HO HO HO - Safety Tips from your Trusted Choice Agent

Planning to travel this holiday season? Most people are! Your loved ones may be scattered about and during this special time of year most of us like to see them all.  Here’s some safety tips for your road trip:

-Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.  Check your tires and fluids and make sure all of your vehicle maintenance is up-to-date before you hit the road.
-Map your travel route in advance and be prepared for heavy traffic. 
-If you are carrying valuables or cash, store these items in the trunk and out of view
-Have your insurance ID Cards and roadside assistance contact information on hand in case of emergency
-Keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times also in case of an emergency

Traveling means you’ll be leaving your home unattended for some time.  Don’t let your home be open to the dangers of severe temperature drops, burglary or fire. 
-Protect outdoor pipes from below freezing temperatures by wrapping them heavily and turning off your water source before leaving
-Do not leave holiday lights or lit decorations on when absent for long periods, even if used on a timer
-Do not dispose of boxes for electronics in your front yard. This is like advertising that you just purchased a new TV.
-Be sure someone is collecting your mail. Overflowing mail broadcasts you're away.
-Do not store anything outdoors that can be easily accessed by a burglar to use as a tool to break into your home such as stacked firewood, ladders, tools, etc...
-Do not post about long term absences on social networking websites. It is always best to share the adventures of your vacation after you return home rather than while you're away.

Cooking a feast? Be sure to follow these important tips for safe food preparation!
-Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after handling food
-Wash all surfaces that raw food comes in contact with after prepping each food item
-Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly
-Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature
-Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
-Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave-never at room temperature. 
-Cook thawed food immediately

Most importantly, enjoy your loved ones during this special time and ensure all of your safety so that you can enjoy these memories for years to come.  SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to serving you in 2014.  Please be sure to share your good advice with us and our readers and follow our blog for more useful information throughout the year!
Your Trusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal and business coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on insurance --- and we save you time!  And remember, when it comes to insurance, one size does not fit all. 

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. 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@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! 

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

 

Ice Chest or Deer - Comprehensive or Collision?

We frequently get asked how comprehensive and collision coverage work on your auto insurance policy.  In a nutshell, your liability coverage protects the "other" guy in an at-fault accident, and your collision coverage kicks in to repair YOUR vehicle when you were at-fault.  You should always carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, because this is the coverage that protects YOU when you are involved in a not-at-fault incident, and the other guy or gal does not have any coverage or has inadequate coverage.  Your Comprehensive coverage pays for an "act of God" like flood or a tree falling on your car or theft.

So much for the easy explanation!

But life is always more complicated ---

What if an Ice Chest falls off of the truck in front of you and you hit the ice chest and trash your car?  Is this At-Fault or Not-At Fault?  Does your collision or comprehensive coverage prevail??????  Oddly enough, this is considered an At-Fault accident covered by your collision coverage. Same handling if you hit a pot hole or a tree or a ditch or a guard rail.


Got that one wrong?  Well, let's try again ...

What if you are driving along minding your own business, and a deer runs across the road in front of you and you hit the deer and trash your car? Is this At-Fault or Not-At Fault?  Does your collision or comprehensive coverage prevail??????  And the answer is .... the repairs are paid for by your Comprehensive coverage --- and you get free deer meat! (hopefully!)  Comprehensive coverage also is used for windshield damage or replacement, hail, wind, flood or fire damage, theft or vandalism, and even a tree falling on your car or truck.

AboutMoney.com has a very good explanation at http://carinsurance.about.com/od/CarInsuranceClaims/a/Help-I-Hit-An-Object-In-The-Road.htm

It may be a good time to review your auto policy with your Trusted Choice agent!!

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 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

Valuation Confusion - Replacement, Market, Actual Cash, Tax -- WHICH ONE TO USE??

Have you ever wondered how your insurance company determines how it will reimburse you for homeowners insurance claims? What if you had a total loss? Would you be able to rebuild? The answers to these questions depend on the type of home insurance policy you have and whether the value of your home is based on its replacement cost or its actual cash value.

Insurance companies provide coverage for your home and possessions based on either their actual cash value or their replacement cost. Actual cash value home insurance policies provide coverage for what your home is worth at the time of loss. Replacement cost policies will reimburse you for what it would cost to rebuild your home using all of the same materials at today’s prices.

It is important to remember that your home’s replacement cost is not the same as its market value, or how much you could sell it for. It is not the same as the value assigned by the Tax Collector.  A home’s replacement cost for insurance purposes is based on a number of variables that determine what it would cost to rebuild your home with similar materials at today’s costs. The variables that make up your home’s replacement cost will fluctuate over time, so the number is not set in stone. You will need to review your policy at least annually to make sure that your replacement cost figure is keeping up with the times.

How should you determine your home’s proper replacement cost? Your insurance company will likely ask you a series of questions about your home and your responses will be plugged into a model that determines its replacement cost. Your job is to have some idea of whether or not the figure is accurate so you can be assured that your home is properly protected or that you are not over-insured. Consider talking to some home builders in your area as well as visiting some home improvement stores to help figure out what it would cost to replace your home’s interior and exterior finishes (including labor) at today’s prices. Together we can make sure that your home is properly insured and its replacement cost is accurate.

Don’t forget to evaluate your personal property coverage as well. Personal property coverage in a homeowners insurance policy typically starts out at a percentage of your home’s dwelling coverage, but if you feel you need more coverage because of certain valuable items, don’t be afraid to increase your personal property coverage limit or add special riders or endorsements to protect your valuables. Preparing a home inventory is extremely helpful in determining if you have sufficient coverage for the contents of your home.

Once you have settled on a replacement cost figure, remember that it will need to be re-evaluated every year to account for changes in building materials and labor as they fluctuate over time. We will work closely with you to determine the replacement cost of your home and belongings, and we can help you with auto insurance, personal umbrella insurance and any other personal insurance needs that you may have.

Have you reviewed your homeowners insurance policy lately? Are you satisfied that your replacement cost figure is accurate? Do you need to upgrade your actual cash value policy to a replacement cost policy?

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 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

Umbrella Insurance -- You Need It For That Rainy Day!

Everyone is nice and understanding and even if they get hurt on your property they would never 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. 

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.  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 under $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 or 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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. 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@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! 

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

Do you know what your home insurance covers?

WOW! According to a survey conducted by MetLife, 31% of Americans don’t know how much their home insurance coverage is, according to an Insurance Literacy survey. Many don’t know the difference between replacement cost and market value. Most don’t know believe their policy will pay “full cost” to rebuild their home after a major loss, and they don’t understand how the deductible applies.


More than half stated that they would rather pay more than not be covered for a loss. The BEST VALUE to select coverage that meets your needs, instead of just seeking the lowest price. Your Trusted Choice agent can help you get value for the money you pay.

Did you know - you have options available to protect the data and programs on your mobile devices?
Did you know – your college kids living on campus may be covered under your current home policy?
Did you know – earth movement and earthquake is not typically covered under a home policy and may require an endorsement or a separate policy?
Did you know – water or sewer backup into your home is typically not covered without adding an endorsement?
Did you know – there are limitations on your home policy for jewelry and collectibles?

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. 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@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! 

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

Don't Be Scared! It's A SAFE Halloween!

Our pride and joy are our precious children dressed up like little goblins for Halloween.  It seems that there are more dangers lurking in the dark from which we need to protect our Trick or Treaters. 

Let's spread the word and keep our Kids safe!  A few tips from safekids.org:
+ Be careful on the streets - watch for cars when crossing the street - stay on the sidewalks
+ Travel with an adult for proper supervision of smaller children
+ Use costumes that are fun but safe - not overly bulky, non-flammable, non-tripping, and good visibility
+ Spread the word for all drivers be extra cautious for the little cuties out and about.

The CDC shared a clever reminder:
S hort, soft, and flexible costumes
A void walking alone
F asten reflective tape to costumes
E xamine all candy before allowing children to eat

H old a flashlight as you walk
A void irritation to skin by removing makeup
L ook both ways before crossing streets
L ower risk by wearing eye protection
O nly walk on sidewalks where available
W ear well-fitting costumes
E at only wrapped treats
E nter only homes you know
N ever walk near flames

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. 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@southgroupgulfcoast.com , phone: 228-466-4498 fax:888-415-8922,  FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast, or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! 

We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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

I Felt The Earth Move Under My Feet! Do You Have Earthquake Insurance?

Everywhere you live, you could have a catastrophe.  According to the US Geological Survey, over 20,000 earthquakes occur in the US every year impacting 42 states.  And earthquake coverage may not be covered under your home policy unless you add it back as an endorsement.  Yikes!

Earthquakes cause a breaking and shifting of rocks can trigger landslides, flash floods, avalanches, tsunamis, and fires.  They can occur at any time without warning.  In earthquake prone areas, earthquake insurance for your home or business property may be harder to obtain but is highly recommended. Your auto damage would only be covered under your auto insurance policy's comprehensive coverage.

According to a 2015 Insurance Information Institute survey, only 10% of American homeowners carry earthquake insurance.  This is at the same time that the U S Geological Survey is warning of more fatalities and damage expected from catastrophic earthquakes due to higher populations and development in earthquake prone areas.

So what do you need to do?  check your home and business policy and ask your Trusted Choice agent to what extent you are covered.  The coverage usually has quite a hefty deductible --- usually 10-15%, so be sure you understand what that means to you in the event of a loss.  If you have a $200,000 home with a 10% deductible, you will need to pay the first $20,000 on a loss.  Check with your Trusted Choice agent to better understand your options, your deductibles and your coverages.

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, e company who provides good claims support to hep you get back going after an incident.  It does you no good to spend very little for a policy that will not pay you or treat you well after a claim. 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 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, 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