Homeowners rates will be increasing – Here is why …

Yikes!  Everything is getting so much more expensive – gas, food, taxes, and even insurance!  The Insurance Information Institute shared a video to explain why you may find your homeowners’ coverage increasing:

1) More severe weather continues to pound areas throughout the US causing severe – snow storms, super storms, hurricanes, not to mention fires and earthquakes.

2) The cost to repair a home after a catastrophe is much higher – even more expensive than building a new home from scratch.

3) Interest income on investments is lower, which in the past was used to offset the insurance claims costs for insurance providers.

4) Reinsurance rates have risen due to global catastrophic events and have put pressure to increase rates here in the US.  And actuarial studies sophisticated claims modeling are being used to support even higher rates.

Add to all of that the complexities of your individual home’s location, age, and construction --- and the question becomes how can you control the rising cost of living???!!!

Your Trusted Choice agent is a good place to start.  Your local professional agent can assist your with  reviewing your coverages for adequacy and will offer you options on coverages, companies, and deductibles.  You get to choose.

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, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

Fog City!

It’s like a scene from a horror movie!  Dense fog, wet air, eerie sounds … but no!  It’s just a normal work day in a community near a large body of water when the air temperature and water temperature collide!

So how do you get to work or school safely in this treacherous environment? Check out the Wiki article  “How to Drive Safely in Fog” and the Weather Channel’s “Driving in Fog”:

1)      Pay attention to the local weather and attempt to avoid driving, if possible, during heavy fog.

2)      Keep extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you (allow 5 seconds instead of 2 seconds as you normally should)

3)      Use your wipers and defroster to keep your windshield clear.

4)      Keep your lights on!  Use your fog lights or low beams.

5)      Stay in your lane and reduce your speed! 

6)      Stay alert for animals that are harder to see that may enter your path.  Listen for traffic you may not be able to see.

7)      If you have no visibility, pull off to the side and wait a bit.  Put your hazard lights on only if you are parked.

8)      Be certain you have good auto insurance coverage.  Contact your Trusted Choice agent at SouthGroup Insurance!

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, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

Baby It’s C-C-C-Cold Outside! Protect your home and pipes!

The Insurance Information Institute reports that winter storm are the third highest costing natural disaster.  Thunderstorms and Hurricanes were second and first most costly.

Good prevention will protect your home and your pocketbook from costly repairs:

·         Keep gutters cleared – remove sticks and debris to keep ice from backing up water which will seep into your home.

·         Remove dead branches and trim trees to avoid frozen falling objects.

·         Check steps and handrails for needed repairs to avoid slips and falls.

·         Caulk and add weather stripping around pipes and holes in outside walls or your foundation to keep ice or snow from damaging your home.

·         Add insulation to attics or basements to keep pipes from freezing or allowing snow to build up on the roof.

·         Perform regular maintenance on your heating system to ensure you will not encounter problems staying warm

·         Clean your chimney and furnace to prevent possible fires.  Keep fire extinguishers handy.

·         Know how to shut off the water pipes in the event your pipes break to prevent subsequent water damage.

·         Check your insurance policy to be certain you are adequately protected.  Your Trusted Choice agent is available to assist you.

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

To ring in the New Year, please “BEWARE” …

Be sure your home is free from hazards if you are throwing a party.  This includes walkways, handrails, and non-skid flooring.

Eliminate fire hazards such as candles, cigarettes, and clean the fireplace.

Watch out for Flying objects – that includes champagne corks, fireworks, and other things that may bump you in the eye!  (Protect children and pets too!).  Might be a good idea to keep a first aid kit nearby.

Always carry your drink with you – if you set it down, someone may slip something into it.  

Require guests to lock their cars and keep valuables out of site to avoid theft.

Entertain and have fun, but be wise.  Do not allow minors to drink alcoholic beverages, because of the inherent liability.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Some helpful information:

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/new-years-home-safety-resolutions.aspx

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/5-tips-for-a-safe-holiday-party.aspx

http://www.homesecuritysource.com/blogs/new-years-day-car-thieves.aspx

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

Twelve Days of Christmas from a Risk Management Perspective

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Risk Manager said to me – be sure to do these things so you can have a SAFE Christmas (source of Information is Insurance Networking News – The 12 Risks of Christmas)!!

1)      Be careful on frozen or wet surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

2)      Protect outdoor pipes from below-freezing weather to prevent frozen and broken pipes.

3)      Clear huge snow deposits on the roof of your home or business to prevent roof collapse.

4)      Be sure your business insurance has adequate coverage to avoid a loss due to business interruption.

5)      Use complex passwords and strong anti-virus and firewalls on your computers to avoid data breaches.

6)      Implement strong internal controls to prevent employee theft and fraud.

7)      Practice safe partying to avoid employee harassment claims.

8)      Ensure that any events including alcoholic beverages are covered for liquor liability.

9)      Monitor the news for any toy recalls to prevent possible dangers to children.

10)   Drive very safely to protect yourself and loved ones from auto accidents.

11)   Lock up valuables, especially gifts in your car, to prevent car theft.

12)   Take care of YOU!  Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid exposure to germs as much as possible to prevent flu, heart attacks and other health issues.

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

Avoid Holiday Hazards

Ho ho ho.  Everyone is busy busy busy.  Buying gifts, planning celebrations, working out travel details.  Stop and take a breath!!  Reader's Digest shared a great Holiday Hazards Checklist

Ideas:
+ Use a fire resistant tree and place your tree away from flames and other hazards, and watch out for breakable glass ornaments.
+ Be sure your lights are in good shape and that you turn them off before going to bed at night.
+ Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.
+ Be sure that toys are appropriate for the child's age to avoid choking or other problems.
+ Provide supervision for outside play to avoid accidents.
+ Clean up quickly to avoid food spoilage.
+ Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.
+ Have a list of emergency numbers handy, just in case.

No one wants to have to deal with a medical emergency or an insurance claim during the holidays, so take it easy and be safe.  Merry Christmas!

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.

How to File A Business Insurance Claim

So many disasters!  Tornados, fires, earthquakes, superstorms and hurricanes ... What a mess!  You must get your business up and running again very quickly. 

What do you need to do for your business to be prepared and to quickly recover from a disaster?

A) Work with your Trusted Choice agent to ensure that you have adequate coverages.  You must protect your property and your staff and your livelihood.  You need to become familiar with available coverages to protect your from liability claims, loss of business income, and emerging risks such as cyber liablity.

B) Think through disaster scenarios to be certain you have a Plan of Action depending on the impact.  Consider outside resources, remote access, system backups, and protection or assistance for your staff.

C) When a disaster strikes, know how to survive the claims process!

The Insurance Information Institute has a great article on "Filing a Business Insurance Claim after a Disaster" which provides step by step advice to follow:

1 - Contact your agent or insurer as soon as feasible after the property damage occurs.
2 - Make temporary repairs, but don't throw anything away, because an adjuster will need to see it.  Also, secure your property and prevent further damage from ocurring. 
3 - Compile business financial records to document your loss.  You will need to provide the value for damaged equipment and lost income.
4 - Keep great records on all of your repair expenses for reimbursement.  Most policies allow you to incur reasonable costs and will reimburse you for those.
5- Take pictures of the damage and any damaged items.  Be sure that you confer with your adjuster before disposing of anything, so you do not jeopardize your ability to recover on the loss.
6 - Keep your records organized and stay in contact with your adjuster at least weekly until the claim is fairly settled.  If you have problems with anything along the way in your settlement, your Trusted Choice agent will advocate for you.

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, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Matthew Langlinais, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman 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:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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.