I Just Bought an RV – What Do I Need To Tell My Insurance Agent

Congrats You Took The Plunge

The responsibility should never outweigh the enjoyment you and your family will experience as a result of your purchase of a recreational vehicle. Take care of the responsibility part first so it never gets in the way of the fun later. The easiest way to fully enjoy your new investment is to insure it fully. A great policy will protect you and ensure you don’t have to worry if a problem arises. 

Before You Gas Up You Need To Have a Critical and Comprehensive Conversation

There are several important points of interest that your insurance agent will want to know about in order to ensure you have the very best insurance policy for your needs. Every state has mandates regarding its standard recreational vehicle insurance policy. You may be able to secure a standard policy much like you can secure a standard automobile policy. However, to be fully protected it is imperative that you sit down and speak with an expert – your North Georgia Insurance Center agent. 

Your agent will want to know 

  • if you plan on taking your recreational vehicle out of state
  • who are the passengers
  • do you plan on inviting guests aboard your recreational vehicle
  • do you plan on going to surrounding out-of-country areas with your new recreational vehicle  

Make Your First Rest Stop Right Here

Come in and tell us all about your new recreational vehicle. North Georgia Insurance Center located in Commerce, GA serves Commerce as well as the surrounding areas.  We will make certain to keep your enjoyment of your recreational vehicle fun and worry-free In terms of insurance coverage. 

Why do I need health insurance?

Having proper insurance is very important. One of the most important types of insurance that you need to have is health insurance. There are several reasons why you need to make sure that you are properly covered by health insurance.

Access to Quality Healthcare

One of the most important reasons why you need to have health insurance is that it will help to ensure that you have access to quality healthcare. If you need to see a physician, specialist, or another healthcare provider, you will need to be able to pay for the service. If you do not have insurance, you may not be able to get a visit. With insurance, you can make sure that you are able to get the medical care and attention when you need it.

Saves Money

Getting healthcare can be very expensive. To save money, you should make sure that you have health insurance. In situations in which you need more expensive care, the health insurance deductibles and costs will likely be much lower than the actual cost of care. 

Required by Law

Today, having health insurance is actually a legal requirement. If you do not have health insurance, you could face a severe penalty each year. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable health insurance options that people can take advantage of to stay in compliance. 

For those that are in the Commerce, GA area and are looking to get health insurance, going to meet with North Georgia Insurance Center would be a great option. The team at North Georgia Insurance Center will be able to help you to find a great health insurance policy that provides you with the coverage that you need. This will ensure that you have peace of mind and coverage for any health concerns. 

Protecting Your Georgia Home from Weather-Related Damage with Home Insurance

Georgia residents are all too familiar with crazy weather patterns and having their lives in a state of upheaval due to Mother Nature. A comprehensive home insurance policy can provide the protection you need to lessen the impact that weather-related damage has on the lives of you and your family. The team of professional agents at North Georgia Insurance Center is here to help you meet all of the insurance needs of our clients in the greater Commerce, GA area in the most streamlined manner possible. 

Don’t Let the Weather Cause Unnecessary Upheaval in Your Life!

No one can control the weather, that is for sure, but we can all plan for the unexpected and be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. Weather-related damage can cause your family to be displaced and can also damage or destroy your belongings. If this isn’t bad enough, imagine trying to navigate the insurance claim process when you and your family are living out of suitcases and have no idea when or if you will be able to return home! Working with a professional agent when securing your home insurance has the added benefit of having an advocate on your side in the event that a natural disaster or extreme weather can cause. Professional agents are able to guide you through the claims process and help keep any headaches to a minimum while also ensuring that you receive the benefits provided by your home insurance policy. Now is the perfect time to review your policy and make sure it is complete!

Is it time to increase the level of protection that your current home insurance policy provides? Contact North Georgia Insurance Center today to schedule an appointment with our team of agents that are proud to serve the greater Commerce, GA area.

Understanding the Basics of Life Insurance

A lot of people do not understand how life insurance works. This could be because life insurance is a broad and somewhat complex topic. This is what prompted our experts at the North Georgia Insurance Center to prepare this guide on the life insurance basics you should have understood before going to shop for life insurance in Commerce, GA.

What is Life Insurance?
This is an agreement you have with your insurer. In exchange for timely premium payments, the insurer promises to provide payments to your beneficiaries in case of your death. These payments are referred to as death benefits and they are typically income tax-free.

Why Do You Need Life Insurance?
A life policy is one of the cornerstones of smart financial planning. After your demise, the loss of income might put your family’s survival under jeopardy. By taking on this policy, its proceeds will ensure that your family has resources to not only pay for funeral expenses but to also replace the lost source of income. The policy can also be used to pay off any debts or mortgages you might have had, thus leaving your family’s assets intact. It can also be used to create an estate for your heirs.

The Main Types of Life Insurance Policies
The principal types of life policies are term-life and whole-life policies. In term-life, the insurer agrees to pay proceeds to your family if you pass away within a certain period (typically 1-30 years). If you’re still alive at the end of this period, the contract either expires or renews depending on the stipulations of your agreement. Whole-life policies protect you for as long as you live. Thus, regardless of when you pass away, your family will be reimbursed.

As stated above, a life policy is a financial plan designed to protect your family from the effects of loss of income that follow your death. It is, therefore, a necessity for anyone who has a family that depends on his/her income for their survival. Nevertheless, there are a lot more details to life insurance policies. To learn more about this coverage, visit the North Georgia Insurance Center. Having served the Commerce, GA area for close to four decades, our insurance experts will guide you on everything you need to know about this sound investment plan. Contact us here for more details.  

Auto Insurance Questions to Consider When Buying a New Vehicle

Buying a new vehicle can be an exciting time. However, you should consider that there is more to the cost of a car than the simple sticker price at the car lot. Here are a few insurance questions to consider when buying a  new vehicle. 

How Will Insurance Rates on This Vehicle Compare to My Old Rates?

Do not assume that your insurance will stay the same vehicle to vehicle. Insurance rates are based on several factors. One important factor will be how new the vehicle is. Generally newer vehicles will have higher insurance premiums than older vehicles. Another thing you should consider is how different in make and model is this vehicle from your last vehicle. Different types of vehicles will fall under different insurance categories. Doing this research before purchasing your vehicle will help alleviate any shock value that might arise when you apply for insurance for your new car. 

Insurance Must Not Lapse

In many states, there are laws in place which require that insurance be placed immediately on a vehicle before it can be purchased. This can be a huge inconvenience if you are not aware of this before visiting a car dealership. Be in contact with your insurance company prior to vehicle shopping, so that you can set up a seamless insurance transferral if you are trading in a vehicle.

What Is the Grand Total?

The real price of your new vehicle will be your car payment plus insurance. If you are operating on a budget you will want to evaluate how much this grand total may be, before signing any paper work to purchase your vehicle. Speak with an insurance representative and discuss insurance rates for the types of vehicles you are considering before visiting the dealership. This way you will have a better idea of what your grand total will be for your new vehicle. 

If you would like to learn more about placing insurance on a new car call one of our helpful insurance reps at North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA. 

What Kind of Coverage do New Motorcycle Riders Need?

Even experienced riders are at risk of causing a motorcycle accident – how much more those who are new to riding. The high risk of injuries and bike damage should prompt new riders to get sufficient motorcycle insurance coverage. In Georgia, motorcycle liability coverage is mandatory with minimum requirements. As a new rider, however, you should consider more than just minimum protection.   

The following coverage will give you an idea of the kind of insurance protection you can get from North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA.  

Liability – Due to lack of experience, new motorcycle riders are at greater risk of causing an accident. Liability coverage helps pay for injuries or property damage to others if you’re found at fault in an accident. If injuries or damages exceed minimum liability requirements, you may be held responsible for paying extra expenses out of pocket. For this reason, new riders should consider higher liability coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Unfortunately, there are all kinds of drivers on the road today with little to no insurance coverage. If you’re hit by one of them, this coverage will help pay for damages to your motorcycle and any medical costs. It helps protect your interests when accidents aren’t your fault.

Collision – If you own an expensive motorcycle, it only makes sense to protect it against accidents. Collision insurance helps cover the cost of repairing your bike if it’s damaged in a collision.

Comprehensive – The more you use your bike, the greater the risk of it sustaining weather damage or being vandalized or stolen. Comprehensive insurance protects your costly investment from these risks so you can enjoy your travels to the full.

For affordable motorcycle insurance that will provide the protection you need, contact North Georgia Insurance Center, Commerce, GA.

3 Common Mistakes When Choosing RV Insurance

An RV is a great way to get out and see the world; however, there are different risks and liabilities that come with this type of vehicle that can make choosing the appropriate insurance slightly stressful. Whether you are new to RV traveling or have years of experience, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when choosing RV insurance.

Assuming Auto Insurance is Enough

As an RV owner, it is important to understand that your RV is much more than just a large automobile. It’s a specialized vehicle that requires a different type of policy and coverage. For example, it needs coverage that also protects your personal belongings stored inside of it. For this reason and many others, it is essential that you purchase an insurance policy specifically designed for your RV.

Insufficient Coverage and Buying the Lowest Priced Policy

It is essential that you have sufficient liability coverage, which will protect you in the case of an unfortunate incident. Not having sufficient liability insurance can result in a large financial loss, especially if there are medical expenses and loss of wages that exceed the coverage. Although it’s nice to save money, it is recommended that you avoid buying the lowest priced policy. Before buying RV insurance, you should compare the features and services that are available with the different priced policies.

Not Knowing About Potential Discounts

There are a number of things that can help reduce the premium for your RV insurance. For example, combining coverage for your RV with automobiles and home insurance policies through the same carrier, installing security and safety features on the RV and maintaining a clean and safe driving record can all provide discounts on your policy.

When searching for RV insurance, it is important to talk with your agent about the type of RV you have, the frequency of use and where you store the vehicle.

Residents of Commerce, GA and the surrounding area interested in learning more about RV insurance or upgrading their policy should contact North Georgia Insurance Center.

How Much Of Your Medical Expenses Does Medicare Insurance Cover?

Having the right medical coverage can mean the difference between being healthy and able, and being incapacitated as a result of recurring health issues. People who are over the age of 65 are eligible to receive Medicare coverage from the government. Many people who enroll in the Medicare program are not aware of the amounts of coverage as well as any gaps in coverage.

Medicare Coverage

In most cases, Medicare will cover a set amount of doctor’s visit expenses up to a certain amount. After that, there is a small co-pay. which is usually 20% of the office visit. Medicare coverage is broken down into several parts. The most common are parts A and B. Part A covers hospital stays, surgery, hospice, home health care, and more. The Part B coverage is used for doctor’s visits, tests, and preventative care. There is also the Advanced Part C plan, as well as Medicare Part D, which is meant to cover medications. Most of the expenses beyond a doctors visit have an allotted amount of coverage and co-pays.

Gap Coverage

For individuals who have needs that extend beyond the coverage offered by standard Medicare, there is also gap insurance coverage. This gap coverage prevents Medicare recipients from experiencing financial losses as a result of medical bills not covered by their Medicare policy. Consult an experienced, knowledge Medicare Insurance provider that serves the Commerce GA area such as North Georgia Insurance Center.

Get the coverage you need to safeguard your health and protect from the burden of medical bills. Residents living in and around the Commerce GA area should contact North Georgia Insurance Center by calling or stopping by the office to speak with a representative about their options.

College Students Don’t Need Life Insurance, Right?

In a word, the answer may be "wrong."  Aside from the fact that life insurance makes it easier for loved ones to take care of one’s estate if passing too early, life insurance can also be a tremendous saving tool while providing protection from the unforeseen at the same time. That’s because there is more than just coverage life insurance available.

A policy available from providers like North Georgia Insurance Center is known as whole life insurance allows a person to be both covered for life insurance as well as providing a savings vehicle. Now, that might not seem that attractive at 21 in Commerce, GA. However, when one takes into account that he could be holding the same life insurance policy for the next 30 years, then that savings becomes a big consideration down the line. It works by taking a percentage of the premium paid for a life insurance policy in place and diverting it to a forced savings account. This grows over time at a set interest rate and becomes available towards the end of the natural term of the policy.

Granted, the tool assumes a person sticks with the policy and keeps it for three decades forward. If one decides to cash out early, then the fees and penalties pretty much make the tool inefficient as any kind of an investment. However, that’s not the point. For those who remember their lessons in Finance 101, the key to building investments is compounding over time. So following through on the whole life plan for its full maturity is the success path that works in combination with other financial choices. And, probably five to ten years in, a Commerce, GA college graduate is likely to have a family or significant other which the main purpose of a life insurance plan also makes sense for as well.

To find out more about how whole life works and it’s dual benefits, contact the staff at North Georgia Insurance Center for more information.

What Valuables May Not Be Protected Under Your Home Insurance?

Standard homeowner’s insurance is designed to protect your home and personal property. If you own high-end items, however, such as posh jewelry or fine artwork, the limits of your standard policy may be insufficient to protect you against loss. By obtaining an insurance rider from North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, you can protect your most valued possessions against theft or loss. Here are just a few examples of valuables that may not be fully covered under your current home insurance policy.

Jewelry: Standard homeowner’s insurance covers jewelry up to a certain amount. If the value of your jewelry exceeds this limit, you’ll need additional coverage to protect your property. Protecting valuable jewelry with an insurance rider (extra coverage added to your policy) will enable you to recover their cost in the event of a loss.

High-End Electronics: High-end electronics and gadgets need adequate protection to safeguard your investments. A standard homeowner’s policy will only cover so much, especially if your policy comes with a high deductible. With additional insurance coverage, you won’t have to worry about replacing these goods out of pocket.

Fine Art: Fine art tends to increase in value over time, making it necessary to appraise your collection often to maintain accurate insurance protection. Protecting fine art with an insurance rider and updating coverage as needed will safeguard your collection from damage, theft or loss.  

Antiques/Heirlooms: If you’re the proud owner of treasured antiques or heirlooms, you’ll want to make sure they’re protected in accordance with their appraised value. Costly antiques and heirlooms need more coverage than what standard insurance policies have to offer. Additional insurance will enable you to recuperate your investment if these items are stolen or lost.  

For more information on home insurance options to protect prized valuables, contact North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA.