IS YOUR AUTO INSURANCE READY FOR 2019? WHY YOU SHOULD LOOK AT YOUR POLICY Saying you should have auto insurance coverage is about as profound as saying the sky is blue. The fact of the matter is that you probably already know you need insurance, but you may not know just how important certain clauses in your policy can be. As a result, thoroughly reviewing your policy is one of the best things you can do at the start of the year. The most important clauses to look at are the uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) portions of your policy. UM/UIM coverage is designed to cover damages sustained in excess of the at-fault party’s insurance. In Georgia, the minimum liability amounts are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. As such, you should never assume an at-fault driver has more coverage than these values. If you’re in a serious accident, you can blow past this amount in a hurry, which is why UM/UIM coverage is so important. Georgia law doesn’t mandate any UM/UIM coverage, but it does require insurance providers to make a “meaningful offer” of such policies. That means you may not know whether you have this coverage or not. To make matters even more confusing, there are two different types of UM/ UIM coverage available in the state.
During the winter, colds and flu viruses spread like wildfire. Getting sick can be hard to avoid, and once you are sick, you want nothing more than for it to be over. While there is no way to certainly avoid getting sick, there are ways to speed up your recovery. Next time you’re suffering from a cold, try these remedies to get back on your feet faster. Elderberry Syrup Also referred to as elderberry extract, this syrup is made from a plant called European elder. It can be purchased at many health food stores or made at home (but use caution when doing this, since raw or undercooked elderberries are toxic). Many people swear by the berries’ ability to ease congestion and relieve a number of other cold symptoms. Plus, elderberry syrup is known for having anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it an ideal tool for fighting the common cold. Some research even suggests that it can shorten flu symptoms by up to three days. Eucalyptus If you’re suffering from congestion or can’t stop coughing, eucalyptus may offer the relief you’re looking for. Available in several different forms, including syrup, oil, and dried leaves, eucalyptus can be used as an expectorant or to relieve a sore throat. Try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in a humidifier. The results are remarkably soothing! Zinc While many people turn to vitamin C to hurry through a cold, that’s not the only supplement you should focus on. In fact, an overwhelming number of studies show that vitamin C does absolutely nothing to help shorten a cold. Instead, take zinc. You can find it as a nasal spray or lozenge, or even as part of a vitamin C supplement. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who took zinc reduced their cold recovery time by half. Cold symptoms among those taking a zinc supplement lasted about four days, while symptoms among those taking a placebo lasted about eight days. 3 EASY WAYS TO RECOVER QUICKLY FROM A COLD
The first, and usually preferable, type of UM/UIM insurance is known as “stacking” or “add-on” coverage. This type of UM/UIM is always available to you, regardless of the other driver’s coverage. The second option is
called “non-stacking” or “traditional” coverage. In this type of policy, only what’s left after subtracting the other driver’s policy coverage will be available to you. That means if you have $100,000 in non-stacking and the other driver has $25,000 in coverage, you only qualify for $75,000 in UM/UIM. This math is why “stacking” coverage is a better fit for most policies.
Regardless of the nature of your policy or the vehicle you drive, it makes sense to know exactly how much coverage you have and what it’s for. Take a look at your policy as 2019 begins to make sure there are no glaring holes.
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