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Saturday, December 4, 2021

Home Sweet Home insurance - Protection for your biggest investment!

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

  1. Coverage for the structure of your home
  2. Coverage for your personal belongings
  3. Liability protection
  4. 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 https://www.iii.org/article/how-create-home-inventory
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 Eagle, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, and Michael Scardino 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.



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

Friday, September 3, 2021

Swimming Pools - and Safety and Liability Exposure and How to Protect Yourself!

 Swimming Pools - and Safety and Liability Exposure and How to Protect Yourself!

The Insurance Information Institute offers an educational video on Pool and Spa Safety https://www.iii.org/video/swimming-pool-safety.   The hot temperatures make everyone want to relax in a pool.

You may not realize it, but while pools are very inviting, they can also be dangerous, so there are several things you should do to ensure safe fun:
+ Keep the pool behind a fence
+ Empty portable pools when not in use or cover a larger pool
+ Always supervise children in a pool
+ Teach your children to swim and float, and basic water safety
+ Don't leave toys in the pool, because that attracts children
+ Limit alcohol use around pools and excessive heat

There are many pool safety videos and ideas at PoolSafety.gov and https://poolonomics.com/pool-safetyhttps://poolonomics.com/pool-safety/.

You are liable if someone drowns or is injured in your pool even if you did not give them permission to use the pool.  Make sure your Trusted Choice agent knows you have a pool so that the liability coverage may be added to your home policy.  Some insurance carriers exclude pool liability coverage, so your agent may have to assist you in obtaining separate coverage.  A good practice is to carry at least $300,000 liability and umbrella coverage, if you own a pool.

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, Joshua Coyne, Michael Scardino. 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. We have 2 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, Florida, Texas 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

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Hurricane Warning - Are You Ready for Your Insurance Claim?

There are actions that should be taken before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. While some of us are more experienced than we'd like to be, others may not be fully aware how to prepare for a hurricane. Some preparations may seem like common sense, but in the danger of the moment, we sometimes forget the simplest of things as we rush to safety. The first thing to do is make yourself a check list, so that when you are in a rush, you can be sure you haven't forgotten anything important! Below are some suggestions for your checklist:

  • Have a mapped out evacuation route

  • Determine your evacuation location and be sure it is pet friendly if bringing your furry family

  • Learn School Emergency Plans for your children

  • Pack/carry all of your important and irreplaceable documents (including insurance, medical documents, passports and photos)

  • Take a quick inventory of your possessions that you are not taking, photograph these if possible

  • Make sure all windows and doors are locked and protected as best as possible

  • Make sure all vehicles not taking the journey are safely stored to avoid flood damage or falling objects

  • Pack a disaster supplies kit including: Water, snacks, batteries, transistor radio, flashlight, first aid, towelettes, can opener, maps, medications, personal needs

  • Pack a multi-purpose tool

  • Carry a list of all of your emergency contacts

  • Carry extra cash, your credit cards are not always able to be used if power is out

  • Pack an extra set of keys to your home and vehicles

  • Pack insect repellant and sun block

  • Be sure to carry a camera with you, so that when you return you are able to photograph any damage

Some other important things to consider are how to prepare your surroundings. Remember to trim those tree branches which may be a threat to you or your neighbor's property in the event of heavy winds. If you own a boat, make sure it is secured. Any loose lawn furniture or decorations should be placed inside your home to avoid becoming projectiles. Help your neighbors do the same!
When evacuating, be sure to avoid flooded roads. Keep your radio tuned to local stations or carry an NOAA weather radio. Fortunately, in Hancock County we our own local radio station created for emergency situations in our area. As long as you are local, you may tune in to 103.5FM and when you are able you can also listen to this station streaming online. 

After the storm, you will need to assess the damage to your home and estimate the cost to repair.  It may be best to request an official estimate from a roofing or other contractor.  If the estimated repair cost exceeds your deductible, you may file a claim with your insurance agent or directly with your insurance company as outlined in your policy document.  Your Trusted Choice Agent is available to assit you through the process, but remember that the adjuster is the person who will answer your coverage questions and document your account for the company to send your settlement check.  Make your adjusters job as easy as possible by taking pictures and retaining all receipts.  You are obligated by your policy contract to take appropriate measures to protect damage from getting worse, so do what you need to do but take pictures prior to making any changes.  Do not destroy the evidence of your damage before your adjuster can review, because that will detrimentally impact your claim settlement. 

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 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@southgropugulfcoast.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

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Swimming Pool Liability and Swimming Pool Safety

It's July and Baby it's HOT HOT HOT -- time for a jump in the swimming pool!  The Insurance Information Institute just completed their Pool Safety Campaign and offer an educational video on Pool and Spa Safety https://www.iii.org/video/swimming-pool-safety.  Many areas of the nation are reaching 100 degrees or higher!  It's so hot that everyone wants to relax in a pool.


You may not realize it, but pools are very dangerous for young children, so there are several things you should do to ensure safe fun:
+ Keep the pool behind a fence
+ Empty portable pools when not in use or cover a larger pool
+ Always supervise children in a pool
+ Teach your children to swim and float, and basic water safety
+ Don't leave toys in the pool, because that attracts children
+ Limit alcohol use around pools and excessive heat

There are many pool safety videos and ideas at https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/pool-drowning-safety-tips-for-parents/ 

You are liable if someone drowns or is injured in your pool even if you did not give them permission to use the pool.  Make sure your Trusted Choice agent knows you have a pool so that the liability coverage may be added to your home policy.  Some insurance carriers exclude pool liability coverage, so your agent may have to assist you in obtaining separate coverage.  A good practice is to carry at least $300,000 liability and umbrella coverage, if you own a pool.

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 Web bat 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 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

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Peak Flood Season is Upon Us!! Don't Let Your Flood Insurance Lapse!

FEMA keeps changing the rules!  And remember, a forgotten payment could really be a disaster!

The Moral of the Story - DON'T LET YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY LAPSE!!

The Short Version - 
a) Flood gives you a 30 day grace period for payment, if you pay, your policy is in good shape.
b) If your payment is late between 30 and 90 days, you can get your policy reinstated (only one late pay allowed during the life of your policy!)
c) If payment received over 90 days past due, or you pay late for the second time, you lose your policy and have to start over --- the rates may be THOUSANDS higher :(

The Long Version -
A lapse is defined as:
1) Premium paid after the policy's 30 day grace period ends, but is paid within the 90 days of the policy's expiration (effective) date.
*this first offense forgiven, but not forgotten
 OR
2) Premium paid after 90 days past the policy's expiration (effective) date.

Payment made within the 30 day grace period do not constitute a lapse.  However, a payment made after the grace period expires will trigger the Lapse rule to become active, and the following outcomes applied:

Policy  A  Premium Due Date Premium paid within 30 days (the grace period)
                 No Lapse Policy keeps the same rating criteria and effective date
Policy  B  Premium Due Date Premium paid after 30- day grace period BUT within 90 days of the policy expiration date
                First Lapse occurs- No change in rating, but policy is flagged and lapse is reported to the 
                        NFIP
                 Policy will renew and the effective date will be  30 days from the date the renewal 
                        premium is received.
Policy  B  Premium Due Date Premium paid after 30 day grace period BUT within 90 days of the policy expiration date Second  Lapse occurs (anytime during the life of the policy)
                 Policy is re-rated    Policy will not renew.  A new policy will be issued and the effective date will be 30 days from the date the premium and, in some cases a new application may be required, is received (see below).

Policy  C  Premium Due Date Premium paid after 90 days or more from the policy expiration date Policy fully Lapsed -noted as expired or cancelled 
             New Application required

New Policy: a new application will be required and the standard waiting period rules apply.


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 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 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@southgropugulfcoast.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

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Is Umbrella Insurance a Good Idea?

Everyone is nice and understanding and even if they get hurt on your property, they would never sue you, right? WRONG! You accidently rear-end a school bus and send a bunch of kids to the hospital and none of their familes will 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 on your home and auto policies.

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 or more.  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 $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 and 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, 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 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

Thursday, April 1, 2021

 We all love to get a new car!  The smell, the feel, the shiny paint and clean glass!! Wow!!  But then comes the "hidden cost" - insurance, parts, maintenance, gas, more.

Your Trusted Choice Advisor can help you SAVE MONEY ON INSURANCE!  

Here are the TOP WAYS TO SAVE WHEN YOU BUY A CAR:
+ Compare the cost of insurance for the vehicles you are considering to buy
+ Consider a car that is not frequently stolen, check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
+ Choose a type that has lower maintenance and repair costs, like these:

  • Subaru Outback.
  • Jeep Wrangler.
  • Honda CR-V.
  • Subaru Forester.
  • Ford Escape.
  • Ford F-150.
  • Chevrolet Equinox.
  • Jeep Cherokee.
  • Toyota Tacoma.
  • Toyota RAV4.

  • + Check out a hybrid - many insurance carriers provide discounts for hybrids
    + Look at cars with lower repair costs, check with Consumer Reports
    + Buy a vehicle with automatic daytime running lights that make you easier to see on the road


    TOP WAYS TO SAVE WHEN YOU BUY AUTO INSURANCE:
    + Check with your local Trusted Choice agent for multiple quotes
    + Bundle home and auto with the same insurance company for added savings
    + Pay for the full policy term instead of monthly installments to save 
    + Save your insurance for big claims - take care of the little things yourself so you have less "dings" on your record from turning in a number of small dollar claims
    + Bump up comprehensive and collision deductibles
    + Review your coverage to be certain you have the correct vehicles and drivers listed


    TOP WAYS TO KEEP ON SAVING
    + Most insurance companies provide "good driver discounts" and "good student discounts"
    + Ask about "senior discounts" and credits for taking driver safety courses
    + Check into military and teacher discounts
    + Many companies are now offering "diminishing deductibles" 
    + Continue being a safe driver with a good driving record
    + If you drive less, let your agent know so you can receive credit for a low mileage vehicle
    + Improve your credit record
    + Use the driver monitoring devices; they are not as creepy as they seem, and you use them for about 30 days and then take them out and send them back --- and you can save a bunch on your insurance!!

    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 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@southgropugulfcoast.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

    Monday, March 1, 2021

    Every Life Event Impacts Your Insurance Polocies

    Did you know that every life event impacts your insurance policies?

    Getting Married or Divorced? This will impact home and renters insurance due to combining or separating households. Newlyweds should ensure expensive wedding gifts are included on their policies. With a camcorder or cell phone camera, you can video the contents of your home for future reference. Know what you have and that it is covered!
    Having a Baby? This will impact your life insurance needs. You want to be certain that your family is provided for in the event of your untimely death. Also, be certain to update beneficiaries to include the new baby.

    Renovating Your Home? After adding a new room or upgrading existing rooms, be sure to notify your Trusted Choice agent to ensure your coverage is adequate. Also verify that outside structures are covered by your policy and that your policy carries Replacement Cost coverage.

    Renting a New Home or Apartment? You need to insure your own belongings, because this is not covered under your landlord's policy. Very few renters have proper insurance coverage for fire, windstorm, flood, or liability. Check with your Trusted Choice agent for your options.

    Planning to Retire? If you stop working, your vehicle mileage will probably be reduced which will qualify you for a credit on your auto insurance coverage. There may also be discounts for drivers over age 55 or for taking Defensive Driving classes. Credits may also be available on your home insurance.

    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 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@southgropugulfcoast.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 time and money on insurance! #trustedchoice #southgroup #southgroup   @stateauto  @libertymutual @TRV_insurance @safecoinsurance @progressive #savemoney @atreutel

    Monday, February 1, 2021

    Be Sure You Have the Right Insurance for Your Stuff!

    You need homeowners or renters insurance to protect where you live from devastating financial loss should something bad happen to your home. Within your home, however, 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? 
    The sheer number of items within your home or apartment, and how much emotional value you place on many of them, may make it seem difficult to quantify how valuable your personal property is. Your insurance policy can provide personal property coverage for loss or damage to your personal belongings including clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, and most other items in your home. This coverage gives you the ability to receive financial reimbursement for those items that may seem irreplaceable. Most home insurance policies start coverage for personal property at approximately 30% to 70% of the amount of coverage you have on the structure of your home, but only you can determine if this is  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.  If you take your home or apartment and turn it upside down, anything that falls out is considered contents and needs to be counted for your coverage. a quick video of each room and closet is a good way to start a record.

    Insurance companies typically group like items into categories and assign maximum limits for those categories. For example, your 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 more than the maximum, the basic coverage provided in your policy is inadequate.

    If appropriate, you can increase the “special limits of liability” for the categories in which you have more valuable items, or you can use a scheduled personal property rider to increase the coverage limit for a certain item or items. This is also advantageous because these riders typically 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 insurance policy, and is typically not subject to the deductible that applies to all other losses.  Be sure your read your policy or ask your insurance agent how the coverage works.

    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. 

    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 Eagle, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Tracy Arnold, 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 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!

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

    Friday, January 1, 2021

    Happy New Year! What is YOUR New Year's Resolution? Better Get Life Insurance!

     You are not planning to have a heart attack tomorrow, or get a cancer diagnosis, or accidentally step out in front of a bus. For that reason, and especially if you are young and healthy and have no dependents, life insurance probably isn’t for you. Or is it?

    Let’s look at what life insurance is, what it covers, and why people buy it. Then you can decide if now is the time to contact an independent agent in the Trusted Choice network who specializes in life insurance. Because these agents work with multiple life insurance carriers, they can compare policies and options on your behalf and help you make the best choice. Contact a local agentwww.southgroupgulfcoast.com for help meeting your life insurance goals.

    Life Insurance Statistics

    • 40% of American adults have no life insurance
    • Over 50% of U.S. households lack adequate life insurance coverage
    • About 40% of people surveyed say they would have immediate financial trouble if the primary wage earner in their household died

    Why Buy Life Insurance?

    As with all insurance, life insurance plans are about preparing for the unexpected. We don’t plan to have a heart attack or meet an untimely end. We may fret about the unforeseen, but there are few ways to prepare for it. Life insurance provides a way to be prepared and get peace of mind.
    The main reason to buy life insurance is for financial protection for your family and dependents. If you are the sole income earner or the major provider in your family, then life insurance definitely makes sense. If you should die unexpectedly, your policy will help your loved ones pay your final expenses and potentially receive ongoing support. The amount they receive will depend upon the size of policy you buy.

    Do You Need Life Insurance When You Are Young?

    Most people don’t think about buying life insurance when they are young, healthy and single. However, if something should happen to you unexpectedly, a life insurance policy could pay for your student loans or other large outstanding debts, as well as your funeral expenses. These are never fun things to think about, but evaluating risks is a first step to preparedness.
    Another good reason to consider buying life insurance at a younger age is to lock in rates. The affordability of life insurance is based largely on your age and risk factors, and life insurance for adults becomes increasingly expensive. While you are young and healthy, you will pay lower premiums. With short term insurance you can choose a lock-in term, such as 15 or 20 years at a preferred rate.
    It is important to know that many term policies can be converted into permanent policies later on, without having to re-qualify. If you develop a severe or chronic condition at any point, your life insurance is already secured. Essentially you can insure your insurability.

    Life Insurance Over 30

    Most people begin seriously thinking about buying a life insurance policy at about the time they start a family. If you are like many people, the light bulb may come on at about the age of 30, when you realize that you are mortal, and that you have real financial responsibilities.
    An important consideration for anyone who wants to purchase life insurance is that it will never be cheaper than it is today. It’s not too late at the age of 30, 40 or 50 or even later to buy life insurance that will protect your dependents from financial hardship or provide for you in retirement. But your costs will go up the longer you wait. If you do buy life insurance now, you can lock in a life insurance premium at a more affordable rate than it will be a few years down the road.

    How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

    Choosing a life insurance plan requires a bit of math. You want to figure out how much your family needs for daily spending and major upcoming expenses in the event that you pass away too soon and cannot provide for them. Or, if you are young, single and healthy, you can look at the cost of paying off any debt you have accumulated, or the cost of care for an aging parent.
    For the following simple example, we will pretend there is no interest or tax. But in reality those factors will affect the amount of benefit your beneficiaries receive.
    Example:
    • You purchase a $500,000 life insurance policy.
    • Upon your passing, your family spends $10,000 for your final expenses, leaving $490,000 to be divided up over the payout period for your designated beneficiaries.
    • If the payout period is 20 years, the payments would be about $24,500 per year, or about $2,040 per month.
    Again, interest and tax are not figured into this simplified example. What makes life insurance so confusing is that there are several different types of coverage, including term life and whole life or permanent life insurance. Additionally, the details of the policy you choose will be unique to your personal situation.

    Life Insurance Terminology

    It can be difficult to make sense of life insurance terminology. Here is a brief overview of the most common terms:
    • Accidental death insurance: Also known as accidental death and dismemberment insurance, or AD&D, this coverage pays you or a beneficiary a benefit if you are in an accident that results in your being killed or dismembered.
    • Annuities: An annuity is a type of insurance that either pays income after your initial investment (immediate annuity) or accumulates income (deferred annuity). Either of these types of annuities can be fixed (guaranteed) or assigned a variable rate that pays out based on the policy’s associated investments. Life insurance companies typically offer annuities to help people  obtain a stable income during retirement.
    • Critical Illness Insurance: While not a life insurance policy, critical illness insurance is often available through life insurance companies. You might buy critical illness insurance (or CI) if you have a family history of heart disease or cancer in order to ensure that you have the financial resources to pay for your care if you are diagnosed with a severe illness.
    • No exam life insurance: This is life insurance coverage that some companies offer without requiring a medical exam first. Typically, this option will be more expensive because without submitting the results of a medical exam to the insurance company, you are an unknown and potentially greater risk.
    • Term life insurance: This is a life insurance policy that provides a death benefit only. Your annual premiums are locked in for a set term, such as 10 or 20 years. In the event that you pass away during this period, a death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries.
    • Permanent life insurance: This is a long-term policy, such as universal life insurance or whole life insurance, that includes an investment component and can cover retirement expenses in addition to providing a death benefit.
    • Universal life insurance: A permanent life insurance policy with a “liquid” account that accrues cash value, as well as interest, with each premium you pay. You can take out loans as needed for unexpected expenses or opportunities, such as a home purchase. You also can pay more than the scheduled premium, or take breaks from paying premiums.
    • Whole life insurance: Whole life is a permanent policy with an investment component that provides for your financial needs similarly to universal life insurance, but without the liquidity of the funds. This life insurance policy accrues a cash value and pays out at the end of the policy, if it is kept current.

    Finding the Right Life Insurance for You

    Life insurance causes more confusion for people than perhaps any other type of insurance, partly because there are several different types of life insurance products, and partly because the best life insurance is unique to each individual. Should you buy term life or permanent life insurance? Do you need a broker or can you get life insurance from an agency? Should you buy life insurance coverage online or is that too risky?
    While you can buy online life insurance, it may be difficult to know what you are getting and whether it will adequately meet your family’s needs. Buying life insurance is a very personal decision. You may want a policy that builds cash value over time, or you may simply want to purchase coverage that will provide a death benefit if you should pass away within a specific term.
    Depending upon the ages of your children and how long it is until they graduate from college, a 10-year, 20-year or 30-year life insurance term policy might be appropriate for you. Or, you may need life insurance to cover only your final expenses. These choices are individual, and for this reason it is smart to consult with a knowledgeable life insurance agent.

    How an Independent Agent Can Help Find the Best Life 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, 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