Name: Surety Ins Inc
Address: 900 Western America Circle, Ste. 202, Mobile, AL, 36609
Telephone: 251-305-4990

What are water damage coverage and flood insurance?

Posted on October 28, 2024October 24, 2024 by admin

Alabama homeowners often assume that their homeowners’ insurance policy will cover all forms of water damage, but that’s not true. If you own your home and there’s a chance it will flood, it’s critical that you understand the differences between water damage coverage and flood insurance.

Understanding Water Damage Coverage

Water damage coverage is meant for accidental water damage. This includes things like a burst pipe or appliance malfunction, as well as water damage caused by trying to extinguish a fire.

A standard homeowners’ insurance policy will likely cover various forms of accidental water damage, but limitations may exist. The coverage may not extend to gradual leaks, sewer backups, or mold. However, some policies will have special riders that offer additional coverage.

Understanding Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is designed to cover natural flooding events, such as rivers overflowing, hurricanes, storm surges, and similar events. This type of insurance must be purchased separately from standard homeowners’ insurance. It’s valuable if your home is in a flood zone or if you’re particularly concerned about hurricane season.

The key to determining if your policy will cover an event is to look at the source of the water damage. If the damage stems from something within the home, water damage coverage will likely apply. If the damage comes from a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood insurance will likely cover the damage.

Ensuring you have homeowners’ insurance that provides you with the coverage you need on your home is critical. Contact our experts with Surety Ins Inc. to discuss your needs so we can help you get the policy that provides you with the peace of mind you need.

How condo insurance coverage differs from home insurance

Posted on September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 by admin

Owning a condo has become an increasingly popular as the population ages and home prices continue to rise. Condo ownership means you have a partner to maintain your unit. At Surety Ins Inc., based in Alabama, we have the expertise to assist our condo owner customers in selecting the best insurance coverage for their needs.

What is a Condo Master Policy?

A condo owner only possesses a portion of the entire building. The exterior of the building belongs to the condo association, and they have the responsibility to maintain it. Hence, if your roof needs to be replaced, it will be handled by the condo association. Similarly, all the residents may be assessed for major repairs to cover the cost. Essentially, all residents share ownership of the common and exterior areas.

About Dwelling Coverage

The extent of coverage the condo association policy provides varies depending on its nature. It could be limited to just the exterior walls, or it might delve deeper, covering the electrical and plumbing systems. Make sure to read your agreement thoroughly to understand your responsibilities. If in doubt, check with the condo association. Your insurance should meet your specific requirements.

Understanding Liability Coverage

The condo association is responsible for liability pertaining to the exterior areas, which include parking lots, pools, gym areas, and all common areas. Meanwhile, you are responsible for the liability of your family members and any injuries sustained inside your unit.

If you’re looking for condo insurance, contact our team at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama. We possess the expertise required to help you choose the most suitable policy for your needs.

Five Invisible (or Nearly Invisible) Safety Features of Your Car

Posted on August 30, 2024August 28, 2024 by admin

If you’re a licensed driver in Alabama, our team at Surety Ins Inc. encourages safe driving habits. But are you aware that today’s vehicles come with safer features than ever before? Greater safety can be attributed to the nearly invisible features of your car. Here are five such elements you might not give much thought to:

1. Safety Glass

Today’s auto safety glass has saved countless lives and prevented thousands of injuries. This glass is constructed to shatter but maintain cohesion in a large sheet rather than splinter. You probably don’t give your auto glass much credit, but it provides considerable protection.

2. Airbags

Driver, passenger side, and side door airbags inflate upon impact and can shield individuals from serious injuries.

3. Your Car Horn

This simple device has been a part of cars since their inception. There still isn’t a better alternative to the good old car horn.

4. Anti-Lock Brakes

In the past, drivers were encouraged to pump their brakes when stopping on slick roads. Today, automatic anti-lock brakes do the pumping for us very quickly on slippery surfaces.

5. Your Car Insurance

You may not see it or even consciously think of it, but your car insurance is always there.

Get a free automobile insurance quote today.

Are you overpaying for your auto insurance in Alabama? How would you know if you haven’t compared? We at Surety Ins Inc. can help. If it’s been over a year since you’ve compared car insurance rates, you might be spending more than necessary. Reach out to us for your no-obligation price quote today.

Commercial Insurance for an Alabama Fulfillment Center

Posted on July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 by admin

Alabama doesn’t enforce strict commercial insurance laws. However, certain requirements must be met if you run a fulfillment center in this state. In addition to these compulsory regulations, you’ll likely want to consider a range of commercial insurance options, though not legally required, to ensure your business is fully protected against any unfortunate circumstances.

Alabama’s Insurance Requirements for Fulfillment Centers

If your business uses one or more vehicles, you’ll need to invest in commercial vehicle insurance. Moreover, if you employ five or more employees (including part-time workers, but not contractors), you’re required to have workers’ compensation insurance.

Other Insurance Options to Consider

It’s wise to consider commercial property insurance to protect your most valuable assets. This type of insurance policy compensates for loss due to theft from your warehouse, damage due to vandalism or fire, and damage caused by severe weather. Liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury and property damage. It also accounts for legal fees and the cost of an out-of-court settlement. Business interruption coverage pays for regular business expenses if you’re forced to close down due to fire, vandalism, severe weather, or another covered incident.

Obtain Expert Insurance Assistance from Surety Ins Inc.

Surety Ins Inc. offers a range of commercial insurance policy options for businesses of all sizes across various industries. We take pride in assisting Alabama business owners in assessing their options and assembling a policy package that meets their needs without straining their budget. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help protect your business and thus enhance its odds of long-term success.

Does Home Insurance Cover Flooding?

Posted on June 28, 2024July 1, 2024 by admin

There is a lot to understand when shopping for a home insurance policy in Alabama. A common question at Surety Ins Inc. involves whether a policy covers flooding. Every year, flooding causes billions of dollars in damage to homes. Understanding the details of your homeowner’s insurance policy is imperative to make informed decisions.

Does Home Insurance Cover Flooding?

Home insurance typically does not cover flooding. You would need a supplemental policy for such coverage, especially if you live in a high-risk area. It’s essential to carefully review the details and exclusions of your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for all potential risks. Investing in flood insurance can provide valuable protection for your property. It’s important to note that it’s not the same as a burst pipe or sewer backup, which may be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy.

Is Flood Coverage Required In A Flood Zone?

If your property is in a higher-risk area designated as a flood zone, lenders will most likely require flood insurance due to the potential for significant property damage. Even for homeowners who don’t live in a higher-risk area, it’s a common decision to have additional coverage. Flooding can occur even if you don’t live in one of these areas.

Find Out More About Home Insurance In Alabama

At Surety Ins Inc., it’s our goal to keep our clients informed about their home insurance options in Alabama. Understanding your policy coverage for events like flooding can help you make the best decisions for your family. Contact our team if you need an estimate or have any questions about our services.

Surety Bonds for Utility Hookups

Posted on May 30, 2024June 4, 2024 by admin

In Alabama, you need to put down a deposit to turn on your business’s power, water, or gas for the first time.

Most of the power companies in Alabama require businesses to pay a deposit equal to two times your estimated highest bill. One municipal utility company in Montgomery requires three times your estimated highest bill or a minimum of $100 to connect water to a commercial establishment.

You can easily need to pay hundreds or even a few thousand dollars to get utility hookups for your new home or apartment. That is unless you get an Alabama surety bond from Surety Ins Inc.

What’s a surety bond for a utility hookup?

A surety bond is a way to get your utility hookups without laying out a lot of cash deposits.

You pay a small annual premium to Surety Ins Inc. of Alabama, and they guarantee that your bills will be paid. The amount of your premium depends on your business’s credit history, but it is always a lot less than paying the utility company directly.

How much less?

For a $5,000 surety bond, you might pay a $100 annual premium. For a $20,000 surety bond, you might pay $500.

In most cases, getting an Alabama surety bond involves a "soft" inquiry into your personal credit report. If your credit history is poor, you may have to pay up to 15 percent of your bond amount in annual premiums. In uncommon situations, we may not be able to grant you a surety bond.

But for most of our customers, surety bonds greatly reduce the cost of getting their business up and running. Call us today to get the bond you need to connect your utilities!

Different Types of Coverage in a Renter’s Insurance Policy

Posted on April 30, 2024May 1, 2024 by admin

When you rent your home, it’s essential that you have the exact kind of protection you need from an insurance policy. Renter’s insurance is very similar to your home insurance coverage. However, it doesn’t have any coverage for the dwelling itself. The owner of the property is responsible for insuring it. Renter’s insurance protects you from the risks you face as a renter. When you’re in Alabama and looking for renter’s insurance, call us at Surety Ins Inc.

Item Protection

Your largest investment is likely all of the things that are inside your home. These items need to be protected because of the high cost of replacing them all. When you have renter’s insurance, it covers your belongings in your home against a wide range of risks. If you didn’t have renter’s insurance and a damaging incident happened to your home and ruined your belongings, it would be up to you to replace everything on your own. Few people can afford this, so ensure you have renter’s insurance for as long as you rent.

Liability Coverage

This type of coverage is essential, though most renters don’t think about it. This liability coverage protects you financially if someone from outside your household enters your home and gets injured. This can happen from accidents like slipping and falling and various other ways. You’re responsible for anything that happens in your home, so you’d owe for all of the medical bills and lost wages. With renter’s insurance, the policy can pay for all of these expenses for you.

Get Renter’s Insurance

You need renter’s insurance from the first day you move in. If you don’t have a policy yet, call us at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama.

RV Insurance is the Right Choice for Your Vacation Adventures

Posted on March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 by admin

Your travel adventures can be monumental and pleasantly unforgettable when you couple them with a reliable insurance plan. Are you residing in Alabama and exploring options for RV insurance? You’re in the right place. Surety Ins Inc. is committed to providing the protection you deserve. This way, you’ll be able to savor each beautiful sight and location of interest rather than worry over potential protection hitches. Whether your RV has been a loyal company for eternity or is a recent addition, the important factor remains that you need the right insurance.

Why Choose Surety Ins Inc. For RV Insurance?

You do not have to grapple with the complexities of finding the optimal policy alone. Our skilled agents will provide you with relevant information and present you with multiple insurance quotes. This allows you to effortlessly compare and ask all the pressing questions. Having a qualified agent at your disposal makes deciding on an appropriate policy easier.

Feel More Confident On The Road

With a robust policy in place, you’ll enjoy improved confidence in embarking on longer trips or spending more time traveling. Some people live in their RVs full-time; they can seize any moment to travel to any desired location. Whether you’re in this category or the RV serves you a few weeks a year, we have the right policy to meet your specific needs and provide absolute protection while on the road.

Contact Us Today!

Connect with us at Surety Ins Inc. today if you need RV insurance in the state of Alabama. We’ll ensure you get tailored coverage based on your RV type, frequency of use, and other integral factors. The invaluable peace of mind accompanying a quality RV policy is just a call away; we’re here to help you attain it.

Four Motorcycle Insurance Misconceptions Demystified

Posted on February 28, 2024February 23, 2024 by admin

Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance provides essential financial protection for motorcycle owners and operators against potential losses from accidents or unforeseen events. At Surety Ins Inc., Alabama’s knowledgeable insurance professionals, we are aware that certain misconceptions may lead riders towards inadequate insurance coverage. Below, we debunk these misunderstandings.

Four Motorcycle Insurance Myths Busted

The following are some commonly believed misconceptions about motorcycle insurance and the reality behind them.

My car insurance auto-covers me when driving my bike: Motorcycles come with unique risks requiring specialized insurance. Therefore, car insurance may not fully cover bike-related accidents.
I don’t need Motorcycle Insurance, I have another vehicle: Motorcycle insurance is legally required regardless of the frequency of use. Ignoring insurance might lead to legal implications.
My bike is old, Comprehensive/Collision coverage isn’t necessary: Age or value of the bike does not negate the need for collision or comprehensive coverage. These become crucial for financial protection against accidents, theft, natural disasters, or other covered events.
Minimum Liability is enough: Considering the financial repercussions from property damage or medical expenses resulting from an accident, minimum liability coverage might not provide sufficient protection in case of a severe accident.

Find the Right Motorcycle Insurance in Alabama

Don’t leave your investment unprotected in the face of potential losses from an accident. For more information on motorcycle insurance choices in Alabama, contact a licensed representative at Surety Ins Inc. at 251-305-4990 or online.

How to Increase Boating Safety

Posted on January 22, 2024January 24, 2024 by admin

Operating a boat can be a lot of fun. However, it is important to take steps to increase boating safety. Unfortunately, boating accidents and other incidents can occur. People could end up hurt and property could be damaged. This makes it crucial to take steps to reduce the risks of accidents and also to ensure that you are covered with the appropriate boating insurance policy. If you’re looking for boating insurance in Alabama, feel free to contact Surety Ins Inc.

A Closer Look at Increasing Boating Safety

The right steps can mitigate many risks when operating a boat. First, you’ll want to make sure that your boat is in good working order and that there are enough life jackets for everyone on board. You should also check the weather before hitting the water. If there is a risk of high wind, storms, or whatever else, you’ll have to exercise extra caution.

Further, make sure you always have at least one reliable communication device on board and safely secured. Should you end up in an accident or another emergency arise, it may be crucial to contact the authorities right away for assistance.

It’s also crucial that anyone who is operating the boat is properly trained. Parents who plan to let their kids drive (once they reach the required age and have a license) need to closely supervise their children and ensure that they understand not only how to operate the boat but that they know how crucial it is to exercise safety.

Every boat should be insured. The right insurance plan can protect your property, provide funds for medical care, and otherwise help you mitigate risks. Of course, it’s essential to closely review any boating insurance policies you’re considering.

Reach Out To Us

If you live in Alabama and are considering boat insurance policies, get in touch with Surety Ins Inc.

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Understanding Water Damage Coverage

Understanding Flood Insurance

What is a Condo Master Policy?

About Dwelling Coverage

Understanding Liability Coverage

Get a free automobile insurance quote today.

Alabama’s Insurance Requirements for Fulfillment Centers

Other Insurance Options to Consider

Obtain Expert Insurance Assistance from Surety Ins Inc.

Does Home Insurance Cover Flooding?

Is Flood Coverage Required In A Flood Zone?

Find Out More About Home Insurance In Alabama

What’s a surety bond for a utility hookup?

How much less?

Item Protection

Liability Coverage

Get Renter’s Insurance

Why Choose Surety Ins Inc. For RV Insurance?

Feel More Confident On The Road

Contact Us Today!

Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Motorcycle Insurance

Four Motorcycle Insurance Myths Busted

Find the Right Motorcycle Insurance in Alabama

A Closer Look at Increasing Boating Safety

Reach Out To Us

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