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Looking at the Largest Floods to Impact the United States

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Unfortunately, many parts of the United States are prone to flooding. When it comes to destructive power, floods rank among the most dangerous natural disasters on Earth. Each year, floods cause more than a billion dollars in damage, making it crucial for homeowners to take out flood policies, especially if they live in a high-risk area. If you’d like to learn more about protecting your family from flood damage, contact Insurance Protection Specialists, serving Flowood, MS, and beyond, to explore flood insurance policies.

The Most Disastrous Floods in History

It’s often hard to compare weather events throughout history as circumstances, technologies, populations, and other factors undergo change. Many historians argue that the Great Flood of 1993 was the most severe flood in modern history (in the USA). The flood raged from April to October, causing over $27 billion in damage (in today’s dollars) and claimed at least 32 lives. Much of the flooding was situated along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

If we head further back in time, we can find even deadlier and more devastating floods. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 claimed over 500 lives, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. The 1993 flood caused more financial damage but lives ultimately matter most.
In 2017, the United States was hit by four major floods, including floods in Florida, the Payson floods, the South Easter Texas floods, and floods in California. These floods caused more than $60 billion in damages and claimed at least 70 deaths.

As you can see, floods can cause damage and cost lives in many areas. Property owners can mitigate some flood risks by taking out flood insurance. Contact the Insurance Protection Specialists, Flowood, MS, to discuss flood insurance options.

Protecting Your Loved Ones with Life Insurance

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When it comes to your family’s financial security, life insurance should be a top priority.

This kind of protection allows you to look after those you love most, ensuring they have access to the money they need when you’re no longer around. Life Insurance is an important part of any sound financial plan, and our team at Insurance Protection Specialists can help you explore your options if you live in the Flowood, MS area.

Understanding the Basics of Life Insurance

Life Insurance is a policy that pays out an agreed-upon amount (the “death benefit”) to the named beneficiary in the event of the insured person’s death. The cost of a life insurance policy will depend on several factors, including age, gender, lifestyle, and health.

When selecting life insurance coverage, you should consider the age and number of dependents in your family. In addition, you may want to factor in any debts or loans that will be left behind after your death.

Determining How Much Coverage You Need

The amount of coverage you need will depend on your individual circumstances. 

When determining the right level of life insurance coverage for yourself or a loved one, think about the following:

  • Your current salary and potential future earnings (which will affect how much money your family could need if you were to pass away)
  • Any debts or mortgages that will still be owed after your death
  • How much money your family would need for immediate expenses (e.g., funeral costs, taxes, etc.)
  • The cost of future expenses for your dependents (e.g., college tuition fees, healthcare costs, etc.)

Our experienced agents are equipped to help you analyze your unique situation and determine the most appropriate level of coverage for your family.

Why Insurance Protection Specialists?

We understand that Life insurance is a difficult subject to think about, but it is necessary to protect those closest to you. Our team at Insurance Protection Specialists is committed to helping you find the right life Insurance policy for your needs.

We will help you compare different policies and options for residents in the Flowood, MS area, allowing you to make the best choice for your family’s financial security. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect the ones you love most.

How to Minimize the Chances of an Accident When Traveling for Spring Break

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Winter is coming to an end, and before you know it, spring will be here. Many households are already planning out their spring break trips. If you plan to drive to get to your spring break destination, the team at Insurance Protection Specialists, serving the greater Flowood, MS area, would love to provide you with some tips that can help you avoid an accident when you are traveling for spring break. 

Get Your Car Inspected Before Hitting the Road

One of the best things you can do before heading out for any road trip is to get your car inspected. Ensuring your tires are good and your car is safe can help keep you safe and reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.

Familiarize Yourself With Your Route

Prior to hitting the road, take the time to familiarize yourself with the route you intend on taking to get to your destination. Being familiar with the route can help you avoid last-minute lane changes and helps to create some familiarity with the highways, freeways, or roads you will be traveling on. 

Be Sure to Take Frequent Rest Stops

Lastly, be sure to take frequent rest stops and always pull over and sleep if you are feeling tired. Fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel contribute to accidents, so you want to take action to prevent this from happening to you. 

Reach Out To Us

While the above tips can help minimize your chances of being involved in an automobile accident, there is no way to prevent all accidents from happening. This is why it is so important to have the right level of protection from your auto insurance policy.

If you are looking to obtain a new policy, considering changing to a new insurance company, or simply want to find out if you have enough coverage, the insurance professionals at Insurance Protection Specialists, serving the Flowood, MS region, would love to help you. Call us today to learn more. 

Is commercial insurance required for every type of business?

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But is commercial insurance required for every type of business? The answer depends in part on the size and structure of your business.

Our Flowood, MS team at Insurance Protection Specialists looks at some of the factors that can determine whether or not you need commercial insurance. 

Do You Need Commercial Insurance?

Types of Business Structures 

The type of business structure you choose will influence whether or not commercial insurance is required. For instance, if you decide to set up your business as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), then you will likely be required to carry certain types of liability insurance such as general liability and professional liability. The same applies to corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Each type of organization has its own requirements when it comes to insurance coverage. 

Business Size 

Another factor that will determine whether or not you need commercial insurance is the size of your business. If you have fewer than 10 employees and your annual revenues are under $1 million per year, then chances are that you won’t need any special types of commercial insurance policies beyond basic general liability coverage.

However, suppose your business has more than ten employees or makes over $1 million annually. In that case, it might be wise for you to look into purchasing additional types of coverage such as workers’ compensation or property damage policies. This way, you can ensure that your assets and personnel are protected in case something goes wrong during the course of normal operations. 

Give Us A Call

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining whether or not a business needs commercial insurance in Flowood, MS. Contact Insurance Protection Specialists today – we can help you figure out the best commercial insurance options for today and the future.

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

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Driving is something most people take for granted. In the state of Mississippi, drivers are required to have auto liability insurance. Other insurance coverage is voluntary but often of equal importance. At Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS, we ensure that our customers are not only in compliance but have the right coverage for their situation. 

Documents you should always have in your vehicle

Vehicle registration

You are required to register your vehicle in the county of residence in the state of Mississippi. You need to pay all the fees and taxes, and then you get a copy of your renewal. The vehicle registration form should be placed in your glove box and carried there at all times. If you are pulled over by the authorities, you may be asked to produce your registration, and you want to be able to do that easily. 

Insurance card

When you get your state-mandated vehicle insurance, your receipt to show that you have coverage is an insurance card that you can print off the website of your insurance carrier. If that is not comfortable for you, you can get them mailed to you, and they are often mailed with your new policy. You can even pick them up at your insurance agent’s office and then place one copy in your glove box and save the other. 

Drivers license

You must have a driver’s license to drive a vehicle on the road in Mississippi. In Mississippi, you can get your learner’s permit at age 14 and your driver’s license at 15. You have to drive under supervision until you are 16, but then the restrictions end. Most people carry their driver’s licenses as a form of identification. You need to have it in your possession when you are driving.  

Get Insurance Coverage For Your Vehicle Today

Contact Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS for all your auto insurance needs.

Protect Your Livelihood with Commercial Insurance

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Are you a business owner in or around Flowood, MS? If so, the Insurance Protection Specialists can provide commercial insurance to protect your business.

Protect Your Livelihood with Commercial Insurance

The major part of business operations is protecting it from devastating financial loss. Being adequately prepared for an event like this can mean the difference between survival and shutdown. The best preventive measure is a commercial insurance policy.

Small businesses need to be prepared for a customer falling, damage to computers because of a leaky overhead pipe, or accidents involving company vehicles.

Here are some examples of the type of coverage available:

Workers’ compensation insurance protects a business if an employee is hurt, contracts a serious illness, or dies due to an accident on the job. It can cover legal fees, medical expenses, and lost wages if the employee is unable to work.

Professional liability insurance could protect you from the cost of legal fees and damages if a claim is made that your professional service caused them or their business financial harm. Coverage includes mistakes on the part of the company and failure to perform a service. This type of coverage is necessary if your business provides professional advice, offers a service, or has contractual requirements for the coverage.

General liability insurance is important because contractors and landlords many times require a policy before they hire you. It covers legal costs and damages that result from injury claims made by customers and other people you don’t employ. It covers slander, libel, and copyright infringement.

Business owner’s insurance is commonly referred to as a business owner’s policy or BOP. It combines coverage for your business’s property and general liability insurance. You will have protection for your building, any space you lease, and property needed for the operation of your business. You will also receive coverage for business interruption. It will replace lost income and other costs related to getting the business up and running.

Give Us A Call

Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS can provide a quote or answer any questions you have. Contact us today.

Are You a Homeowner? Make Sure You Have Homeowner’s Insurance for the Protection You Need

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Are you a homeowner or planning on becoming one? If so, it is important to know that if you are carrying a mortgage on your home, you need homeowner’s insurance. Do you live in or near Flowood, MS? Then Insurance Protection Specialists can provide the homeowners’ insurance you need.

Home Insurance: The Coverage Basics

A standard policy has four key coverages: dwelling (home), other structures (garage or storage shed), personal property, and liability. Homeowner’s insurance pays for damage and losses to your property when the unexpected occurs, such as a burglary or fire.

When you have a mortgage, the lender wants to ensure its interest is protected. That is why proof of a homeowner’s insurance policy is required.

The most vital part of a homeowner’s policy is the level of coverage. The most common level of coverage is an HO2 policy which protects against 16 perils that are named in the policy. Things such as age, wear and tear, or neglect are not covered. Most policies will include replacement or repairs due to fire, wind, or other weather events as noted in the policy.

Gradual water damage occurring slowly and over time will not be covered. But water leaks and damage that occurs suddenly or if a pipe randomly bursts, the damage will be covered by insurance.

If you have a homeowners policy and allow it to lapse, this will violate the terms of your mortgage agreement. The lender could then force you into a more expensive policy or put your loan in default, which puts you at an increased risk of losing your home.

You need enough coverage to rebuild your home if it is destroyed. For your personal property, you want coverage limits that are at least 50% of your home coverage amount. Liability coverage should be high enough to cover all assets.

Contact Us Today

Talk to the professionals at Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS today. Obtain a quote or get any questions answered. We are glad to assist. 

What Risks Do You Face By Skipping Renters Insurance

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Renters insurance is for people renting a home, apartment, or condo. Typically, it provides coverage for personal belongings from such damages as fire, theft, vandalism, smoke, and others, It also protects a tenant if a guest or visitor gets injured on the rented property and decides to take legal action. Many people renting property decide to skip rental insurance and do not realize that they are taking a big risk. Consult with Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS for expert insurance advice. 

Here is a list of risks you face if you do not purchase renters insurance:

1. Damaged Belongings

If a fire or flood happens and damages your personal belongings, you will have to repair or replace them. Without renters insurance that would protect you financially, this may cost you a lot. 

2. Lawsuits 

If a visitor or guest comes to your rented property and gets injured or bitten by a dog, you may be responsible for an injury and will have to cover legal and medical expenses. If you do not have renters insurance, attorney charges and hospital charges will not be covered. 

3. Eviction

Often, one of the requirements of a lease agreement is to have renters insurance. This means that you may not be able to rent a home without purchasing proper insurance. Therefore, by signing a lease agreement, you agree to carry insurance. If you fail to do so, your landlord can evict you. 

Get Renters Insurance Today

If you are currently shopping for renters insurance and need some help, our team at Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS is here to assist you. We specialize in all types of insurance, including renters insurance as well. We have over 50 years of combined professional experience in serving clients in Flowood, MS and other surrounding communities. If you have questions about insurance policies and you want to know more, feel free to contact us. 

What Riders Should Look for in a Motorcycle Insurance Policy

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Motorcycle insurance is a vital part of owning a bike. Not only is it required by law in most states, but it can also provide crucial protection in the event of an accident. However, with so many different policy options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one.  Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS can help you navigate this important coverage.

Here are a few things that riders should look for when shopping for motorcycle insurance:

Coverage Limits

The first thing to look for in a motorcycle insurance policy is adequate coverage limits. This means choosing a policy with high enough limits to cover the cost of any damage or injuries that may occur in an accident. Riders should also make sure to get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover the costs of damages if they are hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

Cost

Of course, riders also need to consider the cost of their motorcycle insurance policy. While it is important to get adequate coverage, riders should also be mindful of their budget and choose a policy that fits their needs. Riders can often save money by bundling their motorcycle insurance with other types of insurance, such as auto or homeowners insurance. However, don’t sacrifice coverage to save money. It’s not worth it if you end up being underinsured.

Fine Print

Finally, riders should always read the fine print of their motorcycle insurance policy before signing up. This will help them understand exactly what is and isn’t covered by their policy. Riders should also be aware of any deductibles or exclusions that may apply to their policy. By taking the time to understand their policy, riders can be sure they are getting the coverage they need.

Give Us A Call

Choosing the right motorcycle insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult. Riders just need to make sure they understand their coverage needs and budget. By shopping around and comparing policies, riders can find the perfect policy for their needs. Need help finding the right motorcycle insurance policy? Insurance Protection Specialists in Flowood, MS can help. We’re here to answer any questions and ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.

Contact us today to get started.

What every boat owner needs to know about liability insurance

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When it comes to boat insurance, boat owners  in the Flowood, MS area can depend on the team at Insurance Protection Specialists. Owning a boat is a whole lot of fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. If you want to make sure you’re protected, we can help you find the most appropriate boat insurance policy for your needs. Call or stop by today!

What to know about liability coverage when it comes to boat insurance

Like most states, Mississippi requires that boat owners carry a certain level of insurance. This regulation is a great way to encourage responsible boat ownership and make sure that everyone is protected. However, it is often not enough to simply have a policy that offers the minimum level of protection.

When your policy provides a robust level of liability coverage, you can protect yourself in a variety of different scenarios. For instance, if you are involved in an accident where there are injuries, you will want to have adequate coverage. This is also the case if your craft is in an incident where there is loss or property damage. Without the right level of protection, you can be held financially responsible for losses and damages. It makes sense to carry the right amount of liability protection.

Protect your boat with the right insurance policy

The folks at Insurance Protection Specialists are here to help boat owners in the greater Flowood, MS community to get the protection they need. If you’re considering buying a boat soon, or you want to review your current policy with a local agent, we are here to help. Contact our office to set up an appointment, or stop by to talk to an agent to learn more. We look forward to working with you!