Flood Policy Transfers: How Policies Can Easily Move From One Homeowner To The Next

Posted on February 15, 2022February 3, 2022 by admin

The policy assumption process makes it easy for new homeowners to take on the seller’s flood insurance policy. Here, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know if you’re considering buying a home in a flood zone and want to assume the former owner’s flood insurance policy.

What Is Flood Insurance?

If your home is in a flood zone (as determined by FEMA), you’ll need to purchase flood insurance to protect your property. Thankfully, it’s likely that you’ll be able to take over the policy of the previous homeowner, saving you the hassle of needing to purchase a new policy.

Why Is Policy Assumption A Smart Move?

Assuming the former homeowner’s policy can lower costs for the buyer. Usually, an elevation certificate is required for a new flood insurance policy. Since the policy for the home already exists, the buyer does not need to go through the process of paying for an elevation certificate.

Policy assumptions also benefit sellers. It can be hard to sell a home in a flood zone, and passing on a policy to buyers can speed along the process of closing the sale. One thing to watch out for: typically, when a home in a flood zone is sold, the seller receives a refund, as insurance policies are usually paid a year in advance. When insurance policies are a part of the home sale, the seller does not receive a refund.

Need Flood Insurance? Birdsong Agency Inc. Can Help

Insurance agents at Birdsong Agency Inc., serving Snellville, GA, are here to help you through the process of purchasing flood insurance for your new home. Reach out or stop in today to learn more about flood insurance policies.

Which type of life insurance is right for you?

Posted on January 24, 2022February 3, 2022 by admin

Are you ready to purchase a life insurance policy? The team here at Birdsong Agency Inc. can help you determine which type of life insurance is right for you. If you are a resident in the greater Snellville, GA area, we are here to assist you in your purchase!

Life insurance options

There are a number of different life insurance policy options available in our area. The first choice to make is whether you want a term life policy or a permanent policy. Term policies are generally more affordable and last for a specific period of time, such as 15 or 30 years. A permanent policy will last for your entire lifespan, as long as you keep current with your premium payments.

When it comes to a permanent policy, you will have a number of different options. There are whole life, universal, and variable policies that are available. The type of policy that is right for your needs will depend on a few factors. What is your current age, are you interested in a financial investment as well as an insurance policy, and what is your level of risk tolerance?

Answering these questions is a great way to start the selection process. The next step is to sit down with a local agent. They can help you determine the policy that best meets your needs. Choosing an appropriate life insurance policy is an important part of planning for your future and your financial wellbeing.

Give us a call today

Here at Birdsong Agency Inc., we are ready to help all of our friends and neighbors in the Snellville, GA area with their insurance needs. If it’s time for you to get a life insurance policy, call or stop by our office today!

Making the Most of Bike Ownership

Posted on December 13, 2021December 9, 2021 by admin

Motorcycles are one of the most exciting types of vehicles to own. In order to make the most of your bike ownership, Birdsong Agency Inc, serving Snellville, GA is here with tips and advice. Keep reading to learn more.

Keep Up Maintenance

Because a motorcycle is exposed to the elements in a way most other vehicles are not, it is imperative that you stay up to date on all maintenance. A motorcycle can be a great investment when you take good care of the vehicle. Motorcycles do not have the same type of deprecation that other vehicles have. This means that your bike will retain its value well if you take good care of it.

Garage Your Bike

Your motorcycle will stay in great shape if you garage your bike properly. Leaving your bike out in the elements for long periods of time will eventually have a negative effect on the functionality of the bike, its appearance, and its value. If you do not have a suitable garage available, you will want to invest in the proper type of bike cover. These covers will protect your vehicle from the elements while outdoors.

Don’t Take Risks

Driving a motorcycle carries with it a greater amount of risk than a regular vehicle would. A rider is more vulnerable to injuries if an accident does take place. This is why it is important that bike owners do not take any necessary risks while operating their bike. It is also important to make sure you are properly insured so that in the event of an accident, you will not wind up with substantial repair or medical bills.

If you would like to learn about motorcycle insurance or any of our other insurance products, please contact Birdsong Agency Inc, serving Snellville, GA and the surrounding areas.

Why You Need Boat Insurance

Posted on November 29, 2021December 9, 2021 by admin

Boats can be a ton of fun, and if you look after your boat well, you can make fun trips on the water with it for years. But unfortunately, as with many things, certain situations can put a real damper on using your boat. If you make sure you have boat insurance and the right boat insurance coverage, you can enjoy your boat as freely as possible.

We at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA proudly offer boat insurance to residents in the state of Georgia. We will show you quotes from our various providers to help you choose the best quote for you and your boat.

Coverage for your boat

You can insure your boat for many things. A couple of these include:

Damage to your boat. Your insurance should cover damages caused by others while you are in the water, but also damage caused by being parked. Think: a car drives into your boat while it is parked.
Your boat gets stolen. This one is pretty self-explanatory, and definitely, an important point to consider.
There is damage to your boat or yourself. In the horrible case of an accident, you might need medical attention or your boat requires repairs. If you include this in your insurance, you can claim these expenses back.

If you want to discuss boat insurance with one of our advisors as soon as possible, give Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA a call or request our quotes on our website. Our agents can help you with your boat insurance, but also advise you on further safety measures for your boat and licenses required by yourself and potential visitors to you.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Posted on October 15, 2021October 11, 2021 by admin

Flood insurance is not mandatory, but it is good to have it, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. If your property is damaged by a flood, and you do not have proper insurance, you may face expensive repairs that you will have to cover yourself. If you are thinking about getting this type of insurance, Birdsong Agency Inc. serving clients in Snellville, GA prepared a list of things that are normally covered by flood insurance:

What Is Covered By Flood Insurance?

Here is what flood insurance usually covers:

Essential systems in a house. Flood insurance will cover plumbing and electrical systems, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, fuel tanks with fuel in them, solar energy equipment, cisterns with water in them, and pumps.
Window treatments and carpeting. Flood insurance also includes window curtains and blinds, and any type of carpeting installed over wooden floors or unfinished floors.
Appliances. Usually, most appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers are covered.
Permanently installed bookcases, cabinets, and paneling. However, there are certain limitations you should know about. For example, flood insurance will pay only for damaged cabinets, but not for those that were not affected
Personal belongings. Your furniture, electronics, clothes, and other personal stuff are normally covered by flood insurance.
A detached garage. Up to 10 percent of your total building coverage can be used toward your detached garage.

Even though flood insurance is not mandatory, it is still good to have it for additional protection. If you live in Snellville, GA or any other nearby town in the state of Georgia and you are looking for an insurance agency to purchase a flood insurance policy, you should contact Birdsong Agency Inc. Our insurance agents are always ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect coverage.

Does Your Georgia Commercial Insurance Policy Have Contingent Business Interruption Coverage?

Posted on September 30, 2021October 11, 2021 by admin

When you are running a business, you have a lot of worries on your mind. It may seem like every day and every year there are new challenges that seem bigger than the last. That is what Georgia commercial insurance is for, to help you feel more secure against the risks and challenges that impact your business every year.

At Birdsong Agency Inc., we want Snellville, GA business owners to be protected against every risk. Business interruption is a serious concern that every business owner worries about every day.

Contingent business interruption insurance is a unique kind of commercial insurance that can cover you in the event of a unique business situation.

Business Interruption Insurance

Standard business interruption insurance covers you in the event of an interruption to your business for specific reasons. When your business is interrupted by any of them, you can make a claim with your insurance company and recover revenue and other expenses.

This insurance can be used in the event of damage to your property that interrupts your business, property damage that prevents customers and employees from coming to your business, or a government closure.

Contingent business interruption insurance functions a little differently.

Contingent Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance helps with your risk management, but contingent business interruption insurance takes that one step further. In this case, you would have business interruption insurance that can be transferred to a third party.

If, for example, a vendor experiences problems or their own business interruption, you can make a claim on contingent business interruption insurance. Contingent business interruption insurance helps you to recover damages caused by a third party, and not by an event such as a hurricane or government shut down of your own premises.

Get a Quote

Do you know if you have contingent business interruption insurance? At Birdsong Agency Inc., we can help Snellville, GA business owners and operators ensure their commercial insurance is thorough. Call us for a quote today.

Disputed Home Insurance Claims: You Do Have Rights

Posted on August 16, 2021August 8, 2021 by admin

Has your home insurance company denied your claim, and you don’t understand what happened? Contact us at Birdsong Agency Inc. to learn more about this problem and how it affects Snellville, GA residents. And understand why your claim may be denied and what you can do to dispute it. By understanding your rights, you’ll make it easier to keep your home protected and safe.

What To Do When Your Claim is Disputed

Why do insurance companies dispute or deny your insurance claims? Usually, they either don’t believe that what you said happened or made an error when you filed. Thankfully, you can also dispute a denial to ensure that you have a better chance of getting paid. The steps to take when fighting a denied claim may vary between some insurance companies but usually include:

Contacting your insurance agent and talking about why it was denied, and trying to prove your case
Appealing directly to the insurance company to see if they’re willing to change their mind
Hiring a professional appraiser who can prove your claim is legitimate
Finding an attorney who can represent you in a civil suit against your insurance team

These simple steps help you by allowing you to get legal protection for your home insurance. And if your claim was not legitimate or was based on a misunderstanding, disputing it correctly and following these guidelines helps to improve your chances of getting your due compensation for any troubles.

Work With a Team You Can Trust

If you want an insurance company who you can trust to honor their agreements with you, please contact us at Birdsong Agency Inc. right away. We have years of experience serving Snellville, GA, and have a sterling reputation for providing high-quality home insurance policies for people like you. Our team is always willing to work with you to figure out your dispute and what we can do to help.

What is Bond Insurance?

Posted on July 30, 2021August 8, 2021 by admin

As a business owner, you have probably purchased worker’s compensation insurance, general liability insurance, cyber insurance, and any other type of commercial insurance that your business needs. However, have you thought of purchasing bond insurance or surety bonds? If this is something new to you, Birdsong Agency Inc. of Snellville, GA breaks down the bond insurance for you.

Definition of Bond Insurance

A surety bond is an agreement or contract between three parties, including the principal (the individual buying the bond), the surety (the company writing the bond), and the obligee (the department that requires the bond). A surety bond is not bought to cover claims. Instead, it provides a financial guarantee or stability to the organization or entity buying it.

How Does Insurance Bond Work?

A surety bond is like a type of insurance. If a business owner fails to meet the requirements of a bond, like failing to pay a vendor, a claim might be filed against that bond. You can think of an insurance bond as a type of credit to the principal.

Which Insurance Bond Do You Need?

Because businesses have different needs, then it is only reasonable that each will need a different type of bond. However, there are three types of surety bonds you may require when undertaking business.

License and permit bonds- Some professionals may require these types of bonds to operate legally. For instance, freight brokers, licensed contractors, and auto dealers are a few examples of professionals that may require a license and a permit bond.
Contractor bonds- Businesses or individuals that work on public construction projects are likely to need a contractor bond.
Court Bonds- Certain courts may require these bonds for different reasons.

Like most people, business owners in Snellville, GA may find it hard to determine which type of bond they need. If you are in this predicament, contact Birdsong Agency Inc., where we can help you choose a bond that will protect your business’s interests.

What kind of protection will come with a commercial insurance plan in Georgia?

Posted on May 23, 2021May 23, 2021 by admin

The Snellville, GA area has continued to be a good place to be a small business owner. Those who are going to establish a company in this area of Georgia will have plenty of opportunities to be successful and want to ensure they are protecting their business the right way. Getting a quality commercial insurance plan is a good idea for business owners here as it can protect you in several ways.

Protect Company Assets

One of the reasons to have a commercial insurance plan when you are in this area of Georgia is to ensure that you can protect your company assets. Any asset that you buy for your business will be important and a big investment. If you choose a proper commercial insurance plan, you will have the coverage needed to protect these assets adequately.

Liability Protection

It would be best if you also considered getting commercial insurance as it can offer liability protection. A business owner should take their liability risk seriously and protect against it. If you invest in commercial insurance with liability coverage, you will have the protection and support you need to offset this risk. This could protect the solvency of your company if you are named in a liability claim.

Business owners in Snellville, GA need to ensure that they are getting the right insurance coverage in place. If you are looking for a new insurance plan for your company, the team with Birdsong Agency Inc. can help you choose a new plan. There are many important factors to consider, and working with Birdsong Agency Inc. will ensure that you are aware of all of your options. They can also offer the support you need to choose a plan that is right for your business.

Home Insurance FAQs In Georgia

Posted on April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 by admin

If you just purchased a home in or around Snellville, GA, you may have some questions about home insurance. We are happy to answer them and help you get exactly the coverage you need at Birdsong Agency Inc. Buying a new home or paying off your mortgage is an exciting time, and we love to be a part of protecting your assets at every stage.

Common Questions About Home Insurance In Georgia

I live in a low-risk area. Do I really need insurance? Many homeowners have this question. Even if you do not live near a river or a high-risk area, and even if your home has all the safety features to protect it, you can still benefit from coverage because nothing is entirely immune from damage.
Is homeowner’s insurance a legal requirement? No, the state does not require this coverage. Mortgage companies require home insurance, and it is important to understand their requirements for insurance before signing any paperwork.
What else should I know about home insurance? Your home insurance policy likely does not cover flooding. This is an add-on in most cases. Also, if you have a unique situation, such as a collection in your garage or a rental in the backyard, it is best to cover it specifically with an umbrella policy or add-on.
I want to hire a contractor to add a room to my home. Will it be covered? You will want to purchase specific insurance for your protection during the construction project and then discuss your new home’s value for policy accuracy.

Contact us at Birdsong Agency Inc. to discuss your home insurance options and possible add-ons. We serve the community of Snellville, GA with comprehensive insurance services.

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