Save save save!! Don't overpay for Auto insurance!

A CPI study completed reflected an 11% increase in auto rates over the past year.  Nebraska (+20%) and Idaho (+15%) led the nation's increase, while Montana (-16%) and several southern states, Mississippi (-5%), Louisiana (-6%), and Georgia (-7%) actually benefitted from lower rates.

If you have had the same insurance company for more than 3 years, it is way past time to shop your coverage with a Trusted Choice agent and have them review your coverages.

An article on About.com Top Ways to Turn Your Current Car Insurance Into Cheap Insurance recommends the following ways to lower your insurance cost:
- Add theft devices and/or window sketching
- Combine all vehicles in the household on one policy to obtain multi-car discounts
- Look for carriers offering 12-month policy (instead of 6 months)
- Check your mileage carefully.  Many policies offer discounts for vehicles with low annual mileage.
- Increase deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage (if you have a loan, you will need to verify that your lienholder will allow the higher deductible)
- Take Defensive Driving classes for a policy credit
- Combine policies with the same provider (auto and home, or auto and rental).  The discounts can be significant.
- Watch your credit rating which could impact your rate.  If your credit is a problem, you may wish to seek a carrier who does not check credit, although there are very few.
- Purchase an "insurance friendly vehicle" (i.e. Avoid sports cars and luxury vehicles and vehicles with a high theft history.  Select vehicles that have low repair costs)

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 #savemoney #trustedchoice #southgroup

Top 10 Things You Should Tell Your Insurance Agent

Our lives have never been busier than in these modern times.  Sometimes it feels our work is never done.  Even after work, we find ourselves checking emails and making phone calls while still tending to our own household needs.  Sometimes, in the midst of change, it's easy to forget the little things like contacting your  Trusted Choice insurance agent about household changes.  You may not even realize how these changes can benefit your insurance policies with discounts and premium changes. 

Here are the 10 life changes your insurance agent should know about and why:

1. A member of your household moves out of your home
A household member who establishes permanent residence away from your home needs his or her own policy. The members of your household sometimes affect your liability insurance premiums based on their age, status, employment and more. If your child is temporarily residing at a school residence, your homeowner's policy normally insures your child's belongings, subject to the terms in your policy. However, if your children are residing permanently away from home, they will need their own policies.  Should a household member be deceased, you should update the named insured on your policies with proper documentation such as the death certificate and copies of revised legal documents showing ownership changes.

2. Someone unrelated to you moves into your home
Tell your insurance agent immediately if someone unrelated to you moves into your home. It is very important that you discuss the situation to determine how the insurance needs of the new resident will be met. If a new resident of your household is renting from you, he or she should purchase their own renters or tenant insurance policy. In other situations, such as residents of your household who are under age 21 and in your care, or in the care of your resident relatives, coverage may be provided assuming that underwriting requirements are met and that an application for insurance is signed. Be sure to review your policy with your agent to verify that your policy coverage is current.

3. You change your name and/or your marital status changes
If you change your name, you need to tell your insurance agent immediately so you are correctly and accurately listed as a covered person on your policy. Name differences are particularly an issue in the event of claim payments. Advise your insurance agent immediately to update named insured information on your policy and to include your spouse if recently married.  Your agent will also review your policy with this new information to make sure your policy information and coverage are up to date.

4. You have made electrical updates or other updates to your home
If you have an older home and have recently updated your electrical service, breakers etc... This could mean savings for you in insurance premium. This is also often true for plumbing, roofing and other updates that you may overlook. Mitigation updates such as additional wind or flood protection may also provide you with insurance premium savings.  Let your Trusted Choice agent know!

5. You purchase a boat or some other toy
Most homeowner policies provide limited coverage for small watercraft, such as a canoe or kayak, and related equipment such as trailers, accessories and some small outboard motors, but the best way to be certain your boat is insured properly is with a separate boat owner's policy, particularly for larger or more powerful boats. Toys like four wheelers and motorcycles and snow mobiles and recreational vehicles  and classic cars are big investments that need to be insured.  Check with your agent!

6. You rent your home to others
Advise your Trusted Choice agent immediately if you rent your home to others. A review of your insurance needs will be conducted to determine that the correct policy is provided to cover your home. Your renter will need their own renter’s or tenant occupancy insurance. Failure to advise your insurer of residency changes can result in voiding of insurance contracts. Short term rentals may require a commercial insurance policy for your protection.

7. You accumulate a lot of personal property
When you take into account furniture, clothes, personal electronics (TV, stereo, etc.) and appliances, you probably have more personal property than you realize! When you apply for coverage, take a complete inventory of your possessions to determine what you have and what it would cost to replace them. Whenever possible, include the approximate replacement cost of each item.  Use your smart phone to record a video inventory!

8. You work at home
If you have a home-based business, you may require additional insurance. You can change many homeowner, condo or renter's policy to include limited business or professional coverages.
Examples include:
•    Coverage for business or professional offices
•    Child care businesses in the home
•    Private schools or studios for music, dance, photography and other instructional purposes
•    Small service-oriented businesses, such as barber shops, beauty shops, tailors, dressmakers or shoe repair shops using handwork only
•    Property that provides merchandise storage

In some cases, a separate business insurance policy will be necessary. Your Trusted Choice Agent can advise you what you need for your protection.

9. You've renovated your home
If you've recently added square footage, decks, porches, workshops, swimming pools or any type of change that increases the value of your home, you should inform your insurer immediately. 

10. You are planning a major celebration
Many home policies provide liability coverage, but if you are planning a huge gathering such as a wedding or class reunion at your home, check with your Trusted Choice agent on liability options to provide you broader protection, particularly if you will be serving alcohol.

-------------------------------------------
Failure to update your insurance policy's home description can result in void of contract and/or unpaid claims, or other problems at the time of a claim.

Remember, these are just 10 reasons, but it is always best to check with your agent any time you make a change to your household just to be sure.  We also recommend that you regularly inventory your property to make sure you have enough coverage in the event of a total loss.  For a full insurance review, stop by one of our 3 convenient locations.  No appointment necessary, and we are always eager to assist.

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.

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 #savemoney #trustedchoice

Best Practices for Finding the Best Business Insurance

Can you afford to lose everything that you have worked so hard to build up in your business.  Very doubtful.  Accidents happen, and you need to be protected for your risk exposures.  So how do you start?

www.iii.org has some good advice for Small Businesses to make it easier to be protected.

1) Understand Your Risk Exposures - Work with your Trusted Choice Agent to understand the risks you may face in your industry for property, business equipment, liability, and your staff.  Once you understand your danger areas, you can make informed decisions on how to mitigate them and protect your growing business.

2) Discuss Strategies With Your Trusted Choice Agent and Get Several Options for Your Coverages - Your Trusted Insurance Advisor is one who is familiar with your specific business and can help you find the best coverage at the lowest cost.  Your Agent will also be able to make you aware of ways to make your business more attractive to the insurance industry which will provide you with even more options for your coverage.

3) Understand What Extra Services Come With Your Insurance Policies - Good Trusted Choice Agents work with you throughout the year to ensure that your coverages are protecting you as your business grows and will work with you on strategies for safeguarding your assets and your valuable employees.  Most insurance carriers will also provide inspection and risk assessment services that will keep you better protected.

4) Strive For Ways To Keep Lowering Your Cost - By working with your Trusted Choice Agent and avoiding excessive claims and continue to implement stronger risk management strategies, your business will benefit from more choices on your coverages and lower rates.  It's a win win!!

We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisors, SouthGroup-Gulf Coasthttp://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,  FaceBookwww.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 #savemoney  @progressive

Keep Your Best Staff With Employee Benefits!

Every business owner knows that having the right employees can make or break your business, so careful selection is important. Conversely, a potential employee needs to decide whether you’re a desirable employer to work for. One of the biggest factors that influence employee retention is good hiring practices and great benefits.  No matter the size or type of business you have, an attractive employee benefits package can help to provide security for your current and future employees that can help you to optimize your investment in your staffing.
Some of the employee benefits you can consider include retirement income, workers compensation, short term disability, long term disability, healthcare coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, identity theft protection and paid time off. If you are a public company, or a company that is considering going public, your offering may include employee stock options as well.  Working with a good Trusted Choice independent agent can help you put together the right employee benefits plan.

Four Major Types of Employee Benefits

• Medical insurance: These plans can cover hospital visits, doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions and possibly vision and dental. As the employer, you will cover the majority of the premium.
• Life insurance: If your employee dies, this benefit will provide financial payments to the employee's named beneciaries; these benefits can help that person's family to cover funeral costs and ongoing living expenses.
• Disability Insurance: You can choose to offer short term and/or long term disability insurance. In the event that your employee is injured or has a lengthy illness, this benefit provides payment during the period of time your employee cannot work.
• Retirement Benefits: The most common type is a 401(k) which allows employees to deduct a certain amount of each paycheck to put towards retirement savings. Some businesses choose to match that deduction amount.

Employee Benefits Required by Law

• Social Security taxes: If you hire an employee, you must deduct social security taxes from that employee’s wages, pay the taxes to the IRS, and report the wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA). In return, your employee may receive Social Security and Medicare benefits later in life.
• Unemployment insurance: For each employee, you must pay unemployment insurance taxes to your state government. Those fees are given to qualified unemployed individuals. Procedures and requirements vary by state.
• Workers compensation: This is a type of employee benefits insurance that works for both parties. By agreeing to pay for injuries and illness that an employee may suffer on the job, you limit your risk of an employee lawsuit. Workers compensation is required by most but not all states; in states where it is required, typically companies that have over three employees must provide this coverage.

Employee Benefits Not Taxable 
      * Tuition reimbursement: If your business participates in an education program and agrees to
          reimburse an employee for tuition, that payment is not taxable income.
      *  Employer lodging: If you provide housing for an employee for business purposes and certain
          requirements are met, the rent amount cannot be included on an employee’s taxes.

• Services and discounts: If you have a partnership with a telephone company and employees receive 20% off phone bills, for example, the money saved is not taxable.
• Random perks: The occasional office lunch shouldn’t go on and employee’s W-2.

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

Goodbye 2015 - Welcome 2016 With An Insurance Review!

It's hard to believe we are in the final days of 2015.  It has been an action packed year with so much happening in all of our lives and in the economy as well.  It has definitely been a roller coaster ride and some of us are eager to say "Farewell, 2015!"  But let's not be too hasty, because with all farewells we want to be prepared for the journey that lies ahead.  Are you ready? 
Let's review some of the important insurance items we've discussed with you throughout the year.  With so many changes in the industry and in the economy, it's good to brush up on the facts!

Did your home insurance rates increase in 2015? Weather related catastrophes had been steadily increasing and the expenses to repair a home has also been steadily increasing.    These increases have prompted many consumers to shop their insurance policies, which is always a wise decision, but many consumers are not insurance specialists and could be making a mistake unless you proceed cautiously.  

 Are you comparing apples to apples? SouthGroup Insurance Services is focused on not only saving you money but also recognizing your personal insurance protection needs to find what coverages are best suited for you as an individual.  Saving money is not the only important factor in protecting yourself or your loved ones, even though it may feel like it in this current economy.  A few things you want to consider when shopping your insurance coverages aside from savings are; What is the financial rating for the new company you are considering? Are the coverages you are considering adequate for your needs? Is your quote correctly rated or will you be facing a premium increase after you sign on the dotted line? Before you make an important decision regarding your future and your protection, we recommend you schedule a full insurance review at one of our 3 convenient coastal locations free of charge and without obligation.  Now is the time!

If you re-finance, it is your responsibility to make sure the mortgage clause is up-to-date on your insurance policy.  Your Trusted Choice Advisor insurance agent will follow through with any instructions provided by your new mortgage holder with your authorization, however if the re-finance fails for any reason, they are not obligated to contact your insurer or your agent, and this creates an issue with incorrect information on your insurance policy.  Many mortgage companies have been selling their accounts to other companies, and often the insurer is not informed in a timely manner which can cause gaps in insurance coverage due to non-payment.  Often, consumers don't even know their mortgage was sold.  We recommend you contact your mortgage holder within 2 months of your insurance policy renewal to verify if anything has changed.   To avoid periods without coverage, when you receive your copy of your insurance policy renewal billing, you should follow up with your mortgage company to verify they intend to pay in a timely manner.  
  How much do YOU have to lose? In today's litigious society, how do you know if you have enough insurance coverage to protect you and your assets in the event of a lawsuit? This is an important question to ask yourself any time of year and is the heart of the insurance industry's relationship with you!  A Personal Umbrella Insurance Policy may be the answer you're looking for when you have a lot to lose as it protects your assets and future income in addition to your primary insurance policies.  It is not the same as excess insurance and only goes into effect when your underlying policies are fully exhausted, which is very common in lawsuits today.  A typical umbrella policy premium averages $150/year.  Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage above the limits of your home, auto and boat insurance policies and sometimes may be used to provide coverage for claims which may be excluded from your primary insurance policies.  

Remember, a new year is always a fantastic time to review your finances and your insurance.  We are eager to assist you and look forward to working with you in 2016.  Give us a call at 228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177 to schedule an appointment, but remember walk in clients are always welcome also.  Thank you for a fantastic year! We appreciate you and your business!
  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

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