Heading out on a Thanksgiving road trip with a rental car?

​Great choice—just make sure you know how insurance works before you drive off the lot. Here are a few key points to think through before signing that agreement.

Even after a vehicle is properly repaired following a collision, it typicaly doesn’t retain the full market value it had before the accident. That drop in value — simply because the vehicle was in a wreck and now has an accident-history — is called diminished value (DV).

Why is this important to know?  If you were in an accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to recover that loss in value via the at-fault party’s insurer (or your own in certain states, including Georgia, under very  specific circumstances).  Many vehicle owners have never heard of this  and overlook it when filing an auto claim.
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What are the eligibility criteria for filing a diminished value claim?

In today’s world, you can buy just about anything with a click so it’s no surprise that insurance companies have jumped on the “buy online now” trend. The idea sounds great: fast, easy, and cheap. But when it comes to protecting your home, car, or business, “fast and easy” often translates to “expensive regrets later.”
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Here’s why you should not buy insurance online:

​Most people don’t find out what’s missing in their insurance until after a claim. And by then—it’s too late.
The number one issue is ...

​Labor Day weekend isn’t just a long weekend — it’s a hotspot for some insurance claims that happen more often here than any other time of the year. Here are a few surprises:

This past year, a family faced a real-life nightmare that no parent ever expects. Their 17-year-old son, driving after a party, lost control of the car and crashed into a nearby home. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt but the fallout quickly became complicated.

The injured homeowner filed a lawsuit—not just against the teenage driver, but also against his parents, claiming they had “negligently entrusted” him to drive under unsafe circumstances. But when the family turned to their umbrella insurance for help, things didn’t go as planned because, as it turned out, the umbrella policy didn’t apply in this situation.
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Why? 

I’ve reported on this question before and, as you might anticipate, this statistic can vary yearly because of factors like changes in vehicle manufacturing and differences in consumer choice.

So far this year....

​Summer heat isn't just tough on you—it’s brutal on your tires too. In fact, tire failures cause hundreds of avoidable accidents and fatalities each year, especially during the hotter months, which many tire professionals call “blowout season.”
 
Here are 3 key facts every driver should know to stay safe during summer travel:
 

1. Hot weather increases tire pressure. As temperatures rise, so does the pressure inside your tires. If they’re already worn, that pressure can cause a dangerous blowout—especially at highway speeds.
2. Under-inflated tires are just as risky. Low tire pressure causes your tire components to flex too much, which weakens the structure and can lead to an unexpected explosion.
3. Heat makes potholes even more dangerous. Even though avoiding potholes is always a good idea, hitting one in scorching temps can lead to a flat or a sudden blowout.

 
Bottom line: Before you head out in the summer heat, check your tire pressure and tread depth. A quick check now could save you from a serious accident later.
 
Planning a road trip? Give me a call at 706-726-1446 for a professional review of your auto insurance. Let’s make sure your coverage is ready to go when you are.

Got a speeding ticket? You're not alone, especially now that law enforcement’s “Operation Slowdown” campaign is in motion.
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While the initial fine might sting, the long-term cost will show up later—on your auto insurance. Do you know when the effects of this ticket will show up on your insurance, how much to expect your premium will go up, and how long it will remain on your record?  Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

This Independence Day is expected to set a record for the number of Americans traveling — and while that’s great news for reunions, road trips, and summer celebrations, it also means a greater potential for insurance claims.

July 4th consistently ranks among the highest-risk days for incidents that affect both people and property.
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Here are 7 practical tips to protect yourself, your guests, and your property from becoming part of the claim statistics:

Throughout my career, I've had more clients than I'd like who declined certain insurance coverage only to then experience some tragedy in which that coverage would have provided much needed protection.

While you don't want to over insure your assets, you DO want to make sure your insurance is adequate.
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Here are three real-life examples that drive this point home:

May begins the historic peak season for moving in the US.  Whether you're moving across town or to a new state, one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is how to transport your belongings.

The method you choose—hiring professional movers, renting a truck yourself, or using your own vehicle—can have a major impact on your insurance needs.
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 Here’s what you should consider to make sure your belongings are adequately protected during the move.

With insurance rates rising over the past several years, many policyholders are looking to reduce coverage to offset those increases.
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While this is understandable, by doing this they are taking on sizable financial risk that they likely can’t cover if the unexpected were to happen.  Here are 3 examples:

Most people know their credit score matters when buying a car or getting a mortgage—but did you know it also affects your auto insurance premiums?

Many insurers use something called a credit-based insurance score, something a little different from your regular credit score.
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Here’s what goes into this score and how it affects your insurance premiums. 

Ready to head out on your spring vacation trip?  Traveling for leisure carries its own risks and considerations that impact the insurance coverage you should have

​Here are a few considerations to think about to ensure you have just the right coverage for your itinerary.

With insurance premiums having risen significantly over the past several years, increased attention has been directed on neutralizing climbing costs.

One effort that has gained attention for slowing and reducing these costs is tort reform.  Tort reform refers to a set of changes to civil justice laws to reduce the number and cost of lawsuits.

Evidence indicates that implementing tort reforms can help lower insurance premiums for both individuals and businesses.  When insurance companies face lower costs from lawsuits and settlements, they can pass those savings on to customers through reduced premiums.

Georgia has implemented tort reforms in phases, with significant legislation in 2005, additional measures through 2023, and continual refinements since then.
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How have past tort reform efforts regarding insurance premiums in Georgia fared?  Here's a recap: 

When the temperature drops and a freeze is on the way, it's easy to focus on getting inside and overlook items sitting in your car.  Certain items can be damaged by freezing temperatures or create safety issues.

​Here are 3 things you should bring inside from your vehicle when the weather turns frigid:

Parking lots may seem mundane, but they’ve a common setting in the CSRA for theft and personal safety risks, especially during busy times like the holiday season.

Numbers of social media posts by local shoppers describe how they noticed they were being followed in a store or were being watched or approached by someone once they left the store and headed to their vehicle in the parking lot.
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Staying alert and aware of your surroundings like these shoppers can make all the difference in becoming a victim of theft and avoiding the hassle of filing an insurance claim.  Here are 9 steps to stay safe and secure when parking your vehicle to avoid being a victim and having to file an insurance claim for theft.

After flying to a far-off destination and back, the last thing you want to experience is to find your vehicle missing from the parking lot of the airport where it was parked.

Recent reports reveal that crime rings are now targeting airport parking lots to steal vehicles.  Thefts have spiked in this past year at airports from Anchorage to Atlanta and everywhere in between.   Just this year, over 300 vehicles have been stolen from Atlanta's Hartsfield.
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Which vehicles are targeted?

Hurricane Helene has swept through, leaving many car owners dealing with unexpected damage from falling trees and flying debris.

As you face this stressful situation, understanding the details of your auto insurance policy can make the claims process smoother and help you get back on track faster.
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Here are 5 key points to help you understand your policy's coverage and claims process better:

After Hurricane Helene's devastating effects on Georgia's Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), practically all residents were facing questions around what their insurance policies covered.

Given the hundreds of thousands of trees that fell, the primary issue was distinguishing: 1) whose responsibility it was for these downed trees; and 2) who was responsible for covering the resulting damage they caused.
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Here are three common scenarios to help you understand who’s usually responsible for repairs and whether insurance can help.

Bow season for deer hunting has opened in Georgia and is deer hunting season is already open to firearms in South Carolina so that means deer movement is increasing.

Because this region of the country has a high deer population, that also means deer vehicle collisions will rise during the fall and winter seasons.

If you're driving through these regions, it’s important to understand what auto insurance coverage you'll need if you hit a deer, as it's not included as part of a minimum auto policy.  Here's more about what you need to know and have:

Comprehensive Coverage is Key
To protect yourself financially from a deer collision, comprehensive coverage is the most important part of your auto insurance policy. Unlike liability or collision coverage, which covers accidents involving other vehicles, comprehensive insurance is designed for damage from other events like fire, theft, vandalism, and—most importantly in this case--animal strikes.

If you have comprehensive coverage and hit a deer, you can expect your insurance will cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible. Without it, you'll have to pay for damages out of pocket.

What About Personal Injury?
If you or your passengers are injured during a deer collision, your medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) will kick in to cover medical expenses, depending on what state you're in and what type of coverage you’ve selected.

What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Georgia or South Carolina
Deer collisions can be scary, but knowing what to do after the fact is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Pull Over Safely: If you hit a deer, pull over to a safe location, preferably away from traffic.
2. Check for Injuries: Ensure that no one in your vehicle is injured. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance immediately.
3. Contact Law Enforcement: In both Georgia and South Carolina, it’s a good idea to contact the local police or highway patrol. This can be helpful for insurance claims, as having a police report on file can validate your claim. Also, if the deer is blocking traffic, law enforcement can help with removal.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the road, and the deer (if it's safe). This evidence can be useful when filing your insurance claim.
5. Avoid the Deer: Don’t approach the animal, even if it seems lifeless. Injured deer can be unpredictable and may react aggressively.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent: Once you're safe and have all the necessary information, contact your insurance agent for guidance on next steps. Since deer collisions fall under comprehensive coverage, insurance companies may not raise your rates—unless you have a history of claims.

Deer Collision Prevention Tips
To reduce the chances of hitting a deer, try these driving tips:

• Stay Alert Especially at Dusk and Dawn: Deer are most active during these times.
• Use High Beams: When driving at night in darker/rural areas, use your high beams to better spot deer.
• Watch for Deer Crossing Signs: These signs are placed in high-risk areas because deer are known to by nearby and cross the road there. Slow down and stay alert in these zones.
• Brake, Don’t Swerve: If a deer jumps into your path, brake firmly but don’t swerve. Swerving can lead to more serious accidents with oncoming vehicles or roadside obstacles.

As an experienced independent insurance agent in Georgia and South Carolina, I can help you review your policy to ensure you have the right coverage to protect you in the event of a deer collision.

​Contact me for more personalized advice or a free insurance review: 706-726-1446.
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When shopping for auto insurance, many factors influence the rate you’ll pay, including gender.  Here are a couple of general things to know about gender and auto rates:

1. A few states don't allow gender to be considered when calculating auto rates, but Georgia and South Carolina aren't among those few.
2. While insurance companies consider gender, it’s not a static factor—its impact on rates often changes with age.

​Here's how you can expect gender to impact your auto insurance rates with age: