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Common Home Insurance Exclusions: What You Need to Know

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While most homeowners focus on the coverage provided in their policy, it’s equally important to be aware of what isn’t covered. Home insurance exclusions can leave you vulnerable to unexpected losses. At Commerce Insurance Agency of Commerce, GA, we offer complete coverage to help safeguard your property.

What are Home Insurance Exclusions?

Home insurance exclusions are specific events, circumstances, or types of damage that a standard home insurance policy does not cover. Common exclusions include:

Natural Disasters

Many policies do not cover damage caused by certain natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Separate policies may be needed to cover these events.

Maintenance Issues

Lack of maintenance, such as neglect or excessive wear and tear, may be excluded. This may include issues like mold, mildew, and pest infestations.

Certain Personal Property

While most standard homeowners insurance policies cover personal belongings, specialized items may not be covered. This is most commonly seen with high-value items like fine jewelry, electronics, art, or collectibles. Additional coverage or endorsements may be necessary for these items.

Intentional Damage

If any damage to your home was found to be intentional, it may be excluded from coverage. This includes damage caused by the homeowner or anyone living in the house.

Liability for Specific Situations

Certain liability situations, such as dog bites from specific breeds or injuries that occur in certain areas (e.g., trampolines or pools), may not be covered without additional liability insurance. Your Commerce, GA insurance provider can help determine your liability needs for specific situations.

Stay Protected with Home Insurance

Understanding home insurance exclusions is important for every homeowner looking to protect their assets and property. Contact Commerce Insurance Agency today to see how the right policy can protect your property.

How to Navigate Auto Insurance Coverage for a Leased Vehicle

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Navigating Auto Insurance for a Leased Vehicle

Navigating auto insurance for a leased vehicle can be more complicated than insuring a vehicle you own outright. Most leasing companies have strict insurance requirements, meaning you may need more coverage than you originally anticipated. Our reputable agents at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA can help you build a personalized auto insurance policy that fits your unique needs.

Understanding Lease Requirements

Leasing requirements can vary depending on the individual leasing company. However, insurance requirements for leased vehicles may include additional coverages, such as comprehensive and collision coverage. Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance is also a common requirement for leased vehicles. It covers the difference between your vehicle’s worth and what you still owe.

Determine Coverage Needs

When comparing auto policies, consider different coverage levels, such as:

  • Liability coverage
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

One of our experienced agents can help you determine what levels of coverage are right for you.

Compare Auto Insurance Policies

Not every auto policy is right for every driver. Review key features, such as coverage limits, deductibles, and similar components, to determine which is best suited for your needs. Ask your agent about potential approaches to help reduce insurance costs, such as bundling policies or safe driver discounts.

Review and Adjust Your Policy Regularly

Over time, your auto coverage needs may change. Periodically review your insurance policy to ensure that it continues to meet your personal needs and lease requirements. Changes in your lease or certain personal circumstances may require you to adjust your coverage.

Please speak With One Of Our Trusted Agents

Securing the right auto insurance for a leased vehicle can help you meet your lease requirements and ensure you have the necessary protection. For help navigating auto insurance, contact Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA.

Can You Change Your Life Insurance Beneficiary?

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At Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, we know that circumstances can change over time, and so can the person or entity you want to name as the beneficiary on your life insurance policy. For many folks, the first person they list as their beneficiary on a life insurance policy can seem like the only one they’d ever want to list. As life happens and relationships reconfigure, knowing whether you can switch the beneficiary on your life insurance or add a new one can empower you to make informed decisions about who will receive your death benefit when the time comes. Even if you never anticipate changing the beneficiary on your life insurance policy, it can still be helpful to know whether that’s a possibility in general so you’ll have an idea of what you can do with this information if you find yourself in a position that encourages you to make the change to your beneficiary.

Can You Change the Beneficiary on a Life Insurance Policy?

While we won’t be able to speak specifically to whether your life insurance policy allows for changing beneficiaries, many life insurance policies allow policyholders to change the beneficiary as long as they follow the appropriate procedures for making this adjustment. Before passing away, the policyholder should complete the appropriate forms and provide the appropriate verification that they are the person who holds the life insurance policy. After someone passes away, changing the life insurance policy’s beneficiary can be trickier. This may require legal proceedings and other hurdles, so it’s not an easy process. Choosing a life insurance beneficiary requires careful consideration and an understanding that it’s hard to change after death.

For more information, call our office at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA!

Power Outages in Commerce, GA: Does Your Home Insurance Cover Food Spoilage?

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There is nothing worse than sorting through the aftermath of a devastating severe weather event and learning that your power could be knocked out for days. Not only are power outages inconvenient, but they can also cause indirect losses related to non-functioning appliances like refrigerators.

Learn if your home insurance covers food spoilage from the experts at the Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA.

Does Your Georgia Home Insurance Policy Cover Food Spoilage?

The increasing threats of violent thunderstorms, tornados, and severe weather have local homeowners rethinking their home insurance policies. Whether your home insurance policy will cover claims for food spoilage depends on several factors, including what caused the spoilage.

For example, negligence on behalf of the homeowner that leads to food spoilage is not a covered incident. However, food spoilage caused by blackouts, natural disasters, and severe weather events may be covered up to the designated dollar amount written on your home insurance policy.

Learn More About Uncommon Coverages for Home Insurance Policies

Food spoilage is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving homeowners from having to shoulder the out-of-pocket expenses associated with power outages, blackouts, and natural disasters.

Most new homeowners carrying a mortgage are required to have comprehensive home insurance as a condition of their financing. Homeowners who own their dwelling outright may not understand the value of having complete home insurance until something like a natural disaster, theft, or burglary happens.

Please don’t wait until the inevitable happens and it is too late to apply for full coverage home insurance.

Reach out to the trusted and friendly professionals at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, to learn more about home insurance benefits and get a policy quote today!

Tips for Communicating Effectively with Your Auto Insurance Provider After Filing a Claim

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Communicating effectively with your auto insurance provider after filing a claim is crucial for a smooth and efficient resolution. Clear and timely communication can expedite the process, especially around Commerce, GA.

Be Prepared with Documentation

Before contacting your insurance provider, gather all necessary documentation for the accident. This includes the police report, photos of the damage, witness statements, and any medical records if injuries occurred. This readily available information will help you provide accurate details and answer any questions your insurer may have.

Contact Your Insurer Promptly

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Prompt communication can prevent delays and ensure that your claim is processed quickly. Be ready to provide a clear and concise account of what happened.

Keep Records of All Communications

Maintain detailed records of all interactions, including times, dates, and phone calls. Also, save all emails and letters. This will help you track the progress of your claim and can be helpful if any disputes arise.

Be Honest and Accurate

Misrepresenting facts or omitting details can lead to complications and may result in your claim being denied. Transparency is vital to a smooth claims process.

Ask Questions and Seek Clarification

Understanding each step can help alleviate any confusion and ensure you know what to expect. Inquire about timelines, required documents, and any other relevant details.

Follow Up Regularly

Consistent communication demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue and keeps your claim moving forward. It also allows you to address any additional requests for information.

Commerce Insurance Agency Helps Guide You

Commerce Insurance Agency will help guide you and show you how auto insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Commerce, GA region. Get in touch with us today.

Securing Your Family’s Future: Why Life Insurance is Essential

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Understanding the importance of life insurance is crucial for anyone looking to secure their family’s financial future, especially in uncertain times. At Commerce Insurance Agency, we often meet people from Commerce, GA, who seek to understand how life insurance can play a pivotal role in their family’s long-term security.

Life insurance is more than just a financial safety net; it’s a cornerstone of a prudent financial planning strategy. It ensures that your loved ones can continue to meet their financial obligations and maintain their standard of living, even in your absence. This can cover everything from daily living expenses and mortgage payments to future needs like college education.

For families in Commerce, GA, where community and family ties run deep, ensuring your loved ones are well provided for is a top priority. At Commerce Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping you find the right life insurance policy that aligns with your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you’re just starting a family, buying a home, or thinking about retirement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

The peace of mind that comes with having life insurance is invaluable. Knowing that your family will be financially protected can relieve stress and allow you to enjoy life’s precious moments. As your trusted local insurance provider, Commerce Insurance Agency is committed to serving residents of Commerce, GA, with tailored insurance solutions that protect what matters most.

We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can help secure your family’s future with the right life insurance coverage. Contact Commerce Insurance Agency today to ensure you’re making the best decisions for your loved ones tomorrow.

Home Insurance for Outdoor Structures

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A typical Commerce, GA home insurance policy only covers your house. It doesn’t cover outdoor structures such as an above-ground pool, guest house, pergola, shed, or detached garage. You’ll need other structure coverage to cover these and other structures on your property.

What’s Covered by Other Structure Coverage?

Other structure coverage covers all the structures listed on your home insurance policy, which means that you’ll need to update your policy if you build a new structure on your property at a later date. Such policies are typically "open perils" policies, which means that all forms of damage not specifically excluded in your contract will be covered by your insurance agency. Other structure coverage usually covers the same forms of damage covered on your home insurance policy, including fire, windstorms, hail, ice, snow, water damage, and theft.

What Isn’t Covered by Other Structure Coverage

Other structure coverage doesn’t usually cover flooding, earthquakes, wear and tear, and pest infestation. It never covers intentional damage by someone who lives in the home. What’s more, you may lose coverage if you leave your home vacant for extended periods. 

Get Help from Commerce Insurance Agency 

Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, offers other structure coverage to meet the needs of homeowners of all ages and walks of life. We’re locally owned and operated, and we work with a host of insurance companies to ensure you get the best deal on the policy of your choice. We can help you schedule an appraisal of the exterior structures on your property, review insurance policy options to find the best deals, suggest a deductible that will work best for your budget, and more. Get in touch with us at your convenience to find out more about our services or to get a quote. 

What is Gap Auto Insurance from Commerce Insurance Agency

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Making Auto Insurance Affordable and High-Quality with Commerce Insurance Agency

We at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA, appreciate the complexities of sourcing quality and affordable auto insurance. Many of our clients elect to append gap insurance to their policy, reinforcing their vehicle’s protection against unpredicted occurrences. Allow us to help you integrate gap insurance into your next auto policy.

Under the Hood of Gap Auto Insurance

Gap auto insurance covers the discrepancy between your car’s worth and the amount remaining on your loan or lease. Crucial for people who have leased or financed vehicles with high depreciation rates, gap insurance comes into play when your car is stolen or totaled, and the payout from your regular insurance does not cover your remaining balance.

Dissecting Gap Insurance

Notably, gap auto insurance is generally applicable to total loss instances, not extending to scenarios where your car is damaged but not deemed a total loss. While this additional coverage might slightly bump up your regular car insurance premiums, it can reduce the risk of considerable financial liabilities due to unforeseen accidents. Essentially, gap auto insurance functions to protect you from personally covering outstanding costs if your vehicle is incapacitated. Our seasoned insurance agents are always available to outline your options and assess what works best for your situation.

Commerce Insurance Agency has your Auto Insurance Needs Covered.

At Commerce Insurance Agency, our aim is to provide our clients with comprehensive auto insurance. To learn more about auto insurance and how gap coverage works, contact us today. Our friendly agents are ready and waiting to help!

Compare Life Insurance Policies That Will Protect Your Loved Ones

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If the uncertainty of the future has you worried, you may have decided to pursue the purchase of a life insurance policy. Compare term life and whole life insurance policies. Then, schedule a meeting with one of our Commerce Insurance Agency representatives to purchase the policy type that you have selected.

Term Life

The cost of caring for your family may be higher during specific times of your life. If you have children who are going to be attending college in the future, for instance, you may be concerned about how they would handle their expenses if you died. A term life insurance policy will cover a specific amount of time.

You will be allowed to choose how long you would like to have coverage. A fixed insurance rate will be the amount of money you must pay to keep your policy active. Once your term life insurance policy expires, you are not obligated to renew it. If you do want more coverage, you can purchase another policy.

Whole Life

A whole life insurance policy will protect the course of your lifetime. You will not need to worry about renewing your insurance policy. A whole life insurance policy will build a cash value. This value could benefit you if you ever need money for an emergency. You will be able to borrow against the cash value that has accrued.

Contact Commerce Insurance Agency

Contact one of our helpful agents who serve Commerce, GA. The agent will be ready to answer any questions about the insurance policy that you are seeking. They will also prepare your life insurance documents.

Common Gaps in Homeowners Insurance

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Home insurance is easy to ignore, neglect, or even completely forget about. Many homeowners have had the same policy since they purchased their homes. They may pay premiums through escrow with house payments and taxes. If they haven’t had a claim, the policy may have stayed tucked away for years.

In the meantime, there may be gaps that develop in coverage or unsecured areas that need attention. Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA would like to remind you of potential gaps or neglected areas in your home insurance coverage.

Common Gaps in Homeowners Insurance

Dwelling Costs

Coverage can be lacking due to inflation, major home improvements, and rising values in your neighborhood. Check to make sure your coverage will cover the current replacement costs of your dwelling.

Flood Damage

Flood insurance is not generally included in most base homeowners’ insurance policies. Climate change, construction, and rising waters may make flood coverage prudent now.

Pets

Have you recently acquired a dog? Dogs can be a liability issue that may not be covered under the terms of your current policy.

Contents and Collectible Limits

The contents of your home are usually covered for a certain percentage of your dwelling value. Through the years, these contents or valuable collections may exceed those limits. It may be time for an insurance review.

Update Your Home’s Inventory

It may be time to video the contents of your home, including drawers, closets, and cabinets. Keeping an updated inventory is a good way to ensure there are no gaps in any filed claims for losses.

Get a Home Insurance Review

If you don’t recall the last time you reviewed your home insurance, it is time for a review. We can even provide a no-obligation price quote.

Contact Commerce Insurance Agency Today

Our team can not only review your present coverage but provide a price quote for updated coverage. Make sure the gaps are closed and neglected areas in your home insurance are addressed. Reach out to us at Commerce Insurance Agency in Commerce, GA. Get the coverage you deserve today.