Recent Blog Posts

What happens when the biggest threat to your business is something you can't see? Technology plays a role in almost every business today, which means cyber risks are becoming something business owners need to think about. And while many people assume cybercriminals only go after large companies, small businesses can be just as vulnerable.

One day you're driving your teenager everywhere. The next, they're asking for the keys.  Whether they're heading to school, band practice, a part-time job, or meeting up with friends, having a teen driver is a big milestone for everyone involved. It also happens to be one of the biggest changes you can make to your auto insurance policy.

When it comes to commercial insurance, a claim isn't an "if" it's a "when." In fact, about 40% of small businesses will file at least one commercial insurance claim within a 10-year period. For many business owners, the process feels overwhelming precisely when they can least afford it.

If you're spending weekends on Lake Allatoona, Lake Lanier, or one of Georgia's many beautiful waterways, boat insurance is something worth thinking about before you launch.

General liability insurance is one of the most important coverage types for many businesses, but it is not something that should be set once and forgotten. As a business grows, changes locations, adds services, hires employees, or purchases new equipment, its insurance needs may change too.  A general liability policy is designed to help prote...

When most people think about auto insurance, they think about having a policy, paying the premium, and carrying the coverage required to drive legally. But a strong auto insurance policy is about more than meeting minimum requirements. It is about understanding how different coverages may apply when an accident, claim, or unexpected situation happe...

Most business owners know they need workers compensation but it tends to show up at specific moments, like when you're hiring new employees or being asked for proof of coverage on a job. Until then, it's easy to assume it's straightforward.

If you've ever wondered, "Am I actually covered for this?"—you're not alone. In fact, in one of our earlier posts, Am I Covered? … For the Full Value of My Home?, we talked about how homeowners insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. Policy types can vary, certain items have limits, and even deductibles don't always work the way people expect.

Insurance isn't necessarily something most of us think about every day—until something goes wrong. That's when the questions start.

Insurance isn't necessarily something most of us have to think about every day, and having gaps in coverage usually isn't a worry unless something goes wrong and we find them. That's when all the questions start popping up.  

Severe weather is a reality for homeowners and can leave behind visible damage or subtle issues that get worse over time. When storms pass, roofing companies will often canvass neighborhoods offering inspections and promising insurance-covered replacements. While some damage may be covered, not every situation requires an insurance claim, and not every contractor has your best interests in mind.

Insurance audits are a standard component of many commercial insurance policies. While they can sometimes result in premium adjustments, audits are designed to reconcile estimated policy information with actual business operations during the policy term. Understanding how insurance audits work can help business owners prepare appropriately and navi...

Certificates of Insurance—often referred to as COIs—are a routine part of doing business, yet they're frequently misunderstood. Whether you're a contractor starting a new job, a business owner signing a lease, or an organization hosting an event, chances are you've been asked to provide one.

For many small businesses, vehicles are a key part of everyday operations. From making deliveries and traveling to job sites to transporting tools and equipment, business-owned and business-used vehicles help keep things running smoothly. When those vehicles are on the road, having the right insurance coverage in place is essential.

Tort reform impacts everyone in Georgia, even if you've never filed a lawsuit or made an insurance claim. It influences insurance costs, liability risks, and how claims are handled across the state.In 2025, Georgia passed significant tort reform legislation aimed at addressing rising litigation costs and large jury verdicts. Understanding these changes can help you make more informed decisions about your insurance coverage and what to expect going forward.

Tucked right in the heart of downtown Woodstock, Mountain Lakes Insurance isn't just another agency — we are your neighbors. Since opening our doors in 2009, we've proudly served Woodstock and beyond with one mission in mind: to provide exceptional value to our community with compassion and integrity.

According to the new hands-free law in Georgia, which came in effect July 1st, 2018, is that the use of mobile phones has now been restricted inside cars. Any small use, from turning on music to typing up a short text to someone, can get you a ticket. If you are seen using your phone and doing so for navigation or communications purposes, you are liable to get a ticket. The new rules might seem a little too harsh, but following them is a necessity to prevent accidents.

With the severe weather over the last few days our first thought is that we're grateful that, as far as we know, our family, friends and clients avoided any personal injuries or damage to property. While there are still high winds today, we want to publish some basic advice in the form of steps to take 'after the storm'...

When it comes to roof claims in today's market, carriers are now looking very closely at the 'date of loss'. The date of loss is obviously when the damage occurred to the property. The issue that we now see occurring is the 'date of loss' not being in range of the policy term(s) if you have recently switched carriers. Carriers are now confirming th...

Your roof is just as important as the structure and contents it is protecting. Do you know if your current insurance policy will cover your roof on a replacement cost basis if you suffered a loss? In recent years' insurance carriers have implemented stricter guidelines on their roof coverage within your homeowners' policy.  There are two types...