This month we challenge you to dream the "What if?" and challenge expectations, with "what can be." We want to help you achieve your dreams, and when you work with a quality insurance agency, no set back will stop you from reaching your goals.

In this video a man takes an extraordinary talent and thinks more about what else it could become and creates a beautiful art.

We want to challenge you to never let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. There are often setbacks in life but our Independent Insurance Agency in Georgia wants to help you successfully meet your goals!

We are Southern States Insurance and are here to help you achieve your successes even when things go unexpectedly wrong.

Our clients know how much we value them, and we would love to begin a relationship with you. Ask "What if?" and dream on.

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Everyone wants to save money anyway they can. Driving alone has nearly gotten to the point that we choose to stay home so we don't use gas. If you're hurting to make the payments on your car, drive only distances you could probably bike to, and/or are generally wise. Otherwise, here are some ways to help you save on auto insurance!

3 Ways to Save You Money on Auto Insurance Rates Now

1. Check for Discount with Your Insurance Agency

• Life changes quickly. A discount you didn't qualify for a year ago, may be another 15% off your premiums you pay now!

  - Do you carpool to work? 

  - Does your car have a low amount of mileage? 

  - Have you been accident free for three years? 

  - Are you a longtime customer? 

  - Are you retired? 

  - Have you enrolled in a defensive driving course?

  Talk to your insurer about receiving the appropriate discounts. Your teenage driver can possibly receive discounts on their policy based on grades and GPA, or by enrolling in a pre-approved driving school.

2. Raise Your Deductible

• Your deductible is what you pay before the insurance company pay's the rest on an insurance claim. By prompting your insurance agent to increase your deductible and agreeing to being willing to pay more when an accident does occur, your monthly premium should inversely decrease. Depending on how drastic you decide to increase your deductible your premiums will continue to be lowered.
  Be cautious not to get too ambitious, you have insurance to help you pay for your car when things do go wrong. Increasing your deductible too much means you're paying out of pocket.

3. Shop Around For the Best Coverage

• You can shop for quotes on various websites that compare insurance carriers' prices. If you choose to work with an independent insurance agency, they work with numerous carriers and shop your policy to provide you with the best insurance coverage, but you have the advantage of having a personal agent. Independent insurance agencies can provide the same coverage because they work through the major carriers, but on a much higher level of service so they understand you and your needs.

  Make an educated decision, and realize it is your insurance agent's job to provide you with the best service. If you aren't satisfied let us help you find the best insurance coverage at the best rate.

   

2 Tips to Save You Money on Auto Insurance Rates in the Future

We aren't talking about hovercrafts here. When you buy a car in the next few months or years, these tips need to be considered prior to making your purchase to save you money on your insurance premiums.

1. Purchase a Vehicle With Specific Safety Features

   Safety features to be sure your prospective car includes are:

    - Airbags

   - Antilock Braking System

   - Security Alarm

   Many of these features come standard on newer models but if you are buying an older car consider these features when thinking about you and your family's safety and budget as it may hurt your insurance cost.

2. Buy a Low-Profile Car

   

    

   You may be surprised to see which vehicles rank as some of the most dangerous cars. You wouldn't assume the Kia Spectra would out-rank a Dodge Charger on the dangerous scale, but the Kia has poor front and side impact crash ratings! Do your homework, or seek the advice of your insurance agent on your car options.

Conclusion:

There are ways to save money on your automobile insurance. You can save money today and take steps to save money in the future. Dealing with your insurance agent and discussing ways to save may be the best start to reducing your premiums. Independent insurance companies work with major carriers and offer personal coverage which can save you a headache and a handful. Our Georgia Insurance Company would be delighted to help you.

Make an educated decision on what is best for you, but don't think you are stuck in the situation you are in. Our insurance company can offer you full coverage car insurance and compliment our coverage with personal customer care. We hope you will get to know us more. Please, stay safe on the roads.

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We welcome any opportunity to explain the advantages of an independent insurance agency. The conversation always ends well, because an independent insurance agency:

• offers the best insurance coverage available
• builds strong relationships with clients
• exists in the local community

An Independent Insurance Agency is Able to Offer the Best Coverage at the Lowest Price

As an independent insurance agency, we work with with a large list of insurance carriers and can shop your policies. We work with the insurance company you may have been considering, but also with many more you likely haven't even heard of. We work with you to understand your needs and find the best coverage at an affordable price.

Working with an independent insurance agency only guarantees you pay the least for the best coverage because we can compare coverage and premiums with all of our insurance carriers.

An Independent Insurance Agency Develops a Personal Relationship with the Insured

Your insurance policy is based off of your unique situation and need. We get to know you and diagnosis the risks you're faced with on a regular basis. We then tailor a unique policy that fits your lifestyle, and that isn’t the ending point but it’s the start to a relationship.

Working with an independent insurance agency means you get personal service. When you call, someone doesn't look you up by your sixteen digit policy number. We know our clients by name and they know us. We are involved in helping them achieve their goals and endeavors and don't let any unforeseen circumstances stop them.

An Independent Insurance Agency is Local

We have branches of our Georgia insurance company scattered through out the state and also a Florida insurance branch. We continue to grow and look to be in more clients neighborhoods in the coming years.

When storms come or tragedy strikes, we are there to help and get the community back on its feet. Not because it is our job, but because it is our home too and we want our community to be back to normal.

Our independent insurance agency has branches in Douglasville, Norcross, Hiram, Marietta, Sugarloaf, Ellijay, Toccoa, Lawrenceville, and Destin. This doesn't limit our services across the nation but allows us to provide more personal service to those closest to us. Southern States Insurance writes insurance policies nationwide.

In Conclusion:

Working with an independent insurance agency, like Southern States Insurance, allows you to be part of a relationship. Insurance agents are invested in helping our clients achieve their successes and work to let nothing hinder their goals. With us you are part of a conversation, and not simply buying a product.

We know there are many misconceptions about insurance companies, and some of the opinions people have built up have been based on insurance companies taking advantage of clients. Our clients are convinced that insurance is something meant to help them achieve their successes and their goals.

Let us show you how we can help you achieve your goals. We know working with an independent insurance agency is the best way to offer you a personal experience and the best coverage available.

If you like your current insurance carrier, but want to switch agents, you are going to need an agent of record. Let us help you with any questions to be sure you're completely satisfied with your insurance policy.

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Well, old man winter is upon us. While our non-emergency transportation companies in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and other southern states are experiencing less severe road conditions. Our friends in the northern and central states have already experienced the weather's icy grip and the dangerous conditions that continue to accumulate.

Since non-emergency transportation companies can't shut down services because it's unpleasant outside, it becomes imperative for the owners to emphasize the importance of defensive driving to all of their drivers.

How to Safely Drive in Winter Conditions as a Non-Emergency Transportation Company

• Maintain a minimum of three full car lengths from the vehicle in front of you.
• Maintain a safe rate of speed.
• Watch for ice on overpasses and bridges.
• Take extra time to make sure that all wheelchair straps and tiedowns are tight and secure.
• Use good journey management. Let your dispatcher now where you are and where you are headed.
• Keep your lights on at all times for safety.
• Avoid roads off the beaten path, take major roads as much as possible
• Make sure that your vehicles are equipped with emergency roadside equipment (flares, triangle reflectors, can of tire sealant, etc.).
• Exercise common sense. Driving on ice and snow is not to be taken lightly.
• Perform trip inspections, prior to and after travel, to check for damage or dangerous ice accumulation.

Ultimately the safety of the passenger and the drivers is most important. Be careful on the roads, and be extra cautious of other drivers who show signs of inexperienced winter weather driving. Remember that preparedness and good risk management will ultimately relate to less insurance claim activity, and ultimately lower premiums, on your car insurance and non-emergency transportation insurance.

Unfortunately, many of us have to continue driving in such treacherous conditions, but we hope by considering these points you will be safer on the roads. If you are seeking further advice, our Independent Insurance Agency in Atlanta is available to help you protect your assets and stay safe during every condition that may arise.

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2. Employees Versus Subcontractors: The Truth About Worker’s Compensation Coverage For Non-Emergency Transportation Companies
3. Why Do Insurance Companies Need Loss Runs To Get Me A Non Emergency Transportation Quote?

We share weekly videos of when things don't go as planned, and people are left wondering how that happened! Mistakes occur constantly, WHEN they do, you need to be prepared and not asking IF you are covered.

Southern States Insurance understands things go wrong, often when least expected. We hope to educate you to be best prepared when the unforeseen "if" actually occurs, through our various posts.

Laugh with us as this contestant wasn't expecting what happens to him, on "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire."

At Southern States Insurance, we understand things go wrong, and we hope we can help you continue to thrive when they do.

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1. Insurance Friday
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3. 5 Things To Know About Auto Insurance Claims

If you plan on serving beer and wine you will need to make sure your insurance agent adds Liquor Liability Insurance to your policy. Most liability insurance has automatic coverage called Host Liquor Liability coverage for small functions but only for a business not in the business of selling liquor.

What Does Liquor Liability Insurance Cover?

Liquor exposure is typically excluded on a standard business liability policy. If someone gets drunk on your premises this coverage will protect your business if they injure themselves, others or someone’s property.

What does Liquor Liability Not Cover?

Liquor Liability Insurance has its own set of coverages and exclusions. It does not cover your premises or other liability exposures that are covered by your General Liability Insurance. It was designed to work with your General Liability Insurance to adequately cover your restaurant, food and liquor exposures. Make sure you review the complete list of exclusions on your policy since some carriers will exclude Assault and Battery.

A few of the standard exclusions are listed below:

• Expected or Intended Injury- Coverage will not apply to bodily injury or property damage expected or intended by the insured. This exclusion has an exception that covers bodily injury resulting from the insured using reasonable force to protect persons or property.
• Workers Compensation and similar laws – There is no coverage for any requirement or obligation of the insured imposed by any workers compensation, disability benefits, unemployment compensation or similar law.
• Employers Liability – Bodily injury to an employee of the insured as a result of employment or performance of duties in conjunction with conduct of the insureds business is excluded. Bodily injury to the spouse, children, parents, brothers or sisters of that employee as a consequence of the bodily injury to the employee is also excluded.
• Liquor License not in effect – Coverage does not apply to injury due to selling, serving or furnishing alcoholic beverages if the required liquor license is not in effect.

What do I need to know before adding Liquor Liability Insurance?

You will need to know your anticipated gross food sales and your gross liquor sales to purchase this type of coverage. You can also select the coverage limits that you desire. It is usually a good idea to match the limits to your regular liability policy.

Ways to Save On Your Restaurant Insurance Premium

Alcohol server training is usually available for you and your employees. Some carriers will require this training as a condition to providing coverage or could offer discounts for completing training.

Conclusion:

If you are selling alcohol at your restaurant business you need to add Liquor Liability insurance to work with your General Liability Insurance. Your policy will be based on your gross liquor sales and the coverage limits you need. Liquor Liability protects you if someone get's intoxicated on your premises and causes harm to themselves, property, or someone else.

Our Georgia Independent Insurance Agency  is able to help you answer any questions you may have related to restaurant insurance. We work with numerous commercial insurance carriers and can offer you the best coverage, and personal service.

**For more information about Liquor Liability insurance contact Terri Krider at TKrider@InnerHarbourFLA.com or call 850-837-3629

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Equipment Breakdown coverage is excluded from the standard commercial package insurance policy. The success of your restaurant business heavily depends on a variety of equipment, and if equipment breakdown were to occur your success and reputation could be jeopardized. This valuable coverage can be added as a stand alone policy or in some cases it can be added to your current policy by endorsement.

What will adding Equipment Breakdown cover?

The typical Equipment Breakdown policy will cover losses caused by short circuit, electrical arcing, power surges, mechanical breakdown, motor burnout, boiler damage and operator error. So take a deep breathe, because if you have equipment breakdown policy and anything goes wrong you are likely covered!

 To what extent will Equipment Breakdown coverage pay for my equipment?

Equipment breakdown insurance will not only pay for the physical damage to equipment caused by the mechanical and electrical breakdown, but also any losses due to the failed equipment. This includes:

• Business income loss
• Spoilage losses
• Extra expenses to minimize the equipment loss
• Extra expenses to expedite repairs.

Examples

Restaurant businesses rely on a range of refrigeration equipment including walk- in refrigerators and freezers, beverage coolers, and ice makers to name just a few. If your refrigeration equipment break downs it would mean a loss of product and customers.

• A power surge damaged a restaurant’s refrigeration system. The restaurant was closed while repairs were made. The policy paid $10,000 for Physical Damage, $12,000 was paid for Business Income Loss and an additional $25,000 for Spoilage.
• A restaurant lost refrigeration in two walk-in coolers and a freezer when a utility power quality issues damaged the compressors and motors. Equipment Breakdown paid over $30,000 in spoilage.
• The compressors of a refrigeration shorted out. All of the dairy products and meat had to be thrown out. The Equipment Breakdown policy paid over $4,000 in spoilage as well as $140 in physical damage.

Conclusion:

Selecting the appropriate coverage to protect the investment in your restaurant business can be a confusing process. It's more that selecting an accurate coverage limit. There are different coverage forms, potential hazards to consider, property not normally included and numerous other options. Southern States Insurance represents several commercial property insurance carriers and we can tailor a product specific to your needs.

It is important to protect your restaurant business and Equipment Breakdown coverage needs to be thoroughly considered and discussed with your agent.

Our Georgia Independent Insurance Agency want's to engage with you on Facebook and Twitter to answer any questions and provide you with more news, laughs, and client successes. We have been in the insurance business for 20 years handling insurance claims and providing personal service to our clients.

**For more information about commercial property insurance coverage contact Terri Krider at TKrider@InnerHarbourFLA.com or call 850-837-3629

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You want the best for your life and family. We want to help you achieve your goals by leading you to the best insurance coverage and helping you consider your insurance policy.

Accidents happen in life and when they do you have to know you're covered by your insurance policy. You do not want to be left worrying what your insurance agency has agreed to cover. Many "quick and easy" insurance companies try to sell you on price. The reality is, you would rather have an insurance tailored to your needs based on coverage. When something goes wrong it is better to be able to return to your current state of life rather than save a couple of dollars a month prior to an accident. In the end, the best coverage is the best option.

The best insurance coverage is one the covers all of your potential risks at a price you can afford.

Our independent insurance agency realizes that accidents happen and when they do we want to help get you back to your normal routine of life.

We share a weekly video every Friday of when something has gone unexpectedly wrong, to illustrate that accidents happen often. When they do you don't want to be left asking "if" you are covered.

Enjoy this week's IF video - Pool jump edition.

Our insurance company would like to offer you a free insurance quote to help you make the best decision on your insurance policy.

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Insurance for a restaurant should include the following, tailored to your needs:

General Liability Insurance

Property Insurance

Property Insurance covers physical damage to your building as well as covers your improvements and your contents.

Automobile Liability Insurance

Workers Compensation Coverage

Life Insurance

In Conclusion:

Selecting the appropriate coverage to protect your investment in your commercial property can be a confusing process. It is more that selecting an accurate coverage limit. There are different coverage forms, potential hazards to consider, property not normally included and numerous other options.

Restaurant insurance costs can range according to your particular needs. We will find the best insurance coverage for you.

Southern States Insurance represents several commercial property insurance carriers so we can tailor a product specific to your needs.

**For more information about commercial property insurance coverage contact Terri Krider at

TKrider@InnerHarbourFLA.com or call at 850-837-3629

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We are giving away some magazine subscription's!

At Southern States Insurance we value our clients. We want to show how much you mean to us by opening up our Facebook to hear from you!

AND we want to give away magazine subscription's to thank you!

We are willing to bet you will be the first among your friends to friend an insurance company, but we aren't an ordinary Insurance Company, and further more you aren't an ordinary policy holder. You are unique in your needs and desires and goals and we want to help you achieve those goals!

By liking us on Facebook, we can share our clients successes, update our clients on news, and hear from our clients on how to best serve them!

How To Enter The Giveaway

Entering is simple. If you LIKE us on Facebook you have a chance to win!

Winners will be selected at random, Friday January 27th!

The following magazine subscriptions are available to win:

• National Geographic
• Health Magazine
• Money Mag
• GQ
• Rolling Stone
• Wired
• Reader's Digest
• Parenting
• Vogue
• W
• Glamour
• Brides
• Traveler
• Golf Digest
• Allure
• Lucky

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