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Attain Insurance

611 Gault ave S
Fort Payne, AL 35967

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Can a Lending Company Require You to Carry Flood Insurance?

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At Attain Insurance, serving the greater Fort Payne, AL area, we are often asked if a lending company can require you to carry flood insurance on your home. This is something that many people do not know about, but should before they purchase their first home or a home in a high-risk flood area. Here is information regarding lenders and their ability to mandate you to carry flood insurance. 

Can You Be Required to Carry Flood Insurance? 

By law, you can be required by a lending agency to carry flood insurance if you have a federally backed mortgage or if you live in a high-risk flood area. If you do not meet either of these requirements, the lender can encourage you to obtain flood insurance, but cannot require it. 

How Will I Know If I Am Required to Carry Flood Insurance? 

If you are required to carry flood insurance by your lending agency, this information will be disclosed to you when you sign your loan documents. If it is not in the agreement, you are not required to carry this type of insurance. 

Do I Have to Use the Lender’s Insurance Company? 

If you are required to carry flood insurance, the lender will give you the option of buying the insurance directly through one of their preferred insurance companies. You are under no obligation to buy insurance from or recommended by the lending company. 

Regardless of whether or not a lending company requires you to carry flood insurance, it is always strongly advised that you do. If you are in the greater Fort Payne, AL area and do not currently have flood insurance, contact Attain Insurance today to obtain a quote and begin the process of protecting your home against a flood. 

Protect Your Condo from Disasters

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Many people believe that they do not need condo insurance because they don’t have a mortgage. They think that their condo’s association policy will cover damages if there is a problem. Attain Insurance in Fort Payne, AL can give you advice about understanding how you can protect your condo from a disaster.

Association Policies

Many condos have their own policy. These policies protect the buildings’ structure, so if the building you were living in were completely demolished, the association could cover your loss. Association policies usually do not cover your belongings, appliances, or furniture. You’ll need to have condo insurance to protect you in case something happens to your home.

Condo Insurance

Although it can happen, a building is rarely completely destroyed. It is up to you to acquire the appropriate amount of coverage for your property and belongings.

  • Liability Insurance – if a person is injured on your property, they could file a lawsuit if they feel that you are liable for their injuries. Liability insurance could protect you from having to pay out thousands of dollars for medical costs, lawyer’s fees, and rehabilitation expenses.
  • Personal Property – your property could be covered against such disasters as theft, vandalism, and fires. Without this coverage, you may not be able to replace your clothing, furniture, appliances, or jewelry.
  • Building Property – although the walls and buildings’ structure are usually covered under your condo association’s policy, it normally doesn’t cover the inside walls that hold fixtures and built-in bookshelves.

If you decide to purchase a condo in Fort Payne, AL, stop by Attain Insurance. Their independent insurance agents can help you discover the type of condo insurance you’ll need to stay protected in your home. They can also get you started with auto, life, and commercial insurance as well.

Homeowner’s Insurance in Fort Payne, AL and Claim Impacts

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Going through a fire, home invasion or windstorm can be very traumatic. The last thing you need to worry about if something happens is what your homeowners and renters insurance covers in Fort Payne, AL. Find out now so that you can be prepared.

All policies vary, but most include fire, windstorm, and theft. In addition to basic coverage, your insurance should also contain coverage for property damage, personal liability, living expenses and medical payments. Home insurance policies are geared toward single-family homes but there are versions modified for renters and condo insurance.

Property Damage

Property damage covers your home and personal property. For properties with outbuilding such as tool sheds or detached garages, the contents there are also covered. Check with your Attain Insurance representative to find out more about your existing policy and to understand your options.

Personal property refers to items you own lost in the covered event. The belongings of family members living with you are also covered.

Replacement Cost or Actual Cash Value?

Replacement cost is the amount of money to replace lost items before depreciation. Actual cash value is the amount of money to replace lost items after depreciation. Most standard home insurance policies are written on an actual cash value basis.

Additional Living Expenses

Most home insurance policies in Ft Payne, AL cover additional living expenses if you are denied access to your home by the government or other authorities. This might include limited motel and restaurant costs. It also covers storage.

Personal Liability

If a guest in your home is harmed by the condition of the property, they can sue you for negligence. Personal liability covers you against a lawsuit for bodily injury or property damage.

Medical Payments

This covers medical costs for anyone harmed by the condition of the property, by someone living there or by a pet. Medical payments on a home insurance policy don’t apply to injuries sustained by people living in the home. Contact Attain Insurance to see if your coverage is sufficient.

 

Does Commercial Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Weather in Fort Payne, AL?

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Commercial property owners in the Fort Payne, AL area can contact the agents of Attain Insurance if they have any questions concerning weather damage and if it is covered by their commercial insurance policy. There are several aspects that must be considered when it comes to buying commercial or business insurance. They include liability, property damage, Worker’s Compensation, and many other types of insurance that are designed to protect the business owner from sustaining extensive financial losses if an accident or emergency happens. While many businesses can go several years without the slightest glitch, it only takes one strong storm to significantly damage a building and cause extensive loss.

Depending on the circumstances, most types of weather damage are covered under a commercial policy that covers property damage. If a building has been properly maintained and receives damage from high winds, large hail or wind-driven rain, the damages will be covered once the deductible has been paid. In most cases, the larger the premium paid on the policy, the lower the deductible. If a person chooses to pay a lower premium, the deductible will be higher. If the business owner expects to have weather damage covered, they need to make sure their policy covers property damage caused by certain natural events. Flood insurance is often added separately as its own distinct policy.

In Fort Payne, AL, business owners need to be able to talk to a reliable insurance agent if they have questions concerning commercial insurance and property damage coverage. Call the agents at Attain Insurance and have your current commercial policy reviewed and brought up to date to ensure you have the amount of coverage you need to protect your business and your livelihood. 

Your Tips for Understanding Your Comprehensive and Collision Auto Insurances

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Your auto insurance is your protection against a different vehicle colliding with your vehicle if they would be at fault unless you would purchase additional auto insurance protection.

With this additional collision and comprehensive coverage, you would just need to find out if it would be necessary based on a couple of criteria, such as whether your vehicle is worth more than $2,000, according to the Alabama Department of Insurance, and if you would need this coverage because you have an auto loan with a lender that would require it. 

If you were to decide to purchase this additional insurance with our insurance agency, Attain Insurance in Fort Payne AL, you would then have the coverage that you would need to pay for your collision with another vehicle if you were at fault for your expenses, such as any vehicle repairs for your vehicle.

Your comprehensive coverage would pay for most other types of damages to your vehicle, such as from your vehicle fire, any inclement weather damage including flooding, any vandalism that would cause permanent damage to your vehicle, or if your vehicle were stolen. You would also find that your comprehensive policy would pay for any windshield damage with your vehicle that would not be related to any collision with a different vehicle.

These two types of auto insurances would also require you to pay your deductible, also, per your usual vehicle insurance payment process. This fee would be determined by you, also.

You would just be able to contact our vehicle insurance associates at Attain Insurance in Fort Payne, AL to find out any additional information that you may need to know about our optional insurance coverage.

Your Home Spring Clean Up List

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It’s been a rough winter. Your Fort Payne, AL home probably is a little worse for wear after blizzards, ice storms and freezing temperatures battered your property.  Spring cleaning isn’t just for airing out your living room, but to allow you a chance to repairs the ravages of Mother Nature while protecting the value of your home and reducing your liability. Over at Attain Insurance we’ve compiled a quick Spring clean up list to help you tackle these annual chores.Fort Payne, AL home probably is a little worse for wear after blizzards, ice storms and freezing temperatures battered your property.  Spring cleaning isn’t just for airing out your living room, but to allow you a chance to repairs the ravages of Mother Nature while protecting the value of your home and reducing your liability. Over at Attain Insurance, we’ve compiled a quick Spring clean up list to help you tackle these annual chores.

  • Check Your Siding: With a bucket of nails and a ladder, secure loose shakes, clapboards, and vinyl siding. It’ll give you the chance to ensure that water and wind haven’t created deeper damage beneath the outer layer.  A quick layer of paint can extend the longevity of wood while increasing the sidewalk appeal of your home.
  • Review the Status of the Roof: During high winds all sorts of heavy objects can bounce off your roof, pulling shingles loose and opening up pathways for water to cause damage when the Spring rains arrive. It’s a good time to decide if you need a new layer of shingles.
  • Repair and Replace Broken Windows: Cracked panes of glass not only fail to keep your air conditioning working right, but they invite passing criminals to attempt to break into your home. Fixing your storm windows upgrades the exterior while helping maintain a low crime rate in your neighborhood.
  • Fix Up the Fence: The privacy or picket fence that was damaged by a falling branch needs attention. Once again, a well-maintained home looks like a less appealing target to a burglar.  Also, your maintained fence ensures dogs and kids stay in your yard, instead of wreaking havoc next door.

For more tips on how to protect the value of your Fort Payne, AL home, give your friendly agent at Attain Insurance a call or visit.

What Factors Should I Look for When Buying My First Auto Insurance Policy?

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If you have purchased or were gifted your first car, you will need to obtain auto insurance on that vehicle. But this can be overwhelming at times. There are so many different things you need to know about auto insurance and so many companies to select from. Learning what you need to look for when buying your first auto insurance company can help guide you through the process and help you find the right policy. Here are a few of the things you need to look for as you buy your first auto insurance policy.

Policy Limits

One of the things that you carefully need to pay attention to when buying your first auto insurance policy is the policy limits that are in place. Every state has a mandated minimum amount. However, that does not mean that that is the amount of coverage you need. A great insurance agent or broker can help you determine how much coverage you need.

Deductible Amount

Another key factor to pay attention to is what the deductible amount is on any given policy. If you are involved in an accident, the deductible amount is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket. If you don’t have a lot of money, coming up with a $1,000 deductible may be impossible. As such, you want a lower deductible that you can afford to pay. However, keep in mind, the lower the deductible, the more you will pay in auto insurance.

Policy Price

The last factor to keep in mind as you shop for auto insurance is the policy price. This is how much you will pay for the policy. Most policies are six to 12 months in length. Most companies will allow you to pay on a monthly basis. Always compare prices to ensure you are not overpaying for your policy.

If you are looking to obtain an auto insurance policy, let Attain Insurance in Fort Payne, AL help. We can help you find the right auto policy for your needs, regardless of whether this is your first time buying auto insurance or you’ve purchased several policies in the past. Give us a call today to get started or to obtain a free price quote.

How Does Home Insurance Work?

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For those that are wondering about home insurance, it is always best to get your facts when you start looking for home insurance. The agents with Attain Insurance are experienced in a wide range of insurance coverage and can help those in the Fort Payne, AL area find the right coverage.

Home insurance works far more simply than you might imagine. For starters, home insurance is in place to help you pay to rebuild and recover if your home is ever destroyed or irreparably damaged. The first step about home insurance is to talk with an agent about what type of insurance you might need. Consider things like specialty policies like flood or hurricane insurance. After you talk with your agent you will be set up with an adjuster or appraiser.

The appraiser comes to your home to document and evaluate the home. He or she will then take notes and determine how much it would cost to rebuild the home as it sits in the current market. They will also look for obvious hazards. During their inspection, they will ask you about any upgrades or repairs you have done as well. After your coverage is in place you will wait for something to happen.

If you go the entire length of your policy without anything happening, that is wonderful, for most people, however, there will be some sort of a claim. If you do have to place a claim, take the time to contact your agent, to take pictures of damage or issues, and to make an appointment for the adjuster to come and document the exact damage. The adjuster is there to document and report back to the insurance agent so that you can get your proper pay out. For those in the Fort Payne, AL area, the agents at Attain Insurance can help you find the policy you need.  

Benefits of a Home Emergency Kit

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Have you ever thought of having an emergency kit in your Fort Payne, AL? If it is not already on your list, you should consider getting one and keeping it stocked and ready should anything happen. Before you write this off as something you do not need, read about these benefits from Attain Insurance of having a home emergency kit.

  • You will have enough water and food to last you for days. The last thing you want is to find yourself without access to food and water for a few days. When you properly prepare for an emergency with a fully stocked emergency kit, this is not something you will have to worry about. 
  • You will be able to use your devices. One of the things that you will likely miss is your cell phone. You may even need it to reach someone in case of the emergency. When you have an emergency kit, you should have a way to use these.
  • You will be prepared for minor injuries. Another benefit is having the ability to deal with minor injuries before they can get worse. Keeping a fully stocked first aid kit is part of your emergency kit and it will help you if there are minor injuries. 
  • You will be able to see in the dark. Even if you lose power, you will have things you can use to light up the dark at night.

Another great way to protect your home in case of an emergency and beyond is by having a great home insurance policy. If you would like more information about home insurance policies, want to make sure yours does not have any gaps in it, or simply want a free quote for a new policy, be sure to contact Attain Insurance, serving Fort Payne, AL. 

Serious Home Damage Caused By Heavy Snowfall

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Residents of Fort Payne, AL may not see a lot of heavy snowfall, but when it does come, it can throw them for a bit of a loop. The worst snowstorms in the state often create dangerous damage to a home. We at Attain Insurance have seen the following types of damage seriously impact our client’s home during a heavy snowfall.

Damage To Windows And Doors

Snowfall is often accompanied by ice buildup, and this buildup can easily collect on windows and door. As the temperature continues to drop, this will cause an expansion in the ice that can seriously damage windows and doors. One common problem is when ice hits windows that are heavily warmed from the inside: cracks and other damage can occur due to the temperature change.

Snow Can Collect On Roofs

During heavy snowfalls, snow will collect on a roof and put excessive weight on its surface. This weight will start to cause a strain on the roof that may cause it to buckle under the pressure. Collapsing roofs are possible in very heavy snowstorms, but are typically only a problem when the roof has been damaged by years of heavy snowfall.

Falling Trees And Power Lines

As snow collects on power lines and trees, they begin to strain under the pressure. Eventually they are likely to collapse, depending on the severity of the storm. A collapsing tree could fall on your home or even your car and cause serious damage. Falling power lines will not only take out your home’s power, but could cause a fire that could ravage your home quickly.

Protecting your home against this type of damage requires purchasing high-quality insurance from a company like us. At Attain Insurance, we can help you identify good insurance coverage and help find you a policy that works for your needs.