What to Consider when Purchasing Commercial Coverage in Burlington, North Carolina

Posted on May 8, 2013 by AgentInsure

Of course you want your Burlington, North Carolina, business to have the appropriate insurance coverage. And it is wise to have a policy in place before any damages have a chance to occur. However, establishing a policy can be easier said than done when a new business owner doesn’t know what coverage is available or necessary to meet his needs. To determine what commercial coverage is right for your business, several factors should be taken into consideration. A local independent agent can help you evaluate your insurance needs and discover providers that offer coverage in your area that meets those needs.

Whether your business is located near Oakdale Town and Country Park, within range of the Alamance Country Club, in central Burlington or in another area, you should consider commercial coverage for severe weather conditions, theft, vandalism, fire and other events. Your business’ risk of experiencing these events is related to its type and location among other factors. In regards to business type, if your business involves storing high-end merchandise, you may require plenty of coverage in case of theft. If you employees transport items, make sure your policy covers commercial vehicles. In regards to location, a business in a commercial area can have a higher risk of theft than one located in a residential area. In response to such risks, insurance companies base their coverage and rates in part on your business type and location.

Your business requires a commercial insurance policy that is customized to its needs. Taking the nature of your business, property and location into consideration, an independent agent can help you assess the risks associated with your business as well as making recommendations to help you lower your risks and save money when purchasing a policy.

Is there a penalty for a lapse of liability insurance coverage in North Carolina?

Posted on May 2, 2013 by AgentInsure

One of the most important things to drivers in or around Burlington, North Carolina is auto insurance. Insurance protects you in case of an accident—keeping you from footing the bill for a car accident that is your fault. However, there is another reason why you may choose to get auto insurance in Graham or Mebane North Carolina—it is the law.

In North Carolina, drivers are required to carry at minimum liability insurance. Liability insurance is what covers the cost of repairs or replacement on the other vehicle or property, if you are in an accident that is your fault. Clearly, this is a very important type of insurance, so it only makes sense that the state chooses to make it mandatory.

You may wonder what the penalty is for driving without proper liability insurance. It can be drastic. If a police officer pulls you over for driving without insurance, you can be hit with a very expensive ticket. Quite often, if you are pulled over for something minor you may get off with a warning. However, if the police officer runs your insurance and realizes that you are not covered, you are going to get hit with that expensive ticket as well as a ticket for driving with no insurance. Additionally, it can be harder to get insurance in the future if you have tickets for not maintaining insurance.

So, what should you do to rectify this situation? For most individuals, the simplest thing to do is to contact an independent agent to go ahead and get that insurance. If you choose the right agent, you can get live quotes and never worry that you are paying too much for your liability insurance coverage—something that will make you rest much easier.

Understanding what is Covered on your Home Insurance Policy in North Carolina

Posted on April 24, 2013 by AgentInsure

Whether you are purchasing insurance to cover a newly purchased home or reassessing and replacing the insurance coverage on an established North Carolina residence, an understanding of what is covered by your insurance policy can help you select your coverage and later claim your benefits if needed. North Carolina homeowners insurance policies are considered multi-peril policies that can be personalized to each homeowner’s needs. Basic policies cover damages that may occur to homes resulting from fire, vandalism, theft and other specified events. They also cover liability in the case of people getting injured on the homeowners’ properties under certain conditions.

Building and Liability Coverage

Dwelling coverage offers protection for your home and attached structures. Other structures may also be covered but are usually covered for a significantly lower amount than the primary residence unless you choose to pay a higher premium for fuller coverage. In general, personal property is covered under homeowners insurance – with a dollar limit and a restriction of only partial retribution on items that are particularly susceptible to damage. If your home becomes so damaged that conditions are unlivable, loss of use coverage can help you with living expenses incurred due to the damage. Finally, if homeowners or residents are held liable for people getting injured on their properties, homeowners insurance can cover the damages as deemed suitable under policy terms.

Supplemental Coverage Based on Your Risks and Assets

Some severe weather conditions and natural disasters are not included under basic homeowners insurance policies. Your home may be at risk for losses related to flooding, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides or other potentially damaging occurrences. A local independent agent can help you explore the risks associated with living in Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Durham, Chapel Hill and other North Carolina cities, so you can determine if purchasing supplemental coverage for your home is an appropriate choice for you.

Tips For Preventing Theft from Your Home in Burlington, North Carolina

Posted on April 16, 2013 by AgentInsure

The level of risk of theft occurring plus the property damage that results from homes being broken into can cause insurance rates to be high. Following these tips to prevent theft occurring at your Burlington, North Carolina, residence can protect your property and have the added benefit of lowering your insurance costs.

One way to reduce your risk of theft, which is commonly recognized by insurance providers as qualifying you for a reduced rate, is by installing a home alarm system. Consult your local independent agent to help you identify the insurance providers in your area that recognize alarms as items that significantly reduce your risk and therefore offer you a lower rate for having one in your home.

An alarm system can act as a theft deterrent, particularly when your system is public knowledge. An alarm can notify the authorities in case of a break-in, but it could also go far towards preventing thefts from happening in the first place. You may have noticed that some residences and businesses posts signs or display stickers that indicate that their building is protected by an alarm system. This can make their buildings appear much less welcoming to potential thieves. Ask your alarm company for signs or stickers and display them on your property to help prevent thieves from targeting your home in the first place.

By letting everyone know that you have a home alarm system protecting your Burlington, North Carolina, home, you create the appearance that your home is protected. Follow through by setting your alarm. And even if you don’t always set your alarm, keep up the appearance that you do. If you mention that you never set your alarm, word could get around and make robbing your home tempting to a would-be thief after all. Keep your home safe from theft by installing an alarm and creating the impression that your home is secure. Keeping valuable items out of sight and closing doors, windows and gates when not in use can also help keep your property safe.

How Much of a Deductible Should I Take on My Car Insurance Policy in Burlington, NC?

Posted on April 10, 2013 by AgentInsure

Even though you may be able to save a couple of hundred dollars on your auto insurance policy by requesting a high deductible, in the long run, it may wind up costing you more money. In Burlington, Mebane, Graham and all other cities and towns throughout North Carolina, when you purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, you have a choice of how big or small a deductible to choose.

Even a very minor accident can cause thousands of dollars in repair costs. As your independent agent, we can help you decide what the proper size deductible should be on your North Carolina auto policy. As a general rule, you should keep your deductible low enough so that it will not be a financial burden if you need to file a claim.

A policy holder assumes financial responsibility for that portion of the entire claim thet falls below the level of their deductible. If your deductible is higher than the amount of the damage, you will have to pay the entire cost of the repair.

When you finance a new vehicle, the lender may require you to keep the amount of your deductible down to a reasonable level. Deductibles that are too high reduce the value of your collision and comprehensive portion of your auto policy. If you choose a $2,500 deductible because it does not make your car insurance policy go up by more than a few dollars, that usually indicates that there is little chance of ever being able to collect on that policy.

No matter if your car is worth $5,000 or $25,000, deductibles should be based on how much risk you want to assume for damage to your vehicle. For peace of mind, try to keep deductibles as low as possible. When an accident occurs, you will be glad you did.

How does mortgage protection term insurance differ from other types of term life insurance in NC?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by AgentInsure

If you have a mortgage on your house and want to make sure that your spouse will be able to stay in that house should you pass away before the mortgage has been paid off, it makes sense to purchase term insurance. When you first qualified for a loan to buy your home, you were approved for a certain amount of money based on your income and ability to repay the loan. If that income suddenly disappears, your family or heirs will be responsible for making the remaining mortgage payments.

If you do not want to place that burden on your loved ones, you can buy a mortgage protection term insurance policy for your Burlington, North Carolina home, and take care of that possibility. Another way to deal with such an unfortunate occurrence is to take out a level term life insurance policy that is at least as much as your outstanding mortgage.

When you buy a house, you will typically receive offers to purchase a policy to pay off your mortgage should you die during the life of the loan. Your mortgage holder is the beneficiary and the policy issued is a version of decreasing term life insurance. Your rate is calculated over the life of the home loan. You pay the same premium each month and it can be paid along with your principal, interest and other home insurance costs.

Alternatively, you might want to consider level term life insurance. You are not limited to the mortgage amount on your house and you can name anyone you would like as beneficiary. As an example, if you owe $100,000, you could take out a $500,000 standard term life policy which is more than enough to pay off the balance of your home loan and also leave your spouse with enough money to pay other expenses.

I know this may all sound a bit confusing, but it is really not that difficult to understand. As an independent agent, I can go over all of your options and answer all of your questions. Everyone has a different situation, and there is a policy that is best for each homeowner.

Does Remodeling My House in Burlington, NC Save Money on My Homeowner’s Insurance?

Posted on March 27, 2013 by AgentInsure

When you remodel your house, you often change the value of it. Remodeling in Burlington, North Carolina usually creates an increase in value. As your independent agent, we want to make sure you have the homeowner’s policy you need at the best rate available. When you consider home improvements, ask about including some of these ideas that may save you money on your insurance.

Electrical and HVAC systems

If part of your remodeling project includes improvements to your electrical, HVAC or even plumbing system, give us a call. You may be able to reduce the cost of your homeowners insurance policy. Upgrades to electrical and heating systems may reduce the chance of fire. Plumbing improvements lessen the likelihood of water damage from broken pipes.

Fire Safety

A very simple upgrade includes installing new smoke detectors. If you are building an addition, make sure to have a fire alarm installed if needed. Consider having a wired system that sets off all the alarms in your home or notifies the fire department for you. This can provide you with a policy discount.

Swimming pool

You may want to have a swimming pool added to your North Carolina home. If so, have a full fence installed around your pool and include a locking gate. If you have a pool, eliminate the slide or diving board and you may save on your premium.

New windows or a new roof is other good remodeling choices that can help you save. Contact us today; as an independent agent, we can help you find the lowest rates in Burlington, Graham or Mebane, North Carolina. When you work with us, we can provide quotes from multiple companies in one easy step. Comparing quotes provides you with the best coverage for your dollar. Even if your costs rise, you want to protect the investment you have made in your home.

How Does a Renter’s Policy in North Carolina Protect my Personal Property?

Posted on March 21, 2013 by AgentInsure

Renters often do not consider the importance of having a personal property insurance policy for protecting their belongings. If you are renting a home or apartment, you need to be aware that the property owner’s insurance does not protect you. As your independent insurance agent for the Burlington, Graham and Mebane, North Carolina area, we want renters to understand why they should consider this type of policy.

Renter’s insurance

A property owner’s policy protects the owner from loss due to fire, storm or vandalism damages. These policies normally provide liability coverage but do not protect the belongings of any tenants in the dwelling. You need your own personal property insurance to cover your furniture, clothing, electronics, jewelry and other possessions if damage occurs from covered events.

Covered events normally include fire and smoke damage, as well as wind and water damage. While Alamance and Orange County are inland enough to avoid hurricane damage, storms may still be a source of numerous problems. Earthquake or flood damage is not covered on basic policies. We can help you determine if flood coverage would be desirable.

Additional protection with your policy

You get additional benefits from your renter’s policy. Coverage is provided for theft of your possessions. Liability coverage protects you if a guest is injured at your residence. If the property you are renting becomes unlivable due to a disaster, your policy can cover your temporary living expenses.

Personal property protection is available for replacement or actual cash value of your property. If you have high-value collections, including fine art or jewelry, you may need additional protection. As an independent agent for Burlington, North Carolina and the surrounding areas, we can help you find the renter’s policy that best meets your needs.

Car insurance quote Burlington NC

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Scott Allred

It is easy to get a quote for car insurance in Burlington NC. Don Allred Insurance provides instant quotes here at this site.

Don Allred Insurance is your choice for auto insurance in Alamance County, we have been providing insurance services since 1971. Give us a call today at 336-584-2705. Just click the get a quote button to get started!

What are the Laws Concerning Auto Insurance in My State?

Posted on March 12, 2013 by AgentInsure

Before deciding on an auto insurance plan, the most important thing to know is the law for auto insurance coverage in your state. This is especially important to note if you have moved recently and are unaware of your new state’s laws. Every state has different laws and requirements when it comes to auto insurance, and every driver on the road should be aware of these standards to avoid paying too much for auto insurance while still obtaining the right amount of coverage.

One of the best ways to find out everything you need to know about the law, regarding insurance in your state, is to simply ask your insurance agent. Your auto insurance agent will know everything there is to know about the laws regarding insurance coverage and can even apply it to your unique situation. Be sure to inquire about the most updated information available since many laws are subject to change as time goes by.

The reason why you should go to your auto insurance agent first is that he or she can explain some of the more complicated matters surrounding insurance in a way that will be easy to understand. Researching online can present you with a lot of complex and even false information about the law in your state. To avoid confusion, it’s easier to call your local auto insurance agent and set up an appointment to meet. At the meeting, you can learn about the facts and laws according to your state in addition to any other questions you may have about your personal eligibility for various types of auto insurance coverage. Although the state has a law that all drivers must adhere to, it’s also important to customize your plan as well to meet any personal circumstances that apply to you.

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