Stay safe with these summer flash flood safety tips in Atlanta

A flash flood can happen with little warning.

Flash floods can happen with little warning.

When you get a lot of rain, like we do in Atlanta during the summer, it’s not uncommon to have flash floods. Flash floods happen fast, and they can strike without a lot of warning. Summer months often come with the highest risk of flash floods because a lot of rain can fall in a short amount of time. The ground and rivers just can’t keep up. So, when it starts deluging outside and it rains so hard it’s difficult to see, it’s important to know what to do to stay safe during a flash flood.

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Top 10 tips to save water this summer in Atlanta

Check out these ten tips to save water this summer.

Check out these ten tips to save water this summer.

Atlanta summers are well-known for being very hot and very humid. Along with protecting your family from the summer sun and hiding indoors with the air-conditioning turned up, you also have to remember to be conscious of the environment, especially your water consumption. The heat causes water to evaporate at hyper-speed, so we need to think about our water use and how to save water. And here’s the thing – saving water isn’t just good for the environment. It’s good for your bank account!

So, without further ado, here are our top tips for how to save water this summer – and how to lower your water bill.

1. Think about when you’re watering your lawn/plants.

Here’s the thing:

The sun is strongest in the middle of the day. Sunlight causes water to evaporate quickly. So, if you’re spraying water on your lawn at high noon, chances are your grass won’t be getting as much of that H2O as you were hoping. The water just disappears into the air so quickly, especially with the Atlanta sun.

The ideal time to water? The morning or the evening when the sun is a little weaker. Or, you could just not water your lawn. That’s the pro way to save money!

(Oh, and another tip – when you set up your sprinkler, make sure it’s actually angled at your lawn and plants and not the driveway. Concrete doesn’t need to be watered.)

2. Shower smarter.

Nothing feels better than a nice, refreshing shower in the summer. But there are a few things you can do to save water as part of your shower routine.

  • Take a shorter shower. Shorter shower, less water.
  • Turn off the water when you’re shampooing your hair or shaving.
  • Get a big bucket and use it to collect the water as you wait for the shower to warm up. Then you can take this water and toss it on your plants to give them a drink. This is a super easy way to reuse water.
  • If you want to save your soapy water, make sure you’re using an eco-friendly soap that’s safe for plants.

3. Check the toilets.

Your toilets could be wasting a lot of water if they’re broken. If the tank is leaking water into the toilet bowl, you’re practically flushing money down the drain.

Test your toilets for leakage by putting some food coloring into the tank. Wait a while. Then check and see if the water in the toilet bowl is the same color as the food coloring. If it is, you need to get your toilet fixed. It may be time to call in a professional.

(While you’re at it, you may as well go on the hunt for other leaks from pipes and faucets around the house. Get any leaks repaired – leaks can cause water damage to your home.)

4. Think about getting water-saving appliances.

There are a lot of new products nowadays that are designed to save water, and the other cool trick they do is save you money on your water bill. For example, showerheads, faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines can be switched for water-saving versions.

5. Don’t hand-wash your dishes or car.

So, here’s a surprising fact:

It actually takes less water to run your dishwasher than to wash all of your dishes by hand every day. The dishwasher exists for a reason. Just make sure to only run it when it’s completely full.

And it’s the same thing for your car. If you really must get your car washed (which, since we’re in Atlanta, might be a little silly in the summer with all the rain and pollen making it dirty two seconds after you get it washed anyways), go to a car wash instead of dragging out your hose, buckets, and sponges.

Save water by being smart about when you water your plants or lawn.

6. Get rain barrels to save the rain.

Collect rainwater by getting rain barrels. Set them up under your gutters and catch the rainwater that pours off your roof. Then you can take that water and use it to water plants or your lawn. May as well take advantage of the perfectly good – and perfectly free – water that falls from the sky!

7. Think about your drinking water.

Here’s a tip:

Instead of grabbing a glass and waiting for the tap water to get cold enough – and watching the water flow down the drain – fill up a pitcher of water from the tap and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be cold and ready to drink instantly, and you won’t have to waste water while you wait for the tap water to get cool.

8. Go with refillable water bottles.

Oh, and another thing. Rather than using disposable plastic water bottles, get a refillable bottle and use that instead. You’ll be saving energy and consuming less plastic. Consider getting a water filtration system so you don’t have to buy water bottles.

And since we’re on the topic of consuming less, be sure to recycle your paper. It takes a lot of water to make paper, so by recycling, you can help save water.

9. Wait to do your laundry.

A lot of our water consumption comes from doing laundry. If you wait to run the washer until you have a full load, you minimize the water you’re using to wash clothes.

10. Use native plants in your garden.

Plants native to the area where you live will actually need less water than a species or plant that is not. Plus, they require fewer chemicals and less attention to keep them alive.

We need to be especially conscious of saving water in the summer when it’s so hot outside. Try these simple tips to help the environment and conserve water. You’ll also be able to lower your water bill – a major plus! It’s quite easy to make a few quick changes around the house so you can do your part to save water.

Looking to save money on home insurance? We can help. Our team can help you shop your home insurance rates so you can get the best coverage at the best price. All you have to do to get started with multiple home insurance quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Sources:

https://www.nrdc.org/professionals/peter-lehner/7-easy-ways-save-water-summer

https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/changeyourstate/5-super-simple-ways-to-save-water-during-summer/

https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/water-conservation-tips-daily-life

11 summer road trip tips for Memorial Day Weekend

If you're going on a road trip this summer, check out these tips.

If you're going on a road trip this summer, check out these tips.

School is almost out for the summer for the kids, Memorial Day is coming right up, and it’s time for vacation. You might be planning a road trip for the family this summer. Maybe you’re going sight-seeing, or maybe you’re going to visit extended family. Wherever your destination may be, it’s important to be safe on your trip. Check out the following tips to have the funnest (we may be making up words) and best road trip ever.

1. Get your car a checkup.

If you’re going to be going on a long trip, it’s important that your car is up to the task. You’re kind of asking it to run a marathon, so be sure to take it to a trustworthy mechanic for a quick tune-up. Check over things like your tire pressure, tire tread depth, oil, wiper blades, and fluids.

Your car is a faithful friend. Give it some TLC before you ask it to traverse hundreds of miles. It’s the nice thing to do.

2. Plan your route.

It’s kind of nice to know where you’re going. Plan out your route and have a plan for GPS/navigation. It might be a good idea to go old-school and print out a set of directions so that you have something to go by in case your GPS or navigation conks out. Never hurts to be prepared! Your trip could take a very unexpected turn (literally) if your GPS dies.

3. Consider getting a car alarm.

You can consider getting a car alarm system to protect your vehicle. You’ll probably be visiting a lot of places, so it might make you feel better knowing that there’s an alarm on your car.

4. Have a flat-tire emergency plan.

Flat tires happen. It’s a tenet of Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It’s important to have your spare tire ready to go in case you need it…and to know how to use it. Make sure you’ve got the proper tools to change a tire. And if no one who will be in the car knows how to get the job done, make sure to have the number of a roadside assistance service handy (or get a roadside assistance membership and be sure to bring the card with you.)

5. Bring snacks. Lots of snacks.

Sharing a car with cranky, grouchy, hungry passengers…stressful. Pack plenty of snacks. Try to bring a variety of foods – sweet, salty, and healthy – to keep everyone appeased. Especially the kids. Hungry children are not happy children.

And speaking of snacks – well, fuel…

Don’t forget to be mindful of your gas gauge. If you’ll have to go long stretches without passing a gas station over the course of your road trip, plan accordingly. Know how much mileage your car gets per gallon.

6. Pack a car emergency kit.

You can put together a car emergency kit prior to your trip. It should include car-related items you may need, like jumper cables, but other practical items, too. For starters…

  • Rain poncho
  • Flashlight
  • Reflective vest and reflective triangle
  • First-aid kit
  • Food and water

Of course, there are ready-made kits that you can buy online. You might want to do some research to find out if there’s a reasonably-priced one that will work for you.

7. Bring or plan entertainment for the kids.

Bored, squealing, shouting, or crying children can be a distraction to the driver. Yes, you love your kids, but it’s vital that you have plenty of things to do to occupy them so they’re quiet, calm, and happy throughout the trip. Figure out fun things for them to do. Whether that’s downloading movies on your tablet or playing car road trip games, plan accordingly and let the good times roll.

8. Stay tuned to the weather forecast.

Summer can bring some crazy weather, and things can get so intense that it might be downright unsafe to drive. Heavy rains and storms are common for the summer months, so keep tabs on the weather and adjust your route/plans accordingly. Hopefully, you won’t have any rain on your parade, but use your smartphone or listen to the radio to get important weather updates.

9. Be on the watch for distracted or drunk drivers.

Stay alert and watch the road carefully. Scan your surroundings and be prepared to take action if something happens. Distracted driving is really dangerous, as is drunk driving, so you have to be alert for other drivers who are not behaving safely.

A tip if you’re driving down a highway –

Stay in the middle or right lanes of traffic. If someone traveling the opposite direction crosses the solid yellow lines onto your side of the road, this will give you more time to react and prevent an accident.

10. Get lots of sleep.

Driving while drowsy is not a good idea. It’s downright dangerous. As you get more and more tired, you lose your ability to react fast to dangers, hold the car steady, and make quick decisions. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the road trip.

But keep in mind that boredom from the road and certain medications can also cause drowsiness. If you need to, take a break. Stretch, walk around, and switch with someone who is not mentally fatigued from driving. (Remember, being a safe driver can help you save money on car insurance.)

Being overly tired can be like driving drunk. Your reaction times and decision-making are that impaired. Making sure everyone gets plenty of rest is generally a road-trip best practice. Tiredness usually goes hand-in-hand with grouchiness…and that’s no fun for anyone.

11. Make sure everyone buckles up.

Seatbelts are a must. Seatbelts help by stopping people from flying forward in the event of a crash. Remember that seatbelts are for the cool kids. Buckle up, everyone.

So, there are our top road trip tips for the summer. And of course, we wish you safe travels to wherever your summer adventures take you.

Are you looking to save money on auto insurance? We can help you get multiple quotes for your Atlanta car insurance. By shopping your rates, you can compare pricing and coverage options. To get in touch, fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.safewise.com/blog/road-trip-safety-tips/ 

7 sun safety tips to protect your family from the Atlanta summer sun

It's important to practice good sun safety in the summer.

It's important to be safe in the sun this summer.It’s no secret that Atlanta summers can be brutal. The heat and sunlight can get very intense – not to mention the humidity. The intensity of Atlanta summers makes sun safety (and severe weather safety) super important. Since summer is right around the corner, now seems to be an appropriate time to review sun safety. In between all of the picnics, barbeques (grill safety is also important, by the way), swimming excursions, and sports events, don’t forget to take the time to protect your family from the sun. Check out the following tips.

7 sun safety tips

1. Try to prevent sunburns.

This one is super important.

Too much time in the sun can increase your chances of getting skin cancer (which is actually the most common type of cancer in the US.) Skin cancer can be serious. According to the CDC, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause damage to your skin in fifteen minutes.

So, do yourself a favor – prevent your skin from turning a shade of lobster red by staying in the shade, staying indoors, or putting on a lot of sunscreen. Beat the Georgia heat and protect your skin from ouch-worthy sunburns.

2. Apply sunscreen. A lot.

Make sure that you and your kids slather on the sunscreen. Sunscreen is kind of like an invisible sun shield – it will either absorb the sunlight or bounce it off your skin to protect you from ultraviolet (UV) rays, so it’s a sun safety must. Use a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF.

Now, here’s the trick to sunscreen success:

You have to keep applying it throughout the day. This is especially important if you’re swimming or sweating. It will wash off. So, make sure to wrangle the kids and ply them with sunscreen, even if they wiggle and giggle. Put on sunscreen wherever your skin is exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours or after swimming, seating, or toweling off.

Oh, and be mindful of the expiration date. Sunscreen doesn’t last forever, and it lasts for less time if it’s exposed to high temperatures.

3. Stay inside from about 10 am – 4 pm.

The sun is particularly strong in the middle of the day. If you’re planning to be outside, try to arrange your schedule so you’re outside in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t quite as powerful.

Sun safety goes hand in hand with preventing skin cancer.

And at any rate, it’s Georgia during the summer. Embrace the air-conditioning and stay comfortable. The middle of the day is an ideal time for inside chores, anyways. Take a break and have the kids play inside for a little while. Sun safety can be fun!

4. Dress appropriately.

No, that doesn’t mean shorts and a T-shirt, tempting as that is in the heat. If possible, wear long-sleeved clothes made with a tight weave to cover your skin. Top off your outfit with a wide-brimmed hat. Pick a hat that’s made of a tight weave, too, to really block out those UV rays. If you’re at the pool or beach, at least throw on a cover-up or a T-shirt for some extra protection.

Now – keep in mind that this is not a substitute for sunscreen. You still need that.

5. Be aware if you’re at a higher risk.

There are some people who may be more susceptible to skin cancer and who need to take extra care to protect themselves from the sun.

  • People with light hair, light eyes, pale skin, and freckles
  • People who simply burn easily whose skin doesn’t tan
  • People with lots of beauty marks or moles

6. Keep an eye on any suspicious moles.

It’s not a bad idea to see a dermatologist if you notice any moles that look strange. If you have any new moles or any moles that have started to look different, you may want to get them checked out.

7. Don’t go tanning.

Tanning beds can be very bad for your skin. In fact, it can be just as harmful as going out into the sun. Indoor tanning exposes the person to high levels of UV rays (which are known to cause cancer.) Besides, tanning beds can spread icky germs and cause skin infections.

Sunscreen is a key part of sun safety.

Summer is prime time for outdoor fun and games, but don’t forget to follow sun safety practices. Apply and reapply sunscreen. Wear long-sleeved, tightly-woven clothing to cover your skin. Chill out inside during the middle of the day when the sun is strong. Don’t underestimate how dangerous the sun can be and take steps to stay safe.

Do you want to get multiple home insurance quotes so you can save money on your premium? We would be happy to help you with your insurance shopping. We work with several of the top-rated carriers in the country, so we can help you get the best coverage at the best rate. All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our form or give us a call.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm#sunscreen

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/index.htm

What kinds of water damage are covered by Atlanta home insurance?

Certain types of water damage are not covered by home insurance.

Certain types of water damage are not covered by home insurance.

Okay, so you have a slight problem: your kitchen is underwater. As much as you enjoy swimming, you would rather not swim…inside your house. In the kitchen. There’s something not quite right about that. At any rate, the question you’ve got now is what types of water damage are covered by home insurance?

We’ll explain what types of water nightmares are and are not covered by home insurance.

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What do I do if my Atlanta homeowners insurance gets canceled?

If your home insurance is canceled, you can seek out new insurance.

 

You know how important it is to have home insurance to protect your investment in your house. But what if your insurance company cancels your policy? You might feel very vulnerable and stressed without your home insurance, but maybe you’re at a loss for what to do now. What’s your next step?

Well, it’s a bad-news, good-news situation.

The bad news is that it can be difficult to get new insurance after your policy is canceled or nonrenewed, depending on your company’s reason ending your policy.

The good news is that there are things you can do to find new insurance, and we’ll explain our tips. Not all hope is lost!

What to do if your home insurance is canceled.

1. Get a copy of your CLUE report.

The CLUE is the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It’s a record or database of the claims history and coverage inquiries of homeowners. You have a CLUE report detailing your claims and losses, and insurers use it to find out how much of a risk you are (so it can play a part in your premium.)

As a place to start if your home insurance got canceled, you can request a copy of your CLUE report and give it a thorough read. You should make sure that all the claims and losses presented there are correct. If you notice any errors, you can have them fixed and explain what happened to your insurance company.

Now, you can get a free copy of your CLUE report if you’ve been canceled or nonrenewed for a reason other than the insurer leaving your area entirely. That’s just bad luck.

2. Apply to other insurance companies.

You can always shop around and look for new insurance. Insurance companies are all comfortable with insuring different amounts of risk, so you might find coverage that suits your needs elsewhere. There are a lot of home insurance companies in Georgia, after all.

It would be helpful to understand why your original company canceled your policy. Was it because of nonpayment? Having all the facts can help as you embark on your quest for new insurance – finding new homeowners insurance after being canceled can be difficult, but at least you’ll be prepared.

3. Go to the state for a FAIR plan.

Okay, what if applying to other companies doesn’t work? You’re pulling your hair out and at this point, you’re over it.

In that case, you can go to the Georgia Underwriting Association and ask about getting a FAIR plan. Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) insurers provide insurance to high-risk homeowners, so you might have more luck finding insurance there.

There are still conditions you may have to meet in order to get a FAIR plan. Most likely, you will have had to try to get insurance on the standard market. You may have to make improvements to your house, such as getting a new roof, to reduce your risk. (But if the improvement means you could get insurance on the standard market, you might want to go that route – you’ll probably get more competitive pricing and more coverage options.)

4. Go to the insurance commissioner and file a complaint.

Let’s say you feel that your original insurer’s reason for canceling or nonrenewing you wasn’t right or fair. You can file a complaint with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. They can investigate the situation and help you with how to proceed.

5. Go to the insurance company.

You can also present your case to the insurance company directly and see what happens. You will need to present a strong argument against having your insurance canceled. Explain any changes in your lifestyle or any events that have made your risk go down.

You’ll also want to provide possible solutions that you can implement to be less of a risk to the insurer – for example, taking a higher deductible to accept more responsibility. Then you’re taking on more risk, not the insurance company. And they might be good with that.

If your home insurance gets canceled, your initial reaction might be to get stressed out. But don’t worry – there are things you can do to get new insurance so that your home is protected. You can shop with other carriers. You can seek out a FAIR plan. You can go to the Insurance Commissioner’s Office to ask if they have any recommendations.

In other words, don’t panic. We can also help you as you try to shop for new insurance. Our agents are professionals at helping people find the insurance they need that fits within their budgets. All you have to do to get home insurance quotes is fill out our quote form or give us a call.

Sources:

https://finance.zacks.com/can-homeowners-insurance-wont-renew-policy-1559.html

https://www.thebalance.com/fair-plan-policies-2645392

https://www.thebalance.com/insurance-company-cancelling-policy-2645554

Is termite damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Unfortunately, termite damage is most likely not covered by home insurance.

Most people aren’t too fond of bugs. And Atlanta has plenty of them. As far as your home goes, one of the more destructive bugs out there is the termite. Termites can wreak havoc on your house. Yikes. So, what if termites take up residence in your home? Does home insurance cover termite damage?

We’ll answer this question, explain how to prevent a buggy nightmare, and tell you some signs of termite infestation below.

Does home insurance cover termite damage?

Unfortunately, the answer to that is most likely no, homeowners insurance will not cover termite damage.

There’s a reason:

Home insurance is intended to protect your home from sudden and accidental loss – for example, a fire. It’s not meant to cover maintenance issues…and unfortunately, termite damage fits the bill of “not covered.”

Something to know about termites:

It’s important to spot the signs and protect your home before the damage gets too bad. You need to be on the alert. Termite damage can be severe and can even cause structural damage to your home.

And that leads us to our next topic of joyous, bug-related discussion.

How can I prevent termite damage to my home?

It’s important to be on the alert for termite damage and catch it early on.

Termites actually swarm – meaning, fly from their former colony to descend on a new place. The swarmers strike in summer typically, so you should pay attention to any signs of termites in your area. So, if you see creepy-crawlies coming out of wood or soil, be on the alert. You also might notice wings from termites around windowsills and doors.

Anyways, keep your eyes out for wood that looks blistered, wood that soft when you touch it, or wood that sounds curiously hollow when tapped.

Now, we say all that not to gross you out – yes, termites can fly – but to explain that now is the time to fortify your home.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Take away the termites’ food and water.

Make sure your home isn’t a termite buffet by…

  • Placing firewood at least 20 feet from your home
  • Leaving a 6-inch gap between mulch and wooden pieces of the house
  • Making sure wooden siding is 6 inches above ground
  • Ensure that water won’t collect around your home’s foundation or roof

2. Be cautious when you bring home wood.

Be sure to be very careful about any wood you bring home. Check it over thoroughly.

3. Take care of moisture problems.

It’s important to take care of moisture problems around the house – particularly in the attic or basement crawlspace. Repair any leaks from air conditioning pipes, gutters, or plumbing.

4. Fix any possible “doors.”

You’ve got to fill in or fix any cracks in your home’s foundation to prevent any unwanted guests from moving in.

5. Prevent moisture from accumulating along your home’s foundation.

Termites love moisture. Like we said, you really have to make sure to reduce moisture along the house’s foundation or roof.

The signs of termite damage

It’s important to recognize termite damage so that you can call in professional pest control folks early on. The sooner you catch the infestation, the better.

Here are some warning signs:

  • Wood that looks blistered
  • Wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it
  • Wood that feels soft
  • Termite droppings
  • Wings that look like scales
  • Mud tubes along the side of the house
  • Airborne termites

It’s generally a good idea to have a termite inspection once a year. That way you can catch a termite disaster before it gets out of control.

So that’s the scoop about termites. Unfortunately, termite damage is not typically covered by home insurance. However, there are steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation. Be sure to keep your home safe from this many-legged peril.

Looking to save money on home insurance? We would be happy to help with that. Our team of home insurance agents can help you shop so you get the best coverage at the best possible rate. To get in touch with our team, all you have to do is fill out our online form or give us a call.

Source:

https://www.orkin.com/termites/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-termites

https://www.orkin.com/termites/prevention

Here’s what you should know about bundling your Atlanta home and auto insurance

You could save money on your premium if you bundle your home and auto insurance.

You could save money on your premium if you bundle your home and auto insurance.

If you’ve got a home or a car, chances are you’ve heard about bundling your home insurance and auto insurance. Maybe you’ve even heard that bundling can help you save money on your insurance. But is that true? Should you bundle your home insurance and auto insurance? It almost sounds too good to be true. We’ll tell you what bundling is, the reasons for bundling, and some things you should check before you make your final decision.

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Car theft: What do I do if my car is stolen?

If you're the victim of car theft, there are a few phone calls you need to make.

If you're the victim of car theft, there are a few phone calls you need to make.

Picture this: you walk out of the mall, shopping bags in hand. You head over to where you parked…and your car isn’t there. It’s gone. Vanished. And unless your car has learned to drive itself, you realize with gut-wrenching horror that it’s been stolen. So, what now? Is there any hope of seeing your beloved car ever again?

Well, there are a few things you need to do if you’re ever the victim of Grand Theft Auto. Check out our steps below.

1. Stay calm and give yourself a second to think.

Okay, here’s the thing:

Sometimes we tend to jump to the worst conclusion. Before you go into panic mode, think through some other options. Could you have parked on the other side of the mall? (We’re all human and we’ve all been there when it comes to I-forgot-where-I-parked.) Or were you parked in a tow-away spot? Maybe your car was towed. Or is it possible that your car was repossessed? If your car disappeared from your home, is it possible that a family member with access to your keys borrowed it?

Your knee-jerk reaction to your car not being where it’s supposed to be might be panic, but try to take a breath and think through other possibilities if you’re not 100% sure that your vehicle is not where you left it.

2. Call the police.

Okay. So, your deep-breath-and-think moment didn’t lead to any epiphanies. There’s no other possibility – the car has been stolen.

Now it’s time to get the police involved.

The quicker you get the authorities involved with the car theft, the better. File the police report and give the authorities any details you can about the car – year, make, model, color, license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (if you happen to have your insurance card, it will probably have your VIN listed.)

If your car has GPS, let the police know. It could help them find the car and return it to you.

If you have comprehensive insurance, you should be covered for car theft.

3. Talk to your insurance company.

Once you’ve gotten the police involved, it’s time to contact your car insurance company.

They’ll help you get started with the claim. If you have comprehensive coverage, you’re protected against losses or damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by a collision, like fire, vandalism, falling objects (i.e. trees) and yes – theft. If you only have liability insurance, you won’t be covered for car theft because liability covers your responsibilities to other drivers that you injure or whose property you damage in an accident – not your own vehicle.

4. Consider contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Your DMV might have a database or record of vehicles that have been stolen. You may want to think about informing them that your car has been stolen.

5. Contact your lender or financing company.

If you still have a car payment and owe money to a leasing company, you’ll need to tell them that the car has been stolen. Much of the time they will work with your insurance company directly to deal with the car theft.

But it’s important to prevent your car from being stolen in the first place.

It’s important to take care to prevent a car theft with the following tips…

  • Take your car key with you
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you leave your vehicle
  • Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas
  • Don’t leave valuables in the car (or hide them before you depart for your destination)
  • Don’t leave your car running and unattended
  • Consider getting an anti-theft device

These tips can also help you with preventing a car break-in. Take precautions to protect your vehicle.

So, that’s the deal with car theft. There are a few phone calls you have to make after you’re sure that the car has in fact been stolen. First, the police. Then, your insurer. And then your leasing or financing company. So, yes, it might mean you have a lot of time on the phone in your future, but hopefully it results in your car coming home.

Need some auto insurance? We would be happy to help you get some quotes so you can save money on your auto insurance. Our agents are professionals at helping people find the best coverage at the best rate. All you have to do to get quotes is fill out our online form or call us today.

Source:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-do-if-your-car-stolen.htm

https://www.thebalance.com/stolen-car-insurance-claim-process-527104

What Atlanta home insurance discounts am I eligible for?

Home insurance discounts are an easy way to save money on your premium.

There’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with owning a home. You have to maintain it. You have to cut the grass so that HOA won’t send snide letters. You have to manage the bills. And you have to get home insurance. But that sounds expensive…so you’re probably trying to find out how to save money on home insurance. Well, have we got some good news for you – discounts are an easy way to save on your premiums.

And it just so happens that we’ve got a list of 15 common home insurance discounts that you could qualify for.

15 common home insurance discounts

Before we start, we have an important note:

Each home insurance company offers different discounts and different levels of savings. In order to find out how discounts could help you save, you need to find out what discounts your particular company offers.

That being said, below are 15 common home insurance discounts that you could qualify for.

1. Bundling.

Bundling is when you get multiple policies from the same company. If you get your home insurance and your auto insurance from the same carrier, you may be able to get a discount. In many cases, bundling is less expensive than getting each policy separately.

Pro tip: Make sure you get the coverages and limits you need on both your home and auto insurance.

2. Home security system.

There are many reasons why a home security system can help you qualify for a discount. Many carriers offer a discount if you have a monitored burglar alarm because alarm systems serve as deterrents for burglary and help the police respond more quickly to a break-in.

3. Claims-free.

Some insurance companies will give you savings if you’ve gone a long time without a claim. Check and see if your carrier will lower your premiums for being claims-free and how many years you have to go without a claim.

4. Roof.

There are a few potential discounts that depend on your roof. You could get a discount if you have a new roof or if you have an impact-resistant roof. Be sure to let your agent know if you get a new roof or if your roof is impact resistant.

5. Loyalty.

Some insurance companies will offer a discount to customers that have insured their homes with them for many years.

6. New home.

If you purchase a home and thus become a new customer to the insurance company, you could qualify for a “new customer” discount. Normally you must have purchased the house within a certain number of months to be eligible.

Different home insurance companies offer different discounts.

7. Home improvements.

Home improvements that make your home stronger might help you get a discount. For example, new wiring, new plumbing, or a new roof could qualify you.

8. Home fire safety.

You could get a discount if you have home fire safety measures at your home, such as a monitored fire alarm system. The faster the fire department can respond to the fire, the less damage your home will sustain. And thus the discount.

9. Non-smoker.

Fire is definitely not something insurance companies like. Many house fires are started by smoking, so some insurance companies offer a non-smoker discount. (Just keep in mind that the percentage of savings will vary from company to company.)

10. Gated community.

If you’re in a gated community, there’s less risk of burglary. You’ve got some extra security. And since your home is more protected against theft, you might get a discount from your carrier.

11. Retired.

If you are retired, check and see if that could score you a discount. You never know – it could help you save money.

12. Selecting a higher deductible.

If you have a higher deductible, you may see lower premiums. But it’s important not to choose a deductible that’s so high that it would be a major problem if you ever had a claim and had to pay it.

13. Leak sensor.

Some homes are high-tech and have sensors that will alert you to a water leak – and the sooner you find out about a leak, the better.  Technology can be really cool.

14. Paying in full.

Some home insurance companies offer a discount if you pay for the policy in one go rather than paying your bill monthly. The insurance company will be happy to have all their money.

If paying in full won’t work for you, that’s okay. You could also get a discount for setting up automatic payments.

So, those are some common home insurance discounts that you could be eligible for just by being you. Be sure to talk to your agent and ask them if there are any discounts you could be eligible for. And keep them informed of any significant changes to your home – for instance, getting a new roof or a home security system. And let them know about life changes, like getting married. Remember, they can’t give you a discount if they don’t know you qualify for it!

Looking to save money on home insurance? We would be happy to help. We can shop for the best coverage at the best rate so you get some peace of mind. All you have to do to get in touch with our team of insurance professionals is fill out our online quote form or give us a call.