Home Insurance

Why home and auto insurance rates are continuing to rise in 2023 

Posted on by Linda Grissett

Thanks to an unusual convergence of market trends, ushered in by the pandemic and followed by other disruptive events, you may see a bigger change to the cost of your home and auto insurance than usual when it comes time to renew your policies this year. Insurance rates are based on what an insurer thinks it will cost to make you whole in the event of a loss – whether it’s roof damage during a windstorm or a vehicle totaled during a traffic accident. As you’ve likely noticed, pretty much everything costs more than it did even a few years ago.  

What’s driving higher home insurance costs 
If you’ve shopped at Home Depot or Lowe’s lately, you’ve certainly seen that the price tags on building materials have gotten pretty expensive. Last year, the cost of building materials rose 4.7%, reflecting a particularly strong uptick in prices on things like asphalt shingles (16.2%), concrete blocks (18.5%) and drywall (20.4%). 

To make matters worse, the home-building industry is facing a shortfall of more than 300,000 skilled laborers, which is driving up construction-related labor costs. Combined with the high cost of construction materials and historically low housing inventory, this has been making home claims much more expensive for insurance companies.  

What’s driving higher auto insurance costs 
Ongoing supply chain issues are driving a shortage of car parts and equipment, which were 22.3% more expensive at the end of 2022 than they were two years earlier. The overall cost of maintaining and repairing vehicles increased 18.4 % over the same timeframe – exacerbated by a growing shortage of car repair technicians. 

The same issues depleted the supply of new and used cars during the COVID-19 pandemic, and inventories have not yet recovered. As a result, the average price of new cars has risen 20% since 2020, while used car prices have skyrocketed 37%.  

Rising medical costs are another key factor. While the number of injuries and fatalities from car accidents has somewhat declined from its peak in 2021, the rising cost of medical care continues to drive higher claims costs. Between 2020 and 2022, the overall cost of medical care in the U.S. increased 6.8% 

Focus on value as you explore ways to save 
Keep in mind that savings come in many forms. The value of the coverage you choose today may save you more in the long run than the lowest possible premium.  

Contact LG Insurance Group to review your current coverage. We’ll help you explore opportunities for discounts that could offset higher rates when it comes time to renew. 

Sources: Safeco Insurance, National Association of Realtors, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Home Builders Institute, CoreLogic, Consumer Price Index, TechForce Foundation 

Demystifying Co-Insurance Clause in Property Insurance Policies

Posted on by Linda Grissett

When it comes to protecting our homes, businesses, or personal belongings, property insurance is crucial. However, it’s essential to understand the different clauses and terms in your insurance policy. One such clause is the co-insurance clause, which affects how much coverage you receive in case of a loss. In this blog post, we will explain the co-insurance clause in simple terms, so high school students can grasp its significance in property insurance.

What is Co-Insurance?

Co-insurance in property insurance means sharing the risks and costs between the policyholder and the insurance company. It’s an agreement that requires the insured person to maintain coverage for a certain percentage of the property’s total value. This percentage is usually specified in the insurance policy and is known as the “co-insurance percentage.”

Understanding the Co-Insurance Clause:

The co-insurance clause ensures that you have enough coverage for your property relative to its value. It prevents underinsurance, which is when people intentionally or unintentionally undervalue their property to pay lower premiums.

How Co-Insurance Works:

To figure out the co-insurance penalty, you need to calculate the “insurance to value” ratio. This ratio compares the amount of insurance you have to the actual value of the property. Here’s the formula:

Insurance to Value Ratio = (Insurance Carried / Insurance Required) × 100

If the ratio is equal to or greater than the co-insurance percentage stated in your policy, you’ll be fully covered for any losses. However, if the ratio is less than the co-insurance percentage, a co-insurance penalty will come into play.

Co-Insurance Penalty:

When a co-insurance penalty is triggered, the insurance company won’t fully reimburse your loss. Instead, they will pay only a portion based on the co-insurance ratio. Here’s the formula to calculate the claim payment:

Claim Payment = (Actual Loss × Insurance Carried) / Insurance Required

Let’s say you have a property worth $500,000, and your co-insurance percentage is 80%. If you have insurance for only $350,000 (70% of the property’s value), then you do not meet the 80% threshold required in your policy. If you suffer a loss of $100,000, the insurance company will calculate your claim payment like this:

Claim Payment = ($100,000 × ($350,000) / $500,000) = $70,000

In this case, the insurance company will only reimburse you $70,000 instead of the full $100,000 because you didn’t meet the co-insurance requirement, less the applicable policy deductible.

Importance of Adequate Coverage:

The co-insurance clause emphasizes the importance of having enough coverage for your property. If you don’t, you could face significant financial losses when making a claim. It’s crucial to review your insurance policy regularly to ensure that the insured amount matches the current value of your property.

Tips to Avoid Co-Insurance Penalties:

  1. Get an Accurate Valuation: Have your property professionally appraised to determine its actual value. This will help you set an appropriate insured amount.
  2. Seek Advice: Consult an experienced insurance agent or broker who can explain the co-insurance clause and help you choose the right coverage limits.
  3. Review Your Policy: Periodically reassess your insurance needs to account for any changes in property value, renovations, or new acquisitions that may require adjustments to your coverage.

Conclusion:

The co-insurance clause in property insurance is a significant provision that ensures you have adequate coverage for your property’s value. By understanding this clause and taking steps to avoid co-insurance penalties, you can protect your assets effectively. Regularly reviewing your policy and seeking guidance from insurance professionals will help you make informed decisions, providing you with peace of mind, knowing your property is properly safeguarded.

Do You Need Home Insurance if Your Home is Owned Outright?

Posted on by agentinsure

If you finance or own your home, you must have home insurance to protect you against various risks. If you finance your home, you are required to have home insurance. However, if you paid your home off, you still need coverage to protect against losses. If you need excellent home insurance products, you can find them at LG Insurance Group. We serve the residents in and around the Marietta, GA, area. 

Home Insurance Coverage 

Your home insurance protects you from losses associated with covered risks such as fire and structural damage from storms. However, you may only be required to have home coverage if you own your home partially and there is no financing. Even so, you risk paying for repairs or replacement out of pocket without insurance. It would be best if you kept insurance in place to protect you and your family against hardships resulting from risks. 

Our team of experts can assess your current solutions and provide solutions that work for your specific needs. We can provide you with a summary of your needs and then offer insurance products with the best protection. 

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more about home insurance and how it can offer a blanket of protection, please call or stop by LG Insurance Group, serving Marietta, GA. Our team is knowledgeable and ready to provide assistance and information to help you make the right choice. Don’t own your home without insurance to prevent losses that can create financial hardship. Get protection that you can rely on to keep you safe all year. 

Understanding Insurance Loss Valuation Options

Posted on by Linda Grissett

Insurance can be a confusing topic, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of coverage and their associated terms. One area that often causes confusion is the difference between actual cash value, replacement cost, stated value, and agreed value. In this blog post, we’ll break down each term to help you better understand your insurance coverage.

Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value (ACV) is the fair market value of an item at the time of loss. It takes into account the item’s age, condition, and depreciation. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company will typically pay out the actual cash value of the item, which means you may not receive enough money to replace the item with a new one. For example, if you have a 10-year-old TV that is damaged in a covered loss, the insurance company will pay out the current market value of a 10-year-old TV, not the cost to replace it with a new one.

Replacement Cost

Replacement cost is the amount of money it would take to replace an item with a new one of like kind and quality. Unlike actual cash value, replacement cost does not take into account depreciation. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company will typically pay out the replacement cost of the item, which means you will receive enough money to replace the item with a new one. For example, if you have a 10-year-old TV that is damaged in a covered loss and you have replacement cost coverage, the insurance company will pay out the cost to replace the TV with a new one of like kind and quality.

Stated Value

Stated value is a term used in insurance policies for items that have an agreed-upon value between the policyholder and the insurance company. For example, if you have a classic car that is worth $50,000, you and your insurance company may agree on a stated value of $50,000 for the car. In the event of a covered loss, the insurance company will pay out the stated value of the car, regardless of its actual cash value or replacement cost.

Agreed Value

Agreed value is similar to stated value in that it is an agreed-upon value between the policyholder and the insurance company. However, with agreed value coverage, the value is typically determined at the time the policy is written, and it cannot be changed during the policy term. This means that if the item’s value increases or decreases, the agreed value will not change. Agreed value coverage is often used for items that are difficult to value, such as antiques or art.

In conclusion, understanding insurance terms such as actual cash value, replacement cost, stated value, and agreed value can help you make informed decisions about your insurance coverage. It’s important to review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your needs. Contact LG Insurance Group if you need assistance understanding your coverages or other available options.

How does a percentage deductible on my homeowner’s insurance work?

Posted on by Linda Grissett

A percentage wind hail deductible is a type of insurance policy deductible that is commonly used in areas that are prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. The deductible is the amount of money that the policyholder is required to pay before their insurance coverage kicks in. With a percentage wind hail deductible, the deductible amount is calculated as a percentage of the insured property’s total value (dwelling limit), rather than as a fixed dollar amount.

For example, if a homeowner has a wind hail deductible of 2% and their home is insured for $500,000, then their deductible amount would be $10,000. If their home sustains damage from a hailstorm that costs $20,000 to repair, the homeowner would be responsible for paying the first $10,000 (the deductible), and the insurance company would cover the remaining $10,000.

The percentage wind hail deductible can vary depending on the insurance policy and the location of the property. In areas that are more prone to severe weather events, the percentage deductible may be higher than in areas with lower risk. The deductible may also vary based on the type of damage that occurs. For example, there may be a separate deductible for wind damage and hail damage.

It’s important to note that the percentage deductible applies to the insured property’s value, not the amount of the insurance claim. This means that if the insured property has increased in value since the policy was purchased, the deductible will also increase. It’s also important to understand that the deductible is a separate expense from the insurance premium, so it’s important to factor in the deductible amount when choosing an insurance policy and budgeting for the cost of repairs in the event of damage from severe weather events.

What is ACV or Roof Payment Schedule on my Homeowner’s Insurance?

Posted on by Linda Grissett

First a little history to help consumers understand the issues surrounding roof claims and the struggles facing insurers and consumers. At least 15 years ago when severe storms were constantly pounding the Southeast and Midwest, roof claims skyrocketed. There was a time when insurers would typically pay the full loss repairs upfront before any repairs began. Though not necessarily the majority of roof claims, fraud by homeowners and roofing contractors increased dramatically around this time. Some roofs were either left unrepaired after payment but more so, unscrupulous roofers would entice consumers by offering to “pay their deductibles” by inflating their repair estimates or even worse actually creating or worsening damage to roofs to simulate hail damage and causing full roof replacements. These practices inflated claim payouts significantly and insurers responded to prevent even more dramatic increases in homeowner premiums. In addition to separate wind and hail deductibles, insurers changed handling of claim payouts to hold out a percentage of the repair costs until work was completed, increased scrutiny on roof damage, analyzed roof contractor patterns and started adding discounts as well as acceptability guidelines around roof age. State Insurance Departments also aided efforts by tracking some of these issues within their fraud units.

These events led to variations of coverage options within today’s insurance markets. These options vary by insurer, geographic region, roof type and roof age typically. An insurer may allow a consumer with a newer roof to choose between these options, however, if a home has an older roof, the “option” or coverage endorsement may be mandatory for coverage to be accepted by the carrier.

One of these coverage options is referred to as a roof Payment Schedule which outlines the payment calculation for roof replacement costs in the event of a covered loss. In a roof payment schedule, the insurance company specifies the amount of money that it will pay for roof replacement costs, typically as a percentage of the total cost of the replacement. The payment schedule is based on the type of roof, its age, and other factors that affect the cost of replacement.

For example, an insurance company may have a roof payment schedule that states that it will pay 80% of the cost of replacing a 15-year-old asphalt shingle roof. This means that if the cost of replacing the roof is $10,000, the insurance company will pay $8,000 and the policyholder. The policy deductible will also be applied to the final payout as well, which would lower this amount further by either a flat amount or a percentage of your dwelling limit. It’s important to note that the roof payment schedule may be different for different types of roofs and may be subject to certain limitations and exclusions.

A similar option may simply state that a loss involving roof replacement would be determined on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) basis. This would simply equate to a roof that has a 20-year estimated life span would receive a percentage of the replacement cost value depending upon its age at the time of loss. For example, if this roof had significant covered damage when it was 10-years old, then the insurer’s payout would be 50% of the full replacement cost less the policy deductible. Here a $10,000 roof replacement would result in an evaluation of $5,000 less your applied deductible.

The most robust coverage evaluation remains Replacement Cost, which does not account for depreciation. Only the policy’s applicable deductible would apply to the full cost of roof replacement for a covered loss in determining the amount of insurance paid to the consumer. With the same $10,000 roof repairs from above, you would receive the full $10,000 less your applied deductible.

The difference between these different evaluation methods (in combination with your selected wind/hail deductible) could mean a difference in tens of thousands of dollars at the time of loss. How much are you willing to lose in a claim payout for a little premium savings? Weigh your options carefully and understand the implications of policy choices.

Policyholders should always carefully review their insurance policy and all endorsements to understand their coverage, each and every year. Some insurers may change coverage for a roof at renewal. This means that some insurers will initially offer Replacement Cost for insureds with roofs that are 5, 10 or 15 years old, but at a later renewal date when their roof is of a certain age, their coverage could shift to ACV or a Payment Schedule. Be sure to review your policy each and every year. If you would like a coverage or renewal review, be sure to contact us at LG Insurance Group. We are happy to assist you!

Flood Insurance: Do You Need it?

Posted on by Linda Grissett

Flooding can happen anywhere, and it’s important to be prepared. While properties located in high-risk flood zones are more likely to experience flooding, it can also occur in areas that are not considered high-risk. Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, there are other factors that can increase the likelihood of flooding such as nearby bodies of water, heavy rainfall, and poor drainage. Additionally, if you live in an area that has a history of flooding, it may be a good idea to get flood insurance even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone.

It’s important to note that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If your home is damaged or destroyed by a flood, you will need to have flood insurance in order to receive financial assistance to repair or rebuild your home.

When determining whether or not you need flood insurance, it’s a good idea to speak with an insurance agent who can provide you with more information about the specific risks associated with your property. They can help you understand the different types of flood insurance that are available, and help you make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase flood insurance.

Keep in mind that if you have a mortgage on your property, your lender may require that you have flood insurance. Even if you own your home outright, it’s still a good idea to consider purchasing flood insurance as a precaution. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home and your family from the financial devastation that can result from flooding.

In conclusion, flooding can happen anywhere and it’s important to be prepared. Even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, you may still want to consider purchasing flood insurance as a precaution. If you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not you should get flood insurance, contact LG Insurance Group and we can provide you with more information about the specific risks associated with your property and help you make an informed decision.

High Value & Personal Articles Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

Have you been gifted a precious family heirloom or a batch of gadgets during occasions like Christmas? It’s imperative to know that the standard home insurance, in most cases, does not safeguard these expensive and precious items against impending calamities like theft. These high-value items include jewelry, electronics, antiques, silverware, and sporting equipment.

Are you a seasoned collector or just a starter in Marietta, GA? Please get in touch with us at LG Insurance Group today, and our agents will provide you with the necessary information to ensure that your high-value articles are safe.

What Are High-Value and Personal Articles Insurance?

When you procure home insurance from reputable insurance, part of the policy is responsible for safeguarding the personal belongings you have stored in your dwelling. Unfortunately, this coverage is a percentage of your homeowners’ insurance value, encompassing exclusions and deductibles, particularly when high value and personal articles like jewelry are involved.

A valuable insurance policy covers high-value and personal articles such as art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, guns, wine, and spirits, among others, against calamities like theft, whose value is not included in standard personal property insurance.

What Do High-Value and Personal Articles Insurance Cover?

High-value articles that are covered by this type of insurance include a range of coverage but are not limited to:

  • Worldwide coverage: This protects the jewelry you and your family have inherited, irrespective of where you travel globally.
  • All-risk coverage: This coverage covers an expansive list of risks but doesn’t have any deductibles. These policies impose few limitations, but they are considered more accommodative than personal property insurance.
  • Mysterious disappearance coverage: There are instances when your high-value article can get lost without any knowledge or detection. This policy covers your items when they get misplaced, lost, or stolen.
  • Blanket or scheduled items: It provides a platform in which all your items are protected in one collection but bears a few limitations. There is also a choice of selecting scheduled items and ensuring that each collection is covered separately.
  • Breakage or damage: It provides coverage for your items when they suffer breakage or damage from smoke or fire.

Do you own high-value and personal articles in Marietta, GA, seeking their protection from impending calamities? Please call or visit us at LG Insurance Group today and get more information on safeguarding your high-value and personal articles with reliable coverage.

How Much Umbrella Insurance Should I Carry?

Posted on by agentinsure

If you’ve ever faced someone suing your business "for everything you’ve got," you know they do not have to win for the case to devastate you. At LG Insurance Group of Marietta, GA, we know that your homeowners’, auto, or business policies may not provide all the coverage you need for a high-value business, even if you carry the maximum protection available in that category.

What Is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability protection. For example, when the value of your assets exceeds policy limits, an umbrella policy shields you from damage claims.

What Does Umbrella Insurance Cover?

Having umbrella insurance offers peace of mind by covering the difference between the total available protection in your other policies and the full value of all your assets, including your reputation. The typical policy costs $300 per $1 million. For example, a single accidental death lawsuit could cost several million dollars because Georgia allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents to sue for the tangible and intangible value of the dead person’s life. If you carry the Georgia state minimum auto policy, you would still owe everything above the $50,000/$25.000 limit.

Do Umbrella Policies Have Exceptions and Exclusions? 

Yes. Umbrella policies do not cover damages to you or your property, nor do they pay for intentional or criminal acts, 

How Do I Document My Assets?

Receipts, Bills of Sale, Titles, and Deeds help document your assets. When possible, engrave or etch items with your two-letter state abbreviation, followed by your driver’s license or state ID number. For example, if you live in Mississippi, use MS123456. If engraving might reduce the item’s value, use photos or videos instead.

Call our LG Insurance Group agents at (678)-671-8480, email us, or stop by our Marietta, GA office for a free review of your insurance. 

How Home Insurance Protects You

Posted on by agentinsure

When people own a home, there are a lot of important responsibilities that are needed to take care of it. One of these is to get a home insurance policy on the home and to keep it for as long as you own it. If you are buying a home or already own one and need a home insurance policy, call us now at LG Insurance Group in Marietta, GA.

Coverage for the House

Part of the coverage you get from home insurance is coverage for the actual structure. This coverage can pay for repairs or rebuilding after an incident causes damage. These repairs can be costly, so it’s vital to have house coverage. Don’t risk something happening to your home that you can’t afford to repair. 

Protection for Items Inside

Another form of protection you get from these policies is protection for your items inside the house. This protection can be just as valuable as the protection for your house. When all the items you have in your home are added up, the amount it would cost to replace them all is considerable. This protection is highly valuable in case a covered incident ruins your items. 

Liability Protection

When you have home insurance, it also protects you in case of an accident that happens on your property. It can be expensive to pay for the medical bills that result, but it may be required of you. When you have home insurance, it will pay those medical bills and other expenses that you may be liable for. 

Get Your Home Covered

It’s never a good idea to go without home insurance. Contact us at LG Insurance Group in Marietta, GA if you need a policy for your home.