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Toney Insurance Services

2154 North Rd SW
Snellville, GA 30078

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How Home Maintenance Can Affect Your Home Insurance

When most people think about home insurance, they envision protection in the event of an unexpected occurrence, such as a fire, storm, or break-in. However, regular home maintenance plays a significant role in how your insurance policy works. At Toney Insurance Services, serving Snellville, GA, we often remind our clients that maintaining your home isn’t just about curb appeal; it can also impact your coverage and claims.

Prevention Can Save You More Than Repairs

Insurance is designed to protect against sudden and accidental damage, not wear and tear. If a claim is filed for something that could have been prevented, such as a leaky roof that has been ignored for years, it may not be fully covered. Taking care of routine maintenance, like cleaning gutters, checking for water damage, and servicing HVAC systems, can help prevent larger issues and make the claims process smoother if something does go wrong.

Claims History Matters

Your claims history can also affect your premium. Insurance companies consider how often you’ve filed claims in the past. If poor maintenance leads to frequent issues, that history could ultimately cost you more over time. A well-maintained home shows insurers that you’re a responsible homeowner, which can help keep your rates lower.

Stay Ahead of Surprises

A little effort goes a long way. By taking care of your home, you’re not just protecting your investment; you’re also ensuring that your insurance works as it should when you need it most. If you’re unsure how your maintenance habits might affect your policy, reach out to Toney Insurance Services, serving Snellville, GA. We’re here to help you protect what matters with confidence.

Options to Consider for Your Boat Insurance Policy

If you’re new to owning a boat in Snellville, GA, purchasing an insurance policy to protect your investment is a crucial step after completing the purchase. While boat insurance policies share similarities with auto insurance, there are additional considerations due to the unique nature of watercraft. Toney Insurance Services is here to guide you through the process of evaluating policies and making informed decisions.

Coverage Types

At first glance, your boat insurance policy may resemble an auto policy, with coverage sections such as liability, physical damage, uninsured/underinsured boater coverage, personal property, emergency towing and assistance, and medical payments. The liability section is particularly important. Within this section, ensure there is a provision for wreck removal, especially if the wreck poses environmental hazards. Another key consideration is having sufficient liability insurance limits to cover accidents that result in injuries to passengers or others. Many policies offer up to $1 million in liability coverage, but if you feel this amount is insufficient, you can add an umbrella policy for additional liability protection.

Valuation and Other Essentials

If your watercraft is completely destroyed in a wreck, the compensation you receive will depend on whether your policy is based on agreed value or actual cash value. Actual cash value policies are more affordable but provide less compensation if your boat is totaled. Additional coverage options to consider include fuel spill liability, trailer coverage, and hurricane haul-out coverage if you moor your boat in a coastal area.

Find the best boat insurance policy for your needs in Snellville, GA by contacting the experts at Toney Insurance Services. Call today to schedule an appointment with our team of professionals.

How to Add a Teen to Your Auto Insurance Policy

Helping your teen obtain a learner’s permit is an exciting milestone on the path to independence. However, parents in Snellville, GA, should be aware that while the state does not require teens with a learner’s permit to be added to an insurance policy, many insurers do. Teens may need their own insurance or be added to a parent’s policy before driving the parent’s vehicle.

How to Add a Teen to Your Auto Insurance Policy

Before your teen gets a learner’s permit, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance company. Ask about discounts available for teen drivers who meet certain criteria. Many insurers offer discounts for teens who maintain good grades or complete programs such as Driver’s Ed, a Safe Driver Course, or a Defensive Driving course. Additionally, if your teen won’t be driving often, you may qualify for a discounted low-mileage rate.

Once your teen has obtained a learner’s license, provide the insurance agency with all the necessary information about your teen. The insurer may issue a new insurance card that includes your teen on the policy. Be sure to discard the old card and keep the new one in a safe place in the car. Your teen should know where the card is, even though they will always be driving with a parent or another adult.

Call Toney Insurance Services for More Information

Toney Insurance Services specializes in helping Snellville, GA, residents review insurance coverage options to find the best deals. We’re here to help your teen driver get insured so they can drive with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about our policy options or to review quotes.

Protecting Your Liability With Umbrella Insurance

There are several insurance policies that you need, including home insurance and auto insurance. These policies are crucial for maintaining your protection. Both of these policies include some liability coverage. However, is it sufficient? In many instances, it isn’t enough to cover higher expenses following an accident. One way to supplement your liability coverage is to get umbrella insurance. To initiate a policy, contact us at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.

Additional Liability Coverage

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability insurance to your home and auto policies. These policies often don’t offer enough coverage for a serious accident. If such an accident occurs, your home or auto insurance may not provide enough liability coverage to pay all the bills resulting from the accident. Umbrella insurance adds more coverage to both of these other policies, significantly enhancing your protection.

How It Functions

When a serious accident occurs, your home or auto insurance will assess the damages and pay for the bills. However, with a smaller payout possible, this coverage might not cover all the bills, leaving you with overages to pay. If you have umbrella insurance, this policy will cover those overages. This can save you a significant amount on accident bills that you would have been responsible for.

Get Umbrella Insurance in Snellville

If you want the higher level of protection that comes with umbrella insurance, we can assist you. To learn more about this essential type of liability insurance, contact us today at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.

Home Insurance because Homes are a Big Investment

Homeownership is a full-time job, filled with both joys and challenges. Along with the benefits and security that owning a home offers, there are also many concerns and potential expenses, both expected and unexpected. That’s why homeowners in Snellville, GA, rely on the trusted and professional team at Toney Insurance Services for all their home insurance questions and needs.

Home Insurance: Because Homes are a Big Investment

Owning a home is a significant responsibility because it is also a substantial investment. When you own a home, you’re responsible for all aspects of its upkeep, from utilities to repairs. Fortunately, home insurance solutions can help homeowners manage many of those costly problems when they arise.

Most of us would insure our vehicles even if it weren’t a legal requirement, right? Why? Because our vehicles are valuable, and repairs can be expensive. The same reasons apply to why Snellville, GA, homeowners protect their homes with smart home insurance solutions from reputable local agents, like the helpful and experienced folks at Toney Insurance Services.

Home Insurance Solutions for Snellville, GA Area Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner in or around the Snellville, GA area and have questions or would like to learn more about home insurance solutions for your property, we can help. From small single-family homes to large estates, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment to discover how home insurance solutions at Toney Insurance Services can help protect you and your home today.

Boating Insurance 2025: Regulatory Changes in Insurance

Unlike other states, Georgia has strict regulations for residents regarding their boater’s insurance. The state of Georgia enforces stringent safety laws that boaters must adhere to. Those who fail to uphold these regulations can be fined and even jailed. If you’re unaware of the changes in 2025, don’t worry; our agents at Toney Insurance Services can help guide you through it.

Georgia Boating Regulations

The state of Georgia has specific laws that apply statewide. If you’re interested in boating in the area or aren’t aware of these laws, we can walk you through them. A major law that is required is that anyone operating a boat must have life jackets and insurance. Additionally, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner sets the rules for boating policies, which often change annually.

Changes to Premium Boating Insurance in 2025

Due to market changes, one thing boater policyholders must be aware of is the increase in premiums. Many of the parts for boats are expected to increase in price, thus raising premium prices. That said, you’ll need to check with your policyholder as these increases depend on what type of watercraft you own.

Here is a rundown of changes in 2025:

  • Increased claims
  • Increased payouts
  • Higher premiums
  • Area-specific risks
  • Increased premiums for older vessels

Staying Up to Date on Regulation Changes

To stay current, boaters will need to check the DNR website for updates regularly. They list any changes in the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s regulations. Additionally, staying up to date with the Georgia State House legislation is also a good way to ensure you’re covered. If not, then you may want to contact an agent at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, who can help walk you through the current changes to your policy.

Technology Might be Making Vehicles Safer – But What About Drivers?

The road is a bustling place whether people drive frequently due to work demands or simply for pleasure. Unfortunately, this can also make our roadways potentially hazardous. That’s why so many drivers from the Snellville, GA, area rely on the professional and helpful team at Toney Insurance Services for all their auto insurance needs.

Technology Might be Making Vehicles Safer – But What About Drivers?

For drivers everywhere, the impact of technology is transforming the driving experience. However, the question remains about technology’s benefits versus drawbacks in today’s driving landscape. Advocates of technology will quickly note the advancements and improvements in vehicles, with features like backup sensors and rearview cameras, among many others. Meanwhile, critics will point to the distractions of technology, primarily citing distracted drivers and texting at the top of the Technology’s Most Wanted list.

Yes, technology might improve vehicle safety, but it may also be a problematic issue for drivers. Fortunately, regardless of how much safer technology does or doesn’t make the roads, drivers can always depend on the right insurance solutions for help.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Snellville, GA Area Drivers

If you live and drive in and around the Snellville, GA area and have questions or want to learn more about auto insurance for you and your vehicle, we can help. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment with our friendly and experienced team at Toney Insurance Services for the auto insurance and protection you need today.

Umbrella Insurance – How the Claims Process Works

Are you prepared to file an umbrella insurance claim? If you haven’t dealt with this type of insurance before, you may not be familiar with the claims process. Let’s review the steps you may need to take in the event of an injury or damage to your property.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an optional type of insurance that provides additional liability protection. If your current insurance policy isn’t equipped to handle legal costs associated with an accident that occurs at your place of business, you may have decided to add umbrella insurance coverage to your original insurance policy.

How Does an Insurance Claim Work?

If someone is severely injured at your place of business, or if extreme damage to another person’s property occurs at your business, you may need to file a claim. The liability insurance provided by your original insurance policy will be taken into account first. An umbrella insurance policy will be applied to the claim if the coverage from your original policy isn’t sufficient to cover the injury or damage.

Do I need Insurance Documentation?

Insurance documentation should be collected after an injury or damage occurs. You should prepare a statement that outlines what occurred. Key details provided during the claims process may substantiate your liability insurance claim. Your documentation should be clear and concise. When speaking to an insurance agent, you will be asked some questions about the nature of the insurance claim. Your documentation can greatly help you answer these questions.

Contact An Agent Who Serves Snellville, GA

Now that you have reviewed the basic steps associated with the umbrella insurance claims process, consult with one of our agents at Toney Insurance Services. A qualified agent will answer any questions you have about your umbrella insurance policy.

What should I think about when building a new Georgia home insurance plan?

In the Snellville, GA area, owning a home is a common and great long-term option. When you choose to buy a house here, you need to get the right insurance. There are several factors to consider when you are building a new home insurance plan in Georgia.

Understanding Local Risks

Georgia has a variety of risks that can impact your property and insurance needs. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wind damage, and other risks are somewhat common in this state. Additionally, you could be prone to flooding. It’s important to assess your policy to ensure you are protected as well as possible by either home insurance or additional coverage.

Insurance Requirements

You also need to consider your basic insurance requirements. Most people take out a mortgage when financing a property, and your lender will have specific insurance requirements. Additionally, you may live in a homeowners association that requires insurance. You need to consider all of these requirements and build a plan accordingly.

Personal Assets

You may also have personal items to cover beyond your dwelling. If you have valuable items, such as art, collectibles, or jewelry, they may require additional policy riders. It’s important to consider this and build your plan accordingly.

Owning a home can be a great option in the Snellville, GA area. However, you need to ensure you get the right coverage for you and your home. Our team at Toney Insurance Services can help with this. When you call our team at Toney Insurance Services, you will get any guidance that you need to build a new plan that will meet your needs and cover your home.

Three Types of Coverage in Boat Insurance Policies

Boat insurance policies work much like auto insurance policies. There are many different types of coverage that you can get for your policy. It’s important to have various types of coverage to protect you against the many risks you face as a boat owner. When you own a boat and don’t have insurance, we can help. To get started with your own boat policy, call us at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.

Liability Coverage

Just as with auto insurance, it’s never a good idea to go without liability coverage. Having both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is a must. Bodily injury liability protects you in case someone is injured due to an accident with your boat. This can include the medical bills that come from it, legal costs, and even their lost wages. Property damage liability protects you against the costs of damage to someone else’s watercraft after an accident. All of these types of protection pay for the bills that come from someone else after you’ve been in an accident with them.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

To pay your own expenses, you will need collision and comprehensive coverage to pay for the damages to your boat. Collision coverage pays for the damages to your boat when you get into an accident with someone on the water. Comprehensive coverage pays for some risks your boat may face when it’s off the water. Both of these types of coverage are needed to keep you from being in financial turmoil if you have an accident or other damaging incident with your boat.

Get Boat Insurance

If you need boat insurance, call Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, today.

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