Matt's Blog

Referring insurance to an agent? Are they looking out for the customer?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:24:37 -0500

Here is a unique perspective... Is the agent you are referring business to looking out for your customer or is there only a desire to obtain a sale.

Moving from NY to Georgia? There may be a need to be concerned:

Are you moving your insurance from New York to Georgia?
Many of those moving to Georgia will contact an agent in Georgia representing the same insurance company they have in New York. The request is "Please transfer my insurance to Georgia". The eager agency will often times just "push the button" and terminate the policy in NY and will start the policy in GA. Don't let that happen until you understand the following:

In NY if the insurance policy is canceled while you are still in possession of the TAGS or License plates there is a per day penalty accessed by NY to the vehicle owner. Don't cancel the NY policy until the plates are returned and the "receipt" from NY is in hand.
Work with a Georgia Car Insurance agent that understands how to provide a policy in Georgia while at the same time not charging you for "duplicate coverage". There are ways to obtain your Georgia License Plates while working to properly return the NY tags.

Juggling the process will provide a quick solution to obtain a Georgia Tag while at the same time providing time to return the NY tags while NOT being charge for duplicate coverage. This is the type of service you should expect!

Google the term "Georgia Auto Insurance" and see if Matt Locke has solutions of this nature. There is a noticable difference when the agent is looking out for the customer above and beyond the sale of a policy.

Paul "Matt Locke"

NOTE: This post has to do with Auto insurance and most agents are traditionally only concerned about the home insurance. A good agent will work hard to obtain both policies. Make sure the agent you are working for understands how to take care of your customer.

NOTE: Other states have this same issue...

2008 Arts on the Creek: Johns Creek Georgia

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:12:36 -0500

SPONSORS

Johns Creek Art Center

(Ocee Arts Center)

KRC Communications
Creative Avalanche
Tropical Breeze
Johns Creek Children's Museum
Ann Marie Noyman
Georgia Realty/Prudential
aboutU Magazine

VENUE

JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

11180 Medlock Bridge Road

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

Athletic field with concession building (open for use by food vendors) and rest rooms.

Stage, lighting and movie screen. Seating for 2,000.

30,000 sq. ft. for sponsors, food vendors, children's games

The unveiling of the event has started the public planning for this the 2nd year for the Johns Creek Art Fesstival. This will be a GREAT opportunity to see local artists and have a great time enjoying time with the family with special events for the kids and adults.

Put it on your calendar and more importantly come support our local chamber and the City of Johns Creek.

Lease Purchase Insurance

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:08:40 -0500

The lack of financing options for those with low to mid-credit is difficult... The desire to own or have the the prospect of owning after a couple of years has positioned the Lease Purchase as a viable option.

Creating accured equity over time for the Lease Purchaser and having the opportunity to personallize the home even prior to owning are "benefits".

All can be LOST with the lack of a Renters policy.

Example: a down payment of 5k, and 2 years of acrued down-payment can be lost in a moment when there is a loss. A Lease Purchaser has much more to loose than a normal tenant. If the Lease Purchaser causes damage or if a Tenant causes damage, the owner's policy will repair the home. The insurance company will find out that the tenant/lease purchaser was responsible of the loss and will "subrogate" against the tenant. That "subrogation" entails the insurance company and owner sueing the tenant/Lease Purchaser for reimbursement.

The Lease Purchaser without a renters policy is subject to having a lawsuit and potentially a bankruptcy to rid themselves of the debt. That type of event results in lost credit and the loss of ability to purchase. The Lease Purchaser would potentially loose their credit, their down-payment, and loose the ability to purchase the home of their dreams.

If you are working with a Lease Purchaser, encourage them to have renters that has "LIABILITY" coverage that equals or is greater than the value of the home being rented. More is better and it is cheap.

Position the Lease Purchaser to succeed amongst life's twist with a simple "renters insurance" policy.

Matt Locke

Contractors- Is the level of coverage enough?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:08:21 -0500

Good news, you contact a contractor and the qualifications and skills are sufficient for the project. References check out, Licensing validated, the local BBB gives you the thumbs-up, and the contractor's insurance agent even sends over proof of insurance coverage. You are ready to now say, go do the work... but wait... Proof of Insurance.... Do you know how to read the policy limits?

Here are a few important issues:

The section 2/3 down on the Acord form is called "Description of Operations". Make sure the policy description cooresponds to the risk. Example: The description may say "Plumbing operations to include and not limited to installation, repair, water lines to homes, water heater installation and repair". BUT, if the contractor is being engaged to drop dead trees in the yard, there may be reason to believe the policy will not provide coverage for the task.
"Each Occurrence" is the next VERY important item to review. "Each Occurance" means that in the event the insured is found liable, the policy will only pay up to this amount. In this example, the most the policy will pay is $300,000.00... Sounds GREAT unless the insured is working on a 1.2 million dollar home. Now, if the insured is a plumber installing pipe with a blow torch and burns the home down, we have a problem. The policy will pay up to $300,000.00 but the home was worth a lot more. When checking out insurance coverage make sure the coverage is sufficient for the risk.
Effective dates for the policy are traditionally defined as "Policy Effective Date" and "Policy Expiration Date". Don't assume that the recently faxed document has dates that include today. We have seen where the customer recieved a document from the AGENT that clearly showed the expiration of the policy. Lack of reading the document proved very costly to the homeowner.

This is a high level review.... As a professional looking out for your client, take the time to review and bring understanding to the issues at hand.

Just some interesting insurance issues to ponder.

Respectfully,

Matt Locke

Georgia Contractors: Licensed and Insured?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:56:16 -0500

The laws in Georgia are changing. More and More contractors are now getting licensed in Georgia. The licensing process is requiring the contractor to prove insurance at the time of licensing. Our experience as agents is the policy is terminated shortly after licensing.

Making the assumption that "Licensed" means "insured" is a faulty assumption.

If you choose to find a "Licensed" contractor, do take the normal steps to have the contractor prove they are insured. How do you prove coverage?

Do not have the contractor show you a document of coverage (acord 25)
Do have the Insurance agent or the Insurance company fax over a proof of insurance certificate. 1-800 lines to customer service or local calls to the local agent should position you with the proof needed that the policy was not canceled.

If the contractor is going to work for you on a consistant basis, consider having your name added as "additionally insured". If there is a contractual relationship between you and the contractor requiring your name being "additionally insured" should result in "no cost" to make the change.

Bottom-line, making assumptions of coverage can be costly. Using un-insured contractors for yourself or ordering contractor services on the behalf of the customer could position you to be liable... Imagine a punch list for closing. The realtor contacts a contractor to do the work and include the bill at closing according to the contract. But, during the repairs the contractor causes damage... The un-insured contractor could position the realtor to be the focal point for liability.

Insurance topics that make you think....

Respectfully,

Matt Locke

Johns Creek Georgia- Founders Day

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:45:52 -0600

Saturday, Dec. 1 celebration promotes business, city awareness

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce's second annual Founders' Day celebration runs on Saturday, December 1.

Our first Founders' Day was a huge success last year as we ushered in the first day of our city's existance and drew thousands of residents to 73 sponsoring Johns Creek businesses. Our four-hour celebration helped bring people to the Chamber's new office. Retialers and other businesses wore blue Founders' Day t-shirts and displayed balloons marking their participation in the big day.

This year Chamber members will reach out to residents during the holiday season and make shopping even easier as everyone stays closer to home in Johns Creek. Download last year's Founders's Day brochure with city map, important civic information and business listing by location.

Return to our website for more information is coming about the second annual Founders' Day.

Johns Creek International Music & Arts Festival

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:31:56 -0500

The Johns Creek International Music & Arts Festival will bring a variety of talented musicians, performers and visual artists to Johns Creek for a two-day celebration. The festival, hosted by the Johns Creek Chamber, will also support food, beverages and other attractions of an international flavor to our city.

The Johns Creek Children's Museum will provide inflatibles for the kids, along with arts & crafts and other entertainment for your family.

Chattahoochee Christian Church, at 108000 Bell Road, Johns Creek, will be the site of the annual festival on Friday, Sept. 21 from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Festival Schedule

MUSIC ON THE LAWN

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 8 p.m. -10 p.m.

Atlanta Jazz Syndicate

Lindsay Appel, contemporary singer/songwriter

Deverett Kagle, gospel

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22, 8 p.m. -10 p.m.

Jazzmatic

Terrell King, R&B/gospel

RRed, rock

Admission for each evening - Adults: $5, Children Under 12; $1

DJC-Mitch will provide music throughout the festival.

ART

JURORS

Timothy Tew, Timothy Tew Gallery

Dr. Pam Sachant, North Georgia College & State University

PRIZES

Best in Show: $250, 1st place: $125, 2nd place: $75, 3rd place: $50

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Provided by the Johns Creek Children's Museum Mobile exhibit; Hands-on arts & crafts; Inflatable games.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Provided by Tropical Breeze Shaved Ice, Big Wills BBQ, Stevi B's and Vine Amore.

SPONSORS

aboutU magazine

Creative Avalanche Productions

KRC Communications

LOCATION

Chattahoochee Christian Church

10800 Bell Road

Johns Creek, GA 30097

770-418-1101

About 1/2 mile south of McGinnis Ferry Road

Alpharetta Kiwanis: Benefit Event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:46:06 -0500

You are cordially invited by the Alpharetta and Johns Creek Kiwanis Clubs to join their membership and families for Kiwanis Family Night. This benefit event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation is sponsored by Chick-fil-A located at 5180 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta.

This event is being held on Tuesday, September 25th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 5180 Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Our generous sponsor, Chick-fil-A is donating 10% of all their sales proceeds from the event to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Founded in 1982 by a group of DeKalb area firefighters, the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation's goal is to help burn survivors in their journey of recovery, as well as to prevent others from experiencing the traumatic event of a burn injury. It serves all of Georgia in its three-fold mission:

· To education the public in burn awareness and prevention

· To support medical facilities in the care of burns in Georgia

• To assist burn survivors in their recover

In order to succeed in this mission it relies on the support of dedicated volunteers and their generous contributions of time, talent and resources. To learn more about this organization, please visit their website at http://www.gfbf.org/.

In addition to their generous donation, our sponsor Chick-fil-a is providing a variety of activities including games and prizes, a balloon artist, and a free sundae bar for the kids. There will also be a special guest-the Chick-fil-A cow to greet the children and a fire truck on hand so children can meet a firefighter and see a truck up close.

SafetyNet4kids will be at the event for adults who wish to purchase child safety products and are donating 10% of all proceeds to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

To learn more about this event, please contact Melinda Colcord at 770-375-7754. For more information on any of these organizations, we encourage you to visit their websites:

http://www.alpharettakiwanis.org/
http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/
http://www.gfbf.org/
http://www.chickfila.com/
http://www.safetynet4kids.com/

Please help us raise funds to support this incredible organization by bringing your family to Chick-fil-a for dinner and tons of activities and fun for the kids!

Johns Creek Kiwanis: Benefit Event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:42:38 -0500

· To education the public in burn awareness and prevention

· To support medical facilities in the care of burns in Georgia

• To assist burn survivors in their recover

SafetyNet4kids will be at the event for adults who wish to purchase child safety products and are donating 10% of all proceeds to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

To learn more about this event, please contact Melinda Colcord at 770-375-7754. For more information on any of these organizations, we encourage you to visit their websites:

http://www.alpharettakiwanis.org/
http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/
http://www.gfbf.org/
http://www.chickfila.com/
http://www.safetynet4kids.com/

Please help us raise funds to support this incredible organization by bringing your family to Chick-fil-a for dinner and tons of activities and fun for the kids!

Johns Creek Kiwanis: Benefit Event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:38:50 -0500

Benefit Event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation

· To education the public in burn awareness and prevention

· To support medical facilities in the care of burns in Georgia

• To assist burn survivors in their recover

SafetyNet4kids will be at the event for adults who wish to purchase child safety products and are donating 10% of all proceeds to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

To learn more about this event, please contact Melinda Colcord at 770-375-7754. For more information on any of these organizations, we encourage you to visit their websites:

http://www.alpharettakiwanis.org/
http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/
http://www.gfbf.org/
http://www.chickfila.com/
http://www.safetynet4kids.com/

Please help us raise funds to support this incredible organization by bringing your family to Chick-fil-a for dinner and tons of activities and fun for the kids!

Johns Creek Kiwanis

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:26:38 -0500

· To education the public in burn awareness and prevention

· To support medical facilities in the care of burns in Georgia

• To assist burn survivors in their recover

SafetyNet4kids will be at the event for adults who wish to purchase child safety products and are donating 10% of all proceeds to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

To learn more about this event, please contact Melinda Colcord at 770-375-7754. For more information on any of these organizations, we encourage you to visit their websites:

http://www.alpharettakiwanis.org/
http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/
http://www.gfbf.org/
http://www.chickfila.com/
http://www.safetynet4kids.com/

Please help us raise funds to support this incredible organization by bringing your family to Chick-fil-a for dinner and tons of activities and fun for the kids!

www.JohnsCreekChamber.com - New Flash

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:00:28 -0500

Chamber News Flash

Do you not have a business license or owe Occupational Tax to the City of Johns Creek?

Businesses in the City of Johns Creek have had ample time to acquire or renew their business licenses with the

new city; however, many have not according to CH2M Hill, the city consultants. CH2M Hill is proposing to rectify this situation with a proposed Revenue Enhancement Program in with they will receive 38.5 % of all revenues that they collect. The Mayor and City Council approved this project Monday night. To alert the Johns Creek business community, Don Howell of CH2M Hill will briefly discuss the program at the Johns Creek Chamber's monthly breakfast meeting:

Date: June 21 st, 7:30 - 9 am

Location: EBC Office and Conference Center

Address: 11330 Lakefield Drive within Technology Park

In addition, we will have a presentation by Brandon Reese and Lauren Wilkes of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. After one of the longest legislative sessions in more than 100 years, the Georgia General Assembly has adjourned sine die. Brandon Reese and Lauren Wilkes are two of the lobbyists representing the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and were on the ground at the State Capitol every day, working with lawmakers to make sure no legislation was passed that would unfairly affect a businesses bottom line. They will be available to give you an insider's report on what happened during the 2007 legislative session and will touch on the bills that passed, those that didn't, and what may be in store for the future.

If you are interested in participating in our chamber but can not attend this meeting, our next meeting is scheduled for noon on July 12 th.

This post is from www.JohnsCreekChamber.com and is information pertinent to all businesses in the Johns Creek area. Thank you to the Johns Creek Chamber for bringing this issue to the businesses of Johns Creek.

Subrogation: How could that term affect you?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:53:59 -0500

DEFINITION OF SUBROGATION An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party. After expenses, the amount recovered must be divided proportionately with the insured to cover any deductible for which the insured was reponsible. (From lcgroup.com)

Now this may mean little to you... but this group, www.subrogation.org, specializes in looking for and finding opportunities to make "subrogation" work.

So as you consider working with or without a General Liability policy to protect your business, or if there is a desire to limit the amount of coverage on a policy to save $20.00 a year, remember this term and consider the impact to your credit, equity in your home or other assests.

Fear mongering? maybe... Just be aware there are groups out there looking to subrogate against the party whose negligence caused a loss.

Matt Locke

www.GeorgiaInvestorInsurance.com

www.MattLockeandAssociates.com

Property Managers are looking out for the owners... Right?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:22:36 -0500

Single Family Property Managers traditionally do a GREAT job in meeting the legal elements of leasing a home. Mold disclosures, lead base paint, move-in and move-out inspections, collecting rents, the list is long.

The apartment property managers are starting to change their perspective and adding another element to protecting the owner/investor. Approximately 20 complexes with over 400 units each have changed their rules requiring the tenant to have a renter's insurance policy prior to move-in. These units are low end 600 dollar a month rentals.

The single family property management groups in our region have not adopted this level of protection... Requiring the insurance as part of the lease is the wrong aspect. Who wants to evict over the lack of insurance.

In the Single family arena, the risks are greater to the landlord/owner. In the event of a total loss, the single family home owner will be severely penalized with a large claim. If the tenant caused the damage, the tenant's renter insurance will bear the brunt of the loss and not the owner.

Single family property managers and Landlords, consider contacting me for an idea to inforce a policy but without it affecting the terms of the lease.

Matt Locke

www.GARenters.com www.GaLandlordInsurance.com

www.JohnsCreekChamber.com: The use of the name- Johns Creek

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:00:48 -0500

Over the last 90 days your Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, through the Governmental Affairs Committee, has sought to clarify misconceptions regarding the use of the name "Johns Creek". This issue was originally brought to the Chamber's attention by members in the real estate industry following correspondence
with Technology Park of Atlanta (TPA). After researching the background concerning a registered service mark on the name "Johns Creek" by TPA, your Chamber made a presentation to the Johns Creek City Council on January 21, 2007. In his presentation your Chamber requested that the City consider obtaining a legal opinion regarding the enforceability of this service mark in light of the creation of our city.

After this presentation, Technology Park of Atlanta clarified their position as excerpted from a letter dated April 13th, 2007 received from Jim Warren, AIA, Vice President of TPA Realty Services, LLC; "We do not intend to treat the use of terms such as JohnsCreek-Homes.com or JohnsCreekRealty.com, in-and-among-themselves, as infringements upon our (service) mark, any more than we would Chocolate Factory at Johns Creek. An infringement would clearly exist however if those businesses incorporated images of our campus, text or our logo or materials produced by Technology Park/Atlanta, LLC or TPA Realty Services on its behalf, to the extent that it would implicate an association, relationship or affiliation with Technology Park/Atlanta, LLC (or TPA Realty
Services)" Your Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce believes TPA statement that "we can all focus on building Georgia's greatest new city, Johns Creek" brings closure to this matter.

The Governmental Affairs Committee expressed its appreciation to TPA for the spirit of the discussions through this process and acknowledges the continued leadership of Technology Park of Atlanta in putting the businesses and residents of our newly created city first by creating an exemplary commercial development and subsequently a very positive image for our city.

http://www.johnscreekchamber.com/

From: www.JohnsCreekChamber.com excellence in Education Committee

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:44:04 -0500

Excellence in Education Committee

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce

Excellence in Education Committee

Brings CHOICES to

Johns Creek middle schools

Remember Being A Teenager? If you knew then just a little of what you know now, wouldn't it have

been easier?

The Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce's Excellence in Education Committee has licensed the program

CHOICES and is making it available to Johns Creek middle schools for the 2007 - 2008 school year.

CHOICES is an interactive decision-making workshop that empowers teens to achieve academic success

in pursuit of their career and life aspirations. In two 50-minute sessions, local business and community

volunteers take students through real-world exercises on academic self-discipline, time and

money management, and goal setting. Teens discover that they can take charge of their lives.

CHOICES is typically presented at the 8th or 9th grade level, since these students are old enough to

envision the future, yet young enough to develop positive skills and habits for success in high school

and beyond.

Did you face tough choices? The CHOICES program helps teens;

• Discover that decisions have consequences

• Connect today and tomorrow

• Identify the key to success

• Link education to career options

• Make a plan

• Realize impact on others

CHOICES helps kids see through their own eyes how their decisions today determine the sort of life

they'll have as adults. These "aha" moments, when they really get it, stick with them.

The CHOICES program is about keeping teens "into" school!
If you are interested in learning more about this program or joining our Excellence in Education
Committee, please contact the committee chair - Melinda Colcord via email

mcocord@safetynet4kids.com.

www.JohnsCreekChamber.com

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:37:08 -0500

This is a special invitation to the next regular monthly meeting of the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce.

Date: June 21 st, 7:30 - 9 am

Location: EBC Office and Conference Center

Address: 11330 Lakefield Drive within Technology Park

Program: Presentation by Brandon Reese and Lauren Wilkes of the

Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Breakfast will be free for members & $20 non-members.

This is our tried & true breakfast meeting. Hence forth, we will alternate between breakfast and lunch meeting times.

After one of the longest legislative sessions in more than 100 years, the Georgia General Assembly has adjourned sine die. Brandon Reese and Lauren Wilkes are two of the lobbyists representing the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and were on the ground at the State Capitol every day, working with lawmakers to make sure no legislation was passed that would unfairly affect a businesses bottom line. They will be available to give you an insider's report on what happened during the 2007 legislative session and will touch on the bills that passed, those that didn't, and what may be in store for the future.

Lauren gained political experience by working on numerous campaigns at the federal, state and local level. Before joining the Georgia Chamber, Lauren was the Fundraising Director at Firehouse Consulting. During the 2006 elections she served as Finance Director for a statewide campaign. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta.

Brandon has worked for the Georgia Nursing Home Association, was the Finance Director for political campaigns including Mike Thurmond's successful 2002 campaign for Labor Commissioner, and represented the firm of Boller, Sewell & Segars prior to joining the Georgia Chamber in 2003. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and lives in Atlanta with his wife, Alison.

In addition to the presentation by Brandon and Lauren, we will have our regular Committee reports on our Fitness Race Team, the International Music Festival, and Founders' Day Plans.

If you are interested in participating in our chamber but can not attend this meeting, our next meeting is scheduled for noon on July 12 th.

In Remembrance of Fulton County Firefighter Felix Roberts

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:29:23 -0500

In Remembrance of Fulton County Firefighter Felix Roberts

The Kiwanis Club of Johns Creek extends its sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Firefighter Felix Roberts and John Callahan.

Firefighter Felix Roberts, 41, an 8-year veteran of the Fulton County Fire Department stationed at Newtown Fire Station at 3165 Old Alabama Rd., died while trying to save John Callahan. Mr. Callahan, a resident of a home that burned on Memorial Day on Gorham Close, was trapped inside the home and died, despite the efforts of all the firefighters from Station 8 who tried to save him. Felix Roberts is the first loss of a firefighter in the 29-year history of the Fulton County Fire Department.

As Kiwanians focused on trying to make our communities a better place, we recognizes the deep loss the entire Department feels on the loss of Felix Roberts and extends sympathy and gratitude to his fellow first responders who continue their dedicated and brave service to our community. These are members of our community who truly "Do Make a Difference."

We also extend our sympathy to the friends and family of John Callahan.

Insurance is all the same, Right? Mortgage Imposed vs. Insured Purchased

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:11:55 -0500

You have heard the term "mortgage company imposed" insurance. The term "insurance" is included in the phrase but have you ever consider what that policy covers?

If the mortgage company is purchasing insurance and passing that expense to the owner/mortgagee, one may assume that the coverage is consistant to the traditional policy. With the LARGE expense passed to the mortgagee, all parties may think that this policy offers coverage equal to or greater than the traditional policy.

REALITY: Investigate deeper. More often than not, the mortgage company imposed policy only insures the mortgage company's interest. Don't confuse Property Insurance with PMI coverage. PMI coverage inherantly does not cover normal "Perils" (Fire, Wind, Hail, etc.) If the home burns, the Imposed policy will often only have coverage consistant to the loan value. Liability coverage to the owner/mortgagee or replacement coverage is NOT an aspect traditionally extended in a Imposed policy.

So when you have an investor or a homeowner say "I'm well covered... I'm paying for the mortgage company imposed policy" have a heart to heart with them... They will thank you for the insight.

Matt Locke

www.GeorgiaHomeInsurance.com

www.GeorgiaLandlordInsurance.com

Lapse of "Home" insurance can result in additional cost

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:29:28 -0500

Home insurance as titled above is loosely used: "condo", "home", "rental" insurance is considered "property" insurance.

When a customer sells a home, there may be a valid reason NOT to cancel the "Home" insurance. Many policies extend coverage to the belongs in the self-storage facility. Keeping coverage positions the customer with protection for that stored personal property.

Also, if the customer closes on the sale and has more than 30 days prior to the next purchase, there are discounts that the customer could loose. 10-15% discounts are afforded by several insurance companies if the customer has had no lapse of insurance.

Giving insurance consul to your client is not as strong as giving perspective to a concept and then having them contact their agent. Your insight will help you build that long term relationship.

Matt Locke www.GeorgiaHomeInsurance.com

Making a homeowner claim, do you know what to "claim"?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 23:25:51 -0500

Claims are an ordeal for anyone that has experience the trauma of a fire, flood, or other catastrophe. Being prepared means more than having a flashlight, water, and blankets. A question the insurance company will ask shortly after a major loss is, "what possessions were lost"? Are you ready to document each room's contents?

There are services out there that can help... A local company in north Atlanta is http://www.backusalternatives.com/. Now, this company may not be able to produce reports in Washington state, but take a look at the services and look for a like service in your community.

Now, what differentiates you from your competition? Maybe it could be the simple review of a service of this nature with a couple of references. Now when the claim occurs and the customer's stuff is well documented, you become the hero.

Lastly, have the high value items reviewed with your agent to validate proper coverage.

Matt Locke www.GeorgiaHomeInsurance.com

Is your buyer signing an Insurance Application at Closing?

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:16:55 -0500

The process for home buyers obtaining insurance is getting "simpler".. Yes, Mortgage brokers make it easy by asking the question: Can we (mortgage broker) arrange the insurance for you?

This seems like a simple enough question and lends "ease" in the mortgage process. Getting the application correct is the first part to making sure the customer is afforded coverage when a claim occurs. The application is the foundation to providing and extending coverage. When the applicant signs the application, time needs to be afforded to ensure the data is correct. The closing table is the wrong place to present the application and ask for a signature.

When a claim occurs shortly after closing, the entire application could be a point of review. When a application is presented and signed at closing, the possibility of error exists and that error if not correct PRIOR TO signature could be construed as miss-representation or more strongly defined as "Fraud". Now that is a strong statement and is a overstatement in many of the applications for insurance. The key is to disclose information like prior losses. If the applicant/buyer has several losses that are not disclosed, the application is in jeopardy.

Be careful and look out for your customer. Have them prepared at closing with the insurance process well behind them. Accidents happen and seeing a application for insurance at closing is not as strong as walking through the process with a agent well before the event.

NOTE: I work with mortgage companies and mortgage brokers do aide in the process well... Do not see this post as a anti-mortgage company solution.

Matt Locke www.GeorgiaHomeInsurance.com

Negligent tenants play a big role in losses to others

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 23:38:19 -0500

It happened to me again... The first time it was very personal... The second time, well it was more business.

In 2004, my tenant burned my home... Yes, they left a candle burning on the 12 year old's dresser and then she went out to play. 45,000.00 dollars later, I was stuck with a major claim personally.

Last week, a home I insure for an investor, it too burned. It was a major loss. What was remaining of the home was placed in a "dumpster" and hauled away. Cause: A tenant put a charcoal grill near the house after a evening dinner. 17 hours later, the wind blew a coal out and the home was destroyed.

Negligent tenants play a major role in losses to others. In both of the cases above, the tenant was not insured. The home that burned last week had neighbors that just moved in after closing 24 hours earlier. Little did the nieghbors know that they too would have a claim and would be responsible for the damages personally. Pretty tough information to tell a new owner after spending ton of cash to buy, and then having a 1000.00 insurance deductible for a claim a neighbor caused. Or the other neighbor, single retired lady on a fixed income.

A couple of thoughts:

Damage to your home by others may result in you being stuck with the bill. If you home is built close, consider a lower deductible if 500.00 or 1,000 dollars is not easily afforded.
When you see that sign up next door that says "Home for Rent", consider imploring the landlord to mandate a renter's policy. If not, nag that new neighbor or sign them up for web referrals to buy that renters policy... (over kill- but you understand)
Renting a home for your investor, network with agents in your area to provide rental applications and mandate the tenant to have a policy. You as the leasing agent may not put the mandate in writing and it may not be an enforceable part of the contract, but be firm in stating the requirement of a policy.

Living next to, working with, renting to insured individuals helps insure that when a negligent loss occurs, you or your neighbor is not stuck with the bill.

Matt Locke

Lease Purchase Insurance

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Thu, 31 May 2007 19:43:37 -0500

Selling a home via a Lease purchase? How are you helping your buyer/seller in the transaction to insure the transaction? Your recommendation or insight may help the seller or potential purchaser.

Renter's insurance provides several opportunities: 1) Protects the Seller and protects the tenant... 2) provides discounts to the tenant when they go to purchase a home policy.

Seller's need to adjust their underlying home protection to a policy that addresses the "rental" risk. This policy protects the tenant/future owner and the seller.

Any comments?

Matt Locke

Types of coverage in a policy

Matt Locke (Allstate Insurance) — Tue, 29 May 2007 20:52:13 -0500

Are you familair with "loss assessments" coverage? Obscure but needed, Right?

Newer homes often times require membership in a Homeowner Associations... When those associations have losses that are not covered in full, who then bares the burden of the loss? The home owners... Many insurance companies do not include coverage for these type of losses unless asked for specifically. The coverage is often times less than $15.00 a year for $50k of coverage.

As subvisions have more and more ammenities, Play Grounds, Pools, Tennis Courts, Club houses, etc... The risk for loss are increased. Having protection is not a bad idea....

Other types of coverage are diverse... What are you looking for information on?

1-877-MattLocke (628-8562)

Matt's Blog

Referring insurance to an agent? Are they looking out for the customer?

2008 Arts on the Creek: Johns Creek Georgia

VENUE

JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 11180 Medlock Bridge Road

OUTDOOR FACILITIES Athletic field with concession building (open for use by food vendors) and rest rooms. Stage, lighting and movie screen. Seating for 2,000. 30,000 sq. ft. for sponsors, food vendors, children's games

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Johns Creek Kiwanis: Benefit Event for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation

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From: www.JohnsCreekChamber.com excellence in Education Committee

www.JohnsCreekChamber.com

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Negligent tenants play a big role in losses to others

Lease Purchase Insurance

Types of coverage in a policy

JOHNS CREEK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

11180 Medlock Bridge Road

OUTDOOR FACILITIES

Athletic field with concession building (open for use by food vendors) and rest rooms.

Stage, lighting and movie screen. Seating for 2,000.

30,000 sq. ft. for sponsors, food vendors, children's games