Fall Home Shopping Checklist: The Supplies You Need To Autumn-proof Your home

Fall is setting in, and that means getting your home ready for the change in the weather. Now, depending on your climate, you may or may not need every single thing on this shopping list, but you’re going to have a rough Autumn if you don’t prepare for it as early as possible:

  • Weather-stripping and caulk for sealing up any leaks and drafty spots
  • Firewood and newspaper for kindling if you use a stove or a fireplace
  • Propane, if you use gas-heating
  • Batteries, for smoke and CO monitors, as well as flashlights
  • A humidifier, if you live in a dry climate and don’t have one already
  • Furnace filters
  • Blankets, sweaters, and anything else you’re short on to keep you cozy in the cold
  • Space heaters, even if you have central heating, you’ll want one or two of these if you need to do any work in the attic, garage or storerooms
  • Rock salt, for clearing away ice if it gets a little frosty out before December
  • Canned food, for those days when you just don’t feel like braving the weather for groceries
  • Heating tape for your pipes
  • Bottled water, in case your pipes do freeze
  • Galoshes, raincoats, umbrellas, etc.

Again, you might not need everything on this list. Some of these supplies you no doubt have on hand already. All the same, while the Insurance Mart will help you to protect your home should the unforeseen take place, it’s your job to make sure you’re prepared for the foreseeable. Stocking up before the chill sets in will let you ride out the colder months in comfort.

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

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

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

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.

For Beginners: Rules to Know Before Getting On Your ATV

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

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.

Paying It Forward: How to Give Back to Your Community

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.