How to create a fire escape plan for your Atlanta home

You can create a home fire escape plan.No one wants to think of what would happen if they had a house fire. It’s a very scary thought. But it’s so important that your entire family knows exactly what to do and where to go if the smoke alarm goes off or the air smells like smoke. Having a home fire escape plan can help everyone get out of the home as quickly and safely as possible. We’ve put together a list of tips for creating a home fire escape plan.

How to create a home fire escape plan.

1. Find two escape routes from each room in the house.

If there’s a fire, the most obvious way out of a room could be unsafe because of smoke, flames, or heat. That’s why you need a Plan B to get out of any room and out of the house. You can get your family to help you out and come up with your escape routes together.

2. Go over fire safety with your family.

Set aside some time to go over some basic fire safety with your family. Make sure to go over the following:

  • Stop, drop, and roll if clothing is on fire.
  • How to call 911.
  • How to use the back of the hand to feel a doorknob, the top of the door, and the space at the frame of the door – and then use the second exit if the door is hot.
  • If the door is cool, open it slowly as you brace yourself against it.
  • How to crawl on the ground while covering your mouth if you have to pass under smoke.
  • How to properly store flammable objects or chemicals.
  • Space heater safety.
  • Why it’s important not to waste time gathering belongings.
  • Teach children never to touch matches or lighters. (And don’t forget to childproof your home.)
  • How to prevent electrical fires by taking care with electrical cords, outlets, and circuits.

3. Have a meeting spot for your family.

As you’re creating a home fire escape plan, plan a good spot for your family to meet after getting out of the house. Everyone needs to know where to go, and it needs to be a safe spot that’s far enough away from the house. Also, decide which neighbor’s house you’re going to go to so you can call 911.

4. Teach children what to do if the smoke alarm goes off.

Kids might get really scared if they hear the smoke detector or smell smoke, and their instinct could be to hide. Be sure to explain to your children that they need to get out of the house if there is a fire instead of hiding. Of course, you don’t want to scare them, but they need to understand how important it is to follow the fire escape plan.

5. Do a “fire drill.”

Put your fire escape plan to the test after you’ve created your plan and gone over it with your entire family. Do a “fire drill” and give your family two minutes to “escape” from the home and get to the meeting place.

You also might want to consider having everyone practice getting out of the house with their eyes closed (but please – be very careful!) It’s probable that getting out of a burning house will involve darkness and smoke. Also, take some time to practice crawling on the ground to avoid heavy smoke overhead.

6. Keep the escape routes clear.

It’s important that the way out of the house doesn’t involve doing an obstacle course. By tidying the house and keeping the floor clear, you make it easier to make a quick escape. You should also check your windows to make sure they open quickly. If there are any stubborn windows, have them fixed.

Another thought – if you have child safety gates, latches, or window bars, be sure that there are quick release features.

7. Check the smoke detectors.

Check and see how many smoke detectors you have and where they are. It’s crucial that there are enough smoke detectors and that there’s one located outside each bedroom. Test the smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. (Daylight Saving Time is a great time to do this because it’ll be easy to remember the last time you changed the batteries.)

If you have a house fire, there is not a lot of time to act and escape from the home. And that’s why creating a fire escape plan is so essential – having a plan makes it much easier to act quickly and without hesitation. Practice your plan and be sure to coach your kids on what to do. Make fire safety a thing in your household.

Are you looking for Atlanta home insurance quotes? We can help. Our team of insruance professionals can get you multiple quotes for your insurance and help you save money on your home insurance. We also like to make home insurance easy. Get started with your Atlanta home insruance quotes by filling out our online form or giving us a call today.

Source:

https://www.nsc.org/Portals/0/Documents/NSCDocuments_Advocacy/Fact%20Sheets/family-escape-plan.pdf?ver=2019-04-17-200531-300

http://www.redcross.org/news/article/A-Home-Fire-Escape-Plan-Can-Save-Your-Life 

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness 

What’s the average cost of home insurance?

The average cost of home insurance

The average cost of home insurance

Home insurance can get tricky. There are a lot of factors that go into determining the cost of home insurance. Nonetheless, there are some areas of the country that have higher rates and some areas of the country that have lower rates. It can even go so far as certain ZIP Codes paying more or less for their insurance. So, the question of what is the average cost of home insurance is a little complicated. Still, we’re going to explain what states have the highest rates and which have the lowest – and we’ll tell you where Georgia falls in the ranking. We’ll also explain the reasons for the difference in rates from state to state.

What’s the average cost of home insurance?

Okay. First, let’s start with some nationwide numbers for the average cost of home insurance. Here’s where the national averages stand:

  • $200,000 of dwelling coverage, $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability coverage: $1,244/year
  • $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability coverage: $1,737/year
  • $400,000 of dwelling coverage, $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability coverage: $2,252/year

What states have the lowest average cost of home insurance?

There are a few states that are very far below the national average as far as their average insurance rates. Check out the average rates below*:

  • Hawaii – $357/year
  • Vermont – $606/year
  • Idaho – $ 642/year

*Rates based off of a home with $200,000 of dwelling coverage, a $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability insurance.

What states have the highest average home insurance rates?

There are also some states with an average cost of home insurance that is higher than the national average…by quite a bit. Check out these average home insurance premiums*:

  • Oklahoma – $2,666/year
  • Louisiana – $3,011/year
  • Florida – $3,591/year

*Rates based off of a home with $200,000 of dwelling coverage, a $1,000 deductible, and $300,000 liability insurance.

What’s the average cost of home insurance in Georgia?

Since we’re in the Atlanta area, we have to see where Georgia stacks up with its home insurance rates.

Georgia actually doesn’t do too badly with its insurance rates. The average cost of home insurance in Georgia is $1,114, which is 10% below the national ranking of $1,244. Not too bad! Of course, the cost of home insurance in Georgia depends on a lot of factors, but this gives a general idea.

Why do some states have higher home insurance average rates than others?

So, why the difference in rates around the country? Why do some states get to enjoy low rates while others pay a lot of money for home insurance every year? It’s definitely not random or arbitrary. The reason that states like Florida, Louisiana, and Oklahoma see high rates is that there are many, many natural disasters that tend to befall them. Louisiana and Florida often get hit with hurricanes, and Oklahoma has a ton of tornadoes every year.

When they evaluate rates, insurance companies look at the ZIP Code and data from the area where the home is located. If there’s a high instance of weather-related events and claims, burglaries, or vandalism, for example, rates will probably be higher in those areas. The reason carriers look at the surrounding area and examine a lot of data about them is that they want to know how likely a home in that area is to experience a claim. If the data shows there’s a high risk of a claim, rates are going to be higher. If the data shows there’s a low instance of claims, rates will probably be lower.

What factors affect the cost of home insurance?

But of course, your rates aren’t determined just because of the state you live in. Insurance premiums are a little more specific than that. Like we said, insurance companies look at a lot of factors when they’re setting home insurance prices, and most of them are pretty specific to your house and your immediate area.

Here are some of the factors that can affect home insurance rates.

  • The material your home is constructed of
  • Reconstruction value of the home
  • Age of the home
  • Roof
  • Weather-related disasters in the area
  • The crime rate for your area
  • Your credit score
  • How close you are to a reliable fire station
  • Your limits of coverage
  • Your deductible
  • Home insurance discounts
  • Your claims history
  • Where the fire department is located

So, that’s what you need to know about the average cost of home insurance. Rates vary from ZIP Code to ZIP Code and from state to state. The best way to find out how much your home insurance will cost is to get a home insurance quote. And our agents would be happy to help with that. We can shop your rates so you can get multiple home insurance quotes, compare coverages and pricing, and save money. All you have to do to get started with your home insurance quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

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What does Atlanta home insurance cover?

Atlanta home insurance covers more than just the structure of your home.

Atlanta home insurance covers more than just the structure of your home.

There are a lot of perks to owning a home, but there’s also a lot of responsibility that comes along with it. (And we’re talking about more responsibility than figuring out how to decorate.) For example, you have to deal with home insurance. Your main question might be this – what does home insurance cover? We’re going to tackle that question and explain what a typical home insurance policy covers. (But of course, you really need to read your particular policy to understand how it protects your home.)

What does Atlanta home insurance cover?

1. The home.

Okay, we know you’re rolling your eyes – it’s a no-brainer that Atlanta home insurance covers the home. We mean that home insurance covers the structure of the house itself – the dwelling. Home insurance protects you financially if you’re ever struck by a covered loss, such as burglary, fire, vandalism, lightning, or hail. (Or falling trees.) It can pay for the necessary repairs resulting from covered losses. Now, it’s important to note that not all losses are covered. Flooding is usually excluded from home insurance policies, as are earthquakes. You really have to read your policy thoroughly to see what is and is not covered.

Another question you might have is how much dwelling coverage do you need for your house. A good rule of thumb is to insure your home for its replacement cost. The replacement cost of your home is the cost of rebuilding your home from the ground up as if it was completely destroyed (for example, after a fire.) That means that you’re including the costs of building materials and the labor of the contractors. It’s different than insuring your home for its market value or the value you bought it for.

2. Other structures on your property.

If you have structures like a detached garage, shed, or fence on your property, those will also most likely be covered by your home insurance. Keep in mind that you need to check on the limit of coverage these “other structures” have.

3. Personal belongings.

The contents of your home are also covered by your insurance. That means your furniture, your electronics, your clothes, and your other treasures are all protected under your insurance. The section of your insurance that covers your personal property will replace your belongings if they’re destroyed by a covered loss (i.e., fire or theft.) Your insurance should follow your belongings, so even if your possessions aren’t in your home when they’re stolen or destroyed they’ll be covered. So, if you had a whole bunch of stuff in your car and these belongings get stolen, they could be covered.

To find out how much coverage you need for your personal belongings, you can take a home inventory, which is basically just a list of all of your possessions and their value. Another perk of having a current home inventory is that it can help you when it comes to filing a home insurance claim (though we hope you won’t ever face a loss requiring a claim.) With a handy-dandy home inventory, you’ll know exactly what you need to claim. It’ll make the entire process easier.

Pro tip: Consider insuring your personal property for its replacement cost value. Replacement cost value will replace your possessions at today’s prices – it doesn’t take depreciation into account. Actual cash value coverage will only cover the value of your belongings at the time of the loss, which means the depreciated value. And that might not be enough to replace your belongings at today’s prices.

4. Loss of use coverage/Additional living expense coverage.

Let’s say that you experience a covered loss to your home and you have to move out. You have expenses that you wouldn’t normally have to maintain your family’s standard of living. Your home insurance can help you cover the cost of those extra expenses, such as hotel bills and restaurant bills. Your home insurance may have a certain limit for these extra expenses, so be sure to check on that.

5. Liability insurance.

Your liability insurance can help you if you or your family ever cause someone either bodily injury or property damage and you have a legal responsibility to cover their expenses. It can also help you if they decide to sue. To illustrate, liability insurance could help you if a guest trips over an uneven section of your driveway, gets hurt, and decides to sue you.

You can also read your home insurance policy to find out about medical payments coverage. The person who was injured can submit their medical bills straight to your insurance company.

Pro tip: You can add liability coverage to protect your assets by purchasing a personal umbrella insurance policy.

Atlanta home insurance covers a lot more than just your house. Other structures, your belongings, your liability, and additional living expenses are also covered. We can’t say enough how important it is to read your policy carefully so you understand exactly what cool stuff it does and what is and isn’t covered. Arm yourself with knowledge.

Are you wanting to save money on your Atlanta home insurance? We would be happy to help you shop your rates so you can compare coverage options and pricing so you can get great coverage at a great rate. We can help you get the Atlanta home insurance you need to protect your home. Ready to get started with your home insurance quotes? You can fill out our quote form or give us a call today and we’ll be at your service.

10 tips for organizing your Atlanta home office to boost productivity

Check out these tips for setting up your home office.

Check out these tips for setting up your home office.

If you work from home or have a home-based business, you’re going to need a sweet space to work from. You’ve got a lot to do, but working from home is great – you’ve got your pets, comfort, and the best commute ever. However, it can also be very distracting, which is why it’s important that your space allows you to be productive and allow you to be the best “you” you can be. Check out the following tips for organizing your home office to boost your productivity.

10 tips to organize your home office to boost productivity.

1. Stake your claim and have your own space.

In order to get everything done that needs to get done, you’re going to need your own space. Your home office should be somewhere that you can settle down and work. Find a place where you can work well that will be free from distractions. You may need to find your own room and stake a claim, declaring it to be your space where you can focus.

2. Don’t let technology get out of hand.

Keep all of the electrical cords from your computer, phone, and other gadgets out of the way and store them safely. (And think about the things you might need to plug in and unplug regularly so you can be sure to keep those things in easy reach.) Having everything neat and tidy beats having a huge clump of electrical cords taking up room on the floor, and it can also help you prevent an electrical fire.

3. Have a to-do list for each day.

Being at home might make it tricky to get into the “work” mindset. Make sure to equip your home office with an agenda, planner, or notepad to keep track of what needs to get done and when. You can create a to-do list for each day so that you keep track of your goals.

And crossing things off on a list is extremely satisfying and fun.

4. Dress in real-people clothes and have a routine.

While it’s extremely tempting just to schlep down to the home office in your pajamas, getting dressed in “real people” clothes can help you get in the right frame of mind to work. Yes, pajamas are amazingly comfortable, but they also make you feel sleepy.

Try too start your mornings consistently and develop a routine. Take a shower to freshen up, get dressed, eat breakfast, dance around the kitchen to your favorite music, then settle down to work – or whatever works for you. This helps your mind get ready to kick into work-mode.

5. Make sure your office is comfortable.

It makes sense to make your home office a comfortable space – you’ll be spending a lot of time there, after all! Okay, moving a bed and pillows into the office might be going too far, but make sure you’ve got a nice, comfortable chair and place to work. Your computer station should be set up so that you can sit comfortably and work without straining your body.

Your home office should be a comfortable place to work.

6. Put your desk by a window.

You might worry that having the desk by the window would be distracting, but give it a try. The natural sunlight streaming into the room will help your body keep track of what time it is. Your internal clock is a real thing, and if you’re easily able to see and feel the sun as it moves through the sky you’ll be able to feel the day progressing. You can even decorate the area outside the window with plants and such to give a peaceful, distraction-free view that will give you something pretty to look at.

7. Make sure your space is functional and designed with purpose.

Before you start decorating and rearranging your home office, you also need to consider exactly what kind of work you’ll be doing and what’s needed to get the job done. From there, you can make decisions about what sort of storage you’ll need, what equipment you need, and how best to organize everything.

Many home offices aren’t the biggest, and you can work with that with some creative planning. Utilize the vertical space in the room with tall bookcases or cubbies for storage. Once you’ve established exactly what needs to go into the office, you can plan accordingly. Try to keep things off your desk by using shelves, or invest in vertical file folders to sit on your desk. This will help you keep your workspace clear and clean.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice the aesthetic appeal of the room. Your space should be your space. It should be comfortable and welcoming – a place that you’re content to settle down and get to work.

8. Consider what color to paint the walls.

Why not go the whole hog and paint the room? Choose a color that works for you. Some people like yellows, lime greens, or oranges because they’re energizing and cheery. Others like calming shades like pale blue or aqua. Bottom line: choose a color that’s going to help you work. As crazy as it sounds, colors can have a profound effect on your mood.

9. Have a designated routine for breaks.

You’re also going to need some time to take breaks and clear your mind. It’s healthy to have a change of scene during the workday – your brain uses a lot of energy, so it needs a rest from time to time. Getting up to stretch and take a mental break is good for you. When you settle back down to work, you’ll be recharged and reenergized.

10. Take care of your eyes.

Staring at a computer screen is not your eyes’ favorite thing to do. The light emitted from a screen is hard on them, and as a consequence, it’s easy for your eyes to get strained if you’re spending a lot of time on the computer. So, be mindful of your eyes and take care of them! Also, try to avoid having a glare on the computer screen. That isn’t helpful and it won’t make your eyeballs happy.

11. PRO TIP: Make sure you’re insured.

You’ve probably got a lot of business-related equipment in your office. It’s really important to make sure that you’re properly insured. Business equipment and such is very expensive, so you need to check out your home insurance policy to see if it covers any business-related items. If you have a full-blown home business, you need to make sure that you’ve got the right home-based business insurance.

Speaking of insurance, we can help you get the insurance you need, whether that’s home-based business insurance, home insurance, or auto insurance. Our team of insurance professionals are pros at helping Atlantans save on their insurance by shopping their rates. You can compare pricing and coverage options by filling out our online quote form or giving us a call today.

Source 1 | Source 2

Don’t make these 8 Atlanta home insurance mistakes

You never know when a home insurance tip is going to come in handy.

You never know when a home insurance tip is going to come in handy.

Getting home insurance can seem extremely difficult. It can be hard to know how much insurance to get, what coverages you need, and what’s a good rate. To help you on your home insurance mission, we’ve got 8 common home insurance mistakes for you to avoid as you set your coverage. We’ve also included a home insurance tip for each one.

Avoid these home insurance mistakes.

1. Not getting enough home insurance.

Home Insurance Tip #1: Ideally, you should have enough home insurance to do the following three things:

  1. Rebuild your house from the ground up if it’s damaged.
  2. Replace all of your belongings.
  3. Cover your liability.

You need to make sure that you have enough home insurance to rebuild your home completely if it’s destroyed by a fire or another loss, including the costs of building materials and the labor of the contractors. This is your home’s replacement cost.

It’s also important to take a home inventory so that you know how much coverage you need for your personal belongings – and that way you’ll know exactly what to claim if you have a loss to your home.

Basically, the point is to make sure you’re not underinsured. You need enough coverage to protect you from financial loss if your home is damaged or destroyed.

2. Setting a deductible that’s too low or too high.

Home Insurance Tip #2: Set a deductible that fits your finances.

Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay if you have a claim. You’ve got your portion of a claim and the insurance company takes care of the rest. So, if you have a claim that’s $5,000 and your deductible is $1,000, you’ll pay $1,000 and the insurance company will pay $4,000.

Your deductible is important because it relates to your home insurance rates. If you set a deductible that’s higher, you could see lower premium because you’re less likely to file a claim. But you don’t want to set your deductible so high that it would be burdensome to pay if you ever have a claim. It’s a bit of a balancing act. You have to evaluate your finances and decide how much you can comfortably afford to pay in the event of a claim. If you find you could raise your deductible, you might see lower rates.

3. Not asking about home insurance discounts.

Home Insurance Tip #3: Be sure to ask about discounts.

Many home insurance companies offer discounts for home insurance. Be sure to ask your agent what discounts they offer and see if you qualify for them. Some common home insurance discounts are…

  • Having a monitored burglar alarm or security system.
  • New roof.
  • Bundling your home and auto insurance.
  • Being claims-free for a certain number of years.
  • Home improvements (new wiring, plumbing, AC system, roof.)

4. Not adding coverage to account for exclusions.

Home Insurance Tip #4: Make sure to cover any gaps in your home insurance policy.

Unfortunately, home insurance doesn’t cover everything. Certain losses aren’t covered (and these losses are called exclusions.) Some common – but surprising – home insurance exclusions are…

  • Flooding
  • Sewer backup
  • Sinkholes
  • Jewelry (Most policies only offer limited coverage for valuables.)

You have to make sure to cover any gaps in your home insurance. If you want flooding to be covered, you can get flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through an agent. If you want sewer backup to be covered, you have to add that coverage to your policy. If you want all of your valuables to be covered, you have to add extra coverage for your jewelry and other treasures.

Be sure to discuss these things with your agent and ask questions about what is or isn’t covered.

5. Choosing coverage based on price alone.

Home Insurance Tip #5: Keep in mind that the lowest price might not be the best home insurance policy.

Yes, it might be tempting to choose the cheapest coverage available, but cheapest doesn’t mean best. It’s a good idea to really explore your options and compare coverages. You also have to make sure you’re looking at an apples-to-apples comparison of home insurance coverage when you consider pricing. Then consider the insurance company itself. Do they have a good reputation? Will they truly be there for you if you have a loss? You might find that the best option costs a little more than the cheapest option, but the extra expense could be well worth it.

6. Not telling your agent about home renovations.

Home Insurance Tip #6: Keep in touch with your agent and let them know about planned home insurance renovations.

If you do renovations to your home, you could be adding significantly to its value. That means that you might need to add home insurance to make sure that you still have enough coverage for your home.

7. Not reading through the home insurance policy thoroughly.

Home Insurance Tip #7: Take the time to read through your policy.

The only way to really understand what your home insurance policy does and does not cover is to read through it carefully. It’s important to read through the policy, tedious as it might seem, so that you’re aware of how your home insurance will handle various situations. If you have any questions about all the “insurance-speak” in your policy, don’t hesitate to give your agent a call to clarify. It’s better to be equipped with knowledge when it comes to handling your home insurance.

8. Not shopping for home insurance.

Home Insurance Tip #8: Get multiple quotes for Atlanta home insurance.

When you get home insurance in Atlanta, its’ a good idea to shop around for multiple quotes. That way you’ll be able to compare coverage options and pricing. By shopping, you give yourself the change to save money on home insurance. You might find comparable coverage from a comparable company – but at a lower rate than the other guy’s offering. Though it might be tempting just to go with the first quote you get, a little patience can go a long way.

Speaking of shopping for home insurance, our agents can help you get multiple quotes for Atlanta homeowner’s insurance. We’ll shop your rates and go over your options for coverage, and we’ll make sure that we understand your unique situation so you get the coverage that’s right for you. Get started with your Atlanta home insurance by filling out our quote form or giving us a call today!

Will filing a home insurance claim make my rates go up?

Filing a home insurance claim may raise your home insurance rates.

Filing a home insurance claim may raise your home insurance rates.

You might have heard that filing a home insurance claim will make your insurance rates go up. And maybe it doesn’t seem quite fair – the whole reason that you have insurance is to use it when you need it. And the thing is that while your Atlanta home insurance will protect you from financial loss, it’s important to understand the effect that certain claims could have on your Georgia home insurance rates. We’ll explain about how claims can affect your home insurance rates.

Will filing a claim make my home insurance rates go up?

The short answer is … it could, yes. A home insurance claim could raise premiums.

What kind of home insurance claims will make your rates go up?

Liability.

Usually, claims that are related to liability could cause your rates to rise. For example, if your dog bites someone, that would be a liability-related claim. (Dog bite claims can be very expensive, which is why some insurers have a “dangerous dog list” of breeds that they won’t insure.) This kind of claim can cause your premiums to increase.

Burglary and vandalism.

Burglary and vandalism claims could also cause your premiums to go up because these things can happen again in the same area.

What’s a CLUE report and why does it matter to my rates?

But wait – how do insurance companies know what claims you’ve made and when?

Your CLUE report comes from the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, which is a database of home insurance-related information that insurance companies can access. A CLUE report is essentially a record of all the claims you’ve made – it gives your name, the address where the loss occurred, what the loss is, and the amount the insurance company paid out. Your CLUE report goes back about seven years, and if your insurance company looks at your report and decides you’ve had too many claims, that could be trouble.

There’s no hiding the fact that you’ve made claims. It’s right there in the CLUE.

How can you keep your home insurance rates from going up?

Here are some tips to protect your home insurance rates.

1. Try not to file minor claims.

Try to reserve your home insurance for major catastrophes that you can’t cover on your own. If there’s minor damage to your home from a storm or another loss, you might want to consider taking care of it on your own and paying out of pocket rather than filing a claim. Yes, your insurance is there to help you when you need it. But you might not want to use it for every minor thing – if you do, you risk making your rates go up.

2. Consider your deductible.

Your deductible is the amount of money that you agree to pay if you have a claim. You pay your deductible and your insurance covers the rest of the claim. You probably don’t want to file a claim that’s close in value to your deductible because you’ll still have to pay your deductible – insurance would only cover a small portion of the claim anyway, and then you’ve got that home insurance claim on your record.

For example:

Let’s say your deductible is $750. You have a home insurance claim for $1,100. Yes, you could file the claim and insurance would pay the $350 that’s left after you pay the deductible. But is it really worth filing that claim when you already have to pay $750 anyway? At that point, it might just be more prudent to take care of the entire claim on your own.

3. Check your CLUE report.

Your CLUE report, as we mentioned earlier, gives a history of your claims – and possibly even claims inquiries. If you’re concerned that your claims history isn’t looking too great, get a copy of your CLUE report and check for any mistakes that could be hurting your rates. If you find any, politely ask for them to be corrected.

4. Really think about filing that second claim.

You might want to give some real thought to filing that second claim if you’re worried that your coverage could be nonrenewed or your rates could go up. Remember, filing too many claims could lead to that outcome. So, take out your calculator and think about your finances and if it’s worth filing a claim based on your deductible.

If you face a loss and there’s damage to your home, you’ll have to decide whether or not to file a home insurance claim. So, it’s important to really consider when filing a home insurance claim. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t use your insurance when you need it – that’s what it’s there for, after all.

Do you want to save money on home insurance in Atlanta? We can help. Our agents are professionals at helping homeowners shop for their rates and get the coverage that they need at a great price. All you have to do to get Atlanta insurance quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/can-one-home-insurance-claim-bump-your-annual-premium/

http://money.cnn.com/2014/10/19/real_estate/homeowners-insurance-claims/index.html

https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/your-clue-insurance-report-matters/

Will home insurance cover a new roof?

Home insurance may cover a new roof if your was damaged by a sudden or accidental loss.

Home insurance may cover a new roof if your was damaged by a sudden or accidental loss.

There’s a problem: the floor of your Atlanta home has a huge puddle on it. Just as you’re about to yell at the kids for making a mess – drip. A drop falls right on your forehead. It’s the middle of one of the summer storms that Georgia is notorious for, and the roof is leaking. There is water inside the house and you’ve got one question (okay, maybe two.) Does Georgia home insurance cover a new roof? And how can you tell if you have a roof leak? A leak isn’t the only explanation for the water stains on your ceiling. So, here we go – let’s talk about home insurance, leaking roofs, and when a roof might be covered.

Does home insurance cover my roof?

Well…It really depends on your policy. Home insurance may cover the roof if yours is damaged by an act of nature, like a storm. It’s very important for you to read through your policy or reach out to your agent to find out how your particular insurance company handles roof-related claims.

What we can tell you is that a loss caused by something sudden and accidental may be covered, meaning that your insurance company will pay to repair or replace the roof. So, if you have an act of nature like a huge storm and your roof is damaged, you may be covered because that’s a sudden, accidental loss that you couldn’t prevent (unless you have superhero-like powers over the weather.)

(Now, there’s one thing to note: you really have to find out how your insurance company will handle the roof repairs or replacement.)

However:

If your roof has a leak because it has not been properly maintained…that’s a different story. Your insurance company may not pay to repair the roof. The purpose of insurance is to protect the homeowner against unforeseeable losses that are out of their control, and a lack of maintenance and upkeep doesn’t fit the bill.

So. Be sure to take care of your roof and maintain it properly. Have it inspected regularly by a trustworthy roofing professional. Your roof affects your home insurance, after all.

If your roof is leaking because of a lack of maintenance or upkeep, a new roof probably won't be covered.

How to tell if your roof is leaking.

A leaky roof may not be the only possible culprit for water winding up inside your home. However, there are several signs that your roof is leaking.

1. There’s algae or mold on your roof.

Dark splotches on your roof could mean algae or mold. It could be problematic or it might not. Just because there’s mold doesn’t mean the lifespan of your shingles is shortened, but it could be a sign that something’s wrong.

2. You’re seeing granules in the downspout or gutter.

You know those little specks on your shingles? Those are granules. If you start seeing a significant amount of them in your gutters or downspouts, it might be time for a new roof. Those granules have a very important job. They prevent your shingles from getting roasted by the sun’s rays – your roof is basking in the sun all day, and Georgia certainly gets plenty of strong sunshine. If the granules have started coming off, it’s possible that the shingles could become (or already are) very fragile.

3. Some shingles are missing.

Well, if you’re missing some shingles on your roof and you’re getting water in the house…yeah, you’re probably looking at a roof leak.

4. You have water spots or stains on the ceiling.

If you’ve noticed dark or discolored spots that are ominously growing larger on your ceilings, you could have a leak somewhere. Likewise if there are drip marks streaking down the wall or if your walls are mysteriously bubbling. Do the spots darken or get worse after a hard rain? That could mean that you’ve got a leaking roof on your hands.

5. There are shingles that are curled at the edges or shingles that have cracked.

Water can slip underneath your shingles if there are gaps caused by the edges of the shingles curling in. And that water could cause your roof to leak. Cracked shingles could also be a sign of trouble.

6. You notice water spots on exterior walls.

If there are water spots on exterior walls of the house – and if they get worse after a hard rain – you could have a roof problem.

There are several signs that you could need a new roof.

Anyways, that’s what you should know about home insurance and leaks. If the leak is caused by damage that’s sudden or accidental, you’re probably covered for a new roof. If the leak is caused by a lack of maintenance, you’re probably not covered. Be sure to have a trustworthy, professional roofing company in mind to do roof inspections. Read through your policy very carefully to see how your roof is covered.

Do you want to save money on your Atlanta home insurance? We can help with that. Our team of insurance professionals can help you shop your rates so you can compare coverages and pricing. Get started with your quotes by filling out our online form or giving us a call today.

Source:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/outdoor-projects/how-to/g1166/8-things-your-roof-is-trying-to-tell-you/

https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/111815/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-replacement.asp

Does my roof affect my Atlanta home insurance rates?

Your roof can make a difference to your home insurance rates.

Your roof can make a difference to your home insurance rates.

As long as your roof isn’t leaking and turning your home into a swimming pool, you might not give too much thought to it. It protects you from those pop-up Atlanta summer storms, the cold in the winter, and the stifling Georgia summer heat. While the roof on your house may not always be at the forefront of your mind, your home insurance company definitely gives it a lot of thought. Why? We’ll explain. We’ll also explain how your roof affects your home insurance rates and discuss roof-related home insurance discounts.

Question 1: Does my roof affect my home insurance rates?

Roofs are the first line of defense during storms. It takes the brunt of the beating, and its job is to protect your home. The stronger it is, the better it can do that. And your insurance company probably has an interest in any factor that can protect your house and minimize damage to your house.

First, let’s talk about the roofing material. Roofs can be made of many different materials, of course, but certain materials hold up better against wind and hail damage.

Okay, now on to your roof’s age, which can also affect your home insurance. Newer roofs have weathered fewer storms and sustained less damage than older ones. An older roof has most likely been worn down from the weather, and it may not protect your home as effectively as a newer one would.

The material your roof is made out of can make a difference to your home insurance rates.

Question 2: Can I get a home insurance discount because of my roof?

There are many potential home insurance discounts you could qualify for, and some of them are related to roofing. Of course, each of the Georgia insurance companies offers different discounts for different amounts, so you’d have to check with your specific company. However, the following are some possible discounts to look into…

New roof discount:

If you just got a brand-new roof, let your insurance company know. They might throw a discount your way because it’s going to protect your home from storm damage – and it’s still tough and able to hold up against the weather.

Pro tip: If you know you need a new roof, reach out to your insurance agent first to see what you need to know about getting a discount.

Impact-resistant or metal roof:

Certain materials are less likely to be damaged by wind or hail damage – they’re a little tougher. Because of the lower chance of damage, some insurance companies offer a discount for impact-resistant roofs. It might be something worth looking into.

Fire-resistant roof:

Insurance companies really don’t like fire. If you have a fire-resistant roof, your home could experience less damage if you ever have a fire. That’s why some insurance companies might offer a discount for it, although it’s a little less common than a discount for impact-resistant roofs. Still, it could be worth reaching out to your agent if your roof happens to have fire-resisting superpowers.

These are just a few roof-related discounts that could be available to you. Do some research on discounts offered by your insurance company to see what opportunities they have to save money on your Georgia home insurance rates.

So, that’s the deal with roofs and home insurance. Roofs function a little like armor and protect the houses they’re attached to – they’re more than just glorified umbrellas.

Getting a new roof can help you get a home insurance discount.

Wondering how you can save money on your home insurance? Our team of insurance agents can help you shop your rates and save. Getting multiple quotes will allow you to compare coverages and pricing. And all you have to do to get in touch with us is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.schulteroofing.com/latest-news/top-5-insurance-discounts-roofing

How to avoid poison ivy (and how to treat poison ivy) in Atlanta

Avoid poison ivy - it has three leaves and grows in a vine in Georgia.

Avoid poison ivy - it has three leaves and grows in a vine in Georgia.

Now that summer is here, chances are you and the kids will be spending more time outside – going on a road trip, maybe swimming and hanging out at the pool. And outside is great, especially in a place like Atlanta where there are plenty of trees and woods to explore. But Mother Nature has a few interesting tricks up her sleeve – tricks that you need to be aware of and steer clear of. One of those is poison ivy (well, and poison oak and poison sumac.) Wondering how you can avoid the frustration and itchy torment that is poison ivy? We’ll go over how to identify poison ivy, what to do if you accidentally have a run-in with it, and how you can avoid poison ivy.

How to identify poison ivy.

If you're spending time outside, look out for poison ivy.There’s an old and oft-repeated adage that is very helpful: if it has three leaves, let it be. That’s because poison ivy has three leaves with three leaflets each. In the South, it tends to grow as a vine (as it does in the Midwest and East.) In the North, West, and Great Lakes region it grows as a low shrub. In the spring it grows yellow-green flowers. It might also have green berries that go off-white in the fall. Basically, a good rule of thumb is that if it’s green and has three leaves, just steer clear.

How do you get poison ivy?

Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac all give off an oil called urushiol. The oil is what people are allergic to and what causes the itchy rash. Any contact with urushiol can lead to a poison ivy rash, even if you haven’t directly touched the plant (although, of course, that is one way to get it.) Even if you have indirect contact with the oil you can get a rash – the oil can coat itself on objects, such as gardening tools, sports equipment, and even your pet’s fur. And lastly, you can get poison ivy through the air if you burn it because the particles will fly in your face. Yeah, don’t burn poison ivy. Ever.

What are the symptoms of poison ivy?

There are several signs and symptoms that point to poison ivy:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Crusty skin from where blisters have opened

The tricky thing about poison ivy is that it may take hours, days, or even a week for the rash to appear. Or it could happen very quickly. So, you might have to think back a while to see if you could have come into contact with poison ivy.

How do you treat poison ivy?

If you are 100% sure that you have poison ivy and you don’t have any serious complications or allergic reactions, you can probably treat it at home. Here are some things you can do to treat it yourself, but we’ll also go over when you need to seek medical attention from a professional.

  • Rinse the area with lukewarm soapy water. You need to rinse the oil off your skin to prevent other areas of your body from coming into contact with it.
  • Wash your clothes.
  • Rinse or wash everything that came into contact with the poison ivy (sports equipment, pets, golf clubs, etc.)
  • Do not scratch. We know it’s so hard not to, but scratching can lead to infection.
  • Don’t mess with the blisters, even if they open. The layer of skin on top can protect the wound underneath it.
  • Take short, lukewarm baths with a colloidal oatmeal preparation that you can get at the store. (Or you can add 1 cup of baking soda to your bath as you’re running the water.)
  • Think about using calamine lotion or hydrocortisone.
  • Use a cool cloth compress to relieve itching. Wet a clean towel or cloth with cold water, wring the water out, and rest it over the area.

If you start noticing the following symptoms and signs, you should seek professional medical attention:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  • The rash is all over the body.
  • An excessive amount of rashes or blisters.
  • Swelling, especially over the eyes.
  • The rash is located on the face or the groin.
  • The itch won’t ease no matter what you do.

How to avoid and prevent poison ivy rash.

It’s important to take care to avoid poison ivy, which is not a pleasant experience. Here are some tips to help you spare yourself from the itching.

  • Know what it looks like.
    • Three leaves.
    • Yellowish green flowers in the spring.
    • May have green berries that go off-white in fall.
    • Grows as a vine in the South.
  • Do not touch anything that has come in contact with poison ivy. Remember, the oil can stick around on any object.
  • Be extremely careful when removing it from your yard.
    • Use plastic bags to pull each plant and replace the bag with each new plant.
    • Use white vinegar to destroy any remaining shoots or seedlings.
    • Cover your skin and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. You can even use heavy shopping bags or plastic bags for extra protection for your arms and legs.
    • Rinse your skin and wash clothes ASAP.
  • Never, ever burn poison ivy.

So, that’s a quick crash course in poison ivy. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional if you feel that the situation is beyond your powers of treatment. But first and foremost, do your best to avoid poison ivy and, if you have to remove any, take special care to protect your skin. Georgia is a great climate for plants and trees and whatnot, some of which are beautiful and lovely…and some of which are not.

Are you looking for home insurance in the Atlanta area? We would be happy to help. Our team of insurance agents can help you get multiple quotes for your home insurance so you can compare rates and save money. We’ll shop your rates with many different Georgia insurance companies. All you have to do to get in touch with us is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

Source:

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/itchy-skin/poison-ivy-oak-and-sumac#tips

What to do if your identity is stolen in Atlanta

If you're the victim of identity theft, you need to act quickly to minimize the damage.

 

Have you ever known someone who has been the victim of identity theft or credit card fraud? It can be a highly frustrating experience, and it can take a long time to get the situation resolved. All that aside, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to what to do if your identity is stolen. Being the victim of identity theft or credit card fraud is not fun, but here are a few things you can do to start to set things right.

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