Who Needs Life Insurance?

Life insurance is not a luxury – it is a good investment and necessity today. It is a guarantee of financial protection for your beloved ones if you pass away. North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA prepared a list of main types of people, whose lifestyle requires them to have life insurance: 

Married People

Many married people mistakenly believe that they do not need to spend money on life insurance unless they have children. However, if one of the spouses suddenly dies,  the other one will face serious financial hardship by being unable to pay off all the debts, including credit card balances, mortgage, car loans, and others. In addition, there are also funeral expenses that are not cheap and need to be covered as well. 

Breadwinners

If your family members depend on your income, it is extremely important to get life insurance to protect them.  After your death, they will be eligible for income replacement that will cover all the necessary expenses and give them financial stability, at least for a while. 

Business Owners

Life insurance can be used to pay off estate taxes, business debts if you have any, and fund a buy-sell agreement. Life insurance even allows you, as a business owner, to fund a retirement plan for your employees. 

Single Mothers

You should think about the future of your kids, especially if you a single mom, and your child depends on you completely. If you are not around anymore, life insurance will provide your children with a safe financial net and stability after your death. 

Retired people

If you are retired and your kids are already grown independent people, you might think you do not need life insurance. It is a mistake. You still need it in order to protect your heirs from paying off high estate tax and make sure that your spouse can still afford the same good lifestyle you had lived before.

If you are shopping for life insurance and have any questions, North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA will be more than happy to assist you. Call us today for more information and a consultation.

Do Prefab Homes Require Special Insurance?

Buying a prefab or modular home in Commerce, GA. Here’s the good news: You don’t have any extra hoops to jump through when it comes to home insurance. Every policy sold by companies like North Georgia Insurance Center is especially suited to the home it covers in the first place, and the difference between a home built in 1950 and one built in 2019 is as big a difference as anything you’ll see between a prefabricated home and a conventional home. Your insurer knows what they’re getting themselves into, and you don’t need to go to any specialty provider to get your prefab home covered.

There are some concerns you may have as a prefab homeowner. You may be at a slightly greater risk come storm season, for instance, but with proper maintenance and a solid roof over your head, insurers don’t really see prefab homes as being significantly riskier as an investment in comparison to a conventional home. In fact, your insurer probably won’t even ask if your home is a prefab in the first place.

The big concern in insurance, whether we’re talking commercial, home, or auto, is a liability, and that’s basically identical between prefab and conventional homes. As a homeowner, you have to worry about dog bites, slip-and-fall cases, and assorted injuries and damages.

If you’re looking to get coverage for your home in Commerce, GA, whether it’s prefab, modular, or something else, give North Georgia Insurance Center and see what they can do for you. The whole process is really no different no matter what kind of home you live in, and any insurer that covers conventional homes will cover prefabricated and modular homes.

First time car buyers: Things to keep in mind

Buying or driving your own car for the first time can be fun but scary at the same time, whether young or old getting on the road for the first time is not always a smooth ride. With worries of driving right comes the aspect of whether you are adequately covered in case of an accident. Auto insurance in Commerce, GA is a requirement by law and all drivers, including new drivers, must carry a valid auto insurance policy in case they are pulled over.

1. Buy insurance before you have bought the car

Before you even step foot on the car buying company lot to negotiate about the price, make sure you have sorted your insurance needs. While shopping for auto insurance may not be as fun as the car buying process, sorting your insurance needs saves you hundreds of dollars. Remember, vehicles such as sports cars carry higher insurance rates. You need to consider auto insurance as part of the cost.

2. The dealership may and may not take care of the insurance paperwork for you.

Different dealerships have different ways of doing things. While some are willing to do the paperwork for you, it is always prudent to be one or two steps ahead. If this is not your first vehicle, take the initiative to add that collision or comprehensive insurance before you leave.

3. Understand what is needed

As a first-time car and auto insurance buyer, you need to know the average cost of the vehicle in order to calculate the cost of insurance. You also need to understand the limits, coverages, and deductibles. An insurance expert at North Georgia Insurance Center can help you with that.

Car insurance companies have a way of determining how much the premiums should cost. This varies from one insurance provider to another. At North Georgia Insurance Center, we can help you choose a policy that best fits your needs. Be sure to visit us at Commerce, GA today!

Updating Your RV Auto Policy Before Hitting the Road

An RV can be an incredible asset to own. You can stay close to your Commerce, GA home, or you can travel all around the country and still have some of the comforts of home. They are extremely popular among retirees and families who travel with children.

As the warmer months approach, RV owners are gearing up for vacations and road trips. While you are getting your oil changed and stocking the cabinets in preparation, there is one more thing you need to do: Update your insurance policy. North Georgia Insurance Center can help you make these updates so you can relax on your trip.

First, there is a chance that you dropped your insurance while it was parked for the winter. If that is the case, you will need to reinstate your policy to drive legally. Whether you are reinstating or just updating, you need to check your coverage:

  • Do you have at least the minimum amount of coverage required to drive your RV?
  • If you encounter damage due to theft, vandalism, acts of nature, debris, or impact with animals, can you afford to cover the repairs? If not, you should consider adding comprehensive and collision.
  • Can you afford any repairs for damages due to an uninsured motorist out of pocket? If the answer is no, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage.
  • Have you upgraded your RV in any way that might either get you a discount for safety features or require you to increase your coverage due to increased value?
  • Do you need to add any new drivers to your policy that will be taking turns behind the wheel?

Some additional coverages to consider are:

  • Roadside assistance in case of a mechanical or electrical breakdown that makes you need a tow
  • Total loss replacement that can cover the cost of a brand new RV if yours is totaled

There are many types of coverages to protect your RV, and North Georgia Insurance Center can help you find the perfect coverage for you. If you are a Commerce, GA resident, be sure you give us a call or stop by!

Motorcycle insurance: Making riding bike safer

The state of Georgia has over 200,000 registered motorcycles. With a mild climate and growing industries, it has an ever-increasing number of motorcycle owners. The residents of Georgia are required by law to have liability insurance to ride a motorcycle. An accident where you at at-fault, your liability coverage is used towards paying for the expense of the other party’s injuries or damages. Depending on the policy, you will have limits for the maximum coverage amount, which is the ceiling of what will be covered by your insurance provider. Although the minimum policy limits might high, you can be paying out-of-pocket for damages and medical bills especially if the other party is at fault but doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage. That is why is advised to have a consultation with an insurance agent to see if you can get a policy with higher limits.

The collision coverage protects your motorcycle in most accident situations. Comprehensive insurance covers other items such as theft, vandalism, fire, water and other acts of God. You don’t want to be paying completely out-of-pocket for such unfortunate but common incidents.

In the state of Georgia, eye protection is required unless you have windscreen attached. A helmet is mandatory for all riders and passengers. Only one mirror is required although it is recommended to have one on each side. A headlight and muffler are also required.

You can contact North Georgia Insurance Center at Commerce, GA to get the best rates and customer service for your needs. The highly trained agents will guide you with the policy best suited to your specific needs. You can visit the website of North Georgia Insurance Center at Commerce, GA, for more information and contact details. Don’t take any chances, get in touch right away.

3 Tips for Buying Health Insurance in Commerce, GA

Do you have health insurance? If not, you may be at risk of suffering a serious financial blow if a medical emergency arises. However, with the help of North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA you can get the coverage you need for a price you can afford. 

Keep reading for some helpful tips to ensure you get the right health insurance coverage. 

Work with a Reputable Agent 

When it is time for you to purchase health insurance, you need to find and work with a reputable agent. Take some time to ask people you know about the insurance company they use and the type of coverage they have. While no two people are going to have the exact same insurance needs, starting here is the best way to ensure that you purchase adequate coverage without spending too much. 

Compare Quotes 

Before buying any health insurance, you need to compare several quotes. Take some time to find the quote that offers the most value. Remember, this doesn’t always mean that it is the lowest priced coverage – instead, the policy where you get the most for your money. 

Bundle Your Policies 

If you have insurance with a company already, it is a good idea to consider bundling your policies. When you purchase all your insurance from the same provider you can save quite a bit of money. If your current insurer doesn’t offer the best deal, then consider moving all your policies to a new one. 

When it comes to health insurance, there are more than a few factors that have to be considered. If you need help with this, contact North Georgia Insurance Center serving Commerce, GA. We can help you get what you need for a price you can afford. 

5 Ways Beneficiaries Can Use Life Insurance Benefits

Life insurance can provide financial security for your family in the event of your unexpected demise. A sudden accident or unforeseen disaster could cut your life short with little warning. When you purchase a life policy from North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA, you can have peace of mind that your family will be provided for after you’re gone. As your beneficiaries, here are a few ways your family can use life benefits to carry on:

Pay Off Debts

If your spouse co-signed a mortgage or car loan with you, he or she will be responsible to pay for that debt after you’re gone. Life benefits can help pay off outstanding debts so your spouse can start with a clean slate.

Cover Living Costs

Life benefits can help cover the cost of rent, food, clothing, children’s school, and other living expenses after you’re gone. This gives your spouse an opportunity to plan for the future without the financial pressure of paying the bills.

Pay for Kids’ College

You can designate that life benefits be put in a trust to help pay for your children’s college when they come of age. Your kids will appreciate your planning ahead to help them establish a better future.

Help Supplement Parents’ Retirement

Life benefits can help supplement your parent’s retirement in their golden years. By naming your parents as beneficiaries to your life policy, you can continue to provide them with financial aid after you’re gone.  

Pay Your Funeral Costs

Life insurance benefits can help pay for your funeral expenses if no other arrangements have been made in advance so your family doesn’t have to assume this financial burden.

For quality life insurance at reasonable costs, call or visit North Georgia Insurance Center in Commerce, GA today. 

How much home insurance do I need?

There are a lot of reasons to live in Georgia: friendly faces, moderate temperatures, and natural beauty wherever you turn. Georgia is also popular because of its affordable housing, with prices below the national average. 

Those may be the reasons you chose to buy a home in Commerce GA. Even with all those advantages, you still want to make sure your home is protected. But it can be confusing to decide how much protection you need. 

When you purchase your homeowner’s policy at North Georgia Insurance Center, you have to consider all these:

  • What is the value of the land? 
  • How much is the physical structure of your home worth? 
  • Are there outbuildings, like sheds or detached garages? 
  • Add in both small and large appliances, from your toaster to your stove to your air conditioning unit.
  • Do you have electronics? Keep the receipts and serial numbers in a safe place. 
  • Consider the value of your furniture and treatments, such as rugs and curtains. 
  • Add in personal items like clothing, books, and other items. 
  • Are there other considerations, such as expensive jewelry, artwork, or a boat you store on the property?  If so, speak to your agent about whether you need to add special protections for those.  There are usually limits on how much personal property is covered by your policy. 

Your homeowner’s policy is really a contract, and you should be able to look at it and know what is covered and what isn’t.  Make sure your limits cover you well enough that you can feel secure.

Living in Commerce, GA is wonderful, but things can happen anywhere. If you want to make sure you have the coverage you need, or if you just want to ask questions about your policy, please feel free to call North Georgia Insurance Center today. 

Policy benefits for good drivers

Good drivers help insurance companies keep costs in check, and there are many instances when good drivers are rewarded with unique policy benefits. While you may be eligible to have a lower premium due to good driving history, you may not know about the benefits unless you ask. If you are a safe driver in the greater Commerce, GA area and would like to know if you qualify for any policy benefits due to your good driving history, contact the team at North Georgia Insurance Center, we’re happy to help!

  • Good driving history – anyone who has gone years without a claim should take a closer look at their policy benefits. There are many companies that offer perks to safe drivers, and you just might be eligible too!
  • Loyalty programs – do you have multiple lines of insurance with the same company, or have you been a loyal client for many years? It’s worth your time to double-check and see if there are any perks or discounts available from your auto insurance provider. 
  • Educational classes – many insurance providers reward clients who go the extra mile to receive extra defensive driving training or attend other educational classes. If you have taken non-required safety classes, it’s worth checking to see if there are any policy benefits. The same holds true for vehicle owners who have enhanced safety features on their car or truck.

It’s always worth the effort to look into any policy benefits, perks, or rewards!

Drivers who have a good driving record or have taken steps to improve their driving are sometimes eligible for certain policy benefits. If you think that you may qualify, contact the team at North Georgia Insurance Center today and learn more about your auto policy options in the greater Commerce, GA area. 

Keep Your RV Cool with These Road Trip Tips

Summer sun means RV fun! When you’re on the road, however, it can be tough to keep your rig cool without running your generator nonstop. When you’re boondocking in the Commerce, GA area, use these tips from the North Georgia Insurance Center to keep your RV cool without wasting your energy resources.

Think Before You Park

The way you orient your rig has a huge impact on internal temperatures. Before backing your RV into your spot, check out how the sun will hit it throughout the day. Try to place your rig in a spot that is at least partially shaded by trees, hills, or large buildings. If that isn’t possible, try to park your RV so that your larger windows avoid full exposure to early morning and late afternoon sun.

Cover It Up

Keep the heat outside with windshield covers and thermal curtains. Use a thick and dark-colored cloth to cover your windows through the warmest part of the day. This controls interior temperatures without the need for any additional electrical current. It’s also a great way to maintain privacy in crowded parks. Don’t forget to cover your skylights as well.

Ventilate

Air circulation can help us feel cooler, even if the temperature doesn’t change much. Invest in small fans to keep the air in your rig moving on hot days. Install a rooftop fan to distribute the air more efficiently throughout your RV. Choose battery-powered devices to save even more stress on your generator.

Add Awnings

If your docking space lacks natural shade, you can always bring your own. A simple tarp stretched across the width of your rig will keep heat from following you in every time you open and close your door. It can also keep the sun-side of your RV cooler throughout the day by shielding it from the sun’s rays. If you use your RV frequently, it might be worthwhile to have a permanent awning installed.

Summer RV time is much more fun when your rig is comfortable. Contact the experts at North Georgia Insurance Center for more tips on keeping your Commerce, GA RV cool all season long.