FAQs About Auto Insurance Policies

If you’re like the millions of people with auto insurance, buying insurance can be a challenge. It can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating, but getting the right coverage at the right price doesn’t have to be that way. Below are some frequently asked questions about auto insurance answered by North Georgia Insurance Center. 

What is auto insurance?

Auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay the company money, and the company agrees to give you coverage for your car or truck and any passengers in it if you’re involved in an accident.

What types of auto insurance are there?

There are many different types of auto insurance to choose from. Some of the most common include

  • Liability– Damages you cause to other people and their property when driving your car or truck. If you’re at fault in an accident, this insurance will help pay for your legal expenses and other damages.
  • Collision– Coverage to repair or replace your vehicle if it gets damaged in a collision with another car or object.
  • Comprehensive– This pays to repair or replace your vehicle after being stolen or damaged in any other way.
  • Medical payments- This type of insurance covers medical expenses for you, your passengers, and pedestrians injured in an accident.

What factors affect auto insurance rates in Commerce, GA? 

The type of auto insurance coverage you choose, the number of miles you drive, your age and gender, and your location can all affect your insurance rates.

The North Georgia Insurance Center can answer your questions about auto insurance and help you find a policy that fits your needs. Contact us today for an estimate or to ask more questions for clarification. 

Why You Need to Update Your RV Insurance When You Update Your RV

When you remodel your RV, you also need to update your RV insurance. Why? Because your insurance covers the RV as you purchased it. Once you’ve updated the interior, you need to insure those new items that now form a part of your vehicle.

Whether you park your RV in Commerce, GA or travel the country in it, North Georgia Insurance Center can help you add the insurance coverage you need to protect your investment.

Remodeling an RV

Remodeling a recreational vehicle differs from buying a new microwave for it. The microwave receives coverage under the policy coverage for personal belongings.

Remodeling refers to removing the old flooring and replacing it or flooring over the old. It also refers to replacing the paneling, adding a loft, replacing the old furniture, or adding solar panels to obtain solar energy. The latter requires re-wiring your RV.

These types of updates become a physical part of the vehicle, unlike a new microwave or refrigerator that you could unplug and remove. Without an RV insurance update, your changes go unprotected.

Accident and Damage Coverage Applies to Your Stated Value

If you incurred an accident in your RV and damaged it, your current insurance only covers the RV’s value when purchased. Even if your policy contains a clause for actual value replacement, if the insurer doesn’t know the value changed, you would obtain the actual value as the company insured it.

Insurance agents request an item inventory for policies that cover personal belongings. This list with photographs and video documents the typical contents.

Remodeling or renovating the RV works the same way. You obtained your insurance based on the purchase value which you stated. That’s the amount on which your insurance agency based the policy. So, when you redo the interior or exterior of your RV, you need to update the insurance policy.

Contact Us

You might buy a used RV and redo it to flip it or to enjoy it, but until you update the insurance, its coverage only provides the purchase price or the Blue Book value, depending on the text of your policy. Contact North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA to update your coverage today.

Tips for Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

According to the NHTSA, there were over 5,570 motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. in 2020. That staggering statistic highlights the need for motorcycle riders to take precautions to prevent accidents. This blog post will explore some of the most effective ways to avoid motorcycle accidents.

1. Ride Defensively

The best way to avoid an accident is to ride defensively. This means being aware of your surroundings and looking out for potential hazards. It also means being cautious when passing other vehicles, as they may not see you. And finally, it means yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles when necessary.

2. Use Your Headlight

Another good way to prevent accidents is to use your headlight, even during the daytime. This will make you more visible to other drivers and help you see potential hazards on the road ahead.

3. Wear Proper Gear

One of the most important things you can do to prevent an accident is to wear proper gear. This includes a DOT-approved helmet and protective clothing such as gloves, boots, and a jacket.

4. Keep Your Bike in Good Condition 

It’s also essential to keep your motorcycle in good working condition. This means regularly checking the tire pressure, brakes, lights, and other essential bike parts.

5. Be Aware of Weather Conditions

You should also be aware of the weather conditions before you ride. For example, the roads will be more slippery and dangerous if it’s raining or snowing. So, waiting for better weather before hitting the road is best.

Invest in Motorcycle Insurance

Of course, even if you take all the above precautions, accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s so important to have motorcycle insurance. This type of insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or medical bills if you’re ever in an accident. When shopping for motorcycle insurance, compare rates and coverage options. This will help you find the best policy for your needs.

Get Motorcycle Insurance in Georgia

The above tips can go a long way towards preventing motorcycle accidents. But remember, even the most experienced riders can still be involved in an accident. It’s important always to wear proper gear and to invest in motorcycle insurance. North Georgia Insurance Center is here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance policy for your needs. We offer competitive rates and coverage options to fit any budget. Contact us today to get started.

 

How Do I Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan For Me?

Decide if you want to go with a private insurance provider or a public supplier. Start looking at the different plans to see which one best suits your needs. What are you planning to cover? Is there a specific type of care you may need in the future? Consider the conditions under which you can change the plans. Such are critical questions to review. Don’t hesitate to call North Georgia Insurance Center for inquiries in Commerce, GA. 

 How Do I Go About the Health Insurance Plan? 

There are a few key things to remember as you shop around and compare plans to decide which one suits your needs best. Assess your needs and situation. What are your risk factors and health conditions? The second thing to do is shop around and compare plans. 

Research your options and know what’s available to you. Depending on your situation and where you live, you may be eligible for government assistance, like Medicaid or Medicare. 

Next, figure out what you will likely use most from the plans. If you go with a private plan, ensure it covers what you need most, like prescription medications or other health care expenses. Finally, shop around and compare plans to find the best fit for you. 

Summary 

When choosing your health insurance, consider elements such as the cost of the premium, annual deductible, covered services, and any co-pays or co-insurance. Get insurance that caters to your needs and budget. Some plans may offer more coverage for less money than others. 

Perks and wellness programs can be valuable, for instance, vision and dental covers. Remember that the health plan you choose will likely be part of your health care coverage for the next 12– 36 months. Call Commerce, GA situated agency, North Georgia Insurance Center, for expert advice.

What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Riders

When it comes to life insurance, there are a lot of different riders that you can add to your policy. But what are they, and what do they mean to you? This post will break down some common riders and explain what they cover. Read on to learn more.

1. Accelerated Death Benefit Rider

Some people refer to it as a "living benefit." It’s a rider that allows you to use some death benefits before your passing. This can be useful if you or your loved one is suffering from a terminal illness and needs access to medical funds right away.

2. Guaranteed Insurability Rider

If you want to increase your life insurance coverage at some point in the future, this rider ensures that you will be able to do so without having to undergo a medical exam.

3. Waiver of Premium Rider

If you become disabled and cannot work, this rider will waive your life insurance premiums. This can be a valuable benefit if you’re worried about losing your ability to pay for life insurance while you’re unable to work.

4. Accidental Death Benefit Rider

This rider provides additional benefits if you pass away due to an accident. It can be a good option if you want extra protection against accidents and other unexpected events.

Get Life Insurance in Commerce, GA 

As you can see, there are many different life insurance riders that you can add to your policy. Which ones are right for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re unsure which riders you need, North Georgia Insurance Center can help. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and find the right coverage. Give us a call today.

When Should I Update my Home Insurance?

Your life isn’t constant, and so is your home insurance. As time passes, the current situation changes, and you will find the coverage that was sufficient today isn’t sufficient tomorrow. At North Georgia Insurance Center, we usually advise our Commerce, GA clients to review their home insurance at least once a year. But what triggers indicate you should give your home insurance a second look? Let’s look at the reasons you should update your home insurance.

Welcoming a pet into your home

Bringing a pet into your home is exciting, but some pets raise the risk of liability claims for your home. A pet that can harm others can cause untold financial problems when it causes injury to others. Since pet bites can be costly, review your home liability coverage to cushion yourself.

Changes in local building costs

There is a reason we tell clients to consider the "replacement cost value" when insuring their homes. This value means that you will be compensated for the actual value of your home when it’s damaged. So, when a peril means your dwelling has to be built from the ground up, you won’t incur numerous out-of-pocket costs. But the only way to ensure this reality is by taking into account the changes in local building costs and making the necessary adjustments with your insurer.

Significant renovations

Have you remodeled your home? You need to sit with your insurer to make the changes to your policy. Significant renovations mean that the value of your home increases and the same should be reflected in your policy.

Your home insurance partner

Sometimes, figuring out when to adjust your home insurance can be challenging. However, you can simplify the process by partnering with a knowledgeable insurance agent. So, if you are in Commerce, GA, or the surrounding area, please consider North Georgia Insurance Center for all your home insurance needs.

Choosing the Right Auto Insurance for You: Factors to Consider

Auto insurance is an important aspect of responsible car ownership. It’s vital for protecting you from the financial consequences of accidents, theft, or other damage. When insuring your car, it is important to be aware of the types of coverage available to you to make the best decision for yourself and your finances. There are a lot of factors you need to consider when making this decision. Here are some of the most important.

1. Type of Coverage

The first thing you should do is decide exactly what type of coverage you want. The major categories are liability, collision, comprehensive, and medical payments. Liability covers the damage you do to other people; it does not cover your car. Collision and comprehensive cover physical damage to your vehicle. Collision covers damage from a collision with another object, and comprehensive covers non-collision damages such as theft, vandalism, or certain weather events. Insurance can also cover medical payments to you and other people involved in the accident if they are hurt.

2. Budget

Of course, you should also consider how much coverage you can afford. If you get in an accident and are held liable for all of the damage to the other car along with the medical bills of everyone involved, it could easily exceed tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without adequate insurance, that could quickly become a financial disaster for you.

3. Optional Coverage

When considering your coverage options, keep in mind that you can customize it with optional items like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. These costs typically come out to only a few extra dollars per month, but they provide valuable added protection.

4. Your Vehicle

Of course, your vehicle should be one of the most important things to consider when choosing insurance because you want it to be covered. The type and value of your car will impact the cost of your insurance policy, so you should know exactly what kind and how much it is worth before buying a policy.

There are a lot of important factors to consider when buying auto insurance. With this information, you should be able to make the best decision for your finances and needs. Call North Georgia Insurance Center today for all your auto insurance needs in Commerce, GA.

Why Does RV Insurance Matter?

RV owners in Commerce, GA, bumps on all manner of unanticipated eventualities on the road, just like car owners. Therefore, anyone with a recreational vehicle should comprehend the importance of acquiring RV insurance from North Georgia Insurance Center. Your RV is an enormous investment that warrants optimal protection from a well-rounded insurance policy.

Want to invest in RV insurance? You are on the right track. Here are reasons why you should invest in RV insurance.

It’s mandatory

In Georgia, you must purchase RV insurance to operate your vehicle legally. The state requires you to include liability coverage in your RV insurance to cover third-party injuries and property damages. Additionally, if you purchase your RV with a loan, the lender might require you to buy RV insurance until you clear the outstanding arrears.

Protects your personal belongings

You can safeguard your personal property like clothing and sporting gear inside your motorhome with splendid RV insurance.

Protect you against liabilities

When you are at fault for accidents, you could face liability claims that could be expensive when you finance them out of pocket. Luckily, if you have liability insurance on your RV, it cushions you from paying such expenses from your pocket.

It covers your RV’s physical damage

RVs are very costly to purchase to the extent of costing as much as your apartment. Buying comprehensive and collision coverages repair or restore your RV after it’s damaged through an accident or peril like fire.

Covers medical expenses

Buying medical payments (MedPay) coverage assists you in settling medical costs for you and your passengers when you suffer injuries after a road accident.

RV insurance in Commerce, GA

Are you seeking RV insurance in Commerce, GA? Don’t hesitate to speak with our North Georgia Insurance Center agents, who have a wealth of experience designing customizable RV insurance that meets your unique needs. Contact us today, and you won’t regret it.

4 Tips While Buying Motorcycle Insurance in Georgia

Are you about to purchase a two-wheeler in Georgia? You understand that you must buy motorcycle insurance to operate your bike legally in the state. But do you know the things to consider before deciding to buy motorcycle insurance? If you don’t have a clue, don’t stress out. North Georgia Insurance Center is here to guide Commerce, GA bikers on tips and tricks when buying motorcycle insurance.

Don’t just get basic motorcycle insurance

While buying the minimum motorcycle insurance may seem like a cost-saving strategy, things can turn out ugly when involved in a significant accident. The basic insurance may not be enough to cover your medical costs and liability expenses if you are held responsible for the accident.

Don’t rely on the person at fault to pay

Most people usually expect the person at fault for the accident to pay for injuries and damages they cause. Unfortunately, there are many motorists out there riding or driving without insurance — and for those with insurance, it’s insufficient. But I will just sue for damages? Yes, you can do that, but if the person files for insolvency, you won’t recover any money from them.

The surest way to cover yourself against the fault of others is by investing in uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.

Compare several insurance quotes

By going online or using a trusted insurance agent, compare different quotes from different insurance companies to make an informed decision based on price, features, exclusions, etc.

Get a knowledgeable insurance agent

An insurance agent advises you on insurance matters, and thus you don’t want to buy motorcycle insurance through an agent who doesn’t know their stuff.

The list above isn’t exhaustive. For more tips, please be sure to contact North Georgia Insurance Center or pass by our Commerce, GA offices to get more information on motorcycle insurance.

Georgia Health Insurance – What You Need To Know About Health Insurance

Health Insurance is a necessity that we all need to ensure that we are covered under any circumstance or health issue.  For years, the option of health insurance was only relegated to those that were employed with a company large enough to afford a group plan with a large health insurance company.  This is perfectly adequate for most of us in the workforce and most of you reading this probably have coverage under one of these plans.  Looking at adding a health insurance plan?  North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA has options for you.

But what about the other folks out there?  Specifically, the self-employed?  You can’t get one of these group plans if you’re working for yourself.  Another group to consider is those that are retired from the workforce and are not yet able to apply for Medicare.  That second group is growing at an astronomical rate in the last few years.  You also have to consider people working for a small mom-and-pop type business whose owners simply can’t afford to offer any kind of benefits.  What are the options available for these groups for health insurance?

Health Marketplace

The state of Georgia has health insurance plans that can be accessed through the Federal HealhCare.Gov site.  Georgia is part of the Federal healthcare exchange marketplace which has individual insurance coverages and plans for review and purchase.  Although the marketplace website is run by the Federal Government, the purchases and services for Georgia are conducted and monitored by the state of Georgia.

To Learn More

If you would like to learn more about health insurance coverages in Georgia, please contact North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA today!