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Is Boat Insurance Required by Georgia Law?

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At Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA, we frequently have boat and watercraft owners asking us whether they are required to have boat insurance in the lovely Peach State. While every state is different, Georgia state law does require certain kinds of insurance and lets policyholders make that decision for themselves. We’ll cover whether boat insurance is necessary in Georgia and why you should consider looking into it as a boat owner, no matter what the law says.

What is boat insurance?

Boat insurance, also called watercraft insurance, is a kind of insurance policy that covers boats and other watercraft. These can include large motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and even jet skis under some policies. The point of boat insurance is to cover the insurance policyholder in situations such as liability, theft, and damage through natural disasters in some cases.

Does Georgia require boat insurance by law?

According to Georgia law, boat owners are not legally required to have boat insurance. That being said, boat insurance is still a worthwhile investment for any responsible boat owner. Although we never think our boat will be stolen, destroyed, or the cause of an accident, we can never know these things until they happen.

Even if the law doesn’t require boat insurance, most insurance professionals would recommend that those who own boats or watercraft get boat insurance as a safety net for these unpredictable scenarios. If you never get into an accident or have your boat stolen, it’s worth the sense of security. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll be grateful that you have the coverage you need when you need it.

Contact Us Today

For a quote on our boat insurance policies at Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA, call our office today!

So You Bought A Classic Car…Now What?

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Your dream classic car is finally sitting in your driveway. While taking care of your classic physically might be the most obvious way to value your new asset, behind-the-scenes classic car insurance is the #1 most important way to protect and value your new car. Your regular auto coverage is not enough for a classic or collector’s car; you need and deserve the unique benefits of classic car insurance. 

We at Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA can help you fill in this critical piece to classic car ownership.

Major Classic Car Insurance Benefits:

Agreed Value

Because your classic will continue to appreciate rather than depreciate like a typical vehicle, the most critical benefit of classic coverage versus regular auto insurance is a payout of the agreed value of your classic in the case of a total loss. 

Spare Parts Coverage

Maintenance and part replacement are a given for many classic cars, and coverage for these specialty parts and tools should be one of your top questions for our classic car insurance specialists.

Other Coverages

Of course, in addition to these unique benefits, classic auto coverage usually also includes coverage typical of regular auto insurance policies, including comprehensive and collision coverage, roadside assistance, liability insurance, under- and uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payment allowances.

Give Us A Call

So, you bought a classic car. You brought it home to Winder, GA, and you ask yourself, "Now what?"

Now you call Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency for details regarding classic car insurance coverage specifics! Visit one of our classic car specialists today to find out how you can benefit from the unique benefits offered by classic car insurance. You and your asset deserve the best protection available, and we can help you make sure you get just that today!

How to prepare your business for a storm

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Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency has been serving Winder, GA business owners with all their commercial insurance needs. We understand the risks associated with running a business. A storm can be a serious threat to your business, especially if you’re located in an area that tends to experience frequent storms. To help keep your business safe from the effects of a storm, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prepare for severe weather well before it arrives. 

How to prepare your business for a storm

One of the most important things you can do is ensure that your building and property are in good condition. This includes checking your roof for any leaks or damage, reinforcing any damaged walls or areas that could become an entry point for water during a storm, and ensuring that all windows and doors are properly sealed so they won’t be knocked open by strong winds or rain.

In addition to inspecting your building and property, it’s also important to prepare your business for power outages. This can be done by installing a backup generator or uninterruptible power supply, which will allow you to continue operating during the event of a power outage. You should also have an emergency plan in place that all employees are aware of so they know what to do in the event of a storm.

Get The Right Coverage For Your Needs

A severe storm can be extremely damaging and costly for businesses, so it’s crucial to take steps now to protect your business from future storms. By preparing well ahead of time, you can help keep your business safe and minimize damage when bad weather strikes. Part of the preparation is also ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage for your business. At Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency, we proudly serve the Winder, GA area. Give us a call today.

Three details you need to know about your home insurance policy

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Being well-informed about the details of your home insurance policy is important. If you’re looking for an insurance provider that offers home insurance coverage in the Winder, GA area, Ransom & Association Insurance Agency is a great option.

The following are three important details you need to know about your home insurance policy:

The deductible amount on your policy

You should know what your deductible is so that you’ll know how much you have to pay before you get expenses covered when you file a claim.

Policyholders should know that larger deductibles usually mean lower monthly premiums and vice versa. When you renew your policy, you may have the option to change your deductible according to your preferences. 

The process for submitting a claim

Knowing what you need to do to submit a claim can help you out down the road if your home becomes damaged. With most insurance companies, you should be able to submit a claim by either calling your insurance company or submitting information via email or your insurance provider’s website. 

The types of coverage you have on your policy

There are a few different types of home insurance available. These include liability, dwelling, and personal property coverage. Optional coverage types typically include water backup, flood, and earthquake insurance coverage. Outbuilding structure coverage is another type of optional coverage. 

Contact Us Today

We take pride in offering excellent customer service at Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency. This means that we’ll make sure that you understand all the most important details about your home insurance policy for your home in Winder, GA. Get in touch with us if you’re ready to get a quote on a home insurance policy. 

When should you review your auto policy?

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Having auto insurance is a requirement in Georgia. The fact of the matter is, you do need to review your auto policy from time to time to make sure it is still the right coverage, and you are not paying for coverage you don’t need. At Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA, we give our customers the information that they need to make good choices when it comes to coverage. 

When should you review your auto policy?

When you buy a new car, that is the perfect opportunity to make sure that the coverage you have is adequate. Check the amount of liability coverage that you have. Does it reflect the number of assets that you own? Check the amount of deductible that you have and determine if it is right or needs to go up or down. Also, consider adding gap insurance so that the full value of your auto loan will be paid off if your vehicle is in an accident. Be sure you have full glass coverage. 

When your auto policy comes up for renewal, the carrier will send you a new copy of your policy. Check the front page which is the declaration and lists all your coverage. You can see everything at once. Check to make sure all the names and vehicles are correct. Check the deductible and liability coverage. Look at any add-ons that you have and also check that you are getting all the discounts that you are entitled to. 

When a new driver is added to your policy, it is a great time to make sure that all the coverage that you have is correct and that each driver is assigned to the correct vehicle that they drive the majority of the time.  

Give Us A Call

Contact Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA to discuss your current auto insurance and what we can do for you. 

Protect Your Home Away from Home with Motorhome Insurance

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Many vacationers throughout the country purchase motorhomes. The convenience of having your sleeping quarters, kitchen, and freedom to travel at your own pace is too attractive for some to ignore. You are able to go anywhere, any time. You can stop whenever you choose and stay in each place as long as you like.

However, you don’t want to let your second home go unprotected. The professionals at Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA can help you protect this investment.

Motorhome Insurance: What You Need To Know

Motorhomes are in the category of Class A recreational vehicles. RV is a term that covers many different types of vehicles, including motorhomes. These vehicles are large and could cause significant injuries and damage to other vehicles, property, and drivers if an accident occurs. That is why insurance protection is so necessary.

Coverage for motorhomes includes property damage, collision, bodily injury liability, comprehensive, and uninsured motorists. This coverage will help pay for repairs to your motorhome and its contents in certain situations.

There are also specialized insurance coverages that are available, such as vacation liability, custom equipment, and total loss replacement. Based on how much your motorhome is used, the annual insurance premium can range anywhere from $200 to $3000.

Because a motorhome is like a small house, you need different coverage than is needed for your car. They are not used in the same fashion as a car; therefore, you must have specialized insurance for your motorhome. For example, vacation liability provides personal liability coverage when the motorhome is parked off public roads and when it is used for recreational purposes only. It does not overlap with any automobile liability coverage.

Get Motorhome Insurance Today

Remember to purchase motorhome insurance to make sure your second home is protected. Contact the professionals at Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA today for the peace of mind you need.

Benefits of Full Coverage RV Insurance

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If you’re a Winder, GA resident and own an RV, you know how important it is to have full coverage insurance. RVs are a significant investment, and if something were to happen to you, you want to ensure that you’re covered.

Here are some benefits of having full coverage RV insurance:

Protect Your Investment

RVs are a significant investment, and you want to ensure that your investment is protected. Full coverage insurance can help cover repairs or replacement costs if something happens to your RV. Collision or liability insurance only covers certain types of damage, so it’s essential to have full coverage to protect your investment.

Also, if you have an RV loan, your lender will probably require you to have full coverage insurance. The bank or financial institution wants to ensure that they protect their Winder GA investment in case of an accident or other covered peril, such as theft or storm damage.

Your Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency representative can help you choose the right RV insurance policy to protect your investment.

Liability Protection

If you’re in an accident and it’s determined to be your fault, full coverage insurance can help cover damages to the other party. This includes property damage and medical expenses.

No one wants to think about what could go wrong on their RV trip. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the worst. That’s why having full coverage RV insurance is so important. It can help protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

If you have questions about RV insurance, or if you’d like to get a quote, contact Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA today.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Motorcycle Insurance?

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Motorcycle insurance costs depend on factors such as your riding experience, the type of motorcycle you ride, your age, your credit history, and your expected claim frequency.

Factors Affecting Motorcycle Insurance

If you want to get the best rate: 

  • Shop around and compare quotes from different insurers.
  • Ask about any discounts you may be eligible for, such as a policy for young drivers or multi-line policies.
  • Find out what information the company will look at when deciding whether to approve your policy. 

Consult with Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency for inquiries in Winder, GA. 

More on Motorcycle Insurance 

Premiums will be higher if you have a history of speeding, accidents, or moving violations. If you’re under 25, you will likely be required to take a rider education course to get coverage. Most policies require that riders be at least 21 years old, but some go up to 25. You’ll pay less for insurance if you’re young, but you’ll also likely have a higher deductible. 

Other factors affecting the price of motorcycle insurance include.

  • Your location
  • Your job
  • Your claims history
  • The value of your bike
  • The type of bike
  • Where and how you store your bike
  • Your level of cover

The cost of your motorcycle insurance policy will depend on several factors, including your age, the type of motorcycle you ride, the length of time you’ve been licensed, and any Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses you’ve taken. Most companies will offer a variety of discounts when you purchase motorcycle insurance, including a AAA discount, a multi-line discount, a young driver’s discount, or a student discount. 

Give Us A Call

If you’re a young driver, your motorcycle insurance will likely cost more than it would for an older driver, as young people are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Similarly, sports bikes tend to be riskier to drive than touring bikes, and your type of bike will also affect your premium. 

Insurance companies also consider factors such as your credit score, where you live, and the value of your bike. Most insurers will offer you a rate quote based on standard criteria. However, you can usually lower your premium by choosing a motorcycle with higher safety features, upgrading your bike, or maintaining a clean driving record. For expert insurance advice in Winder, GA, contact Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency.

How Boat Insurance Compares to Car Insurance

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It should come as no surprise that boat insurance is similar to car insurance in quite a few ways. After all, just like you do with cars, you drive, park, and store boats, and boats can also get damaged by the elements or even stolen. 

However, because boats and cars also have fundamental differences, there also happen to be differences between boat insurance and car insurance. Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA provides this guide in navigating the two types of coverage. 

How Boat Insurance Compares to Car Insurance

Similarities 

  1. Policies vary from company to company. That means there can be differences in pricing as well as policy options. However, the main types of boat coverage you can expect to find include physical damage coverage and property damage liability. 
  2. You can opt for optional coverage. While optional coverage options for cars include collision, comprehensive, and glass coverage, options for boats include uninsured/underinsured boater and medical payments coverage. 

Differences 

  1. Boat insurance isn’t mandatory. But even though you aren’t required to insure your boat, you’re strongly encouraged to do so. What makes having coverage even more important is the possibility that someone else’s uninsured boat will damage your boat. And not having boat insurance doesn’t mean you don’t have any legal responsibility. So liability coverage is always a wise choice for boat owners. 
  2. You can purchase boat insurance at an agreed value. Unlike auto insurance companies, boat insurers provide “agreed value” coverage options that allow you to insure your boat at a predetermined amount. With boat coverage, if you experience a loss, you’ll be paid that exact amount no matter how much the boat has been damaged. 

Contact Us Today

If you’re in the Winder, GA area and are looking for competitive boat/watercraft insurance rates, look no further than Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency. To get started, contact one of our trusted associates and we’ll get in touch with you about all the options we have available.

The ABCs of Umbrella Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

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Most people have some form of insurance- whether it’s auto, homeowners, or even health insurance. But there’s one type of insurance that often gets overlooked: umbrella insurance. Umbrella insurance is designed to provide an extra layer of protection in the event that you are sued or held liable for damages. It can help to cover costs such as legal fees, medical bills, and even lost wages. And while umbrella insurance is not required by law, it is a wise investment for anyone with significant assets or income.

So, what exactly is umbrella insurance? How does it work? And how much coverage do you need? Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency in Winder, GA offers the following comprehensive guide.

The ABCs of Umbrella Insurance

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

Umbrella insurance kicks in when the limits of your other liability policies have been reached. For example, let’s say you have a $500,000 auto insurance policy and you’re involved in an accident that causes $600,000 in damages. Your auto insurance will pay out the first $500,000, and your umbrella policy will cover the remaining $100,000.

How Much Umbrella Insurance Do You Need?

Umbrella insurance is important for anyone with assets to protect. But how much umbrella insurance do you need? The answer depends on several factors, including the value of your assets, the likelihood of being sued, and your tolerance for risk.

Here are a few things to consider when determining how much umbrella insurance to purchase:

  • The value of your assets: Obviously, the more assets you have, the more umbrella insurance you will need. But even if your assets are modest, you could still be sued for a large amount of money. So, it’s important to consider not just the value of your assets but also the likelihood of being sued.
  • The likelihood of being sued: If you are more likely to be sued, you will need more umbrella insurance. Factors that can increase your likelihood of being sued include being a high-profile individual, having a lot of wealth, or being in a high-risk profession.
  • Your tolerance for risk: Finally, you need to consider your own tolerance for risk. If you are the type of person who is comfortable with a little bit of risk, you may not need as much umbrella insurance. But if you are risk-averse, you will want to purchase more coverage.

No one can tell you exactly how much umbrella insurance you need. But by considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about how much coverage to purchase.

Get Umbrella Insurance in Winder, GA

As you can see, umbrella insurance is a wise investment for anyone with significant assets or income. So if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, Ransom & Associates Insurance Agency can help. We offer umbrella insurance policies. Contact us today to get started.