The Insurance Mart

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. 

Rules for a Good Defensive Driver

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Everyone needs to learn how to be a good defensive driver. Knowing what to do makes the roadways safer and help to prevent unnecessary accidents. In Blue Ridge, GA, the independent insurance agents at The Insurance Mart would like to share a few defensive driving techniques that will make you a better and more conscientious driver.

  1. Increase your visual field. Many new drivers only look at what is directly in front of them. So, they only see the taillights in front of them. This could be dangerous if you aren’t focusing on what’s ahead. If traffic conditions change up ahead, you will be able to see it coming and prepare to slow or stop your vehicle.
  2. Always have an escape route. It may take some time to learn this, but as soon as you’ve been in a close call, you’ll understand why it is necessary to have an escape plan when you’re driving. For example, the semi-truck in front of you has a tire that blows out suddenly. Having several feet of distance between you and the truck will give you the right amount of time to escape a collision.
  3. Eliminate various driving distractions. The biggest driving distraction in recent history is the cell phone. It is easy to think that you’ll be quick and reply to a text message, but it only takes a second for an accident to occur.Other distractions that you should avoid include eating, drinking, changing your music selections, adjusting your seat belt, and disruptive passengers.

If you are in the Blue Ridge, GA area, come in and talk with our agents at The Insurance Mart. We can discuss new auto policies or adjust your current coverage. We can also get you started on any home, commercial, recreational vehicle, life, health, or renters insurance policies that you may need.

Are You Truly Covered for Natural Disasters?

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Mortgage lenders generally require homeowners to carry an insurance policy to protect the bank’s interest in the event of a loss. Although the State of Georgia doesn’t force you to buy a homeowners policy, it definitely provides a sense of security. But many policies don’t automatically cover natural disasters. At theThe Insurance Mart, our professionals are here to help people in the Blue Ridge, GA community with a policy that meets your unique circumstances. We’re available to answer questions and will work with you to create or update a policy to reflect those coverage needs.

Flood Insurance

Although it’s been a while since the area suffered a flood, but Mother Nature can produce downpours that swell local waters and exceeds their banks.

Many homeowners are unaware that standard policies may not include losses due to flooding. In extreme cases, a home could be washed away. In less dramatic cases, rising waters can damage your home and require expensive remediation. If dangerous molds take root, you could be looking at major cleanup work.

Wind Disasters

The good people of Georgia have become too familiar with the devastating force of tornados. These whirlwinds have ripped through communities and left many with badly damaged or destroyed homes. While most homeowners policies cover damage by wind-related storms, you may find yourself underinsured if a total loss occurs. Consider the cost of replacing your property. Today’s construction costs hover at about $150 per square foot. Even though you may be covered for losses due to extreme weather, you may need to revisit that policy to ensure it meets current building costs.

At the The Insurance Mart, we’re pleased to serve the people of Blue Ridge, GA. Our insurance professionals are available to help you with a homeowners policy that provides you and your loved ones with secure coverage.

Driving tips to keep you safe on the road and your auto insurance low

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If you live in Blue Ridge, GA, then you will almost definitely need a car to get around really. And if you have a car then you will need auto insurance, preferably through a local broker like The Insurance Mart who serves the local Blue Ridge area. However, some people don’t get insurance or underinsure themselves which can leave them vulnerable to financial ruin if they have an accident or are not covered enough to allow the insurance being able to pay for everything associated with the accident. Below are some tips for people to keep their monthly premiums low and affordable.

ADD MORE PEOPLE TO YOUR POLICY

The more people you have on your policy who have good driving records, you will get lower premiums overall if everyone is splitting the cost of the insurance equally. So if you have others in your family who need insurance, get on the same policy so you can get better rates. The more, the merrier and cheaper.

DRIVE A SAFER, LESS EXPENSIVE VEHICLE

Safer vehicles that are not very expensive to fix will yield a lower insurance premium as well, as it will not be as big a risk for the insurance policy. So if you are considering purchasing a car, know that a safe, less expensive car will save you money in the long run in your insurance premium as well.

ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

Just having an anti-theft device will cause your insurance premiums to be less expensive, as it will allow the police to find your vehicle if it is stolen, or keep someone from stealing it in the first place. So the cost of getting an alarm or tracking system on your vehicle will save you money on auto insurance in the long run.

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

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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?

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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-.