What Your Country Can Do for You: Veterans’ Disability Insurance

Posted on May 10, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Have you have served in a branch of the military (Navy, Air Force, National Guard, etc.) for fifteen years? If so “Thank you” for your service and sacrifice. We know you have seen war, death, and victories won in the name of the United States of America. We want you to understand your insurance needs as a Veteran and help you and your family after your return to living back in the United States. What insurance should you look into as a U.S. Military Veteran?

Veterans’ disability insurance is granted to US war veterans that injure themselves after facing an honorable discharge from the military. Insurance benefits, however, are not the same for each person. Some of the factors that determine the varying amounts of insurance benefits are

Geographic location
Military branch in which the soldier served
Age
Number of children

Thus, a Navy soldier and a Coast Guard soldier will not receive the same amount of disability insurance.

There are many benefits to veterans’ disability insurance. One veteran disability benefit is disability compensation. Disability compensation is offered by the US Veterans Benefits Administration (USVBA) and is for soldiers who have both physical and mental injuries. Soldiers who have been sexually traumatized, traumatized by war, or have sustained physical injuries (or seen injury decline) while at war are guaranteed disability insurance from the USVBA. Disability compensation is similar to workers’ compensation and is a form of employee financial benefit for soldiers, who are “employees” of the US Military. Another benefit of veterans’ disability insurance is disability pension. Disability pension is offered to military veterans ages 65 and up, or injured soldiers who have a fixed income and are unable to work. The pension is divided equally for twelve months, so soldiers receive the same amount per month (and the grand sum each year). Disability pension allows soldiers to have peace of mind regarding their monthly income. The USVBA offers other disability insurance benefits such as vocational rehabilitation and health care. Check with the USVBA to see if there are other veterans benefits you do not know about.

While disabled veterans can receive a disability pension, working veterans will be able to obtain income protection insurance. Income protection insurance will pay anywhere from sixty-five to eighty-five percent of a veteran’s income made at the current job, allowing a veteran to breathe easy if he or she suddenly finds himself or herself out of work due to a physical injury. Income protection insurance will allow a soldier to be paid the same amount each month, though the income can be increased or decreased depending on financial circumstances. Soldiers would do well to have both veterans’ insurance and income protection insurance.

Our Independent Insurance Agency is thankful for your service to our country. We will never be able to fully understand the sacrifices you’ve made for our protection and freedom. We would to do our best to help protect you. We hope you see the need and importance of having veteran’s disability insurance and income protection insurance. Our insurance company can help you understand your needs more and answer any questions you may have.

Tattoo Ink That Vibrates With Your Incoming Calls and Text Messages – Patent Pending

Posted on March 21, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Nokia is proposing ferromagnetic inks to be used in tattoo’s that would be able to be programed for vibrate based commands in sync with your cell phone calls and text messages. The ink would be magnetically charged after it is under your skin and then be used be the user to manage notifications and calls.

Nokia is also in the process of patenting a less invasive haptic technology that comes in an adhesive fabric patch. This patch can be placed on your body and will work similarly, as it alerts the user with vibrating patterns for incoming calls and text messages. The patch is suggested to be placed directly on skin likely on a fingernail, forearm, or abdomen.

The vibrations will occur from magnetic manipulation, but this means each caller and different phone alerts, need to be recognized through different magnetic impulses (working on that).

There are early advantages we can identify. No one is disturbed by your vibrate noise, it is less likely to miss a vibrating notification if you are actively moving, and it might hit that itch that was just too far to reach. But also, there are disadvantages we can identify. Over reliance on phone, malfunctioning possibilities, possible damage to pacemakers or child during pregnancy, potential disturbed sleep patterns, and never being able to escape your phone as it beckons for your attention.

If you are freaking out because this has “gone too far”,or if you find yourself planning your sleeve accordingly with each tattoo vibrating. Remember, this is still in patent pending status. This along with other crazy patents may never hit the market. We can’t tell you what the best decision regarding the vibrating tattoo will be, but we feel like it is our job as a good insurance agency to keep you aware of risks. We like to blog about news, stories, and ways to stay safe and save money

What is your biggest concern? And, what would be the best tattoo to get for someone calling? Go!

Homeowners Insurance Advice To Prevent Home Water Damage

Posted on March 20, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Our Georgia Insurance Company had lunch with Reliable Restoration today! Reliable Restoration restores homes that have been damaged from water, fire, or mold. Once again we learned tips on protecting your home from flood damage after spending time with them! They shared with us one easy purchase everyone should make in their homes!

Go buy metal braided hose to replace your rubber hoses on your toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers.

The rubber hoses are prone to wear much more quickly than the metal braided hoses. The little bit of extra money is nothing in compared to your potential savings! Changing the hoses is easy and takes little time and can potentially save you thousands of dollars and a lot of unwanted trouble.

We love Reliable Restoration

Reliable Restoration believes in doing the best for their customer with out exception. We admire their passion to give their clients the most excellent service. We see them doing more than necessary and resorting peoples lives after insurance claims all the time! We recommend them to all of our Georgia homeowners insurance policy holders and know Reliable Restoration will do great work!

We spent a day with Reliable Restoration and they taught us so much about home fire prevention and other homeowners safety tips to consider. You don’t want to experience the devastating loss of a fire or flood, please take the time to review your home and take note of our preventative tips!

Social Seating on Airline Flights. Our Insurance Company Asks How Good An Idea It Is?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

That nervous feeling waiting to see who sits next to you on your flight. Wouldn’t it be easier to find a conversation to pick up with a passenger after you have seen what activities you share, friends you have in common, and similar work background which may exist?

Two airline’s new social seating initiative enables you to view Facebook and LinkedIn profiles traveling and choose where and who you want to sit with based on their profile.

The initiative is hopeful to connect business partners, create potential business relationships, and meet people you know you have interest in meeting. The “social-networking dream” to some, raises numerous of other opinions for others.

The social seating does raise some concern with security and privacy issues, but KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Malaysia Airlines allow passengers to opt out if they wish to withhold information. The airlines reassure customers they are only interested in helping them gain the most out of their flight experience, and will not share or sell any of their personal information.

On the other hand another airline is making a change to their seating policy as well moving in the opposite direction. Rather than allowing passengers to choose their most desired travel buddy, AirAsia X is allowing passengers to purchase discounted neighboring seats for additional room and privacy.

AirAsia X reports, they are the first airline in Asia to allow a passenger to purchase all three seats on a row. The cost is reasonable as the second seat costs around $10 additional and the second seat adds $13 to your bill

Both moves are birthed with the customer in mind trying to enhance the experience of the flight. Whether by adding the ability to know passengers prior to a physical interaction, or giving customers the benefit of freedom to relax in three unoccupied seats in a private-like flight.

In my opinion there is excitement in not knowing someone and learning more about them during the flight. Conversation happens to gain further understanding. I think it may actually weaken social skills to constantly seek a comfortable environment that is predictable based on one’s preferences. Social interaction is not to be avoided or controlled, I think there are advantages to be noted but I think complete control is dangerous.

I would revise the policy to alert you if any friends or co-workers are traveling on the flight, or a similar flight the same day. This has immediate benefits and doesn’t appear to be as much or a security risk.

Our insurance agency doesn’t believe one policy to be best, but sees pros and cons in both. Our insurance company in Georgia loves to discover interesting news and observe how people interact. The world changes constantly. Our insurance company understands sometimes unforeseen consequences occur and we want to help you succeed throughout all circumstances. Visit Southern States Insurance to learn more about our values and beliefs.

What are some unforeseen consequences you see in these policy changes? What is a concern or excitement to you?

Insurance Agency Knows Best With Some FAST Facts on Home Fires

Posted on February 27, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Home Fire Statistics

Every year in the United States more than 5,000 people die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented.
44% of home fires are caused by cooking.
Majority of fires occur in the evening.
In less than 30 seconds a fire can grow to be completely out of control.
The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world.

Read more yourself on a blog we think explains the dangers and ways you can maintain safety well, house fire’s and what people are forgetting. Fire’s move fast and cause devastating losses. How prepared are you to extinguish a fire? Are you doing practical things to ensure your home is safe against home fire?

There are many misconceptions about home fire safety we have read recently, and thought everyone should know the importance of these tips.

Food Safety Tips You Are Wrong About! Debunking These Myths With Good Advice and Good Insurance

Posted on February 17, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

What room in your house would you say is the most dangerous in the home? (I am going to ignore that this blog is clearly about food and you will likely guess kitchen…Please act surprised when we tell you.) The kitchen! The kitchen is factually one of the most dangerous places in the home in terms of physical harm and often relationship damage.

You will be surprised to see what is on the list of common believed kitchen myths! We are going to debunk myths about your kitchen and common practices.

You should wash produce and meat

False. This actually spreads dangerous bacteria because when you wash meat in your sink the juices and water splash the raw meat on the counter and sink. Although many recipes prompt you to wash your produce and meat it is not necessary. Your food has been sanitized and packed clean and ready to eat.

As obvious as it may seem to wash your food, the only produce recommended to be cleaned is if it comes strait from your garden and has dirt on it.

You can smell when food has gone bad

For all of you who believe the expiration date is a few days earlier than the actual day the food is spoiled, this advice is for you. Curds in your milk shouldn’t be your warning sign that it should be tossed.

There are two kinds of microorganisms, those that cause disease and those that cause spoilage. They are not exclusively one or the other and can exist sometimes as both. What needs to be understood is that the bacteria that causes disease doesn’t necessarily cause spoilage. The best way to judge food’s safety is to store and prepare it safely and follow the suggested expiration dates.

Margarine is better for you than butter

It is recommended to use both sparingly. They both contain similar levels of fat and calories, but they do have different types of fat.

Adding salt to a pot of boiling water adds sodium to the food

In actuality though it may seem logical, adding salt to a pot of boiling water actually makes vegetables more nutritious. Salt speeds up the cooking process and you loose less nutrients during boiling. Less nutrients end up leaving the food, although some salt is absorbed by the food, it is a minuscule amount.

Mayonnaise is bad for you

Mayonnaise actually has penicillin like properties according to a science advisor for the FDA! The ingredients actually are composed in such a way to make it deadly to microbes. That is assuming you have stored the condiment properly!

Frozen vegetables are less nutritious than fresh ones

Frozen vegetables are picked at their prime when nutrients peak and then flash frozen. As compared to fresh vegetables that sit as nutrient levels continue to drop during storage. Frozen vegetables can actually be considered more nutritious in some circumstances depending on when you consume the fresh vegetables.

Consider These Myths and More Debunked

We share these tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and educate you on some misunderstood common practices and beliefs. It is our desire to help you succeed. We are redefining what it means to be a good insurance agency and want to be involved with our clients to help them thrive in all aspects of life!

Our Georgia Insurance Company believes you deserve the best in life and want to work with you to achieve that status. Let us know if you have any questions about insurance. If you have any more myths that can be debunked in regards to health, insurance, or life in general. We love to give our customers insurance advice and direct them to helpful resources.

Zombie Insurance – Even More Real Than The Threat?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Zombie’s everywhere have recently been making headlines. “Plant’s versus Zombies” was a hit game. The recent season premiere of “The Walking Dead” (which by the way was shot in Atlanta) had fantastic numbers and ratings. And now people are realizing the reality, that they can not just sit back and solely be entertained by the undead. Preparations must be made, and enter My Zombie Insurance Company.

My Zombie Insurance understands the serious damages zombies can have on a person’s property, and are offering Zombie Insurance to coverage some of the damages. My Zombie Insurance is a company who understands that Zombies, just don’t understand and often damage your valuables.

Three years ago MZI began selling zombie insurance coverage. The coverage is a lifetime policy and comes at an inexpensive price. Enjoy their commercial educating the public on the importance of such coverage.

According to MZI “Each year millions of dollars in personal property is damaged by hordes of zombies. And yet, regular insurance companies don’t deal with these claims.” Can you afford not to be covered?

MZI offers various protection plans to tailor a policy to fit your needs. You can pay through PayPals and will receive your insurance card, certificate, and car decal in the mail in a matter of days.

My Zombie Insurance clearly states they are not an insurance company but are simply selling a product for people to have a good laugh. The head of customer service reinforced it is not about the money and more inviting people in on the joke.

The company has sold thousands of Zombie Insurance policies and report the 2011 year to be their busiest year yet. Our Georgia Insurance Company loves to find a good laugh and always wants to help everyone be prepared. How prepared are you for a Zombie Apocalypse?

What’s Next For Insurance Companies and Technology in General?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

It is hard to imagine how we even survived years ago with out the capabilities we have today. We have become reliant on technologies that could out smart secret agents from movies made five years ago! The times are going to continue to change and our Insurance Agency in Georgia believes if you are not changing you are dying.

We were asked recently, “What changes we expect to see occur over the next year?”

Will Google+ with it’s unique ability to interact with people to business sky rocket? Will QR Codes continue to become more popular? Will Facebook become a forgotten social media and be outdone by a newer site? Will surface integration and multi-platform integration soon become a reality?

At the rate of progress these days, life moves fast. Answers to these questions are valuable, to businesses longevity and success.

In my opinion I do not believe Facebook is going anywhere. There isn’t going to be a “next Facebook.” Sure there are frustrations with recent changes in layout and design, or changing demographics, but Facebook is no longer just a social site. Facebook is integrated through out the web and has forever altered internet usage. This is why I believe few will ever leave Facebook even if dissatisfied with changes. Facebook continues to grow and stay relevant, because Facebook has become essential to exploring and interacting on the internet.

Facebook growth has slowed over recent months in the United States and I believe this is due to the market in the United States reaching an equilibrium and being saturated. The potential for growth in the United States is becoming less and at that point the media will experience less growth, but I don’t believe this is proportional to it’s influence. And further more the growth of Facebook has not slowed down world wide.

We expect Mobile usage and engagement to experience the greatest amount of growth over the next year.

The phone has become the most essential procession holding emails, contacts, pictures, videos, budgeting information, music, calendar, news, and is the majority of peoples’ alarm clocks. It is not only not bound by a 3 foot cord plugged into the wall anymore, it is rarely bound by anything. If you can think it, it will soon do it. I expect the phone to be your one device to do everything you need, ranging from a remote control, to starting your car, to being your purchasing power and far more.

The phone unlocks potential to reach consumers directly, and based on someone’s unique location. I believe we will only see more companies explore the potential in mobile development, and soon more technologies will be connected through our mobile devices.

Our Insurance Agency is impressed by Progressive Insurance Company’s recent announcement in mobile media. Prospective customers can submit an application for a new automobile policy by using the camera function on their smartphones. This is the future and what we expect to see through out the year.

By snapping two pictures in the new Progressive application, developed by Mitek mobile imaging technology, you can receive an accurate automobile quote in seconds. The user is prompted to take a picture of their driver’s license and the VIN number of the car they wish to insure. After adding a ZIP code they receive a quote moments later with the option to purchase such insurance coverage.

Mobile apps are the game-changers in so many ways and are changing the way business is being conducted. Change is upon us and we expect the largest growth to come in the mobile world.

Where do you predict changes in technology to be seen in the next year? What are some of your favorite mobile apps?

Unforeseen Consequence of Flooding in Pakistani Village

Posted on January 30, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

This story will make your skin crawl, and may inspire an incoming science fiction movie.

An unexpected side effect of the unprecedented monsoons causing flooding in Sindh, Pakistan, was that millions of spiders and insects fleeing the rising waters sought trees for refuge to escape the floods.

The water was slow to recede and the numerous spiders began to cocoon spiderwebs through out the trees’ branches.

Many trees in the area or blanketed in the silk from the spiders and local village people say even walking under the trees numerous spiders will fall on to your head and body.

This creepy phenomenon has never been seen before. The local trees are being displayed as intricate woven nets in the sky. The people in this part of Sindh, Pakistan report the fewest mosquitos they have experienced, which has been a blessing considering the amount of sitting water and high risk of malaria that mosquitos can add to these conditions.

As waters continue to recede the spiders have slowly begun to depart from the trees, but the trees are likely asphyxiated by the webs, and will not survive the spider invasion.

This story makes our insurance agency’s skin crawl.

We deal with the unexpected everyday but this is something so crazy we had to share it! We love to share news, laughs, and ways to save money through our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you would like to learn more about our insurance company in Atlanta we would love to answer any of your questions and provide you with a free insurance quote. We are a good insurance company to fit your needs and provide you with the best coverage for the best price. Let us know when your skin stops crawling, and you’ve finished checking your hair.

Will this be in your nightmare tonight? Can you imagine how you would feel being close to one of these tress and watching the entire tree covered in spiders?

4 Preventative Tips To Prepare For The Likely Flash Floods As Heavy Rains Are Forecasted In Georgia

Posted on January 26, 2012 by AlanMcNaron

Forecasters predict Georgia may see another three inches of rainfall Thursday night to add to the four inches of rainfall already accumulated this week. Unfortunately, those conditions are favorable for flash floods with the ground already wet from previous rainfall.

The Flash Flood Watch will likely be put into effect Thursday evening. Expected to effect a number of counties in North Georgia along with several in metro Atlanta.

Flooding is the second most common natural disaster in the United States, costing Americans an average of $4 Billion each year.

Often flood’s are difficult to predict and prevent, but we have included some tips on how to protect yourself and your home in case tonight’s storm puts your valuables at risk. Flash floods can occur quickly leaving residents with little time to react, so it is best to be prepared.

Tips to Protect Against Flash Flooding

Locate the drainage system near your home and be sure there is nothing currently or potentially blocking it.
Bring inside any valuables, or items that could be swept away by the water’s force, including deck or patio furniture.
If you have valuable items near doorway, either move or raise your belongings to protect them. We would recommend you roll up any rugs and place them into storage.
Unplug any appliances, in probable flood zone to prevent electrical problems

Preparation is simpler than dealing with a problem that is out of hand, but in the unfortunate event you experience flooding, be careful. Watch where you step, as glass and dangerous animals could have been picked up by the water.

Locate your Home Insurance Policy or contact your insurance agent to know what your insurance policy covers. Flood Insurance is not included in most Home Insurance policies! If you have any questions on what is included with your policy or want to be sure you are with the best insurance company, give Southern States Insurance a call today (888) 800-4824.

To read more about Flood Insurance, we answer many questions in a related post.