Atlanta Flood Insurance vs 2010 Hurricane Season

The 2010 Hurricane Season is upon us. Flood Insurance in Atlanta is not something typically on the mind of local home owners. Although we don’t see too many hurricane force storms here in the Atlanta area, I do know that on occasion, we do see some pretty hefty storms. And for those that do not come with 75 mph winds (hurricane or tropical storm force winds), we have to realize that we also do not have the building codes that are required in Hurricane-prevalent areas. So when the heavy storms do come our way, they hit us hard.

We may not think that Hurricane season is too much to think about, but we should- since a majority of the storms come from the bands and weather patterns that the hurricanes create.

“The 2010 hurricane season is expected (with 70% chance) to produce 14-23 named storms. Of those, 8-14 will develop into hurricanes, and 3-7 of those may develop into Category 3 or higher (major) hurricanes, with winds of over 110 mph. If the 2010 activity reaches the upper end of our predicted ranges, it will be one of the most active seasons on record”, states the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Take for example, the Great Atlanta Flood 2009. Look at the damage that the flooding caused. Atlanta, for that matter, is not considered to be a flood zone. Many people did not have flood insurance for their homes and so many families were devastated by property loss. What they don’t realize is that flood insurance is very affordable and easy to get. Check out this site for all you need to know about flood zones and insurance from FEMA.

Flood insurance is not typically covered under your home owners insurance. However the policy rates (especially when not in a flood zone) can run very minimally, as low as $300 per year and this includes the property as well as contents.

Please call Lloyd Pro Group, your Atlanta Home Insurance experts, regarding flood insurance for your home 404-892-2864. You may think you don’t need it if you are not in a flood zone, but if you aren’t this is when the rates can be the lowest- it is well worth it! Coming into the potentially worst storm season since 1995, it is better to be covered than not!

Nationwide Insurance and the New iphone4?

Lloyd Pro Group, your favorite Atlanta Insurance Agency, representing Nationwide Insurance, is super pumped about the new Apple iPhone 4! Check out some of the highlights of the biggest thing to happen to iphone since iphone!

• Facetime- Phone calls like you’ve never seen before- Video calling is now a reality!
• Retina display- 3.5” screen makes texts and graphics look much sharper, more vibrant, and bold.
• Multitasking made easy- Using multiple apps without taking up battery life.
• HD Video Recording- Record, edit, and share in Hi Definition.
• 5 megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom and flash- take, send, email, store photos with the only camera you need!
• GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular towers are utilized to help you navigate around Atlanta- or anywhere else, for that matter! Step by step directions…you name it! See traffic real-time… the list goes on!
• App Store for the FREE apps- Nationwide, Cartopia, PGA TOUR, Nascar, and Nationwide Towing and Transport apps to complete your Free app collection!    You can even create your own folder for your Nationwide apps… how cool!! Coming soon… maybe… the Lloyd Pro Group App… Any takers?

Lloyd Pro Group is here for YOU and YOUR Atlanta Insurance needs- past, present, and future! We have been serving Atlanta since 1985 (that’s 25 years, folks! Can you believe it?) We represent your Atlanta Home Insurance, Atlanta Auto Insurance, and any other Insurance needs you may have! Give us a call at one of our 4 Atlanta area locations!

Happy Birthday Jim!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birrrrthday, Dear Jim!
Happy Birthday to youuuu!!!

 It only seems appropriate to sing to you on your birthday!

 May life’s simple pleasures, large and small, make this birthday on e of your finest, one of the best, and one of your very happiest!

Have a great one, Jim!
From all of us here at Lloyd Pro Group!

Lloyd Pro Group and Nationwide insurance have been providing Atlanta insurance for families since 1985. They can be reached at 770-497-1200 or on their website at http://www.lloydprogroup.com

Teens and Cell Phones- GA Distracted Driver Laws

Is there anything scarier on the road than a teenage driver behind the wheel and chatting it up on their cell phone?  Not a whole lot more comes to mind at the moment to any of us here at Lloyd Pro Group, your Atlanta Insurance Agency, representing Nationwide Insurance in Atlanta… And I don’t think much more comes to the mind of Gov. Sonny Perdue either- and he is one that can do something about it! And that he is…

Enter the new Georgia State Distracted Driving Law House Bill 23, coming into effect July 1, 2010. This new Bill prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while driving. Piggyback that on Senate Bill 360, which prohibits texting while driving (at any age), we should all be at least a little safer on the roads.

The new law specifically states, “…prohibits use of wireless telecommunications devices by persons under 18 years of age with an instruction permit or Class D license while operating a motor vehicle.”  To read the entire law:  House Bill 23.

The fine for this will be $150 and 1 point on your license. This will also affect your Atlanta auto Insurance.

Our Atlanta Ga insurance agency also provides insurance quotes for our clients in all of the Atlanta area including Smyrna, Marrietta, Vinings, Dunwoody, Roswell, Cobb county Georgia. Feel free to call us at 404-892-2864, where we are waiting to assist you!

Slick Roads and Summer Rains- your Atlanta Auto Insurance

We, here at Lloyd Pro Group, your favorite Atlanta Insurance Agency, love the summer months, as anyone does. The fun, sun, making great memories.. But there are some drawbacks.  Well, just different things that we need to be a little more cognizant about during these months especially. It is something that can drastically affect your Atlanta auto insurance. What am I referring to? The RAIN!

This may not be as well known of a fact for many of us, but the most hazardous time to drive in the rain is the first ½ hour or so, when the rain first starts. Many of us think that the heavy downpour and lack of visibility is the worst. Although very dangerous, the first bit is actually the worst.

Why, you ask? When the rain first starts, the previously accumulated oil and dirt on the road combines with the rain to create a super slick mixture on the surface that can be as slick as ice. Generally, this first bit of rain, even light rain, can produce this mixture that sits there until it is thoroughly washed away. Remember, this is oil so even if it is raining a few minutes. This can stick to your tires for a bit too.

When they are driving in the light rain, it doesn’t even dawn on many people to be more careful because the visibility is still fairly good and they don’t understand the effects of this road hazard. Being more aware of this and driving accordingly will help in decreasing the amount of auto accidents and claims, as well as time, traffic, and injuries.

Lloyd Pro Group and Nationwide insurance have been providing Atlanta auto insurance for families since 1985. They can be reached at (770) 497-1200 or on their website at http://www.lloydprogroup.com

Atlanta Auto Insurance- Texting while driving: New texting laws

Lloyd Pro Group, your favorite Atlanta Insurance Agency, representing Nationwide Insurance in Atlanta, wants to give everyone a heads up on some new information that can affect your Atlanta Auto insurance- and a lot more.

In an effort to decrease traffic related crashes and fatalities, a new Georgia State Distracted Driving Law is rolling out July 1, 2010 called the Senate Bill 360, or the Caleb Sorohan Act. This new law prohibits individuals from texting while operating a motor vehicle.

Specifically, the law states, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including, but not limited to a text message, instant message, electronic mail, or internet data. To read the entire bill, click here.

The fine for offenders is $150 and one point on their driver’s license. This will definitely affect your Atlanta auto insurance as well.

Lloyd Pro Group has been helping people with their car insurance in Atlanta GA since 1985. They can be reached at 770-497-1200 or on their website http://www.lloydprogroup.com/

Atlanta health insurance- the word on the street about flip flops

Is there trouble afoot with Flip Flops? They are bad for your Sole? Say what??  Being a flip flop fanatic, as soon as it gets warm enough to break them out, my flip flops are on my feet!!

 Yeah, we know- flip flops are not the most supportive shoes ever made (probably the least, actually) and yes, we know that causes a whole slew of problems on its own, but are they really BAD for you? Many of you may want to wave your hand at me and click the little red X on the top of your screen, BUT WAIT!! I have a point!! We, here at Lloyd Pro Group, representing Atlanta Nationwide Insurance, your favorite Atlanta Insurance Agency, care about your health, not just your Atlanta Health Insurance!

 Here are some things that we, the part of the happy summer civilization that love to bare our soles to the world… might just need to know and re-schedule our time with our flip flops as quality, not quantity…

 Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip flops causes the wearer to alter the way he/she walks. Changing their gait in even subtle ways can lead to serious sole, heel, and ankle problems.  When wearing flip flops, one must take shorter strides and turn ankles inward, causing injuries to the foot and ankle, even the hip.

 Podiatrists have claimed that they see approximately 5-10 flip flop related injuries per week! Really? Really! There is no support in the shoe, thus allowing the foot to go in any direction as well as impairing the ability of the foot as a shock absorbing part of the body. Also, forcing to over use the tendons in your foot leads to tendonitis. Have you ever slipped at the grocery store in flip flops? I have. Not fun.

 Did you think that flip flops could also affect your Atlanta Auto Insurance? Yes they can! Avoid wearing flip flops while driving. They are not anchored well to your feet and the possibility of the getting lodged under the brake or gas pedal is high, running the risk of much more that just bad ankles.

 The last bit of bad news with our affectionate love of flip flops is the increased risk of being exposed to bacteria. Researchers at the University of Miami Emergency Flip Flop Lab (Yes, really) tested footwear and found more that 18,000 bacteria on just one pair of flip flops!! Ewww!! Wash or replace your flip flops as often as possible. I will NOT say any more than that. Just do it. You’ll be glad you did! And no, you don’t want to know! OK I added the link in case you do want to go there…

 Bottom line: Wearing flip flops in moderation is just fine. Keep it limited. Avoid wearing them on long periods of time and not for long distances. Keep them clean and wash hands frequently (which we do anyway, right?) Are flip flops doomed to just the wearers at the beach or pool? Perhaps if they are smart. Maybe that’s just where flip flops are more comfortable- and we should all be good with that.

 Or maybe we can wear them on casual occasions that remind us of the beach… Ahhhh… I need an umbrella and a fruity drink…