Although home insurance is not mandatory by law in the state of Georgia, several situations do make it necessary to have one. For example, mortgage lenders will require you to have the mortgaged house insured. Home insurance does not just cover your house but it can also cover any lawsuits related to the house such as a house guest’s medical expenses in case of an accident.

There are several factors that are considered when choosing a home insurance policy. The location of the home is extremely important as certain regions are more prone to harsher climate or flood. The age of the house is also important as older houses are more susceptible to damages especially structural and plumbing issues. The roof and the basement of a house are often the most easily damaged part of the house therefore the age of the roof and the basement is going to be very important factors. The proximity to the coast is another consideration. You must also carefully consider if you need flood or earthquake insurance to provide additional coverage on top of home insurance.

A local licenses insurance agent can guide you through all the complexities of home insurance and if you need any additional type of insurance. They will also educate you on the rules and regulations of the state of Georgia. They can also handle all the paperwork for you. The greatest benefit of going through an insurance agency is the peace of mind you will get by knowing that you took an informed decision. Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. serving Commerce, GA is one such agency. The best way to get in touch with Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. serving Commerce, GA is to give them a call. The phone number is available on their website. Get in touch now.

Holiday celebrations are the highlight of the season. At the same time, a house full of guests increases the risk of holiday accidents. The following safety tips from Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA can help prevent accidents so you can enjoy the season to the full.

Safety in the Kitchen

Too many cooks in a small environment could be a distraction, leading to accidental cuts, burns or even a kitchen fire. It’s best to have fewer people in charge of meals to reduce the risk of accidents. Don’t leave the stove unattended when cooking and keep young children out of the kitchen during meal prep.

Fire Prevention

The kitchen is not the only place that poses a risk of fire. Frayed or overloaded light strands could cause sparks to catch your tree and surrounding presents on fire. Before putting up Christmas lights, make sure all strands are in good condition.

If you’re using real candles in your celebrations, keep them well out of the reach of children and clear of curtains, carpets or other items that can catch on fire.

If you have an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire-resistant. Keep your natural tree watered at all times to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

Make sure your smoke alarm has fresh batteries and that there’s a working fire extinguisher within easy reach in the event of fire.

Precautions Against Slip and Falls

Declutter entryway and living spaces to provide ample space for people to move about freely. Remove throw rugs as they can cause elderly guests to trip or slip and fall. Keep living spaces well-lit to avoid accidents.

Make sure your home insurance is up to date to protect you against the risk of holiday accidents. If you have questions concerning your coverage, call or visit us at Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.

In addition to protecting your Commerce, GA home, home insurance from Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. protects your belongings against theft or loss due to a major disaster. A home inventory can help you keep track of your personal goods to facilitate making a claim and getting reimbursed for your loss. By making a home inventory as soon as possible after moving into your new home, you can protect your assets against any eventuality. Here’s why you need a home inventory.

To Get Adequate Insurance Coverage

A home inventory is a list of all your personal possessions to include clothing, jewelry, electronics, furniture, artwork, appliances, etc. This record makes it easier for you to choose the personal property coverage you need to fully protect your goods. You don’t want to be caught lacking in coverage for expensive items that are stolen or lost in a major catastrophe. You also don’t want to pay for extra coverage that you don’t really need.  

To Get Reimbursed for Your Loss

If your goods are stolen or lost in a disaster, your home inventory can be used as proof of ownership when it comes to making a claim so you can get properly reimbursed for your loss.

A comprehensive home inventory will include a list of your goods, a short description of each to include brand names, serial numbers, and receipts as well as photos or videos of large-ticket items to verify their value. This information will help expedite your claim. You should store a copy of your inventory outside your home so it’s not destroyed in the event of a fire or another catastrophe.

To learn more about home inventories or to obtain the right home insurance coverage for your Commerce GA abode, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA today.

If you’re planning to renovate your Commerce, GA home in 2019, talk to your home insurance agent. Your project(s) could affect your home insurance coverage. An agent from Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. can help you determine if adjustments to your policy are warranted to cover future renovation projects. Here are a few ways home renovations can affect your insurance coverage.

May Increase Home Value

Major renovations such as putting a new roof on your home or remodeling your kitchen can have a big impact on a home. A designer kitchen alone can substantially increase your home’s value. If the limits on your dwelling insurance aren’t enough to cover the new value of your home, you could suffer financial loss if your home were to be destroyed in an unforeseen disaster. By increasing your dwelling coverage, you can protect your home against the unexpected. You should also add home renovations to your insurance policy so that they are included in your coverage.   

May Reduce Insurance Costs

Home improvements that enhance the safety and security of your homes like installation of a home security system or upgrade of plumbing or electrical systems could make you eligible for a discount on your home insurance coverage. A home security system can reduce the risk of burglaries to protect your personal belongings. Upgrades in your plumbing and electrical system minimize the risk of flooding and fire. Before undertaking these projects, talk to your Hyman Brown Insurance agent to see if they qualify you for reduced insurance prices.

May Increase Insurance Costs

If you put in a new pool, you may have to increase your liability coverage due to the higher risk of accidents. Your liability coverage should be sufficient to protect you from a lawsuit if you are ever sued for damages. 

For comprehensive insurance coverage to protect your home, contact Hyman Brown Insurance Agency Inc. in Commerce, GA.

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.

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. 

 

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.

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.