for someone who may have been injured while at your residence.  A renter’s insurance policy can offer you that kind of protection at a very reasonable price.
Take a few moments to do a quick inventory of your belongings.  Don’t do it in your mind, but physically go around and list the items you possess.  Every fork, every sock, every DVD and everything in between.  Can you afford to replace all of this yourself? Many people don’t realize how quickly this adds up.  The average renter has $50,000 in personal belongings at stake.

Now consider your valuable items such as your fine jewelry, art, collectibles and even your car.  In other words, consider your assets. At this point you may be thinking how would a renter’s insurance policy protect my car? That’s a great question.  Renter’s insurance doesn’t protect your car from collisions or comprehensive claims, but it does protect your assets in the event a liability claim is raised against you.  For example, a door to door salesman comes to your residence on a rainy day and slips on your wet doorstep causing an injury.  He decides to sue you for medical expenses.  Is this your landlord’s problem or is it your problem? You didn’t have a proper rug in place to prevent slips, you didn’t dry the step after a hard rain to prevent slips, you could be the at fault party in such a law suit.  Can you afford to pay his $30,000 in medical bills? You may not have that kind of cash on hand, but your assets could add up to that much. So, with renter’s insurance, the question is not do you need the coverage but how much coverage do you need!

Here we just addressed a few questions about renter’s insurance, but we know you have more questions! At SouthGroup Insurance Services, we have several Trusted Choice Agents on staff ready to answer your questions.  An insurance review takes only a few moments and could save you thousands of dollars.  Make a list of your questions along with your inventory and visit one of our 3 coastal locations today.  It’s always the right time to think again and play it safe!

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.

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 228-466-4498 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
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

Top 10 Life Changes That You Should Let Your Insurance Agent Know About!

Our lives have never been busier than in these modern times.  Sometimes it feels our work is never done.  Even after work, we find ourselves checking emails and making phone calls while still tending to our own household needs.  Sometimes, in the midst of change, it's easy to forget the little things like contacting your insurance agent about household changes.  You may not even realize how these changes can benefit your insurance policies with discounts and premium changes.

Here are the 10 life changes your insurance agent should know about and why:

A member of your household moves out of your home 
A household member who establishes permanent residence away from your home needs his or her own policy. The members of your household sometimes affect your liability insurance premiums based on their age, status, employment and more. If your child is temporarily residing at a school residence, your homeowner's policy normally insures your child's belongings, subject to the terms in your policy. However, if your children are residing permanently away from home, they will need their own policies.  Should a household member be deceased, you should update the named insured on your policies with proper documentation such as the death certificate and copies of revised legal documents showing ownership changes.

Someone unrelated to you moves into your home 
Tell your insurance agent immediately if someone unrelated to you moves into your home. It is very important that you discuss the situation to determine how the insurance needs of the new resident will be met. If a new resident of your household is renting from you, he or she should purchase their own renters or tenant insurance policy. In other situations, such as residents of your household who are under age 21 and in your care, or in the care of your resident relatives, coverage may be provided assuming that underwriting requirements are met and that an application for insurance is signed. Be sure to review your policy with your agent to verify that your policy coverage is current.

You change your name and/or Your marital status changes 
If you change your name, you need to tell your insurance agent immediately so you are correctly and accurately listed as a covered person on your policy. Name differences are particularly an issue in the event of claim payments. Advise your insurance agent immediately to update named insured information on your policy and to include your spouse if recently married.  Your agent will also review your policy with this new information to make sure your policy information and coverage are up to date.

You have electrical updates or other updates to your home
If you have an older home and have recently updated your electrical service, breakers etc... This could mean savings for you in insurance premium. This is also often true for plumbing, roofing and other updates that you may overlook. Mitigation updates such as additional wind or flood protection may also provide you with insurance premium savings.  Let your Trusted Choice agent know!

You purchase a boat
Most homeowner policies provide limited coverage for small watercraft, such as a canoe or kayak, and related equipment such as trailers, accessories and some small outboard motors, but the best way to be certain your boat is insured properly is with a separate boat owner's policy, particularly for larger or more powerful boats.

You rent your home to others 
Advise your Trusted Choice agent immediately if you rent your home to others. A review of your insurance needs will be conducted to determine that the correct policy is provided to cover your home. Your renters will need their own renter’s or tenant occupancy insurance. Failure to advise your insurer of residency changes can result in voiding of insurance contracts.

You accumulate alot of personal property 
When you take into account furniture, clothes, personal electronics (TV, stereo, etc.) and appliances, you probably have more personal property than you realize! When you apply for coverage, take a complete inventory of your possessions to determine what you have and what it would cost to replace them. Whenever possible, include the approximate replacement cost of each item.

You work at home 
If you have a home-based business, you may require additional insurance. You can change many homeowner, condo or renter's policy to include limited business or professional coverages.
Examples include:
•    Coverage for business or professional offices
•    Child care businesses in the home
•    Private schools or studios for music, dance, photography and other instructional purposes
•    Small service-oriented businesses, such as barber shops, beauty shops, tailors, dressmakers or shoe repair shops using handwork only
•    Property that provides merchandise storage

In some cases, a separate business insurance policy will be necessary. Your Trusted Choice Agent can advise you what you need for your protection.

You've renovated your home
If you've recently added square footage, decks, porches, workhops, swimming pools or any type of change that increases the value of your home, you should inform your insurer immediately.

You are planning a major celebration
Many home policies provide liability coverage, but if you are planning a huge gathering such as a wedding or class reunion at your home, check with your Trusted Choice agent on liability options to provide you broader protection, particularly if you will be serving alcohol.

-------------------------------------------
Failure to update your insurance policy's home description can result in void of contract and/or unpaid claims, or other problems at the time of a claim.

Remember, these are just 10 reasons, but it is always best to check with your agent any time you make a change to your household just to be sure.  We also recommend that you regularly inventory your property to make sure you have enough coverage in the event of a total loss.  For a full insurance review, stop by one of our 3 convenient locations.  No appointment necessary, and we are always eager to assist.

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. 

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, Michael Reso and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail or in person: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel !

We have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi,and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We write coverage in 40 different states and can assist you with Mississippi insurance, Louisiana insurance, and Alabama insurance and many other states.

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
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

Finally Off to College! But are Your College Student Covered Under Your Insurance???

They have finally spread their wings are have left the nest.  Well sort of.  They have moved truckloads of stuff from their home to their dormroom or an apartment while they are attending college.  Neither of you have considered thinking about insurance!  So, is this a problem? 

Does your student have protection under the parent’s home insurance policy while they are at college?  The answer is IT DEPENDS!  You will need to review your own policy contract for your specific coverages, however, most home policies do provide coverage for an insured’s personal property that is damaged of lost due to a covered peril.  In English, this means that a dependent child away at school is still treated like a member of the household from an insurance standpoint, and their contents would be covered under their parent’s policy for theft, fire, vandalism, or any catastrophe covered under their parent’s policy, HOWEVER, (you know there has to be a HOWEVER), there will be limitations.  Most policies will provide coverage up to 10% of the parent’s limits on contents, which should be sufficient, unless your student took more than a truckload or two to school with them.  Other limits come into play if the student is not enrolled full time or is over age 24.  Again, check your policy, and get advice from your Trusted Choice Agent.  A great article was just published by Independent Agent Magazine which you may find helpful (http://www.iamagazine.com/strategies/read/2014/09/03/is-a-homeowners-policy-inadequate-to-cover-a-college-student-) .

You may also want to consider special coverage for expensive electronics and computers, and take other physical security steps such as password protection, gps locator software, and online backups for the data.

The student’s contents may be covered, but what about liability protection?This may be one of the bigger exposures – excessive parties cause damage to the apartment or the accidental flooding of the apartment below from an overflowing tub, or inadvertent burning of popcorn in a microwave starting a small fire which smoke damages several units in the complex --- all of these scenarios and more can result in a hefty price tag for Mom and Dad.   There are limitations on liability for another premises under a home policy.  Some companies allow an endorsement for extended liability, but many apartment complexes have begun require proof of liability coverage, and the extended liability may not be acceptable.  In that situation, a very inexpensive renter’s policy is available which would provide the protection.  Check with your Trusted Advisor.

Does your student have protection to drive the roommates vehicle under the parent’s auto insurance policy while they are at school without a vehicle?  
Generally, if someone lends out their car, they are also lending out their insurance, and if your student is a regular driver of the roommate’s vehicle, there is a great chance that coverage will be denied under her roommate’s policy, and there may be a gap between your policy and the other party’s policy.  There are ways to work around the exposure by adding an endorsement to your policy, but again, check with your Trusted Choice agent to find the best solution for your situation. 

Does your student have protection to drive a parent’s vehicle while they are away at school?  
There is typically coverage for a distant student with a family vehicle.  Just be sure you let your Trusted Choice Agent know to modify the “garaging address” on your policy for the physical location of the student’s vehicle.

Lots to consider now that Junior is growing up …

To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman Webb at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…

We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
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

Make Sure You Have Umbrella Insurance - Before It Starts To Rain!!

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

Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy.  We help you save money on insurance!

Is your Stuff Protected by Your Insurance? Are You Sure?

You need homeowners insurance to protect yourself from devastating financial loss should something bad happen to your home. Your home is likely your greatest asset, but within your home your personal property is likely what you cherish most. Protecting your possessions from loss is financially and emotionally important. You must make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for your belongings, and the right type of coverage.
How Much Personal Property Coverage Do You Need?
When you purchase your home insurance policy, do not overlook the importance of properly protecting what is inside of your home with personal property insurance. The sheer number of items within your home and how much emotional value you place on many of them may make it seem very difficult to quantify exactly how valuable your personal property is. If you are faced with losing some of those cherished possessions to a fire or some other disaster, having the right amount of coverage for the contents of your home is probably the only way to affect how completely you can rebuild after a disaster.
Homeowners insurance policies provide personal property coverage for loss or damage to your personal belongings including clothing, furniture, appliances and most other items in your home. This coverage gives you the ability to at least receive some financial reimbursement for those items that may seem irreplaceable. Most home insurance policies start coverage for personal property at approximately 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home, and in many cases this may not be sufficient.
Do you need more personal property coverage? The best way to determine this is to prepare a personal property inventory, or a detailed list of everything you own and how much each item would cost to replace.
Insurance companies typically group like items into categories and assign coverage limits for those categories. For example, your homeowners insurance policy might limit jewelry coverage to $1,000 per piece of jewelry and $2,500 for all of the jewelry in the household. If you have a piece of jewelry that is worth $5,000, the basic coverage provided in your policy is inadequate.
There are two ways to increase the coverage limits for your special, high-value possessions. First, you can increase the “special limits of liability” for the categories in which you have more valuable items. In the example above, it would be wise to increase the entire jewelry category limit from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. Most insurance companies will increase the limit on any category of covered items in $1,000 increments, but there will likely be a ceiling to which you can raise any category limit.
If increasing the entire category limit is not the right way to get adequate coverage, you can use a scheduled personal property rider to increase the coverage limit on a certain item or items. This is also advantageous because these riders provide all-risk coverage, which means that the scheduled items are covered for all risks, not just the basic “covered perils” outlined in the main home insurance policy. In addition, scheduled personal property is typically not subject to the deductible that applies to all other losses.
Replacement Cost Coverage vs. Actual Cash Value Coverage
Like the dwelling coverage in your homeowners insurance policy, your personal property coverage can be based on your property’s actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value policies pay to replace your possessions minus a deduction for depreciation. Replacement cost policies reimburse you for the actual cost of replacing the items with no deduction for depreciation. Replacement cost policies offer the best protection and ensure that you will be able to replace your possessions with similar ones at today’s process. This type of coverage generally costs about 10% more than actual cash value coverage, but is well worth the extra cost in the event of a loss.
Do you have sufficient coverage for your personal property? Do you have a significant amount of valuables, or just a few valuable pieces of jewelry or art? Do you have a home full of cherished, beloved possessions? We can help you determine how to approach coverage for your personal property and ensure that you will be properly reimbursed if you have a loss. Call us today to understand more about the importance of having the right amount of personal property 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 @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

Hurricane Season is Here - Be sure you have a Plan

FEMA has a number of good resources to assist and recommends the following:
 + FAMILY COMMUNICATION PLAN - know how you will contact family members
 + FAMILY EMERGENCY NUMBERS - have a handy list of important phone numbers for evacuation sites, policy and fire, schools and doctors, so you know who to contact
 + CARING FOR ANIMALS - know how you will care for your pets
 + INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - have a plan to taking care of loved ones with special needs
 + PLAN FOR EVACUATION LOCATIONS - know where you will go if you need to evacuate
 + PLAN FOR FINANCIAL PROTECTION - be certain not to lose important documents
 + BASIC DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - have critical supplies on hand
 + NATURAL DISASTERS - stay informed on appropriate preparation and response for severe weather and wildfires

 AND BE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD INSURANCE COVERAGE!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com ,  SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, 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

Starting a New Business? Here are Some Insurance Tips!

Blood, sweat, and tears go into a new business startup.  You have enough to worry about with establishing your corporate structure, your accounting system, your location, your office layout, your stock, your inventory, and more --- but you also need to protect your investment -- and you need HELP!

This is where a good Trusted Choice Insurance Adviser comes in (www.southgroupgulfcoast.com).  Your Independent Insurance Agent will conduct a through Risk Assessment and will offer suggestions for mitigating or eliminating your risks.  If the risks cannot be eliminated, your Trusted Adviser will provide you with options to insure your exposure.

Forbes (www.forbes.com) provided a good outline of some coverages you will want to consider for protecting your assets and your investment.

1) General Liability Insurance - provides both defense and damages if you, your employees or your products or services cause or are alleged to have caused Bodily Injury or Property Damage to a third party
2) Property Insurance -  provides building, and business personal property, including office equipment, computers, inventory or tools protection from fire, vandalism, theft, smoke damage etc.  You may also want to consider business interruption/loss of earnings insurance coverage to protect your earnings if the business is unable to operate.
3) Business Owner's Policy - Often, BOP’s will include business interruption insurance, property insurance, vehicle coverage, liability insurance, and crime insurance- and you can tailor it to your specific needs.
4) Commercial Auto Insurance - protects a company’s vehicles and vehicles that carry employees, products or equipment.
5) Worker's Compensation -  provides wage replacement and medical benefits payments to employees who are injured on the job.
6) Professional Liability Insurance -  provides defense and damages for failure to or improperly rendering professional services, and is critical for any professionals such as lawyers, accountants, consultants, agents, and any profession providing services.
7) Directors and Officers Insurance - protects the directors and officers of a company against their actions that affect the profitability or operations of the company.
8) Data Breach Coverage -  provides protection in the event of data loss of sensitive or non-public information and all of the compliance requirements and legal action necessary following a breach.
9) Homeowner's Insurance - protect against damage to your home and against damage to items inside the home, and protects you for accidents for which you are deemed personally liable.
10) Renter's Insurance - protects against damage to the physical property, contents of the property, and personal injury within the rented dwelling.
11) Life Insurance - provides funds to your family or beneficiary in the event of your death.
12) Personal Automobile Insurance - protects against both physical damage and bodily injury resulting from a crash, and also any liability that might rise from the collision.
13) Personal Umbrella Insurance -  an extension to an already existing insurance policy and covers beyond the regular policies.

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

4 Steps That Can Keep Your Family Safe During a Disaster

The Gulf Coast is known for palm trees, white beaches, and sunshine. Throughout the year, however, our states also see their fair share of hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. So, how can families living on the wonderful Gulf Coast be prepared to get through these emergencies safely? By putting together a family emergency plan and disaster kit using the following steps.

Make Sure Your Home and Family Are Protected

On The Gulf Coast, that means knowing whether hurricane-related damage will be protected by your homeowner’s insurance policy and adding additional coverage if necessary.

Develop a Plan and Practice It with Your Family

If you have never experienced a flood, a hurricane, or any other natural disaster, you should know that they can be pretty stressful. Thinking about your family’s health and safety in the moment is never a good idea, as your judgment can be clouded by stress and anxiety, which is why it’s always smart to plan ahead for disasters. FEMA suggests that families review essential emergency and disaster information together and come up with a solid plan that will keep everyone calm and connected. You can even print a copy of your plan and have everyone carry it in their backpack or wallets. With kids, you may need to use some extra finesse to avoid fear and trauma. You can ease some of those fears by talking to your kids about what to do in the event of an emergency and using books to help your children better understand.

Know Your Family’s Evacuation Zones and Shelter Options

Often times, government officials will issue evacuation orders to keep citizens out of the path of strong storms and large wildfires. On the Gulf Coast, evacuation zones are assigned by proximity to the coast and risk of damage from surge waters, but any area may be evacuated if needed. Knowing your zone can help you better prepare for future hurricanes and allow you to escape to safety in the event of a hurricane warning in your area. You may even want to prep your home and leave early. If you will be weathering the storm in-town or if an emergency strikes with little warning, you may need to leave your home and find an emergency shelter. Be aware that many animal shelters do not allow pets, but this tool will help you locate ones that do.

Assemble Emergency Kits for Your Home and Family Members

Putting together a family emergency plan can keep you safe, but you will also want to put together some supplies. Your emergency kit should include essentials such as flashlights, fresh batteries, a first aid kit, and any medications your family members will need (prescriptions should be filled ahead of a storm so you won’t run out). You should also keep a supply of bottled water and non-perishable foods in your pantry at all times since getting to stores may be impossible during an emergency situation. Also, consider assembling some go-bags in case you need to get your family out and to safety quickly. Put smaller versions of the items listed above into a backpack for your family, as well as a few games to keep children calm.

Having an emergency plan in place can help keep your family collected and calm during an emergency. So, prepare your home and family well ahead of time, and talk about this plan together. Your lives and safety could depend on it.

It’s always smart to plan for the worst rather than being surprised by the unexpected. Unfortunately, many people fail to plan with a life insurance policy. A life insurance policy can set your loved ones up for less pain and stress should the unthinkable happen. In fact, the very definition of a life insurance policy is “a contract between you and a life insurance company that helps financially protect your loved ones if you pass away.” This important layer of protection is vital for any family’s disaster or emergency plan. In addition to protecting yourself and your loved ones, you will also want to make sure you have enough coverage for your home.

Special thanks to Burt Sims – burt@alertburt.com for his words of wisdom.

What Insurance Do You Need in Your 40's

Life is flying by... the kids are growing and getting on with their own lives, but life is fun.  You are traveling more, and you have more toys. Life is enjoyable and exhilarating! Take the time to review and be certain you have the right insurance for your protection. here are some things you need to know to make an informed decision, suggested by  www.businessinsider.com. 

Purchasing a Vacation Home?  You will need a policy to protect the structure of your vacation home, your liability exposure, and any personal belongings.  Your Trusted Choice agent will work with your realtor and your lender and will assist you in determining the appropriate Replacement Cost to protect your vacation home from natural disasters and other risks.  Ask about discounts and credits you can apply to your policy for bundling policies with the same carrier.

Got Toys?  Be sure you have your expensive toys insured.  Now is the time for motorcycle insurance and boat insurance.  Even golf carts and ATVs and jet skis need coverage.  Any large purchases of jewelry and furs and artwork should be added as a Scheduled Item on your home policy.

Looking to the future?  The younger you are when you purchase Long Term Care protection, the lower your rate will be.  This insurance covers people who are aging or disabled and need help with daily living whether in a nursing home or at their own home. 

Got to have an Umbrella!  You have much to lose, and if you now have young drives, your odds of a loss are significantly higher.  An umbrella will give you extended protection over your underlying policies.  Your Trusted Choice agent will offer you options to enhance your protection.
 
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.

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