What Documents Should You Shred This Tax Season?

Everyone always says that you should shred sensitive documents to reduce your risk of identity theft. but have you ever asked yourself, what exactly are “sensitive documents,” and are there some you should keep for a while before destroying them?

What documents should I shred?

As a rule of thumb, you should shred documents that contain any of the following:

• Account numbers
• Passwords
• PINs
• Signatures
• Social Security number
• Date of birth

This is all information that could be used by an identity thief to steal your identity and impersonate you. I also like to shred anything that has my name, address, email address, phone number and other less-sensitive information. Yes, I know most of this information is available in the phone book. It’s just a privacy thing. Still, not everybody needs to know I subscribe to Mother Earth News and Writer’s Digest.

Oh wait, I guess now everybody does know. So, how long should you keep documents before shredding them?

Junk Mail

I basically shred all junk mail that isn’t addressed to “Occupant” or “Resident,” especially credit offers. It’s just too easy for someone to fill out that form, mail it in with an address “correction,” and end up with a credit card in your name. Shred immediately.

Credit Card Receipts

I’ve heard you should keep them for 45 days, but to be honest I pretty much shred them after I’ve checked for errors and paid the bill. Plus, I think it’s time to sign up for online billing if you can. They can’t steal your mail or find a bill in the trash if there’s no paper bill in the first place.

Tax Documents

Keep them for at least seven years, then shred away. This is assuming you’re doing everything correctly and filing a return every year.

Mortgage Documents

Keep these, as well as documents of any improvements, for six years after you sell the property in question.

Pay Stubs

One year, or at least until you’ve made sure they agree with your W-2.

Medical Records

One year is the standard, in the case of billing errors or disputes. I’d probably go ahead and make it a little longer.

Credit Union/Bank Statements

Keep them for one year. Really, I think you should just get the electronic statements where available. Nothing for them to steal, nothing for you to shred.

Insurance Documents

Life of the policy plus five years. This was actually news to me. I’m sure I’ve shredded some things that I sure don’t hope I need now.

Should I shred receipts?

I generally shred for any kind of electronic transaction (ATM withdrawal, credit card purchase), even though they blank most of your card number out. Actually, since I use cash for most purchases these days, I don’t bother with retail receipts. I shred ATM receipts, though. It just feels like I should, whether that’s logical or not.

Should I shred utility bills?

Yes. After you’ve paid your bill, you can pretty much shred these unless they contain tax-deductible expenses. In that case, you’ll need to keep them with your “tax stuff.”

Gillman Insurance will hold it’s annual Shredding Event on April 22.

Bring your boxes of tax documents that need to be shredded and enjoy light refreshments as you celebrate the fact that you *finally* finished filing all your tax documents. We’ll be HERE from 9:00 to 2:00. Stop by!

Auto Insurance Rates & Age: 3 Things to Know

Traffic statistics clearly show correlations between age and car accidents. Automobile insurance firms use different data to generate premiums based on the specific age of the customer holding a policy.

Teenage Drivers
Young drivers have to pay the highest premiums for auto insurance. Teenage motor vehicle operators are at the highest risk of getting into accidents and causing other types of property damage. Bad habits, such as talking on the mobile phone while driving, make young inexperienced drivers major liabilities for automobile insurance agencies. Nearly all insurance companies evaluate teens as risky policy holders. However, teenagers should work to keep a safe driving record in order to prevent any spikes in the monthly bills for vehicle protection. (See related article: Teen Driving Awareness Month in Duluth, GA)

With Age Comes Responsibility
Most auto insurance companies follow a general rule of thumb regarding an age at which premiums are reduced. 25 seems to be the golden age when it comes to significant reductions in monthly bills on vehicle insurance. At this point of life, most young adults show levels of responsibility beyond just driving. Statistics indicate that drivers in their late twenties are at a much lower risk of getting into a car crash compared to teenagers. Most insurance companies directly inform young adult customers about the standard reductions for premiums.

Middle Age & Beyond
Middle age drivers tend to pay the lowest auto insurance premiums than any other age group. At this stage of life, most adults are married and already have children. Additionally, middle age motor vehicle operators show responsibility because they most likely commute to work. The bottom line is that auto insurance companies evaluate people in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s as very reliable policy holders with little risk involved. However, senior citizens are risky drivers because of their physical and sensory limitations that come with aging. (See related post: Auto Insurance and Safety of Older Drivers in Roswell, GA)
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Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers Compensation Insurance GA

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Understanding Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Georgia

Workers’ Compensation insurance is mandatory for most businesses. Unfortunately, it can also be very confusing. Here is a breakdown of some of the important parts that will hopefully help further your understanding!

Historically, injured employees were able to receive compensation from employers if the employers were found to be negligent. When an employee was injured they would have to bring the employer to court where negligence would be looked at from both sides.  This created a lot of time consuming, expensive litigation. The idea of workers’ compensation is to create a “no fault” system, which would decrease the burdens of litigation. Employees can now receive compensation, but they forgo their right to sue employers.

The general rule of thumb is that all businesses with employees need Workers’ Compensation insurance. However, the requirements vary by state so it would have to be looked up on a case to case basis. There are four main exceptions…

1. Sole Proprietor or Partnership
   • Most states allow these types of business to opt out of coverage since the only employees are owners.
2. Employee Threshold
   • Some states allow businesses with under a certain number of employees to opt out.
3. Agriculture and Family Exemptions
   • Some states say that family businesses can opt out.
4. Independent Contractors
   • Typically Workers’ Compensation is not required for independent contractors. However, you have to be sure that you are correctly labeling them as independent contractors before deciding they don’t need coverage. The best option is to check with your insurance professional.

Now on to what you will be paying. The premium is calculated by multiplying your company’s payroll by the classification code’s value. This value is determined by the riskiness of the type of job. Depending on the state, this base premium can be adjusted up or down using the company’s “experience rating.” This experience rating is determined by the company’s prior loss history.

What the policy covers differs depending on state. A lot of states are pretty generous with their compensation plans. Workers’ Compensation covers employee injuries on the job and within the scope of employment. These coverages are available regardless of fault.

Most Workers’ Compensation policies are written in two parts. The first part, Part A, has no limits and is where the insurer takes on the obligation to pay compensation to the injured employees. The second part, Part B, does have limits and is where the insurer takes on the obligation to pay compensation to employees for injuries not covered under the state’s compensation system. This part can differ depending on state because different states exclude different coverages.

Have more questions about Workers’ Compensation insurance or want to figure out your coverage today? Contact us for help!
Find us on Social Media, call 678.297.7977 or get an online Atlanta Georgia Workers Comp Insurance Quote

5 Tips For New Drivers

It can take time for new drivers to get used to roads and highways. This is especially true for new teen drivers. New drivers should remember five tips to stay safe while on the road. Let’s keep the roads in Fulton County safe!

Always Follow Speed Limits and Signs

Always follow the posted speed limits and signs while driving. You need to do this even when you are the only person on a road or in an intersection. Never start speeding or breaking traffic laws just because you do not see anyone around. Another vehicle, a pedestrian, or wildlife could appear out of nowhere and cause a serious accident.

Minimize Distractions in the Car

Minimize distractions in the car while you are driving. Turn off phones and other devices. Keep music low. Ask friends in the car to be quiet and to leave you out of long conversations while driving. Minimizing distractions can help you avoid accidents, so you can help keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Pay Attention to Road and Weather Conditions

Change your driving style based on road and weather conditions. You need to go slower when roads are slick or when it is raining. Heavy fog means you should go very slowly. If a strong storm or other event happens, then you might want to pull over until it stops or delay the trip until later.

Completely Avoid Aggressive or Erratic Drivers

You will eventually encounter aggressive or erratic drivers. These drivers are accidents waiting to happen. You should completely avoid these vehicles. Allow them to pass, do not follow them and get off the road if necessary. This will protect you and your passengers.

Never Pass If the Situation Is Questionable

Never pass another car if there is any question about the situation. This means if you do not know what is in front of the car, if there are double-lines in the road, if the weather is bad or if the other driver is already at the maximum speed limit. Avoiding a risky pass can prevent a serious accident.

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Workers Comp. Coverage Verification App!

Workers Compensation Insurance in Georgia

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New Georgia Workers Comp Insurance Coverage Verification App!

Find us on Social Media, call 678.297.7977 or get an online Georgia Workers Comp Insurance Quote

Insure Your Valentine’s Day Gifts

A piece of jewelry is perhaps the most expensive gift that can be given on Valentine’s Day. Surely, a necklace or ring that’s purchased by a loved on has plenty of sentimental value that cannot be replaced. However, it’s important to keep in mind that a Valentine’s Day gift could get lost, stolen or damaged. Fortunately, there are some insurance options available to protect precious jewelry items from such events.

A Georgia homeowner’s insurance policy typically covers personal possessions such as electronics, artwork, jewelry and furniture. However, each item is only covered up to a maximum amount. For this reason, an expensive diamond ring might only be covered for up to a fraction of the actual market value. If you receive a jewelry piece that costs several thousand dollars, you may want to consider purchasing a schedule personal property insurance. This policy typically provides compensation for the full value of bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, and other pieces. Some insurance policies will require you to use the cash settlement to repair damaged jewelry or replace stolen pieces.

Floater insurance is another type of option that can protect a precious jewelry piece that has been given as a Valentine’s Day gift. This policy also offers compensation for the market price of an item that’s insured. An official appraisal is needed to properly insurance jewelry. The original sales receipt is usually acceptable as a form of appraisal. However, some insurance companies will want an independent evaluation of a piece from a jeweler who did not sell the item being insured.

Renter’s insurance policies may provide some money to replace stolen or lost jewelry items. However, such plans usually have a ceiling policy that clearly defines the amount of money that can be reimbursed for each claim. It’s important to create a detailed inventory when insuring jewelry and valuables under this policy. 

Auto Safety Awareness with Older Drivers

We may sell auto insurance in John’s Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming and North Fulton County, but we would love it if you never had to use it!

Senior citizens who take medication need to be extra careful before getting on the road as drivers in Fulton County, Georgia. There are many prescriptions drugs that clearly warn users about side effects that could interfere with the handling of machinery and vehicles. For example, medication that’s used to treat insomnia leads to drowsiness and sleepiness. Before getting into a car, seniors should make sure they don’t take any pills that cause dizziness and loss of balance.

Arthritis can cause some major challenges in performing basic daily tasks. Holding on to a steering wheel can be difficult, and even painful, for elderly people. A physical therapist could provide some suggestions on how to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in order to be prepared for handling a car. Similarly, seniors who have been hospitalized for an extended period of time need to engage in physical rehabilitation before getting behind the wheel. Mobility of the limbs might be significantly improved with long-term physical therapy, which can improve flexibility. Senior citizens should be able to fully extend their legs and firmly apply pressure on the brake and gas pedals.

The Department of Motor Vehicles might require routine eye exams, once every several years. However, senior citizens should get their vision checked at least once per year. A new prescription for eyeglasses can significantly improve a senior’s vision while driving. Old glasses might cause blurry vision that can prevent proper judgment on the road.

Hearing loss is a common problem for aging individuals. Seniors should visit an audiologist and find out if there is a need to wear a hearing aid while driving. It’s important for motorists to be able to hear the sirens of law enforcement and emergency response vehicles. Additionally, reaction time is improved when drivers can properly hear the beeps coming from horns in other vehicles nearby.

Arthur Blank: How the Owner of the Atlanta Falcons Made his Billions

 GA Business Insurance

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Business News: How Arthur Blank, Owner of the Atlanta Falcons Made his Billions

The Atlanta Falcons are going to the Superbowl after beating the Green Bay Packers 44-21 Sunday.

Find us on Social Media, call 678.297.7977 or get an online Georgia Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

Whats your Georgia Business Insurance IQ?

Alpharetta Commercial Auto Insurance

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Whats your Georgia Business Insurance IQ?

1. Myth: Red cars are the most expensive to insure.

Fact: Red cars do not cost more to insure. Auto insurance companies have little interest in the color of your car. Rather, they are much more concerned about the year, make, model, body type, engine size and the age of your vehicle. Don’t let this myth deter you from buying the “red rider” of your dreams!

2. Myth: My ’87 Geo Metro is safe. Thieves prefer to steal new cars.

Fact: Quite the opposite! According the National Insurance Crime Bureau, it’s the other way around. Statistics show that thieves actually prefer stealing older cars. The most stolen cars are the ’95 Honda Civic, ’91 Honda Accord, ’89 Toyota Camry, ’97 Ford F-150 pickup and ’94 Chevrolet C/K 1500 pickup.

3. Myth: My insurance will cover me if my car is stolen, vandalized or damaged from hail or fire.

Fact: Motorists are not covered for any of these things unless they have comprehensive coverage. In order to make sure you understand your policy to the fullest, consult your Georgia personal insurance agency. Drivers need to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect the vehicle from all types of potentially damaging occurrences.

If you’d like to learn about more insurance “truths” and put any other myths to rest, please feel free to contact us. Our friendly, and ready-to-solve-your-problems staff (aka “problem solvers”) are waiting to assist you! We can find you the insurance coverage you deserve at a price you can afford. If you’d simply like to request a free quote from the comfort of your own home, click here!

Thanks for visiting our blog! We hope you found this information helpful… or entertaining. 🙂

Find us on Social Media, call 678.297.7977 or get an online  Georgia Commercial Insurance Quote

Tips For Teen Driving Awareness Month

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month. It is natural for parents to feel nervous about letting their teenagers drive because young and experienced drivers are much more likely to be involved in an accident. Fortunately, these tips can help teen drivers stay safe while they are behind the wheel:

Encourage Seat Belt Wearing
Despite the fact that buckling up helps save lives, many people refuse to do it. It is estimated that six out of 10 drivers, ages 16 to 20, who were involved in an accident in 2011 did not wear a seat belt. That is why you will need to talk to your teen driver about why it is important to wear a seat belt.

No Cell Phone Use While Driving
Most teens in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell, and John’s Creek are glued to their cell phone. However, you will need to tell your teen that cell phones should not be used while driving. Distracted driving plays a role in about 11 percent of car accidents involving drivers who are under the age of 20. Cell phones are one of the top distractions.

Restrict Driving Times
Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident at night or during the early morning hours. In fact, 16 percent of fatal car accidents involving teenage drivers occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. 24 percent of fatal accidents occur between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

Limit Passengers
When most teens get their license, they are eager to take their friends for a spin. However, teens who drive with friends are at a greater risk for being involved in an accident. In fact, studies have shown that teenage drivers who have three or more people in the car with them are four times more likely to get into an accident. Passengers can be a distraction for a novice driver.

Related Articles:

Minimize the Risks of Teen Drivers in Fulton County GA