Mitigation Could Cure Your Woes from Insurance Rate Increases

Even though the Mississippi Gulf Coast was spared this year from hurricanes, the U.S. is experiencing its costliest year ever for severe storms, with insured losses exceeding $50 billion through the end of September, according to the Insurance Information Institute.  Inflation and higher construction costs continue to plague the insurance industry, and this impacts your insurance rate.

 

An effective way to reduce your property insurance costs is through enhanced mitigation.  Insurance companies apply discounts for clients who maintain and protect their structures to avoid severe losses.  Be sure your insurance agent is aware of improvements made to your property, so you will receive maximum credits.

 

Fire prevention: Installing a centrally monitored alarm system can help detect and suppress fires early and reduces potential damage to the structure.

Theft protection: Enhancing security protection through installing alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and strong locks can inhibit burglars and protect the property. Lighting up your exterior can also make the property less attractive to potential intruders.

 

Storm-resistant features: Installing impact-resistant glass or storm shutters, reinforcing windows and doors openings can help protect against wind damage, and discounts are typically available on an insurance policy.  A fortified roof and proper gutter drainage systems can minimize the risk of water damage during heavy rains.  Many companies will not insure a roof over 15 years old due to the high rate of failure.  Take advantage of retrofit grants and new methods for fortifying your shingles with glue techniques and replacing missing shingles or replacing the entire roof when there is granular deterioration or curling edges on shingles.  On a metal roof, monitor for leaks and rust and loosening to determine if screws need to be replaced or tightened.

 

Flood mitigation: Anywhere it rains, it could flood.  Elevating electrical systems, appliances, and valuables can minimize damage from rising water.

 

Proper maintenance: Regularly inspecting and maintaining the building's structure and systems can help prevent potential damage and reduce your liability exposure from someone being injured on your premises.  Remove any excess debris that may attract pests or become a fire hazard.  Repair busted driveways and sidewalks that can cause tripping.  Remove unhealthy trees and trim back tree limbs overhanging or touching the structure which can cause damage.    Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.

 

Take precautions to avoid having to make a claim.  Frequent small insurance claims will make your insurance rate much higher.  Keep small claims from happening and use your insurance protection for a major loss.

 

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.
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