Author: agentinsure

The Insurance Mart What Kind of Coverage Does Commercial Insurance Offer?

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As a business in Georgia, carrying commercial liability insurance is not required. Georgia companies- depending on the business size- are however, required to carry worker’s compensation insurance for their employees.

Although commercial insurance is not mandatory, any company that  is in operation would be wise to have a commercial insurance policy to protect them from unexpected liability, claims, income loss and property damage in the case of any unforeseen events. There is no current cap for compensatory damages from accidents, and punitive damages are capped at $250,000. If you don’t currently have commercial insurance, your business is at risk for serious payouts if you get hit with a lawsuit- legitimate or not- it can ultimately be detrimental to your company.

Commercial insurance policies will typically cover the following:

  • Property Damage– including property damage from fire, theft and natural disasters that cause damage to your business property, structure and physical assets including office furnishings, computers and more. Some property damage policies will also cover other costs- like lost income, temporary moves and debris removal, etc.
  • Personal Injury– Which includes slander, infringement, false arrest or any personal damages that damage your reputation or rights as a business.
  • Bodily Injury-  This will cover damage to a person- outside of an employee- that is injured at your place of business. Workers will be covered by worker’s compensation.
  • Legal and defense fees– This will include costs for lawsuits that may be filed against your business and will be limited to the amount of your coverage. The policy will not cover damages for negligence on your behalf, nor willful misconduct
  • Advertising Injury– Losses that are claimed due to your advertising

Commercial auto insurance may also be necessary if you use  a vehicle for your business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Protect Your Investment With RV Insurance

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Buying an RV when you live in Blue Ridge, GA is a major investment. The only way to protect that investment is to purchase RV insurance. This will allow you to enjoy greater peace of mind any time that it is on the road, parked in an RV park, or anywhere else you decide to take it.

Find the Right Coverage

Lots of coverage is out there. While there is a minimum because the state has liability coverage requirements, you will be able to find various forms of optional coverage. The optional coverage is more affordable than you might think and can protect you against the various things that could happen.

Whether you get into an accident, have your RV broken into, or get a cracked windshield because of gravel hitting it, you want to be able to file a claim. This will prevent you from having to spend a lot of money out of pocket. Work with an agent to ensure you have the coverage needed for all that could happen.

Work with a Reputable Company

It’s important to work with a reputable company as this will help you with protecting your investment as well. Look at the reputation of the companies you are considering working with, including what the average turnaround time is when dealing with claims. This will ensure you are in good hands at all times.

Compare Quotes

Protecting your investment shouldn’t bankrupt you. Not all insurance companies will charge the same for premiums and therefore you want to take the time to compare quotes. This will ensure you get an affordable premium while still protecting your RV.

Our independent insurance agent at the Insurance Mart can help you protect your investment. Contact us today to learn more about RV insurance.

 

Why You Need Renter’s Insurance

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Renter’s insurance keeps you from having to pay for any sort of damages that you might cause to your apartment or the building your apartment is in or to any other apartment in the building.  It can also keep you protected if you are deemed to be responsible for an injury to anyone in your apartment.  Without this coverage, you might end up losing your apartment and still be held liable for damages.

It is also what will cover you in case there is a fire or there is water damage to your apartment or if you happen to be robbed.

Renter’s insurance might not be something that is required by law, but it is just as important as any other type of insurance.  It will protect your personal belongings as well as assist you with temporary housing and even liability.  Once you have made the decision that you need this type of insurance, you will need to know your options so that you will be able to choose the policy that will be right for you.

Here are some things to consider.

How much coverage do you need?  While you don’t need to place a value on each item that you own, a value will be determined for all of your belongings collectively.

Deductible – this will be what you need to consider when it comes to what you would be able to pay out of pocket before the actual insurance will kick in.

If you are in the Blue Ridge, GA area and are considering protecting your belongings with renter’s insurance, call or come by The Insurance Mart today.  We have knowledgeable agents standing by to help you understand what types of coverages you need and to make sure that you get everything taken care of.

Packing for Business Trips

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After you finish corresponding with all the right people for your business trip, get your tasks plugged into your agenda, arrange for your stay and breathe a sigh of relief, you realize that you only have 20 minutes until you have to leave home and you haven’t packed anything yet. Having any kind of plan clears your mind and lowers your stress level. Setting a timer will help you focus. Read about using your daily routine as a last-minute packing plan.

Morning Shower

Put a toiletries bag on the counter and leave it open (it will be the last thing you put in your suitcase). Put all the toiletries you used that morning (not the ones you usually use at night) in the bag.

Getting Dressed

Pack 2 of each outer clothing item (2 pants, 2 shirts, etc.). Open each dresser drawer and grab what you need within 30 seconds. Don’t over think it. Write down what you need to take but isn’t in your bedroom.

Head to the kitchen for food

Grab a plastic bag and move through the kitchen from left to right stopping to pick up snacks and containers to put snacks from the refrigerator into. Stop at the refrigerator last to make a couple of sandwiches for the road.

Nighttime Routine

Head back to your bedroom and grab 2 pajamas, slippers, a robe, etc. then throw the toiletries you use at night into the still-opened toiletries bag. Pack a couple of magazines or books to read before bed and you’re done.

Don’t forget to come to The Insurance Mart, serving Blue Ridge, GA, to purchase a new policy or renew an existing one that complies with Georgia state insurance regulations -insurance laws vary from state to state-.

For Beginners: Rules to Know Before Getting On Your ATV

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All-terrain vehicles (ATV) can be exciting to own and cherish if you fully understand responsibilities associated with them. Here are a few rules you should be aware of before stepping onto your four-wheeled toy and attempting to drive.

Rule #1: Make sure paperwork is in order

You cannot simply buy an ATV, get on and drive without first going through the proper steps to ensure that it is registered and insured. While some states do not require a permit to operate the motor vehicle on heavily populated roads, some regions require drivers to obtain additional certification and authorization for full privileges. It is imperative to have all paperwork in order before getting on your ATV.

Rule #2: Invest in quality protective gear

Your status as a beginner can literally hurt if you are not wearing the right protective gear. A good motorcycle helmet coupled with gloves and goggles will guard against serious injury. Long pants, over-the-ankle boots and a long-sleeved jacket are also great safety measures.

Rule #3: Practice like crazy

Whoever said practice makes perfect was ever so right. Taking your ATV for a ride on level surfaces and open fields is the best way to perfect your driving skills. Taking the four-wheeler on more challenging tracks will come with time and experience.

Rule #4: Start from the bottom and then work your way up

Don’t pop a wheelie just yet. When starting out on your ATV, your focus should be on gaining and maintaining control. Only after you have become one with the vehicle to the extent of understanding its flow should you attempt to do tricks.

The Insurance Mart understands how important your ATV is, and that  is why we offer a number of policies that ensure protection in the instance of incidence. Stop in for a quote today!

Whole Life vs. Term Life Insurance

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The choice of what life insurance policy you should choose can easily become complex with too much information. At The Insurance Mart, we pride ourselves on our ability to educate our customers about life insurance, including the two most popular options whole life and term life insurance.

Understanding Whole Life Insurance

When it comes to understanding whole life insurance, it’s important to note that it doesn’t have a term. Ultimately, by submitting a truthful application and making your payments on time, as long as you qualify, you will have life insurance. Additionally, your life insurance policy can accrue cash value over time, allowing you to borrow against your policy if necessary.

Understanding Term Life Insurance

Although very similar to whole life insurance, term life insurance does have a term. You can choose between a variety of terms to ensure you are choosing a policy that works for you. Unlike whole life insurance, term life insurance doesn’t build cash value. However, many people find that term life insurance is a great option for individuals with mortgages because, in the event of their death, they will have the money to pay off their mortgage.

How to Choose Between the Two Types of Insurance

Ultimately, the choice to choose between whole life and term life is based on your financial goals. People who want permanent life insurance often choose whole life insurance over a term life insurance. However, people who are interested in a significant face value for a period of time consider term life insurance.

If you are in the market to purchase life insurance, you can start by visiting our site. Our website highlights the policies we offer. Additionally, by visiting our site, you can easily contact us regarding any questions you may have about whole life or term life insurance.

The Dangers of Road Rage

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Driving is a privilege. In order to maintain that privilege, you are expected to be a safe driver when you are driving. Unfortunately, we witness a lot of accidents called by road rage her at The Insurance Mart, so we want to take the time to help our customers understand the dangers of road rage.

Road Rage Reduces Your Control Over the Car

There are many types of road rage, including tailgating, driving through red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, and failing to yield. If you are practicing any of these driving strategies, then it’s likely that you have road rage.

When you are raging down the road, you have much less control than other drivers. As a result, you can’t react as quickly as other drivers, which increases your chances of causing an accident. You can slow down and come to complete stops to significantly reduces your chances of endangering your life.

Road Rage Increases Your Chances of Crashes

Beyond limiting your ability to react to hazards and other drivers, you have a higher chance of getting into a crash when you are raging down the street. At the minimum, your driving can potentially scare other drivers, who then make an unfavorable, and impulsive decision to react to your behavior. Worst case scenario, you could hit another vehicle or lose control of your car. All of these situation s are preventable by driving responsibly.

Head-On Collisions Are Likely Due to Road Rage

Finally, people who are speeding or weaving in and out of traffic increase their chances of having a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are the worst type of accident possible, with very few people surviving. On the bright side, you can lower or prevent these risks by driving responsibly on the highway.

 

 

Paying It Forward: How to Give Back to Your Community

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Throughout your life, there has been at least one person who has helped you when you needed help. Whether you received help years ago or just this week, it’s time for you to consider paying it forward within your community. At The Insurance Mart, we believe in paying it forward. When you pay it forward, you help someone else instead of someone who helped you. The following are ways you can pay it forward within your community.

Join Community Clean Up Days

There are many roads within your community that are polluted with debris. Whether you contributed to the debris or not, you can help clean it up. Most communities have community clean up days where anyone who wants to can clean up the roads within their community. Cleaning up your local community is a great way to improve the environment, which will help reduce the instance of water pollution for local families.

Help Your Local Meals on Wheels Program

Another program many communities have is Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels is often sponsored by a local government agency within your community, but you can help out. You can help the organization deliver hot meals to the less fortunate. You can stop by your local Department of Social Services to find out more about volunteering for the program.

Volunteer with the Red Cross

Your local Red Cross responds to communities that endured a natural disaster throughout the United States. As a result of this, they are always in need of volunteers. You can contact them to determine you can start the process of becoming a volunteer.

At The Insurance Mart, we want you to be safe while you are volunteering. We offer a variety of auto insurance coverage options on our website. Visit our website and compare our coverage to other insurance companies, and then call us for a quote.

 

 

Driving Abroad: What To Know

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There’s a lot you should think about when driving abroad. It’s not always easy to be in a foreign country. There may be different rules on the road, as well as things that you need to know prior to arriving.

If you are traveling overseas, you are going to be dealing with a rental car in most instances. There may be age requirements to deal with. You may also require an International Driving Permit as opposed to your driver’s license.

Some kind of insurance should be obtained for while you have a car abroad. This can be obtained from the rental car company as well as are various sources, including your credit card company. This can provide protection in the event you are in an accident.

Understand the type of car that you are going to be driving. The steering will may be on the other side, there may be a manual transmission, and the car may be different than what you typically drive. If you have any questions about the car, be sure to ask before you drive it off of the rental car lot.

Getting directions can be difficult, and you may not be able to get all of the directions on your smart phone. Invest in a GPS, and most rental car companies will even rent them. This will also ensure that you don’t encounter data roaming charges from your cell phone company.

Do your research to ensure you know the laws, the road signs, and more.

You can get help with finding the right coverage for you. Our auto insurance agents at The Insurance Mart can help you every step of the way. We work with some of the top insurance companies throughout the state of Georgia and our agents look forward to helping you. Call now to start learning more.

 

 

What Happens if There’s a Hit & Run? Do I Have Enough Coverage?

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It’s always important to know how you are covered on auto insurance as you drive throughout Blue Ridge and the rest of Georgia. Hit and runs can be extremely expensive if you don’t have sufficient coverage.

If you look at your auto insurance policy, you are likely not going to find coverage that reads “hit and run.” However, you may have coverage that is going to provide various aspects of a hit and run.

If you simply have the minimum coverage required by the state, you may not have enough coverage. This means that you would likely pay out-of-pocket for medical bills, car repairs, and more.

Remember that with a hit-and-run, the other person is not there. This means that it can be difficult to establish fault. Further, they are not there to give over their insurance card, and therefore you want to have uninsured motorist coverage to help cover some of the expenses.

Collision coverage should also be a part of your policy. Regardless of fault, it can cover the repairs to your vehicle. You may already have this coverage on your policy, though it is important to confirm.

Other coverage that you will want to include within your policy includes personal injury protection, commonly referred to as PIP. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, and even childcare for you and anyone who may have been in the car during the hit-and-run. This will ensure that everyone is covered, as long as you pay the deductible and there are sufficient limits in place.

Contact us at The Insurance Mart today where we can help you get coverage for hit and runs and more. We’re happy to answer questions and guide you through the process of getting an affordable auto insurance policy in Blue Ridge.