What should I think about when shopping for auto insurance in Georgia?

Posted on October 20, 2023October 30, 2023 by admin

If you are in the Snellville, GA area, you will find that owning a car is a good idea. As you are looking to buy a car, you also should spend time thinking about your insurance needs. There are various factors to think about when you are going to purchase a vehicle and a new auto insurance policy.

Requirements

The first factor to consider when you are shopping for an auto insurance plan in Georgia is your requirements. Auto insurance needs and requirements can vary from one individual to the next. At a minimum, all people in this state need to have the minimum level of liability coverage to meet state requirements. Further, if you have a loan outstanding, you will likely be required to carry a full comprehensive plan. Even in situations when this coverage is not required, it could be a good idea to get it to protect your investment.

Deductible Level

If you get a comprehensive insurance plan that protects your vehicle, you should also consider your deductible-level options. The deductible is the amount of money you pay before a claim is processed. Generally, this ranges from $500 to $1,000 with higher deductibles resulting in lower monthly premiums. While this can be attractive, you need to ensure you have money set aside to cover the deductible if you do need to file a claim.

We Are Here To Help

A car owner in the Snellville, GA area will always want to know that they are properly covered and protected with insurance. A great way this is done is by investing in a full insurance plan through our team at Birdsong Agency Inc. Our insurance professional with Birdsong Agency Inc. can help you carefully build a plan that will meet your needs.

How Safe Boating Practices Affects Insurance

Posted on September 22, 2023October 3, 2023 by admin

Boating is among the favorite activities for those who love the water and the outdoors. However, it is imperative to practice safe boating as insurance providers take safety extremely seriously and often financially reward boat insurance policyholders who have demonstrated themselves to be responsible boat owners/operators. According to the insurance professionals at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, safe boating practices have the potential to impact your coverage and costs.

How Safe Boating Practices Affect Your Coverage

Safety Considerations

Many insurance companies offer premium discounts to boaters who complete boating safety or certification courses/programs. These courses teach important safety practices and navigation rules. Completing these programs can lead to lower insurance premiums, as underwriters view trained boaters as reduced insurance risks. In addition, safe practices on the water reduce the risk of an accident and, therefore, a claim. Over time, reduced claims may positively impact one’s insurance rates.

Coverage Eligibility

Insurance companies may set forth specific boat insurance eligibility requirements. Although policies differ, most require that the insured meet minimum safety standards with regard to functional safety equipment (i.e., life jackets, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, etc.).

Maintenance & Inspections

Regular maintenance and inspections of your boat enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Insurers may ask about your maintenance practices when underwriting your boat insurance policy.

The locations in which you navigate may impact coverage availability and rates for those who navigate in higher-risk areas, e.g., heavy boat traffic, prone to storms, etc.

Contact Us Today

Overall, practicing safe boating habits not only enhances your safety but can also lead to more favorable insurance coverage and rates. If you are shopping for boat insurance, contact us at Birdsong Agency Inc. serving the greater Snellville, GA community today!

Why do I need to get a classic car insurance policy?

Posted on August 24, 2023August 24, 2023 by admin

Owning a classic car is a dream for a lot of people. When you own a classic car in the Snellville, GA area, you will have a fun car to drive and also an asset that can appreciate greatly in value over the years. Due to the potential value and importance of a classic car, you will always want to know that you have insurance for it. You need to get a classic car plan for various reasons.

Ensure Vehicle and Investment is Covered

It is a good idea to have a classic car insurance plan so you can ensure your vehicle and investment are covered. When you purchase a classic car, you will be making a large investment that you will want to pay off in the future. When you invest in a classic car insurance plan, it will be designed to protect the vehicle and the collectible value.

Liability Coverage

You also will want a classic car plan to receive liability protection. When you own a classic car, you will likely drive it sparingly. However, even if you hardly drive it, you are obligated by law to have liability insurance. When you get a full classic car plan, you will have this support to ensure you are able to remain in compliance and receive liability support.

Reach Out To Us

If you decide that you want to buy a classic car and you are in the Snellville, GA area, you need to ensure that you get the right insurance for it. When you are shopping for a new classic car insurance policy, you can call our team with the Birdsong Agency Inc. to start your search. If you do call our team with Birdsong Agency Inc., you will get all the support you need to build a new plan.

A History of the Motorcycle

Posted on July 21, 2023August 3, 2023 by admin

Motorcycles can offer a lot of fun and are a great way to get around town or the countryside. Motorbikes have been around for quite a long time, but they’ve certainly evolved over the years. Whether you’re driving a classic or modern bike, if you’re hitting the road, it’s crucial to take out motorcycle insurance as it can help mitigate risks. Contact Birdsong Agency Inc., serving Snellville, GA, to discuss motorcycle policy options.

Interested in the history of motorcycles? Let’s take a quick tour.

The Early Years of the Motorcycle

A few steam motorcycles started to appear in the 1860s and beyond but largely remained impractical. The first combustion motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen, hit the road in 1885, at about the same time that Karl Benz was launching the first combustion automobile. Motorcycles quickly took off, and by the 1890s, factories were pumping them out.

Many of the first motorcycles were actually based on pedal bike designs. Further, many earlier inventors and companies, like Daimler, shifted from motorcycles to automobiles. Still, a few major brands that are still around, like Triumph Motorcycles, were founded in the late 19th century. In the United States, the first automobile insurance plan was sold in 1897 to Gilbert Loomis in Ohio, paving the way for motorcycle insurance.

In the United States, Indian motorcycles began production in 1901, and Harley-Davidson took off in 1903. Still, demand for motorcycles remained somewhat limited until the outbreak of World War I. During the war, messengers and others needed to get around quickly, and motorcycles became a go-to choice.

Today, motorcycles are largely seen as recreational vehicles in the United States, Canada, and North America. In other regions, like South Asia, they are a favored mode of everyday transportation. Further, by the 1970s most states were requiring vehicle operators to take out insurance policies like motorcycle insurance.

Reach Out To Us

Contact Birdsong Agency Inc., serving Snellville, GA and surrounding areas, to explore motorcycle insurance plans.

Understanding Property Damage Coverage

Posted on June 16, 2023June 27, 2023 by admin

Property damage coverage protects your boat against physical damage, including accidents, vandalism, theft, fire, etc. Birdsong Agency Inc. examines what property damage coverage entails and why it’s crucial for boat owners around Snellville, GA.

Understanding Property Damage Coverage

1) What is Property Damage Coverage?

Property damage coverage is a key component of most boat insurance policies. It covers physical damage to your boat, including the hull, motor, and other permanent fixtures. This coverage also includes damage to any personal property attached to your boat, such as electronics or fishing gear. Essentially, it protects your investment in the boat and any related property.

2) What Does Property Damage Coverage Include?

Your property damage coverage can vary depending on your insurance policy and provider. Most policies cover accidents and collisions, including damage caused by other boaters or hazards in the water. Property damage coverage can also protect against vandalism, theft, and fire.

3) How Much Property Damage Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of property damage coverage you need depends on your boat’s value and the local area’s risk factors. You’ll want to ensure you have enough coverage to repair or replace your boat if it’s damaged or stolen. It’s also worth considering if you should add coverage for personal property or equipment onboard your boat.

4) What Isn’t Covered by Property Damage Coverage?

While property damage coverage can help protect against many risks, there are some things it doesn’t cover. For example, this insurance wouldn’t cover normal wear and tear or maintenance issues. Additionally, if you caused the accident or damaged yourself, your property damage coverage wouldn’t apply.

We Are Here To Help

Before hitting the water, protect your investment and your peace of mind with adequate boat insurance coverage.

Still have questions? Contact Birdsong Agency Inc. today; we’re here to serve the greater Snellville, GA community.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Posted on May 19, 2023June 6, 2023 by admin

Whether you live in a flood-prone area or not, you may want to consider obtaining a flood insurance policy since the weather can be very unpredictable. As a matter of fact, floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. A flood can destroy or damage homes, businesses, and other properties, so it is imperative to understand what flood insurance covers so that you can ensure that you have the proper amount of coverage to protect you and your property.

The agents at the Birdsong Agency Inc. serving the Snellville, GA area want you to know and understand what flood insurance covers and the things it does not cover.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

In general, flood insurance covers damage and losses that are caused by flooding. Most of the time, flood insurance is not included in a regular home insurance policy.

Typically, flood insurance will cover any physical damage that happens to your property due to flooding. This can include the overall structure of your house, such as the walls, ceilings, floors, and foundation, and it can include your personal belongings, furniture, and appliances. Some flood insurance policies will even cover the cost of cleaning, mode eradication, drying out your property, and other expenses.

What It Does Not Cover

Many flood insurance policies have certain exclusions or limitations and one of the big ones is sewer backup. If your basement becomes flooded due to a sewer backup versus just flooding, flood insurance may not cover it. You will need to speak with your insurance agent to make sure you have coverage for that if that is an issue where you live. Flood insurance may also not cover a broken pipe or water heater. You will also need to discuss this with your trusted and experienced insurance agent.

Contact Us Today

To create a flood insurance policy that works well for you and your situation, contact the flood insurance agents at the Birdsong Agency Inc. serving the Snellville, GA area today!

I’m only twenty-five. Is life insurance a wise investment at my age?

Posted on April 11, 2023April 27, 2023 by admin

Life insurance is often misunderstood. The benefits of this form of insurance are many for people of all ages. However, making the choice to invest in life insurance is deeply personal and should fit your life and your future goals. Our team at Birdsong Agency Inc. is committed to helping Snellville, GA residents understand this insurance and get the coverage they need.

What is Life Insurance?

In short, life insurance is designed to pay someone (beneficiary) a lump sum of money in the event of the insured person’s death or after a set amount of time. You can buy life insurance to cover your entire life or for a set period of time, hence the terms whole life or term life insurance. The insured individual pays premiums in exchange for the lump sum (death benefit) paid out to beneficiaries of their choosing. Typically, there aren’t any stipulations in terms of how the payout is used by your beneficiaries.

I’m only twenty-five. Is life insurance a wise investment at my age?

Perhaps. Life insurance has many benefits and can be adjusted to fit your life and your needs. As a young person, life insurance could pay off a student loan, mortgage, or any number of things in the event of your death. Although it’s most commonly associated with people who have families, mortgages, and assets, it has benefits for young people as well. If you pass away with student loan debt, your family members might be left with this debt. Life insurance could cover this debt to relieve your family of this potential financial burden.

Reach Out To Us

If you have questions regarding the benefits and the practicality of investing in life insurance as a young person, call us at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you explore your options.

Protection that auto insurance provides

Posted on March 27, 2023March 30, 2023 by admin

When you drive your vehicle, you need to know that you are in compliance with the law but also that your vehicle is protected to the extent that you require it to be. At Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, we know our customers, and we give them the personalized service they deserve.

Why Auto Insurance?

Liability coverage

Liability coverage is what the state of Georgia requires all drivers to have before they can drive their car. The minimum amount is 25/50/25. This is the insurance that protects other people from an accident for which you are responsible. It pays $25,000 for the first person injured and a total of $50,000 for all the injuries. Another $25,000 is for the property that is damaged.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement to your vehicle in an accident where you are responsible, where you are the only car involved, or are the victim of a hit and run.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle by a variety of things other than another vehicle. It covers floods, winds, and hail. It covers theft and vandalism and large animals like deer. It also includes glass coverage.

These are the three basic coverage options, but there are other add-ons that you may want to consider.

Gap coverage

If you have a new vehicle, it loses a lot of its value as soon as you drive it away from the dealer. If you have an accident, the amount the insurance company values your vehicle at may be less than the amount of your auto loan. You could be left with a balance even though your vehicle is gone.

Don’t Be Without Auto Insurance

When you need to renew your auto insurance or are ready for a change, give us a call at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA.

Thinking About Buying a Second Boat? Three Questions to Ask Your Insurance Agent

Posted on February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 by admin

You’re buying a second boat or other watercraft: Congratulations! Now, it’s time to be sure your investment is protected.

Let’s take a look at three questions you’ll want to ask your insurance agent to be sure your boat is safe, no matter what happens.

Buying a Second Boat? Three Questions to Ask

1) What are the options to insure my boat?

It’s always a smart move to get insurance coverage for all the watercraft you own. Consult with Birdsong Agency Inc. and we can provide you with coverage options for your second boat in Snellville, GA.

2) Is my policy based on agreed value or actual cash value?

Both types of insurance are solid–agreed value bases your policy on the price of your boat when you buy the policy, while actual cash value includes depreciation, which can factor into both the cost of your insurance and the payout if you need to make a claim.

3) Do I have full coverage insurance?

There’s no doubt about it–accidents happen, no matter how careful you are. You’ll want to make sure you have full coverage insurance to protect you against acts of nature and accidents that occur while you’re enjoying your boat.

Does Classic Car Insurance Cover Theft?

Posted on January 19, 2023January 26, 2023 by admin

Classic car insurance functions much like normal auto policies with the advantage of coverage for your car’s accepted value and details including usage and storage, among others. Just like in auto covers, you’ll submit data on yourself and the classic car you want to protect. From there, you choose the policy that matches your use and financial ability.

For more details on factors that affect your policy, contact us at Birdsong Agency Inc – we happily serve the greater Snellville, GA area.

Is Theft Covered Under Classic Car Insurance?

The short answer is yes. Where auto policies are concerned, theft is theft. In some areas, it is addressed under something referred to as other than collision, while in others it is under comprehensive. In the past, some policies had it under the fire and theft clause. In most cases, nowadays, it is under comprehensive packages.

The only scenario whereby theft is not covered under this policy is when it is proven that the owner of the car was somehow involved in the theft of his own vehicle. Some people attempt these kinds of schemes to defraud insurance providers.

Some common things covered under comprehensive policies include:

Falling objects
Sandblast
Animal and bird contact
Fire
Larceny
Explosions
Earthquakes

Most classic car policies have requirements for the vehicle before it can qualify for coverage. For some, the age of the car matters, while for others, it does not.

Some of the frequent requirements include but are not limited to:

Frequency of use. The classic car should not be what you use for daily commutes.
Regular use of cars. All the drivers in your home should have a daily driver for everyday commutes, and the classic car policy applicant must possess and maintain a regular auto cover.
For the most part, only drivers without major infractions over the last three years can qualify.
The area holding the car should not have much traffic. This leads to increased chances of damage.

Give Us A Call

Unless the car owner plans on defrauding the policy vendor, theft falls under classic car insurance. For more details on specific covers, contact our team of insurance experts at Birdsong Agency Inc., serving the Snellville, GA area.

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Requirements

Deductible Level

We Are Here To Help

How Safe Boating Practices Affect Your Coverage

Safety Considerations

Coverage Eligibility

Maintenance & Inspections

Contact Us Today

Ensure Vehicle and Investment is Covered

Liability Coverage

Reach Out To Us

The Early Years of the Motorcycle

Reach Out To Us

Understanding Property Damage Coverage

1) What is Property Damage Coverage?

2) What Does Property Damage Coverage Include?

3) How Much Property Damage Coverage Do You Need?

4) What Isn’t Covered by Property Damage Coverage?

We Are Here To Help

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

What It Does Not Cover

Contact Us Today

What is Life Insurance?

I’m only twenty-five. Is life insurance a wise investment at my age?

Reach Out To Us

Why Auto Insurance?

Liability coverage

Collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage

Gap coverage

Don’t Be Without Auto Insurance

Buying a Second Boat? Three Questions to Ask

1) What are the options to insure my boat?

2) Is my policy based on agreed value or actual cash value?

3) Do I have full coverage insurance?

We’re here to help

Is Theft Covered Under Classic Car Insurance?

Some common things covered under comprehensive policies include:

Some of the frequent requirements include but are not limited to:

Give Us A Call

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