Lower your risk by making your home a safer place

Posted on May 30, 2025May 27, 2025 by admin

The most common causes of injuries and deaths in the home are poisoning, choking, falling, drowning, and fires. Many of these accidents or deaths are preventable with proper risk management. At Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama, our team of independent insurance specialists can help you identify areas of danger and provide the information you need to take necessary preventive measures. Some home policies even offer discounts for home improvements that help prevent injuries.

Fire and Flames

Every home should have smoke detectors installed. Ideally, they should be hard-wired; however, it’s still important to change the batteries every six months to ensure the detectors remain functional, even during power outages. Residents of all ages are at risk from fires and flames. Having a fire extinguisher or fire blanket readily available, especially in high-risk areas such as kitchens or barbecue areas, is crucial.

Poison

Poisoning is by far the most common cause of preventable deaths in Alabama. In most cases, this is the result of drug overdose, but there are many different causes. Medications need to be stored in a place that is safe from children and teens. Garden and cleaning poisons also need to be stored in a location where they are not easily accessible to curious children and pets.

Falls

Falls are the most common cause of injury and death for those 63 years of age and older. You can make your home safer by ensuring all hallways and stairs are free from clutter, placing extension cords along walls, avoiding the use of throw rugs, and never climbing without a spotter. Handrails in the shower and in any area where stairs are present are also essential for preventing falls.

Contact our team at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama by phone or through our website to discuss your home insurance needs.

Bonds Vs. Regular Insurance: What’s The Difference?

Posted on April 30, 2025April 28, 2025 by admin

Most people have seen a business advertise that it is insured and bonded. Many companies use bonds, but it’s essential to understand the difference between bonds and insurance to ensure that, as a business owner, you know which one to get and, as a consumer, you know how much protection you have.

Understanding Bonds

Bonds offer financial protection for Alabama consumers, subcontractors, and others who trust someone to perform a specific task. A bond is when a person or company must complete a specific action. If they don’t, they owe the amount of the bond.

Many people use bonds to get out of jail, but these require them to appear in court. Companies may also use Surety Ins Inc. bonds to agree to do a specific job and fulfill those obligations. Bonds can ensure someone keeps their word or does a specific thing.

Understanding Insurance

Insurance also provides protection, which is why many people confuse bonds and insurance. However, insurance provides protection against other things. It can provide protection against liability claims, job-related injuries, and property damage.

For example, if a tree service accidentally damages a fence or a vehicle while removing a tree, liability insurance would compensate the homeowner for the damages. If a company is bonded, it would have nothing to do with the damages caused as long as the tree service completed the job as agreed upon.

Many companies advertise that they are bonded and insured. This is popular among service professions, such as tree and roofing companies. Many other businesses use bonds to establish trust with customers. Contact us to learn more about the bonds offered at Surety Ins Inc. today. We’re currently serving the Alabama area.

Know What Personal Property is Covered with Renters Insurance

Posted on March 28, 2025March 26, 2025 by admin

If you’re renting a property in the Alabama area, it’s essential to know what is considered personal property and what is covered by your policy.

Clothing

For many renters, clothing is a significant part of their possessions. Without insurance, being forced to replace an entire wardrobe can be stressful and financially straining. With your policy, you can value your clothes and get a refund if they need to be replaced.

Equipment

If you own gym equipment or other items you use for hobbies, and they came with you to the property, you can be reimbursed if they are damaged. Outside of gym equipment, things like sewing machines and vinyl machines could be included in this list.

Furniture/Appliances

As a renter, you may not have a lot of furniture, but you embrace the furniture that you do have. This means that should the property you’re renting become damaged or destroyed, then you can use your insurance to cover these expenses and replace the appliances. If you’ve spent a lot of money on quality furniture, like a bedroom suite or something else, then you’ll want that financial protection.

Bikes/ Recreational Items

Other items you may not consider are bikes and recreational items you use regularly outside. While you may not think they have value, getting them replaced and being able to enjoy these hobbies after they are stolen or damaged could be financially straining. Make sure you’re listing these items on your rental insurance property so that you can make a claim and have them replaced.

Understanding what your renter’s insurance policy covers could make all the financial difference in a bad situation. If you are in Alabama and need renters insurance, consider Surety Ins Inc. today for more information.

On the Road or In Your Garage RV Insurance has You Covered

Posted on February 28, 2025February 24, 2025 by admin

RV getaways, family vacations, and fun are words that are synonymous with each other and often the first things we think about when we get a new RV. What people don’t typically consider first, however, is the big job of caring for, maintaining, and protecting those big and beautiful recreational vehicles. When it does come time to get the RV insurance you need, you can rely on the trusted and proven team at Surety Ins Inc. for all your questions and insurance needs.

RV Insurance and Protection for Alabama RV Owners: At Home or On the Road

Many people associate RV insurance with the protection they need if they ever get into an accident or need a repair. Even benefits like roadside assistance are often what people imagine when using RV insurance if they ever need it. What many people don’t realize, however, is that many RV accidents occur much closer to home and, sometimes, even in your own driveway. From storm damage to fender benders backing into your garage or parking that large vehicle, the good news is that RV insurance can offer the protection you need whenever and wherever you need it. That’s why so many RV owners from Alabama turn to the reliable and friendly team at Surety Ins. Inc. for their RV insurance solutions.

RV Insurance Solutions for Alabama RV Owners

If you live in the beautiful state of Alabama and would like to learn more about RV insurance or need coverage and protection for your recreational vehicle, we can help. Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment with our friendly and professional team today for the RV insurance solutions you need and deserve at Surety Ins Inc.

Motorcycle Insurance When You Travel Out of State

Posted on January 31, 2025January 28, 2025 by admin

Motorcyclists may travel light, but they often venture beyond their local areas. Some are inspired by the spirit of Easy Rider and hit the open road to explore America. However, with freedom comes responsibility. Given that motorcycles are involved in approximately 89,000 crashes annually, it’s prudent to have insurance for these expensive vehicles. But what happens when you travel out of state?

Insurance for Out-of-State Travel

If you plan to travel out of state, you might need to consider touring motorcycle insurance. This type of insurance is designed for long-distance driving, which statistically carries more risk. It covers theft, injuries, accidents, and vandalism. Most states require motorcycle liability insurance, making this coverage crucial. Touring motorcycle insurance helps you meet all legal requirements and often includes extras such as trip interruption, roadside assistance, or carried contents coverage. These benefits can make your trip smoother. If you plan to ride as far as Canada, remember that motorcycle insurance is required in all provinces. If you’re heading south of the border, only insurance from a Mexican insurance company will be recognized in Mexico.

Contact Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama

If you’re planning to leave Alabama on your motorcycle, we at Surety Ins Inc. wish you a safe and enjoyable journey. Please get in touch with us if you think it would be wise to apply for touring motorcycle insurance first (and we agree!). Our courteous and knowledgeable agents will do their utmost to help you find the policy that best suits your needs.

Pontoon vs. Bass Boat: Which is Right For You?

Posted on December 23, 2024December 22, 2024 by admin

Many Alabama residents enjoy being out on the water, so it comes as no surprise when you have to decide whether to choose a pontoon or a bass boat. One may be a better option, depending on when and how you plan to use your boat.

Boat Size

When you compare these two boats, keep in mind that they are very different in size. The pontoon boat can carry 8-10 people, while the bass boat can carry only 3-4 at a time. Depending on your family size, a bass boat might be all you need, or you may have to upgrade to a pontoon.

Agility and Speed

If you’re in a bass boat, they are narrower and can fit into smaller areas in the river and lakes. This can be ideal for fishing and getting out of the way of the main traffic area. Pontoon boats aren’t as agile and can only fit in large open areas while out on the water.

Bass boats can also reach high speeds quickly. Pontoon boats can reach a decent speed, but because of their size, it takes a while.

Fishing and Entertaining

Both of these boats are great for fishing and make it easy to enjoy this activity in many areas of Alabama’s water. However, if you want to entertain a large group and make a day of it, you need a pontoon boat with more room. These boats have couches and a step-down ladder that easily lets riders on and off the boat into the water.

Once you decide on the right boat for you, ensure you get it insured so that you have full protection and peace of mind out on the water. At Surety Ins Inc., we can help you with a personal insurance quote today.

Add More Coverage to Two Policies With Umbrella Insurance

Posted on November 25, 2024November 24, 2024 by admin

When you have an auto insurance policy and a home insurance policy, you may feel that you have enough insurance to protect your assets. However, this may not be true. When an accident is expensive, you may find that you have less coverage than you thought you did. That’s why you may need to get umbrella insurance. It’s a way to make up for the shortcomings of your other policies. When you’re in the market for umbrella insurance, you can call us at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama.

More Liability Coverage

Your home and auto policies both have various types of coverage in them, and one of these is liability coverage. This pays for someone else’s expenses when they’ve had an accident for which you’re liable. With home insurance, this is coverage in case someone has an accident on your property. With auto insurance, it’s coverage that pays for someone who gets into an accident with your vehicle. The problem is that these policies generally don’t have much liability coverage. That makes it necessary for many people to get umbrella insurance. This adds more liability coverage to both of those other policies simultaneously.

How It Works

When an accident happens, the first step is for auto or home insurance to come in and pay what it can toward the accident. However, this may not be enough in the case of an expensive accident. That’s when umbrella insurance steps in. The umbrella policy will pay for the overages, so you won’t owe them. This keeps you better protected against serious accidents.

Get Alabama Umbrella Insurance Today

When you want to get started with an umbrella insurance policy, we’re here to help. Just contact us at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama to find out more about these policies.

What are water damage coverage and flood insurance?

Posted on October 28, 2024October 24, 2024 by admin

Alabama homeowners often assume that their homeowners’ insurance policy will cover all forms of water damage, but that’s not true. If you own your home and there’s a chance it will flood, it’s critical that you understand the differences between water damage coverage and flood insurance.

Understanding Water Damage Coverage

Water damage coverage is meant for accidental water damage. This includes things like a burst pipe or appliance malfunction, as well as water damage caused by trying to extinguish a fire.

A standard homeowners’ insurance policy will likely cover various forms of accidental water damage, but limitations may exist. The coverage may not extend to gradual leaks, sewer backups, or mold. However, some policies will have special riders that offer additional coverage.

Understanding Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is designed to cover natural flooding events, such as rivers overflowing, hurricanes, storm surges, and similar events. This type of insurance must be purchased separately from standard homeowners’ insurance. It’s valuable if your home is in a flood zone or if you’re particularly concerned about hurricane season.

The key to determining if your policy will cover an event is to look at the source of the water damage. If the damage stems from something within the home, water damage coverage will likely apply. If the damage comes from a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood insurance will likely cover the damage.

Ensuring you have homeowners’ insurance that provides you with the coverage you need on your home is critical. Contact our experts with Surety Ins Inc. to discuss your needs so we can help you get the policy that provides you with the peace of mind you need.

How condo insurance coverage differs from home insurance

Posted on September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 by admin

Owning a condo has become an increasingly popular as the population ages and home prices continue to rise. Condo ownership means you have a partner to maintain your unit. At Surety Ins Inc., based in Alabama, we have the expertise to assist our condo owner customers in selecting the best insurance coverage for their needs.

What is a Condo Master Policy?

A condo owner only possesses a portion of the entire building. The exterior of the building belongs to the condo association, and they have the responsibility to maintain it. Hence, if your roof needs to be replaced, it will be handled by the condo association. Similarly, all the residents may be assessed for major repairs to cover the cost. Essentially, all residents share ownership of the common and exterior areas.

About Dwelling Coverage

The extent of coverage the condo association policy provides varies depending on its nature. It could be limited to just the exterior walls, or it might delve deeper, covering the electrical and plumbing systems. Make sure to read your agreement thoroughly to understand your responsibilities. If in doubt, check with the condo association. Your insurance should meet your specific requirements.

Understanding Liability Coverage

The condo association is responsible for liability pertaining to the exterior areas, which include parking lots, pools, gym areas, and all common areas. Meanwhile, you are responsible for the liability of your family members and any injuries sustained inside your unit.

If you’re looking for condo insurance, contact our team at Surety Ins Inc. in Alabama. We possess the expertise required to help you choose the most suitable policy for your needs.

Five Invisible (or Nearly Invisible) Safety Features of Your Car

Posted on August 30, 2024August 28, 2024 by admin

If you’re a licensed driver in Alabama, our team at Surety Ins Inc. encourages safe driving habits. But are you aware that today’s vehicles come with safer features than ever before? Greater safety can be attributed to the nearly invisible features of your car. Here are five such elements you might not give much thought to:

1. Safety Glass

Today’s auto safety glass has saved countless lives and prevented thousands of injuries. This glass is constructed to shatter but maintain cohesion in a large sheet rather than splinter. You probably don’t give your auto glass much credit, but it provides considerable protection.

2. Airbags

Driver, passenger side, and side door airbags inflate upon impact and can shield individuals from serious injuries.

3. Your Car Horn

This simple device has been a part of cars since their inception. There still isn’t a better alternative to the good old car horn.

4. Anti-Lock Brakes

In the past, drivers were encouraged to pump their brakes when stopping on slick roads. Today, automatic anti-lock brakes do the pumping for us very quickly on slippery surfaces.

5. Your Car Insurance

You may not see it or even consciously think of it, but your car insurance is always there.

Get a free automobile insurance quote today.

Are you overpaying for your auto insurance in Alabama? How would you know if you haven’t compared? We at Surety Ins Inc. can help. If it’s been over a year since you’ve compared car insurance rates, you might be spending more than necessary. Reach out to us for your no-obligation price quote today.

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