Summer is Here.
Is Your Coverage Ready?
Your monthly insurance update from Jimmy Goodwin & the TWFG Branch 342 team.
A Note From Your Agent
Summer in LaGrange is something special — and it’s also one of the most important times of year to make sure your coverage is up to date. From summer storms to road trips, from backyard parties to kids heading off to college, June brings a lot of changes that can affect your insurance.
This month we’re covering everything you need to know — personal and commercial — so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind. As always, I’m just a phone call away if you have questions.
“Our policy really is caring — and that means making sure you’re never caught off guard when life happens.”
— Jimmy Goodwin, Owner & Agent, TWFG Branch 342
🏠 Personal Insurance Update
What every Georgia family should know this June
Summer Storm Season: Is Your Home Ready?
June marks the beginning of peak storm season across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and the occasional tornado are all real risks this time of year. Here’s what you need to know about your homeowner’s policy:
Wind damage, hail, lightning strikes, falling trees, and storm-related water intrusion through a damaged roof or wall.
Flood damage from rising water — even storm surge — requires a separate flood insurance policy. Don’t assume you’re covered.
Walk through your home and take a video of every room and your major belongings. Store it in cloud storage or email it to yourself. If you ever have a claim, this video is worth its weight in gold.
Georgia homeowners have seen 15–35% rate increases at renewal this year. If your premium jumped significantly, call us — we shop 50+ carriers and may be able to find you a better rate. Don’t just accept what your current carrier offers.
Summer Driving Tips & Coverage Reminders
Summer means more miles — road trips, lake days, kids learning to drive, and more cars on the road. Here’s your June auto insurance checklist:
- Review your liability limits — Georgia’s minimums (25/50/25) are often not enough if you’re at fault in a serious accident
- Add Uninsured Motorist coverage if you don’t have it — 12% of Georgia drivers have no insurance
- If your teen is driving this summer, make sure they’re listed on your policy — unlisted drivers can cause claim denials
- Taking a road trip? Check if your policy covers rental cars and roadside assistance
- New car this summer? Call us before you drive off the lot — you may only have 7–14 days of automatic coverage
Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same carrier typically saves 10–25%. If your policies are with different companies, let us see if we can save you money by combining them.
Summer Is the Best Time to Review Your Life Insurance
Major summer life changes — a graduation, a wedding, a new baby, a home purchase — are exactly the moments when your life insurance should be reviewed. Here’s a quick gut check:
A marriage, divorce, new child, home purchase, significant raise, or a beneficiary who has passed away.
Most financial advisors suggest life insurance equal to 10x your annual income. Many people are underinsured — especially with young children.
Term life insurance for a healthy 35-year-old can cost as little as $25–$35/month for $500,000 in coverage. If you don’t have life insurance or haven’t reviewed your coverage recently — let’s talk.
📞 Schedule a Free Life Insurance ReviewSummer Coverage Checklist for Georgia Families
- Pool or trampoline? Make sure your homeowner’s liability limits are high — these are considered “attractive nuisances” and increase your risk
- Boat or jet ski? Your auto policy doesn’t cover it — you need a separate watercraft policy
- Renting a beach house? Your homeowner’s may extend, but a vacation rental liability rider is often a smart add
- College-bound kid this fall? Renters insurance for their dorm or apartment is as little as $15/month
- RV trip planned? Personal auto doesn’t cover your motorhome or trailer — call us
- Hosting a graduation party? Event liability coverage protects you if a guest is injured
🏢 Commercial Lines Update
What Georgia small business owners need to know this June
Is Your Business Protected From Summer Storms?
Summer storms don’t just affect homes — they can shut down businesses for days or weeks. If your commercial property is damaged, do you know what your policy covers?
If a covered loss forces you to close temporarily, Business Interruption insurance replaces your lost revenue and covers ongoing expenses like rent and payroll. Without it, you’re on your own during recovery. Most BOPs include it — but limits vary. Call us to review yours.
If you’ve added new equipment, expanded inventory, or made improvements to your location since your policy was written, your coverage may be inadequate. June is a great time for an annual policy review — we do these at no cost.
Summer Hires & Seasonal Workers: Are You Covered?
Many businesses add seasonal workers in summer — landscapers, delivery drivers, construction crews, retail staff. Each new employee adds liability. Here’s what you need to know:
- Georgia requires Workers’ Comp for businesses with 3 or more employees — full OR part-time — including seasonal hires
- If a seasonal worker is injured and you don’t have coverage, YOU pay all medical bills and lost wages out of pocket
- Independent contractors are generally not covered — but if they’re misclassified, you could be liable
- Workers’ Comp premiums are based on payroll — if your summer payroll increases, your policy needs to be updated
- A workplace injury without coverage can result in state fines AND personal liability
Summer Fleet & Vehicle Reminders
More deliveries, more job sites, more miles — summer is busy for most businesses. A few things to keep in mind for your commercial vehicles:
If employees use their own cars for business errands — even occasionally — you need Hired & Non-Owned Auto coverage. Their personal insurance won’t cover a business-related accident.
Added a new truck or van? Hired a new driver? These need to be added to your commercial auto policy immediately — coverage may not be automatic.
Summer = Prime Time for Cyberattacks on Small Businesses
Cybercriminals know that summer means reduced staff, distracted employees, and more remote work. Small businesses are the #1 target — and 60% that suffer a significant breach close within 6 months.
- Update all software and security patches before summer vacations begin
- Require strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all business accounts
- Brief employees on phishing emails — the #1 way hackers get into small business systems
- Back up all critical data to a secure off-site or cloud location
- If you store customer data — credit cards, SSNs, health info — Cyber Liability insurance is essential
Most small businesses can get solid Cyber Liability coverage for $500–$1,500/year. One ransomware attack can cost $50,000–$500,000+ to recover from. The math is easy — call us to get a quote.
Home Insurance Premium Lock® — Available Now
Georgia homeowners are seeing some of the steepest rate increases in the country. We’re now offering Eventual’s Premium Lock® — a 3-year price guarantee program that pays YOU the difference if your home insurance premium rises above the forecast.
- Available in all 50 states on admitted-line homeowners policies
- Works with any carrier — you can even switch carriers and keep it
- Payouts made directly to you if premiums exceed the Payout Threshold
- Quote takes about 30 seconds — ask us about it today
5 Things to Do This June
Higher deductibles = lower premiums. But only if you have the savings to cover them. Make sure yours are realistic.
Video walk through every room. New furniture? New electronics? Update your records so you’re not underinsured.
Life changes — marriages, divorces, kids. Make sure your life insurance beneficiaries are current.
Home + auto with the same carrier typically saves 10–25%. Let us find out if you’re leaving money on the table.
We offer free annual policy reviews for all our clients. Life changes — your coverage should too. Call (706) 416-4160 to schedule yours.
Ready to Review Your Coverage?
Whether you have a quick question or want a full policy review — we’re here. No pressure, no obligation. Just honest advice from a neighbor who has your back.
📞 Call (706) 416-4160 ✉️ jgoodwin@twfg.comMon–Fri 8:30am–5:00pm EST | 101 S Dawson Street STE D, LaGrange GA 30241
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage availability, terms, and pricing vary by carrier, state, and individual circumstances. Contact TWFG Insurance Branch 342 for a personalized quote. Insurance products are subject to underwriting approval. TWFG Insurance Branch 342 is licensed in Georgia and additional states as noted above.