What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

According to North Georgia Insurance Center, motorcycle insurance is meant to provide financial protection to you in case of an accident, damage, theft, or complete loss. In Commerce, GA, Motorcycle insurance also includes liability coverage in case you cause property damage or personal injuries to another person.

Since they belong to the same category of vehicles, in addition to motorcycles, the insurance policy also covers Segways, Mopeds, Crotch rockets, or even street bikes. A standard motorcycle insurance policy will cover some parts of the costs incurred by damage to your bike. It will also provide some financial compensation when you cause body harm to another person or any of his properties.

The insurance liability of your motorcycle insurance also covers the cost of liability and legal fees up to the limit of your policy. However, that is if the accident was probably caused by you.

You can tweak your motorcycle policy a little bit. Here are the coverage you can add to your policy.

  • Full replacement of your motorcycle or bike only in case it gets demolished completely
  • If you can opt for comprehensive coverage and it will pay for damage or total loss due to other causes apart from collision and these include damage from animals, weather damage, hail, or even complete theft of your motorcycle.
  • You can also include medical payment in case you get hospitalized
  • You can also upgrade your policy so that it can cover some other liabilities that you may think of.

You should understand that you are only through with a leg of the procedure, other leg Is to protect yourself against possible of the risks that you may face as you ride your motorcycle. You need not worry your head since you can drive more carefully to be able to save a lot of cost on the insurance of your motorcycle.

Don’t make the same mistakes a lot of people usually make. Accidents do occur. But a lot of people usually don’t believe that they can be a victim until it happens to them. For more information about motorcycle insurance in Commerce, GA contact the North Georgia Insurance Center.

 

Do You Need to Change Your Home Insurance If Your Home is For Sale and You Aren’t Living There?

In a perfect world, you would sell your current home before moving on and purchasing or renting a different home. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. You may need to move to care for an ill family member or for a job change and your home may not have yet sold. Or you may have found the home of your dreams and purchased it and moved before your home sold. Either way, you may have an empty house that is for sale. When this happens, we at North Georgia Insurance Center, serving the greater Commerce, GA area, are often asked if there are any changes that you need to make to your home insurance policy. Here is what you need to know. 

If you are no longer residing in the home and no longer have belongings inside, you may be able to make changes to your home insurance policy. These changes include stating that you have no personal property inside and waiving your right to replacement housing in the event your home becomes unusable due to a catastrophic loss or event. All in all, this may help you to save some money on your insurance policy. However, it is important to note that you are not legally required to make changes to your policy and many people do not. If your home is priced right, it will likely sell quickly, leaving it alone for only a brief period of time. Most people don’t like to change their insurance for this shortened period of time. 

If you are looking for a new home insurance policy or considering making changes to an existing one, visit North Georgia Insurance Center, serving the greater Commerce, GA area. We can help you decide what changes, if any, need to be to your home insurance policy. Contact us today to get started. 

What to Expect When Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

One of the questions that we at North Georgia Insurance Center are frequently asked is what can someone expect when filing a homeowners insurance claim in the greater Commerce, GA area. Here are a few of the things that you can expect if you should ever have to file a homeowners insurance claim. 

The Initial Phone Call

When you need to file a homeowners insurance claim, the first thing that you will need to do is phone your insurance company. During this initial phone call, you will be asked to provide basic information, such as your name, policy number and the type of damage that exists. The insurance agent will likely ask you how the damage occurred as well. 

An In-Person Inspection

After you have filed a claim, your case will be passed on to an adjuster. Typically, the adjuster will arrange for an in-person inspection of the damage done to your home. This typically takes a couple of days at least. During this time, the person the insurance company sends out will note what caused the damaged and what they value the costs to be to repair the damage. 

Negotiating the Settlement

Once your claim is accepted, you can begin negotiating a settlement. It is best to have a few quotes from contractors on hand to help you negotiate a fair settlement. However, be sure to deduct your deductible from the quoted price. In some cases, the insurance inspector values the repair work low and in other cases, they value it fairly. Having quotes on hand helps you to show that they valued the repairs too low if that is the case. Once the settlement amount is negotiated, you will be sent a check to begin the repair process. 

Having the right insurance limits in place is key in case you ever have to file a homeowners insurance claim. If you are not sure if your insurance rates are ideal for you, or if are looking for a new policy that increases your limits, contact North Georgia Insurance Center, serving the greater Commerce, GA area today. 

Benefits of Medicare Supplement Insurance

North Georgia Insurance Center provides Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy which can assist in paying health care costs that are not often covered by your Original Medicare. It takes care of deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments. If you already have the Original Medicare and you proceed to purchase a Medigap policy in Commerce, GA, Medicare will take care of all the healthcare costs, while Medigap will take care of the remaining expenses. The benefits of getting a Medicare Supplement insurance policy include:

You Get to Enjoy Reduced Out of Pocket Costs

The Medicare supplements work together with the Medicare Parts A and B to reduce your health care related costs. This means that even the unexpected medical events will most likely not impact the status of your finances. Additionally, as the Medicare coinsurance, co-payments, and deductibles increase, your medical supplement insurance benefits provided by North Georgia Insurance Center will also rise and assist you in meeting your eligible expenses.

No Referral, No Provider Networks

You get to keep your preferred hospitals and doctors. Any healthcare facility that accepts Medicare patients will also accept your supplement insurance. Therefore, you will not have to be stressed over getting referrals or finding network providers to receive treatment.

Few Bills for the Covered Services

If a healthcare facility accepts Medicare, it will be billed for all the services that you have received. Medicare will get to pay its share and your insurer will pay the remainder. The fact that the entire process is electronic in nature means that claims are processed very fast. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about having to write any checks.

If you are unsure of how to proceed or if you have further questions on Medicare Supplement Insurance in Commerce, GA, feel free to contact us, and one of our agents will answer any questions that you may have. 

How Much RV Insurance Do You Need?

The amount of RV insurance you need in the Commerce, GA area depends on your particular circumstances, and while nothing beats a conversation with a knowledgeable representative from a reputable company like North Georgia Insurance Center, here are some things to consider as you try to decide on a policy.

If your RV is for recreational, personal use, it can be ensured for up to 250 days a year. Depending on how much you use the vehicle, you can customize your coverage, which could lower your premium if you don’t use the vehicle often.

A policy consists of combinations of coverage types, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage consists of multiple coverage types, such as property damage and bodily injury coverage, uninsured coverage, medical payments, and more. When it comes to collision and comprehensive coverage, you may be able to customize your policy to suit your needs. While you’re chatting with an agent from North Georgia Insurance Center about Commerce, GA RV insurance, ask about how stated value, agreed on value, and replacement cost affects your comprehensive and collision coverage. Stated value refers to the market value or actual cash value of your RV, the agreed value is the amount you’re insured for regardless of the current market value, and replacement cost is the value that the insurance company covers if they need to replace your insured RV with a new vehicle.

There are many other factors to consider adding to your policy, such as personal effect coverage, which provides replacement cost for loss or damage to items that are normally used within your RV, and roadside assistance which provides help in the event of a breakdown or accident. Be sure to ask the insurance agent about all these coverage types, as well as others that may be beneficial for your situation.

What Happens if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Accident Without Insurance in Commerce, Georgia?

Any time you are involved in an auto or motorcycle accident, claims are immediately filed and a police report is made simultaneously. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Commerce, Georgia and you do not currently have insurance to protect you, there are a few consequences to understand how you should properly proceed with the events that follow a collision. 

Motorcycle insurance is required by law when operating a motorcycle in the state of Georgia. By law, individuals are required to carry at least $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury (or the death of one person) when involved in a crash. A minimum of $50,000 of coverage is also required for bodily injury to two passengers (or if two passengers have died as a result of a crash). Additionally, it is also required to have at least $25,000 of potential property damage coverage which may occur any time you are in a crash (whether you are at fault or not).

If you are involved in a crash while on your motorcycle and you do not have any form of insurance, you may find yourself facing fines and potential license restriction or revocation, depending on your past driving record and history. In some cases, you may find yourself personally financially at fault, leading to lawyer fees and paying others back for medical costs and damages that have occurred. If your motorcycle is damaged or totaled in the accident you have been involved in, you are not entitled to financial compensation or assistance when you are not carrying up to date insurance. 

Learn more about acquiring motorcycle insurance and which options are best for you throughout Commerce, GA by contacting North Georgia Insurance Center today.

RV vs Motor home coverage in GA, Considerations

When you buy an RV, standard vehicle insurance may not cover everything that might happen. Your North Georgia Insurance Center agent can help you understand your options and what would work best for you and your family. Keep reading for more information on RV insurance available in Commerce, GA.

Types of RV Insurance

Many of the following policy types are optional. Although, just like car insurance, you are required to have liability and bodily injury coverage in Commerce, GA. Work with your North Georgia Insurance Center agent to individual your coverage. If you are going to have your RV parked for long period of time, you may also need homeowners insurance.

RV coverage that you can consider generally includes:

  • Liability insurance pays for claims made against you for bodily injury or property damage suffered by someone else in an accident that was your fault. This is required in most states, including Georgia.
  • Comprehensive coverage covers the costs to fix damage to your RV due to non-collision events. Examples include theft and fire loss.
  • Collision policies pay for collision damage to your RV, and help repair or replace your RV.
  • Vacation liability can be a great option in certain circumstances. It pays for the costs of other people’s injuries and property damage. However, this type of policy usually only covers you when someone else is hurt or suffers property damage while using your RV for vacationing. It doesn’t cover events that occur when you’re on the road.
  • Roadside assistance pays for the cost to get you up and running if your RV breaks down.

Contact Us

Call your North Georgia Insurance Center agent at 706-335-2433 for more information on your RV and other insurance needs in Commerce, GA.

 

Prepare for Flooding Season

A flood is the most prevalent of all natural disasters. It can occur after a powerful storm, hurricane, or snow thaw. Keep you, your home, and your family safe by having flood insurance. The North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA has expert independent agents that can help you protect your property and family.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Before a flood happens, you should make sure to have an emergency kit prepared. It should be in a location that is easy to access, like a closet or laundry room. This kit should include:

  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Batteries, including an extra cell phone charger
  • Flashlights
  • First-aid kit
  • Radio
  • Rain gear
  • Pet and baby supplies

Household Evacuation Plan

Have a plan that every member of your family can utilize. Learn the best meeting place if one or more of you are outside of your home when a disaster strikes. Perhaps a local church, store, or school would be a good place for your family to reunite. You should practice this plan several times a year.

Prepare Your Home

Floods can happen anywhere, but if you live in a flood zone, you should prepare your home quickly if there is a flood warning in the area.

  • Sandbags – can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Place them around your property to prevent water from entering your home.
  • Unplug Electrical Items – start with the water, gas, and electricity. You should also unplug televisions and appliances.  
  • Elevate – move any important documents or furniture to a higher floor.

Flooding can cause serious injuries and devastate your family if you are not prepared. In Commerce, GA, the independent agents at North Georgia Insurance Center can help you review your policy and add flood insurance coverage to protect your needs.

DIY Home Security Basics

Increasing your home’s security is an excellent way to improve your peace of mind and to take a swipe at your home insurance costs. You don’t have to fork over thousands to a security agency either if you take advantage of these DIY home security tools. If these tips don’t fulfill your need for home security, the North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA can help you find more ideas to protect your family and your property.

Doors, Windows, and Locks

Few things can beat a physical barrier for preventing criminals from accessing your home. If your locks are easily defeated, then even the most robust system of alarms and cameras won’t stop the thieves from finding something to steal. Check the integrity of the frames, replace damaged components, and upgrade to thicker and sturdier materials. Add a dead bolt to each door and add a lock to any window without one.

Alarms

An audible alarm that triggers when a door, window, or another opening is breached draws attention to your home, which is the last thing a criminal wants. Although, it may be harder or more expensive to configure your entry alarms to contact law enforcement automatically.

Lighting and Landscaping

While burglars can strike in the broad light of day, visibility always plays a significant role in how they decide to strike. Motion-sensing flood lights will spook many would-be criminals, and removing tall brush near doors and windows eliminates the opportunity for them to work on breaking your locks in the shadows.

Security Cameras

For DIY home security, the most promising technology available is the modern surveillance camera. A few cameras can keep eyes on the perimeter of most home lots for $200 to $1,000 depending on the quality of the camera selected. Upper-end models connect wirelessly, have night-vision to stay viable around the clock, record audio and video in high-quality formats, and can be remotely viewed through computer applications.

Reach out to us for any questions on home insurance. Visit our North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA or give us a call to learn how to start your home insurance policy today.

Can I Get Life Insurance With a Terminal Illness?

Sometimes people don’t consider the need for life insurance until they are diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness. When this happens, the person often believes they will not be able to purchase a life insurance policy. This is incorrect; you actually can get life insurance. It may not be a policy someone without an illness can buy, but there are policy options to help you take care of your loved ones.

Graded Life Insurance

One option is called “graded” life insurance, and it is a type of whole-life insurance policy. It’s designed so the premiums gradually increase over the course of two years and then level off. If the insured member dies within the first two years, then the beneficiaries will receive a refund of the payments made with a little interest. If the person survives over the two years, then the policy will be paid at the full face value at the time of death.

High-Risk Insurance

Someone with a serious illness is considered high-risk, and some companies specialize in these high-risk policies. Some offer guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance that does not require a medical exam, and there are no health questions to answer. The premiums will be higher than for the average person, but you will be able to secure a life insurance policy. There can also be term-life insurance options that might fit your situation.

North Georgia Insurance Center

The agents at North Georgia Insurance Center in the Commerce, GA area specialize in customer service first, and then the insurance. When you’re sick, it’s not the time to stress over finding the right life insurance policy. Contact us today and we can help make life easier for you by finding the coverage you need for your family in Commerce, GA.