Renters’ Insurance – Situations That May Require Filing an Insurance Claim

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Are you considering obtaining a renters’ insurance policy? A renters’ insurance policy will protect your personal possessions and may also protect you if another party sues you. Review some situations that may require you to file an insurance claim.

Criminal Activity

Criminal activity that results in damage or theft of insured items should be reported promptly. Any possessions listed in your insurance policy are protected by the coverage that you have obtained. It is your duty to contact the local authorities and report the incident to your insurance provider.

You must leave the crime scene intact and itemize the damaged or stolen possessions. These steps are critical when filing an insurance claim.

Reviewing your renters’ insurance policy before filing a claim is always a good idea. This will prevent you from reporting any items that are not officially covered by your policy.

Natural Disasters

A natural disaster could damage possessions stored outdoors or inside your rental. If your insurance policy covers adverse weather events, you may need to file an insurance claim. Any damaged insured items should be reported.

Liability Concerns

Injuries or damage could occur when someone is visiting you. If an incident occurs that you are held liable for, the liability coverage that your renters’ insurance policy provides will protect you from expenses associated with a lawsuit. You should file a claim whenever faced with a liability issue.

Contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency

Now that you have reviewed some information about filing renters’ insurance claims, contact our office. Schedule an appointment to consult with an agent who serves Commerce, GA.

How Umbrella Insurance Protects You With Extra Liability Coverage

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If you already have a home and auto policies, the next logical step for comprehensive protection is getting an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy offers a significant level of protection. To explore if this type of policy is right for you, contact us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.

Enhanced Liability Coverage

Your home and auto policies come with a specific amount of liability coverage. Your auto insurance policy covers bodily injury and property damage liability, paying for the damages someone else incurs after an accident. In your home policy, this provides protection in case anyone outside your household has an accident on your property. Both types of coverage are essential, but they often don’t provide enough liability coverage to pay for a serious accident. Adding umbrella insurance to these policies increases the amount of liability coverage for both.

Superior Protection

An umbrella policy covers any overages after your home or auto policy has reached its limit. Both of these policies have a relatively small maximum payout, which could leave bills unpaid after home or auto insurance has maxed out its coverage. If this happens, your umbrella policy will cover the remaining bills. This can save you from having to pay a significant amount in overages.

Secure Your Umbrella Insurance

If you need better protection against accidents, umbrella insurance is an excellent choice. It provides extensive coverage and is typically quite affordable. To find out more, contact us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.

Traveling Across the Country? Tips For Safe Driving on Unfamiliar Roads

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Millions of Americans will take to the roads this holiday season to travel. While many will visit relatives and loved ones, some may embark on a vacation, venturing into unfamiliar territories. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Commerce, GA area, we aim to keep you safe when driving on unfamiliar roads. Here are some tips that may assist you.

Plan Your Route Before You Go

Before driving, study a map or use a GPS to plan your route. Ensure you know your destination and check for any roadblocks or detours. This strategy helps prevent getting lost and saves time.

Check Your Car Before You Leave

Check the oil, tires, and brakes to ensure your car is trip-ready. If your vehicle is in good condition, you’re less likely to encounter problems on the road.

Take Breaks to Stay Safe

Long drives can be tiring. Stop every couple of hours to stretch your legs and rest. If you feel sleepy, pull over to a safe spot and take a short nap. Staying alert contributes to safe driving.

Watch for Signs and Local Rules

When driving in new areas, look for road signs and follow speed limits. Different places have different driving rules, so it’s important to be cautious and follow them.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Carry an emergency kit with essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. This way, you’ll be prepared if something goes wrong while you’re driving.

Having the right auto insurance is crucial in case something unexpected happens. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc., serving Commerce, GA, we can help. Call now to learn more.

Cybersecurity for Businesses: Protecting Your Data and Reputation in the Digital Age

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In today’s digital world, safeguarding your business’s data is more critical than ever. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA, we understand a cyber attack’s profound impact on your operations and reputation. Let’s explore how you can protect your business in the digital age.

Recognizing the Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving and target businesses of all sizes. Understanding these risks, from phishing attacks to ransomware, is the first step in building a robust defense. Awareness and education are crucial in preventing breaches and ensuring your team is prepared to handle potential threats.

Building a Strong Defense

Creating a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is essential. This includes using firewalls, encryption, and secure passwords. Regular software updates and patches are vital to protect against vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Training Your Team

Your employees are your first line of defense. Providing regular training on cybersecurity best practices helps them recognize and avoid potential threats. Encourage a culture of vigilance where employees feel confident reporting suspicious activities. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of a cyber incident.

Planning for the Worst

Even with the best precautions, breaches can occur. A response plan ensures quick action, minimizing damage and downtime. Regularly reviewing and updating this plan is crucial to staying prepared for new and emerging threats.

Call Us For Commercial Insurance Products in Georgia

At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA, we’re committed to helping you protect your business. Contact us today to learn more about commercial insurance options that can safeguard your data and reputation in the digital age.

How Do You Pay Home Insurance?

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Home insurance is a standard protection that almost every homeowner should have. It’s a requirement if you’re buying a house in Commerce, GA. Here’s how homeowners’ policies are typically paid.

Initial Payment

The initial home insurance payment is usually submitted to your insurance agent when you first purchase a house. For example, we at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. can accept your payment if you choose a homeowners policy through us.

This initial payment covers the first year of home insurance; the full year’s premium is usually due upfront. Once your initial payment is made, an "insurance binder" will be sent to your lender. This document shows that you’ve purchased home insurance. Your lender will likely require the document at or before closing.

Ongoing Payments

After the initial payment, you normally won’t send future home insurance payments to your insurance agent. We at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. are still available for coverage questions or claims, but payments are usually sent to your bank instead.

Your "mortgage payment" usually includes the mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance. Your annual home insurance premium is broken down into monthly payments, which are paid with your mortgage. The home insurance premium part of your payments is held in escrow.

When your home insurance policy needs to be renewed in one year, your bank will pay the next year’s premium from the escrow amount. If the next year’s premium is different from what’s expected, you might have a small additional amount due or receive a small credit back.

Get Help With Home Insurance

If you have any questions about home insurance and are in Commerce, GA, contact us to talk with a knowledgeable agent. We’d love to help ensure your home is properly covered, and we’re happy to help with logistics, like understanding how the policy’s premium is paid.

Mold Coverage in Renters Insurance: What You Need to Know

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Understanding Mold Coverage in Renters’ Insurance

Mold can inflict significant damage to property and potentially present severe health risks. It’s crucial to grasp if your renter’s insurance policy covers mold-related issues. Renters’ insurance policies in Commerce, GA vary in their mold coverage, and the coverage often depends on the cause of mold growth.

When Mold is Covered

Typically, renters’ insurance covers mold damage when it arises from a peril mentioned in your policy. Standard perils include accidental water leaks from a burst pipe, a faulty appliance, or a storm. If mold develops as a direct result of one of these covered incidents, your renter’s insurance may help cover the cost of mold removal and repairing any damage to your belongings.

However, the coverage generally comes with restrictions, and the insurer may only indemnify up to a particular limit for mold-related claims. It’s crucial to understand the extent of your coverage and whether you require additional coverage.

When Mold is Not Covered

Renters’ insurance generally doesn’t cover mold resulting from negligence or a lack of maintenance. For example, insurers are unlikely to cover the damages if mold forms due to persisting humidity, poor ventilation, or unresolved water leaks. In such scenarios, mold prevention and the proper upkeep of your rental unit fall under your responsibility.

Additionally, certain mold types, such as black mold, might necessitate specialized treatment, and coverage may be excluded unless you purchase additional mold protection.

Consult with Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc.

The Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. provides comprehensive information about procuring insurance. Our agency caters to individuals in and around Commerce, GA. Contact us today.

The Overlooked Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

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Safeguarding your assets with the right insurance is crucial. At Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc., serving the greater Commerce, GA area, we vouch for umbrella insurance as a vital part of comprehensive coverage. This blog will explain why this often-overlooked policy could be ideal for your insurance portfolio.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance offers an extra layer of liability protection that extends beyond the confines of your standard policies, such as home or auto insurance. It comes into play when your primary insurance has been used up, covering legal fees, damages, and more. This safety net can thwart financial devastation in the face of an unexpected lawsuit.

The Necessity of Umbrella Insurance

Picture a situation where you are at fault in a significant car accident. Your auto insurance covers damages up to its limit, but what if the expenses overshoot that? Umbrella insurance swoops in at this juncture, ensuring you aren’t burdened with out-of-pocket expenses. Knowing that you are shielded from substantial financial strain guarantees peace of mind.

Safeguarding Your Future

Umbrella insurance isn’t exclusively for those with a high net worth. It’s an intelligent choice for anyone with assets to protect. Whether you own a home, have a savings plan, or are apprehensive about future earnings, this coverage can prevent you from losing everything in a lawsuit.

Affordable and Versatile

One of the most impressive aspects of umbrella insurance is its affordability. Given its protection level, the cost is relatively low, making it viable for most budgets. In addition, it’s highly versatile, providing coverage for incidents like defamation or false arrest, which other policies may not cover.

Ready to discover the benefits of umbrella insurance for yourself? Contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA, today. We’re here to help you secure a safer, more protected future.

How to Get Auto Insurance When Buying a New Car

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Purchasing a new car is exciting, but there are some slightly mundane matters to attend to. One of those matters is insurance. Here’s how to equip yourself with auto insurance when you buy a new car and enjoy your drive without worrying about coverage.

Arrange Insurance Before Purchasing the Car

Before you finalize the purchase of your new vehicle, you need to have auto insurance in place. Georgia law requires all drivers in Commerce, GA to have insurance.

You can start shopping for insurance as soon as you decide on the specific vehicle you’ll purchase. If you want an accurate quote, you need to know at least the vehicle’s year, make, and model, and preferably the VIN too.

Check Lender Auto Insurance Requirements

If you’re financing your new car through a bank or other lender, you’ll need to meet specific insurance requirements. Lenders usually require comprehensive, collision, and gap coverage as part of their investment.

These coverages will likely pay if you’re in an accident that damages or totals the vehicle. The insurance agents at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. can assist you in ensuring that these three coverages are in place if you’re in a financing situation.

Opt for More Than the State Minimum

All drivers in Commerce, GA are required to carry coverages that meet Georgia’s minimum requirements. However, it is generally recommended that you carry more coverage and higher limits.

Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

One of the best ways to compare policies and opt for the ones that suit your needs is to check quotes with an independent insurance agent. Not only can an independent agent help you choose specific coverages and limits, but they can also verify pricing from several insurance companies.

If you would like to speak to an independent agent about auto insurance, please contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc.

A Quick Look at Commercial Insurance Statistics

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Running a small business can be rewarding both financially and personally. However, starting a business also means assuming many risks. The good news is that some of these risks can be mitigated with commercial insurance. We’re going to cover some important statistics below, but if you are in or near Commerce, GA, and you’re interested in speaking with agents serving this area, feel free to contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc.

Key Statistics About Commercial Insurance Everyone Should Be Aware Of

There are over 33 million businesses, both large and small, in the United States alone. The Small Business Administration (SBA) points out that the vast majority of these businesses are small companies with a workforce of less than 500 individuals. Given the high level of competition, commercial insurance can often be the difference between a small business’s success and failure.

Surveys have discovered that over 95% of business owners do not fully grasp the basics of small business insurance. Moreover, 90% of small business owners have concerns about being inadequately insured. If you or someone you know has worries about insurance or questions about it, it’s wise to connect with expert insurance agents. These professionals can guide you through various policies and highlight what each covers and why planning for specific risk factors is essential.

Several incidents can negatively impact a small business. Top reasons for insurance claims filed by small businesses include theft and break-ins, damage from wind and hail, and water damage, like a burst pipe. The right commercial insurance policy may help safeguard your business from these threats.

Some industry insiders have found that commercial insurance rates increased by nearly 4% in the first quarter of 2024. This finding underscores the importance of partnering with insurance agents who can assist you in finding the best deals. If you are in or around Commerce, GA, and want to discuss policy options, please get in touch with Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc.

Three Important Types of Coverage in Your Home Insurance

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A home insurance policy comes with several different coverage types. It’s important to have each of these coverage types so that you’re well covered in case of damaging events and accidents. Each of these types of coverage protects you in a different way against certain risks that exist for homeowners. When you get your home policy, call us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.

House Coverage

The protection for the structure is one of the most important types of home coverage you need. Every home policy comes with this protection in case of damaging events happen to the house. This coverage pays for the repairs that are needed after something damages it. This may be anything from a calamity to an accident to certain disasters. They can seriously damage a house and cause it to need expensive repairs to be habitable. 

Belongings Coverage

This coverage works much like the coverage for the structure, but it pertains to your belongings at your house. If a damaging event causes serious damage to your things, this coverage can pay for them to be repaired or replaced. A damaging event can cause damage to the home and to your things, and you need this coverage just in case this happens. Item replacement can be extremely expensive without coverage. 

Liability Coverage

If someone comes onto your property and has an accident there, the cost of the injuries would be up to you. That’s what the liability coverage is for. It protects you against what can be incredibly high medical expenses. 

Get Your Home Insurance Policy

If you’re buying a home or want to change your existing home insurance coverage, call us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.