Keeping Yourself Safe: Auto Insurance for You and Other Drivers

Posted on September 27, 2016 by AgentInsure

Insurance is really often less about the driver, and much more about the other drivers on the road. It’s good news to hear if you’re not at fault for an accident, but often difficult to swallow when you happen to be the one who made the mistake. Don Allred Insurance wants the people of Burlington, NC to know that there are options out there that can cover you from practically every scenario imaginable.

Keeping You Out of Court

Imagine that you’ve caused a major accident on the freeway that runs another car off the road and results in the other driver being injured. Depending on the extent of the damages, you may find yourself having limits imposed by your insurance company that do not fully cover the person’s car and medical bills. At that point, you can be sued by the other driver if you don’t come up with the money to pay for everything. While they may not be able to extract money you don’t have, they could take your current possessions to cover what you owe.

Giving You Options

Your own transportation is also incredibly important, and having insurance means that you’ll have more options for what you want to do if your own car is in the shop. From help with the bills to providing you with a rental car, having excellent auto insurance in Burlington, NC means that your safety will be taken care of beyond just physical considerations. Safety also means the ability to get to work, to pick up children and to keep a household running. Don Allred Insurance understands all of this, and can talk to you about having a policy that can make sure you don’t find yourself in a pick that you ultimately can’t solve. Give us a call if you’re wondering how you can make sure that you stay safer on the road.

3 Reasons you Need Home Insurance in North Carolina

Posted on August 15, 2016 by AgentInsure

A matter that should appeal to all homeowners universally, acquiring high quality home insurance should be a top priority. If you reside in the North Carolina area, please consider the following 3 reasons to acquire home insurance today.

Protection against Natural Disasters

One of the top reasons to acquire auto insurance is to protect your home from things such a natural disasters. In an area in which disasters such as tornadoes and flooding are commonplace, purchasing a quality home insurance policy is a great way to protect your home and family against such disasters.

Avoid Lawsuits

For those who are yet unaware, if someone slips, falls, or has any other unfortunate accident on your property you may be liable for thousands or even millions of dollars. However, by purchasing a quality home insurance policy, you can ensure that your home is covered in the event that such an incident should occur.

Peace of Mind

Lastly, like most types of insurance, home insurance is customizable. You can get as much or as little coverage as you desire and you can change it over time. If nothing else, this should provide peace of mind to you as a homeowner just knowing that a credible agency will be ready to step in as needed.

Overall, if you are looking for quality home insurance in the state of North Carolina, Don Allred Insurance is an excellent option. Offering quick quotes and friendly service from a well-trained professional, you can give us a call, stop by, or email us today to find out how you can begin your home insurance policy and save!

The Basics of Auto Insurance

Posted on August 8, 2016 by AgentInsure

Auto insurance is something that is required by federal and state laws to protect the interest of both the driver of the vehicle and the other drivers on the road. Though each state does require a different level of coverage, each state does require that a licensed driver that is operating a vehicle must have insurance on that vehicle in order to drive it legally.

Insurance coverages do differ according to what type of policy you have and what level of coverage you opt for. Don Allred Insurance can help you determine what insurance policy is going to be right for you and what policy you need to stay legal.

There are two basic types of insurance, the first is full coverage. This is going to cover the entire cost of replacing the vehicle in the case that it is totaled. It is also going to help cover repair costs and medical costs of those involved in the accident. If you have a loan out on the vehicle most loan agencies are going to require that you have full coverage so that you can continue to pay your loan even if the car is totaled.

The other type of insurance is liability insurance. Liability is going to help cover the cost of medical bills and a portion of the other person’s bills in the case of an accident. Most states require a specific amount of liability in the form of a monetary value around $20,000 for the other driver. This means that in the event of an accident, the bills of the other driver would be covered up to $20,000 at which point their own insurance would take over.

No matter what policy you choose having an agent on your side is going to make the selection process that much easier.

Life Insurance Effectiveness

Posted on July 22, 2016 by AgentInsure

When it comes to loved ones and taking care of them, there is nothing so solid as life insurance policies. Most people do not realize the significant value of a life insurance policy. Not only is it a practical way to ensure your family is well taken care of when you can no longer provide, it is also a source of peace. Choosing an insurance policy should be well thought out and every aspect of your needs should be considered.

At Don Allred Insurance, detailed descriptions are available regarding each type of life insurance policy. Customers may choose from term life insurance which covers life insurance for a limited time. For some people, this is the best type of policy. Others may want to consider a whole life insurance policy. This particular type of policy is covered as long as the policy owner remains in compliance with the terms. Don Allred Insurance agency is willing to help anyone with any questions regarding life insurance policy options, terms, and other additional details. Having life insurance for your loved ones will reassure them that they will be able to take care of funeral costs or outstanding health care bills and more if necessary. Being able to give peace to those you love once you are no longer physically here is an excellent way to leave a legacy behind. With this type of legacy, your loved ones will be able to find a way to have inner peace and less stress and their financial worries will be lessened. In addition, your family will be able to pay their respects in the best possible way since life insurance is set up to help with various costs. Bring your family peace through a policy that is easy to choose from and easy to maintain.

Contact Don Allred Insurance today to get your no-obligation life insurance quote.

What Are Risk Assessment Indicators and How Do They Affect Homeowners Insurance?

Posted on June 21, 2016 by AgentInsure

Risk assessment indicators play a huge role in the amount that you are quoted for a homeowners insurance policy, and ultimately, how much you end up paying. But this may leave you wondering what a risk assessment indicator is and how it plays into your home insurance costs. Here are a few answers to the questions you may have.

What is a Risk Assessment Indicator?

A risk assessment indicator is how much risk the insurance company has for something happening to your house. This can be based on where you live and your risk for hurricanes, floods, fires or other natural disasters. Or it could be based on the amount of crime in your neighborhood. It can even be based on your sex and marital status. After all, single women may be more likely to have their home broken into than men.

How Does My Risk Assessment Indicator Affect My Insurance Price?

The more indicators you have, the higher your insurance policy will be. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding and high crime, you will pay more than someone who isn’t at risk for flooding and lives in a low crime neighborhood. This is because it is less-likely the insurance company will have to pay out a claim.

Can I Lower My Risk Assessment Indicators?

There are things you can do to offset some of your indicators. For example, installing a home alarm may help to lower your insurance costs. Talk with your insurance representative to find out what you can do to offset your indicators.

If you live in the Burlington, NC area, and are interested in learning more about risk assessment indicators and how they are affecting your homeowners insurance, give Don Allred Insurance a ring. We can help you look at what may be driving your home insurance up and find ways to keep it affordable for you.

Keeping Your Home Green: Recycling Home Items in Burlington

Posted on May 11, 2016 by AgentInsure

When trash day comes around, don’t you wish you had a little less on your lawn? Chances are, you’ve felt guilty in the past for contributing to the world’s waste problem in the past. Whether you weren’t sure or just didn’t want to go down to recycling center in your neighborhood, these are habits that should be changed. Here’s a reminder of what you can recycle when you’re looking around your home for what to get rid of.

All Your Paper

Paper comes in many forms, and there are too many cracker boxes and books left out by the side of the road. Your paper plates and towels can either by recycled or composted as well, so don’t make this mistake after you have a party that leaves you with several days worth of leftover paper products.

Lots of Your Food

Speaking of composting, there are too many raw fruits and veggies getting thrown away. Apple stems, seeds and even most cooked plant matter will make excellent nutrients for your garden, and you can feel good that you’ve found several uses for what you’ve already bought.

Clothing

Even old ratty underwear can be recycled with the technology we have today, so definitely find out if you have something in your area that will allow you to recycle fabric. For anything else in good shape, there’s always donation centers around you that would be happy to take it off your hands to help someone in need.

Your Home Is Important

That’s why Don Allred Insurance serving Burlington, NC wants you to have a homeowners policy that works for you. Call us if you need a quote or have any questions about getting the right coverage for your home to protect you and your family.

Answers to Your Questions About Premium vs. Regular Gasoline

Posted on May 5, 2016 by AgentInsure

The rising cost of gasoline makes many people wince when they are pulling into the gas station and the different prices for each grade can be confusing So, how do you know which type of gasoline is the best for your vehicle and why is there such a difference in the cost of different grades? Is it beneficial to pay a little extra for premium? Here are some answers to the most common questions about the difference between the grades of gasoline.

Should You Get Premium or Regular Gasoline?

In most situations, the manufacturer will recommend whether your vehicle should use premium gasoline or not. If your vehicle doesn’t require premium, it is better for your vehicle to not use it. Higher octane fuel (premium) will help an engine operate at the optimum level, but if your vehicle manual does not recommend it, your vehicle does not need it.

Why Would a Vehicle Need Premium Gas?

Engineers typically recommend premium gasoline for cars that have turbochargers, high-compression engines and other types of high performance features. Even with a high performance engine, not using premium gasoline all of the time will not hurt the engine, but it may slightly affect the performance of a premium engine.

Can Premium Gas Improve Performance?

Filling your tank with premium gas may help save on your maintenance cost over time. Even though the majority of modern gasoline has detergent additives, it is common for your car’s motor to get a build-up of plaque from the deposits in gasoline. Filling up, even occasionally, with premium gas may help to keep the valves and the fuel injectors clean.

Is Premium Gasoline Beneficial for Older Cars?

If you have a heavier style of SUV or truck or an older car with a high-performance engine, filling up a few times with premium gas may help the vehicle run a little better, especially if you are experiencing problems, such as the engine knocking.

What is the Octane Difference in Gas?

Both regular and premium gasoline varies in the octane percentage, depending on the state you are. However, on the average, gas stations typically offer three different octane grades: regular, which is usually 87 octane, mid-grade, which is typically 89 octane and premium, which is typically 91 or 93 octane.

Due to the variation in octane from state to state, it is recommended that you check the octane before filling up when traveling across state lines. Keep in mind that whether the manufacturer recommends premium or not, you can use it in vehicles that it is not recommended for as well as choose not to use in high performance vehicles. However, if you choose not to use premium on a regular basis, it may reduce your cars maintenance needs if you use for at least every other fill-up.

Residents of Burlington, NC who have recently purchased or sold a vehicle should remember to contact Don Allred Insurance to review or update their current auto insurance.

How Best to Avoid Fender Bender Fraud in Burlington, North Carolina

Posted on April 27, 2016 by AgentInsure

If you’re in a fender bender in Burlington, North Carolina, there are a number of results. One is that everyone exchanges insurance information and no claim is made or a minor claim is made where everyone agrees who is at fault. However, there is also a decent percentage of fender benders in which fender bender fraud occurs, where the other party claims to have been injured and need money to pay for their medical bills and time missed at work—even though they are perfectly fine. This is tough to disprove in a court of law, but there are things you can do to help avoid fender bender fraud right after the accident occurs as a driver in Burlington, North Carolina.

CALL THE POLICE

No matter how small the fender bender, call the police to the accident scene to ensure they are witness to the accident and can write up some form of report. This will be very helpful in court in the event that some sort of fraud may take place, as their word is trusted above most people in a court of law.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY

Make sure you call your insurance company immediately and let them know what happened and exactly how it happened. Having an auto policy with a company like Don Allred Insurance, who serves the greater Burlington area, will also be helpful in ensuring they are on top of the accident and anything fraudulent that may occur.

TAKE MULTIPLE PICTURES OR VIDEO

With your camera phone or an actual camera, take as many pictures of the accident as possible as this will be useful in the event that fraud later occurs. Shoot the accident itself but also the other driver who may make an injury claim to show them immediately after the accident occurred.

Why Is Homeowner’s Insurance So Important?

Posted on April 25, 2016 by AgentInsure

Whether you’re buying a new home or you’ve been living at the same address for decades, you likely know about homeowner’s insurance. You probably also wonder whether or not you really need it, since many people will never go on to make a claim. But even if homeowner’s insurance is not required in your state, it’s still an important part of owning a home. Here are a few reasons why.

Your Lender Requires It

Even if your state doesn’t require homeowner’s insurance, your lender often will before you can get a mortgage or refinance your existing one. This makes sure the lender’s investment is protected against loss. In many cases, a lending application can be cancelled if proper insurance cannot be secured, or the lender may purchase insurance and add it to the monthly mortgage payment. Check with your lender if you have specific questions or concerns.

It Protects Your Investment

Unlike cars, which start to depreciate in value the minute you drive them off the lot, houses generally appreciate in value. Even in rough economic times when home values can take a huge hit they will often recover given time. Homeowner’s insurance can help protect what for most people is their largest investment.

It Guards You From Loss

Homeowner’s insurance isn’t just for the lender’s peace of mind. It can cover you in the event of loss or disaster. If your home ever burns down, or you’re the victim of a burglary, or something else causes potential financial loss, homeowner’s insurance can pay to repair the damage and replace your lost possessions.

Are you a new home buyer looking for homeowner’s insurance? Are you a long time owner who is seeking a new policy and don’t know where to start looking? The agents at Don Allred Insurance can sit down with you and help you decide on a homeowner’s policy that will suit your needs. So give them a call today!

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

Posted on March 27, 2016 by AgentInsure

Life insurance is a tricky thing, especially if you have no idea how much you need. You do not want to purchase too much or too little. Every person is different so there is no magic number. Luckily, there are some easy ways to determine a great ballpark figure for the right amount of life insurance needed for you. Answer these questions to help figure out how much you need.

Do you have debt? This is a big thing to take a look at because if you pass away and you have debt, it will likely be handed over to a family member to take care of. This is a burden you do not want to give to anyone. If you have debt, figure out how much so you can account for it in your life insurance policy.
Are you financially responsible for the care of anyone? This is important because if you have someone such as a child, parent, or spouse who relies on your income for care, you need to make sure there is enough set aside for them to live comfortably until they can get back on their feet and take care of themselves.
Have you considered funeral costs? Funerals are not cheap and whether you get buried or cremated, it can still cost a lot. If you have not already saved for this expense, then you may want to consider it so that the burden does not fall on a family member. Consider adding this cost to your life insurance so it can come out of that money instead of someone else’s hard earned money.

If you still have questions or would like to get a quote for life insurance, please contact us at Don Allred Insurance today.

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