Marsha Malone - Farmers Insurance Insurance Doesn't Have to be Scary By Anna Teal October is reminiscent of all things fall, including Halloween. It’s a time to cuddle up with a pumpkin spice latte and immerse yourself in thoughts of hayrides, fall festivals, cozy sweaters, and caramel apples. It’s also a time for all things “scary,” including haunted houses, horror movies, ghosts, and spooky characters. When thinking of all things “scary,” you’d be surprised that insurance often makes the list. Marsha Malone, Canton native and Farmers Insurance extraordinaire, says, “When talking with my friends, family, and customers, I am often surprised when I hear them talk about how insurance is ‘scary.’ I deal with insurance every day and have for the last 25 years, so it’s as familiar to me as the back of my hand – certainly nothing to be afraid of.” Throughout Malone’s years of experience, she has found that the root of this fear boils down to the simple fact that no one has ever taken the time to explain insurance policies and coverage in a manner that can be easily understood. “We take pride in having open communication with our customers. And we go the extra mile to answer any questions they may have, so they feel well informed,” says Malone. Along this same vein, here are a few common myths concerning insurance coverage that she hears often. Common “Scary” Insurance Myths Busted “Once I purchase insurance, I don’t ever have to worry about it again.” EEK! As we all know, the only constant in life is change. “As time passes, people purchase new vehicles, commutes change, loans are paid off and new ones added. Businesses change to adapt to demand, and the list goes on and on. Though we work hard to cover the unknown, we certainly don’t have a crystal ball,” says Malone. “It’s up to the insured to review their policy upon renewal to make sure they communicate any changes and ask questions at that time.” “I have a personal umbrella insurance policy, so I’m covered for EVERYTHING.” YIKES! A personal umbrella policy is often misconstrued as blanket coverage for anything and everything. Malone explains, “An umbrella policy is designed to provide an additional layer of liability protection if you are found legally liable for causing injury or property damage to someone else outside your household. It is not designed to fill a coverage gap for a new vehicle you purchased but forgot to add to your car insurance policy.” “I should only purchase the legally required amount of liability for my car.” UGH! Purchasing the bare minimum might seem like the best option to save money, but you could potentially end up paying more out-of-pocket expenses later. And if you are sued, those costs can become even more financially worrisome. “Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $3,500. A minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident is recommended,” says Malone. “I don’t need renters insurance.” OH, THE HORROR! Imagine if a hurricane or fire destroyed all your possessions with no insurance to cover the cost of replacement. Now, that’s pretty scary! Having renters insurance helps you replace those belongings and even helps with the costs of finding a new place to live. “Often, you can save money by bundling multiple policies such as auto, life, and renters through the same insurer,” explains Malone. “I will select an insurance company based on best price alone.” GASP! Choosing an insurance company with competitive rates is important, but not considering other factors may come back to haunt you later. Consider researching companies to ensure that they are financially sound and have a reputation for providing good customer service. “Life insurance will not pay for a death ruled as suicide.” Most life insurance companies, if the policy has been in force for at least 24 months/two years, will pay for a suicide death claim. Malone recommends reviewing your policy carefully to understand its details. See, insurance isn’t so scary after all! “The bottom line is insurance doesn’t have to be something that keeps you up at night when you’re a part of our agency,” says Malone. “We are constantly working to provide outstanding customer service with a smile.” If you’d like to learn more about the Malone agency, visit the website or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Marsha Malone - Farmers Insurance 1028 Marietta RoadCanton, GA 30114770-479-6939 FarmersAgent.com/mmalone1
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