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The Mitchell Agency LLC

4170 Carmichael CT., Ste. A
Montgomery, AL 36106

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Featured Insurance Blog

The Importance of Liability Coverage in Home Insurance

When you own a home, it’s easy to focus on protecting it from damage or theft. However, an equally important aspect of home insurance is liability coverage. At The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we want to ensure you understand why this protection is crucial.

Understanding Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is designed to protect you financially if someone gets injured on your property or if you unintentionally damage property that belongs to someone else. Imagine a scenario where a guest slips on your driveway, or your child accidentally breaks a neighbor’s window. This coverage can help cover medical expenses or repair costs, preventing unexpected out-of-pocket spending.

The Importance of Liability Coverage

Accidents can happen to anyone; even the most careful homeowners can face unforeseen incidents. Without liability coverage, you might be responsible for paying legal fees, medical bills, or repair costs on your own. These expenses can quickly add up, creating financial stress. Liability coverage provides peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against these unexpected events.

Determining Your Coverage Needs

The amount of liability coverage you need can depend on several factors, such as the size of your property and the risks involved. Most policies start at $100,000, but higher limits are available. It’s wise to assess your circumstances and consult an expert to find the right balance for your needs.

Comprehensive Protection for Your Home

At The Mitchell Agency LLC, we appreciate the unique needs of Alabama homeowners, which is why we provide home insurance throughout the state. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of liability coverage and ensuring your home is fully protected. Contact us today to discuss your options and secure your future.

Wind Damage Coverage Vs. Hurricane Coverage

In a region like Alabama that frequently experiences windstorms, protecting your property with wind coverage insurance is crucial. At The Mitchell Agency LLC, our team has the required expertise to answer your insurance queries and has been serving Alabama clients since 2005.

Windstorms are one of the weather issues that frequently challenge Alabamians. WSFA reports confirm that Alabama is the nation’s leading state regarding severe weather incidents, encompassing over 250 wind-related storms. Therefore, considering wind insurance to protect your property becomes essential.

Wind insurance is often referred to as hurricane insurance since the typical homeowners’ insurance usually does not cover damage from severe windstorms. Here are three common types of deductibles you may find in your insurance:

  • Windstorm Deductible – This applies to damages caused by wind, hail, and storms with powerful winds, such as tornadoes.
  • Named Storm Deductible – This comes into effect if a storm acknowledged and named by the National Weather Service causes damage to your property.
  • Hurricane Deductible – Only applicable when a storm’s winds are intense enough to be categorized as a hurricane instead of a tropical storm.

Speak with one of our team members at The Mitchell Agency LLC to understand these options and decide which deductible best suits you.

Schedule Your Insurance Appointment with Mitchell Agency Today

Whether you are seeking wind protection or need auto or life insurance, our team has options to match every client’s potential requirements. We look forward to explaining all your options to you. If you’re based in the Alabama area, you’ll find our team at The Mitchell Agency LLC knowledgeable and polite. To discuss your insurance needs, call us for an appointment today.

Homeowner Insurance Tip: The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

The thought of obtaining homeowner’s insurance can be overwhelming and stressful. However, at The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we aim to give you peace of mind that you are making the best decision concerning your home and your family’s well-being. Our professional guidance can provide a sense of relief in this complex process. So, here is a helpful tip to save you money and headaches when looking to protect your home.

Before procuring a homeowner’s policy, you may want to consider having a roof inspection on your home. An inspector will check for things that insurance companies look for when deciding your home’s insurability and insurance premiums.

During an inspection, the roof inspector will examine the roofing material used on your home, the gutters, flashing, vent pipes, and caulking to see the condition of your roof. A badly damaged roof can cause you a lot of headaches, cost thousands in repairs, and could also be a reason that an insurance company denies your insurance application.

If this happens, mortgage companies could force you to have insurance on your home throughout the duration of your loan, costing you thousands in unwanted costs.

Are you required to get a roof inspection for insurance?

Suppose you live in an area with frequent storms and your home is older. In that case, an insurance company may require a roof inspection. Your roof is the first line of defense against Mother Nature’s elements entering your home, and it must be well sufficient to resist anything that comes its way, from wind to rain, hail, and other elements.

If you have an older roof that leaks to the interior, it could cause greater damage, costing thousands in repairs, raising safety concerns, and escalating your stress levels. However, by investing in a roof inspection every few years, you can save thousands, providing a sense of financial security.

Contact us today!

If you have more questions about roof inspections and home insurance, your friendly agents at The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama are here to help. Contact us today at (334) 279-6667. Our experienced staff will discuss your goals and needs and empower you to make the best decisions about insuring your home.

Common Commercial Insurance for Lawyers

At The Mitchell Agency LLC, we serve Alabama businesses with the commercial insurance they need to protect their liability and finances. Lawyers require additional insurance coverage that other types of businesses would not.

Insurance that Attorneys Need

Attorneys require unique coverage, such as business equipment, cyber, and malpractice coverage. If their office has employees, workers’ compensation coverage is also necessary. Many lawyers purchase life and disability insurance to cover themselves and their employees. Let’s examine each of these options.

Business Equipment Coverage

Business coverage safeguards a business’s day-to-day operations. Attorneys operate offices with business equipment, workers, office furniture, and other assets. Their business equipment insurance covers replacing or repairing business equipment damaged or destroyed in a peril named in the policy.

Cyber Coverage

Attorneys maintain client information databases, including names, addresses, financial data, medical information, and more. Cyber coverage protects them from liability if their database or virtual office gets hacked.

Malpractice Insurance

Although some people associate this coverage with doctors, lawyers also need malpractice coverage. It pays for the settlement if a court or the bar association finds them negligent in processing a case or client representation.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

An attorney with employees needs workers’ compensation coverage, also known as workers’ comp insurance. This coverage pays for an employee’s medical care if they incur an injury on the job or develop an illness due to workplace exposure. It covers everything from slip and fall accidents to asbestos in the workplace.

Contact Our Insurance Company Today

If you are an attorney in Alabama, contact The Mitchell Agency LLC today for an insurance review. We can help you ensure that your business carries the proper insurance to protect its financial assets.

Strange Things Covered By Homeowner’s Insurance

You are probably aware that your homeowner’s policy covers the structure of your home and your belongings. However, you may find some of the things that are covered quite surprising. At The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, we offer homeowner’s insurance. 

Falling Objects 

Have you ever imagined a meteor falling from the sky and into your home? This probably isn’t a concern that keeps you up at night. However, your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damage if it does happen. This coverage applies to any object falling from the sky, including satellite debris, meteors, and airplanes. 

Burglary 

Unfortunately, burglaries do occur. If your home is broken into, your homeowner’s policy can cover any stolen or damaged items. It can also cover the cost of replacing your doors and door locks if they have sustained damage. 

Identity Theft 

In 2021, 9% of Americans fell victim to identity theft. Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer identity theft protection. Your policy may cover any unauthorized charges to your account and legal expenses. 

Injuries on Your Property 

Accidents happen. Should a guest sustain an injury on your property, you may be responsible for the medical expenses. You may also have to cover lost wages and other associated costs. 

Your homeowner’s policy typically covers these costs. This includes medical expenses due to slips and falls, dog bites, and other forms of injury.

Spoiled Food 

Should the food in your fridge spoil due to a power outage, your homeowner’s policy can cover the cost of restocking your fridge. The cost of replacing all these food items at once can be quite high, and you may not realize how expensive these items are until you have to restock everything. 

Homeowner’s Insurance at The Mitchell Agency LLC

If you need homeowner’s insurance in Alabama, contact us at The Mitchell Agency LLC. Our experienced agents will discuss your needs and goals and help you select the right policy. 

What is Wind Insurance?

Homeowners are shocked about the level of property damage caused by a windstorm. The type of insurance coverage you possess is based on the policy’s wording. The Mitchell Agency LLC of Alabama can assist in determining if you have the right amount of wind insurance.

How Wind Insurance Works

Wind insurance is a specialty coverage for homeowners in the coastal and valley regions. It protects policyholders from property damage caused by high winds, hailstorms, and gales. Astute homeowners add wind insurance to their existing home insurance policy. Often, the coverage pays for all damage to the property, home, and personal possessions. However, wind insurance does have a time limit for when a policyholder files a claim. Thus, inspect all detached structures away from the home, including roof damage and blown-out windows following a storm.  

What Does Wind Insurance Cover?

Wind insurance comes in many varieties, as the policy’s wording differs according to your region. Typically, a homeowner is protected from most high-wind storms. The policy covers all damage to the home, other property structures (garage and sheds), and swimming pools. However, if you live in a coastal region deemed a high risk for hurricanes, you may be excluded from purchasing wind insurance. Also, wind insurance does not cover vehicle damage.

How to File a Wind Insurance Claim

To file a wind insurance claim, you must act quickly or risk losing financial relief. Read your policy agreement to confirm the time frame for filing a claim. It is best to take photos or a video of all the property damage. Also, insurance providers will request a contractor to inspect the property and provide a written estimation of the damage caused by the windstorm. You may hear from a claims adjuster about scheduling an appointment to inspect the property.

Protecting your property should be your top priority. The Mitchell Agency LLC of Alabama can help you create a wind insurance policy that meets your needs. Our knowledge and experience will help protect your investment. Call and schedule an appointment today!

What perils does home insurance cover?

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage Against Perils

The type and extent of hazards or perils your home insurance policy covers depend on your coverage level. Our experts at The Mitchell Agency LLC of Alabama will help you comprehend and select the appropriate level of coverage based on the most frequent perils occurring in our state.

Named Perils Coverage

The kind of homeowners insurance you opt for determines whether you require named perils or all perils coverage. A named-perils policy provides coverage only against events listed explicitly in the policy document. An HO-1 policy covers the ten most common perils, including fire, hail, and vandalism. An HO-2 policy additionally covers six perils, including the weight of snow, sleet, or ice and freezing pipes.

All-Perils Coverage

Most homeowners opt for HO-3 coverage, also identified as open-perils coverage, which excludes a few perils such as earthquakes and animal-induced damage, including damages by pets, vermin, or insects. For this level of coverage, earthquake coverage can usually be added as a rider. On the other hand, HO-5 coverage, offering comprehensive coverage, covers all perils and provides increased coverage of personal belongings. HO-5 does not explicitly name specific perils but rather covers all perils not listed in its exclusion section.

Protect Your Home Today

Get in touch or email us at The Mitchell Agency LLC to buy or enhance your home insurance, imbuing your Alabama home with superior coverage against life’s many haphazard perils.

Navigating Wind Insurance in Alabama: What You Need to Know

Wind insurance is not a common consideration for Alabama residents, but this is where The Mitchell Agency LLC comes into play. We are here to provide Alabama home and business owners with all of the tips and pointers that they need when it comes time to protect their property. Our primary objective is to remove all of the guesswork, so take a moment to read on and learn more about what you need to know.

Are Alabama Residents At Risk of Wind Damage?

There is no area of the United States that is completely free of risk in this regard. Alabama’s residents must be on higher alert than most, though. The southeast region of the country is one of the riskier areas, so wind insurance is an absolute must. Windstorms can take place at any time, and no home or business owner wants to be left picking up the pieces.

What About My Current Homeowners Insurance Policy?

In Alabama, your current homeowners’ insurance policy may provide coverage from wind-related damages, but this is not an assumption that you should be running with. However, these policies are not a catch-all all, and there may be gaps that you are not aware of. Consult a professional so that you have the chance to find out more about these potential coverage gaps before it is too late.

How Do I Choose a Wind Insurance Policy?

The policy that you select should be reviewed as carefully as possible before you sign on the dotted line. What are your coverage levels? Are there any exclusions that you need to be aware of? These are choices that need to be made before a storm has taken place, not after.

At The Mitchell Agency LLC, we pride ourselves on offering Alabama home and business owners the help that they need. If you have any further questions about a potential wind insurance policy, pick up the phone and give our team of professionals a call as soon as possible.

How to Create an Effective Commercial Insurance Policy

The thought of owning your business is an exciting proposition for anyone. However, the decisions before opening the doors can be challenging for a new business owner. The first move is purchasing an effective commercial insurance policy that will become a wise financial investment. The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama can create a policy that protects your business from unforeseen circumstances.

What is Commercial Insurance?

Individuals expose themselves to all sorts of risks after opening a new business. The goal is to protect your financial interest from certain risks that come up regularly when operating a storefront. Commercial insurance is the extra protection needed to run a business. However, the policy’s terms can be complicated to read and interpret. You have to choose coverage that fits within your budget.

General Liability Coverage

All businesses run the risk of causing bodily injury or property damage to others during a work day. Alabama state law requires all businesses to have minimal general liability coverage included in their commercial insurance policy. It will protect them from being sued for injuries caused by slipping or falling on the property. Liability coverage pays for all medical costs and property damage associated with the mishap.

Commercial Building Property Coverage

Commercial building property coverage may sound too obvious, but most general commercial insurance policies fail to include the provision. The coverage is mandatory if you are renting the building space. It will protect recent structural additions, inside fixtures, and permanently installed equipment. Thus, you will have protection against damage from a natural disaster. 

Consult With Us

Creating a commercial insurance policy can be a confusing process for new business owners. Talk with The Mitchell Agency LLC in Alabama, as an agent can assist in gaining the protection needed for your business. Our staff wants to create an effective policy that fits your commercial insurance needs. Call and set an appointment today.

Do I need to get a home insurance plan for my property?

Anyone who lives in the state of Alabama likely knows that owning a home has been a great investment over the past decade. As many people have enjoyed property appreciation, they likely also enjoy having a consistent place to call home. Along with purchasing a home, you also need to get the proper insurance for it. There are various reasons why you need to have a home insurance plan when buying a property here.

Cover Your Asset

 A primary reason to have insurance for your home is so you can cover your assets. Your property is likely one of the most significant investments that will ever be made. Because of this, you need to do all that you can to protect it. Home insurance is a great way this can be done as it will give coverage against many different risks, including if your property is damaged by a fire or other risk.

Meet Obligations for Insurance

A property owner in the state also likely has taken out a mortgage when they purchased a home. If you do purchase a property and use a mortgage, you will need to meet any standards that are set by your lender. For many property owners, this includes having a full home insurance plan at all times and likely having payments escrowed each month.

We Are Here To Help

Getting insurance for your property in Alabama is extremely important. When you are looking for a new plan here, you should call our team of professionals at The Mitchell Agency LLC. When you work with our team at The Mitchell Agency LLC, you will learn all that you need about home insurance including the benefits and coverage options. Based on this guidance, you will be able to build a plan that properly meets your needs.

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