Author: AgentInsure

Will DIY Fixes Affect Your Insurance?

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DIY fixes are just part of owning a house. Even if you have the cash to hire a pro every single time you need something done, if you know how to replace a window, why would you sit in the draft all weekend waiting for a repairman to come by? A worthwhile concern: What DIY fixes will and will not affect your insurance rates?

No matter what sort of policy you have, whether you buy from Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. or you throw a dart at the insurance section of the yellow pages, you’re looking at essentially the same deal: If you need a permit or a license, you’d better call your insurer about it, first.

This is, of course, only a general rule of thumb, and there are plenty of exceptions, but more often than not this guideline holds true. If a project is big enough or delicate enough that licensing and permits are in order, then you need to talk to your insurer to make sure that it’s covered. This means things like building additional rooms onto a home, taking whole walls out of the house to expand a room, installing all new wiring and so on.

The problem that many homeowners run into is when their home suffers damages because of their own repair work. When a home owner installs a new bathtub without telling their insurer, and they seal it improperly, causing the flooring underneath to rot, the insurer is typically not going to cover that, for obvious reasons. On the other hand, you’re unlikely to have your insurer deny your claim for a house fire because you installed a new set of cabinet doors.

In short: If there’s any paperwork involved, just make sure your provider gets a copy.
 

Boosting Policy Limits Minimizes Risk

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Georgia’s mandatory minimum liability insurance policy limits are $25,000 for injuries for one person, $50,000 maximum for more than one person and $25,000 for property damage.  The only thing that a driver with minimum liability insurance might be safe on is property damage coverage.  For purposes of an accident being your fault and somebody suffering serious personal injury, minimum liability coverage is woefully insufficient.  That’s why you want to boost your policy limits and limit the risk to you and your family.

Costs of medical care are astronomical.  A serious leg fracture, a night at the emergency room, closed reduction surgery on the fracture, hospitalization, and physical therapy are sure to cost more than $25,000.  Then there’s the issue of the hardware that was implanted in the victim’s leg for life, permanent pain and discomfort and a limp.  The value of a lawsuit against you can easily reach $100,000, and you’re on the hook for that $75,000 excess.  That’s exactly what you want to protect yourself and your family against, especially if you own a home.  Also consider the fact that the more drivers that you have in your family, the more the risk of a serious accident increases.

You can afford to increase your automobile liability policy limits to at least $100,000 a year.  The difference in premiums is rather insignificant, and by increasing your deductible, your auto insurer will probably absorb most of that premium increase anyway.  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. services Woodstock, GA and all of Georgia.  He’s an independent insurance agent who can line you up with any number of reputable and established auto insurers.  Peter will do the shopping for you, and you can decide on what coverage fits your interests best.

If A Tree Fell…Would Home Insurance Cover The Damage?

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The recent devastation of Hurricane Matthew has a lot of residents of Woodstock, GA contacting us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. and asking about falling tree damage to their home. It is an understandable concern and one that must be fully understood before making an insurance claim.

Most Policies Will Cover Falling Damage…Usually

While most home insurance policies will cover damage to your home caused by a falling tree, there are certain limitations which apply. For example, you must pay your deductible before insurance will cover anything. So if the damage repair cost is lower than the deductible, you will receive no coverage.

Coverage will also be denied if the tree fell due to neglect on your part, such as failure to maintain the tree’s health or removing it if it was dead. The tree must have fallen due to no-fault of yours, such as during the extreme weather conditions of a hurricane. Tree removal is also not covered if your home wasn’t damaged by the falling tree.

Coverage For A Neighbor’s Falling Tree Is More Complex

If your home is damaged by a neighbor’s falling tree, your home insurance policy is likely to cover the damage. The same is true if a tree from your property falls and damages their house. However, if neglect is proven in either case, home insurance will not cover the damage. These unfortunate situations often result in lawsuits, so it is best to work with your neighbor to keep your trees in great health.

Contact Us Today

If you live in Woodstock, GA and suffered from falling tree damage to your home after a severe storm, please contact us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. We can help you understand your rights and get you the insurance coverage that you deserve.

Dealing with Teen Auto Insurance in Woodstock, GA

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If you live in the city of Woodstock, GA, you should familiarize yourself with auto insurance policies in the state of Georgia. If you have a teen who is about to start driving in this state, you will want to know exactly what you need to do and what auto insurance policies you should know about that can help you in this situation.

Dealing with the knowledge that your teenager is soon going to be behind the wheel of a car can be stressful enough without having to think about the insurance aspect. This is why it is important to be as well versed as possible when it comes to auto insurance for teens. Georgia teenagers who are driving with their instructional permits and being supervised by a licensed adult do not need to have their own auto insurance policies. However, they will need auto insurance when they start driving on their own. Most of the time, families will add teens to their existing policies. The risk of an accident is significantly higher for a teen driver when compared to that for an adult driver, and this is particularly true during the first year that the teen is driving. However, there are few things that you can do to help minimize auto insurance costs. You can raise your deductibles so that the premiums are lower, walking the discounts that are offered by the company, share vehicles within your household, and avoid SUVs and sports cars. Additionally, be as involved as you can with the learning process, and make sure that your teen gets as much practice behind the wheel as possible. 

If you are interested in learning more about how auto insurance applies to a new teenage driver and other aspects of auto insurance in the state of Georgia, you should contact the professionals at Peter Laczko Insurance, Inc. The insurance agents at Peter Laczko Insurance, Inc. will be able to tell you everything you wanted to know about auto insurance and answer any questions that you may have about how this coverage applies to you as a resident of Woodstock, GA.

What You Need to Know Before Your Next Vehicle Inspection

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Whether you are new to the state of Georgia or have been a long-time resident, annual vehicle inspections are part of ongoing automobile maintenance.  In fact, if your inspection is not current, you will not be able to renew your vehicle registration.  And for both vehicle inspections and registration, you must provide proof of insurance.  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. services Woodstock, GA and can help you find the right policy so that you are prepared for your next vehicle inspection.

The Vehicle Inspection Process

In Georgia, the vehicle inspection process includes at least three smog and emissions related tests.  And if your vehicle is older than the model year 1995, additional testing is also required.  There primary tests include:

  • The on-board diagnostic (OBD), to test emissions control performance.
  • The fuel cap inspection to ensure there is an adequate seal.
  • The catalytic converter inspection checks for removal or interference.

These tests are not required for some eco-friendly vehicles such as those that run on battery electricity, natural gas, propane, or hydrogen.

Tips to Ensure Your Vehicle Passes Inspection

It is recommended by Georgia’s Clean Air Force that vehicles inspections are done at least four to six weeks before it is time to renew registration so that there is time to fix any issues.  To ensure your vehicle passes, follow these guidelines:

  • Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance recommendations.
  • Change oil regularly.
  • Secure fuel cap after filling up with gasoline.
  • Keep tires inflated.

With proper care and current insurance, a passing inspection should be simple.  If it is time to consider a new insurance policy, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. of Woodstock, GA.  Our independent insurance agents will help you find the policy that best fits your needs and budget. 

 

What Are The Essentials For RV Living?

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Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. has compiled a list of the essentials for recreational living. For the sake of length and time, the musts for any RV life are grouped as follows:

  • The Kitchen:  Cookware, dishware, silverware, storage containers, cooking utensils, sandwich bags, garbage bags, baking soda, vinegar, seasonings, coffee/tea pot (or maker),  micro blender, mini chopper, foil, wax paper, mixing bowl, can opener and skewers.
  • Linens: Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows), towels (bath, hand, kitchen, etc.), oven mitts, pot holders, and bath mat.
  • Miscellaneous: Fire extinguisher, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, dish soap, and toiletries (shaver, toothbrush, mouthwash, hair brush, shampoo, and conditioner), work gloves, rubber gloves (when emptying black and gray water), cleaning wipes, rags/shop towels, window cleaner, ant spray, moth balls or cedar chips, binoculars and playing cards.
  • Survival: Matches (waterproof), eye glass repair kit, umbrella, hats, road flares, bug spray, citronella, maps, GPS, compass, field guides, hunting knife, batteries, flashlight, solar charging system, roadside emergency reflective vest, fishing line, bottled water, water purification tablets, and a rain poncho.
  • Tools: Bungee cords, toolbox (including a hammer, nails, screws, soldering gun, wrench, socket set, wire cutters), duct tape, white hose (meant to use on refilling water tank), folding shovel, ax, caulk/caulking gun, and goggles.
  • Equipment: Tankless portable air compressor, bicycle, walkie-talkies, portable folding chairs and table, cordless drill, folding step stool, ladder, broom, dustpan, portable vacuum, digital AV adapter, extension cord, and hand saw
  • First-Aid: First-Aid kit (full size) plus aspirin, antacid, Benadryl, sunscreen, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil. 

Using cast iron cookware can be used inside, and out on the BBQ, but too many pieces can be less that kind with regards to the gas economy. All that is left to pack is food, clothing, recreational equipment and portable entertainment.  Two items often forgotten until needed are a sewing kit and hand-crank radio.

Long term living would tack on other items such as an iron and ironing board, and bringing along pets is another list.  

The most essential for RV living is to have proper insurance coverage, and Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. can help you there.

What Does Home Insurance Actually Do?

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Congratulations! You are about to buy your first home in the Woodstock, GA area. Buying home insurance is one of the items on that must-do list that’s a million things long. Besides being required to purchase it to appease your mortgage company, what does home insurance actually do for you? Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. is here to answer all of your questions and help you purchase the right policy that fits your life and your budget.

Protects Your Largest Investment

If your home is damaged by a storm, a fire or if a vandal destroys a part of the property, home insurance will help you pay to restore the structure and property. Maintaining the home helps to protect its resale value, which ensures that you will enjoy long term benefits of home ownership.

Can Help Replace Possessions

In case of total loss, it’s not just the walls and windows that will need replacing. Your home insurance will help you carry on with life by replacing clothes, furniture, kitchen goods, and electronics.  Talk to your agent about full replacement coverage for exceptional items such as collectibles, jewelry, and valuables.

Provides Shelter

If your home is not habitable after a catastrophic incident, your insurance can help pay for short-term shelter until you can reoccupy your property.

Provides Liability Insurance

Accidents do and will happen. Guests who injure themselves while on your property can have their medical bills and expenses covered, ensuring that your savings account remains intact for true personal emergencies.

If you’d like to learn more about home insurance in the Woodstock, GA area, give the friendly agents a call at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. to set up an informative appointment. We look forward to helping you settle into your new house.

Different Kinds Of Home Insurance Options

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Your home is most likely the largest single investment you’ll ever make. Whether living in Woodstock, GA or anywhere else in the state, it is important to protect this investment. The primary way to do this is to take advantage of home owner’s insurance. There are different kinds of home owners insurance to consider, so before you move forward with implementing one form of coverage for your home, we at Insure Your Toy want to make sure you have the right coverage for your individual financial and personal needs. 

HO-1

The HO-1 is a standard, entry level form of insurance. It provides protection against 10 different problems you may face, including fire/smoke, riots, damage from aircraft, vehicles, vandalism, theft, lightening, explosions and even volcanic eruptions. Now, you probably won’t need to worry about volcanic eruptions in Woodstock, GA, but just about everything else is important. There might be an explosion with the gas line, or someone can break into the house. The vast majority of coverage will come in extremely helpful. 

HO-2

This upgraded policy includes everything you’ll find in the first policy, but adds falling objects, damage from ice, snow and sleet, freezing in your AC unit, breaking of your water pipes and damage from artificially generated electrical currents. Coverage for a burst pipe is valuable, as you never know when a pipe might burst, especially when you are out for the holidays. 

HO-3 and 4

These different kinds of insurance are options you probably will not need. HO-4 is for renting out your home. You’ll want this on top of the other coverage if you do decide to rent your house. HO-3 is the most common form of insurance as it gives the same basic coverage as HO-2, it doesn’t limit coverage and it insured attached structures (such as a deck or other feature you may have added ). This way, everything you own in and around the home is protected. 

5 Reasons New Boat Owners Should Consider Purchasing A Boat Insurance Policy

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People purchase boats for different reasons. Some buy a boat to go fishing and others buy boats for recreational purposes. Whatever the reason, boats are expensive. The best thing that you can do when you purchase a boat is to purchase boat insurance as well. There are several reasons that a boat insurance policy is necessary.

Boat Protection

If your boat is stolen, if it is involved in an accident, or if its contents are damaged, your boat insurance will cover it. A boat is a very expensive investment, therefore, you will need insurance just in case something happens.

Insurance is Required in Some Areas

There are certain areas on the water where you would be required to have boat insurance. Many waterways require you to have boat insurance to pass through and many marinas require that you have insurance to keep your boat there or launch your boat from one of their docks.

Winter Months are Dangerous

Many people who keep their boats at a marina for the winter believe that there is no need to carry insurance during these months. This is not the case. Winter is the time when the most fires, thefts, and floods occur on boats. Also, most of the claims that are filed for vandalism are done so in the summer. It is important to keep your boat protected all year long.

Not All Boater Have Insurance

It is important to have boat insurance because many boaters don’t. If another boat collides with yours and they don’t have insurance, you will want to have your own insurance to cover the damage.

Avoid a Lawsuit

If you cause a boat accident and you don’t have insurance, you could be looking at a very expensive lawsuit. Between the damage to the other boat and any injuries to your passengers and the passengers on the other boat, you could end up owing a great deal of money if you aren’t insured.

If you live in the Woodstock, GA area, and would like to get more information regarding boat insurance quotes and coverage, you should contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc.

How To Plan A Motorcycle Road Trip

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There are all sorts of places you can go by motorcycle and it can be exciting to plan. You can choose to stay within the state of Georgia or go anywhere else in the country. In order to plan your road trip, there are a few things to consider.

Are you driving the whole time?

You don’t have to drive the entire time, so this is something to consider. They make various tow packages so you can drive to your destination and then jump onto your motorcycle. If you are concerned with a long distance trip or don’t want to put a lot of miles onto the bike, this may be a consideration.

Find a group.

There may be a local motorcycle group where you plan on going, whether it’s a national park, the Grand Canyon, or New England. Get in touch with them to see what advice they can give you. It may be a way to make new friends and have some people to ride with.

Get your bike serviced.

Allow time for your bike to go into the garage for servicing before you take off on your road trip. This can ensure your oil is changed and your filter is cleaned. Listen to the mechanic in terms of their recommendations to prepare for your trip.

Map it all out.

Don’t start your trip until you have mapped out everywhere you are going. Identify the roads you will take, the gas stations that are along the way, and where you plan on stopping each night. This will ensure you don’t run into problems once on your way, especially if you lose cell signal at any point, which could happen.

Call us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today to get help finding the right motorcycle insurance policy in Woodstock, Georgia.