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My House Was Flooded! Now What?

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Dealing with the Aftermath of a Flood

Experiencing a flood is a distressing situation. Even if you and your family manage to get to safety, dealing with the aftermath can be very stressful. However, if you know ahead of time what you need to deal with, things can feel a little less overwhelming. This can be a challenging, long road, but having a plan can make it more manageable. Remember, safety comes first! Don’t return to the flooded area until authorities say it’s safe. The electricity and gas should be shut off until it’s safe to resume. When you do go back, be cautious of any debris, contamination in the water, or mold.

What to Do Next

First, call FEMA. They may be able to provide immediate assistance. If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance agent next. Document everything with photos or video. Get detailed shots of all the damage. If something like flooring or carpeting is damaged, save a sample to show the adjuster. Keep records of all paperwork. Photograph it if it can’t be photocopied. When the adjuster shows up, ask for ID and be prepared to ask for partial payment or an advance if needed. All pertinent information on the property must be available. Get everything in writing. Communicate as much as you can with your adjuster through email. Do not start repairs without written approval from the adjuster. You have 60 days to sign and submit Proof of Loss. The sooner you do this, the better. You can clean up some of it yourself but don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Your insurance will likely cover this.

Bingham Insurance Group: Serving Braselton, GA

If you are in the Braselton, GA area, please consider Bingham Insurance Group for your flood insurance needs.

Why Should I Buy More Life Insurance Than I Receive Through My Job?

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A 2024 survey showed that 53% of American employees receive life insurance as part of their employee benefits packages. Others obtain free group life insurance through their unions, professional societies, or other organizations. These policies are generally beneficial, but few provide enough coverage to meet a family’s needs. If you have questions about life or other insurance, contact our Bingham Insurance Group team serving Braselton, GA.

Advantages of Employer-Provided Life Insurance

Employer-provided life insurance is helpful and should be welcomed by nearly everyone. The employee seldom pays for the base policy and can often pay for additional insurance through the same plan. Another significant benefit is that employees do not need to take a medical exam, which allows employees with pre-existing conditions to acquire life insurance they may not get independently. Employer-provided life insurance also takes minimal effort, often requiring only the completion of a form during the enrollment process.

Limits of Employer-Provided Life Insurance

Despite the benefits of employer-provided life insurance, it has its shortcomings:

  • Most families need more life insurance than the employer plan provides and often need much more life insurance.
  • Employees lose their life insurance when they leave an employer. While you may obtain life insurance from your new employer, coverage gaps may occur due to timing.
  • Employee benefit plans seldom offer sufficient life insurance for spouses or children.

Overall, employer-provided life insurance is a useful benefit that you should accept, but most employees need more consistent insurance than they receive in the workplace.

Working with Bingham Insurance Group

If you live in the Braselton, GA, area, and are considering life or other insurance, call the Bingham Insurance Group at (706) 684-0040. Our team will help you with policies that suit your family’s needs.

Collision Coverage: What It Is and Why You Need It

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An auto insurance policy includes various types of coverage, including collision coverage. This is a crucial type of coverage for every driver in their auto insurance. If you’re looking for auto insurance, we at Bingham Insurance Group in Braselton, GA, are here to assist you.

Understanding Collision Coverage

An auto insurance policy typically includes mandatory coverages such as property damage liability and bodily injury liability. These coverages pay for someone else’s damage bills when you’ve been in an accident with them. While these are essential, other types of coverage are equally beneficial. Collision coverage, for instance, pays for damages to your own vehicle. Without this coverage, you would have to pay out of pocket for any damage to your vehicle if you were at fault in an accident.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Many people also choose comprehensive coverage when opting for collision coverage. This optional coverage helps in case of damage or other issues that occur while your car isn’t being driven. While collision coverage pays for your damage in an accident, comprehensive coverage pays for damage from a variety of risks when your car is parked. Combined with your liability coverage, these two types of coverage ensure you’re covered in all circumstances.

Securing Auto Insurance

Talk to us about your auto insurance needs to ensure you’re adequately covered. We’re here to help you get started. Contact us at Bingham Insurance Group in Braselton, GA.

Protect Your Family’s Future With Life Insurance

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One of the most effective ways to safeguard your family’s future is through a life insurance policy. If you reside in Braselton, GA, reaching out to us at Bingham Insurance Group can set you on the path to the proper coverage. Our dedicated agents will provide advice tailored to your unique situation, ensuring you get the best life policy to meet your specific needs and objectives.

Is Life Insurance Necessary for Everyone?

Most people derive value from a life insurance policy. If you have a family or loved ones you wish to provide for, a life insurance policy can offer them financial support after your demise. Even if you don’t have dependents, these policies can assist with final expenses and estate settlement upon your passing.

Understanding Whole Life Policies

A whole life policy remains valid as long as you pay your monthly premiums. Additionally, it offers the option to borrow against it while you’re still alive.

Deciphering Term Life Policies

A term life policy is valid for a predetermined term. It doesn’t offer the option to borrow against it, but it’s generally easier to acquire than a whole life policy. Regardless of the type of policy you choose, it’s advisable to review it with your agent annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Reach Out to Us Today for Peace of Mind

Contact us today at Bingham Insurance Group if you’re in Braselton, GA, and seeking quality life insurance. We understand the importance of securing your family’s future. By collaborating with an agent, you can comprehend your options and select the policy that provides the level of protection your loved ones require.

What Auto Insurance Does Uber, Lyft, and Other Rideshare Drivers Need?

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When ridesharing companies became a multi-billion dollar business, insurance companies adapted to include them. Drivers transporting passengers using their vehicles need auto insurance, and Bingham Insurance Group can help. Here are the insurance options for rideshare drivers in Braselton, GA.

What Auto Insurance Should You Get?

Commercial auto insurance coverage made room for rideshare drivers. It covers injury, property damage, and car damage for drivers who operate company cars for business purposes. Companies with commercial auto insurance will treat your vehicle like a company car by adding your make and model to their existing plan. A second option is purchasing commercial auto insurance for the ridesharing side job. Rideshare insurance is the last option.

Because your vehicle doubles as a company car, you must choose between commercial or rideshare insurance. Buy commercial auto insurance yourself if the company requires you to have it. Otherwise, let the company add you to their commercial auto insurance policy.

Rideshare insurance is a good choice if you are not required to buy commercial auto insurance. Rideshare insurance offers more protection by filling the gaps standard and commercial auto insurance don’t cover. In Georgia, rideshare insurance can act as a gap or standalone insurance. The answer depends on which partner carrier you select.

Can You Use Standard Auto Insurance to Cover Business Use?

No. Traditional auto insurance is for drivers who use cars for personal use. However, you can add the gap version of rideshare insurance to existing auto insurance.

Your car takes you to the store, medical appointments, school, work, and back home. When the vehicle becomes your job, it’s an entirely different game. With ridesharing, there’s a thin line between personal and business use. Our team at Bingham Insurance Group will find the coverage that suits your business venture. For more information on insurance coverage for ridesharing drivers in Braselton, GA, contact us.

Errors and Omissions Coverage in Georgia

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p>In many professions, mistakes are costly. Not fulfilling a contract can get you sued. And in Georgia, errors and omissions (E&O) are especially prone to going to court.

That’s why at Bingham Insurance Group, serving Braselton, GA, and the state, we recommend that all of our clients who are in business for themselves, accountants, tutors, caterers, remodelers, insurance brokers, trainers, and nutritionists, among many others, avail themselves of E&O coverage.

Certain professionals, like lawyers and doctors, are statutorily required to carry malpractice insurance in Georgia. Architects and engineers carry professional liability insurance. Coverage for other professions and services is known as E&O. E&O is not required by law, but it is always a good idea to have it.

What kinds of situations are covered by E&O?

  • You are a wedding photographer, and your film is spoiling.
  • You are a cake decorator, and you discover you misspelled the honoree’s name at the last minute.
  • You are remodeling a bathroom and putting the hot and cold water connections in backward.
  • You are an insurance agent, leaving an insured’s name off the policy.
  • You are a beautician who accidentally turns your client’s skin purple.
  • You are a writer and accidentally publish someone else’s words as your own.

You are covered for honest mistakes. You are not covered for intentional errors. You aren’t covered for illegal acts. You aren’t covered for bodily injury to another.

But you can get affordable coverage from Bingham Insurance Group the same day you come in. We need your registered business name, your registered business location (you can be in Braselton, GA, or anywhere in the state), your business license numbers, some basic information about your employees and revenues, and an understanding of what you do.

We can help you find affordable E&O insurance. Call us today!

Tips for making your home a safer place inside and out

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Ensuring Home Safety with the Right Insurance Coverage

Home is a sanctuary, representing safety and comfort. Ensuring safety at home means different things for everyone, but one universally beneficial measure is securing the right home insurance. The team at Bingham Insurance Group in Braselton, GA, would be happy to discuss our wide range of home insurance products that help you safeguard your happy place.

Home Security System

Safety begins at your front door. Modern home security systems are quick to install, requiring minimal tools and technical know-how. They are affordable and conveniently connected to your mobile phone, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere.

Motion Detection Lighting

Installing motion detection lights outside your home can deter potential intruders who may try to approach in the dark. These lights can also scare away wild animals and allow you to see your surroundings.

Locks

Install locks on your doors and windows for effective security. Use these locks daily, regardless of where you live, to maintain effective security.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are crucial safety devices for every home, potentially saving lives in emergencies. Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor in easily accessible locations when needed.

At Bingham Insurance Group, an independent insurance agency in Braselton, GA, we offer experienced staff and multiple carriers to discuss your current home coverage.

Should College Students Have Renter’s Insurance?

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If you have or are a student heading to college, you certainly have a list of things you need. It would help if you got classes scheduled and books procured, and you may need an apartment. Of course, you can add furniture, a computer, kitchenware, bedding, and more.

If a student rents space while attending school, you should also ensure that you have renters’ insurance.

At Bingham Insurance Group, we serve the Braselton, GA, area with a full line of personal insurance products, including renters insurance.

Here’s why you may need it:

The landlord doesn’t cover your personal items.

A landlord’s insurance policy does not cover a tenant’s personal items. This is up to the renter, and renters’ insurance is how to get covered.

Your landlord could require it.

More landlords and property managers are requesting that tenants carry renters insurance. They may even recommend an agent, but you make that choice.

Renters insurance covers your personal property.

Renters’ insurance can cover personal items that are stolen or vandalized. They may also be covered while your student is traveling. Certain electronics may be limited.

Liability insurance is included.

Renters insurance often provides liability insurance should a visitor or delivery person become injured while at the rental property.

Contact Bingham Insurance Group for a quote today.

Remember that the renter’s insurance covers the insured’s personal property. This means each tenant should have their own policy.

Contact us at Bingham Insurance Group of Braselton, GA to get a quote on a renters’ insurance policy. We look forward to helping you get your college year off to a great start.

Why Liability Protection is so Valuable

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Ask most homeowners around Braselton, GA, about what home insurance protects against, and they are likely to mention issues like storm damage, fires, theft, or even vandalism. However, Bingham Insurance Group of Braselton, GA, wants you to be aware of a critical part of your homeowner’s insurance: the protection afforded to you by the liability insurance coverage of your home insurance policy.

What is Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance offers financial protection should someone become injured or suffer other losses while they’re on your property. As a homeowner, you have a basic responsibility to ensure the safety of visitors, and if they were to get injured, you might be held financially responsible.

Examples of Liability Risks

Liability risks at your home can range from pet and dog bites to slips and falls from a cracked walkway or a piece of loose carpeting. You could face a liability claim from a friend, relative, neighbor, or even a delivery person or yard worker. Even items as seemingly simple as a backyard swing set can be a source of a liability claim.

Why Liability Protection is so Important

Liability protection is important because claims can be significant. Settlements can be large, and the legal costs associated with these claims can also be substantial. Homeowners insurance liability coverage takes care of settlement amounts and legal costs.

Learn More at Bingham Insurance Group

If you’re a homeowner in the Braselton, GA, area and have questions about homeowners insurance, we invite you to contact Bingham Insurance Group. We can answer your questions, review your current home insurance policy, and provide you with a potential money-saving price quote.

Ensure that your homeowner’s insurance, including your liability coverage, is up to date by contacting Bingham Insurance today.

How to Set a Deductible for a Motorcycle Insurance Policy

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Georgia law requires Braselton, GA motorcycle owners to buy motorcycle insurance. However, you can choose the deductible you set on collision or comprehensive coverage. Understanding how this works can help you set a limit that’s the best option for your financial situation.

What is a Deductible?

Your deductible is the amount you’re willing to pay out of pocket if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident. You can typically set a deductible from $0 to $2,000, with the most common options being $500 and $1,000. 

Before your insurer provides compensation, you’ll need to pay your deductible limit out of pocket. For instance, if you set a deductible of $500 and damage from an accident comes to $2,000, you’ll pay $500, and the insurer will pay the other $1,500. On the other hand, if your deductible is $1,000 and the damage comes to $900, you’ll pay the full bill out of pocket. Thus, you should avoid setting a deductible higher than you can afford. While motorcycle insurance costs less if you have a high deductible, the long-term cost of paying for expensive repairs may not be worth the temporary savings.

Expert Insurance Help from Bingham Insurance Group

It can be hard to know which deductible limit is right for you. Your motorcycle’s age, how often you ride it, and other factors will determine which deductible works best for your situation. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Bingham Insurance Group in Braselton, GA, has the experience and expertise you need to pick the right policy for your motorcycle. Call us at your convenience to find out more or to get a policy quote.