Why Renter’s Insurance Protects Landlords As Well

Residents of Commerce, GA who own property may not require their renters to purchase renter’s insurance policies. This mistake is one that can be very costly if something happens to a renter’s home. Therefore, we at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. believe it is important for landlords to understand how renter’s insurance protects them as well as their renters.

Landlords May Have to Pay Some Relocation Costs

When a renter’s home is destroyed or damaged unexpectedly, a landlord may find themselves having to pay for their renter’s relocation costs. This need typically varies depending on the statutes of the state and the type of insurance policy the landlord owns. Unfortunately, their policy may not cover all of a tenant’s needs and open them up to lawsuits. Even if these lawsuits aren’t successful, they can be distracting and expensive to defend.

Renter’s Insurance Helps Prevent This Problem

Landlords who don’t want to suffer from this issue should encourage – or require – their renters to purchase an insurance policy for their home. These policies typically cost very little for the renter and can even be built directly into the rental cost to decrease their payment difficulty.

These policies will provide a renter with relocation costs, especially if the landlord’s policy no longer provides coverage. These benefits can help not only the landlord but the renter as well. Rather than getting into an annoying court battle, they can simply move on with their lives.

Finding Great Renter’s Insurance Policies

So, if you are a landlord concerned about having to pay for your tenant’s relocation costs in or around Commerce, GA, you should work with us to find great renters insurance policies. Contact us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. to learn more about these coverage options and which of them are right for your specific building and apartment complex needs.

Why Umbrella Insurance? Because You Never Know

Planning for the unexpected and unforeseen is hard. The right coverage and the right plan can make it less difficult to be prepared for the unknown, however, which is why umbrella insurance makes sense. Accidents are going to happen, and damages will also need to be dealt with from time to time throughout the course of our lives. Regardless of our efforts, our focus on being safe at work and play, and our preventative measures, we can’t account for everything and even when we do – some things are simply unpreventable. It doesn’t matter if you live on Mars or in Commerce, GA, accidents will happen.

The Safety Net You Need

Most people typically purchase an insurance policy with the obvious in mind. It is the consequences of those accidents, the aftermath of the unpreventable, and the secondary damages that often don’t or can’t be accounted for – outside of a safety net of course. In the insurance world, that safety net is known as the umbrella and umbrella insurance is there for all the things you didn’t see coming. The friendly professionals at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. have seen many crazy things – and they are still surprised today at the unpredictable nature of accidents they find in the claims they handle. That is also why they are qualified to help you figure out what umbrella you might want the next time it rains without warning.

Serving Commerce, GA, and the surrounding areas

The people of Commerce, GA are more than clients, they are family at the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., and they look forward to making sure you are prepared, even for the unknown. Contact us to find out how umbrella insurance can better protect your home or vehicle because you never know what might happen. 

Driving Drowsy-Signs You Need to Stop and Rest

It’s no secret that driving while intoxicated in Athens, GA is extremely dangerous, but did you know that driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated? Although the effects of driving while drowsy vary from person to person, most fatigued drivers often experience short-term loss of memory and have slower reaction times while behind the wheel. Here are a few of the causes of drowsy driving and how to avoid driving while drowsy.

Common Causes of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving, also known as driver fatigue, occurs when someone is too fatigued to safely drive a motor vehicle, which in turn puts them, their passengers and others on the road in danger. Some of the most common causes of drowsy driving include:

  • Consuming drugs and/or alcohol
  • Using sleep aids or sedatives before driving
  • Lack of or interrupted sleep
  • Sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or chronic insomnia
  • Working a schedule that affects your amount of sleep or the circadian rhythm
  • Driving for long periods without stopping for sufficient rest

Who’s at Risk for Drowsy Driving?

Although every driver is susceptible to driving drowsy, some groups are considered to be at a higher risk for drowsy driving, including:

  • Young drivers between the ages of 18-29
  • Commercial drivers
  • Late evening and overnight shift workers
  • Business travelers
  • People with sleep disorders

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving

There are several preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision resulting from driving drowsy, including:

  • Get plenty of sleep before getting behind the wheel
  • Travel with another driver
  • Use rest stops
  • Use of caffeine (will provide energy, but not a replacement for sleep)
  • Chew gum (stimulates senses)
  • Open the car windows to get fresh air
  • Listen to music
  • Drive during the day whenever possible
  • Don’t hesitate to stop for the night to sleep

Understanding your warning signs is critical in preventing a collision resulting from drowsy driving. For instance, if you are yawning, blinking frequently, or missing traffic signals, it is a sure sign that you need to stop and rest. Driving drowsy can result in a collision, and these types of collisions are often as serious as those that occur as a result of driving while intoxicated. If you are interested in learning more about the risks relating to drowsy driving, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

Residents of Athens, GA who want to learn more information about their current insurance policy or to upgrade your current policy, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

3 Tips for Buying Commercial Insurance in Commerce, GA

Protecting your business in Commerce, GA should be a top priority. While you may have installed quality locks on the doors, and a high-tech security system – there may still be something missing. If you don’t have the right type and amount of commercial insurance, you and your entire business could be at risk.

The good news is that with the help of Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., finding and purchasing the right insurance for your commercial business is not an issue. Keep reading for some tips to help you with this important process.

1. Bundle Your Policies

As a commercial business owner, you are going to need several different types of insurance. Some of the most common include general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and if you have vehicles used by staff, you will also need commercial auto insurance. There’s no question that all this coverage can add up quickly. A great way to help reduce your costs is by bundling your policies. This can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your premiums each year.

2. Compare Quotes

Another great step to take when you are trying to purchase commercial insurance is to compare quotes. Today, getting an insurance quote online is fast and simple. Be sure to do this before you make any purchase decision.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

You don’t have to try, find, and purchase your commercial insurance on your own. Working with a quality agent can help you get the coverage you need for a price you can afford.

When it comes to buying insurance for your business in Commerce, GA, be sure to use a reputable company. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. is here to help and will ensure you get the policy that you need.

Is Renter Insurance Really That Necessary?

Whether your home is an apartment, townhouse, condo, or single-family home, if you are renting, you definitely should have renter insurance with adequate coverage. Here are some details that help you understand why renter insurance is necessary, courtesy of Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the Commerce, GA area. 

Alleviating Loss

If property is damaged in some event like a fire or severe storm, renter insurance can provide excellent coverage, depending on the particular policy and what it provides. You do not want to risk being faced with a disaster like that without insurance coverage. Renter insurance is necessary not just for your peace of mind but for very practical reasons.

Required by Property Owner

Many apartment complexes and other property owners require every resident who is renting from them to have renter insurance, and they even require renters to provide proof that they have renter insurance. So in those instances, renter insurance is necessary. Be able to satisfy landlord requirements by having proper renter insurance coverage.

Financial Risks

What if you do not have renter insurance? Are you prepared to pay out of pocket for potentially thousands of dollars worth of expenses that arise when a disaster strikes that affects your belongings? The answer is probably "no." Renter insurance helps you prevent severe financial hardship, and you do not want to take a chance on experiencing a disaster without adequate coverage.

Do you have any questions or need more information about renter’s insurance? We can help you figure out what you need when it comes to this important type of insurance. Feel free to contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the Commerce, GA area. 

When Should You Increase Your Home Insurance Coverage?

It is essential to have the right amount of insurance coverage for your home at all times. The policy you purchase for your home initially may not be enough to protect it if there are changes to the structure or other circumstances that cause the value of the home to increase or change substantially.

Increasing Your Home’s Coverage

If you decide to remodel or even create an addition to your home, you need to contact your insurance provider to begin steps to increase your homeowner’s insurance according to the value of the house once the improvements are completed. This is also true if you plan to add a sizeable separate structure such as a barn, large shed, or even a guest house.

Purchasing The Right Insurance

Not only is getting the right amount of insurance critical, but you also need to have high-quality, comprehensive insurance that is designed to give you the protection you need. If you live around the Commerce, GA area, you should contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. We have skilled professionals that can help you purchase the right coverage, and adjust the amount of coverage in the future as your needs change. They can also help you file any claims you have along the way to make sure you get back to healthy living. 

If you are a resident living in or around the Commerce, GA area, call or stop by Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. to get more information about different coverage options. Our helpful insurance professionals can work closely with you to help you avoid coverage gaps and keep you informed about terms and conditions of insurance policies.

What Risks Are Covered By Umbrella Insurance?

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. in Commerce, GA offers insurance policies that protect its clients from the loss of their assets. Liability insurance protects the insured against third-party insurance claims such as automobile accidents. The payments are typically paid to individuals who are suffering from an injury or personal property damage. Damages related to a breach of contract or caused intentionally are not covered under liability insurance.

An insurance claim should be filed if a significant incident takes place. The insurance carrier must defend the insured from any insurance claim or lawsuit seeking damages. The policy limits generally are not affected by the cost of the defense. However, it may turn out that the cost of the defense is higher than the insurance policy allows, especially if the claim is caused by significant damage or high medical bills.

If an injury results in a $500,000 claim and the bodily limit is $300,000, the insured will face $200,000 of personal liability above the limits of the insurance policy. An umbrella policy would cover the amount over the limits of your liability insurance policy.

An umbrella insurance policy includes extra liability insurance. The plan will protect the insured from significant insurance claims including the amount of a lawsuit if the insured is found liable. The umbrella policy will automatically be put in force once the limits of the liability policy are exceeded, which will help avoid the liquidation of such assets as bank accounts, investments, garnished wages, and tax returns. An umbrella policy can also cover those excluded perils of your general liability policy such as false arrests, liability coverage on your rental units, libel, and slander.

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. in Commerce, GA will provide you with an umbrella policy that fits your lifestyle. Please call for more information and a quote!

What are the Auto Insurance Requirements for Georgia?

When you are looking to get a new car, understanding your auto insurance needs is very important. There are several factors to consider when determining what your auto insurance requirements are for the new vehicle.

State Auto Insurance Requirements for Georgia

For those that are in the Commerce, GA area, the first factor that needs to be understood is what your requirements are per state law. In the state of Georgia, you will need to have the minimum level of liability coverage in place at all times. This means you will need to have property damage liability coverage of $25,000 plus bodily injury coverage of $25,000 for each injured person, with a $50,000 cap per incident.

Auto Loan or Lease

While there are some basic requirements that are set forth by the state for people in Commerce, GA, there are other factors to consider as well when you are looking at auto insurance policies. One of the most important factors to consider is whether you have insurance requirements in your loan or lease.

If you have a loan or lease, you will likely need to have additional collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy. This type of coverage will give you additional protection for a variety of items including protection against vandalism, theft, and being in an accident with someone that does not have coverage. Lenders and lessors will likely require you to have this coverage since the car is their collateral.

When you are trying to figure out what you need to get in terms of auto insurance, you should contact the Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. When you speak with Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., you will get a full understanding of your requirements and what the best level of coverage would be for your situation. Reach out to our agents for more information on how to get started.

What is Covered Under a Commercial Insurance Policy?

What is a Commercial Insurance Policy?

If you are in Commerce, GA or the surrounding areas, having a commercial insurance policy for your business is imperative for the longevity of your company. A commercial insurance policy offers protection for your business and limits your risk of liability for damages and claims. Those damages include lawsuits, injuries, and advertisement claims- but not workers compensation.

You can also add additional insurance on top of your commercial policy to add a safety net of funding to pick up where your commercial policy caps. This additional insurance is often recommended for bigger companies that are more prone to consumer and employee claims, which include workers compensation insurance, injury because of negligence, and punitive damages. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. serves the Commerce, GA community and can help you find the right commercial insurance coverage for your business.

What is Covered by a General Commercial Insurance Policy

Doing business takes considerable risk. Thus, having liability coverage under a commercial insurance policy will protect your business- and its employees- from injury claims and property damage. A general liability commercial policy will cover legal expenses, settlements, and judgments. There will be limits on coverage provided by your general policy, which is where additional coverage would take over.

General liability insurance will cover all legal fees and medical expenses that are the result of a lawsuit, company investigation, judgment, or settlement. Coverage includes accidents that occur on your premises or because of advertising, as well as products that cause bodily injury or harm to a consumer or employee.

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. is well-versed in commercial insurance policies and our professional and experienced agents are here to help you. Contact us today to learn more. 

Spring Cleaning Tips for those around Georgia

Spring has sprung, and for many, that means giving your home a thorough cleaning. You get to rid your home of any unused items and let the fresh air flow freely. If you don’t have homeowners insurance, it’s a good time to get a quote from Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. We serve Commerce, GA and the surrounding areas to give you options to protect you and your home in the event of a serious incident over spring, summer, or any time of the year. 

Your Closet

Your closet is a huge collector of junk. It’s easy just to shove all of your unwanted items in your closet, so they’re out of plain view. However, when it comes to cleaning, "out of sight out of mind" is a weak rule to follow. Take an opportunity to remove all the items you don’t want and take them to the trash. Form a separate pile for all the things you want to donate. Purchase storage containers and use them to store the items you still want. You’ll want to go through your clothes, shoes, and accessories, too. Get rid of anything you don’t wear and think about organizing your clothes based on color and style. Take time to sort all of your receipts and old bills. Anything that’s not relevant right now needs to be thrown out. 

Your Garage

Your garage is probably the most cluttered area of your home. Take advantage of the nice weather and start getting rid of all of the items you don’t use. Anything you haven’t used in the past few years are probably items you won’t use in the next few years, so get rid of them. 

Contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., serving Commerce, GA, and the surrounding areas, by calling or visiting our offices to receive a quote for a homeowners insurance policy this spring.