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Insurance Education

The Truth Behind Boat Insurance!

2/17/2021

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While it might not be the best time to be out on the water in this damp and cool weather, it is the perfect time to prepare for when you can be! Today we are going to be talking about the truth behind your boat insurance! 

Dreaming of warmer days and spending hours back on your boat? Or have you not stopped spending days on your boat regardless of the weather? Nothing a few layers can't help with, right? Regardless if your boat is currently tucked gently away in storage or hasn't missed a Saturday out, having the proper coverage and insurance is incredibly important. It is so important that we want to dedicate a whole blog about how to have the best boat insurance to enjoy life in the Lowcountry, and to help keep you safe on and off land! 

What Do You Need To Know About Boat Insurance? 
  • The first step is choosing a plan that makes the most sense for you and your watercraft. If you feel uncomfortable in knowing what you need, sit down with us at Abri Insurance or with another trusted insurance agent or company to decide what is best for you. If you already have coverage for your boat, always make sure you know what is and what isn't covered. 
  • The rate you will pay for your insurance will depend on many factors including the type and size of your boat, your driving record, where you boat, what you are using your boat for (recreational vs. a money-making venture), and if you've been formally trained or not on how to use your boat. 
  • For those of you who don't boat all year round, there are saving options available to you. Some companies offer something called a "lay-up" which is a discounted insurance rate for when your boat is in storage for the off-season. 
  • Some homeowner's insurance policies do offer coverage for your boat, but only to a certain extent. Make sure to know what your homeowner's insurance covers when it comes to your boat and if it covers your boat at all! Don't make any assumptions.  
  • Depending on its size, you will need a stand-alone policy for your boat. It is also recommended that if your boat costs between $10,000 and $20,000 regardless of its size, it should still have its own policy. 
  • Basic boat coverage only offers limited coverage for your personal belongings. You can add on additional coverage for your personal belongings if you wish, which may feel like you're spending more, but in the long run, it will be a very smart investment and can help you save money. 
  • Extra coverage is very important outside of protecting your personal belongings. Please look into extra coverage for things like water towing, passenger injury, and fule spill liability.
  • Do you need boat insurance? We would always answer yes. Like we mentioned above, your homeowner's insurance does cover your boat, but only up to about $1,000 or 10% of what your home's insurance value is, according to nerdwallet.com. If you own a boat, you know coverage like that will hardly cover anything at all. Liability coverage, the coverage that pays for damage done by your boat, is also not covered under home insurance. 
  • Please remember that mother nature does not have an off button or an offseason. While most boat owners here in Charleston really only pay attention to the weather during hurricane season, there is still a threat of damage all year round. 
  • Owning a boat comes with a risk factor outside of being on the water. Damage while transporting your boat, theft, vandalism, fire, and much more can happen all year round. This time of year, theft is very common, since your boat is sitting unattended in a boatyard. Protect yourself and your boat beyond the time you spend on the water. 
  • Your boat, not surprisingly, is an investment. Most owners will finance the purchase of their boat instead of paying for it upfront. In these cases, most lenders will require you to carry boat insurance all year round! 

What Does Boat Insurance Cover? 
Basic boat insurance will offer its owner a certain amount of protection, but adding on more coverage can be your best route of action. Let's begin by talking about what your basic boat insurance policies will cover. 
  • Property Coverage - This will help in paying for repairs if your boat is damaged in an accident, from collision, fire, vandalism, theft, and damage done to permanently attached equipment like your anchor. 
  • Medical Coverage - This will help pay for the expenses you could incur if you or some else is injured on your boat, including X-rays, medications, and hospital visits or stays. 
  • Liability - This will help cover you if you are involved in an accident that results in damaging someone else's property. 
  • Having insurance for your boat also helps if you get hit or are involved in an accident with an individual who is not insured. 
  •  It is also best to speak with us at Abri about towing coverage, coverage for any special equipment you use for professional or recreational use on your boat, accessories, and your boat trailers. 
  • Also, consider adding on one of two damage coverage options. One is called an agreed amount value and the other is called actual cash value. In the case that your boat is destroyed, an agreed amount value plan will give you an amount of money that you and your insurance company agreed upon beforehand. The actual cash value option will give you the amount of money that the boat is worth on the market at the time of damage. 
  • Make sure to know where your insurance stands with coverage for gadgets, salvage, and mechanical breakdowns before going out on the water. 
  • If you are an owner of a yacht or a very large vessel, most policies will cover you for a certain amount of territory that you can navigate in and still be covered. If you venture outside of that area, you might not be covered. 
  • If you own or purchase an older boat, most insurance companies will send out a marine surveyor to assess the condition of the boat and its market value. However, it is always a safe option to have an inspection done like this even if it is not required. 
  • It is also very important to understand what your insurance will not cover. This includes damage from mold, insects, and zebra muscles. It does not cover damage from sharks or other creatures, normal wear and tear, and defective machinery or machine damage. 

What Are Some Common Boat Insurance Myths? 
  • My driving record doesn't affect my insurance premiums! 
This is very false! Your driving record will be checked when you go to buy boat insurance, and the more violations you have the more expensive your premium could be, and it might even prevent you from getting insurance until your record is cleared up. 
  • Insurance rates for owning a boat are very high! 
When it comes to owning any recreational vehicle or pursuing a hobby like owning a boat, you will have plenty out of pocket expenses. However, if you keep a good credit score, keep up with your excellent driving record, and take boat safety courses, you can be eligible for discounts on your premiums. 
  • My boat insurance will go up during hurricane season! 
This is a mixed bag statement. For those who don't live along the coast, hurricane season will not affect your insurance premium. However, for all of us here in the Lowcountry, insurance premiums are set due to your location. Since hurricanes are prevalent here, you might see higher monthly premiums than what your friends pay in landlocked stats who take their boat to the lake. 
  • I don't need boat insurance. 
While your local community might not require boat insurance by law, the marina you store your boat in and the company you financed it with will require that you do. 
  • My policy will cover my boat wherever I go! 
Please know that your coverage will only cover you and your boat within a certain area. Before traveling and going far distances on land or water, make sure you know where you can go with your boat while still being covered! 

Owning a boat is a huge responsibility but it will provide hours of fun and entertainment, and for all of our fishermen and shrimpers, a boat can help your business be very lucrative. We hope this information clears up any confusion or concern you have about your boating insurance. If you are still confused or have any more questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to provide the best boat insurance in Charleston! We're Abri Insurance and we are here to make sure you have the best coverage for life in the Lowcountry! 

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Abri's Insurance Checklist for 2021!

1/19/2021

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It's the new year, and it's time to start fresh. To make the most out of your insurance plans this year, here is our insurance checklist for 2021! 

Hello readers, and welcome back to the blog! Goodness, it's 2021 already! As much as we were happy to see 2020 go, it's a little wild to think how quickly last year seemed to fly by! From all of us at Abri, we want to wish you a very happy and healthy new year! A new year is so exciting, it means growth, change, and adventure. You might buy a new home, a new car, get married, retire, or finally get the opportunity to take that trip you've been planning for years! We will be here for all of your insurance needs, changes, and upgrades to help support and care for you and your loved ones this year. A new year, in its harsh reality, also means that there is the opportunity to face bad weather, unexpected illness and injury, accidents, and much more. We will also be here to help you with all of your insurance needs to cover and care for all of these situations to keep you and your family as safe and protected as possible!

A new year also means making the most out of each of your insurance plans, and we want to make sure you're getting the most out of what you're paying for every month. To do that, we've created our very own insurance checklist for 2021. We ended 2020 with an end of the year checklist, and now we are kicking off 2021 with a checklist to make this the best year yet! 
  • We are sure that you're no stranger to making goals, plans, and resolutions for a new year. How about starting the new year off right with a resolution that you can stick with and start on the right foot with? Good news, it's simple and easy. Start this new year off by sitting down and reviewing all of your policies and coverage that you have for every aspect of your life. From home to health insurance, make sure you know exactly what you're paying for and will be covered for in 2021. 
  • What does 2021 have in store for you that you already have planned? Are you having a baby, retiring, moving, or buying a new home? If you already have these big life changes heading your way, make sure that your insurance policies are going to have you covered for everything you have planned and for all the possible things you don't have planned. 
  • This past year has lead us to spend a lot more time at home with our loved ones and our four-legged best friends. We appreciate our pets love and company now more than ever. Many homeowner insurance policies don't provide protection, care, or liability for your pets. Make sure to sit down and review your policy for this, or give us a call to update your current policies. 
  • 2020 was an incredibly unique and incredibly difficult year for small business owners. Did you begin your very own small business in the comforts of your craft room or beloved "she-sheds" and it has grown bigger than you thought possible? Are you looking into buying your very first insurance policy for your new small business in 2021? Now is the perfect time to start talking with us and getting started with that. Did you have to sell or close your business or part of your business at the beginning of the new year due to the impacts of 2020 and the pandemic? We are also here to help make that difficult process a little easier by helping you to change your insurance policies to reflect these changes! 
  • Like we mentioned at the beginning of this blog, a new year can rush in all kinds of wonderful and exciting things. It also has its share of difficult and unexpected expenses. While we hope these situations never happen to our clients, we want to make sure you're ready for anything! Are you and your auto insurance policy prepared and ready for the instance a car hits you and the driver doesn't have insurance? Remember, most basic car insurance policies just offer coverage for when you hit someone, and not the other way around. What happens if you're the one hit by someone who has no coverage? While this might cost a little more in your monthly premium, it will save you more money and a headache in the long run. Sit down and review your policy for uninsured motorist coverage. This will help you recover from an accident with someone who is uninsured, and it will even protect you if you're a pedestrian and you're hit in a hit and run situation. While it's sad that you can't rely on everyone, make sure to rely on yourself this year. We can help keep you safe no matter what. 
  • While life insurance and your life insurance beneficiaries might not be what you want to think about when starting a new year, it might be more important than you think. When you pass, whoever is listed as your beneficiary on your life insurance plan will receive your death benefit, no matter what your will states. Make sure your beneficiary and your other important paperwork match your intentions exactly as you want before the year gets away! 
  • Are you taking full advantage of your insurance companies? Almost every insurance company has its own app that can help manage your information, policies, payments, benefits, and more with just a click of a button. Make sure you've downloaded them onto your smart devices and that you're making the most of your policies. Some of these apps even come with opportunities to track your driving records and your health and wellness to help you save money or get money back. Why wouldn't you want to take advantage of that in the new year? 
  • A new year always means new goals and aspirations, many of which take money and savings to achieve. One of the best ways to save money with an insurance plan is to have umbrella coverage or to bundle your plans. Using an umbrella plan can offer you more protection with everything you need insurance for, it can save you money, and it can also help you manage and work with fewer insurance companies. Why work with multiple companies, have multiple bills to pay, and different companies to call or contact when you need help when you can pay, manage, and work with just one or two? 
  • All professionals know the ins and outs of their industries, insurance is no different. Learning more about your policies, digging deeper into the insurance world, and truly understanding exactly what you and your family need in your unique and individualized coverage can be the best gift you've given yourself! Why not get a jump start on this new year and schedule a personal insurance review? These one on one meetings with us can help you tackle and check off all of your insurance to-do list items in one sitting. We might even be able to catch a few forgotten to-do list items, or help remind you of a few things you've forgotten to do or include in your current insurance plans and policies. 
  • A new year means new paperwork and documents to keep in your car, your wallet, and organized at home. You also need to make sure you keep track of last year's insurance documents when it comes time to do your taxes. Your insurance company will also be sending you specific documents to help with your taxes, so it's a lot to keep track of! Make sure to put your new documents in their proper places when you receive them, don't wait and let them get lost in piles of mail. Put your health insurance cards in your wallet, your auto insurance information in your car, and your home insurance and other policy information in a safe and secure location in your home. Having copies and putting them in a portable and fire and waterproof box is also not a bad idea. This way in times of emergency, it can be taken with you, or if your home is subject to fire or other natural disasters, your important insurance documents will be safe. 

These are just ten easy steps and ideas to put on your 2021 new year's checklist. They don't even include trips to the gym or cutting carbs! You can even schedule an appointment with us at Abri to make sure all of your insurance policies for your life here in Charleston, South Carolina are all in perfect order. All of us here at Abri want to make sure you have the healthiest and safest new year. So please take this checklist to heart, and please reach out to us right away if you need to change or update your policy in any way. It's better to be prepared now at the beginning of the year before anything happens over the next 12 months ahead of us. We're Abri Insurance and we are here to make sure you have the best coverage for life in the Lowcountry! 

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The Realities of Reaching Your Deductible

12/18/2020

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Coming to the end of the year means hurrying up and getting all of your health procedures done because you have or will be hitting your deductible. What does this really mean for you and your health? 

Happy December, everyone! As we are quickly coming to the end of open enrollment and gearing up for a brand new year with a whole new deductible to meet, the rush to get in all of our doctor's appointments now and go through with all of those proceeds you've been waiting to get done is on before next year begins! However, this year might get in the way of that due to COVID restrictions and regulations, and the fact that this year has gone by so quickly. With so much going on in our insurance world, in your health journey, and with the holiday season being here, we wanted to dive a little more in-depth about hitting your deductible and what this can and cannot mean for your health and your bank account. 

First and foremost, we do want to stress that your health is the most important thing in this equation. If you need healthcare or a medical procedure done, please get it done. Don't wait to meet your deductible to get the healthcare that you need. If it's something you need now to stay healthy, to improve your quality of life, and to help keep you safe, get it done now. While money can be daunting when it comes to going to the doctor, there are so many options out there for you. First, please speak with us here at Abri if your health insurance coverage isn't providing you with enough coverage. We will continue to help you find a plan that is affordable and will provide the coverage you need for your health care needs. If we can't apply this new plan right now, we will help you pick out the best plan possible for the new year and help you navigate your medical expenses now.

Next, speak with your doctors. Many doctors, offices, and hospitals do provide payment programs and options, they just don't advertise them. To find out about them, you have to ask about them. So please ask! Also, we understand why you might have chosen a plan that has a low monthly rate and a high deductible. You might not be able to afford a plan with a higher monthly premium, so you're okay with having a higher deductible. However, if you do choose this and choose to wait to reach that deductible to finally get the treatment you need, it could turn out to be much more expensive than just getting a higher monthly premium plan. What happens if you're sick and wait too long to get the care you need? You could cause serious damage to yourself that requires more treatment, medicine, and surgery to help keep you healthy and alive. These medical procedures and treatments can end up being way more expensive than if you had just gone to the doctor in the first place and more expensive than getting a higher monthly premium. So please think about that, and please put your health first. 

However, if you are still going to wait to hit your deductible, there are a few things we wanted to share with you. Even if you don't hit your deductible, you should still get the most out of your insurance plan as you can before the year is up. You've waited long enough, you've paid for it all year, research what you can give back to yourself, and take advantage of it. Don't just plan for the end of the year, consider next year too and how these visits can help you now and in the months to come. Also, don't forget, if you have hit your deductible for 2020, your deductible will go back to zero once 2021 rolls around! 
  • For those who have reached their deductibles or who are very close to reaching them, now is the time to think of the basic exams and procedures you need to get to promote your healthiest self. Think about the basics! Get your yearly physical, get your prescriptions refilled, get lab work done, a colonoscopy, a mammogram, and the yearly visits you need to promote your best health and life. 
  • Once you've reached your deductible, this is also a great time to get those procedures many consider a waste or not important, remember they are still important to you. Visit like this can include trips to your dermatologist, a visit to your physical therapist, having a bone density test, covered reconstructive surgery, weight loss programs, and covered treatment, or attend a sleep study to finally control your snoring! 
  • Remember that a ton of people are just like you. They have been waiting until the end of the year to finally get all the appointments they need. So, if you want to get them and take advantage of the fact that you've reached your deductible, plan and schedule them early! If you don't get the appointments you want at the end of the year, cancel them and get planning for next year. Let these and other appointments go towards next year's deductible. 
  • Make sure to keep all of your receipts and records for all of these procedures and appointments for tax purposes and if your tax company fights you hitting your deductible or not. You will have the paperwork to prove that you did indeed.
  • If you have an HSA (health savings account) please make sure that you know if your plan is a use it or lose it situation, or if unused funds will roll over into the next year. If your HSA doesn't roll over, please make sure to utilize your funds now; get your prescriptions filled, get more contacts, get that pair of glasses you've been wanting, stock up on those kinds of things, and get seen for the appointments and procedures that you can before the end of the year! 
  • The Los Angeles times makes a very good point when it comes to your calculations about reaching your deductible. Be very careful with your calculations and when picking the procedures that will help you reach your deductible. There can be a lag in getting all of your paperwork finished and claims received this time of year. This time constraint can cause a big financial headache between you and your insurance company, and another between you and your doctors office. Be prepared to deal with this, and this is another reason to hold onto all of your paperwork! 

Lastly, we are here to help you find the best insurance plan for you. Has this open enrollment season made you realize how difficult it can be to find the plan you want? Were you unhappy with your insurance this year and didn't hit your deductible or get the care you need? We can help with that! As the year winds down, make sure you add contacting us to the top of your list to make 2021 a more stable year for you and your health insurance plan! 
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Don't Dampen Your Travel Plans; The Truth About Travel Insurance

11/25/2020

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While traveling might look a little differently this year, it's always smart to be prepared.

Traveling throughout 2020 has been such a strange and unique experience, and hasn't looked like anything we've ever seen before. For most, traveling has become something we've put on the back burner and will come back to once it's safe to do so again. However, even with that in mind, the most important thing to remember is that traveling as we've always known it will be back again. We will be able to enjoy every aspect of traveling again someday soon and will be enjoying our regularly scheduled vacation plans again. For now, it's just on pause. Until then, since we all have a little time on our hands, it's a great time to learn a little bit more about the many ways to keep you and your family safe the next time you're on your dream vacations. While you're dreaming about packing up your favorite overnight bag and the stack of books you want to read by the pool, we encourage you to start adding travel insurance to those thoughts and considerations.

One of our favorite topics is, of course, insurance, and it applies to every aspect of your life. In the spirit of celebrating the joy of travel and counting down the days until your next (safe) big trip, we wanted to chat about the truths and misconceptions of travel insurance. Myths and misconceptions on any topic are a dangerous road to go down. They can, sadly, cause hundreds of well-meaning people and travelers to make some not so smart decisions. Thanks to these myths floating around out there, travel insurance has gotten a pretty bad reputation that it's not needed and that it's a waste of time and money. Please know that these myths and misconceptions are called that for a reason and have been getting in the way of guaranteeing safe and fantastic trips for millions of people every year. Also keep in mind that if you are planning on traveling internationally, travel insurance is a necessity, and we wouldn't ever recommend getting on a plane without it.

Myth: My credit card offers plenty of protection while I'm traveling, and I won't need any more protection than that!
Fact: First and foremost, your travel credit cards only cover a few basic things, and in almost every situation they won't cover much if any healthcare if you get sick or injured while you're out of the country. If you're traveling inside of the United States, it still is very much the same. While your healthcare will be out of network while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home, most likely, it will still be better than traveling globally without any health insurance.  If you choose to rely on your travel credit card as your travel insurance while you're away from home, please call and speak with your credit card company first, just so you know exactly what protection you'll have, if any! Even the best travel credit cards out there offer little more than protection for stolen items, loss of baggage, or a canceled trip. While some medical expenses could be covered, the coverage limit will be very low. The amount you could be spending out of pocket could be huge, and much more than you would be paying for a travel insurance plan. We urge you to speak with us or your insurance provider about some travel insurance on top of the protection your credit card offers. This way your medical needs, if by chance something does happen when you're away, can be taken care of much more affordably.

Myth: Travel insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions.
Fact: This is a moment where we need to pause and have you read the fine print on any travel insurance package. If you have a pre-existing condition, and you were healthy and stable before the start of your trip, travel insurance will help cover you for things you might need if something happens due to your pre-existing condition while you're traveling. If you need more medication or need to see a doctor because of it, travel insurance will help taking care of you with ease. When planning out a trip and you choose to sit down and talk with us at Abri or with your current insurance provider, make sure you pick an appropriate travel insurance plan with your specific needs and with your condition in mind. According to AAA, they encourage people to remember that the term "pre-existing" can be much broader than many people realize. Don't just dismiss the idea that your condition isn't included under the pre-existing bubble. Make sure to do your research! Also, please don't wait to get coverage for your pre-existing condition added to your travel insurance plan. You will need to apply for it between 10 days and a month of booking your trip, according to AAA.

Myth: Travel insurance is too expensive!
Fact: Remember, as we've mentioned before, if you get sick or injured 100 miles or more away from your home or when you're outside of the country, it can cost you much more than what you'll end up paying out of pocket for your travel insurance policy. According to AAA, travel insurance will cost 5-8% of your trips overall cost. So, yes, the more your trip costs the more you will be paying for insurance. However, if you can't pay the out-of-pocket expenses if your trip is canceled, if you have to rebook your flight or hotel last minute, then travel insurance is the way to go. In any of these last-minute situations, your travel insurance will be able to give you the protection you need financially and for your mental well being.

Myth: I have great health insurance already, so that will cover me on my trip! Travel insurance and health insurance are the same things, anyway.
Fact: This is a very big issue that's found across the board, and it is also a very false statement. Your personal health insurance won't provide protection or support with trip interruption, trip cancellation, damaged possessions, stolen items, lost items, emergency evacuation, or if there is a natural disaster where you've chosen to vacation and you're now dealing with the situation as an expatriate. Travel insurance, on the other hand, does. Also, while your health insurance might cover "customary" and "reasonable" expenses when you're abroad, most of your other costs won't be covered, according to AAA. This can happen when you're simply out of network when you're traveling in the US, too. Also, Medicare does not cover chargers that happen outside of the United States. So, if you have to be moved to a different doctor or specialist while you're traveling abroad (also called medical evacuation) it will not be covered under Medicare and nor will your other medical related issues. Also, if you're using insurance through your employer while traveling, you might be the only one it covers during your trip. While your spouse or child might be covered under this insurance while you're at home, this might not be the cause while you're traveling. This could put your loved ones at serious risk while traveling if all you have is your normal health insurance with you during your trip and not travel insurance.

Myth: I'm incredibly healthy and I'm a very safe person. Nothing will happen to me or my belongings while I'm traveling!
Fact: While you might be healthy and safe, there is so much about life and other people that you cannot control when it comes to traveling and what could happen. So much of what could happen during a trip that could put you in danger or cause you to leave and head back home because of an emergency has nothing to do with how healthy you are or how safe you live your life. You don't have control over the weather, over a canceled flight, or if someone chooses to steal your belongings or passport. Don't assume either, that even if you're just traveling over a short period that you're safe from these disasters. One bad day, one bad storm, or the loss of all your luggage in a matter of one flight can happen when you least expect it. There is no amount of specific time between when a disaster can and cannot happen!

We hope we've put your traveling plans in a new perspective after reading this blog! During these unknown times where traveling is already a gamble, travel insurance shouldn't be a question. Be prepared, travel safely, and make sure to put travel insurance at the top of your to-do list when making plans for your next trip. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out and chat with us! We are here for all of your insurance needs and questions! We are excited to work with you and love being a part of the Summerville community!
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The Truth Behind RV Insurance

10/28/2020

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No matter if you're enjoying the safer side of vacationing in 2020 or living out your dreams of traveling in your golden years, your beloved RV needs the best insurance possible to keep you and your travel dreams safe.

2020 might not have been the year for vacations, but there have still been some ways to (safely) get out of the house with any real dangers or worries. One of the best ways to travel now is by RV! Thankfully with so many places to drive to in the United States, we have been able to travel and see some of our favorite and new favorite places from the comfort of our own mini living rooms. While some people only use their RVs for vacation purposes and others live in them full time, these vehicles, no matter their size, still need insurance. Do you have the proper coverage or do you have questions about what this coverage can give you? This is what we are going to be discussing in our blog today! 

First of all, you might want to know what RV insurance is. It is the agreement you've made with your insurance provider to pay an agreed-upon monthly amount to provide coverage and protection for your RV if damage or harm comes to you, your vehicle, or others. This insurance covers a wide range of vehicles from camper vans to converted buses to your travel campers and motor homes.

Like any other standard insurance that you can buy, you can pick and choose from a variety of coverage plans depending on the size and type of your RV, what you use it for, and more. There are two basic types of RV insurance, one is if you use your RV for recreational use, and the other is when you use your RV as your permanent residence. RV insurance will cover Class A, B, and C vehicles. While this is a plan that you and your insurance agent will pick together, the more you add to your plan to cover your RV, the more expensive it will become. If you have any questions about your RV or your current coverage, please don't hesitate to reach out and talk with us! 

As we mentioned above, there are two different types of insurance based on how you use your RV. The first type, Recreational Insurance, is just for those who use their RV for vacation. Full-timers insurance is dedicated to those who live in their RV full time and consider it their permanent residence. Coverage for full-timers is closer to homeowner's insurance if you choose. You can add additional coverage for personal liability and loss assessment. Here are a few things to know about what to expect in your coverage:
  • You will need to buy motor home insurance. Since this is a vehicle you will be driving on the road, it needs to be insured for at least the minim liability for your state. If you don't have insurance and you're caught, you could lose your license, receive some heavy fines, or even face jail time according to Progressive Insurance. 
  • If you are towing something on your motor home, like a travel trailer, you don't need insurance for that since you aren't actually driving it. However, you should consider getting coverage for it as it is an important asset to your travels and enjoying your RV. The car you might be pulling on this trailer will still need insurance though, as will a boat. 
  • RV Insurance is very important because it is protecting the large investment you've made. Also, just like any vehicle, it can be involved in very serious accidents, In the case of an emergency, you will be grateful that you have insurance compared to the alternative. 

What does RV insurance cover? This is a very important question to ask your insurance company when you're in the market. You will be looking at a plan that does multiple things for you! 
  • Your injuries will be covered. Regardless if you caused the accident or not that resulted in your injuries, all of your medical bills will be covered up to the limits you have chosen. 
  • Your plan will cover damage done to your RV from uninsured drivers or drivers whose coverage can't cover your damages or injuries. 
  • Your plan will also cover damages and injury done by you and your motor home or RV. According to progressive, this is the only required coverage you need in most states, but we urge you to add more to your plan for the protection of you and your belongings. 
  • Your plan will also cover damages to your RV. Most plans will offer you collision and comprehensive coverage which will help in protecting your RV from acts of nature, theft, windshield damage, vandalism, accidents, and more. The collision part of your plan will help in cases of an accident with an object or vehicle, regardless of whose fault it is. With most plans for your RV, you have to have both collision and comprehensive coverage, you can't have one without the other! 

We mentioned previously that there is an opportunity to add more options and coverage to your RV. We do suggest that when building your plan that you include all the coverage we have listed above. However, when it comes to this next list, it all depends on you, your personal needs, and your insurance agent. Again, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you'd like to discuss your options or begin creating the perfect plan for your needs. 
  • One possible add on is total loss replacement of your RV. If it is totaled, your insurance company could pay for a brand new one, minus the price of our deductible. 
  • Another add on is roadside assistance. Not every company provides this, but it can be an option. This can help you get towed when you need, help with a flat tire, help if you're stuck in the mud or snow, and much more! 
  • If you happen to get into an accident and you can't stay in your RV after the accident occurs and you are 50 miles or more away from home, some companies offer an add on for transportation, lodging, and more. 
  • We know that some of you love to travel with your pets or they live with you in your motorhome. Some companies have add on options for pet coverage if they are hurt in an accident involving the RV or motorhome. 
  • An additional and important potential add on that some companies offer is something called vacation liability. This will cover you if or yours staying in the RV are hurt while on vacation. It can also cover property damage. 

How is your current RV insurance looking now that you've read this blog? Are you feeling confident about your next trip or are you feeling even more nervous from when you started your research? Don't panic! Now that you know this information, you know what to think about and talk about when you give us a call. We are here for you and your RV, so gas it on up and give us a visit! 

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The Top 5 Flood Insurance Myths

10/19/2020

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Even as hurricane season begins to wind down, that doesn't mean we will be seeing the rain or tides clear up in the Charleston area anytime soon. To help ease your questions or doubts if flood insurance is right for you, here are 5 of the top flood insurance myths, debunked.

Welcome back to the blog! We are thrilled that you are wanting to continue your education about the world of insurance and that you want to learn more, in particular, about flood insurance. We're sure you've heard time and time again that you should be considering or looking into purchasing flood insurance, and being an insurance company ourselves, we do agree with this sentiment. Sure, here in the Lowcountry, you'll be hearing this much more often than you would in most other places. With three popular beaches, at least two main rivers, and countless creeks, this just comes with the territory. If your home is on or near the ocean or the rivers here in the Lowcountry, it should come as no surprise that you should already have flood insurance purchased and in place. If not, then please know we are concerned and we want to speak with you right away.

However, for a lot of residents whose neighborhoods or areas around their homes have never seen flooding, it might be hard to justify this extra expense. Remember what we talked about it on our last blog. Hurricanes and their powerful and dangerous effects are moving farther and farther inland and becoming more disastrous in places that haven't seen these effects before. Still not totally convinced? Then let some good old fashioned debunking help you think otherwise. Here are 5 of the most common flood insurance myths debunked and the actual facts behind the myth.

Myth #1: You can only buy flood insurance if you own a home.
Reality: This is very false! You can buy flood insurance if you're renting, for an apartment, for a condo, for your business, and more! As a renter you'll want this insurance to protect your belongings inside the space you're renting. If you are wanting to protect your business and everything you use to operate and run it in a rented building, then flood insurance is also available to you, and should it be an option you're looking into if you don't already have it.

Myth #2: Flood insurance is already included in my homeowner's insurance policy!
Reality: According to FEMA, most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. It might cover small damages done by water, but not by floods themselves. If your pipes burst or leak or your toilet falls through the ceiling because of water damage, then your insurance will cover these things. If a hurricane comes through and leaves two feet of water in your living room, that will not be covered. Many policyholders find out far too late that their policy doesn't cover flooding. When do they find out? When their home is already flooded and there is nothing they can do. We encourage you not to make this mistake! Please chat with us or your insurance agent and find out how much water damage or flood damage your insurance is currently covering. If you want more coverage, invest in it now. If you don't have any coverage at all, it might be wise to look into some before it's too late.

Myth #3: I only need to buy flood insurance if I live in a high flood area!
Reality: Every home is at risk of flooding, even if you live in a low-risk or moderate risk area. According to FEMA, it is more likely for a home to experience flooding in 30 years than a fire. Also, over 20% of flood claims are made from homes that were not in high-risk areas.

Myth #4: I should wait until the storm season to buy flood insurance.
Reality: Most people who don't have flood insurance only start thinking about buying or consider buying it when a bad storm is coming or their home has already been flooded. Why wait until it's too late to make such an important choice? Also, flood insurance policies take up to 30 days before they go into effect. This makes waiting until you're very close to storm season even more risky and stressful. Begin planning and purchasing in the dryer season when you're less likely to think about it. If you do, you'll be thanking yourself during the times you would normally begin to panic!

Myth #5: If my home floods, Government assistance will take care of all the repairs!
Reality: To get governmental assistance after a flood, the flood has to be declared a federal disaster by the president. According to FEMA, less than half of all floods are declared disasters. Even in the case that a flood is declared a disaster, most people will only receive between $5000 and $7000 in financial help. This most often comes in the form of a low-interest disaster loan that must be paid back. Financial assistance that comes from your insurance policy does not need to be repaid, and you can get upwards to $100,000 if not more in assistance. We urge you not to rely on FEMA or other disaster relief programs when it comes to flooding. You will most likely get hardly enough in assistance to cover your basic needs!

Are you feeling a little more swayed after this list? Please know that these are just some of the common myths. There are many others out there still left to be debunked and replaced with facts that lean towards the many reasons why you should seriously think about purchasing flood insurance. If you have any questions about this or would like to discuss flood insurance policies with us, please don't hesitate to reach out. We want to make sure that you're covered and safe before it's too late!

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What You Need To Know About Hurricane Insurance

9/30/2020

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The joy of fall can be tainted by the threat that hurricane season is still with us until November 1st. Make sure your home and your family are prepared and insured for anything that could happen. 

Hurricanes and the Lowcountry go together like a day at the beach and a potential sunburn. No matter how much we love living here, there are just a few things that come with the territory. Hurricanes, flooding, and tropical storms are just some of the potentially dangerous, scary, and everyday threats we have to live with. It's the price to pay for living in one of the most beautiful places in the southeast. No matter if you're new to Lowcountry or not, you always need to make sure you're prepared for anything. Your home needs to be safe and secured, your evacuation plan needs to be established, and your insurance needs to be ready to support your home and property through what ever damage these storms could bring. According to Forbes, NOAA updated its 2020 storm prediction to upwards of 13 to 19 storms, already reaching 9 named storms by August of this year. In the past that many storms didn't appear until October. Over 60 million people are living right in the hot spot for these storms, and South Carolina is apart of that. Even if you aren't currently insured for the damages a hurricane can bring there is no better time than now to get started. 

  • According to Forbes, the good news is that some home insurance companies will give some partial insurance reimbursement for home improvements when preparing for hurricane season. Make sure to check in with us or your insurance provider to see if this will be an option for you. If you're in the market for a new policy, let us know if you'd like this to be an option or something available to you while we research the perfect plans! Hurricane shutters, windows, and roof protection can be some of the options that can be covered with a discount or a rate reduction with some insurance plans. 
  • Before hurricane season starts, you should spend some time sitting down with your policy to see what coverage you do have and what you might be lacking. If there is anything you might want to add to your current policy, please don't hesitate to chat with us about that. Also, if there is anything unclear about your policy, we are more than happy to explain and walk you through it. 
  • Take the time to make a proper inventory of your belongings just in case serious damage occurs. You can keep a written or digital list of your belongings, but taking a video can save you time and help with speeding up the adjustment process. If they can see it with their own eyes, the proof in what you lost is right there. They will see your electronics and valuables and will be able to price it quickly and proficiently. These videos can be stored in your cloud or your Google Drive, away from harm or other damage. 
  • Consider buying flood insurance. Even if you don't think it's necessary, consider the trend of hurricanes in the last few years. Coverage is now available further inland than ever before, thanks to damage and flooding from hurricanes like Harvey in 2017 and the like. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons with us to keep you safe and within your budget. 
  • It's hard to truly grasp the inevitable, but make sure your policy can cover some very big expenses. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that you should have a plan that will cover the expenses to rebuild your home if it comes to that. It is important to know that the resale value of your home is not the amount that it will take to rebuild it. If faced with such devastation, the last thing you want to worry about is if you'll be able to put a roof back over you and your family or not. 
  • When it comes to your possessions, along with taking meticulous inventory of what you have, make sure your policy covers and protects enough of what is important to you from the bottom floor to the attic. 
  • Don't forget to check your policy for other expenses that will need to be covered when disaster strikes. If your home has been destroyed, has serious flood damage, or your roof is missing, you'll need somewhere to stay. Some plans will offer ALE coverage, additional living expenses, that will cover the costs you'll build up if you have to lives somewhere else if your home has been rendered uninhabitable. According to the Insurance Information Institute, ALE will cover your hotel, meals, and other expenses that are above and beyond what you'd have to spend at home. 
  • When you check in with your insurance company or with us while preparing for a hurricane, make sure you have a policy that covers your car, boat, and other vehicles. Make sure to ask about coverage on additional buildings on your property like garages, storage units, sheds, and more. 
  • Keep all insurance documents in a safe and dry space. Adding them to your evacuation kit along with other important documents is always a safe idea. 
  • Always make sure you have the right deductible for what you need. Just to be safe, make sure you have the deductible amount saved up to pay it off when disaster strikes. Not having enough set aside to pay that deductible can prolong the recovery process. It might seem like a hefty sum to pay right now, but it will be far less than paying to replace everything lost in a disaster. 

How does your insurance plan stand up to all of these requirements, needs, and reminders? Are you ready for hurricane season and what's left of it? If not, please don't panic. We are just a phone call away and are here to help you get protected and covered. We are excited to work with you and love being a part of the Summerville community!

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The Top Three Reasons Why You Should Work With An Independent Insurance Agent

9/15/2020

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When you're in the market for insurance, you can feel like a number lost in the shuffle of large corporate agencies. Here are some of the top reasons why you should be working with an independent insurance agency.

Hello, friends and family in North Charleston and beyond! We continue to appreciate your support of our company and our social media presence. We are very excited to start a brand new venture; blogging! That's right! Twice a month we will be giving you fun, informative, and interesting blogs to help guide and education you in the world of insurance. We know you love our company because of its individuality and the personal attention we give to our clients. Through these blogs, we hope you find even more reason to enjoy working with us, have fun learning, and feel free to ask any questions you would like in the comment section after every blog. We look forward to you joining us on this adventure! In this first blog, we are going to start with the basics, the top three reasons why you should be working with an independent insurance agent!

First off, if you're new to our company you might know the difference between an independent insurance agent compared to a captive or direct insurance agent. A direct insurance agent works for, represents, and can only offer policies from one insurance company. An independent provider, like our company, offers multiple plans through multiple insurance companies. The goal of a captive agent is to work for and benefit the insurance company. The goal of an independent agent is to work for the client and to find them the best plan available to them based on their personal and financial needs. This has been our goal since day one when we started in a spare bedroom right here in North Charleston way back in 2014.

#1. Better Customer Service
As we mentioned above, our job is to work with you to find the best insurance policy for your needs. We get to learn about you and your family, and you get to learn about us! We search through all the plans and providers out there to create a handpicked plan based on the time we take to get to know you. It goes beyond picking the perfect plan, too. Once we've found the best plan, we keep up with your needs as time goes on. We help you resolve your claims much faster, it can be in a matter of days compared to a large agency that could take weeks or months to resolve an issue. We make sure to answer all calls, questions, emails, and general inquiries in a very timely manner. We can keep that personal connection with our current and future clients. An independent agent also knows and understands your policies and can easily catch any mistakes made on a claim, or a mistake made by an adjuster to avoid denial of your claim. An independent agent can also directly explain any confusing or difficult language within a policy that might not make sense or that you might not understand right away.

#2. A Lifetime Partnership
Once you begin working with an independent insurance agency, you can have a partnership with them through all the stages of your life. They get to know you as they pick out your very first policy, so they understand when your coverage needs to be reviewed and possibly changed. Did you just buy your first home? Have your first child? Send your child to college? Get that big job? Retire? All of these new and exciting stages in your life will come with new challenges and will need new insurance policies to match. You won't need to shop around anymore, once you begin working with an independent agent, you just have to pick up the phone or pay a visit to the person you've been dealing with this whole time. This is such a rare and special quality. What also makes an independent agent so unique is that they are right here in your neighborhood and represent the same community you do. They understand your economy, what unique needs are needed for living in your area, and love living in your community just like you. They aren't just your insurance agent, they're your neighbors.

#3. Fighting For You
Like we've mentioned previously, independent agents work for you. They don't work for the big insurance companies. When things get difficult in a situation where your insurance is needed, they can become your advocates. If a claim needs to be adjusted, if a mistake has been made, or you've had a huge life change and you need to edit your policy, your independent agent can act as a buffer between you and your insurance company. They can help you fix any of these issues promptly. Also, they can become your personal advisers, helping you make some tough decisions. They can give you a few options based on their long term knowledge of working with you.  Also, an independent agent is a one-stop-shop. You can get every kind of insurance you need at one time, and each will be handpicked and curated to your needs and budget.

Pretty spectacular reasons, right? These are just a few of the basic ideas about why we love doing what we do. We encourage you to read more into the other benefits of working with an independent agent. You will be blown away by the amount of information a basic google search will give you! If you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out at any time or put them in the comments below. We are excited to work with you and love being a part of the Summerville community!

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