Giles Independent Insurance Agency

Happy New Year! Did you know that each year over 18,000 fires are started due to fireworks? If your New Years celebration will include setting off fireworks, we strongly recommend having a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidents, as well as setting a safety perimeter. If conditions are extremely dry or windy, we recommend against fireworks altogether.

Our office will be closed on December 23rd and December 26th, as well as December 30th and January 2nd for the holidays. We will be open regular business hours, 9AM - 5PM, December 27th-29th. If you need immediate assistance, please contact your carrier directly. Happy Holidays!

During the holiday season, especially close to Christmas, theft-related crimes tend to increase. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), robbery and larceny increase by approximately 20% every December. Theft is typically covered on a homeowners policy, but many times it may not make sense to file a claim depending on your deductible. We always recommend being proactive by not leaving packages outside whenevcer possible. Adding security cameras and making sure all of your doors are locked are also effective. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
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Did you know that about 25% of Christmas tree fires are the result of electrical problems or heat sources kept too close to the tree? And also that the National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 160 home fires are caused by Christmas trees per year? It is important to keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, candles, radiators, heat vents, and lights. It is also important that you add water to your tree stand daily. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Water damage (including damage from freezing) is one of the most common and most costly types of homeowners insurance claims. Every year, about one in 50 homeowners files a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for 29% of all homeowners insurance claims. The average cost of a water damage or freezing claim is $11,098 and can easily go much higher. With temperatures starting to drop in our area, we recommend being prepared for freezing temperatures. Something as simple as an inexpensive spigot cover or foam pipe insulation on exposed pipes can prevent these types of losses and save a lot of money and headache.
For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Floods can happen anywhere, not just in "high risk" zones. According to FEMA, over 20% of floods occur in areas that are not considered high risk. Just one inch of floodwater can easily cause over $25,000 in damages. It may also come as a shock to learn that homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. This is why it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, and your possessions against flood damage.

Flood insurance is available to anyone living in one of the 23,000 participating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities. Homes and businesses in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance but it is also available and typically much cheaper for lower risk properties. For questions about flood insurance, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that most recreational vehicles are NOT covered under your homeowners policy?
Vehicles that are used to maintain your property, such as a riding lawn mower are typically covered, but popular motorized vehicles such as mopeds, scooters, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes require separate coverage. These policies are readily available and are usually very reasonable. If you own one of these recreational vehicles or are considering purchasing one, please reach out to us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that liability coverages are the most important coverages you carry on your auto policy? These coverages pay for injuries and damages that you cause in an accident and ultimately help keep people out of your pocket. The state minimum requirements for liability coverage are only $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 total for all injuries and $25,000 for property damages. While these are all that you are required to carry by the state, these do not provide adequate coverage in most situations. Our agency recommends no less than $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 limits and many times will suggest much higher limits for our clients depending on the assets they have to protect.
For questions about your liability or any other coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

As the holiday shopping season approaches, remember that thieves start their shopping too.
We always recommend creating a home inventory of your belongings. The best and easiest way is to make a video of your home. Simply use your phone and walk around each room of your home opening up cabinets, drawers, closets, attics, etc. Anywhere you keep your "stuff", document it. For electronics and other higher value items, please make sure to capture the model number. This will make getting your belongings replaced easier in the event of a loss. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that one of the most common limitations on a Homeowners or Renters policy applies to theft of Jewelry? If you have a large quantity of jewelry, the overall limits can be increased on most policies. If you have higher quality pieces, these can be added using a PAF. In most cases, this will give you broader coverage and with more specific limits. We always recommend doing a basic jewelry inventory and discussing this with us so that we can advise you on the best way to cover these valuables. We also recommended current appraisals so that coverage amounts are accurate. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that if you carry comprehensive coverage on your Auto policy, there is no deductible for glass repairs? That means you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for repairs or replacement of passenger cabin glass including windshields, windows, and sunroofs! For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that some homeowners and renters policies may have limited coverage for cellular devices, including cell phones? Many times, the cost to replace the device is close to or less than the deductible on your policy so it would not make sense to file. We typically recommend carrying separate coverage through your mobile phone service provider since the coverage is specifically designed for these devices and the deductible is much lower. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that damage caused by earthquakes is not covered under your standard homeowners policy? Depending on the carrier, an earthquake endorsement or a separate policy is available to cover these damages. If you have any questions about earthquake coverage, or would like get a quote please contact us at:
803-728-3318
Gilesbrothers.com

Image by: martinluff is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Did you know that the costs to replace important documents, such as property deeds, titles to vehicles, and stock certificates, can be extremely limited under your property policy? We always recommend keeping your important paperwork in a fire-proof safe or a safe deposit box. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

TIMBER! When it comes to a tree falling on your house, regardless of whether it's a tree from your property or from your neighbor's property, your homeowners policy will typically cover the damages. Most people assume that their neighbors are liable for damages from a tree that falls from their property onto someone else’s house. If it is determined that the neighbor’s tree fell due to that neighbor’s negligence, such as a dead tree that was not removed, your homeowners insurance company may seek to recover damages from the neighbor’s insurance company. If you have questions about your coverages (tree or otherwise), please feel free to contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

Did you know that cameras, video cameras, and any related equipment typically do not have limitations when used for personal use? However, if these items are used for any type of business use, there can be severe limitations. We always suggest discussing home-based businesses with your agent. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

About Us!
The Giles family has been helping South Carolina families meet their insurance needs for over 55 years. Winston Giles started with Allstate Insurance Company in 1965. His sons, Craig and Brad, joined him in the late 1990s. After Winston retired in 2001, the brothers took over ownership. Craig then opened the Giles Independent Insurance Agency in 2012 in order to offer clients a greater choice of companies and policies to meet their needs. After 10 years of running separate agencies, the brothers are back together again with Brad rejoining his brother Craig at the independent agency in 2022.

Did you know direct damages to your Heating and Air conditioning systems from things such as lightning, power surges, wind or hail, and falling objects are typically covered? Mechanical failures or improper installations are not covered. For questions about your coverages, please contact us at:
803-728-3318
gilesbrothers.com

We’re local! Our office is located in the heart of Columbia, right outside of Five Points. Come see us at 2442 Devine Street for all of your insurance needs, or just to say hi!