The Financial Benefits of a Whole Life Policy

Whole Life Policies

There are many benefits that come with a whole life insurance policy. When you’re looking for a life insurance policy, call us at North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA to talk about what you may need from your policy.

Keeping Your Life Insurance Policy in Place

One of the main benefits of having a whole life policy is that the policy will continue for the rest of your life. If you keep paying the premiums, you keep the coverage indefinitely. This allows you to lock in one rate for your premiums instead of paying more and more with each term of the coverage. Other types of insurance get more expensive as the insured gets older.

Building Cash Value

These policies build up a cash value over time. As you pay the premiums, your coverage build value that can be used if it’s needed. When you have a cash value built up in your policy, you can borrow against that amount. This allows you to take care of a big financial need with little notice if one comes up. Once the money is borrowed, the death benefit of the policy is lowered by the amount that was borrowed. These policies can also be exchanged for annuities. This allows the insured to get regular payments sent to them instead of keeping the death benefit of the policy. 

Getting Whole Life Insurance

If you are interested in the financial benefits of a whole life policy, call us at North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA to make an appointment to talk with an agent. Your agent can go over the different types of insurance and help you assess which one might be best for you and your family. 

Do You Need Year-Round RV Insurance Coverage?

Approximately 9 million American families own some sort of RV. Of that number, only about 1 million live in their RVs full-time. That means nearly 8 million RV owners may have too much RV insurance. After all, if your RV is in storage for 6 to 8 months of the year, should you be paying for year-round coverage? 

North Georgia Insurance Center is here to help you find out how to find the right RV insurance.

Year-Round RV Insurance

If you’re like most proud RV owners around Commerce, GA, you take three or four trips a year, typically in the spring and summer. The rest of the time your RV is either in a storage facility or on your own property. You may be paying for full coverage even in the off-season. 

Unless something really strange happens, your RV should be safe from all those dangers present on the highways of America. 

But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any insurance. While you may not get into a fender bender in your stationary RV, other things could happen that insurance can cover. So, what’s your alternative to year-round RV insurance?

Storage-Only RV Insurance

Your best bet for coverage during the off-season, storage-only RV insurance is worth looking into. Essentially, it’s designed to provide coverage for those things that may happen to your RV while it’s in storage. 

In some cases, premiums can decrease depending on where your storage unit is located. If you keep your RV at your home, you may be able to find very affordable coverage, depending on where you live. 

To find out more about storage-only coverage for your RV, contact North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, today!

5 Tips on Buying Your First Motorcycle

Motorcycles are no small investment. If you’re thinking of buying a bike in Commerce, GA, you’d do well to take your time and get it right. These tips by North Georgia Insurance Center can help you make wise decisions in the motorcycle you buy.

Review Bike Types  

Motorcycles come in all sizes, types and styles. By reviewing the different types of bikes available in the Commerce, GA area, you can get a better idea of what to buy. When deciding on a bike for you, consider how, when and where you’ll be using your motorcycle so you can match your purchase to your lifestyle.

Research Your Options  

Once you’ve decided on a bike type, research your options for bike shops, brands, and prices online. This can help narrow your search for the bike of your dreams. If you have biker friends, enlist their help in recommending a bike for you. Better yet, take them with you for their personal input when you’re ready to buy.

Try Your Bike for Comfort and Size

Try your bike to make sure you’re comfortable with its height, weight, and seat shape and size. New riders may prefer a bike with a low seat that enables them to touch the ground when stopping. A bike with a smaller engine and reduced power will also be safer for novice riders.

Stay Within Your Budget

Your first motorcycle shouldn’t break the bank. Set a budget for your purchase and stick within that budget. You can always upgrade to a more costly model, if you want, after gaining greater experience on the road.

Include Motorcycle Insurance in Your Budget

Motorcycle coverage is a must to protect you, others, and your newly acquired investment against theft or damage in an accident. Call or visit North Georgia Insurance Center for help in selecting the motorcycle insurance you need. 

What You Need To Know About Health Insurance Before Open Enrollment

Health insurance is an important investment you make in both your health as well as your finances. In order to make the best decisions concerning health insurance, you need to be informed. Here at North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA, we look forward to educating our clients on these important insurance topics. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about health insurance before open enrollment. 

Enrollment Dates Matter 

Every state in the US now has open enrollment dates. These are the only time frames in which you can enroll in health insurance coverage. In Georgia, the open enrollment dates run from November 1st through December 15th. Before or beyond these dates you cannot enroll in a health insurance plan. If you miss the date you may be required to wait an entire year before enrolling. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule for individuals who have experienced a variety of life changes during the year. You will need to speak with an insurance representative to learn about these exceptions. 

Coverage Levels Matter

Most health insurance plans will divide their policies according to metal levels or coverage levels. Each level represents a different type of coverage. You will need to spend some time getting acquainted with these levels so that you can make the best choice for your health coverage. Different people will have different needs in health coverage. Understanding these levels will ensure that you are sufficiently covered without paying for coverages you don’t need. 

Your Budget Matters

Fitting a health insurance plan into your budget will be a crucial part of your financial planning for the year. Taking time to truly understand what you are paying for and how it will impact your budget can save you from any financial surprises down the road. 

If you would like to learn more about health insurance, please contact our staff today at North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA. 

Who Needs Life Insurance?

Life insurance is not a luxury – it is a good investment and necessity today. It is a guarantee of financial protection for your beloved ones if you pass away. North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA prepared a list of main types of people, whose lifestyle requires them to have life insurance: 

Married People

Many married people mistakenly believe that they do not need to spend money on life insurance unless they have children. However, if one of the spouses suddenly dies,  the other one will face serious financial hardship by being unable to pay off all the debts, including credit card balances, mortgage, car loans, and others. In addition, there are also funeral expenses that are not cheap and need to be covered as well. 

Breadwinners

If your family members depend on your income, it is extremely important to get life insurance to protect them.  After your death, they will be eligible for income replacement that will cover all the necessary expenses and give them financial stability, at least for a while. 

Business Owners

Life insurance can be used to pay off estate taxes, business debts if you have any, and fund a buy-sell agreement. Life insurance even allows you, as a business owner, to fund a retirement plan for your employees. 

Single Mothers

You should think about the future of your kids, especially if you a single mom, and your child depends on you completely. If you are not around anymore, life insurance will provide your children with a safe financial net and stability after your death. 

Retired people

If you are retired and your kids are already grown independent people, you might think you do not need life insurance. It is a mistake. You still need it in order to protect your heirs from paying off high estate tax and make sure that your spouse can still afford the same good lifestyle you had lived before.

If you are shopping for life insurance and have any questions, North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA will be more than happy to assist you. Call us today for more information and a consultation.

Updating Your RV Auto Policy Before Hitting the Road

An RV can be an incredible asset to own. You can stay close to your Commerce, GA home, or you can travel all around the country and still have some of the comforts of home. They are extremely popular among retirees and families who travel with children.

As the warmer months approach, RV owners are gearing up for vacations and road trips. While you are getting your oil changed and stocking the cabinets in preparation, there is one more thing you need to do: Update your insurance policy. North Georgia Insurance Center can help you make these updates so you can relax on your trip.

First, there is a chance that you dropped your insurance while it was parked for the winter. If that is the case, you will need to reinstate your policy to drive legally. Whether you are reinstating or just updating, you need to check your coverage:

  • Do you have at least the minimum amount of coverage required to drive your RV?
  • If you encounter damage due to theft, vandalism, acts of nature, debris, or impact with animals, can you afford to cover the repairs? If not, you should consider adding comprehensive and collision.
  • Can you afford any repairs for damages due to an uninsured motorist out of pocket? If the answer is no, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage.
  • Have you upgraded your RV in any way that might either get you a discount for safety features or require you to increase your coverage due to increased value?
  • Do you need to add any new drivers to your policy that will be taking turns behind the wheel?

Some additional coverages to consider are:

  • Roadside assistance in case of a mechanical or electrical breakdown that makes you need a tow
  • Total loss replacement that can cover the cost of a brand new RV if yours is totaled

There are many types of coverages to protect your RV, and North Georgia Insurance Center can help you find the perfect coverage for you. If you are a Commerce, GA resident, be sure you give us a call or stop by!

Motorcycle insurance: Making riding bike safer

The state of Georgia has over 200,000 registered motorcycles. With a mild climate and growing industries, it has an ever-increasing number of motorcycle owners. The residents of Georgia are required by law to have liability insurance to ride a motorcycle. An accident where you at at-fault, your liability coverage is used towards paying for the expense of the other party’s injuries or damages. Depending on the policy, you will have limits for the maximum coverage amount, which is the ceiling of what will be covered by your insurance provider. Although the minimum policy limits might high, you can be paying out-of-pocket for damages and medical bills especially if the other party is at fault but doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage. That is why is advised to have a consultation with an insurance agent to see if you can get a policy with higher limits.

The collision coverage protects your motorcycle in most accident situations. Comprehensive insurance covers other items such as theft, vandalism, fire, water and other acts of God. You don’t want to be paying completely out-of-pocket for such unfortunate but common incidents.

In the state of Georgia, eye protection is required unless you have windscreen attached. A helmet is mandatory for all riders and passengers. Only one mirror is required although it is recommended to have one on each side. A headlight and muffler are also required.

You can contact North Georgia Insurance Center at Commerce, GA to get the best rates and customer service for your needs. The highly trained agents will guide you with the policy best suited to your specific needs. You can visit the website of North Georgia Insurance Center at Commerce, GA, for more information and contact details. Don’t take any chances, get in touch right away.

3 Tips for Buying Health Insurance in Commerce, GA

Do you have health insurance? If not, you may be at risk of suffering a serious financial blow if a medical emergency arises. However, with the help of North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA you can get the coverage you need for a price you can afford. 

Keep reading for some helpful tips to ensure you get the right health insurance coverage. 

Work with a Reputable Agent 

When it is time for you to purchase health insurance, you need to find and work with a reputable agent. Take some time to ask people you know about the insurance company they use and the type of coverage they have. While no two people are going to have the exact same insurance needs, starting here is the best way to ensure that you purchase adequate coverage without spending too much. 

Compare Quotes 

Before buying any health insurance, you need to compare several quotes. Take some time to find the quote that offers the most value. Remember, this doesn’t always mean that it is the lowest priced coverage – instead, the policy where you get the most for your money. 

Bundle Your Policies 

If you have insurance with a company already, it is a good idea to consider bundling your policies. When you purchase all your insurance from the same provider you can save quite a bit of money. If your current insurer doesn’t offer the best deal, then consider moving all your policies to a new one. 

When it comes to health insurance, there are more than a few factors that have to be considered. If you need help with this, contact North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA. We can help you get what you need for a price you can afford. 

5 Ways Beneficiaries Can Use Life Insurance Benefits

Life insurance can provide financial security for your family in the event of your unexpected demise. A sudden accident or unforeseen disaster could cut your life short with little warning. When you purchase a life policy from North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, you can have peace of mind that your family will be provided for after you’re gone. As your beneficiaries, here are a few ways your family can use life benefits to carry on:

Pay Off Debts

If your spouse co-signed a mortgage or car loan with you, he or she will be responsible to pay for that debt after you’re gone. Life benefits can help pay off outstanding debts so your spouse can start with a clean slate.

Cover Living Costs

Life benefits can help cover the cost of rent, food, clothing, children’s school, and other living expenses after you’re gone. This gives your spouse an opportunity to plan for the future without the financial pressure of paying the bills.

Pay for Kids’ College

You can designate that life benefits be put in a trust to help pay for your children’s college when they come of age. Your kids will appreciate your planning ahead to help them establish a better future.

Help Supplement Parents’ Retirement

Life benefits can help supplement your parent’s retirement in their golden years. By naming your parents as beneficiaries to your life policy, you can continue to provide them with financial aid after you’re gone.  

Pay Your Funeral Costs

Life insurance benefits can help pay for your funeral expenses if no other arrangements have been made in advance so your family doesn’t have to assume this financial burden.

For quality life insurance at reasonable costs, call or visit North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA today. 

Keep Your RV Cool with These Road Trip Tips

Summer sun means RV fun! When you’re on the road, however, it can be tough to keep your rig cool without running your generator nonstop. When you’re boondocking in the Commerce, GA area, use these tips from the North Georgia Insurance Center to keep your RV cool without wasting your energy resources.

Think Before You Park

The way you orient your rig has a huge impact on internal temperatures. Before backing your RV into your spot, check out how the sun will hit it throughout the day. Try to place your rig in a spot that is at least partially shaded by trees, hills, or large buildings. If that isn’t possible, try to park your RV so that your larger windows avoid full exposure to early morning and late afternoon sun.

Cover It Up

Keep the heat outside with windshield covers and thermal curtains. Use a thick and dark-colored cloth to cover your windows through the warmest part of the day. This controls interior temperatures without the need for any additional electrical current. It’s also a great way to maintain privacy in crowded parks. Don’t forget to cover your skylights as well.

Ventilate

Air circulation can help us feel cooler, even if the temperature doesn’t change much. Invest in small fans to keep the air in your rig moving on hot days. Install a rooftop fan to distribute the air more efficiently throughout your RV. Choose battery-powered devices to save even more stress on your generator.

Add Awnings

If your docking space lacks natural shade, you can always bring your own. A simple tarp stretched across the width of your rig will keep heat from following you in every time you open and close your door. It can also keep the sun-side of your RV cooler throughout the day by shielding it from the sun’s rays. If you use your RV frequently, it might be worthwhile to have a permanent awning installed.

Summer RV time is much more fun when your rig is comfortable. Contact the experts at North Georgia Insurance Center for more tips on keeping your Commerce, GA RV cool all season long.