Insurance

The Different Types of Boat Insurance Policies

Posted on by agentinsure

If you are a new boat owner in Marietta, GA, you may be tempted to add a rider to your homeowner’s policy to provide insurance coverage for your recent purchase. While such coverage is adequate for some vessels, for others, it is not, as the rider may not cover specific marine hazards. LG Insurance Group can help you determine what coverage you need to safeguard your new boat.

Boat or Yacht Insurance?

The size of your watercraft will determine which type you buy. Boat insurance is generally for vessels 26 feet and smaller. Recreational items like jet skis and other types of watercraft also fall into this category. Yacht insurance is for vessels 27 feet and larger, even if you don’t own a multi-deck watercraft. Yacht insurance usually provides broader and more specialized coverage than boat insurance, as larger vessels face more hazards and unique exposures.

Actual Cash vs. Agreed Value

Boat insurance policies are similar to those for autos in that you’ll have liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Yet one of the most essential parts of your policy involves how you want to insure your boat in case of damage. Actual cash and agreed-upon value are the two most common ways to provide reimbursement if a claim occurs. For agreed-upon value, you and your insurance company determine an amount for your boat if a total loss occurs. This amount will remain constant for the life of the policy. Actual cash value policies cost less upfront and can provide substantial savings, especially as the vessel ages. The insurer will pay up to your boat’s actual cash value when declared a partial or total loss.

LG Insurance Group, serving Marietta, GA, can help you determine the best policy and add-on coverages to fit your needs.

What Does Personal Articles Insurance Cover?

Posted on by agentinsure

LG Insurance Group is proud to offer the residents in and around the Marietta, GA, area top-quality insurance they can count on to provide protection. If you have valuable personal items, consider a personal articles Insurance policy. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about this type of insurance or any other insurance products we offer.

Personal Articles Insurance 

If you have valuable personal belongings, you want to insure them against theft, fire, or any other loss. You’ll want to purchase a personal articles insurance policy. Examples of items typically covered by this policy include expensive jewelry for coats, art, or designer bags. If you own high-value personal items, you’ll want to take a thorough inventory, produce receipts or verification related to their value, and work with one of our insurance agents to secure the right level of coverage.

If you would like to learn more about selecting the right policy, our agents can help. They can carefully assess the value of your personal items requiring coverage. They then match you with policy options that provide the most protection for your specific situation.

Once a policy is selected, we work with you to submit the documentation of proof of value and assist with obtaining the policy quickly. We can also help you with any claims submissions or changes to the policy during its lifetime. Our goal is to provide services that make ensuring the things you care about quick and easy.

Find Out More 

Contact LG Insurance Group to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable Insurance agents. You can call or stop by our office and get answers to questions or find out more details about any of the products or services we offer in and around Marietta, GA, at our location.

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 

The Difference Between an Umbrella Policy and Liability Coverage

Posted on by agentinsure

When it comes to insurance, there are two types of coverage that can be confusing: excess liability and umbrella insurance. They both offer extra protection, but they work differently. Let’s break down the key differences between them to help you understand which one might be right for you.

  1. Excess Liability Insurance

Excess liability insurance is like a backup plan for your existing insurance. It kicks in only after your regular policy’s limits are used up. It’s meant to give you extra coverage for specific situations, such as accidents or injuries. However, it doesn’t provide new types of coverage on its own and must be connected to your primary policy.

  1. Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is more comprehensive. It not only supplements your regular policies but also offers extra coverage for a wide range of risks. It can protect you from various liabilities like personal injuries, lawsuits, and accidents. It can be bought as a standalone policy, separate from your primary coverage.

Which One to Choose?

If you just want to boost your coverage for certain risks, excess liability insurance could be enough. But if you need broader protection across different areas, especially if you have a lot to protect, umbrella insurance might be the better choice.

Excess liability and umbrella coverage both provide extra protection, but they work differently. Excess liability extends your existing coverage, while umbrella insurance offers comprehensive protection across various policies. To decide which one is best for you, consider your risks and assets, and talk to your insurance agent, like LG Insurance Group, to make an informed choice. Having the right coverage ensures you’re prepared for unexpected events and gives you peace of mind.

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.

The Importance of Carrying RV Insurance Even When Your RV Is Not Being Used

Posted on by agentinsure

One of the biggest misconceptions that we at LG Insurance Group, an insurance company providing RV insurance in the Marietta, GA area, have heard is that you do not need RV insurance if you are not using your RV. As such, many people drop coverage on their RV when they do not plan to travel for prolonged periods, such as during the winter. However, carrying RV insurance year-round can be beneficial even if your RV is being stored. Here are a couple of the reasons why. 

RV Insurance May Protect Your RV When It Is Being Stored

RV insurance coverage helps protect you in case your RV is damaged while being stored. If a tree limb falls on the RV, someone vandalizes the RV, or the RV floods, your RV insurance policy may help to cover the cost of the damage done to the RV. Issues can arise, even when your RV is being stored. 

RV Insurance Allows You to Travel When You Want

Another reason why you should carry RV insurance is so that you can use your RV at all times. You may not be planning a trip anytime soon, but you never know what could happen. The weather may be perfect, and you may want to take a quick trip. Having RV insurance ensures you can always operate and move your RV. 

If you do not have insurance coverage on your RV, are looking to purchase a new RV, or are interested in a new RV insurance policy, the insurance agents at LG Insurance Group, serving the greater Marietta, GA region, would love to help you get the perfect RV insurance policy. Reach out to us today to learn more.

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.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Other Riders?

Posted on by agentinsure

Before you let someone borrow your motorcycle in Marietta, GA, know how your policy works and what is covered. Understanding the details of your motorcycle insurance plan from LG Insurance Group can help ensure that you are adequately protected if an accident occurs while someone else is riding your bike.

What Is Covered Under Motorcycle Insurance? 

The primary purpose of motorcycle insurance is to provide financial protection in the event of an accident or other mishap. Generally speaking, your policy will cover the costs associated with these situations if you are injured while riding your bike or if your motorcycle is damaged due to an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, the coverage may change depending on various factors when it comes to other riders—particularly those who don’t have their own policy. 

In most cases, motorcycle policies will cover other riders who have permission from the owner (you) to operate the bike. This might include family members or close friends who only occasionally ride the bike for recreational purposes. However, some insurers may require additional coverage for another rider to be protected; it all depends on the terms and conditions of your particular policy. Additionally, it’s important to note that anyone operating a motorbike without permission from the owner could still be held liable for damages resulting from an accident—even if they don’t have an insurance policy. 

When deciding whether or not to add another rider to your motorcycle insurance policy in Marietta, GA, it pays to do your homework first. Contact LG Insurance Group today for more information about adding another rider and related questions regarding motorcycle insurance policies! They will happily answer any questions about insuring another driver on your bike!

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!