Georgia Boat and Watercraft Insurance


TruePoint Insurance

As the Captain, your job is to manage risk constantly. While the safety of your passengers and crew is your number one concern, risk management for your vessel is also an ongoing problem.
That’s where we come in. TruePoint Insurance provides Coastal Georgia boatowners with access to many of the top boat insurance options. With locations in Pooler and Wilmington Island, TruePoint is making it easier than ever to find the proper insurance coverages for Savannah boatowners.

Boat insurance for Coastal Georgia

We provide coverage for the following types of watercraft:

  • Air Boat
  • Bass Boat
  • Bay Boat
  • Bowrider
  • Cabin Cruiser
  • Catamaran
  • Center Consoles
  • Cuddy Cabin
  • Deck Boat
  • Fishing Boat
  • Game Boat
  • High-Speed Boat
  • High-Value Boat
  • Houseboat
  • Jet Ski
  • Offshore Fishing Boat
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Pontoon
  • Runabout
  • Sail Boat
  • Ski Boat
  • Sport Boat
  • Yacht
  • and more…….


Whether you’re purchasing your first boat or just checking around for a better value, reach out to one of our Georgia boat insurance specialists. We’ll take the time to find the right coverages for your unique situation.

Give us a call at (912) 330-1265,

or Click Here to learn more about TruePoint Insurance.

Georgia Restaurant Insurance



Restaurants and Pubs

Managing a Restaurant or Pub is hard work. Finding the correct insurance for your endeavor shouldn’t add to your headaches. Obtaining the coverages at the right price should be the responsibility of a reliable and trusted insurance professional.

Insurance for Pubs and Taverns
Insurance for Georgia Pubs and Taverns

Different cuisines, Franchises versus Mom and Pop, and the processes utilized for cooking are just a few of the factors that may influence a restaurant’s premium. Other factors can have a more dramatic impact on premiums. For example, alcohol sales, entertainment (such as live music or karaoke), and dance floors may make it harder to secure adequate and reasonably priced insurance.

That’s where we come in. With two locations in Savannah, GA, our insurance agency is helping restaurant owners in Coastal Georgia, and many other Georgia locations navigate the specific insurance needs of the industry. TruePoint Insurance has aligned with many of the top carriers providing insurance for Georgia restaurants and pubs. So while you focus your energy on staffing, menus, and other operations-critical issues, we will be behind the scenes searching for the appropriate insurance coverages that meet your unique needs.


Give us a call now at (912) 330-1265

or Click Here to learn more about TruePoint Insurance

Georgia Garage Liability Insurance

The coverage, it’s in the detailing

Insurance for Auto Dealers and Garages

What is Commercial General Liability

Whatever business you’re in, it is likely, that you will need general liability coverage. Commercial General Liability also referred to as CGL, protects your Georgia business in the event of third parties claims.

Liability insurance; the cost of staying in business

Insurance claims come in many forms.  If you’re an auto dealer, garage, or body shop in Coastal Georgia you are definitely aware of the damages that can be inflicted by a windstorm.  Property coverage is an essential portion of your risk management process.  The need for property and many other types of insurance coverage can be easily quantified.  Both the magnitude of the potential loss and the associated insurance premium are a given.

The cost/benefit analysis for liability insurance is another story.  Today, seven-figure liability claims are not unheard of. Magnitude is the reason that your Commercial General Liability policy is essential.

CGL Insurance provides very broad coverages, however it is critical that Georgia business owners be aware of the many exclusions.  Professions that work with customers vehicles have specific liability insurance needs.

Insurance for Mechanics

Mechanics, auto body repair shops, and other’s need what is known as Garagekeepers Liability Insurance.

Vehicles not owned by the insured are not covered by under the CGL or the Commercial Auto Policy.  To fill this gap, many businesses need a Garagekeepers Liability Policy.  This policy provides the insured with coverage for incidents that occur on the premises. On-premises is key. It is important to remember that this coverage does not extend beyond the place of business.

Garage Liability is often confused with Garagekeepers and vice versa

Earlier we noted that Garagekeepers insurance may not cover on-site incidents. If you own or operate a Georgia auto dealership, or if your business drives non-owned vehicles off premises, then you most likely need a Garage Liability policy.

Garagekeepers or Garage Liability,  as clear as spent motor oil

Business Liability insurance can get confusing. That’s why it is important for business owners to do some work on their end. It’s wise to invest some time on the front-end finding a good agent. Working with an independent agent increases your chance of success.

Working with an independent agent is even more important for businesses. The group combines to write nearly 85% of the insurance written in the US. 85% of the market makes it difficult for anyone other than an independent to agree their case. Garage Liability insurance coverage.

Identifying the right independent agent might be a little tough. Don’t be afraid to quiz them. Use your understanding of General Liability, Garagekeepers, and Garage Liability coverages. Put prospective agents to the test by asking them to suggest coverages.

The finish line is in sight. Choose the right path for you and your business to secure the necessary coverage.

Don’t feel bad if you’re still feeling a little confused. Many in the insurance industry have trouble with this topic. Who needs Garage Liability?

CAN YOU HAVE BOTH?

It’s not uncommon for businesses in the auto industry to carry both Garage Liability and Garagekeepers coverage.  If your business falls into one of the following you more than likely need on, if not both of these coverages:

Auto Mechanics

Auto Dealerships

Car Wash

Farm Equipment Dealers

Auto Body Shops

Parking Lots

Valet Parking

Mobile Auto Service

Tire Dealers

Driveway Contractors

Towing

ATV Sales & Service

…….and many more auto-related industries

The Commercial Property Policy

Commercial Property Insurance Policy

No matter the size or type of business, tangible property is a major asset. A national standard for insuring such property is the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial Property Program (CPP). The CPP may be written as a single policy (covering only buildings and property) or as a package that provides property, liability and, other important protection for your business.

The Parts of A CPP

A Commercial Property Policy is flexible because it consists of several basic parts:

·        Declarations Forms – these tell you who is covered, the amount of insurance, the type of coverage written, other information about the business and other identifying details.

·        Conditions Forms – these documents contain sets of conditions that control how the policy operates such as the customer’s duties when a loss occurs, the method used for settling a loss or what steps to take when the customer and the insurer disagree over the amount of a loss.

·        Coverage Forms – these include descriptions of the type of property that is covered or excluded and it explains items such as coverages, insurance limits, definitions, deductibles and other important provisions.

·        Causes of Loss Forms – as you might expect, these forms describe the causes of loss (perils) that are insured against and any exclusions.

·        Policy Cover or Jacket – this is, literally, a cover designed by the company providing the policy and it usually includes a table of contents or an index.

The above can be modified o better fit different types of businesses by adding a wide variety of optional coverage forms called endorsements.

Causes Of Loss Forms

The following Causes of Loss Forms are available under the CPP:

BASIC – protects against Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Windstorm, Hail, Smoke, Aircraft or Vehicles, Riot or Civil Commotion, Sprinkler Leakage, Vandalism, Sinkhole Collapse, and Volcanic Action

BROAD – adds several additional covered causes of loss over the Basic Form, including Breakage of Glass, Falling Objects, Weight of Snow, Ice, or Sleet, and Water Damage.

SPECIAL – provides coverage on an “all risk” basis which essentially covers anything not otherwise excluded.

EARTHQUAKE – covers earthquake shocks or volcanic eruptions that occur within any 168-hour period.

What CPP Covers

A Commercial Package Policy covers building, completed additions, fixtures, permanently installed machinery and equipment, personal property that is used to service or maintain the building or premises, and, under certain circumstances, construction equipment, material and supplies.

Under personal property, the CPP covers furniture and fixtures, machinery, equipment, stock, all other personal property owned by the insured and used for business, labor, materials, or services furnished or arranged by the insured on the personal property of others, any improvements and betterments made by or acquired by the insured (when a tenant), and any leased personal property the insured has a contractual responsibility for. The CPP, under limited circumstances, also covers property located outside or in vehicles.

What CPP Does Not Cover

Like any insurance policy, there are items that are not covered. A CPP does not provide coverage for accounts, bills, currency (and similar property), animals, automobiles held for sale, bridges, roadways, walks, patios, or other paved surfaces, contraband, property being transported by air or over waterways, land, crops, underground property, most vehicles, expenses related to replacing company records and other property.

Again, this is just a very brief discussion of the CPP. If you need more information, help is nearby. Contact an insurance professional to talk about coverages and your coverage needs.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

General Contractors

General contractors (GCs) are the playmakers for any significant construction project, taking responsibility for all key operations such as construction assignments, job site supervision, and activity coordination. Typically, GCs have their own construction specialty (example: malls, restaurants, office buildings, stadiums, arenas, parks, etc.). GCs are often larger concerns with a tremendous amount of expertise in their area of specialty. The level of experience is critical since it permits a construction project to be led efficiently and more successfully.

GCs may assign/award work in a variety of ways, such as:

·        supplying all of the specialty contractors for an entire project, such as the excavator, electrician, heating contractor, cement contractor, plasterer, and so forth

·        using their own, permanent employees for certain jobs, and

·        subcontracting the remaining tasks to other, smaller construction specialists

After land has been purchased and the design/architectural work has been done, the general contractor proceeds, usually beginning with site preparation, through excavation, foundation-laying, framing, and finishing until the building or project is completed. The general contractor provides the materials and equipment according to the applicable design specifications (usually provided by the architect). The GC must comply with all local and state ordinances, codes and zoning requirements. This includes purchasing the necessary permits and obtaining the necessary surety bonds.

GCs may either be hands-on operators, who actively take part in construction, or they may be “paper” operators, overseeing the actual work of other contractors. The general contractor may rent, lease or borrow equipment (including equipment operators) for use by subcontractors. Since the general contractor is responsible for the job site, he/she should be aware of the proper use of the equipment during construction. Is the equipment being used as it was designed to be used? Is the equipment’s load capacity routinely exceeded? Finally, GCs have many contractual and administrative obligations such as making sure that critical project deadlines are met, that payroll is handled, materials and equipment are obtained and that the project’s budget is followed (avoiding cost overruns).

GCs face a myriad of loss exposures that vary substantially according to the type of construction project. Their insurance needs may range from a simple, low limit package of coverage to a huge wrap-up program, involving multiple lines of business, different insurers and reinsurers with various layers of coverage. Firms involved as general contractors must work with insurance professionals who are equally adept at handling large tasks.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Discontinued Operations

Mergers and acquisitions are very complex legal transactions that, besides substantially altering regular operations, can also affect an organization’s insurance needs. Unforeseen liabilities may arise for merged entities that produce tangible products. One area of concern is a discontinued operation.

Once a product enters the marketplace, the liabilities associated with that product do not cease with the sale or merger of the original manufacturer. Such liabilities still exist even when that particular product is no longer produced. Liability claims often occur many years after the product was first produced or sold. In other words, liability still exists for operations that have been discontinued.

If the original business owner only sells its assets and retains its corporate structure, it will also retain the liabilities connected to the original operations. A business can purchase discontinued operations coverage to help in such instances. For example, Utility Trailers, Inc. built small trailers. Utility Trailers’ owners accept an attractive offer from another company and sell the business on an ‘assets only’ basis. Utility Trailers, Inc. was not dissolved as a corporate entity. A year later, some customers sue Utility, claiming loss caused by defective trailers. Their Discontinued Operations coverage will respond to the lawsuits.

Discontinued Operations coverage would provide coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by defective products. The same coverage can be designed to provide coverage for contractors that have ceased doing business. It would be a disappointing situation to find that after a product has been discontinued or assets sold, all profit from the sale – and perhaps more – has been taken away due to a defective product that is still the responsibility of that entity. So, contact your agent and discuss whether you have continuing liability for a discontinued operation.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Need Flood Insurance?

Do you need flood insurance? Well, walk to the nearest mirror and ask the person you see if he or she owns much property that could be damaged or destroyed by water. If the answer is yes, then you should seriously consider buying flood insurance. Most persons who need the protection buy coverage offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If your community doesn’t participate in the program, you’ll have to look into coverage from private insurance companies.

Homeowners insurance will not cover flood! Do you think you need flood insurance? Call a TruePoint Insurance agent and get a FEMA National Flood Insurance program quote today.
Flood insurance comes via the FEMA National Flood insurance program.

Is A Flood Loss Likely?

The chances of your business, home or personal property being damaged by a flood depends primarily upon where you live. They also depend on other factors such as:

·        how much of a flood warning you receive

·        the level of flood precautions you take (such as moving personal property from lower levels to higher levels), and

·        the precautions taken by your community (such as the use of flood controls in construction standards or sandbagging threatened areas).

Floods are related to weather conditions and tend to affect very wide areas. This often makes chances of a flood loss higher than a loss from fires or windstorms. Many people have the obsolete belief that flood insurance is only needed if you live in a flood prone area.

I Live In A Flood Zone?!

If you hear the term “flood zone,” you may think that it refers to locations that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Wherever you live in the USA, you live in a flood zone. While your area may have a lower chance of flooding than a coastal area or a location situated near a body of water, your area could still experience flooding. A very dry part of the country can be susceptible to flash floods; hilly locations may be harmed by drainage; snowy locations may suffer from heavy snow thaw; other areas may suffer deluges or flooding due to a heavy rain season which has soaked the surrounding soil. So, if you’ve insured yourself against fire, wind and other causes of loss, it certainly makes sense to also protect yourself from the potential of a flood loss.

Why Worry When Disaster Coverage Is Available?

Are you thinking that, after a flood, your loss may be handled by the government declaring a disaster area? However, you’re still taking a couple of large risks. First, your flooded locale may not be deemed a disaster area. Second, being designated as a disaster area is not a bargain. Disaster area status only gives citizens access to government disaster loans. IF you qualify for assistance, you have replaced insurance protection with an obligation to pay off a large, long-term loan. Is it worthwhile to gamble on an opportunity to pick up more debt? You’ll find flood insurance to be a cheaper and much more valuable alternative.

Don’t Be “All Wet”

You don’t have to leave yourself unprotected. Your agent, an insurance professional, can help you with detailed information on the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also ask for help in getting the coverage you need in the face of a flood.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Job Posting

TruePoint Insurance, Insuring Georgia

We are a rapidly growing Independent Insurance Agency currently searching for a CSR for our Pooler GA office.

Title: CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Full-Time, In-Office, Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

The right candidate will possess the following:

Skills/Abilities:

  • Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills
  • Goal oriented, highly motivated, and resourceful to achieve results
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to create and maintain business relationships with prospects and policyholders
  • Proven track record of trustworthiness, dependability, and ethical behavior
  • Fundamental understanding of office technology used by small business

Experience and Education:

  • Customer Service Experience (prior experience preferred)
  • Knowledge of Personal Lines, Life Insurance, and/or Commercial Lines products (preferred)
  • Property and Casualty license a plus
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associates or Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Job Related Training/Licensing:

Must have the ability to obtain a Property and Casualty license within the first year of hire.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide service to the public and policyholders in a pleasant and courteous manner
  • Be able to communicate clearly and professionally
  • Prepare forms and endorsements when required
  • Perform Billing and Customer Service duties in a timely and efficient manner
  • Meet customer service goals and assist with marketing goals
  • Be able to successfully navigate our Agency Management System and Carrier Websites
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Pay and Benefits:

Salary will be based on experience, with the ability to advance based on performance and license. There will be an initial 90-day evaluation period to determine compatibility, salary increases, and bonus options.  Interested Candidates should send a resume to New job Candidate Pooler GA.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

Do I need Commercial Auto Insurance

We all know the difference between a truck and a car. Right? 

Car, truck or other.  The Volkswagon Thing test our standards.
The Thing; Car, Truck or ??

For most of my life, that was a straight forward question. Along comes the SUV and, more recently, the crossover, the once black and white responses it a lot grayer.

Here’s the good news. 

Has your insurance agent ever asked if you needed, car or truck insurance? Probably not. 

Since Cars, Trucks, and SUV’s are all insured by the same policy, there is no need to ask. However, You will be asked to provide your vehicles VIN. This will give the insurance company the information they need.

Delivery Trucks are considered commercial vehicles.  Some can be difficult to insure.
Delivery Trucks considered Commercial

Who needs a Commercial Insurance Policy?

Business Autos cannot be adequately protected with a Personal Auto Policy. A commercial policy of some form must cover these vehicles.

Who decides whether my vehicle needs commercial auto coverage?  

Theoretically, any vehicle can be used for a business purpose. This requires extra effort from insurance carriers and agents as the work to provide adequate coverage.

I like to tackle that question from the other side. Who decides that a Personal Policy does NOT cover my vehicle?

Accurately communicating how you utilize your vehicle is critical. It allows your agent to confirm or deny that coverage exists for your situation.  

Business Auto Insurance also Covers Personal Use

The Commercial Auto Policy is more flexible than Personal Coverage. While protecting your car at work, it can also safeguard automobiles during personal use. While Personal Auto covers only personal use of your auto.  

If you use your vehicle in your business or profession, you may need Business Auto Insurance. In many cases, the need for Commercial Auto Insurance is obvious. Taxis, Tow Trucks, Delivery Vehicles, Cable Installers, Lawn Care providers are just a few examples.  

What you say may be more important than what you drive. 

How important is it for you to have your Company’s name, a business logo, or your phone number on your vehicle? I want my brand information anywhere and everywhere that I can afford to have it. While that may be great for business, it is also the first place I go to assist individuals regarding the need for commercial insurance. When vehicles have advertisements, there is little doubt. The question of commercial insurance or personal insurance is almost always resolved. If you’re driving a car with a business name or logo on it, you will almost always need a Commercial Auto Policy.

I occasionally drive my personal vehicle in work-related activities for my employer. Do I need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Remember, Business Auto Insurance is more flexible because it covers both commercial and personal use of your auto. Personal Auto Insurance covers your vehicle only when it is being used for personal activities. 

Check with your agent before using your car or truck for any use other than personal.

Performing job-related duties while driving your car does not mean you need to run out and buy a Commercial Auto Policy. Your employer may have a more cost-effective solution. If you are asked to use your personal vehicle for work-related activities, you should first determine if the business has Hired & Non-Owned Auto Coverage in place. This coverage picks up what your personal auto policy coverage excludes. If you would like additional information on Commercial Insurance Policies or want to learn more about Hired & Non-Owned coverage, contact a TruePoint Commercial Specialist at (912) 330-1265.

Making Mobilehomes Safer

Can you make your mobile home safer?
Making Mobilehomes Safer

Mobilehomes are vulnerable to serious damage from winds and storms since they are smaller and much lighter than stick-built or factory built homes. It is important to use reinforcements to make them more stable; such as tiedowns.

Tiedowns come in two basic types; over-the-top tiedowns and frame anchors. Over-the-top tiedowns are straps that resist lifting forces and minimize tipovers. They are usually used with single-wide mobilehomes. Strapping is placed with over the top of the roof or over the structure’s sides. Frame anchors are reinforcements that resist lateral forces, making a structure less vulnerable to sliding off supports

In order to stabilize a structure, the tiedowns must be properly anchored to a foundation, slab or the ground. Anchor types include the following:

·         Hard Rock Anchor

·         Concrete Slab Anchor

·         Cross Drive Rock Anchor

·         Drive or Barb Anchor

·         Auger Anchor

·         Disc Anchors

Straps and anchors have to be used properly and they have to meet various standards such as placement of anchors, anchor fittings, method of installation and ground/site conditions. When anchored to the ground, it may be necessary to make test its suitability as an anchor. If piers and footings are used they must be able to meet various requirements regarding weight support, dimensions, material quality, pier placement and other areas. Straps and anchors also have to meet requirements in order to be depended on to withstand the stresses winds and other forces.

Use of tiedowns varies by state, state regulations and soil type. Local building inspectors and mobile and manufactured home builder associations are excellent sources for anchoring and tiedown requirement information. Use of that valuable information, along with insurance, is great methods for fully protecting a mobilehome.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.