Unforeseen Accidents: Why Every Boat Operator Needs Insurance

Posted on November 28, 2025November 19, 2025 by admin

It’s easy to assume that you won’t need boat insurance if you plan on sailing out into the lake or ocean occasionally. However, there are a host of potential accidents waiting to happen at any moment. Even if you’re not in a heavily populated area, chances are that there are risks you’re overlooking when you’re considering whether to insure your boat. Here’s why every boat operator needs insurance and how you can get boat insurance with us at Surety Ins Inc., serving Alabama.

Why Should Every Boat Operator Have Boat Insurance?

You never know when something’s going to happen on the water. A good boat insurance policy won’t just cover accidents with other boaters in your area. You’ll also get support if:

Waves cause your boat to crash into a dock, or another boater runs into your boat while it’s docked.
Something on your boat breaks and causes you to become stranded on the water. Many boat insurance policies come with features that could help you when you need to be towed off the water.
A fire burns down your boat, or if a thief decides to run off with your boat and its contents.
You spill fuel and are charged for the cleanup.
Your boat becomes damaged to the point that it has to be pulled out of the water.

Prepare for Every Scenario With Boat Insurance

Surety Ins Inc. will work with you to find high-quality boat insurance so you can go out on the water with peace of mind. We’re currently serving Alabama.

What To Know About Umbrella Insurance and False Imprisonment

Posted on October 31, 2025October 23, 2025 by admin

You might think that most people who worry about false imprisonment are those in the highest risk positions, but that doesn’t always mean that everyday people aren’t sometimes wrongfully arrested. Here, we’ll look at how umbrella insurance can help you balance the potential costs and give you a little peace of mind during a very trying time.

How Umbrella Insurance Can Help

Consider why you might have someone wrongfully arrested. For example, a small business owner might wrongfully assume that someone is stealing. And even if the person is only detained for an hour, they might sue. The costs to fight the suit might end up being far more than the business owner’s commercial insurance covers. At Surety Ins Inc., we can tell you that this is where umbrella insurance in Alabama can help. It can help cover everything from court costs to attorneys fees.

Why It Matters

Umbrella insurance is coverage that can help you avoid the long-term financial costs of errors. An error might small at the time, but it can have real-world consequences that far exceed what you expected. Umbrella insurance picks up where your commercial coverage drops off, and this is true for many personal injury claims.

At Surety Ins Inc., we help people in Alabama understand how umbrella insurance offers additional protections beyond their current coverage. If you have questions about how umbrella insurance works, it helps to talk to us about your options.

What If The Water Damage Is From A Hurricane?

Posted on September 30, 2025September 23, 2025 by admin

Flood insurance is often considered essential in Alabama, as flooding is the second most common natural disaster in the state. According to Alabama Flood Facts, Alabama receives an estimated 56 inches of rainfall annually, making areas near bodies of water, such as rivers, prone to flooding. Floods often occur in conjunction with other hazards, such as hurricanes, which can complicate insurance coverage.

Hurricane Coverage

Hurricane policies are designed to cover damage caused by hurricanes, including wind damage, broken windows, and the replacement of damaged property. If water damage results from a hurricane, the appropriate hurricane policy would provide coverage.

For instance, imagine gusts of wind tearing shingles off your roof, allowing rain to enter your home and cause water damage. This type of damage would be classified as hurricane-related, and the proper policy would cover it. It is essential to note that this water damage is not classified as flooding.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for wind and hurricane damage. However, it’s essential to consult with an agent at Surety Ins Inc. to confirm the specifics of your policy.

Flood Coverage

Flood insurance covers explicitly damage caused by rising water. For example, if a hurricane results in heavy rainfall that causes a lake or river to overflow, leading to flooding and property damage, flood insurance would typically be applicable. This type of policy exclusively covers damage caused by rising water.

Understanding the nuances of insurance policies, coverage, and natural disasters can be a challenging task. In some cases, you may need to file claims under multiple policies to address damage from a single incident. Agents at Surety Ins Inc. are available to help you navigate these complexities. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve Alabama residents.

Loss of Use Coverage if Your Condo Becomes Uninhabitable

Posted on August 29, 2025August 25, 2025 by admin

Living in a condo in Alabama is something that even the most popular influencers aspire to. However, the unexpected can happen to anyone, and disasters can quickly turn life upside down. If a fire, storm, or other covered event makes your condo uninhabitable, the costs of living elsewhere can add up fast. That’s where loss of use coverage comes in. This often-overlooked part of your condo insurance, available through Surety Ins Inc., serving Alabama, can provide critical financial relief when you need it most.

What Does Loss of Use Coverage Do?

Loss of use coverage, sometimes referred to as additional living expenses (ALE), activates when you’re forced out of your home due to a covered claim. It helps cover the extra costs of maintaining your standard of living while your condo is being repaired.

This coverage can pay for expenses such as temporary housing, short-term rentals, or hotel stays. It can also help with increased meal expenses if you have to eat out more often, as well as added costs for transportation, storage, or even laundry while you’re displaced.

Why Is Loss of Use Coverage Important for Alabama Condo Owners?

For condo owners in Alabama, where hurricanes, severe storms, and flooding can cause significant property damage, loss of use coverage is more than just a convenience—it’s a safeguard. Without it, you’d be left to cover these unexpected expenses on top of repair costs, which can be financially overwhelming.

Review Your Policy Before You Need It

Not all condo insurance policies include loss of use coverage, and limits can vary. Reviewing your policy now ensures you’re not caught off guard later. A local insurance agent can walk you through your options and help you choose the right coverage for your situation.

Want to feel secure before the next storm season? Contact Surety Ins Inc., serving Alabama, to review your condo policy and ensure you’re fully protected.

Are There Different Insurance Policies for Electric Cars?

Posted on July 31, 2025July 23, 2025 by admin

Many misconceptions surround electric cars. If you’re considering buying one, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. One common misconception is that electric vehicles require a separate insurance policy in Alabama. If you’ve recently purchased an electric car, Surety Ins Inc. can help you find the best auto insurance to meet your needs.

You Don’t Need a Separate Auto Insurance Policy

Auto insurance policies for electric vehicles are written in a similar manner to those for gas-powered cars. This is because all vehicles—whether gas-powered, hybrid, or electric—have similar coverage needs. Every driver requires basic coverage, including bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These needs remain the same regardless of the type of car you own.

However, owning an electric vehicle can impact the cost of your premium. This is due to the inherent differences between electric and gas-powered cars, which influence the risks perceived by insurance carriers. While you don’t need a separate policy for an electric vehicle, these differences often result in higher premiums.

Electric Vehicle Differences

The primary factor affecting insurance premiums for electric vehicles is their initial cost. Electric cars are generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts, which leads to higher premiums. This principle applies to any car with a higher price tag. Additionally, other factors contribute to increased premiums for electric car owners:

Specialized parts that are more expensive to replace
Costly batteries
A limited number of technicians skilled in electric vehicle repair and maintenance

Despite higher insurance premiums, many electric vehicle owners find that savings on gasoline offset these costs.

Get started on your electric vehicle auto insurance policy by contacting Surety Ins Inc., proudly serving Alabama residents. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

What Types of Natural Disaster Insurance do I Need for an Alabama-Based Business?

Posted on June 30, 2025June 20, 2025 by admin

Alabama is an excellent place to start a business, thanks to its low tax rates and business-friendly policies. However, the state is also prone to various natural disasters, making it essential to purchase additional insurance coverage to protect your business in the event of an unfortunate incident.

What Types of Natural Disaster Insurance Does an Alabama Business Need?

Commercial property insurance typically covers wind damage from storms and hurricanes, fires, and vandalism. However, it does not cover flooding, which is a common issue in Alabama due to the state’s low elevation. Purchasing flood insurance for your business premises can protect you from financial loss, especially if you have expensive equipment or a large inventory. Additionally, if your business owns vehicles, comprehensive auto insurance is recommended to cover flood-related damage, as flood insurance policies do not extend to vehicles.

If your business has high-value assets or is located in an area prone to multiple natural disasters, umbrella coverage may be a wise addition to your insurance portfolio. Umbrella insurance increases your policy limits, allowing you to claim additional compensation even after reaching the limit on your commercial property or flood insurance policy. Furthermore, umbrella insurance can cover legal costs, settlement fees, and judgments in the event of a lawsuit, providing an extra layer of protection.

Call Surety Ins Inc for More Information

Surety Ins Inc can help you evaluate your business insurance options and find the policy or policy bundle that offers the best protection at the most competitive price. Contact us today to learn more or to request policy quotes.

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.

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