How Umbrella Insurance Helps Americus Residents Weather the Storm

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The recent surge in devastating storms, natural disasters, and flooding has many Americus, GA residents thinking about how to weather the next severe storm. One of the best ways to ensure your family’s financial safety and security is to protect your interests with insurance coverage that helps to repair or replace essentials for your weathered home or automobile after a storm. 

Umbrella insurance from Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA, adds an extra layer of protection to your home or auto insurance policies.

Why Do People Get Umbrella Insurance Policies?

It extends the coverage for your existing policies when you need to file a claim. Most people invest in umbrella insurance policies as part of a lifetime financial planning solution to protect their financial interests. Policyholders use umbrella insurance policies to supplement auto and home insurance policies that have maxed out. 

What Does Umbrella Insurance Typically Cover?

Georgia Umbrella Insurance helps to shield policyholders from the out-of-pocket costs associated with liability claims in auto accidents or homeowner claims. It can also protect you from personal liability claims and legal fees that could have devastating financial consequences. 

Extended insurance policies protect against property damage liability claims that can result from inadvertently damaging someone else’s property. Some umbrella insurance policies offer coverage for special circumstances and provide protection overseas. 

Don’t wait until the unexpected happens and you’ve maxed out your existing home or auto insurance policy. Get help from the professionals! Talk to a trusted insurance agent at Client First Insurance Solutions and learn how you can benefit from supplementing your existing insurance policy with umbrella insurance. Experienced agents can provide insurance advice and details about the additional benefits of umbrella insurance in Georgia. 

Contact an agent today! 

Flood Protection for Artwork and Other Valuables

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Your flood insurance policy will pay for repairing or replacing artwork and other valuables. In addition to relying upon the coverage you have, take measures to protect your assets. Use the following tips to preserve the condition of your belongings.

Appraisal

Seek an appraisal of paintings, jewelry, and other valuable items. The appraisal will determine the current value of what you own. Once you know the estimated value of your belongings, you can decide which possessions must be stored carefully.

Protective Covers And Displays

Purchase some protective covers and displays to house your artwork and collectibles. The covers and displays should be made of a waterproof material. The covers and display items will prevent your possessions from getting dirty. They will also minimize the amount of moisture, humidity, and sunlight your valuables are exposed to.

Adequate Storage

Invest in a safe to store jewelry that is of value. A wall or freestanding safe will protect your belongings when they are not actively worn. Purchase waterproof bins or another type of storage container to keep other items in. Artwork not currently displayed in your home can be stowed away in one of the storage containers.

Insurance Policy

Update your flood insurance policy if necessary. Your flood insurance policy will cover the items you specify when your policy is modified. If you purchase new items, make sure to review your insurance policy. Any items of value that are purchased should be added to your existing flood insurance policy.

Contact Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA

Consult with an agent who represents Client First Insurance Solutions. An agent who serves Americus, GA will assist you with modifying your flood insurance policy.

 

Four reasons why health insurance coverage is essential

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Protect your health with health insurance coverage. Client First Insurance Solutions offers health insurance coverage to consumers in Americus, GA. The following are four reasons why health insurance coverage is essential. 

Getting treated for medical problems is important.

Medical treatment that keeps you healthy is an absolute priority. Carrying health insurance prepares you for medical expenses that could come up and will absolutely require payment. Purchasing a health insurance policy is essential for achieving financial security regardless of your health problems. 

Health insurance coverage makes life less stressful.

If you are living with chronic health issues such as type 2 diabetes, living without health insurance is dangerous and stressful. With health insurance, you know you’ll be able to get medical treatments you need paid for so that you don’t have to worry so much about the future. 

Health insurance coverage can help you get the preventive care that keeps your health.

Even basic health insurance policies typically cover preventive care like cancer screenings. Preventative care is vital because such procedures can prevent severe illness and keep you healthy. 

Health insurance coverage can pay for emergency medical services when you need them.

You never know when accidents that require costly emergency medical care can happen. A health insurance policy can cover costs in such a situation. This can help to minimize the negative consequences of getting in an accident and needing to go to the emergency room unexpectedly. 

You can get a quote on health insurance coverage by calling us at Client First Insurance Solutions. We are a great insurance coverage solution for those looking for health insurance in Americus, GA. 

Time’s Running Out, Health Pirates, and Last Chance to Make Binder Payments

Posted on by Tamma Phillips
Time’s running out for a February 1, 2024, effective date! Open Enrollment for 2024 closes at midnight on January 15th.

Everyone has that one friend or relative who waits until the last minute. Tell them to call us at (229) 596-1002 to sign up and have coverage beginning February 1st. We promise not to call them a “procrastinator.” 
Over 50 of our clients have been victimized by marketing schemes to steal their health accounts. We are working hard to come up with some recourse and protect you from surprises that leave you with high deductibles or prevent you from seeing your favorite doctor. 
If you suspect that you were a victim or know of anyone who was a victim, we may be able to help.  We promise to call these bad agents “Pirates.” Seriously, this is no joke. It is a national problem. 
To bind your health plan, you need to make the first payment. Please don’t assume your automatic payments will continue to the next year. Give us a call or log onto your member portal to verify. Remember the old Russian proverb, “Doveryay, noh proveryay,” which translates in English to “Trust but verify.”
If you haven’t made your first payment, you need to do it ASAP. Below are the extensions and payment phone numbers we have received so far:
Ambetter – Extended to January 31
Online payment link 1-877-687-1180

Aetna – Extended to January 30
Online payment link 1-844-365-7373

Alliant(SoloCare) – Extended to January 31
Website (866) 403-2785

Molina – Extended to January 31
Online payment link FL: 800-375-7421

Oscar – Please call Oscar for details
Online payment instructions1-855-672-2755

Optima – (Sentara) – Extended to January 12
Online payment options 1-888-645-4306
Finally, for those of you who moved from Ambetter to Aetna for 2024, you will find things a little different. Ambetter is an “Open Access” HMO, which means you can go to any doctor without a referral so long as they are in the Ambetter network.
Aetna is a true HMO. They will randomly assign you a primary care doctor. If you want to see a doctor, you must ensure your doctor is listed as your primary care doctor. All specialist visits require a referral from your primary care doctor, or you may not be seen, and your new Aetna insurance plan may not cover your bills. The exception is that all emergencies are treated as “in-network.” To have your favorite doctor listed as your primary care doctor, call Aetna customer service. The number is on the back of your new card.


Thank you again for helping us to make this Open Enrollment season a success. We couldn’t do it without you and your referrals. Whenever we hear a story about how your health insurance made a difference in your lives, we know this craziness is worth it.

Most Common Types of Commercial Insurance

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At Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA, we place our clients first and foremost in our business, as our name implies. We offer more than 25 types of commercial insurance, but most companies need to start with one or two of the most common types. This article explores those insurance policies that nearly every local business needs.

Business Owners’ Policies

Most businesses begin their coverage with a business owners’ policy (BOP), a bundled policy that includes four types of coverage for a lower premium than buying them separately. A BOP includes liability, business interruption, perils, and structural coverage for the business building.

Commercial Automobile Coverage

BOPs form a foundation for the business to add other coverage to when needed. Many companies add commercial automobile coverage to their business insurance when they buy a vehicle for their business. Commercial auto protects the drivers of the company’s vehicles from lawsuits and the company itself if someone driving the company vehicle causes an accident.

Retail stores typically carry inventory insurance. This coverage reimburses them for damaged or lost inventory from a peril named in the policy. These perils range from theft to fire.

Boiler Insurance

The name implies that the company’s building must have a boiler, but that isn’t the case. This type of coverage reimburses or pays for the repair or replacement of the boiler, furnace, or HVAC in a building. In some cases, it also covers other building maintenance equipment.

Update Your Commercial Policy

Contact Client First Insurance Solutions, serving Americus, GA, to review your commercial insurance policy. Let us help you properly insure your business against financial loss.

Does my Americus, GA home insurance cover my special valuables?

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Home insurance is a must when protecting your family in case of disaster. If you are the victim of a fire or burglary, your insurance will help compensate you for the losses so you can move on. However, there are some limitations to how certain items may be covered. Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA can help you understand your policy and whether you need more protection for some of your valuables.

Your Homeowners Policy and Sub-Limits

When you chose your homeowners policy, you agreed to a certain total amount of coverage. For instance, if your house and property are worth $150,000, you may have chosen a policy for $200,000 so that your belongings would also be covered.

Within that total amount, there are sub-limits on certain kinds of loss. Items with sub-limits typically include:

  • Jewelry
  • Fine art
  • Furs
  • Computers
  • Guns
  • Musical instruments
  • Stamps

A typical sub-limit amount might be $1-5,000 for your jewelry. That is because your homeowner’s policy is supposed to protect your entire home and your belongings. 

Adding a Rider To an Existing Policy

You can protect certain valuables without enough coverage by adding a rider to your existing policy. Read your policy carefully and ask your agent what extra protection you need.

Making a home inventory may seem overwhelming, but we can help you find a way that works for you. Having an inventory of your home is essential to ensuring that you have the right amount of coverage and know what items have been destroyed or stolen. 

If you have any questions about home inventories or homeowners insurance, please feel free to call Client First Insurance Solutions in Americus, GA today.

Client First Insurance Partners with Ramsey Solutions

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Kirk Lyman-Barner, President of Client First Insurance Solutions has been selected by Ramsey Solutions (Dave Ramsey) to become part of the umbrella of insurance providers endorsed by RamseyTrusted. This means Client First has undergone thorough vetting and ongoing training and has earned the respect of RamseyTrusted.


Kirk first discovered Dave Ramsey when he was working for Habitat for Humanity in West Virginia.  He worked with Financial Peace University (FPU) to eliminate his own debt and change his spending behavior, and he encouraged the prospective homeowners of Almost Heaven Habitat to complete FPU on their journey to become successful new homeowners.  When he launched Client First Insurance Solutions, he partnered with another Ramsey fan, Tamma Phillips, V.P. of Operations, and they used the same principles to build the financial management practices that guide the Client First Agency.


Client First has regularly scheduled coaching sessions with its RamseyTrusted Pro, who helps to keep them pursuing the missional, heart-of-a-teacher mindset that RamseyTrusted stands for. This commitment to ongoing training is a symbol of Client First’s promise to put serving over selling as it always has. The client comes first.

Umbrella Insurance for Small Business Owners: A Safety Net for Your Enterprise

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Running a small business is a rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with inherent risks. Small business owners are constantly navigating various challenges, including legal liabilities, accidents, and unforeseen events that can result in substantial financial losses. To safeguard their Americus, GA businesses from these potential pitfalls, many entrepreneurs turn to umbrella insurance. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of umbrella insurance for small business owners and when it makes sense to consider this coverage.

Exceeding Commercial Insurance Limits

Small businesses typically invest in commercial insurance policies to protect against various liabilities, such as general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. While these policies offer essential coverage, they often come with coverage limits that may not fully address the complexities of modern business risks.

Umbrella insurance serves as a safety net when a small business faces a catastrophic event or a lawsuit that exceeds the limits of its existing policies. For example, suppose a customer sustains severe injuries on your business premises and sues for damages that surpass your general liability coverage. In that case, an umbrella policy can bridge the gap, potentially saving your business from financial ruin.

Scenarios and Industries Where Umbrella Coverage Is Vital

Umbrella insurance is particularly valuable in scenarios where small businesses face higher risks or the potential for substantial liability. Here are some examples:

  • Service-Based Businesses: Small businesses in service industries often require professional liability insurance. An umbrella policy can protect against hefty legal claims stemming from professional mistakes or negligence.
  • Retail and Hospitality: Businesses in retail, restaurants, or hotels may encounter slip-and-fall accidents or customer injuries. An umbrella policy can provide additional coverage when these incidents lead to significant claims.
  • Contractors and Tradespeople: Construction contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople may encounter costly accidents or property damage. Umbrella insurance offers an added layer of protection when incidents go beyond standard insurance limits.
  • Employment Practices Liability: Small businesses are not immune to employment-related lawsuits. An umbrella policy can extend coverage for claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.

Umbrella insurance for small business owners is a vital safety net, protecting against unexpected liabilities and providing peace of mind. By considering this additional layer of protection, entrepreneurs can ensure their businesses remain resilient in the face of potential financial challenges and legal risks. Small business owners in Americus, GA should work closely with insurance professionals, like those at Client First Insurance Solutions, to tailor umbrella coverage to their specific needs and industry risks.

What’s New for Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2024

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By Kirk Lyman-Barner, President

Client First Insurance Solutions

Americus and Albany

On the 10th Anniversary of the Marketplace, I am a bit nostalgic for the days when we had little
competition from agents in the individual health insurance market. Without going into the
politics of why that was, competition is very strong for agents offering
Marketplace/Obamacare plans. Unfortunately, much of that competition is a scam that
harms people.

There are dishonest agents from outside of our community who are using websites and call
centers to trick people into changing their health plans. They prey on both seniors on
Medicare and the under 65 Marketplace insured. So far, CMS/Medicare, the Insurance
Commissioners and local law enforcement agencies have been ineffective at stopping these
scams.

Recently, I had a client call me from the Emergency Room at Phoebe Sumter Hospital who was
sick and sick to find out that he was a victim of the scam. He accepted a call from someone
claiming to be from the Marketplace who suggested he should be moved from his Silver plan
that we sold him to a $0 premium Bronze plan. He is now stuck with the full hospital bill
because he was given an $8,000 deductible.

Under the current Marketplace software, all a dishonest agent needs to steal your account is
your name, state and your birthday.

In response to this epidemic of crime, the Marketplace is now going to require the insured to
complete a consent agreement. So be prepared to have this extra step this year. It remains to
be seen if law enforcement and the insurance regulators will be able to use these consent
forms to stop the bad agents. It feels a little bit like the time one guy threatened to blow up a
plane with a bomb in his shoe, and the response was that now everyone has to take their shoes
off before we can get on a plane.

You can be your own best defense against being a victim of this insurance scam by working
directly with a local agent who keeps up on all the offerings and products available in your
community. The insurance companies, the Marketplace and Medicare will never call you
about switching plans. Beware of calls offering gift card incentives. Never give out your
personal information, such as your birthday or social security unless you know for certain who
you are working with.

Other interesting notes for 2024:

For seniors, Open Enrollment is from October 15th-December 7th.

For individuals and families, Open Enrollment is November 1st-January 15th, with the last day
to enroll for a plan with a January 1 effective date being December 15th.

Like all other states, Georgia is reviewing 2.8 million people insured through Medicaid to make
sure they still qualify. There was a slowdown in the annual reviews during Covid and many
Georigians are going to lose their coverage. For those that do, they will receive a Special
Enrollment outside of the annual Open Enrollment. Talk to an insurance agent or call the
Marketplace if you find yourself in that situation.
Georgia attempted to launch a new state-run website to replace Healthcare.gov, but that was
delayed by the Federal Government until next year.

Georgia also opened up their expanded Medicaid on July 1st. Studies indicate that about
400,000 Georgians are eligible to apply. The requirements are so strict that estimates are that
only 50,000 to 90,000 will be eligible. Only 265 people were actually enrolled during the first
month.

Last year we saw a decline in customer service with the carriers offering insurance through the
Marketplace. This was in part due to an increase in customers. The Friday company was
placed into receivership and that book of business was transferred to other carriers who were
caught without enough staff to handle the new customers.

Locally, it is important to know that Ambetter clients can use the following pharmacies:
Walgreens, Walmart, Food Lion, The Clinic, The Plains Drug Store and Doctors Pharmacy.

Since CVS bought Aetna, they dropped their contract with Ambetter but they do accept the
Aetna Marketplace plans now that they have returned to Southwest Georgia.

Now that the pandemic is over, the government is no longer offering free Covid shots. Those
that have insurance will still receive $0 copay for Covid and Covid booster shots. Also the
Health Department has free shots. Those without insurance can expect to pay $120-$130 and
more for the shots.

I’d like to close with a personal appeal to sign up and take advantage of your free annual
physical, and wellness screenings. In August, I lost my father to cancer. It began as prostate
cancer and it spread undetected. As Count Rugan famously said in the movie The Princes
Bride, “If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.” I miss my Dad. Much of
your health is in your control. Get covered and use your plan’s benefits.

Should all people have health insurance in Georgia?

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Many forms of insurance need to be obtained for people who live in the Americus, GA area. While many of these types of coverage provide liability protection and coverage for assets, health insurance is another important type of coverage you need to get here. You should carefully consider your health insurance needs and obtain a quality policy for various reasons when you live in this part of Georgia. 

Ensure Appropriate Coverage

It would be best to have a health insurance plan when you are here to ensure appropriate coverage. When you live in this part of Georgia, you will need to see a doctor, get prescription medication, and potentially even need a procedure. If you are not insured, you will have to cover these costs out of pocket. This can make getting the care you need to lead a healthy life prohibitive. With health insurance, you will have more affordable access to care. 

Requirements

Today, it is also a requirement for all people to get health insurance. If a full health insurance plan does not cover you for yourself and your dependents, you could face penalization. You will need to show evidence of your full coverage at the end of the year when taxes are filed. 

If you are in the Americus, GA area, you will need to be assured that you select a proper health insurance plan. When you are ready to start looking for coverage here, you can begin by calling us with Client First Insurance Solutions. Our Client First Insurance Solutions team knows the value of this coverage and can provide the guidance you need to select and build a new plan.