FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Aren’t state minimum liability limits for autos sufficient?
In GEORGIA the minimum liability limits are 25,000 bodily injury per person, 50,000 per accident with 25,000 property damage. Some states are lower some are a bit higher. None of them are sufficient. If you carry low limits and are responsible for injuries in an accident, any amount you are found liable for above the limits you carry can and will probably be held against you by a court in the form of a judgment. This can lead to garnishment of wages, financial hardship or even worse. Why risk the financial future of you family to save a few dollars?

2. Is uninsured motorist coverage a waste of money?
Some of the largest claims paid to clients are under this coverage. Let’s face it, not everyone is as conscience as you and has insurance. If one of those people injures you or your passenger, uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay the medical bills. This is definitely one area you don’t want to skimp. This coverage is very inexpensive when weighed against the risk.

3. Jewelry, coins, furs and such are sufficiently covered under my basic
homeowner’s policy, right?
Most homeowners policies do cover these types of belongings, but most also have a sub-limit for theft on these items. So if you have more jewelry than the sub-limit allows and it is stolen, you will not get the full value of your loss. You can extend those sub- limits or even better, items of higher values can be scheduled and have much better coverage. Check for other items that may have a sub-limit.

4. I know flood is always excluded, but I don’t live next to a river so I don’t
need flood insurance do I?
A flood is normally defined as ‘movement of surface water’. We have all seen those thunderstorms that produce mini floods on streets and on properties. If you are not in a designated flood zone, flood insurance is quite inexpensive when you consider the alternative of having your home damaged by flood and having no coverage under your homeowner’s policy.

 5. I won’t get sued so do I need higher limits on my personal liability or even
a personal lines umbrella?
In our ever increasing litigious society, lawsuits are becoming more and more common place. Don’t think it won’t happen to you. If you have children, pets, own property, rent property, drive a car, have neighbors, or even breathe, it is possible someone may take offense to something and drag you into a lawsuit. Let your insurance company pay the attorney fees. Don’t take the chance of being caught without enough liability coverage.

6. Why use an independent agent instead of the internet to purchase insurance?
When you have a claim, the last thing you need is the irritation and frustration of going it alone. Your local independent agent will be with you from the beginning to the end. Although your agent can not make claim payment decisions, he or she can help file the claim, make sense of the process, and be there to help you by answering questions. An internet policy will buy you an 800 number or worse-- an online computer reporting system without the personal assistance a local agent provides. Contact your local Burns Insurance Agent for a free quote today.

Your insurance contract determines your exact coverage. Read your
contract carefully or contact FIRST CHOICE INSURANCE.