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Snellville, GA 30078

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Boating Insurance 2025: Regulatory Changes in Insurance

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Unlike other states, Georgia has strict regulations for residents regarding their boater’s insurance. The state of Georgia enforces stringent safety laws that boaters must adhere to. Those who fail to uphold these regulations can be fined and even jailed. If you’re unaware of the changes in 2025, don’t worry; our agents at Toney Insurance Services can help guide you through it.

Georgia Boating Regulations

The state of Georgia has specific laws that apply statewide. If you’re interested in boating in the area or aren’t aware of these laws, we can walk you through them. A major law that is required is that anyone operating a boat must have life jackets and insurance. Additionally, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner sets the rules for boating policies, which often change annually.

Changes to Premium Boating Insurance in 2025

Due to market changes, one thing boater policyholders must be aware of is the increase in premiums. Many of the parts for boats are expected to increase in price, thus raising premium prices. That said, you’ll need to check with your policyholder as these increases depend on what type of watercraft you own.

Here is a rundown of changes in 2025:

  • Increased claims
  • Increased payouts
  • Higher premiums
  • Area-specific risks
  • Increased premiums for older vessels

Staying Up to Date on Regulation Changes

To stay current, boaters will need to check the DNR website for updates regularly. They list any changes in the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s regulations. Additionally, staying up to date with the Georgia State House legislation is also a good way to ensure you’re covered. If not, then you may want to contact an agent at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, who can help walk you through the current changes to your policy.

Technology Might be Making Vehicles Safer – But What About Drivers?

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The road is a bustling place whether people drive frequently due to work demands or simply for pleasure. Unfortunately, this can also make our roadways potentially hazardous. That’s why so many drivers from the Snellville, GA, area rely on the professional and helpful team at Toney Insurance Services for all their auto insurance needs.

Technology Might be Making Vehicles Safer – But What About Drivers?

For drivers everywhere, the impact of technology is transforming the driving experience. However, the question remains about technology’s benefits versus drawbacks in today’s driving landscape. Advocates of technology will quickly note the advancements and improvements in vehicles, with features like backup sensors and rearview cameras, among many others. Meanwhile, critics will point to the distractions of technology, primarily citing distracted drivers and texting at the top of the Technology’s Most Wanted list.

Yes, technology might improve vehicle safety, but it may also be a problematic issue for drivers. Fortunately, regardless of how much safer technology does or doesn’t make the roads, drivers can always depend on the right insurance solutions for help.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Snellville, GA Area Drivers

If you live and drive in and around the Snellville, GA area and have questions or want to learn more about auto insurance for you and your vehicle, we can help. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment with our friendly and experienced team at Toney Insurance Services for the auto insurance and protection you need today.

Umbrella Insurance – How the Claims Process Works

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Are you prepared to file an umbrella insurance claim? If you haven’t dealt with this type of insurance before, you may not be familiar with the claims process. Let’s review the steps you may need to take in the event of an injury or damage to your property.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance is an optional type of insurance that provides additional liability protection. If your current insurance policy isn’t equipped to handle legal costs associated with an accident that occurs at your place of business, you may have decided to add umbrella insurance coverage to your original insurance policy.

How Does an Insurance Claim Work?

If someone is severely injured at your place of business, or if extreme damage to another person’s property occurs at your business, you may need to file a claim. The liability insurance provided by your original insurance policy will be taken into account first. An umbrella insurance policy will be applied to the claim if the coverage from your original policy isn’t sufficient to cover the injury or damage.

Do I need Insurance Documentation?

Insurance documentation should be collected after an injury or damage occurs. You should prepare a statement that outlines what occurred. Key details provided during the claims process may substantiate your liability insurance claim. Your documentation should be clear and concise. When speaking to an insurance agent, you will be asked some questions about the nature of the insurance claim. Your documentation can greatly help you answer these questions.

Contact An Agent Who Serves Snellville, GA

Now that you have reviewed the basic steps associated with the umbrella insurance claims process, consult with one of our agents at Toney Insurance Services. A qualified agent will answer any questions you have about your umbrella insurance policy.

What should I think about when building a new Georgia home insurance plan?

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In the Snellville, GA area, owning a home is a common and great long-term option. When you choose to buy a house here, you need to get the right insurance. There are several factors to consider when you are building a new home insurance plan in Georgia.

Understanding Local Risks

Georgia has a variety of risks that can impact your property and insurance needs. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wind damage, and other risks are somewhat common in this state. Additionally, you could be prone to flooding. It’s important to assess your policy to ensure you are protected as well as possible by either home insurance or additional coverage.

Insurance Requirements

You also need to consider your basic insurance requirements. Most people take out a mortgage when financing a property, and your lender will have specific insurance requirements. Additionally, you may live in a homeowners association that requires insurance. You need to consider all of these requirements and build a plan accordingly.

Personal Assets

You may also have personal items to cover beyond your dwelling. If you have valuable items, such as art, collectibles, or jewelry, they may require additional policy riders. It’s important to consider this and build your plan accordingly.

Owning a home can be a great option in the Snellville, GA area. However, you need to ensure you get the right coverage for you and your home. Our team at Toney Insurance Services can help with this. When you call our team at Toney Insurance Services, you will get any guidance that you need to build a new plan that will meet your needs and cover your home.

Three Types of Coverage in Boat Insurance Policies

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Boat insurance policies work much like auto insurance policies. There are many different types of coverage that you can get for your policy. It’s important to have various types of coverage to protect you against the many risks you face as a boat owner. When you own a boat and don’t have insurance, we can help. To get started with your own boat policy, call us at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.

Liability Coverage

Just as with auto insurance, it’s never a good idea to go without liability coverage. Having both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is a must. Bodily injury liability protects you in case someone is injured due to an accident with your boat. This can include the medical bills that come from it, legal costs, and even their lost wages. Property damage liability protects you against the costs of damage to someone else’s watercraft after an accident. All of these types of protection pay for the bills that come from someone else after you’ve been in an accident with them.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

To pay your own expenses, you will need collision and comprehensive coverage to pay for the damages to your boat. Collision coverage pays for the damages to your boat when you get into an accident with someone on the water. Comprehensive coverage pays for some risks your boat may face when it’s off the water. Both of these types of coverage are needed to keep you from being in financial turmoil if you have an accident or other damaging incident with your boat.

Get Boat Insurance

If you need boat insurance, call Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, today.

The Importance of Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

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At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we are experts in the field of insurance. We understand that insurance terminology can seem like a foreign language. Therefore, we aim to simplify coverage for our clients so that you can have confidence that you have great coverage to protect you and your family when traveling hazardous roadways.

Many people hear the terms comprehensive and collision and aren’t sure what they mean or if they need them on their insurance policies. Because some carriers do not adequately explain these terms, many consumers choose the cheapest coverage available. However, going without these coverages may not provide your family with the best financial security, leaving you vulnerable to potential risks on the road.

Understanding Collision Coverage

Collision coverage on your auto insurance policy allows you to have your vehicle repaired after being in a car accident where you collided with another car, tree, guardrail, or other stationary object and caused damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage often requires you to pay a deductible (your part of the repair costs). The deductible is an agreed-upon amount you selected when you purchased or last made changes to your auto policy before the accident. For example, suppose you have $2000 worth of damage to your car after a collision, and your deductible is $500. In that case, you will pay the repair shop your part, and the insurance company will pay the repair company $1500.

What is Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy works the same way with deductibles. However, it covers incidents from falling objects, theft, vandalism, hail damage, wind damage, flooding, windshield breakage, etc. Comprehensive is often labeled as "Other Than Collision" on most auto policies because they cover many incidents unless otherwise listed on an auto policy in the conditions section of your policy documents.

Both coverages are good to have if you are still making payments on your vehicle so that you can get it repaired to keep it operable, if you have a newer car, or only have one vehicle to ensure that no matter the incident or accident, you are able to get your car fixed and back on the road.

More Information on Comprehensive and Collision Coverages

For more information on comprehensive and collision coverages and to discuss your unique situation with an industry expert, give us a call at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, at (770) 765-1945.

How Umbrella Insurance Complements Existing Insurance Policies in Georgia

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Living in Georgia allows one to experience diverse lifestyles, landscapes, and cultures within one state. Although traditional insurance policies like homeowners and auto insurance provide essential protections, umbrella insurance can provide an additional layer of security. Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, is ready to help you understand more about umbrella insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage Options

Specific policies like auto and homeowners insurance provide coverage for particular assets. However, an umbrella insurance policy extends to numerous situations and scenarios. This includes various incidents ranging from liability to personal incidents involving libel and even slander.

Enhanced Liability Protection

Umbrella insurance is ideal for Georgians seeking more liability coverage beyond the limits of their existing primary policies. It can cover damages exceeding policy limits, such as lawsuits, accidents, or property damage.

A Cost-Effective Risk Management Tool

Umbrella insurance is a wise decision in Georgia as a cost-effective measure to protect yourself, your home, and your personal assets. It provides an economy compared to investing in separate policies, making this option a practical solution to reduce monthly costs while providing year-round protection for all investments.

At Toney Insurance Services, we take pride in providing the best umbrella insurance plans for all our clients throughout Georgia. If you’re located near Snellville, GA and are interested in discovering an optimum umbrella insurance policy, we can help. Contact Toney Insurance Services today for your quote and to find an umbrella insurance policy that best suits your needs.

Common Boat Insurance Exclusions: What’s Not Covered?

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Boating is a fantastic way to enjoy the open waters, but it’s critical to understand your boat insurance, too. At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we are often asked about what boat insurance covers and doesn’t. Understanding exclusions can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Wear and Tear

Typically, wear and tear is a common exclusion in boat insurance policies. Like cars, boats experience natural degradation over time. Regular maintenance issues such as rust, corrosion, and general aging are usually not covered. This highlights the importance of consistent maintenance to keep your boat in good condition and avoid expensive out-of-pocket repair costs.

Damage from Marine Life

When boating, encounters with marine life are inevitable. Nonetheless, damage caused by marine creatures like sharks, whales, or even smaller organisms like mussels and barnacles is generally not covered. You might have to pay for repairs if your boat sustains damage due to these natural encounters.

Faulty Machinery

Another exclusion to be aware of in your policy is damage caused by faulty machinery or mechanical breakdown. If your boat’s engine fails or another mechanical part malfunctions, insurance often won’t cover the cost of repairs or replacement. Routine inspections and maintenance can help minimize the potential risk of mechanical issues.

Intentional Damage or Negligence

Insurance policies generally exclude intentional damage or negligence. This includes accidents resulting from reckless behavior or disregard of safety guidelines. Following boating regulations and using your boat responsibly is vital to safeguarding your coverage and protecting everyone on board.

Grasping these common exclusions can help you navigate your boat insurance policy more effectively. At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we’re committed to clarifying your coverage and ensuring you have the protection you need on the water. Do you have questions or need a policy review? Contact us today and sail with confidence.

The Importance of Regularly Reviewing and Updating Your Auto Insurance Policy

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At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, we understand how time-consuming finding the right auto insurance policy can be. Instead of shopping around for something new, consider looking at your current auto insurance policy, particularly if some time has passed since your last review. Here’s why:

You Experienced Life Changes

Your personal circumstances may have changed since you last updated your insurance policy. In the incessant turbulence of life, updating your auto policy could easily fall to the bottom of your priorities. However, reviewing your policy gives you peace of mind by ensuring you’re adequately covered in case you need financial support. Life changes that may prompt a policy review include:

  • A child beginning to drive.
  • Your grown child moving out and getting their own policy
  • An address change affecting the vehicle’s garaging address
  • Experiencing a divorce

To Check If You Have Adequate Coverage

If you’ve bought a new vehicle but kept the same coverage you had for your older car, you might need more comprehensive coverage to protect your new purchase adequately. Reviewing your policy can also help identify whether you’re still paying for a vehicle you’ve sold or one no longer in use. This could be an opportunity to switch to a less expensive coverage, especially if you’ve paid off a vehicle and don’t need certain coverages to satisfy your lienholder anymore, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars each year.

You Could Save Money

Given the rising insurance costs, reviewing your policy with your current provider could provide insights into available savings. It doesn’t hurt to inquire. If the current policy is unsatisfactory, shopping around with other companies to see if you qualify for additional discounts not available on your current policy can be worthwhile.

We Are Here To Help

At Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA, reviewing your policy or shopping for auto insurance is easy. We respect your time and budget. Call us today at 770-765-1945.

Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?

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If you are concerned that your auto and home insurance don’t provide enough coverage, umbrella insurance provides financial protection from excess liability claims. We offer reliable umbrella insurance at Toney Insurance Services in Snellville, GA.  

The Basics of Umbrella Insurance

Insurance policies have coverage limits. This is the maximum amount your policy will pay for a claim. However, liability judgments can cost more than the coverage limits of your policy. 

Umbrella insurance is designed to protect you from catastrophic liability claims. Generally, umbrella insurance picks up where your standard auto or home policy stops. 

For example, you are responsible for a 10-car accident. The costs add up to $1 million in damages. However, your auto policy only covers $500,000. In this case, without umbrella insurance, you would be responsible for the remaining $500,000. Umbrella insurance will cover the remaining $500,000. 

Requirements for Umbrella Insurance 

You must have the maximum coverage limits on your auto and home policies to get umbrella insurance. This reduces the risk that you will need your umbrella policy. 

Considering Net Worth  

Experts typically recommend getting umbrella insurance if your net worth is more than $500,000. You can determine your net worth by adding all your assets. This includes any property you own, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Then, subtract any debt you have. This is your net worth. 

You should have an umbrella policy equal to or greater than your net worth. This protects your assets from any liability judgment against you. 

However, it would be best if you also considered your future financial security. A liability judgment can include future earnings as well as your current assets.  

Umbrella Insurance at Toney Insurance Services

If you need umbrella insurance in Alabama, contact us at Toney Insurance Services. Our agents are waiting to discuss your needs and help you select the best policy for your situation. 

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