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What to know before you start up the grill. Insurance plays a vital role in keeping you and your family safe this Memorial Day weekend. Before you stock up on your hot dogs, hamburgers and fireworks, consider your insurance coverage. Whether you’re enjoying the weekend at home or away on a trip, having the right coverage can keep you protected in the event that the unexpected happens. Picture this, you’re hosting a backyard barbecue for friends and family to enjoy, and while the adults are finishing their dinner and kids are jumping in the pool, you’re preparing for a grand fireworks show for your guests. You go all out with the big booms, bright sparks shining through the sky and even sparklers for the kids to run through the yard with. All seems to be going as planned. Then you glance back to see smoke rising from your grill that is engulfed in flames. Suddenly, your wonder-filled moment is thrown into chaos as you work to put the fire out. Fire trucks come screeching in and the charred deck and attached siding of your home is now soaked through. How do you move forward, and how are you going to pay for the damage that was done? Or imagine how active the lake will be for the holiday as you drive out, boat in tow at the back of your truck. This is where insurance comes in. Knowing your coverages, like fire-related damage, boat liability and more, can give you peace of mind that allows you to immerse yourself completely in the long weekend. Here are a few extra precautionary steps to ensure you have the best and safest weekend possible. Considering the increased risk of fires this weekend, check your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers before hosting an event. Don’t leave a fire unattended and extinguish it properly when you’re done grilling. Buckle up on the road and be mindful of other drivers as you head for the water, before and after you get there, and do so to protect yourself, your loved ones and your fun this Memorial Day weekend. We’re always available to help put your mind at ease, so give us a call with any questions or updates to your policy, and then, go enjoy those charred hot dogs.
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And how it keeps you focused on growth and profitability
Starting a business is an exciting new venture, whether it be a specialty coffee shop, cute clothing boutique or a residential roofing company. Our team at The Whorton Agency is here to walk with you and protect you and your business on this new adventure. You took that first step and the hardest part is over. Your proposal went through, perhaps you even secured a loan, and your plans were successful. You acquired your business license and permits and found the perfect location. Now what? How do you protect yourself, your employees, your investment in the necessary (and expensive) equipment and even the furniture filling your new foyer? Without proper insurance coverage, you risk losing everything you’ve worked so hard to build. We don’t want that for you, so let us handle that piece of the puzzle. It can be hard to fathom potential losses you could face, but as Insurance Specialists, it’s our job to recognize the magnitude of havoc that unexpected events could cause you and your company. Investing in business insurance with the right agency should be a top priority as you’re starting out. Picture this. A storm rolls in from Alabama, with 50-mile-an-hour winds whipping through town. Your shop with its brand new roof sits in its path, and as those winds reach a frenzy, that same roof gets pulled up and away. Imagine, a client comes into your office as your team works to clean up the next day, and they slip in the entryway that’s been exposed to the rain that the storm brought in. Having the right coverage eliminates your heartburn over this level of damage, and it protects you, your building and that client all at once. Not all businesses need the same type of coverage, and your policy package should be tailored to your company’s precise needs. We could go on and on about general liability, workers compensation, property, umbrellas and more, but we can do you one better. Call us. By best understanding the why and how your business operates, we can build a coverage package that is as unique as what you have to offer. Opening a new business and becoming your own boss is thrilling, so let yourself ride the high of that excitement without fear of the unknown. Partnering with the right team for your insurance can make that difference for you and set you up for long-term, sustainable success. How to keep your home and car fresh (and claims-free!) this season
Springtime is here! It’s time to embrace the warm weather and longer days and to kick off your spring-cleaning to-do list. Fun fact, spring cleaning can positively impact your insurance coverage. Just a few common maintenance practices can benefit you when it comes to your home and auto insurance coverage - and can help you prevent a future claim. A well-maintained home reduces your risk of potential damage. Damage that could lead to costly insurance claims. Look for areas on your property that pose a hazard, like loose gutters, broken tree limbs and uprooted fencing. When assessing your roof and gutters, check for any signs of damage from winter weather, such as leaks or clogged gutters, and clear out any debris to prevent future water and flooding damage. With spring also comes the chance of storms; trimming your trees limits your risk of falling branches and debris when the weather goes south. Then take a look inside your home at things like the pipes underneath your cabinets, batteries in your smoke detectors and more. Consider being fire safety conscious, doing small tasks such as replacing your smoke detector batteries, cleaning out your lint traps, and checking your fire extinguishers. These quick checks help protect you in the case of the unthinkable. Your pipes and plumbing can also lead to potential leaks and water damage, so assess these thoroughly. By tackling these issues now, not only are you making your house safer, but you're also reducing the risk of a costly homeowners claim by being proactive. Your home shouldn’t be your only focus as the weather changes. We recommend inspecting your car, as well, to prevent accidents and breakdowns and avoid potential claims. Check your tires, brakes, and fluids; ensure your tires are inflated as it heats up outside and inspect them for any wear and tear on the tread. Making sure your brakes and fluids are in good condition ensures your car runs smoothly and safely. Even consider a trip to the car wash. Cleaning your car’s exterior not only keeps it looking great but also prevents damage to the paint and finish from sticks, twigs, and pollen that can accumulate in the spring. Spring is a fresh start, and it’s also a great time to refresh yourself on your insurance policies and coverages. Just like the weather changes, so do your needs. Communicate with us as your agent to make sure together we’re able to have your home and auto policies reflect any changes you’ve made recently, things like adding an extension or a new covered porch to your home. Keeping us in the loop ensures you’re properly covered if something goes wrong. Insurance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when preparing for Springtime, but taking the time to freshen up your protection is an easy way to go into a busy season confident that you’re taken care of. Then move onto the fun stuff, like egg hunts, bike rides and days in the Sun, knowing you're prepared for whatever this season brings. Nationwide Insurance was born in 1925, and now in 2016, we're proud to partner with them to bring great insurance options to our clients.
Nationwide is a long-standing Fortune 500 company, a leading provider of personal and commercial property and casualty insurance and long-term retirement savings products. Their Property and Casualty businesses serve customers through five operating brands: Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance, Scottsdale Insurance, Titan Insurance and Nationwide Agribusiness. Financial services are offered through three operating brands: Nationwide Financial, Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Nationwide Bank. "Nationwide’s mutual ownership structure allows us to more effectively align our businesses with meeting the needs of our policyholders and customers," states Nationwide. "Our operating structure combined with the diversity of our businesses builds a solid foundation for a strong and stable company." Come in today to see if Nationwide is the right fit for you. You'll find us ready and able to help at 106 Bankhead Hwy in Carrollton, GA. Since 1916, Auto-Owners Insurance has operated solely through trusted and valued independent agents. They are a Fortune 500 Company and the 16th largest property/casualty insurance company in the nation. Products are brought to you through over 6,200 independent agencies serving over three million policyholders in 26 states. Auto-Owners continues to receive high marks from nationally recognized insurance rating organizations, such as:
A Variety of Products Life Protecting You & Your Family - Life insurance, annuities, long-term care and disability income protection are all products you will rely on many years in the future. Home Property & Liability - Regardless of which homeowners insurance (home, renters, condo) fits your specific need, you'll find Auto-Owners products are among the best in the industry. Car Security on the Road - Providing broad, flexible auto insurance coverage. Business Guarding Your Investment - We insure a variety of businesses that support your community, both large and small. "No Problem" Claims Service Auto-Owners Claims Service is highly ranked by a national consumer magazine for claims satisfaction. With over 80 claim offices in 26 states, we believe our claim branches should be as close as possible to our policyholders and agents. We also provide freedom of choice by allowing our policyholder to choose who performs repairs. We are dedicated to providing our policyholders with our highly rated "No Problem" Claim Service as we strive to be the best provider of claim service in the industry. |