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Thursday, April 4, 2024

Protect Your Business with Risk Management and the Right Insurance

A successful business requires a leader with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Operating your business each day demands attention to your competition, the economy, legal exposure, compliance requirements, weather catastrophes, personnel issues and more. Your business is unique, and you must review each area of exposure so you understand how to manage your worst case scenario. 

As an example, a retail shop needs a strategy in place to protect property from crime and weather events and needs to reduce liability exposure for injuries on the premises or while traveling.  But a contractor must also be concerned with equipment breakdown, OSHA requirements, personnel safety, and quality of work.  Restaurants need to worry about food preparation and client experience.  Most industries now must address the impacts of cyber liability.  Many exposures can be reduced or mitigated by planning ahead and by providing an insurance backstop for the largest exposures of property loss or lawsuits for injuries or other legal actions.

  • General liability insurance covers third-party claims for injuries to other people. This coverage does not insure “your work”.
  • Commercial property insurance covers loss or damage to your business property due to fires, storms, or other causes.
  • Commercial vehicle insurance covers commercial vehicles and drivers for collision, liability, property damage, personal injury, and comprehensive coverage.
  • Workers' compensation covers your employees if they get ill or injured while working on the job.
  • Professional liability and malpractice insurance protects against loss due to negligence, wrongful acts, “your work” or advice that leads to another person’s loss or injury.

By implementing strong risk management strategies, your business will be more attractive to the insurance industry.  This leads to more options for your coverages and lower rates.  Most insurance carriers provide inspection and risk assessment services that will keep you better protected. Some insurance increases may be inevitable due to the global nature of pricing, but by keeping your business the best it can be, you will always benefit from the best available pricing on your insurance. 

As you grow your business, your risk exposure changes.  You may have increased assets, inventory, operations or staff.  Be sure you adjust your Risk Management Plan and your insurance coverages accordingly to ensure you are properly protected.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.


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 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 Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, 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 more 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, 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

Monday, March 4, 2024

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CAN HELP YOU SAVE ON YOUR INSURANCE!

 Having your property well maintained will help you save money on your insurance.  Many new companies are now in our coastal area and offer better pricing, but the companies are very strict on the homes they will insure. Many insurance companies will send an insurance inspector or require a self-inspection where you send in pictures of specific areas of your home to document the condition and any problems areas.  This helps in the event of a claim because the current condition is documented, and the company may more easily determine the extent of the damage, since they will have a before and after audit file.  This also assists with risk management to possibly avoid insurance claims.

Insurance companies desire property which is free from liability hazards.  A liability hazard is “an accident waiting to happen”.  You will find insurance companies asking more questions about your pets and any history of biting. A swimming pool without proper fencing or not in proper working order could allow for injuries.  Likewise, if you allow excessive debris to pile up, this could attract rodents or become a fire hazard.  Lawsuits abound from accidents occurring from a trampoline, so many companies do not allow them at all.   Your property should not have any existing damage or condition issues on the exterior or interior, decks and porches.  Any dry rot or plumbing leaks lead to more damage. Mold or algae on siding is unsightly and should be pressure-washed off.  Clogged gutters cause extensive home damage, so get those cleared annually.

In our area with the high probability of severe winds, many companies require tree limbs within 3 feet of the home or large trees close to the home be cut back for the protection of the structure.  Excessive foliage growth and overgrown shrubs around the home should be periodically trimmed back so the insurance companies can visibly see that you care about your property and its condition and appearance..  Most companies require the crawl space under a home to be enclosed with lattice or some other material to prevent debris from accumulating under the home which could become a fire exposure.  So many people fall off of stairs leading to lawsuits, that if you have more than 3 stairs leading to your property entry, the insurance company will require a handrail be installed to reduce the risk.

Many insurance discounts are available if you have installed wind or flood mitigation on your property.  Be sure you provide pictures of a new roof, impact glass, or working shutters to your insurance agent for any available discounts.  Tankless water heaters result in fewer water overflows, and your insurance company may offer a discount. Contact your insurance agent to discuss other ways to protect your property.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.

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 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 Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, 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 more 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, 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

Monday, February 5, 2024

 Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. I often hear people say that it could never flood where they are, and I have learned to never say never.  Areas that never flooded before have been flooding due to nearby developments or natural/man-made changes in the geographic area. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of exposures.

Flood damage is typically not covered by your business property insurance, homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs offered by FEMA and many private companies to assist with repairs and replacing your structure or contents due to damage caused by rising water.  Depending on your proximity to a water source such as a river or tidal waters, your rate could be high unless you mitigate the possibility of damage. 

When you allow water to pass through the foundation or ground floor by the use of venting, you reduce the possibility of structural damage by relieving hydrostatic water pressure.  Elevated structures and elevated home equipment, such as air conditioners and generators, are more protected from rising water. Land grading, storm drains, and cleared gutters help to divert water from around your structure.

Flooding will cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath. Floodwater is often contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, not to mention displaced animals, so avoid contact as much as possible.  Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.  Boil-orders may be issued.

If you don’t have flood insurance, contact a local insurance agent to obtain it, as there are waiting periods before coverage becomes effective. Be sure to plan ahead, and never let your insurance coverage lapse.  There are penalties for losing your coverage, and your rate could increase by thousands per year to replace the coverage. Yesterday, I assisted someone who had lost their coverage and they had been paying $900, and now the rate is over $3000 for the same coverage level.  The flood insurance premium is based on your specific property including the distance from a body of water, the type and frequency of historical flooding in your area, the elevation of the lowest floor of your structure, and the estimated replacement cost of your building.  Each building needs to be insured separately in most cases.

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

 

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.

 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 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 Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, 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 more 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, 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

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Top 5 Things To Know About Your Business Insurance

 Having the right insurance in place is a key to your company's success. It helps protect your profits by protecting you from sudden, catastrophic expenses, like after a natural disaster or a major lawsuit.

#5 What is a Business Owner’s Policy?

A business owner’s policy or “BOP” is insurance coverage designed specifically for small or medium-sized businesses. A BOP combines several types of insurance coverage in a packaged format, and can be customized to suit a particular business.

#4 Does Insurance Cover Lawsuits Brought Against Your Business?

Business insurance will cover legal expense from lawsuit up to your liability insurance policy limit.  To be sure that enough liability coverage is in place for extreme circumstances lover $1 million in damages, many businesses buy a commercial umbrella liability policy. Certain liability exclusions also apply, such as if an injury or damage was expected, or was caused intentionally. Most policies also have something called a “workmanship” exclusion, and some exclude coverage of punitive damages, so you may need Errors & Omission Coverage for “your work”.

#3 What Types of Business Insurance Do I Need For My Business?

Each Business is different and depending on your operations, you may be legally obligated to carry certain coverages.  In addition, the following types of business insurance should be considered essential:

General liability: Coverage against accidents, injuries and negligence

Product liability: Coverage against product defects

Professional liability: Covers professionals against malpractice, negligence or errors

Commercial property: Covers damage to your business property, such as fire or a severe storm

Business interruption: Protects your business if you are no longer able to conduct your operations because of a loss

Home-based business: Covers general and/or professional liability.

#2 Is Business Insurance Tax Deductible?

Business insurance is tax deductible, as long as the coverage is for the purpose of operating a business, profession, or a trade.

#1 How Does Business Insurance Work?

Business insurance is a contract between an insurance company and a business. The insurance company agrees to share the risk with the business entity in exchange for premium payments. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company pays for the financial losses the business incurs up to the limit of the policy after the deductible amount is paid by the business filing a claim.

 At the time of a loss, the business will file a claim, and an adjuster will assess the damage and process the claim settlement based on the terms of the policy contract.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent.  Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.

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 Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel,  Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, 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 more 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, 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