Blue Ridge GA

Homeowner’s Insurance: Valuing the Invaluable

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The purchase of a house is generally the largest investment of anyone’s life. And the home in which your family lives must be protected. Avoiding risk and selecting an appropriate amount of insurance coverage best accomplishes this. For homes in and around the Blue Ridge, GA area, the insurance professionals at The Insurance Mart are ready to help homeowner’s with their insurance needs, including guidance regarding the three valuation methods that can be used to safely estimate the value of the items to be covered by their homeowner’s policy.

Replacement Cost

Replacement Cost is the actual cost to buy the necessary materials and fund the labor costs to restore the property to its undamaged status.  It is noted that homeowner’s insurance policies are written with a maximum provision that limits the policy’s payout, to protect the insurer from dramatic market fluctuations.

Actual Cash Value

Actual Cash Value can be simply calculated by subtracting the depreciated value from the item’s replacement cost. An Actual Cash Value policy will have a lower payout than the Replacement Cost, however, they are not written with maximum payout provisions. 

Market Value

The Market Value of a home is the indicated value of a home on the open market if a similar match could even be found. It might appear that the Market Value approach is the fairest method however, the American Insurance Association cautions homeowners to opt out of this method.  Market Value includes the cost of land, which would have no need to be rebuilt. 

 

The Take-Away

Before deciding upon which valuation method to use for your home’s insurance coverage in and around Blue Ridge, GA, reach out to a licensed agent at The Insurance Mart to allow them to assist in the entire insurance process. 

What Type of Coverage Is Best for A Show Car?

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Residents who own show cars in the Blue Ridge, GA area need to make sure they have sufficient insurance coverage. The agents of The Insurance Mart can determine what type of coverage you need to protect your investment. Classic or "show" cars are the vintage antiques of the auto industry. From stylish sedans like the ’57 Chevy Bel Air to the strong and powerful muscle cars, these vehicles represent a small glimpse of automotive history.

The Value of the Car

Cars that have been restored will vary when it comes to their value. A classic car that was rebuilt using aftermarket parts will hold less value than one that was restored using all OEM parts. A car with parts made from the original molds used by the manufacturer will be worth much more and should be insured at the highest value possible. This protects you from losing your investment if the vehicle is ever damaged or stolen.

Driven or Stored

In most areas, you will need the same level of insurance no matter if it’s driven or stored and trailered to events. To be fully covered, the insurance policy will be based on the value of the vehicle, but will also provide minimum liability protection against bodily injury and property damage. This also allows you the opportunity to drive it on public roadways, even if it’s only to be used in parades or as an escort.

At The Insurance Mart, the agents are able to help you find the approximate value of your classic car and help you to get the insurance you need to protect it. If you live in the Blue Ridge, GA area and have a muscle or classic car that you want to insure, call the office today and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

What Are The Requirements Need For A Car To Be Considered A Classic?

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Classic cars can be found at car shows, but they are also becoming more common the roads as well. Owners often spend thousands of dollars restoring these older jewels in the crown of the auto industry. It’s important to know what makes these cars so special. A classic car isn’t just an old vehicle that someone decided to fix up.

What Makes It A Classic?

Classic cars belong to different categories, just like newer models. Residents of Blue Ridge, GA can ask the agents at The Insurance Mart if they questions about whether or not their car is considered to be a classic. One of the most popular categories is the muscle car group. The Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Charger are just a few of the cars that made it into this category. Known for their speed and overall power, these three vehicles were the powerhouses of the auto industry in the late 60s and early 70s.

How Is A Classic Car Insured?

Classic cars are insured in much the same way as any other automobile. The amount of insurance you purchase is based on the value of the vehicle and what it would cost to repair it if it was damaged in any way.

At The Insurance Mart, residents in and around the Blue Ridge, GA area can schedule an appointment to determine whether or not their car meets the guidelines to be considered a classic. They can also help you find the right type of policy that will cover your car if you choose to put it in car shows or drive it on a daily basis. Call the office today and schedule an appointment to get the answers you need!

Why You Need Secondary Homeowners’ Insurance Year Round

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Everyone knows that having homeowners’ insurance is a must year round, but did you know that you should have your insurance to extend liability coverage to your vacation or rental property? It is important to protect yourself because the likelihood of a covered event is increased with secondary homes.

Extended Coverage

When you purchase or rent a second home or vacation home, you should also have your primary home insurance to extend liability insurance to cover that residence year round. There could be a covered event when you are away, so you should ensure you are protected if that incident occurs. Determine the cost of the property and any contents and select the next dollar value offered to adequately cover the replacement cost of the property. Some people may feel that you should only have insurance for a portion of the year when the home is in use, but that is not the case and should be avoided.

Adding A Second Home

If you purchase or rent a second home, make sure you talk to your insurance agent and let them help you work out the specifics of your policy. If you wish to purchases additional umbrellas coverage you may want to consider doing so. Ask about addition Personal Umbrella Protection or PUP, that can go up to $1 million in coverage. For more information about second home insurance, call or stop by Blue Ridge, GA, The Insurance Mart and let our agents help you decide what type of protection is right for your second home.

Don’t leave your second residence vulnerable. Get the coverage you need year round with additional second home insurance from Blue Ridge, GA, The Insurance Mart and have peace of mind knowing you can enjoy your second home when you are ready to get away.

 

 

Classic Cars: A Hobby and An Investment

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The Insurance Mart of Blue Ridge, GA understands how much love and care can go into classic car ownership, in addition to the expense of buying and maintaining the vehicle. We are here to help you procure the comprehensive care that your classic car requires and help you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your hobby and investment is fully covered. If you are considering the purchase of a classic car, give us a call to ensure that your new investment has the comprehensive coverage such a vehicle deserves.

Protect Your Classic Car Investment

If you have or are considering buying a car that is 12 to 24 years old and is of a limited production or a rare make and model, you will want to protect your investment with classic car insurance. These policies are tailor-made for the unique requirements of such an investment, and our trained agents are here to ensure that your car receives the right coverage. 

There are certain regulations that come with classic car policies, such as the stipulation that the car receives a limited use, it must be restored or in excellent condition, and this condition must be actively maintained. Some policies will require that the vehicle is stored in a secure garage or other location, while others do not carry this requirement. Whether it is required or not, safely storing your classic car is always a smart idea.

The Insurance Mart is proud to serve the unique insurance needs of the greater Blue Ridge, GA area and would welcome the opportunity to fulfill your comprehensive insurance needs. Please give us a call today at (706) 492-3234 to schedule an appointment to discuss your classic car insurance needs. We look forward to working with you!

When You Are on The Road…How Does RV Insurance Protect?

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Just as you are required to carry liability insurance on your car, you are also required to carry coverage on your RV. While the two policies may have some similarities, due to the nature of the vehicle, an RV must have a specialized policy. The team at The Insurance Mart has worked with RV owners in the Blue Ridge, GA area for many years. Like you, they enjoy the area lakes and recreation areas so the understand your needs.

As the RV combines elements of both a vehicle and a living space, insurance policies have to recognize both of these elements. Other factors that will determine appropriate insurance coverage include the size, weight and special features the RV has. RVs are rated as Class A, B or C. Class A motor homes are large RVs with full size features designed for long term use. Class B RVs are smaller vehicles and have far fewer amenities. These “camper vans” are most often for short term use.  Class C motorhomes are a mid-size RV. While they are smaller than a Class A, many people see Class C RVs as a more economical choice for their family. Another factor that determines coverage levels is the amount of use the RV will get.

RV insurance policies protect with liability, personal injury and collision coverage. They can also provide coverage for full replacement should your RV be stolen or totaled in a collision. There are also policies that will cover your personal effects. Additional coverage can protect elements that are attached such as awnings or satellite dishes. 

The team at The Insurance Mart can help you with your RV insurance needs in the Blue Ridge, GA area. Call today and get the protection you need!

What Are the Standard Coverage Options for Boat Insurance?

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Each time you cast off in your boat, you want to have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be covered if an accident or unexpected event occurs. To get this piece of mind, you’ll need an insurance policy that will protect your boat and finances no matter what.

Depending on your boat, location, and policy choice, there may be additional coverage options available to you, but for the most part, when it comes to boat insurance, you’ll be working with a policy that provides standard coverage options. This includes physical property damage coverage and liability coverage. 

Physical Property Damage Coverage

Physical property damage coverage will protect your boat from losses that may be caused by fire, collision, theft, sinking, storms, or other catastrophic events. Generally speaking, your hull, anchors, motors, batteries, fuel tanks, safety equipment, and other permanent boat components will be covered under this type of insurance. Again, depending on the policy that you choose, you may be able to get things like your trailer and other boat-related components covered as well.

Liability Coverage

This type of insurance protects you and your finances from liability claims. If your boat were to cause physical property damage to another boat or structure or if it were to cause personal injuries to someone else, a good liability plan will protect you from possible lawsuits and the subsequent costs.

The Insurance Mart Can Help

Are you a Blue Ridge, GA resident who is looking for boat insurance? The Insurance Mart serves residents of Blue Ridge, GA and would be happy to work with you to find a boat insurance plan that meets your unique needs. To learn more about the boat insurance policies that we offer and to speak with an agent today, give us a call or visit our nearest office. 

3 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Condo Insurance

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Once you’ve made the decision to buy a condo, the next step is to look into condo insurance to protect your investment. By discussing condo insurance options with an agent from The Insurance Mart in advance, you can avoid costly mistakes in insuring your new abode. Here are a few common mistakes people make when purchasing insurance for their new condo.

Getting Insufficient Coverage

Be leery of cheap insurance policies that don’t provide the coverage you need to protect your new home. A “bare walls-in” policy, for example, may cover some aspects of the interior of your Blue Ridge, GA condo, but exclude such essentials as kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and other architectural details vital to your home. In contrast, “all-in” coverage protects all aspects of your condo.

Selecting Cash Value over Replacement Cost

When insuring personal effects, you may be offered the option of cash value or replacement cost coverage. Cash value coverage may cost less, but has less to offer when making a claim as you only receive the original price you paid for an item, which may not be enough to have it replaced. With replacement cost coverage, your insurance covers the cost of replacing personal property that has been stolen, damaged or lost.  

Not Reviewing a Policy before Signing

Many people make the mistake of signing a policy without reading it through. Reviewing your policy gives you an opportunity to catch any mistakes or omissions in your coverage that could cost you later on. While reviewing your policy, take time to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Once you sign, you’ll be responsible for what the policy contains or doesn’t contain, whether it’s in your favor or not.

For more information about condo insurance coverage and costs, be sure to contact us at The Insurance Mart, Blue Ridge, GA. 

 

Make Your Home the Perfect Spot for a Staycation

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If you’re planning to stay home for summer vacation this year, why not make your home the best vacation spot it can be? With a little ingenuity and advanced planning, your Blue Ridge, GA home can become a stay-cation hotspot. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Establish Entertainment Zones

Establish entertainment zones where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company. These areas could be both in and outside the property. Your outdoor patio could be transformed into an exotic cafe with relaxing lounge chairs, mini-bar, colorful pillows, beautiful plants and subdued lighting to set a tranquil and relaxing mood.

Convert your living room into a comfy, cozy niche where you and the kids can gather for games, snacks or video watching. Invite family and friends to share in the fun.    

Upgrade Landscaping

Maximize your landscaping so you can enjoy your natural surroundings. A well-trimmed lawn and attractive garden will give you greater incentive to spend time outdoors. Cutting back low branches on trees and clearing out unsightly debris gives you more space for outdoor play. For a romantic touch, create an attractive walkway that winds around your property so you and your spouse can enjoy relaxing strolls in the moonlight after the kids are in bed.

Stock Up on Succulent Foods

Food can make or break a vacation so feel free to splurge on exotic foods and experiment with different recipes when staying home. Better yet, order out from restaurants you’ve never tried before along with old time favorites everyone enjoys.

Whether you’re coming or going for the summer, don’t forget to keep up with your home insurance coverage. At The Insurance Mart, Blue Ridge, GA, we can help you choose an insurance policy suited to your needs. For information on home insurance options and costs, contact us at The Insurance Mart. 

3 Reasons to Protect Your Business With Commercial Insurance

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Congratulations, your new business has finally got of the ground level and you are finally seeing some results and compensation from all of your hard work. At The Insurance Mart we love to see new businesses succeed and grow into established companies in and around Blue Ridge, GA. We also know that sometimes things go wrong that are entirely out of the hands of the most hard working business owners. 

3 Reasons to Insure Your Company

  1. When you have employees the stakes of your choices no longer only effect you. If your business has employees then they are also depending on your company to continue to flourish. This makes keeping insurance all the more important. 
  2. You cannot predict every outcome. Many successful business owners have a keen eye for what matters and have some ability to see what is coming before it happens so they can prevent catastrophe. But even the most observant business owner cannot predict every outcome this where full coverage and even some umbrella policies to cover certain circumstances comes in handy. 
  3. Even small home-based business need someone to have their back. It may come as a surprise that your home owner’s insurance may not cover some of your business needs even if your company is run from your home. Make sure you are truly protected because even a small business needs to cover the assets they do have. 

Contact us at The Insurance Mart today to find out more about how we can help keep your business fully covered in Blue Ridge, GA and the surrounding areas. One of the worst feelings after something does go wrong is the realization that the burden would be significantly less if you would had only made one phone call before it happened.