Category: Insurance Policy Review

Hard Insurance Market 101: What’s Going On and How an Independent Agent Can Help

12/2/2025

Just like many other industries, insurance runs in cycles. Right now, we’re in what’s known as a hard market.

A hard market happens when things like storms, inflation, litigation trends, and other pressures drive up claim costs and cut into insurers’ profits. After several tough years, many companies have tightened their guidelines, pulled back on certain types of risks, and raised premiums to keep their books healthy.

On the flip side, a soft market is the easier cycle—insurers have stronger reserves, they’re more open to taking on risk, competition is higher, and premiums tend to stay steady. Historically, soft markets last longer, but both cycles come and go.

So what can you do right now to ease the impact of a hard market?

Don’t Start Thanksgiving Without These Key Insurance Updates

11/18/2025

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the holiday rush is officially here—and so are a few seasonal risks worth preparing for. A quick insurance checkup now can go a long way in protecting your home, car, and peace of mind.

Here are four smart steps to take before the festivities begin:

Cashed the Check, Then Found More Damage. Is It Possible To Re-Open An Insurance Claim?

10/15/2025

It’s been a little over a year since Hurricane Helene tore through Georgia and the Carolinas, wreaking an estimated $64.2 BILLION in damages. Damage ranged from high winds, downed trees, inland flooding, mudslides, and infrastructural damage to roads and utilities.

With such a wide range of causes, some homeowners uncovered additional hurricane-related hidden damage after their claim was closed that wasn’t previously included.

In cases like this, is it possible for homeowners to re-open the original claim after they’ve already received and cashed a check for those damages and request to receive additional compensation for those damages?

Think You Know Your Homeowners Policy? You Might Be Missing This…

10/7/2025

So many homeowners admit they “set it and forget it” when it comes to their homeowners insurance policies. Unfortunately, that means many people end up paying out of pocket for things their policy might already cover.

So, how well do you really know what’s inside your home insurance policy?

Most homeowners policies protect six key areas:

The #1 Problem People Have With Their Insurance (And How to Fix It)

9/9/2025

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 ...

2 Out Of 3 People Are Underinsured – Are You One Of Them And Don’t Realize It?

5/13/2025

🛑 66% of U.S. homes are underinsured
🛑 1 in 7 drivers has no insurance at all

Why? Many people either can’t afford full coverage or never revisit their policies as costs rise. That means when disaster strikes, the protection they thought they had falls short.

Here are 3 real-life examples:

Tornado Protection: What Your Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover

4/1/2025

Most standard homeowners insurance policies with "all-perils" coverage do include protection against tornado damage. However, that doesn’t always mean you're fully covered.

Certain exclusions, limitations, and policy conditions could affect how much you receive after a storm. Here are some key factors that could impact your tornado coverage:

How Do You Determine The True Value Of Your Expensive Holiday Gifts For Insurance Purposes?

12/31/2024

Determining the true value of your holiday gifts for insurance purposes is a step you don't want to overlook in ensuring adequate policy coverage. Here are 6 key methods to accurately assess the value of your presents:

Is Your Home Prepared For Fall? 5 Insurance-Savvy Tips

9/17/2024

This is the perfect time of year to make sure your house and property are in top shape for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

Seasonal maintenance inside and outside your house can help you avoid not only costly repairs, but also prevent insurance claims and keep your premiums in check.

Here are 5 insurance-related tips to protect your property as this fall season approaches:

What's Happening To Cause Increases and Non-Renewals of Homeowners Insurance In Georgia?

7/11/2024

Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear comments bemoaning the rise of homeowners insurance - or worse - the receipt of a non-renewal notice from an insurance company.

Why are these actions happening and affecting even those who haven't filed a claim on their homeowners insurance?

Recent reports shed a spotlight on the data found, including these 4 eye-opening facts that help answer that question:

Stars, Stripes, And Safety: Protect Your Fourth Of July From Insurance Claims

7/2/2024

Did you know July 4th consistently ranks as one of the biggest days for insurance claims?

So as you gear up to celebrate Independence Day, be very aware of the potential risks that come with the fun and festivities.

Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and your property:

What Quick Steps Can You Take To Prevent Warm Weather Storm-Related Damage?

5/30/2024

We're well into severe storm season and have already seen some storms cause damage in our area. Before the next storm blows through, there are things you can do quickly beforehand to minimize weather-related damage and prevent an insurance claim.

In addition to tips I've mentioned before, here are 3 more tasks you can do now:

Softening The Blow Of The Hard Insurance Market: 5 Practical Steps

5/21/2024

As with other industries, the insurance market is cyclical, and we're currently in what's called a "hard market."

A hard market is when political, societal, climate, and other factors cause insurers' profits to fall. Over the past several years, the impact of these factors have combined to a point where insurers have experienced greater losses and have had to make adjustments to maintain profitability. Insurers have become more conservative in what they are underwriting causing their portfolios to shrink and clients' premiums to rise.

Historically, hard markets haven't lasted as long as "soft markets," which is when market conditions are just the opposite. In soft markets, insurers' revenue reserves are higher and they are able to be less strict in the risk they underwrite. This allows them to increase their client portfolios, there is more competition among companies, and premiums are very stable over time.

SO, what can you do while we're in a hard market to soften its impact?

When Lightning Strikes: What Homeowners Need To Know About Lightning Damage Coverage

5/7/2024

Have you noticed the severe thunderstorms including hundreds of lightning strikes that have swept across large swaths of our country over the past several weeks?

Lightning is among the most prevalent natural hazards capable of inflicting damage upon residential properties.

It's important to understand what aspects of lightning-related harm are covered by your homeowners insurance policy, what falls outside its scope, and the necessary steps to take should your home sustain a direct strike.

Do You Have Enough Insurance Coverage For Your Once-A-Year Home Rental?

3/7/2024

In the past, homeowners who rented out their properties once a year for local events often relied on their standard homeowners insurance.

But with the surge in short-term vacation rentals, insurance policies have also evolved, prompting the need for a closer look at coverage options, including these 5 areas:

Avoid Insurance Surprises With These 8 Important Questions

2/29/2024

Check this out: a recent survey revealed that a staggering 65% of Americans are in the dark about the full extent of their home insurance coverage.

Even more surprising, 45% have faced the harsh reality of having their insurance claim denied due to insufficient coverage.

That's why it's crucial to engage in regular conversations with your local independent insurance agent. This ensures that you not only recall your existing coverage but also assess whether any adjustments are needed.

To guide your discussion, ask these 8 essential questions:

What Should You Know About Insuring An Engagement Ring?

2/8/2024

With Valentine's Day coming up soon, we can expect to exchange our expressions of love through cards, flowers, chocolate, and yes, engagement rings.

Valentine's Day is one of the most common days to get engaged, second only to Christmas Day.

If you're planning to pop the question this Valentine's Day, have you thought about protecting your investment of that important piece of jewelry?

Here's what you need to know about insuring an engagement ring:

Is This On Your New Year's Resolutions List?

1/9/2024

With 2023 wrapped up, remember to add "evaluate your insurance coverage" to your New Year's resolutions list. Why? Because changes you and your family experienced during 2023 or upcoming ones you expect this year will impact your insurance requirements.

Common examples include:

A Must-Do Item On Your New Year's Resolution List

1/2/2024

As 2023 has wrapped up, it's time to re-evaluate your insurance plans. Why? Because changes you and your family experienced during 2023 or upcoming ones you expect this year will impact your insurance requirements.

Common examples include:

Insurance Insights