Skip to content
Click to Call
Soto Insurance Agency

2070 N Highway 190
Covington, LA 70433

Get Directions

How Is Flood Insurance Different Than Home Insurance?

Posted on by admin

As a homeowner, it’s important to protect all aspects of your home, especially if you live in a region where you’re at a higher risk for floods. Flood insurance and home insurance serve different purposes, and one does not replace the other. Understanding how flood insurance is different than home insurance can help you determine if you require a separate policy to protect your home when you need it most. If you’re located in or near Covington, LA, the Soto Insurance Agency is here to help you find a flood insurance policy that is right for you.

What Home Insurance Covers

Standard home insurance policies protect against fire, smoke, windstorms, hail, theft, vandalism, and even burst pipes or accidental water damage. However, traditional home insurance policies do not protect against major floods. 

What Flood Insurance Covers

If you’re a homeowner in a high-risk area, flood insurance is designed to cover damage caused by rising water, including:

  • Storm surges
  • Heavy rainfall accumulation
  • Overflowing lakes and/or rivers
  • Rapid surface water flooding

Flood insurance typically covers structural components (foundation, walls, and electrical systems), in addition to essential appliances. Limited personal property coverage may also be included, depending on the policy type you select. In most instances, flood policies are purchased and provided by the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, for homeowners who are currently in LA.

Flooding can happen at any time, especially if you live in a high-risk area. If you do not currently have a flood insurance policy, but you’re a homeowner, it may be time to consider your options. If you’re interested in learning more about flood insurance policies and how they can help you better manage your property and investment, the Soto Insurance Agency can help. For your quote and consultation in or near Covington, LA, contact us today.

Will You Be Required to Get Flood Insurance When You Buy a House?

Posted on by admin

Floods can be devastating. This is especially true because typical home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. You’d need flood insurance for that. If you live in an area where floods are a risk, the professionals at Soto Insurance Agency servicing Covington, LA, can help. We help homeowners get flood insurance to meet their needs.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance covers damage from floods. You can get insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from a private insurer. If your home or belongings are damaged by a flood, this type of insurance helps by covering the cost of some repairs and replacement of your belongings. If your home experiences catastrophic damage, having flood insurance can mean the difference between struggling to rebuild and making a full recovery. 

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, heavy rainfall can cause areas to flood due to saturated ground and overwhelmed storm sewers. However, some homeowners are required to have flood insurance.

Is Flood Insurance a Requirement for Owning a Home?

Flood insurance may be required by your mortgage lender if you live in a high-risk flood area. If this is the case, you’ll be told about this requirement before you even purchase a house. Regardless of whether it’s a requirement, getting flood insurance can make all the difference if you live in an area where floods often happen.

Contact Us for Flood Insurance

The best way to get flood insurance is to work with an insurance professional you can trust. This is why many people turn to Soto Insurance Agency, servicing Covington, LA, for flood coverage. If you’re currently renting your home, you still need flood insurance for damage to your belongings caused by a flood. Your landlord’s policy and renters insurance won’t cover you.

Call to learn more about the cost and coverage provided by flood insurance. Our insurance professionals are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Benefits of Cyber Prevention and Commercial Insurance in Covington, LA

Posted on by admin

With a large expansion of small businesses, retail shops, medical offices, and service companies in and around Covington, LA, obtaining the right insurance is imperative. As a business owner, ensuring you have adequate coverage in the event of a potential cyberattack or data breach is key. At Soto Insurance Agency, we specialize in assisting our clients with commercial insurance needs, whether they’re new to running a business or have been in business for decades.

Commercial Insurance Protections

With the right commercial insurance policy, cyber prevention insurance can help protect you from:

  • Ransomware attacks
  • Data breaches and phishing scams
  • Employee-related breaches
  • Compromised consumer data
  • Hacked payment systems

With the right in cyberattacks across all industries, it’s important to properly insure your investment from the ground up.

The right cyber insurance policy can help cover:

  • Legal fees
  • Data recovery
  • Ransomware payments and demands
  • Customer notification costs
  • Business interruption losses

Additionally, commercial insurance with cyber coverage can help reimburse the following:

  • Lost income from a recent attack
  • Emergency technical repairs and assessments
  • Relocation needs (which are often temporary)
  • Replacement hardware
  • Employee overtime after a cyberattack or event

Cyber insurance helps with protecting your reputation and reassuring customer trust. With identity protection services and transparent customer communication, it’s much easier to protect your business and its reputation, even in times of an attack or customer data leak. Oftentimes, cyber prevention insurance complements traditional commercial insurance policies in most industries. 

Give Us a Call

Knowing the significance of the right commercial insurance policy is crucial as a business owner or investor. If you’re located and operating in or near Covington, LA, obtaining and maintaining the right policy is essential to prevent potential losses and financial strain. To learn more about enhancing your commercial insurance policy to include cyber prevention strategies, contact the Soto Insurance Agency today.

When To Start Shopping for Home Insurance If You’re Buying a House

Posted on by admin

For many people, shopping for home insurance is a part of the home-buying process. If you’re buying a house or thinking about buying a house soon, it’s important to know when to start shopping for home insurance. The professionals at Soto Insurance Agency, serving Covington, LA, can help answer this question. 

Why Shop for Home Insurance Before Buying a Home?

If you’re getting a home loan, you’ll likely be required to get home insurance. Mortgage lenders require home insurance to help protect their investment while the house is being paid off. Once you’ve paid off your home loan, you’ll be able to decide for yourself whether you want to keep the insurance. 

Even if you’re paying for your house with cash, it’s still important to consider whether to buy home insurance. Many homeowners get this type of insurance even if they’re not required to have it, because home insurance can help protect their investment.

When To Start Home Insurance Shopping

Many home buyers start shopping for home insurance as early in the process as they can. This gives you time to shop around for the right policy. The home-buying process can be hectic, so get started with buying an insurance policy as soon as your offer has been accepted and you’ve entered escrow. 

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent When Shopping for Home Insurance?

If you need home insurance, consider getting a policy through an independent insurance agent. Independent agents work with many insurance carriers. This can make shopping for an insurance policy easier.

Our independent insurance agents at Soto Insurance Agency, serving Covington, LA, can help you. Call to speak with one of our helpful professionals. 

Does Auto Insurance Provide Coverage For No Fault Accidents?

Posted on by admin

Auto insurance in Covington, LA, can help cover medical expenses and property damage resulting from an accident. How the fault system works in accidents typically depends on the state where the accident occurs. Louisiana operates as an at-fault state.

No-Fault States

No-fault accidents occur in states that follow no-fault laws. In these states, every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers their medical bills and property damage. However, this does not apply in Louisiana, as the police assign fault to one party in an accident.

At-Fault Party

When the police investigate an accident scene and determine one party is at fault, that party is responsible for covering medical bills and property damage. If the at-fault party does not have sufficient coverage, underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for damages. An agent at Soto Insurance Agency can provide more information about this type of coverage.

Comparative Fault

Louisiana also uses a comparative fault system, which applies when both parties share responsibility for an accident. In this system, each driver is assigned a percentage of fault, with the total equaling 100%. For example, one driver may be 40% responsible, while the other is 60% responsible.

If you are found to be 60% responsible, you are liable for 60% of the damages and associated costs. Similarly, the driver who is 40% responsible may be required to cover a portion of their property damage and medical expenses, as they were partially at fault.

Understanding how this system works is crucial to ensuring you have adequate coverage. Agents at Soto Insurance Agency can help you learn more. Contact us today. We proudly serve the Covington, LA, area.

I don’t live in a flood zone. Should I still invest in flood insurance?

Posted on by admin

Many people have noticed changes in the weather, now more than ever. Snow, floods, and other natural disasters are occurring in unusual places. Being prepared for the unexpected is always a good idea. However, it’s helpful to get advice on how to prepare for any kind of unforeseen event. A licensed insurance agency is often the best resource for addressing these concerns. Our Covington team at Soto Insurance Agency is ready to answer unique questions about investing in insurance. We can provide guidance on flood insurance, flood zones, and who should consider investing in this coverage.

What is flood insurance?

Flood insurance is designed to protect clients from damage caused by flooding and other water-related natural disasters. This coverage can help repair damage, replace personal belongings, and more. You can purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurance companies, giving you options to choose from.

Should I still invest in flood insurance?

Many people agree with the saying, "Better safe than sorry," and this is especially true when it comes to flood insurance. Flooding is not covered by homeowners’ or auto insurance policies, making flood insurance a smart investment even if you don’t live in a flood zone. Weather patterns are constantly changing, and many areas are experiencing unusual conditions. Flood insurance is a wise choice for these reasons and more. Our agents can provide detailed information about why flood insurance is a good investment for you and answer your questions about recognized flood zones.

At our Covington agency, the Soto Insurance Agency team is here to address your questions about flood insurance and who needs it. We are ready to help you navigate these sometimes complex and confusing topics. We want our clients to have the flood insurance coverage they need. Call us today! We’re standing by to assist you.

Types of Commercial Insurance Usually Required By Customers

Posted on by admin

It’s common for business clients to request proof of insurance coverage when working on certain types of projects. Commercial insurance policies are designed to protect against various hazards and liabilities. At Soto Insurance Agency in Covington, LA, we offer a wide range of commercial insurance policies to safeguard your business.

Types of Commercial Insurance Policies Available for Businesses

General liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury. Commercial property insurance protects your business property from various perils. Commercial auto policies cover damage to property and individuals caused by your vehicles. Professional liability and errors and omissions policies protect against legal claims of negligence or malfeasance. Product liability insurance covers damage to individuals or property caused by a product you manufacture. Workers’ compensation insurance, often mandated by law, provides medical care and wage replacement for employees injured while performing their duties. Your agent can help you determine the appropriate types of policies to protect your specific business.

Common Requests for Proof of Insurance by Clients

Many clients request proof of general liability insurance when you are working on their projects. However, additional requests may include proof of workers’ compensation coverage, professional liability insurance, commercial auto coverage, and other policies, depending on the type of work being performed. This measure helps protect clients against liability for their own actions.

Make Soto Insurance Agency Your Choice for Commercial Insurance Coverage

Protecting your business from losses is a vital part of ensuring financial stability and success. Our experienced agents can help you determine the right coverage for your business needs. Contact Soto Insurance Agency in Covington, LA, today for a no-obligation quote on commercial insurance policies tailored to meet your client’s requests.

Why You Need Liability Coverage in Your Home Insurance

Posted on by admin

When you purchase certain types of insurance, they often include liability coverage to protect you. Home insurance is one such policy that offers various types of coverage, with liability being a crucial component. Every homeowner needs to have a home insurance policy that includes liability coverage. Whether you’re buying a new home and need insurance or looking to update your current policy, contact us at Soto Insurance Agency in Covington, LA.

Protection Against Accidents

As a homeowner, you are responsible for the safety of anyone on your property, whether they’re inside your home or outside on your grounds. If a third party has an accident on your property and sustains an injury, you could be held liable for the associated costs. Even a simple fall can lead to significant injuries. Home insurance with liability coverage helps protect you from the financial burden of these accidents.

Covering Accident-Related Costs

When someone is injured on your property, the resulting bills can be substantial. These costs may include medical expenses for treating the injuries, ongoing therapy costs, lost wages due to recovery time, legal fees, and other related expenses. Liability coverage in your home insurance policy is essential for covering these costs and protecting your financial stability.

Get Home Insurance Today

To ensure you have the home insurance coverage you need to protect yourself from accidents, contact us today at Soto Insurance Agency in Covington, LA. We’re here to help you find the right policy for your needs.

How to improve your basic auto policy with add-ons

Posted on by admin

A basic auto policy is a policy that meets the basic requirements that a state requires. In Louisiana, the required basic coverage is all liability, with a limit of 15/30/25. This means that injuries to the first person are capped at $15,000 in injury coverage, with a total of $30,000 available for all injuries. $25,000 is allowed for damage to the other vehicle. In Covington, LA, Soto Insurance Agency offers the coverage that will keep you legal when you drive. We will discuss all the options with you so that you can make an educated decision.

Collision and Comprehensive

Collision coverage protects your vehicle in an accident for which you are responsible. It will be worth fixing or replacing your vehicle. You must pay the deductible. Comprehensive coverage protects against damage caused by weather events, including wind, hail, flooding, and cracked or broken glass. It also covers vandalism or theft of your vehicle. If you hit a deer, this is the insurance that covers it. Comprehensive coverage has a deductible.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

While this coverage is not required in Louisiana, it is common-sense coverage that will protect your vehicle if a driver with no insurance or limited insurance coverage damages it. It will also cover you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run.

Full Glass Coverage

When you choose full glass coverage, it will cover the repair and replacement of your glass, with no deductible.

Rental Car

When your car is in the shop while it is being repaired after it has been damaged or while you are finding a replacement, this coverage provides you with a rental car.

Contact us at Soto Insurance Agency in Covington, LA for all of your insurance needs. Our independent insurance agents will answer your questions and make sure you get the coverage you need.

Am I Required to Get Flood Insurance If I Have a Mortgage?

Posted on by admin

If you have a mortgage, you may be required to have certain types of insurance that protect your home. Knowing which types of insurance are required can help you choose the best insurance products for your needs.

At Soto Insurance Agency, serving Covington, LA, we help homeowners who are required to have flood insurance find the right policy. Are you buying a home in a high-risk flood area? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance is a type of insurance that can help you if a flood causes damage to your house. Flood insurance can pay to repair or replace your home or belongings in the event that a flood causes damage to your property.

Without flood insurance, your home may not have coverage when a flood occurs. Most home insurance policies will not cover flood damage.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?

You may benefit from flood insurance if you’re buying a home in a high-risk flood area. You can find out if the home you’re thinking about buying is in a high-risk flood area by checking flood maps.

Are You Required to Get Flood Insurance If You Have a Mortgage?

If you’re borrowing money to buy a home, you may be required to get flood insurance. Your mortgage lender will let you know if you’re required to get flood insurance.

If you are required to get flood insurance before borrowing money, you’ll need to have the flood insurance policy information ready before the loan funds are disbursed. If you don’t have a policy in place, the loan may not be approved.

Want more information about flood insurance? Call Soto Insurance Agency, servicing Covington, LA. We’re here to help.

  • Aflac
  • Bankers Insurance Group
  • BTIS
  • Excalibur National Insurance
  • Foremost
  • LWCC
  • Midland National Life Insurance Company
  • National General
  • Safeco
  • Tapco
Services

Our Services

States

Servicing States

  • Louisiana
  • Texas
  • South Carolina
Testimonials

Testimonials

quote-icon Comparing Quotes - Made Simple

Compare your unique insurance quotes
online via our comparative quoting form.

Get Started Today!

Get A Quote!