Life Insurance

Season of Safety: Safer Shopping

Season of Safety: Safer Shopping

Season of Safety: Safer Shopping

The Holiday season definitely comes with its fair share of preparations. If you’re like most people, this includes a lot of shopping. Whether you’re buying groceries for a holiday get together or in search of reasonably priced gifts, you can expect a few extra trips to the store in the coming month. And with a survey revealing that 71% of holiday consumers plan to shop over the Thanksgiving holiday (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc.) and 36% of Holiday shoppers have not even begun their shopping (as of the end of October and beginning of November*), you can expect those shopping trips to be especially busy. 

In all the chaos, it’s easy to get distracted, and even easier to become victim to seasonal predators. Here are our tips for staying safe, and still making the most of those shopping days – even the last minute ones (you know who you are)!

Plan Ahead as much as Possible

At GGB, we adore a good plan. It keeps us feeling secure, and well, sane. Having a plan for your shopping trips will keep you from spending your holidays in line at the register. Ask (and answer) these questions, then plan accordingly.

  1. What Items am I buying?
  2. Where am I buying them?
  3. Is there a time these stores will be less busy/When is the best time for me to shop?
  4. Should I bring someone to help (carry bags, mind the kids, etc.)?
  5. Can I avoid any shopping trips altogether (by shopping online, delegating to someone else, etc.)?

Now, you can plan your shopping wisely, avoid any unnecessary trips, and make the experience as smooth as possible.

Avoid Distractions

This is a biggie. With the holidays being a busy and often stressful time, we can easily lose focus, as well as become too fatigued to notice. Removing and minimizing distractions can keep you on track and SAFE. Remember, that just a few seconds on your phone is all a predator needs to pick up a bag you’ve set down or slip a wallet from an open purse. Here are some of our favorite tips.

  1. Stay off your phone. Avoid checking emails, texts and SNS notifications until you get home. If you absolutely MUST take a phone call, do it in a well-lit and safe place from a vantage point where you can see any potential dangers in advance. Do not cross streets or stand in high-traffic areas while on the phone.
  2. Leave the kids at home if possible. If it isn’t essential to bring your kids with you on a shopping trip, have them stay home. It helps keep you and the kids safe. Plan a special, shopping-free outing if you would like to enjoy seasonal events and decorations together. You can enjoy Santa’s Village a lot more when you’re not lugging around shopping bags.
  3. Enlist a Shopping Buddy. If some distractions can’t be avoided, bring a Shopping Buddy. You can take turns shopping while the other manages distractions. Watching kids and shopping bags, going for restroom and food breaks, even taking phone calls becomes much easier and safer with the extra help.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

For lone shoppers, staying alert is essential. Those braving the stores solo are prime targets for theft or worse. Staying safe this holiday means being especially careful handling your money and going to and from your vehicle. This is a very important point for those unable to plan their shopping trips for daylight hours.

  1. Park in a visible, well-lit area. The parking lots will be packed at many of the large stores and shopping malls, and this is an imperative tip for anyone shopping at night. Try to find a spot in a well-lit section that is visible to people in the main shopping area or close to a main/active walkway. Finally, don’t forget to lock your vehicle or thieves will get a lot more than dad’s new sweater.

  2. Mind your Money. Start by making sure to take only the essentials. Bring only the cards you intend to use (like those with the best fraud protection), and keep the amount of cash you carry to a minimum. Next, keep wallets and handbags towards the front of your body. We recommend not bringing a purse at all, but if you need one, try to use one with a strap that goes across your body.

  3. Stay Alert. Stay conscious and attentive of yourself, your belongings and the people around you.
    • Avoid setting purses and shopping bags down.
    • Pay special attention to your things when standing in lines.
    • If possible, walk with or near larger groups when going to and from your car.
    • Check on your belongings often; especially when leaving seating areas or restaurants.

Be Mindful of YOU

This tip is pretty simple. Getting ready for the holidays can get very busy for anyone -including us. So, don’t forget to check-in on yourself. Ask these questions before you get in the car.

  • How do you feel physically? Are you tired? Could you be catching a cold?
  • How do you feel mentally? Are you overwhelmed? Are you irritable? Are you turning into a crazy person?
  • Do you need to do this shopping trip today? Can you reschedule it? Can you cancel it altogether?

Holiday shopping is always a bigger task than just going to the store. It’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. So, if you find yourself having a moment where everything is simply too much, just stop. Take a moment, take a breath and check in with yourself.

The Holidays should be an enjoyable time. Use the tips above to take some of the worry out of shopping this year. Stay safe (and sane) out there.

The Holiday Season is here! Between shopping for gifts, planning for trips and/or throwing the perfect party, the holidays can be a high-stress, low-rest time for many of us. In our Season of Safety series, we’re giving you our favorite tips on how to Plan and Protect so you can really enjoy the holidays.

Posted by admin
Want to Make the Claims Process Easier?

Want to Make the Claims Process Easier?

If You're Prepared, Making a Claim can be Much Easier

When something bad happens, being ready to make your claim can save you headaches and heartaches. Here’s how to get started.

Want to Make the Claims Process Easier?

Making a claim on your insurance, no matter what kind, can be a stressful situation. Something bad has happened; a car accident, damage or vandalism to your home, and all the concerns that go along with it. Now, on top of everything you have to figure out how to get back on your feet, and how to deal with the expenses. The best policy is a proactive one. Being prepared before something bad happens will be to your benefit.

GGB Insurance Services is here to help make it easier. Keep reading for our tips on making the claims process easier, and call us with your questions. 559.283.8332

GGB Insurances Tips for an Easier Claims Process.

  1. Know Your Policy, and understand exactly what is or isn’t covered. Make sure your policy meets your needs. If it doesn’t, talk to your agent about getting more coverage. 

  2. Keep Good Inventory of your valuable property, and document everything. If you have any professional property assessments done, keep these records, and make sure they are current. Talk to your claims specialist about inspectors and assessments, and who is accepted by your insurance. 

  3. Document Everything when something bad happens, especially in the case of an auto accident. After assuring your safety in the situation, use your smartphone to photograph damages to vehicle(s), surrounding area and immediate environment, traffic lights or signs, road work, damaged property (city or private owned), etc. Some companies provide convenient tools/equipment for this like dashboard cameras. Find out the cost, if any, for these tools and make use of them.
     
  4. Understand the Claims Process ahead of time. Ask how you can access claims forms in advance, and make sure you can provide all the information required. Your agent should be able to give you information on acquiring these forms if they don’t already have them available for you. Check in with your agent a couple times a year to see if these claims forms have been updated and/or have new requirements.

We all need insurance, and we feel more secure having it. In most cases, though, we hope that we never have to use it. Following the above tips can really help should a situation arise where you do.

© 2017 Copyright GGB Insurance Services
Posted by admin in Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Insurance Tips, Life Insurance, Personal Insurance
It’s About Planning for the Future

It’s About Planning for the Future

The security of knowing your family is taken care of. It’s reason enough to Plan & Protect the Unexpected.

Planning for the Future Starts Today

Life Insurance is something everyone needs. Regardless of age, it’s never too early (or late) to plan and prepare financially for the future. Knowing the different types of Life Insurance can make choosing the right one much easier.

GGB Insurance Services is here to help you make informed choices about what type of policy is right for you.

Whole Life is a Permanent Insurance product that provides death benefit protection and cash value accumulation. This coverage typically remains in force for your lifetime as long as premiums are paid. You have access to this cash value and can generally either take it as cash or use it to buy some continuing insurance protection. The amount of the cash value depends on the kind of policy you have, premiums you are paying into it, and how long you have owned it. You may also use your policy cash value as collateral for a loan. Policy surrenders and loans incur charges and/or interest. They can also affect policy values and the death benefit.
 

Whole life premiums, cash values, and death benefits are set at policy issue and are guaranteed as long as premiums are paid. Premiums are level and predictable.

Universal Life is also called Flexible Premium Adjustable Life Insurance. This coverage is similar to whole life insurance, but more flexible. It allows the policy owner to vary the amount and timing of premium payments (subject to satisfying policy premium minimums to maintain the policy), and increase or decrease the death benefit (subject to underwriting for an increase). Cash values accumulate based on premium payments and current interest rates that the carrier is offering.

Term Life Insurance provides affordable protection for a specific period of time at a scheduled premium level. Premiums may increase at the end of the term. You can renew your coverage often at a higher premium, without having to provide evidence of good health at the end of the term. You can also convert it to a permanent life insurance policy which builds cash value and may earn dividends.

Final Expense is an affordable Permanent Insurance to assist families with the costs associated with funeral and burial expenses. It is not designed to provide a lifetime income for the surviving family. Rather, this product provides families with the money they need for final expenses when they need it. 

Life Insurance is about knowing you’ve planned ahead for the future. Though it isn’t always an easy subject to talk about, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with securing your loved ones’ financially for the unexpected.

© 2017 Copyright GGB Insurance Services
Posted by admin in Life Insurance
3 Policies Everyone Should Have

3 Policies Everyone Should Have

The Policies Everyone Needs

Basic Insurance Policies can become real necessities.
Plan and Protect the Unexpected.

3 Policies Everyone Should Have

Everyone knows we need Insurance to protect ourselves from what ever life throws at us. But with so many things to consider, where should we start?

GGB Insurance Services is here to help. So we’re sharing 3 Insurance Policies we think everyone should have.

Life Insurance

This one is easily missed or avoided, but it’s essential to provide financial security to loved ones in the event that something bad happens.

Consider the Following:

  • Do you need to provide a life time income to your spouse and family or do you just need to help them pay funeral and burial costs?
  • Do you need a policy in place until the time of passing or do you just need to be covered should something happen to you prematurely?

Homeowners Insurance

Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Homeowners Insurance protects your property when accidents, disasters and even vandalism occur. This policy is often overlooked by non-homeowners, but renters can also get protection policies. This is especially important in cases where legal action may be required for a renter.

Consider the Following:

  • Are there location-specific types of damage you need protection for?
  • Some policies can cover important repairs like roof or foundation. Know and understand the circumstances for making claims in these cases.
  • Policies don’t just cover the home, they cover the property inside. Keep track of your property, especially your most expensive purchases.

Auto Insurance

This insurance is often a legal requirement for every driver. It covers injury, vehicle repair and/or replacement.

Consider the Following:

  • Can you avail of any safe driver discounts?
  • Is the driver a teen or new driver?
  • Do you want a policy with accident forgiveness?

The above are just 3 of the important coverage policies everyone should have. Don’t forget to look into health insurance, dental and vision, and disability policies. These not only keep your medical expenses down, but protect you in the event of a major health issue arising.