Auto Insurance Discount in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Maximize Your Auto Insurance Savings With These Discounts

/in /by

Auto Insurance Discount in Hattiesburg, MississippiWhen it comes to auto insurance it seems like all we hear about is discounts. But what discounts are there and who is eligible for them? Let’s take a closer look.

  • Bundle Discounts: Bundling multiple policies like auto and home or auto and renters with the same insurance carrier can save you some money. The logic is that the more policies you have, the longer you will stay insured with the carrier.
  • Multi-vehicle Discount: If you insure more than one car on the same policy, you’re eligible for a discount. Any car is eligible for the discount if it is on the same policy.
  • Teen Driver Discount: Teen drivers are expensive to insure, there is no way around it. Fortunately, some carriers are more forgiving and give you a discount if they’re on your policy.
  • Good Student: The logic is that a smart student makes a smart driver. If your student driver maintains a 3.0 or better GPA, you may be eligible for a discount. This is great for parents needing to motivate their children.
  • Safe driver (accident-free): Many major insurance carriers will award safe driving discounts to drivers who have been accident-free for several years. The criteria vary between insurance carriers.
  • Military: Active and veteran military members are often eligible for discounted auto insurance. Ask your insurance agent to see if you qualify.
  • Early quote/signing: If you are looking to change insurance carriers or upgrade your auto insurance, getting a quote (and signing up) before your current policy has expired may get you a discount. You may need to get a quote within a certain number of days before your policy expiration, so check with your agent.
  • Paid-in-full: You’ll see the discount reflected in the price when you are presented with your options for paying your auto insurance policy. Paying off the policy in full will cost you a little less than paying every month.
  • Paperless: Don’t want to get a paper statement? Great, you get a discount. Most major insurance carriers offer discounts for customers who choose to do automatic billing and receive emails rather than paper statements.
  • Auto-Pay: When you opt for automatic payments for your insurance whether by credit card, checking draft, or debit, you can earn a discount.
  • Loyalty: Staying with the same insurance carrier year over year could earn you a discount for every loyalty milestone you hit. Typically, these rewards not only include a discount on the cost of your policy, but they can also include accident forgiveness.
  • Tracking Devices: Many companies now offer tracking devices for your vehicle. If you’re okay with your insurance company monitoring your driving behavior, you can earn a discount.

More important than insurance savings is having the right protection. That’s why it is important to reach out to a licensed agent in our office to review your coverage. Getting the cheapest policy isn’t always the best decision if you have assets to protect. Insurance quotes take just a few minutes but the right advice and consultation about the right coverage can save you a lifetime of hardship.

Preparing Your Home For Winter in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Preparing Your Home For Winter

/in /by

Preparing Your Home For Winter in Hattiesburg, MississippiIf you’re a homeowner who lives in a colder climate, then you understand the importance of preparing for the winter. There are so many factors that can occur when the colder weather sets in and it’s important that you’re ready for various scenarios. Let’s go over some of the things that you can do to protect your home.

Have Homeowners Insurance

Purchasing insurance is one of the best ways to protect your house. Making sure that you have the right policy is important so that it takes into account any seasonal concerns you may have.

Clear Your Gutters

Especially if your winters tend to be filled with lots of rain, it’s important that your gutters are clear. Water buildup can lead to roof leakage or pipes breaking, so it’s essential that any rain has a clear path away from your house.

Clean Your Chimney

Who doesn’t love a cozy fire after a long day of playing in the snow? If you’re planning on using your fireplace this season, it’s important that regular maintenance has been kept up on it. Not cleaning out your chimney could be dangerous, so it’s important that you make sure this is checked off your to-do list.

Maintain Wood Exteriors

If you have a wood exterior on your home, then it’s important to make sure that it’s sealed from the elements. This will help you make sure that your heating bill is as low as possible, as well as maintain the integrity of your house.

Are Your Windows Insulated?

If your heating bill is higher than you think it should be, consider the insulation around your windows. Many people don’t consider that windows are an excellent way for heat to escape and cold air to enter your home. Make sure that you’re protected from the harsh wind by insulating your windows.

Weatherstrips are a great way to make sure that your windows and doors are prepared for harsh winters. They’re relatively inexpensive and could end up saving you money in the future.

Take a Look at Your Yard

There are lots of things inside that need your attention, but don’t forget to consider possible dangers in your yard. Trimming any tree branches around your house is a great way to prepare for winter storms and make sure that your house is as safe as possible.

Check Your Heater

If winter means cold weather where you live, then make an appointment to have a professional come take a look at your heating system. While they’re there, have them peek at your cooling system as well and make sure that everything’s in check. It’s best to have your systems checked sooner rather than later so that you know you can use them as soon as you need to.

Have Any Questions?

We’re experts when it comes to protecting houses, so we know what it takes to prepare for the winter. Feel free to give us a call or send us a message and we can provide you with more specifics.

Holiday Safety Tips Baylis Insurance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Safety Tips for This Holiday Season

/in /by

Holiday Safety Tips Baylis Insurance in Hattiesburg, MississippiWith the holidays just around the corner, it is a great time to review holiday safety items around the household. Especially if you plan on a lighting display.

When it comes to holiday décor, some families go all out. Regardless of your level of displays, it is important to keep some things in mind for safety.

If you’re like many families displaying lights on the outside of your house during the holidays brings a lot of joy and festiveness to your home.

Holiday Light Safety

  1. Keep your extension cords tucked away and off walkways.
  2. Extension cords create a trip hazard when running across walkways and other areas where deliveries or guests need to walk. When possible, keep them away from sidewalks and tucked away.
  3. Use exterior extension cords & lights.
  4. Extension cords, as well as lights, come in interior and exterior grades. Be sure if you’re running lights outside to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
  5. Check for frayed wires.

Over time the wires on your lights may become frayed. Before you hang them up, carefully inspect your wires for frayed ends. If you find any, don’t risk it. Repair them or replace them before you hang them up.

Ladder Safety

Each year thousands of people are injured hanging lights on their homes from ladders. OSHA publishes safety precautions that are not only good for businesses to follow but for individuals to follow as well. Some of these safety tips include:

  1. Select the right ladder for the weight of the job.
  2. Every ladder has a weight limit. Look at the side of your ladder to determine if it can support enough weight for the job.
  3. Never utilize the top 3 feet of the ladder. This can cause instability if you go above that point.
  4. Inspect the ladder before use for damage.
  5. Never go down a ladder backwards.
  6. Ensure your ladder is on flat ground and stable before climbing.
  7. Never lean to the side on a ladder, this can cause instability.
  8. Use common sense when using ladders to ensure safety. If something feels unsafe to you when you’re on the ladder, it probably is.

We hope that you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season this year.

If you have questions about your home insurance policy, contact our agency today.