Can Boat Insurance Replace a Stolen Boat?

Posted on March 28, 2025March 23, 2025 by admin

As the boating season draws near, our team of experienced insurance professionals at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, is committed to ensuring you and your boat are protected both on and off the water. The lake may be your sanctuary, a place where you can unwind, let your guard down, and appreciate the beautiful view as you drift away from the shore and the day-to-day challenges of life. However, like your car or house, your boat is an asset and is not immune to real-world problems such as theft, damage, and liability-related issues.

Like your other assets, your boat needs protection from liability and theft. You might wonder if the boat or watercraft insurance can cover the costs of replacing a stolen boat. While we can’t provide specific advice, we can guide you on what watercraft insurance generally covers in the event of boat theft. For more specialized support, feel free to contact us.

Does Boat Insurance Cover a Stolen Boat?

Depending on the comprehensiveness of your boat insurance coverage, it may cover the costs associated with replacing a stolen boat. However, you’ll need to review the terms of your insurance to be certain. Not every boat insurance policy offers this coverage, but comprehensive watercraft insurance policies potentially do.

If you’re unsure whether your policy covers theft, contact our office, and we can help you understand your insurance policy’s coverage.

Get in Touch with Birdsong!

For more information on how to protect your boat, reach out to Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA!

Will My HOA Require Me to Have Flood Insurance?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 20, 2025 by admin

When an area is designated as a flood zone, many entities may require you to have flood insurance. Flood insurance is necessary for every home that’s in a flood zone, but it’s also needed for homes outside of these zones. The Homeowners Association (HOA) is just one entity that might require you to have this insurance, just as some mortgage lenders would require it if you live in a flood zone. To be in a flood zone, you may have as little as a 1% chance of flooding, but that’s enough to make it imperative that you get this coverage. Call us at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA to get started.

Understanding Flood Zones

A flood zone measures areas’ likelihood of flooding in any given year. They are marked with the number of years that could be expected between floods, such as 25 or 50 years. If your home is in one of these zones, you may have several requirements that apply to you. Getting certain mortgages in these zones requires flood insurance. An HOA will likely require it as well. This protects the neighborhood from flooded and abandoned homes because the cost is too high to fix. In some cases, the HOA would want to have its name on the policy as well as yours in case it needed funds after a flood.

Flood Insurance Outside Flood Zones

It’s unlikely that an HOA would require flood insurance outside of a flood zone. However, it’s still important to have this insurance. Any area can flood, and it doesn’t only happen inside the designated zones. Without flood insurance, a flood can be a financial catastrophe. Avoid this by keeping your home covered.

Get Flood Insurance in Snellville

Call us at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA to get started.

Exclusions to Life Insurance Policies

Posted on January 24, 2025January 23, 2025 by admin

Understanding policy limits for life insurance can sometimes be challenging if you’re not familiar with the type of policy you have. If you already have a life insurance policy or are considering purchasing one, it’s important to be aware of all the exclusions. At Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, we help guide you through the various life insurance policies and their exclusions.

What Exclusions Do Life Insurance Policies Have?

Exclusions are clauses in life insurance policies that exempt you from receiving a payout. Many life insurance policies have specific exclusions, but these may vary from company to company. Here are some of the common life insurance policy exclusions:

Suicide – Many policies exclude suicide, but some may have a timeframe of two years before the policy is eligible for a payout.
Military – Death while serving in the military is often excluded or has limited coverage.
Illegal Activities – Deaths that result from illegal activities are not covered under any circumstances.
Hazardous jobs – Jobs that involve high risk are either limited or excluded from plans.
Substance Abuse – Death due to an overdose is not eligible for life insurance policy payouts.
Risky hobbies – Those with risky hobbies that could result in death are limited or excluded from life insurance policies.
Pre-existing Conditions – Some life insurance policies will not accept death resulting from pre-existing conditions.

How to Avoid Exclusions

Be sure to carefully read through your entire policy, as it can help save you from a costly mistake. In addition, consulting an agent, such as one of our professionals at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, can help you find a policy that works for you. If you don’t find a life insurance policy that suits your needs, you can alternatively check different agencies, as some may cover certain exclusions.

Why basic auto insurance may not be the right choice for you

Posted on December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by admin

In Georgia, the minimum requirement for auto insurance is basic liability coverage of 25/50/25. This includes $25,000 for injuries to the first person injured in an accident, $50,000 for all injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. At Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, we work closely with our customers to ensure they have the best coverage for their needs.

Additional Coverage for Loans or Leases

If you have an auto loan or lease, you’ll be required to carry additional coverage to protect the vehicle. This includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

Why Basic Liability May Not Be Enough

Basic liability coverage may not provide adequate protection if you have substantial assets. Given the high cost of medical treatment, you could be left with a large medical bill to pay out of pocket. If you have significant assets, consider getting an umbrella policy.

The Need for Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Collision and comprehensive coverage protect your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident for which you’re responsible or from various non-collision events. Basic insurance may suffice if you can afford to replace your vehicle or manage without it. However, if you rely on your vehicle for daily activities and don’t have a large cash reserve, insurance to repair or replace your vehicle can make a significant difference. Remember, you’ll need to pay a deductible, which you choose when you take out your policy.

Contact Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, to discuss your auto insurance needs with one of our independent insurance agents.

Boat Insurance Coverage for Navigational Equipment

Posted on November 25, 2024November 21, 2024 by admin

Navigational equipment is susceptible to theft and damage, particularly if it’s visible or uncovered when your boat is unattended. It’s advisable to seek insurance protection to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the essential equipment.

Usage of Navigational Equipment

The navigational equipment you use is crucial in ensuring your safety while operating your boat and guiding you during each boating excursion.

Consider how frequently you use the equipment and how challenging it would be to operate your boat without it.

If losing one or more navigational devices would hinder your ability to use your boat as usual, consider adding the navigational equipment to your existing boat insurance policy.

Storage for the Equipment

Do you have a secure place to store navigational equipment when not used? If not, you might want to devise a storage plan to protect the equipment.

If any of the equipment is installed on your boat, covering it when not in use can reduce the risk of damage or theft.

When you’re ready to add the navigational equipment to your insurance policy, be prepared to provide information about how you plan to use and store it.

Also, have the model number for each piece of equipment ready. This information could influence how your boat insurance policy is prepared.

Contact an Insurance Agent in Snellville, GA

Contact one of our agents from Birdsong Agency Inc. for assistance with insuring the navigational equipment you own and plan to use during upcoming boat outings.

Everything You Need to Know About Classic Car Insurance

Posted on October 21, 2024October 18, 2024 by admin

A classic vehicle needs to be insured like any other car, except for specialized coverage. Classic car insurance is designed for vehicles that fall under the vintage or antique scope. Classic policies often cover more than standard car insurance but have higher premiums. If you’re unsure if classic car insurance suits you, contact an agent at our Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA.

What Classic Car Insurance Covers

One would want classic car insurance for their vintage vehicle because the coverage is determined by an agreed value between you and an insurance agency. The coverage will ensure that vehicle owners will get adequate coverage if there is any damage or accidents to the vehicle.

In addition, they include premiums for replacement parts for that specific vehicle. By changing vehicle parts to the same replacement quality, the car doesn’t lose any value, which can be extremely important when protecting the value of classic cars.

Lastly, classic car insurance will include emergency roadside assistance and transportation expense reimbursement. While the standard car insurance has this feature in some policies, this coverage is designed to be more careful when transporting your vehicle.

Are Premiums Higher for Classic Cars?

Premiums are often higher for classic car insurance due to the payout of accidents or replacing spare parts. In addition, some classic cars may not be accepted onto plans or have high premiums due to exceeding certain mileage limits. Before getting classic insurance for your vehicle, you’ll want to discuss coverage in detail with an agent.

How to Get the Right Coverage

A professional at our Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA can help talk to you through specific coverage. We can help research and compare the best options for your vehicle. In addition, we can also help you determine what type of added coverage you may need. That said, all you will need to do is call.

How to Protect Your Motorcycle Accessories

Posted on September 30, 2024September 26, 2024 by admin

Choosing Classic Car Insurance: Understanding What’s at Stake

You’ve finally purchased the custom motorcycle you’ve always dreamed of, complete with stylish accessories that add to its appeal. Unfortunately, while these adornments may make your motorcycle more attractive to you, they may also make it more appealing to thieves in Snellville, GA. Plus, what happens if your prized motorcycle is involved in an accident? Birdsong Agency Inc. is here to guide you on protecting your motorcycle accessories from various risks.

The Importance of Physical Deterrents

If your motorcycle boasts expensive, visually appealing accessories, it’s crucial to implement physical security measures. You can take multiple steps to make it more challenging for thieves to steal your motorcycle or its accessories, such as a disc lock, ground anchor, lock and chain, cover, and tracker installation. While these mitigation strategies can deter potential thieves, they don’t cushion you against accidental damage.

Incorporating Accessory Coverage into Your Insurance Policy

Although comprehensive and collision coverage can cover the cost of some modifications to your motorcycle, they may be subject to limits. Adding optional accessory coverage can help pay to repair or replace your motorcycle’s enhancements due to covered risks. Despite having a deductible for damage to your motorcycle or its parts, you could enjoy expanded coverage worth thousands of dollars. Examples of items and accessories that you could include in an add-on policy are:

Custom wheels, seats, and handlebars
Chrome pieces
Custom paint
Saddlebags and windshield
Electronics

Some insurance policies even permit the inclusion of items like helmets and other protective gear. If your motorcycle is a continuous investment, it’s worth considering this coverage.

Birdsong Agency Inc., catering to residents of Snellville, GA, and nearby communities, can help you tailor a motorcycle insurance policy to protect your custom accessories. Get in touch with us today to start your journey toward better coverage.

Is it a good idea to get a boat/watercraft insurance plan?

Posted on August 30, 2024August 22, 2024 by admin

You may want to own a boat when you live in the Snellville, GA, area. If you are going to purchase a boat when you are here, it will allow you to enjoy the nice weather and access to many lakes and fun boating areas. When looking for a boat, you also need to consider insurance. For various reasons, getting a full boat or watercraft insurance plan here is a good idea.

Ensure the Boat is Covered

A top reason to get a boat insurance plan is to ensure your boat is covered and protected. When you buy a boat, it will quickly become costly to purchase and care for. If you are fully insured, you will have the support you need to replace or repair it in the future.

Protect Against Liability Risks

It is also a good idea to get boat insurance to protect against your liability risks. If you operate a boat, there will always be a chance that you cause an accident and damage. When this occurs, you will need to pay for any remediations. Fortunately, if you are insured with boat coverage, you will have protection against this risk.

Boat or watercraft insurance is always a good idea when looking for coverage in the Snellville, GA, area. If you are shopping for a new insurance plan in this area, you can call our team at Birdsong Agency Inc. to discuss your needs. Our professionals with the Birdsong Agency Inc. are familiar with the needs of boat owners when it comes to insurance. This helps to ensure you are able to build a plan that will properly cover your business.

Preparing for Hurricane Season: Mitigating Flood Risks

Posted on July 30, 2024July 25, 2024 by admin

At Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA, we encourage homeowners to take steps in preparation for hurricane season. Hurricanes can result in flooding and extensive damage. Here are some ways to minimize your risks of water damage and be ready during and after a storm.

Know Your Risks

Risks will vary depending on your regional location and hurricane’ frequency. Near the coast, storm surges are a major risk, while inland properties face heavy winds and rain. Knowing which conditions are most likely to impact your property will help you prepare adequately.

Obtain Flood Insurance

Standard home policies don’t cover storm surge or flood damage. Review your policy, talk to your agent or the National Flood Insurance Program for details, and invest in water and flood coverage.

Get the Property Prepared

Drains and gutters should be cleared before the storm to let water flow freely rather than impeding on your property. Sandbags can be used to divert water. Unplug electronics and elevate furniture using blocks to keep them out of the water.

Create a Safety Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with food and water for a few days. Add toiletries, medication, flashlights, a radio, batteries, a phone charger, and first-aid products. Essential documents, including birth certificates, wills, and insurance papers, should be placed in an airtight bag that can be stored in a watertight space like a washing machine or dishwasher.

Be Prepared for Hurricane and Tropical Storm Flooding

Being ready is only half the battle when storms strike, even with mitigation plans. Should a storm cause flood damage, your National Flood Insurance agent can guide you about how to start processing a claim to get repairs underway. Our team at Birdsong Agency Inc. in Snellville, GA can assist you with getting coverage in place.

When Should You Update Your Life Insurance Policy?

Posted on June 28, 2024June 27, 2024 by admin

Updating insurance policies is something everyone should do when they have changes in their lives. If you haven’t updated your life insurance policy in a while and you’re in the Snellville, GA area, Birdsong Agency Inc. is here to help. We know it can be easy to forget to make policy updates or sometimes to realize that you need to. Our agents want to help you stay adequately protected and up-to-date with all your coverage, including the life policy that helps protect your family.

If you don’t have any changes to your circumstances, reviewing your policy with an agent at least once every year is still a good idea. That helps ensure you have the best coverage for your situation and can also increase your peace of mind. Additionally, you’ll want to contact an agent for an update anytime you have a change that could affect your policy.

That includes anything that might mean a change to your beneficiary, such as a marriage or divorce, along with any reasons you might want to change the limits on your coverage. If you have more children, for example, you might want to increase how much coverage you have. That could also be true if you change careers or move into a field where your opportunities to provide for your family are much higher.

Get in touch with us at Birdsong Agency Inc. today if you’re in the Snellville, GA area and need to update your life insurance policy or get one started. Our dedicated agents will help you feel confident that you have the right type and level of coverage to focus on enjoying your time with friends and family. You’ll always know your loved ones are protected when you keep your policy updated.

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