Wichalonis Insurance Agency

3 Tips to Protect Your Home While You Are on Vacation

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Residents who live in Cumming, GA and many of the nearby communities rely on the insurance agents of Wichalonis Insurance Agency for valuable tips and tricks on how to keep their homes secure all year long. Leaving your home to go on vacation can make it vulnerable to intruders unless you know ways to hide the fact that you aren’t home. The following tips will help you give the impression that someone is home.

Stop Mail/Paper Delivery

One of the biggest attention getters for burglars is papers laying on the porch or mail collecting in the mailbox. Stopping your service is the best way to prevent that from happening. If you don’t want to stop your delivery service, have your neighbor or a family member collect your mail/paper for you.

Set Timers for Your Lights and Home Security System

If you have a home security system, set timers so that your lights will go on and off according to your normal schedule. This can also be accomplished without a home security system. All you have to do is purchase timers that can be used on individual lights and set to the appropriate time.

Have a Friend or Family Member Housesit While You’re Away

You can also ask a friend or family member to stay at your while you’re away. Your house will remain occupied and well cared for while you’re away.

At Wichalonis Insurance Agency, residents of Cumming, GA can talk to a reputable agent and find the answers they need when it comes to keeping their home secured and protected while they are away. Visit the office today and let one of the agents help you find ways to keep your home safe!

Georgia Auto Insurance Requirements

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Each state requires auto insurance for vehicles and vehicle owners on its roads. Residents of Georgia must adhere to its minimum requirements to legally drive on the state’s road and to register their vehicle. At Wichalonis Insurance Agency serving Cumming, GA, we want you to understand the minimum requirements of our state and how we can help you fulfill them plus how adding other auto insurance types can help you better protect your finances.

In Georgia, the individual at fault for an accident must compensate those injured or whose personal property was damaged in a vehicular accident. Each driver must carry appropriate insurance to cover the compensation of their potential fault.

The state requires each driver to carry insurance for liability and property damage. The minimum required insurance includes:
–   Bodily injury/death coverage of $25,000 per person, 
–   Bodily injury/death coverage of $50,000 per accident, 
–   Property damage coverage of $25,000 per accident.

The reason you have two components to the bodily injury and death coverage is that more than one person may be injured in a single accident. The policy pays up to $25,000 per person, but it maxes out at $50,000 per accident. That means the insurance company only pays for $50,000 of medical costs and funeral costs even if your accident incurred $100,000 of medical bills for the others involved. If they take you to court, you need to pay the other $50,000 plus attorney fees and court costs if the court makes a judgment against you.

The insurance you carry, if you only carry the minimums required in Georgia, does not cover your injuries. Those come out of your pocket unless you add coverage. You would need personal injury protection (PIP) to cover your own medical costs. You would need collision coverage to compensate yourself for repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Contact Wichalonis Insurance Agency serving Cumming, GA for help obtaining the auto coverage you need to protect your automobile and yourself. Let us help insure you today.

Is Commercial Insurance Legally Required?

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In Cumming, GA, there are no reasonable circumstances where you are going to be legally required to carry commercial insurance. In the US, we still have, more or less, a free market at work. As long as you are licensed wherever you need to be licensed and registered wherever you need to be registered, you are allowed to ply your trade in most fields.

But, that doesn’t mean that nobody can tell you to get insurance, just that the law can’t. Business partners can insist that you carry insurance, and so can lenders, guilds, unions, customers, licensing boards, clients, and anyone else you do business with. The free market goes both ways: In most fields, you are free to go without insurance, and everyone else is free to refuse to do business with someone who does not carry insurance.

For most businesses, the only time you will be legally required to carry commercial insurance is in the case of commercial vehicles. Your personal auto insurance provider may be able to provide some basic protection for business use. Still, if you are using your car as a regular business vehicle, you can’t expect every claim to be approved.

If you are looking to get your Cumming, GA business covered, get in touch with us at Wichalonis Insurance Agency. You can call us, visit our website, or drop by the Wichalonis Insurance Agency offices to talk about getting protected. Whether you’re looking for basic liability or something more substantial, it is vital to protect your business, and we can compare several quotes from different providers to get you a good deal on an excellent commercial insurance policy.

Four basic boat safety tips every boater should know

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Boating is a fun all-year-round activity for both family and friends. The weather in Cumming, GA is perfect for some good time in the waterways. However, no matter how experienced you are, it is imperative to learn boating safety rules before entering into a water adventure.

 At Wichalonis Insurance Agency, we recommend buying boat insurance to help protect you from damage, loss, or injuries that may result after an accident. Here are four essential safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Never forget to carry your safety gear: Boating requires some form of preparation. Before setting out, make sure you bring the safety kit for you and other boat users. A first aid kit, life jacket flashlight, duct tape, ropes whistle, and fire extinguishers are some of the things that should not miss on your list.
  • Always check the weather: Many people prefer boating during warm sunny days, but you cannot underestimate the weather. Currents and strong winds may signal a storm. Look for warnings and exit the water as soon as possible.
  • Have your boat checked: Before you even start loading your boat, make sure you have thoroughly examined it from the interior to the exterior. Watch out for faults that could leak water into the boat. Keep a close eye on gas as it can be disastrous if ignored.
  • Avoid overloading the boat: You should never overload your boat for obvious reasons. Each boat comes with capacity restriction. Overloading only puts your life and other passengers in the boat at risk.

Lastly, exercise common sense in water. There are things that no one will teach you as they are basic knowledge. For example, you should never consume alcohol when operating a boat.

If you need more information on safety tips, feel free to visit us at Wichalonis Insurance Agency in Cumming, GA, and we will be happy to help.

When can an umbrella insurance policy protect me?

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Having proper liability insurance coverage is very important for people in the Cumming, GA area. For a lot of people, getting coverage from a home and auto insurance policy is a good start for liability protection. However, getting an umbrella policy could make a lot of sense for others. There are several situations when this coverage can protect you. 

Gives Coverage for More Situations

One of the top reasons to get umbrella coverage is that it will give you coverage for situations that you may not already have liability protection for. For most people, home and auto insurance policies will provide liability coverage for the vast majority of realistic situations that could result in a claim. However, those that are in certain professions could be at risk for uncovered situations. Fortunately, an umbrella policy will give you coverage for these risks. 

Provides Additional Liability Coverage

Another way your umbrella insurance policy can protect you is by providing additional liability coverage on top of your base policies. If you are involved in a severe accident and are found liable, there is always a small chance the damages could exceed your coverage from your home or auto policy. If this happens to you, the umbrella insurance policy will give you additional coverage to ensure you are protected. 

Getting umbrella insurance can be a great form of personal liability protection. When you are thinking about getting this form of insurance, you should call the Wichalonis Insurance Agency. For those that are in the Cumming, GA area, the team at the Wichalonis Insurance Agency is an excellent source of information. These professionals can give you the guidance that you need to determine if umbrella insurance is right for you and your situation. Based on this, you can pick a policy. 

What are the benefits of a Georgia condo insurance policy?

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Anyone that lives in the Cumming, GA area should consider investing in themselves and buying their own home. For a lot of people, one ideal home purchase option would be to buy a condo. When you do get a condo, there are a lot of advantages that include lower maintenance obligations and improved security. Along with purchasing a condo, it is vital that you consider all of your insurance needs. Several benefits come when you get a condo insurance policy. 

Valuable Liability and Property Protection

The main benefit that comes when you get a condo insurance policy is that it will provide you with valuable protection for your assets and against liability. When you own a condo, the insurance policy will protect your dwelling and personal assets. It will also give you coverage for liability if someone gets hurt while in your home. 

Agreement Compliance

Another benefit of a condo insurance policy is that it can help to ensure that you remain in compliance with a variety of different agreements. Having condo insurance is a requirement for your mortgage lender and condo association. When you get an acceptable policy, you are going to have the coverage you need to stay in compliance with both policies. 

If you are going to purchase a condo in the Cumming, GA area, you should speak with the team at Wichalonis Insurance Agency to learn about all of your insurance needs and options. The insurance professionals at Wichalonis Insurance Agency can help you to learn more about all of your condo requirements and explain to you how an exceptional insurance policy can provide excellent protection. Contact our office to get started with a quote.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Vehicle?

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As your vehicle gets older, it may become less reliable due to age or wear and tear. Whether you’re single or have a family, it’s important to have a vehicle you can rely on for personal or business travels. If your older vehicle poses a greater risk of accidents or has constant breakdowns on the road, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. The following questions compiled by Wichalonis Insurance Agency in Cumming, GA, can help you determine if it’s time to upgrade your car.

How Reliable is Your Vehicle?

You know it’s time for an upgrade when your vehicle requires constant maintenance or repairs to keep it running. If you’re investing hundreds of dollars’ worth of repairs into your car on a regular basis, it’s probably time to replace it with a newer model.

You should also consider the mileage you have on your vehicle and whether the repairs you make offer a permanent or temporary solution to the problems at hand. Temporary fix-it jobs can cost you more in the long run than replacing your older car. Your goal should be to have a safe, dependable vehicle you can rely on for your daily needs.

Does Your Car Still Meet Your Needs?

A change in lifestyle may prompt you to upgrade your vehicle to better suit your needs. If you’re planning to have children, you may want to replace your sports car with a family sedan. If you get a new job that requires more travel, you may want to upgrade to a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle you can count on for long-distance travel.

When upgrading your vehicle, don’t forget to factor in quality auto insurance coverage to protect you and your family on the road. For more information on auto insurance options and costs, contact Wichalonis Insurance Agency in Cumming, GA.

Do Stay At Home Parents Need Life Insurance?

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When breadwinners have life insurance, they can rest assured knowing that if the unthinkable were to occur, their families would be able to move on financially in Cumming, GA. However, there are those who, while not earning a paycheck each week, still provide valuable services to their families. Do they need life insurance too? The answer is, Yes! Stay-at-home parents do need life insurance and here are 4 reasons why from Wichalonis Insurance Agency.

1. End of Life Expenses.

Even a cheap burial or cremation can cost thousands of dollars, and most families do not have that kind of money sitting in a savings account. Additionally, if one passes after a hospital stay or illness, medical bills can be financially crippling to many families. Life insurance can pay for all of these end of life expenses so that the survivors can lay their loved one to rest without stressing over money when grieving. 

2. Paying for Unpaid Work.

Even though at-home parents don’t earn a paycheck each week, they still perform valuable services for their families. This work still has to be completed if they were no longer around. Life insurance can provide funds to pay for child care, cleaning, and other work that the at-home parent provided for the family.

3. Taking Time.

When children are involved, grief can get complicated. Having life insurance funds in an account can provide employment flexibility for the surviving parent to take some extra time in the aftermath of a tragedy. The kids may need a little extra love and attention as they struggle through these hard times.

4. Future Expenses.

Many at-home parents plan on re-entering the workforce after the kids are of school age to help the family’s bottom line. If those earnings are no longer an option, life insurance can provide extra money to make up the difference in future lost wages.

If you need information about life insurance in Cumming, GA, contact Wichalonis Insurance Agency today.

3 Benefits of Having a Privacy Fence

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Privacy fences do more than just keep out unwanted intruders (both animals and people), they also serve other purposes as well. The agents at Wichalonis Insurance Agency serve residents who live in or near Cumming, GA. If you live in the area and are thinking about installing a privacy fence, call and talk to one of our agents today to see what helpful advice they have to offer.

Reduced Visibility

A solid privacy fence made of wood panels reduces visibility so that passersby can’t see inside. This eliminates prowlers and burglars from seeing potential entrance points in the back of your home. It also gives you a sense of privacy where you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet without having anyone disturb you.

Keeps Your Pets and Children Safe

A solid privacy fence will keep your pets and children safe inside while keeping unwanted visitors from making their way inside. With a privacy fence, your children and pets can play outside without you worrying about them wandering off or getting into trouble with other pets from the neighborhood.

Improves Curb Appeal

A privacy fence also improves your home’s curb appeal and can actually increase the resale value of your home. A solid fence will go along way in selling your home if the potential buyer is security conscious and likes their privacy. A nice fence and some well-planned landscaping can do wonders when it comes to beautifying a home.

If you live in Cumming, GA and want to learn more about privacy fences and your home insurance, call and speak to an agent at Wichalonis Insurance Agency today! We can give you solid advice and can answer all of your questions. 

Top Tips for Purchasing Renter’s Insurance

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Are you a renter who is considered renter’s insurance coverage, but not sure where to start? Thankfully, our Wichalonis Insurance Agency team has put together a quick list of tips to keep in mind when purchasing renter’s insurance in Cumming, GA.

Tip #1: Select the Right Level of Coverage

The most important aspect of purchasing renter’s insurance is selecting the right level of coverage for your needs. This type of policy pays to replace your personal items if you’re involved in a loss, so it is important to choose an amount that would adequately cover everything you own. Not sure where to start? Sit down and make a list of your personal items—from your toothbrush to your television—to help come up with an appropriate estimate.

Tip #2: Choose a Deductible You Can Afford

In addition to selecting the right level of coverage for your needs, it is also important to choose a deductible you can afford. A deductible is an amount you agree to pay toward the replacement of items during a loss, so it is vital you select an amount that would be easy to obtain. Most people go for $500 or $1000, but you do have the option of going higher.

Tip #3: Know What’s Covered

What else do you need to know about renter’s insurance? What your policy covers, of course. Usually, this includes incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, wind, and hail damage. However, earthquake and flood damage is usually excluded in most policies.

Renter’s insurance is a great way to make sure you’re protected in the event of a loss, even if you don’t own the physical building you live in. Speak with your local agent to learn more about this important type of policy.

Ready to purchase renter’s insurance for your apartment or home? Please contact our team at the Wichalonis Insurance Agency. We proudly serve the Cumming, GA area.