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710 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535

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Common Reasons To Choose Umbrella Insurance

Owning a home, car, or small business comes with many responsibilities. Unfortunately, it also comes with an increased risk of financial loss. That’s why it is essential to consider investing in umbrella insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones from unexpected events. Here we will discuss why people choose umbrella insurance in Foley, AL, and why a policy from Southern Risk Associates can benefit you. 

What is Umbrella Insurance? 

Umbrella insurance is additional coverage that supplements existing auto, home, or business policies. It offers extra liability protection above and beyond what your base policy covers. This type of insurance can help protect you financially if an accident occurs on your property or someone sues you for damages not covered by your primary policy. 

Common Reasons People Choose Umbrella Insurance 

1. Accidents Happen:

You never know when a slip-and-fall accident may occur on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. If this happens and the damages exceed the limits of your current policy, umbrella insurance can provide you with additional protection against potential financial losses. 

2. Legal Protection:

If you are sued for any reason, an umbrella policy can cover legal fees and other costs arising from defending yourself in court. It can also offer additional coverage if a court awards the plaintiff more money than what was covered by your primary policy limits. 

3. Additional Coverage:

Umbrella policies often provide additional coverage, such as libel and slander, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and certain watercraft liability coverage. This means that even if these items are not included in your primary policy, an umbrella policy may still cover them, depending on the terms of the contract. 

Give Us A Call

If you want more information about this type of coverage or want to explore options available in the Foley, AL region, contact us at Southern Risk Associates today.

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

Taking your RV to a national park can be an amazing experience, but it also requires some preplanning and preparation. Here are some tips from us at Southern Risk Associates to help ensure everyone in the Foley, AL area has the best possible adventure.

Tips for taking your RV to a national park

1. Make sure your RV is in good condition before you set off. Have all necessary repairs and maintenance taken care of in advance so you won’t run into any unexpected problems while on the road. 

2. Plan out your route ahead of time and make reservations for campsites at each stop along the way. Many parks have strict rules about staying only at designated campsites, so it’s important to know exactly where you’ll be staying when you arrive. 

3. Pack wisely; consider bringing along items like cooking supplies, water containers, extra fuel, first aid kits, and flashlights just in case of emergency situations. 

4. Bring maps of the area with you for reference when exploring the park and its attractions; this will help ensure that you don’t get lost during your visit!  Paper maps are helpful if you visit an area without cell service.

5. Leave no trace behind; make sure to practice responsible waste management by disposing of all garbage properly in designated areas or packing it out with you when leaving the park. 

Make Sure To Get RV Coverage

Following these simple tips will help ensure that your next RV trip to a national park is safe and enjoyable! For more tips, give Southern Risk Associates a call today. We proudly serve the Foley, AL area and would be pleased to help you get the coverage you need to protect your RV. Happy travels!

Should You Winterize a Motorcycle When It Is Not Being Ridden During the Winter Months?

At Southern Risk Associates, we are pleased to offer residents in the greater Foley, AL area with motorcycle insurance. We want to do everything we can to help you stay safe while riding your bike and to help protect your bike when it is not being ridden. If you plan on putting your bike away for the winter months, you may wonder if you should winterize your motorcycle, or if this is something that really does not need to be done. Read on as we provide you with an answer. 

Should You Winterize a Motorcycle When It Is Not Being Ridden During the Winter Months?

It is strongly recommended that you winterize your motorcycle if you do not plan on driving it for a couple of months or longer during the winter months. When you winterize your bike, you help to prevent the fluids from freezing. As fluids freeze, the fluid expands, which can crack the reservoirs that hold the fluids.

Winterizing your bike also helps to prevent fluids from turning sludge-like as they just sit there unused. Lastly, winterizing your bike helps to keep your bike in tip-top shape so your bike will be in good condition once winter weather dissipates. 

Contact Us Today

Winterizing your motorcycle helps to protect your bike from freezing fluids and from the bike being damaged when it is not being ridden during the winter months. Once the weather warms up, and you are ready to ride your bike, your bike will be good to go. If you are looking to change your existing motorcycle insurance policy or purchase a new one, the team at Southern Risk Associates, serving the greater Foley, AL area, can help. Reach out to us now to learn more. 

Reasons to Buy Boat Insurance When Your Boat is in Storage

The law does not compel boaters in Foley, AL to purchase boat insurance; however, most lenders will require that you do so. In addition, many marinas make it mandatory that boat owners carry insurance before being allowed to use their facilities.

Why Boat Insurance When Your Boat is in Storage?

One common misconception Foley, AL boaters sometimes have is that their boats don’t need to be insured when they are in storage. For this reason, it’s important to evaluate coverage of other policies to see if you’re exposed to risk.

It is possible that a homeowners policy will cover a small vessel, but it often has to be one that is under a certain size, such as a canoe. Sailboats that travel under 25 miles per hour may also be included, but even so, this coverage is usually limited. 

A separate boat policy can be tailored to fit the exact parameters of your circumstances, and a Southern Risk Associates representative can help with your specific needs in this area. 

For example, larger boats can be subject to severe loss in the event that the storage facility catches fire. While in storage, your boat can experience damage due to windstorms, hail, hurricanes, or tornadoes. You can also be a target of theft of accessories, personal effects, or costly equipment. 

In addition, your watercraft may be exposed to mold or insects that can wreak havoc or even to burrowing animals who can chew through wires or other vital electronics. There is also the risk of people being injured on the boat while performing due diligence and the medical bills that can ensue.  

Get Boat Insurance Today

Make sure to contact Southern Risk Associates with your questions about boat insurance. We can help in your situation and invite you to call, visit us online, or stop by the office in person. 

What is a full timers motorhome policy?

The typical RV insurance from Southern Risk Associates protects you and your recreational vehicle while you travel in it. That type of RV policy protects your vehicle while you drive it around Foley, AL and on road trips. When you retire and decide to use your RV, also called a motorhome, as a permanent home, you need to upgrade to a full timers motorhome policy.

What a Full Timers Policy Offers

Although both types of policy protect your home on wheels, the full-timer’s policy adds coverage, such as added liability coverage. It protects your RV with full coverage, offering both comprehensive and collision protection.

When you live in your motorhome full-time, you typically park it in a single spot served by electrical and water hookups. This means you drive it less, but you also may host guests more often. Once you park it in one spot, you usually make friends with neighbors and host dinners or parties, just as you would in a traditional single-family home. That increases the liability you incur because you raise the risk of an accident in which you would incur fault.

Updating your motorhome insurance to a full-timers policy provides you with the needed protection though. You can add additional living expenses coverage to this policy, so if damage does occur to your RV, for instance, in a hail storm, your insurance pays for your hotel room while you get the RV fixed.

You can also add special coverage for expensive valuables that you keep with you, such as your mountain bikes or jewelry. The full-timers policy essentially offers protection like a home insurance policy.

Give Us A Call

Contact Southern Risk Associates in Foley, AL today to learn how to update your motorhome policy for your new way of life. Let us help you protect your traveling home.

Benefits of Flood Insurance

Many people believe that flooding is only susceptible to high-risk areas. That is not true, as flooding can occur in any area where a downpour is a possibility. 

It’s prudent to consider buying flood insurance from Southern Risk Associates in Foley, AL if your home is situated in a location vulnerable to floods, either through melting snow or water flowing down a steep hill. Unfortunately, many think of flood insurance only when a meteorologist announces a warning of a looming surge. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike, – consult with us today to get more information about this vital coverage.

Here Are Some Benefits of Having Flood Insurance:

Protection of assets

Have you ever assessed how much your home and all its possessions cost? Given that your dwelling is one of the most precious investments in your lifetime, it requires prolific protection from impending calamities. Flood insurance provides coverage for your house, including the roof, wall, and other permanent fixtures.

To safeguard your family and loved ones

Home is regarded as a comfort zone housing our lovely families and pets. Floods can be disastrous, often relegating your loved ones to homelessness. To ensure your family members are protected when disaster strikes, flood insurance from Southern Risk Associates can be an essential component.

Provision of peace of mind

Floods are devastating havoc that can strike anytime, culminating in insurmountable damage. Destruction can affect the prevailing dwelling and the contents stored in them. Discarding these worries and inculcating peace of mind can only be realized by purchasing flood insurance that will offer guaranteed protection when these abrupt and unforeseen events crop up.

Get Flood Insurance Today

If you are looking for this important coverage, get in touch with our agents at Southern Risk Associates in Foley, AL. Our experienced agents will help you with drafting customized flood insurance in line with your unique needs.

Why You Need Full Coverage Car Insurance

If you live in the Foley, AL area, you know the roads can be unpredictable. From severe weather to construction and everything in between, it’s crucial to have full coverage car insurance.

Here’s why:

Liability Protection

If you cause an accident, the full car insurance coverage will protect you from paying out of pocket for the damages. Whether it’s property damage or bodily injury, your insurance will cover the costs up to your policy limit. Also, the full car insurance coverage will help pay for your legal fees if you’re sued.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection

Unfortunately, not everyone has car insurance. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, you could be stuck footing the bill for the damages. Full coverage car insurance will protect you in this situation, as well as if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage.

A Southern Risk Associates representative can help you determine the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Collision Coverage

If you’re in an accident, collision coverage will help pay to repair your car regardless of who is at fault. This protection is significant if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an incident that’s not a collision. This can include damage from severe weather, theft, vandalism, or hitting an animal.

Contact Us Today

Full coverage car insurance is a must if you live in the Foley, AL area. Contact Southern Risk Associates today for a free quote. We’ll make sure you’re properly protected on the road.

FAQs about condo insurance

You may think that condo insurance is just another name for home insurance,  but there are subtle differences between a home and a condo and the same is true for insurance. Southern Risk Associates in Foley, AL is a locally owned independent insurance agency that puts customer service and our customers first. We will find you the perfect policy at a price you can live with. 

Do I need condo insurance?

If you have a mortgage, your lender will require you to have condo insurance. Having condo insurance may be required by your condo association. The state of Alabama does not require that you have condo insurance but it is a very good idea to have it. 

What does the condo association master policy cover?

The condo association master policy covers the exterior of the building and the common areas. Common areas include things such as parking lots, a pool, a gym, elevators, and interior corridors. It includes liability coverage for the common areas as well as property insurance. 

Does a condo policy have any exclusions?

The exclusions on a condo policy are similar to those of a home. You are not covered for flooding, earthquakes, sinkholes, landslides, sewer backup, owner neglect, infestations by rodents, termites, other pests, mold, and normal wear and tear. It will also not cover certain breeds of dogs. 

Will I have a loss of use coverage?

Most condo insurance policies will include loss of use coverage, but be sure to read your policy carefully to be sure. If you have the coverage, it will allow you to get a temporary place to stay and may pay for some meals if you don’t have a way to cook. 

Give Us A Call

Contact Southern Risk Associates in Foley, AL to discuss the benefits of condo insurance and why it is something you need. 

How To Avoid Common Home Accidents

Your home should be a place of safety and security. It should provide a place of comfort, where you can relax, and where you and your family can be shielded from the outside world.

But when we’re in our homes, we are often less careful than we are when we’re outside. We might take more risks or be less vigilant about safety because we’re comfortable, leading to costly and sometimes deadly accidents. The experts at Southern Risk Associates want to keep Foley, AL safe at home, so we’ve put together this list of safety tips for you and your family. 

How To Avoid Common Home Accidents

Falls are responsible for more than half of fatal home accidents

Prevent falls by making sure the floor is well-maintained and free of clutter. Keep them dry. Use a sturdy step stool to reach high shelves or appliances. Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom and tub, especially for people with mobility issues.

Avoid fires by making sure electrical appliances are properly grounded

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room of your home. Install a carbon monoxide detector and ensure you know how to use it. Do not leave open flames unattended. Also, do not leave cooking food alone. Keep fire extinguishers accessible and test them regularly.

Young children are most likely poisoned by cleaning products and other toxic household chemicals

Keep cleaning products out of reach and keep them locked up. Do not store them in the same place as food or medications. Batteries need to be stored out of space as well.

Choking is the 4th leading cause of accidental death in America

Children need to be instructed to chew their food thoroughly before swallowing. Toys should be regularly checked for loose parts.

Contact Us Today

Accidents can happen anytime. Protect your family with a home insurance policy from Southern Risk Associates of Foley, AL.

Are There Any Age Limits For Recreational Insurance?

The cost of recreation insurance can be pretty steep, especially for a young driver, since insurers see them as an enormous risk. This is why as a young person in Foley, AL, you might want to stay under your parents’ recreational insurance for as long as possible. However, you are likely worried that are age limits for recreational insurance. 

Are There Any Age Limits For Recreational Insurance? 

1. There Are No Age Limits, but a Condition Exists

Firstly, you should know that you don’t have to worry because there are no age limits for recreational insurance. Therefore, you can enjoy being under your parent’s policy for as long as you want as long as you abide by the following condition; live full time in the same house as your parents. Generally, any recreational insurance providers will actually require that you share the same policy with your parents if you reside in the same house. This is because they assume that you will be driving your parent’s car regularly even if you don’t drive it that regularly.

2. What Happens if I Leave My Parents’ Home?

This is among the most common questions we at Southern Risk Associates get from our clients about recreational insurance and living arrangements. If you leave home, you can still be under your parent’s recreational insurance policy if you are still their dependent. For example, if you leave home to go to college, you are still dependent on your parents, and technically you still live with them. However, you can still opt to get your own recreational insurance. 

On the other hand, if you leave your parents’ home and stop being dependent on them, you should get your own recreational insurance. This is because your claim could be denied in case of an accident, even if you were driving your parents’ vehicle. 

Do you need more info on recreational insurance in Foley, AL? Contact us at Southern Risk Associates for trusted help.

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