Auto Insurance and the Secondhand Car

So it’s not exactly a new car, but it is new to you. It’s in reasonably good condition, and you got it at a bargain, either directly from the previous owner or a used car lot. The important thing is it gets you from point A to point B. Like with any car, you will need to obtain auto insurance. 

Some Good News

Insuring a used car isn’t very expensive. In Mississippi, it’s only $122 a month on average. Frankly, your car has significantly depreciated over time, making it less expensive to repair or even replace. On the other hand, this only applies to collisions and comprehension insurance. Liability insurance will cost as much as it would if your car was a newer model. 

How to Get the Best Deal 

Consider what kind of insurance you need. If your car is very old, you may decide that collision or comprehensive insurance isn’t worth the premiums. It must be noted that liability insurance is compulsory in the state of Mississippi. Of course, increasing your collision and comprehensive insurance may result in savings. Do some research to see if your car is old enough to qualify as a classic or antique. You may require special insurance in that case. As with any purchase, comparison shop and look for discounts.

Insurance Protection Specialists Serving Flowood, MS

If you are in the Flowood, MS area and need insurance for your secondhand car, please contact Insurance Protection Specialists. Our friendly and sagacious agents will aid you in getting the best deal you can get to insure your secondhand car.  

Why your home-based business needs commercial insurance

More entrepreneurs are opting to base their businesses in their homes. It is an excellent financial decision for many reasons, including not having to pay rent to use your home. But, if you think it is a good idea to rely on your home insurance to give you the protection you need, you should reconsider that decision. At Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS, we know that home insurance is not designed to protect a business, and we will show you the benefits of commercial insurance coverage. 

Property coverage

Home property coverage is very different from commercial property coverage. It is not designed to cover what you use to conduct your business. Commercial property coverage is a combination of property and personal property. It will cover the tools, the office equipment, and any of the other things that you use in the course of doing business. Home insurance is not designed to cover these types of items. 

Liability coverage

Home liability insurance will cover personal visitors who come to your home. Still, it will not cover anyone who visits for business purposes, whether a client or a vendor. Getting sued can be very damaging to your business. 

Workers compensation coverage

If you have employees, a minimum of five, they must be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. It protects both you and your employees. 

Business interruption insurance

Businesses face many risks and can be closed by any of them at almost any time. Suppose it happens, and you must maintain your business even when you are forced to close temporarily. In that case, this insurance can help you to survive by providing the money you need to meet regular expenses. 

Contact our office at Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS, when you want to discuss your home business commercial insurance coverage. 

Someone You Know Stole Your Car: Is Your Insurance Enough?

At Insurance Protection Specialists, we provide Flowood, MS residents, and those in the surrounding area with access to strong insurance policies. Will you be protected by us if your car gets stolen? That all depends on what kind of policy you purchase for your vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage Can Protect You 

A typical car insurance policy without comprehensive coverage isn’t going to do much if your car gets stolen. Liability only pays for damage to other vehicles you cause in an accident. By contrast, comprehensive policies pay for far more problems, including theft. 

They also help with a myriad of other common problems, including:

  • Weather Damage: If heavy hail, excessive ice, or snow damages our vehicle, a comprehensive policy will provide you with the support that you need to repair your car. 
  • Animal Damage: We’re not talking about problems caused by mice or other animals chewing wires but the damage caused during car accidents when you hit deer, raccoons, or other beasts. 
  • Storm Damage: If a tree falls on your vehicle during a storm (or through age) or fire and floods impact your vehicle, comprehensive policies can keep you protected and safe. 

Note that your policy will pay what your vehicle is worth when it is stolen, not what you paid or owed. That’s important to understand, and some upgrades to your policy can help you get more money if your car is stolen unexpectedly.

We’re Ready to Help You

Call us at Insurance Protection Specialists if you want comprehensive insurance in Flowood, MS, that protects your vehicle from theft. Even though you’re probably pretty safe from this danger in Flowood, getting more protection than you need to stay protected from theft is not a bad idea.

Someone You Know Stole Your Car: Is Your Insurance Enough?

At Insurance Protection Specialists, we provide Flowood, MS residents, and those in the surrounding area with access to strong insurance policies. Will you be protected by us if your car gets stolen? That all depends on what kind of policy you purchase for your vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage Can Protect You 

A typical car insurance policy without comprehensive coverage isn’t going to do much if your car gets stolen. Liability only pays for damage to other vehicles you cause in an accident. By contrast, comprehensive policies pay for far more problems, including theft. 

They also help with a myriad of other common problems, including:

  • Weather Damage: If heavy hail, excessive ice, or snow damages our vehicle, a comprehensive policy will provide you with the support that you need to repair your car. 
  • Animal Damage: We’re not talking about problems caused by mice or other animals chewing wires but the damage caused during car accidents when you hit deer, raccoons, or other beasts. 
  • Storm Damage: If a tree falls on your vehicle during a storm (or through age) or fire and floods impact your vehicle, comprehensive policies can keep you protected and safe. 

Note that your policy will pay what your vehicle is worth when it is stolen, not what you paid or owed. That’s important to understand, and some upgrades to your policy can help you get more money if your car is stolen unexpectedly.

We’re Ready to Help You

Call us at Insurance Protection Specialists if you want comprehensive insurance in Flowood, MS, that protects your vehicle from theft. Even though you’re probably pretty safe from this danger in Flowood, getting more protection than you need to stay protected from theft is not a bad idea.

Is a Business Owners Policy (BOP) the best kind of commercial insurance in Flowood, MS?

There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a Business Owners Policy (BOP) for your Flowood, MS business. At Insurance Protection Specialists, we want to help you create a policy that gives you the protection you need without paying for coverage you don’t need.

What Is a BOP?

A Business Owners Policy combines commercial liability and property insurance. A BOP protects your buildings and equipment in case of fire, theft, or other named events. You are also protected if, for instance, someone is injured on your property and files a claim against the company. Generally speaking, a BOP is great for someone with a physical location and equipment.

Advantages Of Having a BOP

  • It would be best if you had liability and property insurance anyway.
  • By combining multiple kinds of insurance, you can get a discount.
  • When your insurance policies are combined, it may be easier to coordinate claims and policy renewals. You can have one agent who acts as a single point of contact, which can also help you feel more comfortable with your insurance.
  • Your insurance company will allow you to add other kinds of protection as you need them, such as professional liability and commercial auto insurance.

Disadvantages Of Having a BOP

  • You may be one of the rare businesses for which a BOP offers too much coverage. For instance, your business may not have property and equipment to insure.
  • A BOP might be too generic to meet your needs.

When you are in charge of a business, you are responsible for ensuring you have the protection you need at a price you can afford. If you have any questions about commercial insurance for your Flowood, MS small business, please call Insurance Protection Specialists today.

Making your home a safer place inside and out

Home safety is a significant concern nationwide, not just in Mississippi. Keeping intruders out and creating a safe environment inside is what you want and need. Having the right home insurance to protect you from things that can go wrong is essential to your security, both personal and financial. At Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS, we work with our customers to customize their home insurance to their particular needs. 

Add a home security system

It has never been easier or more affordable to install a home security system. You can install it yourself without any special tools or skills. While nothing can totally protect you, having a visible home security system is a deterrent, and it may discourage would-be intruders. 

Have motion detection lights

Being able to see who is outside your home is vital. With motion detector lights, if there is any motion from a person or an animal, it will set off the lights. This improves your safety as well, and it can offer you the light you need to get into your home without stumbling around in the dark. 

Remove trip and fall hazards

Falls in the home are one of the most dangerous hazards. More than 25% of older people have a fall at home every year. Keeping halls and stairs clutter-free is vital. Extension cords should not go across walking spaces. Throw rugs are a hazard for people of any age. Have grab bars in the shower to give support if necessary. 

Keep poison out of reach

Poisons come in many forms and can be a severe hazard to both the elderly and the young. Medicine and toxic chemicals should be kept in a high space or under lock and key. 

Contact Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS with any home insurance questions or needs you have. 

Environmental Sustainability and Renters Insurance: Insuring Green Living Spaces

Green living spaces, characterized by energy-efficient features and eco-friendly practices, are gaining popularity in the Flowood, MS area. However, renters in such spaces should also consider ensuring their assets and belongings are protected with the right renter’s insurance. 

The Rise of Green Living Spaces

Green living spaces, or eco-friendly or sustainable housing, are designed to minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency, which is growing in popularity. These spaces often include solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building materials, and eco-conscious landscaping. 

Why Renters in Green Spaces Need Insurance

While the environmental benefits of green living spaces are evident, protecting your assets and belongings is equally important. Here are the key considerations:

  • Property Protection: Renters insurance covers your personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or loss. Accidents and unexpected events can still occur regardless of how sustainable your living space is.
  • Liability Coverage: Renters insurance also provides liability coverage, protecting you from potential lawsuits if someone is injured in your rental unit. This protection is essential, regardless of the sustainability of your living space.

Eco-Friendly Enhancements and Insurance Considerations

Many renters in green living spaces invest in eco-friendly enhancements and upgrades, such as energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and water-saving fixtures. Here is how these enhancements can affect renters insurance:

  • Appliance Upgrades: If you’ve replaced standard appliances with energy-efficient ones, it’s essential to inform your insurance provider. These upgrades may increase the value of your personal property coverage.
  • Smart Home Devices: If you’ve installed smart home devices for energy management and security, renters insurance can also cover these in case of damage or theft.

Insurance Protection Specialists Can Help You

At Insurance Protection Specialists, we can answer all your questions concerning renter’s insurance. We assist the Flowood, MS area. Contact us today. 

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Urban Riders

If you work in the city, a motorcycle can make it easier for you to get around. You can save on gas, navigate busy streets with fewer problems, and find quicker parking. At the same time, urban riding can be hazardous due to heavy traffic and greater distractions. These safety tips from Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS can help keep you safe from accidents.

Ride Responsibly

Stay alert on the road and focus on the surrounding traffic. Obey the speed limits, keep your distance from other drivers, and signal when changing lanes or turning to let your intentions be known to other drivers. Always scan the road for potential dangers like potholes, debris, pedestrians running into traffic, etc. 

Wear Protective Gear When Riding

Wear protective gear anytime on the road, as you never know when you may have an accident. This includes a full-face helmet, protective gloves, jacket, and boots to protect you from severe injuries in an accident. 

Make Yourself Seen 

A bright-colored motorcycle jacket or fluorescent vest will make it easier for drivers to notice you, especially at night. Being seen reduces your risk of accidents. 

Hone Your Skills in a Parking Lot

If you’re new to urban riding, hone your skills in an empty parking lot. Set up cones and practice weaving in and out of "imaginary” traffic. Practice braking and accelerating, switching lanes, turning corners, and parking. Please get to know your bike and how it handles

Don’t Drink and Ride

Use public transport if you’re going for drinks after work with friends. Riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol can be deadly.   

Get Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

With motorcycle insurance, you can confidently ride knowing you’re protected from any eventuality. Contact Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS to purchase a motorcycle policy.

Are You Legally Required to Carry Boat Insurance in Mississippi?

Summer is here, and for many people, that includes taking their boat out on the water. If you are a new boat owner, you may wonder if you must legally carry boat insurance in Mississippi. Here is the answer from Insurance Protection Specialists, a boat insurance provider in the greater Flowood, MS area.

Are You Legally Required to Carry Boat Insurance in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, there is no legal requirement to carry boat insurance for all boat owners. However, it’s important to note that while boat insurance is not mandatory by state law, certain circumstances may still require insurance coverage.

Lenders

 If you financed your boat purchase through a lender, they may require you to carry boat insurance as a condition of the loan. The lender wants to protect their investment in case of damage or loss to the boat.

Marinas and Harbors

Some marinas and harbors may have specific insurance requirements for boat owners who wish to dock their vessels. They may mandate liability coverage to ensure that all boats in the marina have sufficient protection.

Personal Liability Protection

While not legally required, it is highly recommended to have liability coverage for your boat. Accidents can happen on the water, and if you are found responsible for causing injury or property damage, liability insurance can help protect you financially by covering legal expenses, medical bills, or property repairs.

While you are not required by law to carry boat insurance in the state of Mississippi, it can still be beneficial to you to do so. If you are looking for a boat insurance policy in the greater Flowood, MS area, contact Insurance Protection Specialists to get help obtaining a new policy.

Who should get umbrella insurance?

Umbrella insurance from Insurance Protection Specialists is a type of policy designed to provide financial protection for individuals and businesses here in the Flowood, MS area or anywhere in the event of an unexpected accident. Whether you’re a business owner, homeowner, or renter, umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage beyond your existing policies. 

Knowing if you Need Insurance

For individuals, having an umbrella policy in place can be especially beneficial if you have significant assets or income that could potentially be at risk in the event of a liability lawsuit. Even if you do not anticipate taking legal action against someone else in the near future, it is still wise to consider purchasing this type of insurance as a safeguard. 

For businesses, umbrella insurance can help protect against costly lawsuits and other unexpected liabilities arising from employee negligence or customer injuries on company property. It also provides extra security for business owners should their company become involved in an expensive court case due to wrongful termination or discrimination claims. 

Umbrella insurance is typically inexpensive compared to traditional liability policies and can provide extra peace of mind for both individuals and businesses in the event of an unexpected incident. As such, we highly recommend investing in this policy as part of your overall financial plan.

For more information or to explore an umbrella insurance policy, call us at Insurance Protection Specialists today. We are proud to serve the Flowood, MS area and would be happy to help you find a policy that meets your needs and budget. So don’t wait! Call us today!