Kate Betts

How to get homeowners insurance with poor credit in Atlanta

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Getting home insurance with poor credit can be difficult.

Getting home insurance with poor credit can be difficult.

You may have heard that your credit score has an effect on your home insurance rates. Maybe your score isn’t at its best and you’ve noticed a significant hike in your rates. The realization that this could be hurting your home insurance might make you feel a bit blindsided. You may be silently (or not silently) fuming at the injustice of it all. But fortunately, we have some tips on how to get home insurance with bad credit.

Why does your credit score affect your home insurance rates?

Some insurance companies calculate what’s called an “insurance score” using your credit information. (This is similar to a credit score.) If you have a good score, you may be able to save money on your home insurance. Having a poor score could mean that you have much higher insurance premiums. And that isn’t exactly a fun place to be.

How to get home insurance with bad credit.

Unfortunately, there is no magic cure that will solve the homeowners insurance and bad credit debacle. However, there are some things that you can do to help get you on your way to getting home insurance at a reasonable rate. Here are our tips:

1. Check your credit report.

This is one way you can improve your score – taking a look at your credit report. Remember, you can request one free report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experion) once a year. Put on your detective hat, comb through your report thoroughly, and see if you can spot anything that could help you improve your credit in the future.

2. Improve your credit score.

Taking steps to improve your score can help you get the home insurance you need. It could also help you get lower home insurance rates – your home insurance premiums could go up the worse your credit score is. Some things you can do to bolster your score are…

  • Pay off your debt. Try to manage your debt.
  • Pay your bills on time. Late payments do not a happy credit score make. Use calendars, phone alerts, or whatever it takes to make sure that you keep up with all of your payments.
  • Set up your payments so that they’re automatic. Find out if there’s a way to set up automatic payments so that your bills are always paid on time.
  • Only open new credit accounts if truly needed.

3. Shop around for home insurance.

Every home insurance company is different, and they’re all comfortable with different levels of risk. They evaluate risk and applications with their own criteria. So, if you don’t find affordable home insurance with the first or second company you try, don’t lose hope. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again, right? One insurance company is not the same as the next, and it may pay off to keep on looking at different Georgia home insurance companies.

(And remember, Atlanta Insurance can help you shop around for your insurance and help guide you through the process of getting home insurance. You don’t have to be in this alone. We’d love to help.)

So, as you can see, your insurance score can play a huge part in determining your home insurance rates. If you’re having trouble getting reasonably priced home insurance and you suspect bad credit could be to blame, check your credit report for errors, take steps to bolster your score, and shop around for home insurance. Don’t despair – not all is lost.

We can help you shop for your home insurance. We can get multiple quotes for home insurance and find the coverage that suits your needs and your budget. All you have to do to get in touch with our team of insurance professionals is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/your-money/poor-credit-history-can-affect-homeowners-insurance-rates.html

https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0212/common-things-that-improve-and-lower-credit-scores.aspx

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/05/09/credit-score-how-boost-your-fico-score-quickly/1142041001/

How to prevent general liability tripping, slipping, and falling claims at your Atlanta business

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Prevent general liability claims by minimizing the chances of tripping or slipping at your business.

Prevent general liability claims by minimizing the chances of tripping or slipping at your business.

As a business owner, you assume a lot of risks. Whenever there are people on your premises – whether they’re employees or customers – there’s the chance that someone could slip and fall. If someone does slip, trip, or fall and get hurt on your property, your business could be found responsible and you could face a hefty lawsuit. Lawsuits are often financially draining for businesses. Sure, you have general liability insurance to protect you from slipping and tripping lawsuits, but the best thing is to prevent slips and falls before they happen. We’ve got some tips to help you slip-proof and trip-proof your business so that you can avoid general liability claims.

1. Train your employees.

Slips and falls can happen in a split second. If someone gets hurt, your employees might get a bit panicked, so it’s important that they know what to do so they can take charge of the situation calmly and efficiently. And it’s important that your employees know what could become a slip or trip hazard.

Your training should cover:

  • Recognizing slip, trip, and fall hazards
  • Cleaning up spills promptly
  • Keeping the workplace tidy and free of clutter
  • Keeping walkways clear
  • Reporting hazards that the employee can’t fix themselves so that management can take care of it
  • What to do if someone falls or gets hurt
  • Informing management about the fall
  • Calling 911 if necessary

2. Neutralize indoor slipping and tripping hazards.

There are many potential hazards that could cause someone to slip or trip. Since you don’t want a customer or employee to have a fall, take some time and evaluate the inside of your premises for hazards.

You can use the following list as a start:

  • Check carpet for any holes, tears, or seams that could trip someone and fix them.
  • Mark any ledges or steps on your floor clearly so that people won’t trip over them.
  • Make sure any doormats and rugs are lying flat.
  • Use wet floor signs for freshly mopped areas or places where there are spills. Clean up spills immediately.
  • Check that there’s enough lighting so people can see where they’re going. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
  • Make sure your emergency exit lighting is working properly.
  • If you have any stairs, make sure they’re not cluttered and that your handrails are secure.

3. Get rid of any outdoor tripping/slipping/falling hazards.

Your responsibility/liability doesn’t end at the front doors of your business. If someone gets hurt outside your business, like in the parking lot, you could be found liable. Make sure that your property – including the outside – is free of trip hazards.

  • Check that the walkway is clear of cracks and holes that could trip someone.
  • Get any potholes or cracks in the parking lot repaired and fix any uneven surfaces.
  • Make sure that you have enough outdoor lighting so that people can find their way. (Side note: Having adequate outdoor lighting can also help you prevent a burglary at your business.)
  • Have a plan for how to handle ice in the winter months. Maybe we don’t get a ton of snow in Atlanta, but we do get ice when it freezes overnight. Have sand or salt on-hand and look into getting a service that will clear your walkway and parking lot. Be vigilant for icy patches and use signs to keep people from accidentally walking on them.

Taking steps to remove slipping and tripping hazards at your business can help protect both your customers and your employees (you would have to file a workers’ comp claim if an employee fell at work.) Tripping can lead to broken bones, sprains, and many other injuries. But your business can take to reduce the chances of someone getting hurt and subsequently taking legal action against you. So, go on trip patrol and remove any hazards before they hurt someone.

If you want to shop around for your business insurance so that you can save some money, we would be more than happy to help you! We can help you get Atlanta business insurance quotes and save some money. All you have to do is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

The 10 Best Georgia Homeowners Insurance Companies

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Here are our top 10 best Georgia homeowners insurance companies

Here are our 10 best Georgia home insurance companies

If you’re looking to buy a home in the Atlanta area, you might be wondering what the best Georgia homeowners insurance companies are. Choosing a company to insure and protect your home is a big decision – your house is probably your biggest investment, so it’s important that you have an insurance company that’s going to be there for you. If you’re trying to get Atlanta home insurance, we can give you some quotes from a variety of different insurance carriers. Here are our picks for best Georgia home insurance companies.

Top 10 Home Insurance Companies in Atlanta

Nationwide

Nationwide is one of the largest insurance companies in the country. They’re also a Fortune 100 company. They started out in 1925 with the mission of providing low-cost auto insurance for farmers, but they’ve since expanded into many other types of insurance. Homeowners insurance from Nationwide will protect your home against theft, fire, and covered storm or weather-related losses, and they offer numerous home insurance discounts. They received an A+ rating from A.M. Best, an A1 rating from Moody’s, and an A1 rating from Standard and Poor’s. And that’s what makes Nationwide one of the top home insurance companies in Atlanta.

Progressive

Progressive has striven to be ahead of the game in insurance since it started in 1937 as an auto insurance company. They offered drive-in claims service and were the first insurance company to establish a payment system where customers could pay for their insurance in payments and not all at once. Of course, Progressive has since expanded into offering different types of insurance – homeowners insurance being one of them. You probably recognize Progressive from their commercials featuring Flo with her fashionable blue headband and white outfit.

MetLife

What makes MetLife one of the best home insurance companies in Georgia? Well, MetLife Insurance began as The National Life and Limb Insurance Company in 1863. By 1868, the company had become more focused on life insurance. Now, MetLife offers many different types of insurance, such as home, auto, and renters. As far as home insurance goes, MetLife offers 24-hour claims service and payment plans so that you can get your homeowners insurance on the budget that works for you. With MetLife, you can tailor your home insurance to fit your needs.

American Modern

Another home insurance company in Atlanta is American Modern. American Modern got its start in the insurance industry in 1965 by selling insurance for mobile homes. American Modern offers named-perils home insurance policies, meaning that your home will be protected against the losses specifically named in the policy. However, you can add coverages to your policy. If you’re having trouble getting an insurance company to take on your home for whatever reason or you can’t get a price you feel is reasonable, you may want to consider American Modern.

Hanover

Hanover offers different home insurance packages so that homeowners can pick which plan best suits their needs. However, they can still choose to add additional coverages for equipment breakdown, water back-up and sump pump overflow, and siding or roofing restoration coverage. Bundling your home and auto insurance together is another option you can choose, as is guaranteed replacement cost coverage. And thus Hanover makes our list of the top home insurance companies in Georgia.

The Hartford

The Hartford is the only home insurance company that’s endorsed by the AARP. They can help AARP members get a customized homeowners insurance plan because they offer different coverage options. They even offer discounts to help people save money. They’ve been around since 1810 when they began as a fire insurance company. Some of their more famous clients were Yale University and Abraham Lincoln. The Hartford also helped organize the US Paralympics in 2003.

Safeco

One of the Atlanta home insurance companies we work with is Safeco. Safeco started as The General Company of America in 1923, but it was nicknamed The General. In 1953, a subsidiary company called The Selective Auto and Fire Insurance Company of America (or Safeco) was created, and the company enjoyed so much success that The General eventually just became Safeco. Liberty Mutual is Safeco’s parent company. Safeco home insurance helps homeowners protect their houses, their personal property, and their guests. There’s also the option to add additional coverage for things like jewelry.

Foremost

Foremost also got its start in selling mobile home insurance. The company started in 1952, and by the 1960s they’d created insurance that was specifically tailored to mobile homes, not just auto policies with homes attached. In 2000, Farmers acquired Foremost. Foremost offers customizable home insurance policies so that homeowners can get the coverage they need – you can choose to add coverages to your policy, such as additional insurance to cover jewelry and other valuables.

ASI

ASI was founded in 1997 and began with offering coverage in Florida. By 2001, they’d started offering coverage in Texas, and by 2015 ASI was one of the top fifteen providers of home insurance in the US. Now they offer home insurance in 40 states, Georgia being one of them. ASI home insurance policies can be tailored to suit your home insurance needs. Whether you’re looking to switch insurance companies, get insurance for a new home, or find homeowners insurance for your first-ever home, ASI can help.

Universal Property and Casualty

Universal Property and Casualty offers different options for homeowners insurance. They have home insurance policies intended for homeowners who are currently living in their homes and dwelling coverage that will provide protection against named perils like fire and hail. You can also get other structures coverage to protect things like sheds and fences, and you can get coverage to protect the belongings in your home.

So, there you have it, Atlanta – our ten top Georgia home insurance companies. If you’d like to get home insurance quotes from any of these carriers or you want to shop around to compare rates, we would be happy to help you with that. All you have to do to get in touch with one of our insurance professionals is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

What kind of insurance do I need for my Atlanta business?

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Every business needs a unique insurance plan.

Every business needs a unique insurance plan.

Business insurance is an essential part of risk management and protecting your business. There are many mishaps that could befall you, so it’s important to have different types of coverage to protect against various risks. However, the process of getting the coverage your business needs can seem very overwhelming. Determining what kinds of insurance you need can be complicated, and we recommend enlisting the help of a trustworthy insurance advisor. Nonetheless, we’ve come up with a list of seven types of coverage that you might want to consider for your business.

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How to find the Atlanta renters insurance that’s right for you

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Renters insurance can help you protect your belongings.

 

If you rent an Atlanta apartment or home, you may be considering getting renters insurance. The world of insurance can be overwhelming, and you might have some questions about it, such as what it covers, how much it costs, and what to look for in a renters insurance policy. And then there’s the question if whether or not your landlord’s insurance will already cover your belongings. So, here we go – we’re going to answer those burning renters’ insurance questions!

Does my landlord’s insurance cover me?

No. In most cases, it does not. Their policy will only cover the structure itself, not your belongings and treasures. That’s why it’s so important to consider renters’ insurance. If there was a fire or you get burgled, your belongings would not be covered, and replacing the possessions that were lost could be a substantial financial hit.

So, what is covered by renters insurance?

Your insurance can protect you against losses like fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, and theft. The cool thing is that your renters’ insurance will most likely follow your belongings – and you – wherever you go.

Renter’s insurance also covers your liability, meaning your legal obligation if you’re found responsible for causing someone bodily harm or property damage. So, you’re most likely covered if a guest trips over a rug, breaks their wrist, and decides to sue. Legal defense is also typically covered.

How much does renters insurance cost?

It is most likely not as expensive as you might fear. You’re only covering your belongings, not the structure itself (that’s the landlord’s purview.) If you decide to get a renters insurance quote, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is.

What other factors do I have to consider?

Do you have a dog? Some insurance companies can be funny about covering certain breeds or sizes of dogs. You’ll have to make sure that your fluffy friend is covered under the policy you choose and see how a dog may affect your insurance rates.

Can you bundle and save? You might be able to bundle the renters’ insurance with your auto insurance and save money. Insurance companies like it when you get more than one policy from them, so they might give you a discount. And who doesn’t love a good discount?

Are there any exclusions? Make sure you know exactly what is and is not covered under your policy. For example, flooding is most likely not covered by renters insurance. If there are any exclusions or gaps, you may have to add extra coverages to your policy.

Is relocation covered? You need to know what would happen if something changes and you have to move out of the apartment or house. Will your policy help you cover the costs of relocation?

Do you have valuables such as jewelry? If you have any valuables, you’ll need to make sure you check the limit of coverage for them to see if it’s enough. If it’s not enough, you’ll have to find out how you can add extra coverage for your jewelry.

Renters insurance helps protect your belongings while you’re renting a place. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your landlord’s insurance covers your belongings, only to discover that it doesn’t. Instead, take matters into your own hands and look into getting a renters insurance policy. It might take a little bit of looking to find the one that’s right for you, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind you’ll enjoy. And you’re not in it alone – we can help you find the insurance plan that’s right for you. To get renters insurance quotes and shop for the best rate, all you have to do is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Atlanta workplace hazards: How to become a sensational ladder safety pro

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We've got some ladder safety tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe on the job.

We've got some ladder safety tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe on the job.

You and your coworkers might be super confident around ladders. You might use them all the time and scamper up and down without fear. But it’s important to remember that ladders, though they seem harmless enough, present risks to your safety. Falling from heights is always among the top ten causes of workplace injuries. To help you brush up on your ladder safety skills, become a pro, and avoid worker’s comp claims, we’ve come up with a dozen safety tips for you and your coworkers.

1. Wear the proper footwear.

It’s important that you wear nonslip shoes if you’re going to be climbing up and down ladders. If the soles of your shoes don’t have enough grip, you could find yourself in free fall before you even realize what happened.

Also, take the time to check the bottom of your shoes before going up. Mud, debris, or leaves stuck to your soles might cause your foot to slip. Clean your shoes off before climbing.

2. Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.

Always face the rungs when you’re going up or going down. This will help you keep your balance and have more security on the steps.

3. Take turns.

Only one person on the ride at a time, please. Ladders are only meant to hold one person. Adding a second person to the mix can throw off the balance and support, which might result in the ladder crashing down.

4. Watch the doors.

Don’t put a ladder near a door that could hit it if it opened suddenly. Make sure that all problem doors are locked or guarded if someone has to get on a ladder near a doorway. Also, don’t support or prop the ladder against a door – bad plan. If the door suddenly opened … well, no one wants to do a face plant, right?

5. Clear the area around the base of the ladder of items that could endanger the worker using it.

Make sure to keep the work area nice and tidy. Move anything that could cause a teammate harm out of the way.

6. Work in pairs.

There should be someone to hold the ladder to keep it steady whenever someone climbs. Don’t fly solo – employ the buddy system.

7. Never move the ladder while someone’s on it.

The ladder should only be moved when everyone has their feet safely on the ground. Seriously. Avoid the insurance claim and save money on your business insurance premiums.

8. Keep your center of gravity steady.

Balance is important when it comes to ladders. Your belt buckle should always be in the middle of the rungs to make sure that you’re centered and balanced. Don’t stretch or overreach over the side – you could lose your balance and make an unplanned descent to the ground.

9. Choose the right ladder for the job and set it up right.

Make sure that your ladder is the right size for the task at hand. The length of the ladder should be three feet over the roofline of the roofing surface if you’re doing roof work.

When you place the ladder against the wall or surface, it should make a 75˚ angle with the ground. You can use the 1:4 ratio trick to help you figure out if you’ve got the angle right. Place the base one foot back from the wall for every four feet of height from the ground to the place of contact.

10. Don’t step on the top rung or shelf.

The big “NOT A STEP” and “DO NOT STEP” signs are there for a reason. Don’t disobey the warnings. It might seem like you can balance on that top step, but it is definitely not worth the risk of falling.

11. Make sure the ladder is in good condition.

Never use a ladder that’s broken or in disrepair. Ladders that aren’t in tip-top shape can slip, break, or collapse while someone’s using them. And that would not be good. If you’re using an extension ladder, check all of the locks carefully and make sure they’re secure before using it.

12. Set up the ladder on a firm, solid surface.

Be sure to place the base on a steady, even surface so that it won’t wobble or slip.

13. Don’t leave a ladder set up and unattended.

When you’re done with the ladder, take it down and move it to a safe place. Don’t leave it propped up against a home or wall and walk away – that’s a general liability claim waiting to happen if someone gets hurt.

Ladders might not seem like the most dangerous of tools, but falls are a serious cause of injury among workers. It’s important not to skip the basic safety rules of using ladders on the job. Make sure everyone stays safe by training everyone in proper ladder use and enforcing safety skills in the workplace.

Need business insurance? We can help with that! We’ve got lots of experience helping business owners save money on their insurance rates – we can help you shop for your insurance. All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia?

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The average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia is slightly below the national average.

 

You might be curious about what the average cost of homeowners insurance is in Georgia. It’s a valid question – you want to know if you’re getting a good deal for your insurance. Well, we’ve got the answer to that question for you, but that’s not all we have to say on the topic. See, the thing is that there are lots of factors that determine your home insurance rates. These factors could be causing your homeowners insurance to be either higher or lower than the average home insurance cost in Georgia. We’ll give you the average cost of home insurance in Georgia and explain what can influence your home insurance rates.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Georgia:

Georgia’s average home insurance cost is $1,114 for $200,000 of dwelling coverage with $300,000 of liability insurance and a $1,000 deductible. That’s 10% below the national average cost of home insurance of $1,244 – not too shabby!

For $300,000 of dwelling coverage with the same limit of liability and the same deductible, the rate would be $1,601, which is 8% below the average for the same coverage.

What are the factors that influence homeowners insurance premiums?

Like we mentioned above, there are a lot of things that can determine your home insurance rate. And that’s why the best way to get an accurate idea of what your home insurance rates will be is to get Atlanta home insurance quotes so you can compare pricing and coverage options. Anyways, that being said, some of the factors that affect home insurance rates are…

The insurance company itself.

Insurance companies determine and interpret risk differently, which is why you may get different quotes from different companies. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to shop around for your home insurance.

What your home is made of.

Whatever material your home was built with, it’s important that you have enough home insurance to completely rebuild it if it were destroyed by a fire, including the costs of building materials and the labor of the contractors.

Your credit score.

Your credit score can have an impact on your home insurance rates because insurance companies see your credit score as an indicator of risk.

How close you are to a fire department.

The nearer you are to a fire station, the faster emergency services can respond to a fire. That means you’ll have less damage to your home, you may also have lower homeowners insurance premiums.

Your limits of coverage.

More insurance costs more money – makes sense, right? So, the higher you set your coverage limits, the higher your premium will be. However, having higher limits means that you won’t have to pay as much out of pocket if you have a big claim because your insurance will cover more of the costs. When figuring out what limits are right for you, remember that it’s crucial to make sure that you have enough home insurance to completely rebuild your home and all of the belongings in it.

Your deductible.

Your deductible is that amount you agree to pay if you have a claim before the insurance company will start covering expenses. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums – and vice versa. So, you have to choose if you want to pay more for your premiums or more out of pocket if you have a claim. It’s a balancing act, and you have to consider your disposable income and how much you can comfortably afford to pay if you have a claim when you set your deductible. You don’t want it to be so high that it would be unfeasible to pay if you have a claim.

Discounts.

If you qualify for discounts on your home insurance, you could score some significant savings on your insurance premiums. Some common discounts that you may qualify for are having a home security system, having a fire alarm system, and having multiple policies from the same company. These aren’t the only discounts out there, though, so be sure to ask your agent what discounts you could qualify for.

Dogs.

If you have a dog that’s on the “dangerous dog” list, you might face higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies can be wary of insuring dogs that are certain breeds or dogs that have a history of aggression, so it’s important to check how your dog could affect your home insurance rates.

Your claim history.

The more claims that you’ve filed, the higher a risk you are to an insurance company. The claims history of homes in your area could also play a part in your rates, as they show the insurance company how high a risk your area is for things like burglary.

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into determining your Georgia home insurance rates. The average cost of home insurance in Georgia tends to be a bit lower than the national average, but there are a lot of factors that an insurance company will examine when quoting you for home insurance. Our team of insurance agents would be happy to help you through the process of getting home insurance quotes that suit your specific insurance needs and home. All you have to do to get home insurance quotes is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

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Do I need business interruption insurance for my Atlanta business?

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If you have to close your business temporarily, business interruption insurance can help.

 

Life is full of unexpected surprises. As a business owner, you might dread a surprise that causes you to close temporarily. If you ever have to close your business because of a natural disaster or another interruption, it’s crucial that you get your business running as quickly as possible. Your reputation – not to mention your income – could suffer the longer you stay closed. But there’s business insurance that can help you in the event of a temporary closure – business interruption insurance. Let’s take a closer look at why your business may want to consider it.

What is business interruption insurance?

Business interruption protects your business from closures resulting from things like natural disasters, equipment damage, and vandalism. The goal is to minimize the financial loss to your business if you have to shut down for a time due to a covered loss.

What is covered by business interruption insurance?

Business interruption insurance covers many different losses that result from having to close your doors. The specifics depend on your policy, which is why you need to make sure to go over the coverage offered very carefully.

Lost revenue:

If you’re temporarily closed due to a covered loss, business interruption insurance will provide you with the earnings that you would have made if your business were running normally. Lost revenue due to a forced closure is often devastating to small businesses, many of which never open their doors again after a disaster. Remember, property insurance only covers the cost of the physical things that were lost or damaged (the building and its contents.) It won’t help you out with your lost income. That’s why business interruption insurance an important thing to consider when you’re creating a disaster plan for your business.

Relocation expenses:

If it’s not possible to use your premises to run your business, you may need to move to a temporary location to keep things rolling. Business interruption insurance may help you with the costs of relocating and your rent and moving costs may also be covered, depending on your coverage.

Wages of your employees:

Your employees would greatly appreciate being paid during your business’s misadventure. Business interruption insurance may help you continue to pay your employees and ensure that they stay with your company by helping you out with payroll.

How do I get business interruption insurance?

Business interruption insurance can be added to your property insurance or included with your business owner’s policy (BOP.) Keep in mind that these policies can be complicated, so you may want to enlist the help of a trusted, qualified insurance advisor to guide you through the process so you can rest assured that you have the insurance you need.

How much business interruption insurance do I need?

You should plan to get enough insurance to cover your business for a good amount of time. You don’t want to run out of insurance when you’re in need.

How much does business interruption insurance cost?

The price of the coverage varies from business to business since no two companies are exactly the same. Some of the factors that influence the cost of business interruption insurance are:

  • Your business’s location
  • The type of work you do
  • How easy it would be for you to work out of a temporary location

Since we don’t know what the future will bring, it’s important to make sure that you plan for a variety of disasters. It’s crucial that you have cash flowing in while your business is closed, and business interruption insurance can help with that. You can secure your business’s future by protecting it with the right business insurance. You might want to consider business interruption insurance to ensure a certain amount of continuity if you ever have to close your business for a short time.

Do you need some quotes for business insurance? We can help you with that. We know that you’d love to save some money on your rates, and we love to help business owners just like you do just that! All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today. Our team of agents is here to help.

How to prevent a kitchen fire this Thanksgiving (Or any time of the year) in Atlanta

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Prevent a kitchen fire this Thanksgiving.

Prevent a kitchen fire this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and that means a flurry of shopping, cleaning, food prep, and, of course, cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Administration, Thanksgiving Day had the most cooking fires of any day of the year in 2013. It’s not hard to imagine why. There are a lot of dishes to prepare and a lot of multitasking to do. We’ve got some tips to help you prevent a kitchen fire this Thanksgiving – or any day of the year, really! And avoiding fires means avoiding home insurance claims.

1. Dress for the occasion.

When you’re cooking, it’s best to wear close-fitting clothes that won’t drag or dangle into the heat. If you’ve got long hair, tie it back so that it doesn’t accidentally get singed.

2. Keep your cooking area clear of flammable things.

Move oven mitts, pot holders, towels, papers, plastic wrappers, wooden utensils, and anything else that could catch fire away from your stove. Yes, you might be a bit crowded for space, especially on Thanksgiving, but keep an eye on the area around your stove.

3. Don’t leave cooking food unattended.

Never walk away from something that you’re frying, broiling, or grilling. These things need to be watched closely. If you see smoke or the grease starts to bubble, turn the burner off.

If you’re steaming or boiling something, use timers so that you don’t forget that you’ve got something cooking. Unattended food is the number one cause of kitchen fires, so be sure to check your food frequently. With all the rushing around that comes with Thanksgiving and cooking a huge meal, it’s easy to forget things. It’s completely normal. Just plan ahead for forgetfulness and set timers galore.

4. Clean your cooking surface frequently.

Keep your cooking surfaces clean to prevent grease buildup. It’s hygienic and it will help you avoid starting a kitchen fire.

5. Establish a kid-free zone around the stove.

Your kid-free zone should be three feet around any area that hot food is being prepared or areas that you walk through while carrying hot dishes or pots. It’s generally a good idea to keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while you’re cooking for their safety. Kitchen safety is one of the fundamentals of childproofing your home.

6. Turn pot handles to the back of the stove.

This lowers the chance of a pot getting knocked off the stove and someone getting hurt or burned, or of kids pulling the handle and upending a pot full of hot food or water onto themselves.

7. Don’t put metal in the microwave.

Anything metal should not go in the microwave. Microwaving metal can cause sparks, which means that a fire can soon follow. Yes, this includes tin foil. So, if you have a dish covered with foil that you need to warm up, take the foil off first.

8. Make sure all portable appliances are plugged directly into the wall.

If you plug a portable appliance like a toaster into an extension cord, you could cause the circuit to short. Make sure that all the appliances you’ll need to prepare the meal are plugged into the wall, and unplug them when you’re not using them. This will prevent any accidental mishaps and will also help prevent electrical fires.

9. Consider getting a fire extinguisher.

You might want to consider getting a fire extinguisher for additional fire safety. You can consult with your local fire department to find out which type is best for your home and to get proper training for how to use it.

10. Make sure your smoke detectors are functional.

Do your smoke detectors have fresh batteries? Have you tested them lately? You should have smoke detectors near the kitchen. The sooner you and your family are alerted to a fire, the better.

If you have a kitchen fire…

  • If the fire is in a pan or pot, cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet to smother it. If that doesn’t work, use a fire extinguisher or baking soda.
  • If it’s a grease or oil fire, DO NOT pour water on it. This will only make the fire worse.
  • If the fire is in the microwave, turn the microwave off, unplug it if possible, and wait for the fire to go out. Don’t open the door.
  • If the fire is in an oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Wait for the fire to die out.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. Don’t let a kitchen fire spoil your holiday! By following some simple tips to help prevent a kitchen fire, you’ll be able to ensure that everyone has a happy – and safe – Thanksgiving.

Are you looking for home insurance or renters insurance? We would be happy to help you save money on your rates by shopping around for your insurance. All you have to do to get started with some home insurance quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/kitchen_fires_flyer.pdf

http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Safety-messages-about-cooking

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Avoid-Kitchen-Fires-Use-Red-Cross-Tips

8 secrets to improving customer loyalty at your Atlanta business

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Having a loyal customer base is important for any business.

Having a loyal customer base is important for any business.

As a business owner, your clients are what keep your doors open. You’re proud of your business and the services you provide. But the key to the success of any business, whether it’s a home-based business or a traditional workplace, is developing a strong base of loyal clients, people who will keep coming back and tell all their friends how awesome your business is. Loyal customers are vital because let’s face it – it costs less to keep people coming back than win over new folks. So, we’ve got some tips for keeping your loyal customers lined up at your doors.

1. Step up your customer service game.

Everyone wants to be treated right. It’s nice to feel like the person assisting you genuinely wants to help you and has an interest. Think about what you can do to improve the customer or client experience. Treat clients with respect and kindness, and make that the business standard. Make sure your employees are greeting and bidding farewell to your clients with a smile and warmth. Even the little things make a difference.

Customer service is a must because it can lead to referrals and recommendations, which are worth their weight in gold.

2. Be genuine.

It’s important that the atmosphere of your business is friendly and welcoming. People like likable people, so if your employees are a good mix of upbeat, friendly, and professional, they’ll win over some customers. Make sure that your loyal clientele gets the treatment and attention they deserve. Develop a relationship with your clients.

3. Do some research.

Take a visit to a competitor (or, if you’re an online or service-oriented business, cruise through some websites.) Find out what worked and what didn’t in your overall customer experience. What could have improved your experience? What would have won you over (or what did win you over, despite this business being your archenemy?)

It’s helpful to take a step back and approach customer loyalty from the perspective of a customer, then bring your observations back to your own company.

4. Amp up your employee morale.

Grouchiness is contagious. If your employees aren’t happy, your clients will pick up on it. Upbeat, smiling employees will make your customers happy, and happy people buy more stuff. So, think of what you can do to help your employees be excited to come to work. Another benefit of improving morale at the workplace is lowering the chance of employee theft at your business.

5. Know how to handle unhappiness.

Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. Mistakes happen. Circumstances conspire against you to create an unpleasant experience for a customer. If that happens, you need to be prepared to handle the complaint professionally, calmly, and promptly. Don’t argue. Apologize, validate the concern, and explain what steps you’re going to take to correct the problem.

Sometimes a customer will be so impressed by the way you handle an adverse situation that you can win them back. So, make sure your employees are prepared to handle various scenarios in which a customer gets testy about something (whether the reasons for their grumpiness are valid or not.) Unhappy customers might not be on your business disaster response plan, but everyone should know how to handle that kind of situation.

6. Think ahead.

Learn to anticipate what your customer or client will need so that you can present it with a flourish when they come to realize the need for themselves. Going the extra mile to take care of a customer will never go amiss.

7. Don’t forget your loyal customers when you’re chasing new business.

Yes, chasing after new customers and trying to win people over is tough work, but it’s important that you don’t get so caught up in doting on potential customers that you forget about the customers you already have., Make sure to nurture the relationships your business has with your current customers so that no one feels like chopped liver.

8. Ask how you can help.

Greet people politely and ask how you can help them. Then, make a genuine effort to do so. Take the time to ask how their day is going and have an honest conversation with them. This will help people feel like you see them as human beings and not just money.

Keeping your valued customers coming back can pump life into your business. Maintaining and building a strong base of loyal clients will ensure that you never lack for people visiting your business and enlisting your services. Throw yourself into customer service. Treat people like human beings. Show that you genuinely care and want to help. Take pride in what you do and blow your customers’ expectations out of the water.

Need some business insurance quotes? Atlanta Insurance can help! We can help you save money on your business insurance rates by shopping around for the best possible price for the coverage you need. All you have to do to get started with your business insurance quotes is fill out our online form or call us today.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marccompeau/2011/10/03/nine-ways-to-build-customer-loyalty/#360ee874375c