Author: agentinsure

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Home Inventories Explained

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Homeowners in Athens or Commerce, GA are not required by state law to purchase homeowners insurance, but the bank with whom you hold your mortgage will most likely require you to insure your property. In order to protect your possessions, it is vital that you complete a home inventory. You will want to do this before disaster strikes because it is entirely possible that your valuables will be completely destroyed in the event of a fire or a tornado.

Taking a Home Inventory

Take photographs of your property from the outside and from different angles. Go through your home, and make a list of the things you own and how much they are likely worth. It is a good idea to take pictures of items that are of particular value, and you should also write down serial numbers. The record of this inventory should be kept in a safe location away from your home or in a fireproof safe, and it can also be uploaded electronically via an app.

Collect receipts where you can, and you should make sure that videos or photographs are time stamped. It is recommended that you make a video explaining details related to your valuables and that you update your personal inventory three times a year. Go through every room of your house, making a record of what you own, and do not forget to take inventory of the items stored in your garage, attic, basement, or cellar. Communicate with your insurance agent, and make sure your insurance is adequate to protect you against the financial loss of your possessions.

Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. Can Help You

The agents at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. are skilled at providing the residents of Commerce, GA and the surrounding areas of Georgia with the homeowners insurance solutions they need. You can call the office or stop in to speak to an agent about the insurance package that is right for you. Also, try our online rating tool to get quotes on home and auto insurance.