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  • FYI Express: GA 05/22
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  • Your Insurance Tips
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  • FYI Express: GA 05/22
  • Promotional Videos
  • I Promote You!
  • Georgia 20 Hour Limited Subagent
  • Georgia 20 Hour Personal Lines Agent
  • Georgia 24 hours CE On Demand
    • #1: Georgia OCI
    • #2: Modern Family
    • #3: Auto Insurance
    • #4: Home Insurance
    • #5: Stand Alone Policies
    • #6: RC vs ACV
    • #7: E & O Prevention
    • #8: Small Business Insurance
    • #9: Ethics
    • #10: Life Lessons
    • #11: You Deserve a Break
    • #12: Insurance Fraud
    • #13: Here Comes the Judge
    • #14: Agency Management
    • #15: Customer Service Tips
    • #16: Employee Training
    • #17: Insurance 101
    • #18: Coinsurance Clause
    • #19: C.O.P.E.
    • #20: General Contractors
    • #21: Garage Insurance
    • #22: Trucking Companies
    • #23: Restaurant Insurance
    • #24: Digital Handshakes using Zoom
    • #25: Day Care Centers
    • 24 Hour CE Exam
  • South Carolina Personal Lines Course
  • Texas Limited Lines Course
  • Training for New Hires: Personal Lines
  • Training for New Hires: Commercial Lines
  • Training for New Agency Owners
  • Your Insurance Tips
  • Classified Ads
    • Privacy Policy
  • Is Your Website WCAG Accessible?
FYI Express

Do You Car Pool?

10/29/2021

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​Liability Insurance Exclusion
Drivers involved in car pools and other group arrangements may wonder if the situation is covered under their auto policy. This concern is valid as many auto policies have restrictions.
  • Typically, liability coverage under personal automobile policies does not apply to "…liability arising out of the ownership or operation of a vehicle while it is being used as a public or livery conveyance." (A public conveyance is a vehicle used indiscriminately in transporting the public without being limited to certain persons or occasions. A livery vehicle is one that is offered for rental). There is slight variation in language among policies issued by various insurers, but the intent is the same: to exclude the use of a personal auto for transporting people or property for income.
  • However, this exclusion does not affect coverage for car pool, driver group, and share-the-ride arrangements.
​Feel free to call our office today. Most transactions such as quotes, binding and payments can be handled from the comfort of your home.
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Why did my auto insurance premium go up when I didn't have a claim?

10/25/2021

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  • Auto insurers price their policies based on a number of factors. Sometimes these cost factors go up, and sometimes they go down. In most states, costs are currently rising. Your actions, as a policyholder, can affect what you pay, too. For instance, if you add another car, or a teenaged driver to your policy, your costs will increase. Alternatively, your costs will decrease if you drop either a car or a driver from your policy.
  • But there are also other factors outside of your control that could cause rates to increase, such as the crashes other people are involved in. The number of crashes, and the cost of these crashes, are a component of auto insurance pricing in every state. For example, drivers living in large metropolitan areas are likely to pay more. This is simply because more cars, therefore more crowded roadways, increase the number of car crashes in those cities. On top of all that, speed limits are also being raised. Speed is the single-biggest contributor to crashes in which driver error is cited as the cause. Distracted driving is an issue everywhere. In big cities and small, people texting, talking or otherwise occupied with another activity while driving is being blamed in part for more crashes.
  • Auto insurance covers more than vehicle repair. It also covers the cost of injured crash victims’ medical care and lost wages as well as the repairs and/or replacement of vehicles and any property damaged in a crash. In recent years, medical and auto body repair costs have increased at a rate much faster than inflation. Legal costs have gone up, too.
  • Another trend affecting the cost of auto insurance is that with the unemployment rate falling, more people are driving both to and from work. And with more disposable income, they are presumably driving more for leisure. They also have the means to purchase more expensive cars. And while many of these cars have all types of safety features that might help in accident avoidance, these cars’ often high-tech components are also more expensive to fix and replace once damaged.
  • Auto insurers are committed to reducing U.S. crash rates. They fund the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), support efforts to combat distracted driving as well as drunk or drugged driving. In addition, auto insurers offer discounts to policyholders who take defensive driving courses or drive fewer miles.
Consumers can take proactive and positive steps to reduce auto insurance costs. Talk to one of our insurance agents to make sure you’re getting all the discounts to which you’re entitled. We always shop around to see if another auto insurer offers you a policy which meets your needs at a lower cost.
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Understanding Business Owners Policies (BOPs)

10/20/2021

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​Since a BOP is prepackaged, there is only one policy to review and it can be more cost effective than purchasing separate policies. Additional coverage can be added in the form of endorsements or riders.
Since a BOP insurance policy is specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses, the type of business can influence eligibility. Normally, companies with 100 employees or fewer and revenues of up to about $5 million or less are candidates for a BOP. Some types of businesses, such as restaurants, may be ineligible for a BOP because of the specific risks inherent in the business and may need to consider buying the individual coverages separately.
Combining three insurance policies into one package
In a single, convenient package, a BOP provides the core insurance that most small businesses need, including:
Property insurance—Protection for your building or office space, as well as property owned by your business, such as equipment and inventory.
Liability insurance—Coverage for costs that arise if someone is injured at your business or by using your products or services.
Business interruption insurance—Also known as Business Income insurance, this coverage replaces lost revenues in the event that your business has to shut down due to fire, wind damage or other covered losses.
You can tailor a BOP to meet your needs
It’s important to understand that a BOP doesn’t cover all risks associated with running a small business and the coverage limits are usually lower. If you have employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance, depending on your state. If you have a business-owned vehicle, you’ll need coverage beyond your personal car insurance. You might also consider insurance for relatively new risks such as computer system break-in or business identity theft.
There are unique risks associated with your small business; an insurance professional can help you find the coverages that are right for you. Here are some other types of insurance to explore and ask about:
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Employee practices liability insurance
  • Business vehicle insurance
  • Workers compensation
  • Health and disability
  • Flood and sewer back-up
  • Cyber Risk insurance
  • Terrorism insurance
Increasing your coverage with excess and umbrella insurance
You can increase the protection provided by your BOP and other business insurance policies by adding an excess liability or umbrella insurance policy. This type of supplemental policy boosts your coverage beyond the limits of your primary insurance policies. Depending on the policy, your umbrella coverage is designed to broaden and increase coverage, “filling in the gaps” left by other types of liability insurance by covering additional areas of risk and even reimbursing you for deductibles. Your insurance professional can advise you about combining an umbrella policy with a BOP or other business insurance.
It may sound like a dance craze from the 1950s, but a BOP—a Business Owners Policy—can protect your small business against today’s most common risks. Fire, burglary, liability and business interruption losses are all covered under a BOP. We invite you to “Bop” on over to our agency for a no-obligation review of your business insurance needs.
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Have a safe Halloween

10/18/2021

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​Since candles and lighting equipment are very common for Halloween decorations, be sure to follow the below safety tips if you decide to use them this year:
Decorations:
  • Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper often will catch fire very easily. Keep all of your decorations away from open flames and other sources of heat (light bulbs and heaters).
  • Keep the exits of your home clear of decorations for an easy escape in case of emergency. It is a good idea to check your smoke alarms if you will be using electrical equipment.
  • When buying decoration lights, make sure they have been lab-tested and have no frays or damages in the cords.
  • Electrical outlets can be overloaded, especially when powering a lot of decorations. Make sure you unplug any decorations before going to bed or leaving the home.
  • Never use indoor lights outside or outdoor lights inside.
Costumes:
  • Avoid costumes with long trailing fabric.
  • If possible, purchase costumes or fabrics that are not flammable.
  • Use makeup instead of a mask. If using a mask, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for the child to easily see out of them.
  • Teach your kids to “Stop! Drop! & Roll!”
  • Avoid over-sized costumes and shoes.
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Check Your Furnace before Winter Sets In

10/13/2021

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School is in full swing, the leaves are changing color, and that pumpkin spice latte just isn’t enough to stave off the morning chill. It’s time to switch your HVAC system over to Heat. Check the following list to be sure your furnace is ready for the coming winter.
1. Turn on the thermostat.
Switch from cooling to heating and set the temperature a couple of degrees higher than the current room temperature. If you don’t hear the heat kick on within a minute, pull off the cover and make sure the wire connections are secure (if you feel comfortable doing so). If the connections are snug, make sure the power source to the HVAC system is turned on. If it’s still not working, you could check the furnace fan, blower or heat pump — but it likely makes better sense to call in a professional.
2. Change the air filters.
You probably have air filters behind a vent grill in the wall or ceiling, or a single filter in the HVAC system itself. Change these filters every few months. Or, if you have a permanent electrostatic filter, you can wash and reuse it. Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly keeps particles out of your HVAC system and can prolong its life. While you’re at it, change your humidifier filter and set the humidistat, if your HVAC includes a humidifier.
3. Cover the AC condenser.
Unless your HVAC is a heat pump (in which case, don’t cover it at all because it runs all year), cover the condenser to protect it from falling icicles. A large trash can lid secured with bungee cords works quite well for this function. You can also use a board to cover the fan — but don’t wrap it in a moisture-trapping plastic tarp.
4. Clean the heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger should be brushed and vacuumed out annually by a trained professional while the unit is disabled. While it’s being cleaned, your technician should look for cracks, which could lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide leak into your home.
5. Lubricate and clean the blower motor.
First check the owner’s manual to see if your motor is the kind that needs lubricating. If it does, turn off the power, open the cover and clean the caps covering the bearings. Then remove the caps and lubricate the bearings.
6. Test the igniter switch.
On an old system, you might have to relight the pilot. Newer systems have electronic ignitors. If the ignitor isn’t working, push the reset button. If that doesn’t do the trick, check your breaker. Still not working? Call in a professional.
7. Inspect the chimney and carbon monoxide detectors.
Chimneys can house carbon buildup or even small animals. A professional should inspect them periodically. Routinely test or replace carbon monoxide detectors as well, as they help protect you from the “silent killer.”
8. Your insurance policy also needs a check-up.
We can do it over the phone if you wish. Get a hot cup of cocoa, pull out your policy and call our agency. It’s that simple!
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I want YOU to get an Insurance Checkup

10/11/2021

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We have great rates for all types of insurance.
  • Has it been over three years since you compared your coverages and rates?
  • Our agency uses the most state-of-the-art software to make sure you get all the discounts you deserve while comparing with all the many companies we have available for you.
  • Call us at your convenience and let us see how much money we can save you on your insurance.
  • Our agency is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider but brings the clients the best deals from many different insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place.
  • So, let us do the searching for you for free! Call our office for a Quick Quote and visit our website for all your insurance needs.
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Insuring Your Classic Car

10/6/2021

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So you’ve got a classic rod.  Sweet! An extraordinary ride like yours needs extraordinary love and care. So, naturally, ordinary, everyday auto insurance won’t cut it, either.
 
Unlike an everyday vehicle, which depreciates over time and with use, classic cars gain value over the years—so you’ll need to adjust insurance coverage to match your special vehicle’s appreciating value. Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s sometimes difficult to pin down an official definition of a classic vehicle. But insurers that sell specialized classic car insurance may accept any of the following: vehicles whose value exceeds the original selling price; antique and classic cars, usually at least 25 to 30 years old; hotrods and modified vehicles; exotics; muscle cars; and some vintage military vehicles, motorcycles, and antique tractors.
 
So, if you’re looking to insure a collectible or classic vehicle, the best bet is to talk to one of our insurance agents. And while you’re talking about how much insurance you’ll need, be prepared to discuss other options too, including:
 
*Specialized repair or restoration: Gives you the flexibility to bring your vintage Mercedes, Ferrari or Corvette to a specialist—even if the rates are higher than what a traditional auto body repair shop would charge.
 
*Towing: Due to their age, collector vehicles are prone to breakdowns, so towing coverage—especially for flat-bed hauling—is essential for collector vehicles.
 
*Parts: Hard-to-find parts cost more. Look for coverage that takes into account scarcity or need for one-off parts.
 
*And of course you’ll want to discuss provisions found in standard auto insurance policies, like property damage and bodily injury liability coverage.
 
There are lots of other things to consider, including how, where, and when you’ll be using your vehicle—and what effect that will have on your insurance. For a full rundown on these and other topics, contact our agency and cruise on over to Insuring Your Classic Car: Special Auto Insurance Protection.
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Why You Need Comprehensive Auto Insurance

10/4/2021

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It is not a hard task to determine whether you require comprehensive coverage for your car. However, before you make the decision to buy comprehensive coverage, you need to have a good understanding of how it works. Comprehensive coverage is intended to cover a variety of physical damage claims, such as windshield and body damage, vandalism, and contact with an animal. Here is some information about why you need comprehensive car insurance.
Do You Have a Loan on the Car?
Lenders usually require physical damage coverage on the cars they have financed to drivers. Comprehensive is usually a portion of such mandatory coverage.
When you sign the contract for a loan, you agree to protect the car against physical damage by buying both collision and comprehensive coverage. You can end up having to deal with expensive penalties if you fail to notify your lender about your insurance coverage. You should ask your auto insurance agent to add your lender as a loss payee for the car. Doing this will ensure your lender is immediately notified of the coverage in case an accident occurs.
What Is Your Level of Risk for Having a Comprehensive Claim?
If you have a high level of risk for having a comprehensive claim, you should get comprehensive auto insurance. Some factors that will put you at high risk of having a comprehensive claim include living in a tornado alley or packing your car under a half-dead tall tree every night. Indeed, any driver can benefit from this coverage. However, for some people it’s worth more than others.
You should take the time to evaluate your risks before deciding whether to get comprehensive car insurance. In general, one would file a comprehensive auto insurance claim for damage to your car caused by the following:
  • Falling objects like a tree limb
  • Explosions or fire
  • Lightning, floods, or hail from tornadoes, thunderstorms, or hurricanes
  • Theft
  • Vandalism and certain civil disobedience
  • Hitting an animal
The higher the risk is for a comprehensive claim, the more you should consider getting the coverage.
What Is the Value of the Vehicle?
 If the value of your vehicle is high, this will help you decide whether it is worthwhile to pay for comprehensive auto insurance. If the vehicle isn’t worth much anymore, then coverage might not be worth the investment.
How Much Does Comprehensive Coverage Cost?
You will be happy to know that comprehensive coverage tends to be reasonably priced. As long as you are not considered a high-risk driver, comprehensive coverage is typically worth the price. Even an older car with minimal value is likely worth the replacement of a windshield from damage.
For more information about comprehensive coverage, don't hesitate to contact us.
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"Keep Your Motor Running, Head Out On The Highway"

10/1/2021

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​Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy a ride on your motorcycle.
It’s also a great time to check out your insurance needs
Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but at the same time be within your budget. Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Our insurance agents can tell you which laws apply in your state.
In order to find out what coverage is best for you; it is important to understand all the options available.
Call or stop by our office today for a no-obligation review of your motorcycle insurance needs.
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Eddie K. Emmett 
200 Russell Court
​Canton, GA 30115
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