Key Facts About Commercial Insurance

You are probably familiar with many types of insurance, such as auto insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. But there are many other types of insurance that are just as valuable yet not as many people are familiar with them. Commercial insurance is one of those types of insurance, and here are some key facts about it, brought to you by The Insurance Mart serving the Blue Ridge, GA area.

Definition of commercial insurance

Commercial insurance is a type of auto insurance policy. It covers vehicles that are being used for business purposes rather than for personal driving.

Who needs commercial insurance

Many types of people need commercial insurance. For example, a business with vehicles being used for business purposes, whether that amounts to one vehicle or many, needs commercial insurance. There is some gray area these days when it comes to services like car sharing and ride services like Uber, as far as what commercial insurance is needed for vehicles like that. So it is wise for people using vehicles like that to stay informed and consult a qualified local insurance company.

What commercial insurance covers

As is true for personal auto insurance, commercial insurance covers numerous things. For example, if a person is using a vehicle covered by commercial insurance and that vehicle is in an accident, the commercial insurance policy can cover that, depending of course on the specifics of that accident. Commercial insurance can also cover issues like towing and loss of use. What it covers though depends on the specifics of the individual policy.

There are many more ins and outs of commercial insurance. If you would like to get more information, please feel free to contact The Insurance Mart serving the Blue Ridge, GA area.

What You Should Know About Lightning Protection for Your Home

Do you wonder if it is a good idea for you to secure lightning insurance for your home? In most instances, this is ideal and necessary. Read on for important details about Blue Ridge, GA area lightning protection.

Unplug Those Devices

If you know that a storm is coming, you will want to unplug your appliances or devices. This will prevent any damage from an electrical surge, which can go beyond damage to your electronics themselves. Avoid fires and more issues by taking this proactive measure.

Install Surge Protectors

You may not be at home to unplug your electronics every day in the instance of an impending storm. In such a scenario, it would be beneficial to have transient voltage surge protectors installed. They greatly limit the amount of voltage going to the electronics, keeping them relatively safe.

View Your Home Insurance Policy

If you live in a region in which there are many storms, there is some sort of risk of damage from lightning to your house and surrounding property. You will want to be prepared by having adequate insurance coverage.

You can take various precautionary measures to protect your home in the first place, from a threat such as lightning. However, when a natural disaster strikes on your property, you should have insurance coverage. Take a look at your current insurance policy, if you have one. There should be specific language detailing that the coverage is for that purpose. Not only will it pay out for damages to your house, but also you can arrange for your policy to cover any that occur to your electronics.

Do your research to determine if Blue Ridge, GA is at high risk of frequent lightning storms. Put your trust in a reliable insurance company like The Insurance Mart to assist you with any questions and concerns you may have about policies and what various terms mean.

 

Are There Different Types of Boat Insurance?

Boat owners who live in the Blue Ridge, GA are can rely on the agents of The Insurance Mart if they need help deciding on the right boat insurance policy. It’s important to know what type of coverage works best for your boat according to its age, condition, and how you use it. Talking to a licensed agent will give you the information you need to make an informed choice.

Agreed Value and Actual Value Coverage

An "Agreed Value" policy pays the value you agreed on when you took out the policy. Partial loss claims can be filed if repairs are needed. An "Actual Value" policy will pay you the actual value of the boat based on resale value at the time. With an Actual Value policy, the amount will change as the boat gets older and depreciation begins to affect its resale price. 

Other Types of Coverage

There are other types of coverage you can include in a boat policy. They include liability, medical, environmental, hull and tow insurance among others. Liability and medical are essential forms of coverage if you carry passengers on your watercraft at any time. These types of coverage protect you from financial loss if anyone is ever injured while riding in your boat.

The agents at The Insurance Mart serve residents who live in or near Blue Ridge, GA and many of the surrounding communities. If you own a boat or are thinking about buying one, it’s important that you understand the types of insurance you will need to have in place before you put it in the water for the first time. Call and schedule an appointment with your insurance agent today so you have the answers you need!

Does My Georgian Boating Company Need Recreation Insurance?

Recreation insurance covers a variety of recreational vehicles from ATVs to RVs. Boats are also covered with a recreational insurance policy. However, the types of policies used to cover personal RVs or boats will be different than those used to cover a commercial boating operation. That is why it is important to get to know the knowledgeable agents at The Insurance Mart. They work with clients throughout the Blue Ridge, GA area and will be able to assist you will the best coverage available.

With a commercial recreation insurance policy, your company will be protected should the boats be damaged during a weather event, fire or other accident. They will also be covered if the boats are vandalized. A good policy will also provide liability coverage. This will protect you if a customer is injured and sues for medical expenses due to your company’s negligence. It will also provide coverage if you or an employee damages someone’s personal property while the boating company is operating. Any of these situations where the company is deemed liable for the accident can be significantly detrimental to the corporation. As a business owner, you have a lot of issues to deal with every day but the perils of operating a boating company can be significant. This is why it is important to carve out a little time to get the coverage you need.

The team at The Insurance Mart provides the best information that they can to their clients in the Blue Ridge, GA area so that they can make the best decisions for their companies. Visit their website to get started then come by their offices. They will answer any questions that you may have so that you have the best coverage for your business.

Commercial Insurance for Restaurants

Commercial insurance comes in many varieties depending on the needs of a particular business. Business owners of restaurants are well-advised to work closely with their insurance agent at The Insurance Mart, serving Blue Ridge, GA and the surrounding area, in order to make sure there is adequate insurance coverage to protect the business and the owner’s interests.

The categories of commercial insurance that restaurant owners should consider include:

  • Worker’s Compensation
  • General Liability
  • Commercial Vehicle Insurance
  • Property and Casualty Insurance
  • Product Liability
  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Umbrella Insurance
  • Key Person Insurance

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

This insurance is mandated by state law. Every employer in the state of Georgia must maintain worker’s compensation insurance. This insurance protects both the employees and the employers. The employees are guaranteed a certain level of insurance coverage and payments for medical expenses, injuries, or payment to the next of kin for an employee’s loss of life while on the job. The employers have limited liability in the amount of the coverage offered by worker’s compensation insurance.

General Liability

This type of insurance provides protection for customers if there is an accident.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

If any vehicle is used for the business, such as making food deliveries or picking up stuff for the restaurant to use, it needs to have commercial vehicle insurance.

Property and Casualty Insurance

This insurance protects the company’s assets that include the building, equipment, inventory, and furniture.

Product Liability

This type of insurance covers any products sold.

Business Interruption Insurance

This insurance helps pay the bills if the business has to temporarily close due to unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance covers things that are not covered by other policies and extends the policy limits of other policies. Because of the risk of high settlement amounts or litigation awards, most businesses benefit from having umbrella coverage.

Key Person Insurance

If the business is heavily dependent on the efforts of a specific person or persons, they should have insurance so that their heirs can be able to withstand a sudden death or permanent disability of the key person, which negatively impacts the running of the business.

Conclusion

As a restaurant owner, it is best to have an insurance review with your agent at The Insurance Mart serving Blue Ridge, GA to make sure all your insurance coverage is adequate for your needs. Contact them today.

Recreational vs. Recreational Vehicle Insurance

In today’s rush and hurry world, we often try to do things online or by a phone message that really needs an actual conversation. At The Insurance Mart, we want everyone in Blue Ridge, GA to get exactly the insurance they need, one reason we encourage people to come by and talk about your insurance needs before you buy.

If you try to go the do-it-yourself route, you could end up with not enough, too much or the wrong coverage altogether. For example, there are two different kinds of recreational insurance – outdoor/recreational insurance and recreational vehicle insurance. They’re both known as recreational insurance, for short.

If you want to insure your boat, Seadoo, RV, fifth wheel, snowmobile, dirt bike, dune buggy, golf cart, or ATV, you need recreational vehicle insurance. You’ll obtain a comprehensive policy to protect both rider and ride.

On the other hand, outdoor/recreational insurance offers businesses such as outfitters & guides, rope courses and ATV, bicycle or snowmobile tours either general liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage claims or comprehensive protection. It also covers amateur sports events. Although some items covered under it do involve a vehicle, others don’t. A ropes course or 5K race involves only the entrant and their physical capabilities.

The Insurance Mart wants to talk with you to know if you need insurance for your weekend ride or your weekend business. If you buy online, the similarities in name and some coverages might seem the same. You won’t have what you need though.

Come visit us in Blue Ridge, GA. We’ll help to determine what insurance really serves your needs and your budget.

Classic Cars: A Hobby and An Investment

The Insurance Mart of Blue Ridge, GA understands how much love and care can go into classic car ownership, in addition to the expense of buying and maintaining the vehicle. We are here to help you procure the comprehensive care that your classic car requires and help you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your hobby and investment is fully covered. If you are considering the purchase of a classic car, give us a call to ensure that your new investment has the comprehensive coverage such a vehicle deserves.

Protect Your Classic Car Investment

If you have or are considering buying a car that is 12 to 24 years old and is of a limited production or a rare make and model, you will want to protect your investment with classic car insurance. These policies are tailor-made for the unique requirements of such an investment, and our trained agents are here to ensure that your car receives the right coverage. 

There are certain regulations that come with classic car policies, such as the stipulation that the car receives a limited use, it must be restored or in excellent condition, and this condition must be actively maintained. Some policies will require that the vehicle is stored in a secure garage or other location, while others do not carry this requirement. Whether it is required or not, safely storing your classic car is always a smart idea.

The Insurance Mart is proud to serve the unique insurance needs of the greater Blue Ridge, GA area and would welcome the opportunity to fulfill your comprehensive insurance needs. Please give us a call today at (706) 492-3234 to schedule an appointment to discuss your classic car insurance needs. We look forward to working with you!

When You Are on The Road…How Does RV Insurance Protect?

Just as you are required to carry liability insurance on your car, you are also required to carry coverage on your RV. While the two policies may have some similarities, due to the nature of the vehicle, an RV must have a specialized policy. The team at The Insurance Mart has worked with RV owners in the Blue Ridge, GA area for many years. Like you, they enjoy the area lakes and recreation areas so the understand your needs.

As the RV combines elements of both a vehicle and a living space, insurance policies have to recognize both of these elements. Other factors that will determine appropriate insurance coverage include the size, weight and special features the RV has. RVs are rated as Class A, B or C. Class A motor homes are large RVs with full size features designed for long term use. Class B RVs are smaller vehicles and have far fewer amenities. These “camper vans” are most often for short term use.  Class C motorhomes are a mid-size RV. While they are smaller than a Class A, many people see Class C RVs as a more economical choice for their family. Another factor that determines coverage levels is the amount of use the RV will get.

RV insurance policies protect with liability, personal injury and collision coverage. They can also provide coverage for full replacement should your RV be stolen or totaled in a collision. There are also policies that will cover your personal effects. Additional coverage can protect elements that are attached such as awnings or satellite dishes. 

The team at The Insurance Mart can help you with your RV insurance needs in the Blue Ridge, GA area. Call today and get the protection you need!

What Are the Standard Coverage Options for Boat Insurance?

Each time you cast off in your boat, you want to have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be covered if an accident or unexpected event occurs. To get this piece of mind, you’ll need an insurance policy that will protect your boat and finances no matter what.

Depending on your boat, location, and policy choice, there may be additional coverage options available to you, but for the most part, when it comes to boat insurance, you’ll be working with a policy that provides standard coverage options. This includes physical property damage coverage and liability coverage. 

Physical Property Damage Coverage

Physical property damage coverage will protect your boat from losses that may be caused by fire, collision, theft, sinking, storms, or other catastrophic events. Generally speaking, your hull, anchors, motors, batteries, fuel tanks, safety equipment, and other permanent boat components will be covered under this type of insurance. Again, depending on the policy that you choose, you may be able to get things like your trailer and other boat-related components covered as well.

Liability Coverage

This type of insurance protects you and your finances from liability claims. If your boat were to cause physical property damage to another boat or structure or if it were to cause personal injuries to someone else, a good liability plan will protect you from possible lawsuits and the subsequent costs.

The Insurance Mart Can Help

Are you a Blue Ridge, GA resident who is looking for boat insurance? The Insurance Mart serves residents of Blue Ridge, GA and would be happy to work with you to find a boat insurance plan that meets your unique needs. To learn more about the boat insurance policies that we offer and to speak with an agent today, give us a call or visit our nearest office. 

3 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Condo Insurance

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a condo, the next step is to look into condo insurance to protect your investment. By discussing condo insurance options with an agent from The Insurance Mart in advance, you can avoid costly mistakes in insuring your new abode. Here are a few common mistakes people make when purchasing insurance for their new condo.

Getting Insufficient Coverage

Be leery of cheap insurance policies that don’t provide the coverage you need to protect your new home. A “bare walls-in” policy, for example, may cover some aspects of the interior of your Blue Ridge, GA condo, but exclude such essentials as kitchen and bath fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and other architectural details vital to your home. In contrast, “all-in” coverage protects all aspects of your condo.

Selecting Cash Value over Replacement Cost

When insuring personal effects, you may be offered the option of cash value or replacement cost coverage. Cash value coverage may cost less, but has less to offer when making a claim as you only receive the original price you paid for an item, which may not be enough to have it replaced. With replacement cost coverage, your insurance covers the cost of replacing personal property that has been stolen, damaged or lost.  

Not Reviewing a Policy before Signing

Many people make the mistake of signing a policy without reading it through. Reviewing your policy gives you an opportunity to catch any mistakes or omissions in your coverage that could cost you later on. While reviewing your policy, take time to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Once you sign, you’ll be responsible for what the policy contains or doesn’t contain, whether it’s in your favor or not.

For more information about condo insurance coverage and costs, be sure to contact us at The Insurance Mart, Blue Ridge, GA.