8 Important Things to Know About Your Car

You want the peace of mind in knowing you are protected in the event of an auto accident. In today litigious society, you need insurance to protect you from the financial burdens of possible law suits when you are at fault. While we all know accidents happen, we also know the consequences can be rather costly.



1) Collision insurance provides the peace of mind of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event it is damaged or totaled in an accident. Other valuable auto insurance coverages available are comprehensive insurance, medical payments, towing reimbursement, uninsured motorists and more.



What we wish we could provide, however, is the peace of mind in knowing you won’t experience an accident. Unfortunately, that is not possible. But you can use preventative measures that will increase your chances of avoiding an at-fault accident just by proper vehicle maintenance.



2) Did you know that an improperly inflated tire can cause loss of control while driving? An under or over inflated tire will wear irregularly and become stressed. An under inflated tired may loose up to half it’s air pressure and not appear to be flat. It is important to check your air pressure on a scheduled regimen. Find your regimen by checking your tires weekly until you see a difference and measure the time frame.

3) Pot holes, speed bumps and curbs are all culprits in damaging your vehicles alignment as well as damaging your tires. Should you ever find your vehicle pulling toward one direction, be sure to have both your tires and your alignment checked. Also have your tires checked for “eggs”. “Eggs” on a tire are bubbles formed usually caused by rubbing a curb or a manufacturing issue. “Eggs” will also cause your vehicle to pull in a certain direction. Problems like this that are not tended to in a timely manner put you at risk of an accident while driving this vehicle. Any time your vehicle has this problem, visit your auto service center for a check up.

4) Regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Advanced and unusual wear reduces the ability of the tread to grip the road which can quickly result in loss of control. When you find your scheduled regimen for checking your air pressure, also check your tires for uneven wear, unusually smooth areas and damage.

5) Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch in order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test is to place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

6) Always replace burned out or damaged exterior lights on your vehicle as quickly as possible and be sure to use lights and signals whenever necessary to keep other drivers aware of your next action and avoid accidents.

7) Proper vehicle maintenance can give you the peace of mind in knowing you can prevent an at-fault accident.

8) Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent will handle the rest. We help you through the maze of auto insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal coverage for you at affordable rates. Remember, when it comes to insurance one size does not fit all.



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, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, 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.



Thanks to Susan Monti for her WORDS OF WISDOM!!

Mortgage Companies and Insurance Companies Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

 

Mortgage Companies & Insurance Companies go together like peanut butter and jelly…you usually can’t have one without the other. They rely on each other, and when a good line of communication is formed between the two, it’s smooth sailing for their mutual customers, but if some things get lost in translation then the customer suffers. L

Here are some useful tips for the consumer who has a home mortgage.

1.Tis the Season for re-financing
Mortgage Companies want Insurance Companies to provide proof of insurance listing this new mortgage prior to the closing of the financing. It is a logical request in some ways, but what if the financing falls through for some reason or another? It is not the mortgage company’s (who didn’t get your business) responsibility to contact the insurance company, it then becomes the consumer’s responsibility.

BAD NEWS: If your mortgage clause is changed on your policy, and your refinance does not go through, and you do not notify your insurance company, then your insurance billing will be misdirected if your policy is paid via escrow, and this puts your policy in danger of lapsing for non-payment. L

GOOD NEWS: If your loan refinance does not go through, notify your Trusted Choice insurance agent so the policy can be corrected. J

2. Economic blues have many mortgage companies selling your mortgage to another entity.
BAD NEWS: If your insurance is escrow paid, and your insurance company is not aware your mortgage has been sold, invoices will be mailed to the wrong payer and could result in lapsed coverage. L

GOOD NEWS: It’s good practice these days to check the status of your mortgage regularly, including any changes in mailing address, and always report any changes to your Trusted Choice insurance agent to keep your policy accurate. J

3. A mortgage company is not comparable to an Insurance company, even if they do go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Mortgage Companies profit from interest earned while Insurance Companies profit from sales. Interest is accrued and sometimes paying your bills via escrow reduces the accrued interest, which cuts mortgage profits. This may cause some mortgage companies to pay for escrowed items later than the due dates.

BAD NEWS: Unfortunately, unlike some of these items, due dates for insurance policies do not have grace periods. If your mortgage company doesn’t pay your insurance on time, you may be without coverage. Some people feel secure under the impression the escrow account is taking care of things, but assuming this without checking with your insurance company can result in lapsed coverage also. L

GOOD NEWS: Check with your mortgage holder to be sure the premium has been paid, and check with your Trusted Choice insurance agent to be sure your coverage has been placed. J

4.Life is full of changeMaybe you have made changes as simple as your mailing address or phone number, but didn’t think to contact your mortgage holder or insurance provider. Changes can be stressful and things as simple as this are easily overlooked in times of stress.

BAD NEWS: Misdirected mail may keep you from getting important notices that could jeopardize your mortgage or your coverages. L

GOOD NEWS: If you’ve made changes to your contact information, be sure to inform both companies to avoid issues. J

5. It’s always best to be pro-active
BAD NEWS: Once a policy has lapsed, you are at risk in the event of a claim and you also have to repeat the application and approval process which can extend your time without coverage. L

GOOD NEWS: The best way to be pro-active with your insurance and mortgage companies is to check in with both prior to your insurance renewal date by at least 2 weeks. No two companies are alike, and some updates may take up to 2 weeks to process. J

How to be Pro-active:

Contact your insurance company to check payment and/or billing status:
Has the renewal been paid yet? If not, verify the amount due and due date and contact your mortgage company.


Contact your mortgage company and verify their mortgage clause and your loan number. Verify this information against your documents to be sure nothing has changed. If something has changed, contact your insurance company to update your account. Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist!

To help you through the maze of insurance 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, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, 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.

Thanks for Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!!!

ARE YOU COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES?

The economy is not well --- taxes are going up --- household expenses are higher --- you need a break!!  Sooooo you want to shop around for insurance to see if you can lower your rate.  This is a GREAT idea --- HOWEVER --- ARE YOU COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES?

SouthGroup Insurance Services is dedicated to building personal relationships with our clients. We strive to recognize your insurance protection needs based on our personal relationship with you. We understand that insurance is a competitive market and the economy has each of us facing unforeseen challenges.

But, did you know that saving money is not the most important factor in protecting yourself, your loved ones and your possessions? Are you comparing apples to oranges?

Before you make an important decision regarding your future and your protection, please call your local agent at 228-466-4498 to discuss what rates are the best for your personal interest. You could be surprised by what SouthGroup Insurance Services of the Gulf Coast has to offer you!

We work with a cornucopia of quality, top rated insurance providers. Some companies may offer a cheaper rate, but how are they rated? How well do they know you and your personal needs? Are you being offered ractual-cash-value coverage or the better coverage known as replacement cost coverage.  Is your policy being rated correctly?  Are your coverages adequate to protect you when you have a loss?  There is nothing worse than spending money, and not having it provide you the protection you thought you were getting.  Even if you save alot of money, and the coverage is not correct, the cost during a loss could be far worse.CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL INSURANCE REVIEW TO SEE IF WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY WHILE CONTINUING TO GIVE YOU THE PERSONALIZED PROTECTION YOU DESERVE.

To help you through the maze of insurance 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, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, 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.

Thanks for Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!!!

It’s Mardi Gras Parade Time!! Get the party started!!

A few Parade Safety tips from SafeTourist.org:

1)    Get a good spot early near the beginning of the parade, so you can leave early.  Most bad situations occur after the parade ends from the remaining rowdy revelers.

2)    Keep children protected behind barricades or at a safe distance from floats.

3)    Don’t bring big purses and watch your wallet!  Keel your valuables out of site in your locked vehicle.

4)    If you catch candy or edible items, check it out before consuming.

5)    Hopefully the weather will be beautiful, but be prepared for rain or shine – slather on the sunblock if it is sunny!

6)    Plan ahead for a meeting place in case you lose part of your group in the crowd.

7)    Avoid bringing pets – they will appreciate not being subjected to all the noise and excitement.

8)    Keep smiling and be nice!  Have fun!

To help you through the maze of insurance 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.

 

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.