Three Reasons Why You Should Have Renters’ Insurance

When you rent a home or apartment, there are many things that you won’t have to worry about. Paying the mortgage, home maintenance, and other tasks are usually the landlord’s or homeowner’s responsibility. But it’s vital to keep in mind that although your landlord is responsible for owning that property, that doesn’t mean you’re covered for whatever happens to it. 

In this day and age, you never know what will happen to your home or apartment. And if you’re not covered by renters’ insurance, you might be forced to pay for damages out of your own pocket. Whether you rent your residence in Commerce, GA or anywhere in the United States, having renters’ insurance is key to staying protected. 

Below you’ll find three reasons why you should have renters’ insurance:

Liability Coverage

This insurance component has you covered when you are at fault for damage to the property or in the event someone is hurt on the property. If you have renters’ insurance, you usually won’t be responsible for all the medical expenses involved.

Personal Property Coverage

Let’s say you just bought the newest television on the market, or you purchased an expensive couch. If those were ever damaged accidentally or even stolen, you wouldn’t get any reimbursement if you don’t have renters’ insurance. This policy even protects your personal belongings from fires, storms, and other causes. 

Living Expenses

If something ever happens to your residence, whether fire, hail, or any other cause, you’ll need money for a hotel and other expenses. If you don’t have renters’ insurance, you’ll have to pay for all of this out-of-pocket. 

Call the Experts at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. 

Dealing with insurance policies can be confusing. With so many options, it can be hard to understand. But by fully acknowledging the risks involved with renting a home or business, you’ll soon realize the importance of renters’ insurance. For all of your insurance needs in Commerce, GA and the surrounding area, reach out to Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. today!

Is Buying Umbrella Insurance a Good Idea?

Having adequate insurance protection is important for everyone trying to protect investments and their finances. For those that are in the Commerce, GA area, being properly covered for liability is extremely beneficial. There are several situations in which buying additional umbrella insurance will protect your livelihood.  

You Have Assets that Need Protection

One situation in which having umbrella insurance would be beneficial is if you have a lot of assets that need protection. If you have a lot of liquid assets, and this becomes public knowledge, you are more at risk of being sued for a large lawsuit that is over your base liability coverage. In these situations, it would be an excellent option to have an additional umbrella insurance policy in place. If you are targeted in a liability lawsuit, the umbrella policy will limit your exposure, and your insurance company will help negotiate a settlement.

Increased Liability Risks

Another factor to consider when thinking about getting umbrella insurance is whether you have increased liability risks. Depending on your personal situations, you could be more prone to accidents or other types of liability. For example, if you have teen drivers, operate your own small business, or own rental properties, many different situations could arise in which you could be found liable for another party’s medical bills or property damage. If you do have a higher risk of being sued, having the excess umbrella insurance will be the deciding factor when it comes to paying out of pocket.

If you are shopping for a new umbrella insurance policy in the Commerce, GA area, please reach out to the agents of Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. Our agents can help you better understand your insurance needs and get you started on an insurance policy. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. wants you to be prepared when the unthinkable arises.

How To Choose The Right Auto Insurance

Most drivers in Athens and Commerce, GA deal with some sort of stress about choosing the right auto insurance. The proper auto insurance is a combination of company, agent, and policy. The following are guidelines for the critical areas of these three major factors.

Policy

The state of Georgia requires that all drivers in Commerce, GA and throughout the state have a minimum coverage. The minimum bodily injury liability is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident. A minimum of $25,000 property damage liability is required. These limits are not negotiable and are set by the Georgia Department of Insurance.

There are additional types of auto insurance coverage that fit individual circumstances and automobiles. Liability does not cover all costs involved in an accident.

The additional coverage includes collision insurance that pays for damage to your car, comprehensive coverage that includes things like theft and natural disasters, medical insurance that covers medical bills that result from an automobile accident, and funeral insurance that covers the cost of a funeral that is made necessary by an accident.

Insurance that covers damage to your car from an uninsured driver is also available. You may need insurance that pays for a rental car while your car is being repaired.

Agent

An agent is a guide. Most people do not understand all of the terms involved with auto insurance. A good agent will take the time to explain the details of all types of coverage. A great agent knows when to let you decide what you need. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. prides itself on having collected a group of great agents.

The Company

A company that represents all major brands of automobile insurance equally with no preference for any brand is what you want. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. has been providing people with a choice in automobile insurance for 55 years. Experience always helps a client. 

If you are looking for a new auto insurance policy or want yours reviewed, please reach out to our offices to speak with an agent. Also, try our online rating tool for quotes on car insurance.

Commercial Insurance and Cybercrime: What You Need to Know

Cybercrime is constantly in the news today, and it can be scary for everyday consumers to hear about. Questions about identity theft and everything that goes along with it can plague the public in untold ways. But there’s another threat out there that may not seem as obvious. Sometimes small business owners may assume that they’re immune because they don’t attract enough attention. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. can tell you that this is most certainly not true. 

Small Businesses Are On the Menu 

It’s often easier to break into a small business via virtual means simply because small businesses aren’t designed to ward off advanced tactics. Hacks in Athens or Commerce, GA can occur as a result of a genius coder working their way into your system, but they’re just as likely (if not more likely) to occur because someone sent an email disguised as an important message. The more training and prevention work you do to resist the most common features, the safer you’ll be. But it can’t protect you completely from all the hackers out there either. 

Commercial Insurance Can Help 

Businesses in Athens and Commerce, GA need someone they can turn to when it comes to getting the commercial insurance they need to protect against cybercrime. Along with more standard commercial insurance benefits like property insurance and workers’ compensation, you should be doing everything possible to keep all of your sensitive information as private as possible. Call Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. if you’re looking for someone who can help you pick the right insurance policy for you. The best coverage ensures that you have a backup plan for whatever may occur, whether it’s a major infiltration or a small leak. 

Do I Have to Notify My Home Insurance Company If I’m Building a Pool?

If you are thinking about building an in-ground pool, you may find yourself wondering if you have to tell your home insurance company about the pool and if so, when. These are questions that we at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc., serving the greater Commerce, GA area, are often asked. Here is what you need to know:

Do I Have to Notify My Home Insurance Company If I Am Building a Pool?

You do not have to notify your home insurance company that you are building a pool. However, you do have to notify them when the pool is complete. However, while you do not have to notify them when the construction process is ongoing, there can be benefits to doing so. When you let them know that you are having a pool installed, you are able to get an estimate for the new price of your home insurance policy. If you think it is too high, you will have time to shop around for a new insurance policy before the pool is completed.

When Should I Notify My Home Insurance Company If I Am Building a Pool?

You should notify your home insurance company about the pool no later than the time that the pool is completed. This helps to ensure that you, your home, and the pool are all fully covered in the event of an expected accident or weather situation that damages the pool. 

It is important to understand that a pool can increase the cost of your home insurance policy. If your current insurance company is increasing your rates and you feel they are too high, take the time to shop around. If you need home insurance in the greater Commerce, GA area, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. today for an estimate. If you are looking for quotes from home, try our online rating tool.

Three Reasons You Should Have Homeowners Insurance

Three Reasons You Should Have Homeowners Insurance by Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

Owning a home likely makes it your highest-priced asset and your biggest investment ever. In order to protect your investment, that’s vulnerable to a number of risks (think storms or floods and liability from injuries), it’s important to have homeowners insurance to cover damages and liability should a disaster occur. Also, it’s often required by mortgage lenders or those who are financing their home, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Here are some of the primary reasons you need homeowners insurance in Commerce, GA:

  1. Insurance protects your home from hazards. Having homeowners insurance is a good idea for a number of threats that your house could be exposed to. From fire to water damage, your home is vulnerable to any number of weather hazards, and insurance protects your investment in case you are affected by wind damage, tornadoes, hurricanes, and so on.
  2. It protects more than just your home. Homeowners insurance often overs your personal belongings, in case they are stolen or destroyed by a covered hazard. If these items are affected, you may be reimbursed for the cost of high-ticket items like furniture, electronics and more. This offers great peace of mind.
  3. People are protected, too. If you or a guest accidentally become injured while on your property from something like slipping on a wet floor, your policy may help pay for the resulting medical bills.  

Another way you are protected is if you are found legally responsible for the injury. Liability coverage can help pay for any related repair costs or legal fees.

If you need homeowners insurance in Georgia, call Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. located in Commerce, GA today for a quote.

3 Things You’re Missing if You Don’t Have Umbrella Insurance

One of the most important ways to protect your financial assets is to have the proper insurance. Umbrella insurance is essential in this regard. If you do not currently have an umbrella insurance plan, you likely have significant gaps in coverage that you’ll want to take care of as soon as possible.

Here are the top 3 things you’re missing if you don’t have umbrella insurance:

Extra coverage for auto insurance

In many situations, getting into an auto accident that causes serious injury and property damage can exceed the amount of coverage that you have for your auto insurance plan. Umbrella insurance will make up the difference with a much larger coverage limit.

Extra coverage for home insurance

The same thing applies to home insurance as it does to auto insurance. With umbrella insurance, you have a much higher limit that will take care of extenuating fees and payments in the event of serious property damage. Similarly, if someone sues you for liability in a personal injury case (perhaps they tripped on uneven steps while entering your house), you will have higher coverage limits with umbrella insurance that will make up the difference.

Defamation coverage

You may not think of libel and slander as things you need to protect yourself against, but it is certainly possible that someone could sue you for simply repeating a rumor that you heard about them. In some situations, homeowners insurance may cover defamation, but this is not common. Umbrella insurance will generally cover you, however.

Contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc.

Are you a resident of Commerce, GA and looking for umbrella insurance in your area? Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. serves residents in Commerce, GA, and the surrounding areas, and would be happy to speak with you about your options.

To learn more about umbrella insurance in general and to look at our policies and coverage options, give us a call at your convenience or come by our nearest agency location to speak directly with an agent. We look forward to hearing from you!

3 Tips for Buying Auto Insurance in Commerce, GA

With a population of just 6,544, Commerce, GA feels like a small town outside the big city of Atlanta. If you live in the Commerce area and just bought a new car or are looking to switch policies to try and save money, we have put together three tips to help you reach your goal – an inexpensive auto insurance policy that offers you the protection you want.  

Bundle

Insurance companies love it when you bundle all of your insurance policies with them. They love it so much, in fact, that they will typically offer a discount for customers who bundle their auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and other types of insurance altogether, including boat insurance, renter’s insurance, RV insurance, umbrella insurance, and more.  

Compare Quotes

The golden rule when it comes to saving money on auto insurance, or any type of insurance for that matter, is to compare quotes before making a decision. We also recommend going over the quotes with a reputable insurance agency such as us – just in case, there was something you missed.  

Choose a Reputable Insurance Agent

Using an experienced and trusted insurance agent is essential for making the right choice when buying auto insurance. Besides seeking out an insurance agent with outstanding credentials, work with someone whose personality clicks with yours. This can make the entire experience more enjoyable.  

To talk to a reputable insurance agent right now, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. We have been in business since 1948 by helping customers with their insurance needs. You can reach an agent at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. by calling us at 706-335-3900 or 888-264-5069. 

Commercial Property Insurance Explained

Company owners who do business in Athens or Commerce, GA are not required by law to obtain commercial property insurance. However, they may be required to do so by their lender. Even when this is not the case, most business owners make a choice to purchase this coverage because of all the protection that it provides. You can also insure property that you are leasing and that is owned by somebody else and insure any number of buildings and finished additions that are part of the enterprise under which you conduct your business.

What is Included?

Your commercial property insurance policy will provide coverage for your machinery, tools, fixtures, and any other equipment you are using to conduct business. It is vital that your insurance provider is informed of the implements inside your building and that you also communicate the value of these possessions. A well-documented inventory is a key to receiving an accurate payout if you need to file a claim.

Explanation of Coverage

Coverage is provided against what are called specified perils and open perils. A specified peril is one that is mentioned by name, and these can include things, such as fire, vandalism, and damage by windstorms, and you can add specific things to your policy that you want to be covered. You can also be protected by open perils coverage, and this will include anything that has not been expressly excluded, for example, flooding and movement of the earth.

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. is a Provider of Commercial Property Insurance

You can have your commercial property insurance needs met when you speak to the friendly and knowledgeable agents at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. The agency has experience serving the residents of Commerce, GA, and you can call or stop by the office to get a commercial property insurance quote today!

Independence Day closing

Our offices will be closed on Monday July 3rd & Tuesday July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen Wednesday July 5th. Remember to visit our website under the “Customer Service” tab if you need assistance during this time. We appreciate your business and hope everyone stays safe over the holiday!