Should I Switch From Full Coverage Auto Insurance to Liability Only?

Posted on March 28, 2025March 25, 2025 by admin

If you have full coverage auto insurance, you enjoy the highest level of coverage for your vehicle. However, not all drivers need this level of coverage, so it’s important to ask yourself if this is the right level of coverage for your car.

The professionals at Atkinson Casey Agency, serving Monroe, GA, can help. We answer questions and help our customers shop around so they can find the best level of coverage for their vehicle. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Full coverage auto insurance is a combination of several other types of auto insurance, including comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance, that provides the maximum amount of coverage.

Your vehicle is covered by insurance if you are in an accident, regardless of fault. Your vehicle is also covered if it is damaged in a range of non-collision incidents, and if you hit another driver with your vehicle, the other driver will be covered.

What Is Liability Only?

Liability-only insurance is a type of insurance that pays to repair or replace the other vehicle if you cause an accident. It can also help pay for the other driver’s medical bills related to the accident.

Who Needs Full Coverage?

If you have a car loan, you may be required to have full coverage auto insurance. Find out from your lender if this is a requirement. If you do not have a car loan and you do not have a new vehicle, you may wish to shop around for a different level of coverage. Some drivers want a lower level of coverage as their car gets older because their car declines in value as it ages.

The professionals at Atkinson Casey Agency, serving Monroe, GA, can help. Call today to find out how we can help you.

Can You Use Investment Funds to Purchase Commercial Insurance?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 24, 2025 by admin

Starting your own business often begins with fundraising. You might have money set aside for this purpose or secure a loan from your local bank. Depending on the nature of your business, you might also receive a significant amount of money directly from investors. However, investor funds often come with conditions. This raises the question: can you use investment funds to purchase commercial insurance and other essentials that don’t specifically pertain to operational costs? Here’s what you need to know about using investment funds for things like commercial insurance. Regardless of whether you can use these funds or not, we’ll always be here at Atkinson Casey Agency in Monroe, GA to help you secure commercial insurance for your business.

Can Investment Funds Be Used for Commercial Insurance? It Depends…

Commercial insurance policies are necessary to operate your business, but some investors may expect you to cover these costs yourself, reserving the money they’ve invested for other business activities. The best way to ensure you can use investment funds for whatever your business needs, like commercial insurance, is to read over your contract and ask beforehand. If there are any conditions in the contract that prohibit this, or if your investor tells you they want you to direct the funds to something specific, you’ll know that you need to find another way to purchase a policy or, if possible, look for another investor with less prohibitive terms.

Shop Commercial Insurance With Atkinson Casey Agency

Atkinson Casey Agency in Monroe, GA is here to help you with your commercial insurance needs. We’ll help you find the commercial insurance policies that will protect your business and benefit you most. Contact us today to get started!

Natural Disasters and Your Home: How to Ensure You’re Fully Protected

Posted on January 30, 2025January 27, 2025 by admin

By nature, natural disasters aren’t always predictable. While we’d like to think our homes are safe, the truth is, there are things that a responsible homeowner should do to ensure you’re fully protected, including ensuring you have a great insurance policy through your Atkinson Casey Agency serving Monroe, GA.

Consider Specific Risks

Start by reviewing your existing policy to identify potential gaps. Standard home insurance often covers damages from windstorms, hail, and fires but may exclude specific risks like floods or earthquakes. For instance, if you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Similarly, earthquake coverage may require an additional rider or a separate policy.

Evaluate Coverage Limits

Next, evaluate your coverage limits. Ensure the policy includes enough to rebuild your home entirely if it’s destroyed. Replacement cost coverage is a better option than actual cash value, as it accounts for the current cost of rebuilding rather than factoring in depreciation. Don’t forget to inventory your personal belongings. A detailed record can help you file claims more efficiently and prove ownership if items are lost or damaged.

Understand Deductible

Understanding your deductible and how it applies to specific disasters is also wise. Some policies may have separate deductibles for events like hurricanes, expressed as a percentage of your home’s insured value. Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare financially.

There’s a lot you can do as a homeowner to fortify your home against disasters, like installing storm shutters, securing loose roof shingles, and using fire-resistant materials around your home. Combine this with a robust home insurance policy from your representative at Atkinson Casey Agency serving Monroe, GA, and you’ll have peace of mind in addition to added protection against nature’s unpredictable forces.

Do You Need Gap Insurance on Your Car Loan?

Posted on December 23, 2024December 22, 2024 by admin

If you recently bought a car or are planning to make a purchase soon, you may be asked about gap insurance. While gap insurance isn’t required for auto loans, it is recommended in certain situations.

What is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance is often included in car payments as a way to cover the difference in the value of the vehicle if there is an accident before it is paid off. In cases where there isn’t gap insurance, owners of the car will have to pay the difference in the loan if what is left is higher than the car’s value at the time of the accident. With gap insurance, this is covered so you can make a clean break from the loan.

Minimal or No Down Payment

If you didn’t put down a significant amount on a new car loan or didn’t use a down payment, ensuring you have gap insurance included in your monthly payment is a good practice. The car’s value is likely to depreciate quickly, and you’ll need to ensure that you have financial coverage in an accident where the vehicle is totaled.

Long Term Payments

If you took out a car loan expected to last at least five years, ensuring you have gap insurance included is good practice. The reason for this is that you’ll be paying a lot of interest for the first couple of years, not touching the principle of the car loan. The car’s value will depreciate significantly by then, and if you get rid of it or find yourself in an accident, you will have to pay extra out of pocket to cover the car’s value.

If you live in the Monroe, GA, area and need an insurance quote, contact Atkinson Casey Agency today.

The Importance of Regular Insurance Audits for Your Business

Posted on November 25, 2024November 24, 2024 by admin

Running a business is no small feat; protecting it should be a top priority. At Atkinson Casey Agency, serving the greater Monroe, GA area, we understand that keeping your business secure involves more than just having insurance—it’s about ensuring that coverage stays up-to-date with your evolving needs.

Why Regular Insurance Audits Matter

Businesses change and grow over time. You might expand operations, acquire new assets, or even shift focus entirely. These changes can leave gaps in your coverage if your insurance policies aren’t reviewed regularly. Regular audits help identify such gaps, protecting you against new risks fully.

Adapting to Industry Changes

The insurance landscape is constantly evolving, with new regulations and policies emerging. Staying on top of these changes can be challenging but essential. Regular audits allow you to adapt your coverage to meet industry standards and protect your business from unforeseen liabilities.

Financial Benefits of Audits

An insurance audit can also uncover opportunities for cost savings. You might find you’re over-insured in some areas or eligible for discounts that weren’t available before. This can lead to significant savings, allowing you to reinvest in other business areas.

Call Us Today to Get a Quote For Commercial Insurance Products For Your Business

Ultimately, regular insurance audits provide peace of mind. Knowing that your business is well-protected allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business. In today’s unpredictable world, securing your company’s future is more important than ever.

At Atkinson Casey Agency, we provide commercial insurance products to business owners in and around Monroe, GA. We’re committed to helping you safeguard your business. Contact us today to schedule your insurance audit and ensure your coverage is aligned with your current needs.

A Tree Fell On My House! Will Home Insurance Cover It?

Posted on October 28, 2024October 23, 2024 by admin

Home insurance can pay to repair or replace your home when a covered event occurs. If a tree has recently fallen on your home, it’s important to know if this is a covered event.

Trees can cause significant damage when they fall. At Atkinson Casey Agency, servicing Monroe, GA, we help homeowners navigate the complexities of their insurance policy. Here is some information you should know if a falling tree recently damaged your home.

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage

Windstorms can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. Roof damage, damage from trees, and other issues can all occur due to strong winds. Home insurance covers damage from windstorms. So, if your home was recently damaged in a windstorm that caused a healthy tree to fall on your house, your insurance policy may cover it.

If the tree was rotten and fell because of that rot, your home insurance policy may not cover it.

Filing a Claim: What to Expect

To file a claim with your home insurance company, start by contacting your insurance agent. Your agent will connect you to a claims adjuster and provide you with the forms you need to start your claim. Save any receipts from the clean-up and repair. These receipts may become important during the claims process, as your insurance company may ask to see these receipts to get you reimbursed.

If a falling tree recently damaged your home, contact your insurance agency. Whether you want to know more about filing a claim or just want to know what else is covered by your home insurance policy, contact Atkinson Casey Agency, servicing Monroe, GA. We’re here to help.

Primary Factors Behind Rising Auto Insurance Rates

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by admin

At Atkinson Casey Agency, we field calls about auto insurance daily, often regarding premiums. If you are a licensed driver in the Monroe, GA, area and are concerned about rising car insurance rates, understanding the factors influencing these costs can be beneficial.

Rising Vehicle Costs

With the average price of a new vehicle approaching $50,000, replacing a vehicle has become substantially expensive, contributing to insurance rate hikes.

Increasing Repair Costs

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced technical and safety features. While enhancing the driving experience, these devices also increase the cost of insuring them. Restoring a damaged vehicle to its pre-accident condition is now more expensive, with fenders previously made of sheet metal now holding cameras and digital devices.

False Claims and Fraud

Insurance fraud and false claims are significant contributors to elevated car insurance rates. Insurance claims should only be used to restore a policyholder to their pre-claim financial state, not to acquire profits.

General Inflation

Consumer prices for goods and services, from groceries to housing, have been rising. Naturally, car insurance premiums are not immune to this overall trend.

Having a Poor Driving Record or a History of At-Fault Accidents

Traffic violations and at-fault accidents can quickly increase car insurance rates. To maintain low insurance premiums, it’s best to drive cautiously and defensively and respect traffic laws.

Get Auto Insurance Quote in Georgia Today

Comparing quotes is one of the most effective ways to keep your car insurance rates manageable. We invite licensed drivers in the Monroe, GA, area to contact Atkinson Casey Agency. Our team is ready to assist you with the necessary information and process steps to get your car insurance quote started.

Why your home business needs commercial insurance

Posted on August 30, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

Operating a home-based business is an appealing option as it allows you to run your own venture independently without the burden of paying rent or dealing with a landlord. Atkinson Casey Agency in Monroe, GA is an independent insurance agency. Our aim is to offer our customers the highest possible level of customer service every day.

Your home is your sanctuary, but unfortunately, your home insurance is designed to safeguard your sanctuary, not your business.

Property and content insurance

With commercial insurance, both property and content are encapsulated in commercial property insurance. Your home insurance includes property pertaining to the physical building and content applicable to all movable items indoors. Home insurance may cover a small portion of your business loss, but it won’t even come close to the amount your commercial insurance will cover. No business can survive without substantial insurance protecting its machinery, display units, tools, etc. With commercial insurance, you’ll be able to resume operations much quicker.

Liability insurance

Home liability insurance protects you and your home from legal proceedings and lawsuits. However, if someone is visiting your home for business purposes, your home insurance won’t cover it. This could be a vendor, a customer, or an employee. You will have to pay from your pocket if you don’t hold commercial liability insurance.

Auto coverage

If you utilize your vehicle for business purposes, whether for product delivery or visiting a client, your standard auto insurance will not cover you. You must ensure that you possess commercial insurance for your vehicle so all your business activities are covered. This coverage is indispensable.

Contact our office at Atkinson Casey Agency in Monroe, GA, to discuss your home business and the commercial insurance that’s perfect for you.

Buying a Home? Three Steps to Take When Shopping for Home Insurance

Posted on July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 by admin

Buying home insurance can be a considerable undertaking. Securing the right policy at the right price can set you up for success when a covered event occurs. Understanding how to shop for home insurance can facilitate your decision-making process.

At Atkinson Casey Agency, servicing Monroe, GA, we assist homeowners in finding the right home insurance for their needs. We work with several insurance carriers and offer numerous insurance products to our customers. Below are three steps we recommend when you’re shopping for home insurance.

1. Find an Insurance Agent You Trust

The first step to finding home insurance is identifying the right insurance agent. Consider the following qualities when looking for an insurance agent:

Reliability. Does the insurance agent return phone calls promptly and answer questions accurately?
Professionalism. Does the agent operate a professional office with adequate staff support?
Communication. Can the agent communicate ideas clearly?

2. Know the Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

You should have a list of questions to ask your insurance agent during your meeting. These questions may include:

How much will this cost?
How much coverage do I need?
What’s covered by this policy?
Do I need to make a home inventory?

3. Determine if You Need Additional Insurance

Some people benefit from having umbrella insurance. This type of coverage extends beyond your home insurance policy to provide additional protection. Your insurance agent can help you decide if you need an umbrella insurance policy.

Are you seeking a professional insurance agent with strong communication skills? Contact the specialists at Atkinson Casey Agency, servicing Monroe, GA. Call us today.

Understanding The Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 by admin

When considering auto insurance in Monroe, GA, it’s essential to know that different coverages will protect your vehicle. Comprehensive and collision insurance are frequently confused; understanding the differences is critical. At the Atkinson Casey Agency, we assist our clients in finding the right insurance policy for their needs.

What Is Collision Insurance?

As the name suggests, collision insurance covers the cost of repairs or replacement for your own vehicle if you have an accident with another car or object. This type of coverage is typically required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. It’s a common feature in most auto insurance policies and can be particularly beneficial if you live in an area with a lot of traffic.

What Is Comprehensive Insurance?

Comprehensive insurance offers coverage for your vehicle that includes losses other than collision. This can cover instances such as theft, flooding, fires, or encounters with animals (like deer). Considering this coverage depends on your risk tolerance, but it can be appealing for those seeking broader protection for their vehicle. Comprehensive insurance helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged or stolen due to a non-collision incident. Often, it is paired with collision insurance to provide a wider coverage for various potential risks.

Contact Atkinson Casey Agency For An Auto Insurance Estimate

If you’re looking for an auto policy in Monroe, GA, our team would be thrilled to help get you started. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of experts for a free quote. We look forward to providing you with everything you need.