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710 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535

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Southern Risk Associates Blog

When Should You Update Your RV Insurance Policy?

An RV gives you a lot of freedom to travel the country or even internationally. You simply have to choose a destination, get behind the wheel, and head out. Even so, you’ll need a good RV insurance policy to ensure you’re fully covered in an incident, and the type of coverage you need can change over time due to personal circumstances and changes in your financial status.

Signs You May Need To Change Your RV Insurance Policy

You’ll need to upgrade your RV insurance policy if you decide to live in it full time rather than use it for travel. Full-time RV living calls for a policy akin to home insurance. This policy will cover your RV and personal belongings if an accident happens.

Conversely, if you only use your RV for travel at certain times of the year, you may want to opt for storage coverage for the months when you aren’t traveling by RV. However, this arrangement isn’t always a good fit for everyone. You’ll need to purchase regular RV insurance before you take your vehicle out on the road. Additionally, if there is a chance another vehicle may crash into the RV while it is in storage, you’ll want to maintain regular coverage year-round.

You may also need to change your RV insurance if you renovate your RV. Small changes, such as replacing old flooring and repainting cabinets, could affect your RV’s value. You want your policy to accurately reflect the change in worth. If you’re planning major upgrades such as installing solar panels, contact your insurer beforehand. Not all RV insurance policies allow for major changes.  

Contact Southern Risk Associates, serving Foley, AL, for More Information

Southern Risk Associates helps RV owners in and around Foley, AL, assess their insurance needs, review policy options, and pick the best forms of coverage. Call us to find out more or request a policy quote.

How Motorcycle insurance Differs From Auto Insurance

When purchasing a motorcycle for the first time in Foley, AL, you might assume you can add your bike to your existing auto insurance policy. However, this is not the case, as motorcycle insurance involves different considerations compared to auto insurance. The agents at Southern Risk Associates can help you understand why a dedicated motorcycle policy is necessary.

Motorcycles Require Unique Coverage

Rider protection, accessories, higher risk profiles, and distinct legal requirements are key reasons why motorcycle policies differ from those for larger vehicles like cars and SUVs. Motorcycle insurance often includes coverage for custom parts and equipment. You can even add endorsements for safety gear, such as helmets and riding apparel. Typically, motorcycle policies are more affordable than auto policies because insurers consider that many riders do not use their motorcycles during winter or inclement weather. However, high-end motorcycles with extensive features may have higher premiums due to their replacement costs.

Liability and Medical Differences

The smaller size of motorcycles makes them less likely to cause significant damage in accidents. Additionally, repairing damage to motorcycles is often less expensive than repairing damage to cars. As a result, collision and comprehensive coverage for motorcycles usually costs less. However, riders lack the protective shell that cars provide, leaving them more exposed during accidents. This vulnerability increases the likelihood of severe injuries, particularly to the lower body, which often require extensive and costly medical treatment. These injuries can quickly exceed health insurance limits, and riders are also at a higher risk of fatal accidents.

Protect yourself and your new motorcycle by finding the right insurance policy. Contact Southern Risk Associates, serving Foley, AL, today to get started.

Does Watercraft Insurance Cover Theft?

If you own a boat, having watercraft insurance is essential. The right watercraft insurance can protect you in various ways, especially if your boat is damaged or stolen. At Southern Risk Associates, serving Foley, AL, we work with multiple carriers to help our customers find the watercraft insurance they need.

If you have questions about the type of protection your watercraft insurance provides, we’re here to help.

What Does Watercraft Insurance Cover?

Watercraft insurance coverage varies depending on the policy. Many policies include protection against theft, as well as coverage for damage caused by accidents or other unforeseen events.

What Should I Do If My Watercraft Is Stolen?

If your watercraft has been stolen, the first step is to contact your insurance agent to determine what kind of coverage your policy provides. If your policy includes theft protection, your insurance agent can guide you through the next steps.

The process for filing an insurance claim may differ depending on your insurance carrier, but your agent will assist you regardless of the company. At Southern Risk Associates, we work closely with our clients to help them file claims and navigate the recovery or replacement process for their boats.

Contact Us for More Information About Watercraft Insurance

Watercraft insurance provides valuable protection for boats, yachts, and other personal watercraft. It ensures you’re covered in case of theft, damage, or other unexpected events.

To learn more about watercraft insurance, contact the professionals at Southern Risk Associates, serving Foley, AL. Our experienced insurance experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of purchasing, maintaining, and using your insurance policies. Reach out today to get started!

Do You Need Insurance to Park Your Motorhome at Your Residence?

If you own a motorhome, you may be wondering whether you need additional insurance coverage to protect it while it’s parked at your home. Here’s what you need to know.

Legal Requirements vs. Practical Protection

Most states do not require insurance for a motorhome that is parked and not in use. However, if your RV is financed, your lender may require full coverage regardless of its use or location. Even when parked at home, your motorhome can still face risks such as theft, vandalism, weather damage, or fire.

Limitations of Homeowners Insurance

Many RV owners assume their homeowners insurance will cover a parked motorhome—but that’s rarely the case. Most homeowners’ policies provide limited or no coverage for motor vehicles, including RVs. Damage to the RV or liability for injuries occurring in or around it may not be covered under your homeowners insurance.

Why Comprehensive RV Insurance Matters

Comprehensive motorhome insurance offers protection for your vehicle while it’s parked, including coverage for natural disasters, theft, fire, and falling objects. It may also cover personal belongings stored inside the RV and provide liability protection if someone is injured on or near your motorhome. Some providers offer “storage” or “lay-up” policies, which reduce premiums while the RV is not in use but still provide essential coverage.

Protect Your Investment Year-Round

Even if you’re not traveling, your RV remains a valuable asset. Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage while it’s parked at your residence is a wise decision that can save you from unexpected expenses.

Protect Your Motorhome with Southern Risk Associates

At Southern Risk Associates, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your investments. We proudly serve Foley, AL, and would love to discuss our policy options with you. Contact us or visit our office today to learn more about our services.

Hurricane Season in Foley: What Flood Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Hurricane season in Foley, AL, can be a stressful time, especially if you’re not fully prepared. Between strong winds and significant flooding, storms can cause extensive damage to your home. While flood insurance is an excellent addition to your home policy, it doesn’t cover everything. At Southern Risk Associates, our agents can help you secure a policy that provides comprehensive protection for your property.

The Components of a Flood Policy

A flood insurance policy typically covers damage caused by floodwaters entering your home and may also replace furniture and personal belongings. However, the fine print of these policies can vary, and exclusions are standard.

For example, personal items stored in a basement may not be covered by the policy. Additionally, if flooding leads to earth movement or the formation of a sinkhole, your policy may not provide coverage. Understanding what is excluded from your flood policy is crucial for ensuring you’re adequately protected.

Covering Your Entire Home

Once you know what isn’t covered by your flood insurance or home policy, you can take steps to address those gaps. Consider coverage for all belongings, regardless of where they are stored, and explore add-on options to protect against additional scenarios.

Conducting a home inventory is a helpful way to identify what needs coverage. Then, work with an agent to customize a policy that ensures every aspect of your home is protected.

Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

Preparation is key before hurricane season begins. In Foley, AL, this means not only reading your home to withstand the storm but also reviewing your flood insurance policy in detail.

At Southern Risk Associates, our agents can help you review your policy and ensure every aspect of your home is covered. Contact us today to see how we can help you prepare for hurricane season!

Reasons for Policy Cancellation

If you’re a driver in Alabama, you’re required by law to have car insurance. Some drivers may have questions or concerns about their auto insurance. If you’re located near Foley, AL, our team at Southern Risk Associates can provide answers. We’ve been offering insurance solutions to drivers like you since 2021.

Common Reasons for Policy Cancellation

Once you’ve chosen an insurance policy, it’s your responsibility to pay your premiums on time to maintain your coverage. According to the Alabama Department of Insurance, there are several reasons why your insurance company may cancel your auto insurance policy. For instance, consistent nonpayment of your premiums is one of the most common reasons for policy cancellation. Another reason is misrepresentation of facts on your application, so it’s crucial to be truthful when filling out insurance documentation.

Your insurance agent calculates your premium based on the information you provide on your application. If you fail to disclose information about car accidents in the last 36 months, or if you’ve been involved in fraudulent insurance claims, the insurance company can cancel your policy. Clients whose driver’s license was suspended within 36 months of the cancellation date can also face policy cancellation.

Contact Us Today for Your Insurance Needs

Don’t risk driving without insurance. Our team at Southern Risk Associates will work with you to find the right insurance at a price you can afford. Drivers in the Foley, AL area have learned they can trust our team with their insurance decisions. Contact us today for an appointment, and we will work with you to find the right insurance policies.

What to Know About Loss Assessment Coverage in Condos

Living in a condo offers several benefits, including lower maintenance, shared amenities, and a sense of community. However, it also means you’re part of a collective when it comes to repairs and liability. At Southern Risk Associates, proudly serving the community of Foley, AL, we often find condo owners surprised to learn they could be personally responsible for costs beyond their unit.

When the HOA Comes Knocking

Imagine a major storm damages the community pool area. The homeowners association (HOA) may have a master insurance policy, but what if it doesn’t cover the full repair bill? Or what if the HOA decides to sue someone over injuries on the property, and legal costs exceed their policy coverage? In such situations, the HOA can issue a special assessment—a bill split among all unit owners.

A Smart Safety Net

This is where loss assessment coverage becomes incredibly valuable. It’s a feature you can add to your condo insurance that specifically protects you from having to pay out of pocket when the HOA’s coverage isn’t enough. Whether it’s repairing shared spaces or covering liability claims, this coverage helps shield you against unexpected costs tied to the building or property as a whole.

Better to Have It and Not Need It

The cost of adding loss assessment coverage is usually minimal, especially compared to what you could be asked to pay without it. At Southern Risk Associates, serving the area in and around Foley, AL, we’ll help you understand your condo policy from top to bottom. Let’s ensure you’re covered where it really counts—inside your unit and out.

Is Your Home Insurance Coverage Ready for Spring Storm Season?

Spring storms are a common occurrence in and around Foley, AL. Lightning, hail, flooding, and high winds can occur from early March up until the hot, sultry summer months. These weather events can dent your roof, cause water to flood your basement, and blow shingles and siding from your structure. Most homeowners rely on their homeowner’s insurance to ensure they don’t incur significant repair costs if weather events damage their homes. However, if you haven’t reviewed your homeowner’s coverage for a while, it’s wise to sit down with your agent and review your coverage before storm season hits.

Insurance Concerns to Consider Before Storm Season

One aspect to review regarding your homeowner’s policy is the amount of coverage you have. While most policies factor inflation into their coverage, this won’t necessarily cover any additions or upgrades you’ve made to your home since you purchased your policy.

Additionally, flood damage is often not included in standard homeowner’s policies. This is especially true if your home lies within a flood zone. You don’t have to live on the coast to worry about floodwaters. Rivers and even creeks can become hazardous when waters rise. Wind and hail coverage may also be additional, depending on your address. You certainly don’t want to do without this coverage, as a single hail storm can wreak havoc with even the most sturdy metal roof.

Contact Southern Risk Associates to learn more about ensuring you have the homeowner’s insurance you need for the Alabama storm season. We’ve been helping Foley, AL residents with their insurance needs since 2021.

Protect Your Powered Toys with Recreational Insurance

We all grow up and get older, and many of us even start families of our own. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a little kid inside each of you. Look at all the grown-up power toys we use for fun and play today. From off-road motorcycles to four-wheelers, jet skis, and more. Unfortunately, most of these grown-up toys also come with adult price tags. The good news is that we can protect those toys and invest in our recreational machines with the right insurance. That’s why so many people who live in the Foley, AL area rely on the professional and proven team at Southern Risk Associates for all their recreational insurance needs.

Protect Your Powered Toys with Recreational Insurance

There’s a reason why those aforementioned recreational machines are made for adults and, at the very least, require adult supervision. That’s because playing with many of those high-powered toys involves some risk and inherent dangers. From accidents and rollovers to even burns or damage to property, our recreational toys aren’t made for kids and require careful operation. That’s why owners of these different types of recreational machines turn to the friendly and experienced agents at Southern Risk Associates to help them protect their recreational toys and their good times.

Recreational Insurance for Foley, AL Area Residents

If you live in or near the Foley, AL area and would like to learn more about recreational insurance or need coverage for your recreational big-people toys, we can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable and reputable team for the protection your recreational toys need and deserve at Southern Risk Associates today.

Here’s Why College Students Need Rental Insurance

Many college students have spent their entire lives covered by their parents’ rental insurance. In some cases, a parent’s homeowner or rental insurance may provide coverage while the child is away at college. However, the extent of coverage may be limited. Ultimately, college students should have rental insurance. If you live in or near Foley, AL, come speak with the insurance agents at Southern Risk Associates to learn more.

Ensure Complete Protection

A landlord’s property insurance may provide some coverage. However, what’s covered may not be as much as renters expect. Personal property may not be covered at all, for example. If someone breaks into a student’s apartment and steals their personal property, it’s quite possible that the landlord’s insurance won’t provide any assistance.

Sadly, thieves often target college students. Security around college apartments may be more lax than in buildings with older tenants, and college students may also forget to lock their doors.

College students are often tight on cash. Replacing a laptop that could cost several hundred dollars may prove difficult, if not impossible, for many students. Completing schoolwork and studying for exams suddenly becomes much more challenging without a laptop.

Meanwhile, natural disasters can strike pretty much anyone, anywhere. While a landlord’s insurance may cover storm damage to the building, it may not cover the renter’s personal items.

Renter’s insurance can provide protection against theft, fires, weather damage, and more. That said, what’s covered by a specific policy will vary, so make sure you study the policy closely to determine what is and is not covered. Should you live near Foley, AL, come work with the insurance experts at Southern Risk Associates to learn more.

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