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Georgia’s New Hands Free Law

Georgia’s New Hands Free Law means no more texting and driving.

If you haven’t heard by now, Georgia has a new Hands Free law when it comes to using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. This law is much more than just not talking or texting while you are driving. Starting on July 1, drivers will NOT be able to do any of the following:

  • Hold a cell phone or electronic device in their hand or use any part of the body to handle it.
  • Use earphones or headsets to listen to music. They can only be used for communication.
  • Text, read, or send any text messages, emails, or social media content. Only voice-command messages may be sent.
  • Watch videos unless it is for GPS purposes.
  • Record videos unless it is a dash camera that is running continuously.
  • Operate music streaming apps (Spotify, Pandora, etc.) while driving. Drivers are expected to set up their music before they begin driving. Music that has videos are also prohibited since drivers are not allowed to watch/record videos while operating a vehicle.

Drivers will be allowed to access their phones in these circumstances:

  • Reporting a traffic accident, medical emergency, criminal activity, or dangerous road conditions.
  • If you are an employee of a utility service provider on the job and have to communicate due to a utility emergency.
  • First responders who are on the job and have to communicate for your duties.
  • Your vehicle is legally parked. This does not include at stop signs or traffic lights.

 

If caught, you could just be given a warning on your first offense, but officers will also be giving out tickets, even to first time offenders. To avoid getting a ticket due to distracted driving (and potentially causing your auto insurance premium to increase), be sure to buy hands free accessories, like a cell phone holder that attaches to your windshield/dashboard, air vent, or lighter port. If your vehicle is not set up for Bluetooth capability, then look in to purchasing a headset or ear piece so you will be able to talk on your phone “hands free” without holding it. This new law may seem like an inconvenience at first, but its purpose is to make drivers pay attention to what is going on outside of their vehicle instead of focusing on a screen.

 

 

http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/handsfree-law/?platform=hootsuite

https://www.myajc.com/blog/commuting/there-grace-period-for-georgia-distracted-driving-law/dYQvmc0kRMpGnLpklqg7ZJ/

Why We Give Back To Our Community

Giving Back To Our Community!

Dickerson Agency has been a part of the Kennesaw community for almost 30 years, which is why we are dedicated to giving back to the people and businesses that make up this area. Our Agency believes that by supporting the people that live and work here, we can give everyone the opportunity to thrive and be proud of the Kennesaw neighborhood and surrounding areas. We have several programs & events that we utilize to try and reach this goal.

Our Referral Program: When people refer their friends, family or colleagues to our Agency for personal or business insurance, we donate $10 per referral to local schools & programs. Last quarter we were able to donate over $900 to the orchestra program at Palmer Middle School. Being able to “pay it forward” is just one way we thank our clients for putting their trust in us. Your referrals are helping the teachers and children in our community by providing them with resources they need in order to be successful.

Small Business Spotlight: Every month we pick a small, local business to highlight in our newsletter. We’ve put the spotlight on restaurants, boutiques, auto shops, and more. We want to familiarize our clients with a variety of establishments in their community, and also help other local businesses bring in new and continuous clientele. Together by supporting one another, we can share the love within our community and help one another succeed and meet the needs of the public.

Local Event Sponsorship: Sponsorship is another way that we try to give back. Our Agency likes to take part in local festivals and events that cater to the people of the community, such as the Big Shanty Festival and events held by the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) and Acworth Business Association (ABA). Community events are important because they allow people to come out and socialize with their peers and get to know more about what is going on in their neighborhoods. We also support our local law enforcement agencies, through the LAW Enforcement Press, and run advertisments that help raise funds for their community initiatives throughout the Metro Atlanta counties.

Charity Drives: During the holiday season, we put together a charity drive to help those who may be going through a hard time. In previous years, we have had a toy and clothes drive to benefit Must Ministries and their continued outreach to local families in need. Last year we held a coats and totes drive and delivered the donated items to the Covenant House in Atlanta, who provide shelter and assistance to homeless youth. It’s not just the needs of our clients that we are concerned about, we want to go beyond the business side of things and help build a better community for everyone.

What Happens If I’m Hit By An Uninsured Driver?

 

Don’t let an uninsured motorist put you in a financial crisis.

If you’ve ever driven in Atlanta or metro areas, you can almost expect to be sitting in traffic due to an accident. Since there are more and more people out on the roads who are commuting or using the roadways for traveling purposes, more miles are being driven and there is a higher risk for an accident to occur. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, or they only have minimal coverage, do you know how you might be affected?

Each state differs when it comes to required coverages for auto insurance. Minimum coverages vary as well as additional coverages that may be offered to an insured. In Georgia, the minimum coverage on an auto policy that a driver must carry is $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. Insurance agents in Georgia are supposed to offer a client uninsured motorist coverage along with an auto policy, but if the client does not want the additional coverage, it must be declined and put in writing.

People who choose not to have auto insurance at all because they don’t want to follow the guidelines set by the state, or because they are considered a “risky driver”, put everyone at risk. People who are driving here from out of state, may have even lower limits than what is required in Georgia, so they may not have enough coverage to pay for an accident in its entirety if they are at fault.

Uninsured motorist coverage will protect you if you are in an accident with someone who does not have insurance coverage. It will cover the cost of medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and the loss of future earnings. Uninsured motorist coverage also protects you if you are a passenger in a car that gets in an accident with an uninsured driver, if you are the passenger in a car with an uninsured driver who gets in an accident with another driver, or if you are a pedestrian who is hit by an uninsured driver.

Underinsured motorist coverage applies when an at-fault driver does not have the necessary auto coverage to pay for all bodily and property damages due to an accident. This type of coverage will reimburse the driver who is not at-fault for any damages after the at-fault driver’s coverage has been completely used up.

It is important to have more than minimal coverage on your auto policy, since the cost of medical expenses, vehicle parts, and the overall cost of an accident are increasing yearly. If you do not have sufficient coverage, or any coverage at all, then you are more likely to pay out of pocket, have wages garnished, and/or be sued for damages, whether you are at-fault or not.

At the Dickerson Agency, we are committed to help you buy insurance that will best protect your quality of life, should a claim occur.  We will look over your policies and give you the best recommendations on coverage to help achieve this goal for you and your family.  Give us a call today to see how we can help protect your future!

Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

You pay for auto insurance but do you know what your policy actually covers? Many clients ask us if their personal auto insurance extends to rental cars. The answer CAN BE yes. You are covered in a rental car the same as if you are driving your own vehicle, IF you have the right coverage.

When renting a vehicle, you may be encouraged to buy rental insurance. If you have comprehensive and collision insurance, bodily injury and property damage liability, or additional coverages, such as medical or personal injury protection included on your personal policy, then it may not be necessary to purchase rental insurance.  If you choose not to purchase insurance through the rental company, any accident would be covered under your existing insurance policy.  Alternatively, if you choose to purchase the coverage, the rental car company would be on the hook for the claim, not you.

It’s a good idea to have at least a basic understanding of the coverage included in your auto policy, in case your insurance is needed.  Your agent at the Dickerson Agency will help walk you through your policy and explain exactly what your policy covers.

Here is a brief list of how coverages can be simplified and broken down:

 

  • Comprehensive and collision insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle due to an accident that you cause, glass damage, stolen vehicle, severe weather damages, or any other situation out of your hands.
  • Bodily injury and property damage liability: Covers another person’s damage due to an accident that you cause, whether it be hurting another driver or pedestrians, or if you run into and cause damage to someone else’s property.
  • Renters or homeowners insurance: Covers the contents in your car if they happen to be stolen or damaged. Many people think that the personal items in their car are covered by their auto insurance, but this isn’t the case. If you do not have renters or homeowners insurance and an item gets stolen out of your car, then it is not covered.
  • Additional coverages: Items such as medical payments and personal injury protection cover medical expenses for you and your passengers if there is an injury due to an accident.

The world is an unpredictable place, and it’s better to be covered in the long run, in case something happens while you are driving a rental. Some people choose to go ahead and get rental insurance, even if their auto policy has the necessary coverage, so they can avoid having to file a claim with their own insurance, won’t have to pay their deductible in the event of an accident, or to add additional protections that their personal policy doesn’t have.

If you’re planning a trip or vacation where a rental car is needed, don’t hesitate to give us a call!  The Dickerson Agency will be happy to make sure you are adequately protected in your journey.

What is an Independent Insurance Agency?

Independent Insurance Agency Kennesaw GA

What is an Independent Insurance Agency?

A common question that seems to arise almost daily for us at The Dickerson Agency is “What all does your company do?”  It’s an easy question to answer, but it does have many parts to it.  An Independent Insurance Agency is made up of Independent Insurance Agents, also sometimes known as “Producers”. We help to sell a variety of insurance products, ranging from Personal Insurance (Auto, Home, Renters, Boat, Umbrella) to Commercial/Business Insurance (Property, Casualty, Workers Comp, Business Owners Package).

Independent Agents often represent several different insurance companies, also known as “Carriers”, and help to find the best policies and coverage to suit a client’s needs.  We have Insurance Agents that are experienced in multiple avenues of the insurance markets, as well as insurance law. As Independent Agents, we are able to utilize that knowledge to obtain quotes from all of our different carriers and present you with options and policies that will best suit your needs.

Here at the Dickerson Agency, our agents do all of the above, and more.  We work with over 20 “A” rated carriers.  We listen to your needs, shop around for you, and present you with the best possible coverage that will protect your family and quality of life, in the event of a claim.  We save you time AND money, then follow everything up with a high level of customer care.  We automatically shop your policies every year at renewal to make sure you are getting the best “bang for your buck” and are adequately covered.  We don’t SELL you insurance, we help you BUY insurance and peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected when the time comes.

Visit our Quotes Page to get Started!

What is the Benefit of Using an Independent Insurance Agency?

The Dickerson Agency is your local and trusted Independent Insurance Agency.

An independent insurance agency allows their agents to shop different insurance companies to find clients the best overall rate for the best coverage to fit their needs and properly protect their quality of life. Independent agents go a step further because they focus more on the client, and less about making a sale. Unlike captive agencies (State Farm, Geico, Allstate), independent agencies have more flexibility when it comes to quoting insurance. Since they work with several different companies, they can shop all of their clients’ insurance needs at once, which in the long run saves people time and money. They also have the flexibility to work with who they want and to sell the kind of product they want, instead of having strict guidelines they have to follow, like at some captive agencies.

 

Another benefit of an independent agency is that they are typically located close by to the majority of their insureds, which allows clients to stop in and develop relationships with their agents over the years. By having constant contact with clients, independent agents are able to understand the needs of the client and advise them on the coverages that are best for them. They also help clients through the changes that happen throughout their lifetime, whether it be a marriage, adding a teen driver to an auto policy, renovating a house, or starting a business. Being located in a specific location allows independent agencies to get involved in their community and give back to other business, schools, and to the general population of the community. It also allows them to be aware of what is going on in their community and the needs of the people in it.

 

If you are not familiar with insurance lingo then making changes to your policy, going through the claims process, or just dealing with everyday information can seem frustrating and overwhelming. Independent agents can take the time to walk their clients step-by-step through any process or problem that comes up that the client may not understand. The last thing that an agent wants is for the client to be confused, so they use their platform and knowledge of the insurance industry to guide and help people who may not know specifics about buying a home for the first time and how insurance ties into it, when to shop their auto insurance, if they need an umbrella policy, or any other scenario that may arise.

Why Does My Insurance Rate Keep Increasing?!

Why Does my Auto Insurance Rate Keep Increasing?

One question our clients ask us frequently is, Why has my auto insurance rate increased? It can be frustrating to see a drastic increase, or even a slight increase in your premium, when you have nothing against your driving record and you make your payments on time. What you may not know about are the external factors at work that affect your rate based on the area you live in, as well as the overall behaviors and patterns of the general population as a whole.

The State you Live In: Auto insurance rates have been increasing throughout the entire country over the last few years, especially in Georgia where rates have almost doubled what they are in other states. This dramatic increase is due to the total number of accidents that occur because people are out on the roads more often and they are driving longer distances. This leads to a higher number of personal claims, as well as an increase in the severity of the claims being filed. The overall cost of claims that insurance companies are having to pay out are increasing because of the higher costs of medical care as well as higher costs to repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

Where you live: The area that you reside in can also affect your auto rate. For instance, if you live in a highly populated area, then there is “assumed risk” while you’re driving that an accident is more likely to occur. Your insurance company may raise your rate due to the uncertainty of what might happen to you on the road based on where you are driving, and how many miles you are driving. Since people are driving more and for longer distances, the amount that insurance companies are having to pay out in claims continues to increase throughout the year. Even if you are an excellent driver with no claims, companies raise rates to help cover the cost of claims they are having to cover.

Distracted Driving: Cell phone use and other unsafe practices behind the wheel also contribute to an increase in auto rates because they are responsible for a higher percentage of accidents than in previous years, which leads to more claims filed due to distracted driving. The more that technology advances, the more apps and information drivers have to be distracted by, so a driver’s focus isn’t solely on the road or paying close attention to others around them. Texting and talking on the phone are not the only threats that smartphones pose, using GPS and other apps such as Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter also divert drivers’ attention.

Technology:  It is constantly being improved and updated on cars, and the cost to replace and repair cars has gone up dramatically.  Imagine a minor bumper scratch or dent just a few years ago, versus one today where there are cameras and sensors on every angle of a bumper.  If those systems are damaged or need to be replaced, it costs a bit more to repair than just the bumper alone.  New technology and systems are being integrated daily, and you can bet that even though some of the advances are there to keep you safe, they can also add to the amount of an accident claim in the end.

How We can Help: We at the Dickerson Agency will help you shop and buy the best coverage that will protect your quality of life, should a claim occur. With insurance companies raising rates for auto insurance, we are constantly looking for the best rates that will keep our insured’s adequately covered if they are in an accident. If you have any questions about your rate, or would like a second opinion on your current coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our amazing agents, and we will be happy to help you!

 

http://time.com/money/4706657/auto-insurance-rates-distracted-driving-smartphones/

https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance-rate-increases-georgia

https://quotewizard.com/auto-insurance/why-did-my-car-insurance-rates-go-up

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buckle-up-car-insurance-rates-are-set-to-soar/

The Importance of Renters Insurance

The Importance of Renters Insurance

If you live in a rental home or apartment, chances are you don’t have the proper insurance. Despite the fact that rented homes are more likely to be burglarized than owner-occupied properties, nearly 60 percent of renters don’t have a renters policy.

 

Why does it matter?

 

“If you rent a house or apartment and think that your landlord is financially responsible when there is a fire, theft or other catastrophe—think again,” warns the Insurance Information Institute*. “Your landlord may have insurance to protect the building you are living in. But your landlord’s policy won’t replace your personal possessions or pay for your living expenses while the building is being repaired. The only way to protect yourself financially against disasters is to buy a renters insurance policy.”

Renters insurance covers your possessions, liability and additional living expenses. Let’s take a look at these three types of protection:

 

Possessions

Standard renters insurance protects your personal belongings against damage from fire, smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm, water and other disasters listed in the policy. Floods and earthquakes are not covered.

To decide how much insurance to buy, you need to know the value of all your personal possessions—including furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, kitchen utensils and even towels and bedding. The easiest way to figure this out is to create a home inventory, a detailed list of all of your personal possessions and their estimated value.

There are two types of renters insurance policies for your possessions:

 

  • Actual Cash Value pays to replace your possessions minus an amount for depreciation (the reduction in the value of items due to age and use) up to the limit of your policy.
  • Replacement Cost pays the full cost of replacing your possessions (with no deduction for depreciation), up to the limit of your policy. The price of Replacement Cost coverage is about 10 percent more than Actual Cash Value coverage, but can be well worth the additional cost.

 

Note that a standard renters policy offers only limited coverage for items such as jewelry, silver, furs, etc. If you own property that exceeds these limits, it is recommended that you supplement your policy with a floater. A floater is a separate policy that provides additional insurance for your valuables and covers them for perils not included in your policy such as accidental loss.

 

Liability

Standard renters insurance policies also provide liability protection in the event you or members of your familiar cause injury to others or damage their property.  It also pays for damage your pets cause.

If you are sued, the liability portion of a renters policy may pay for both the cost of defending you in court and for court awards, up to the limit of the policy. Liability limits generally start at about $100,000. Your policy may also provide No-Fault Medical coverage. If visitors are injured in your home, regardless of fault, you can submit their medical bills directly to your insurance company. You can generally get $1,000 to $5,000 worth of this coverage. It does not however, pay medical bills for your own family or your pets.

 

Additional Living Expenses

Many people are pleasantly surprised to learn that Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage is typically included in a renters insurance policy. If the home or apartment you are renting is damaged or destroyed and you need to live elsewhere while it is being repaired or rebuilt, renters insurance will cover your additional living expenses—namely the difference between your regular living expenses and the additional costs incurred by having to live away from your home, such as hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals, etc.

 

Need help deciding what coverage is best for you? Contact us today!

*Insurance Information Institute, September 30, 2009

The Gift of Security, an Auto-Owners Holiday Tip on Life Insurance and Grandparents

Christmas is for children but sometimes those children can be a challenge for grandparents looking for Christmas and Holiday gift ideas when the grandchildren have every toy/gadget/electronic item on the market.  This is where Life Insurance comes into play.

  • What about the “gift” of insurability?  Purchasing life insurance for a child in their early years helps protect the child’s insurability for the future.
  • Policies for children are less strict and usually require an application only.
  • Insurance costs much less for children than adults.
  • Permanent Life Insurance policies build cash value that can be used for:
    • Emergency needs
    • College funding or retirement savings
  • A grandparent can save money on their home and auto insured with Auto-Owners with the addition of a Life Multi-Policy Discount (grandparent must be the owner of the policy to qualify).  These savings could possibly pay for most of the grandchild’s life insurance premium, if not all of it!

So if you’re looking for a last minute gift for your grandchildren or scratching your head trying to decide what to buy your grandchildren, here is a gift that won’t be out of style next year or broken in six months.  Life insurance is a gift they most likely don’t have.  And, while the grandchild may not appreciate the policy now, they will one day!

Call or email us today, and the Dickerson Agency will help you buy the right coverage!

Insuring Valuables for the Holidays!

Make sure you insure your gifts and valuables this holiday season!

With the Holiday Season upon us, there is usually a lot of gift giving going around.  What a lot of people don’t realize, is that some of these gifts are items that you need to make sure are insured on your Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance policy.  Will you receive jewelry this holiday season ,or a flat screen tv and surround sound system?  If so, you’ll want to make sure your policies have adequate coverage in the event of a disaster or if an unfortunate circumstance arrives at your door.  This is why insuring valuables is so important.

We recommend that you revisit your policies after the holidays, and any other big event where large gifts are received, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc…  You’ll want to call your agent at the Dickerson Agency and let us help you buy the right coverage to add to your policies. Revisiting your policies can often lead to lowered premiums as well, and we’ll shop around for you to find you the right coverage.  Insuring valuables has never been easier.

We’ll help you make sure that you and your new items are well protected from any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Keep in mind, that it is always good to do a yearly inventory on your possessions, and make sure your list of items is up to date.  This can be done through photos and video, or even some downloadable apps on your phone such as Encircle and The Home Inventory App.

Have a happy and safe Holiday Season from all of us here at the Dickerson Agency!

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Dickerson Agency
3745 Cherokee Street NW
Ste 101
Kennesaw, GA 30144
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(770) 424-6762
kim@dickersonagency.com

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