Car accidents, regardless of how bad they may be, can be both traumatic and stressful. If you are ever involved in an accident, you may wonder what to do next. While this is normal, if you are a victim of a hit and run accident in Matthews, NC, the situation can even be more confusing.

While the insurance policy you purchased from JC Demo Insurance Group should provide you with some assistance, there are other steps you should take in this situation, as well. Learn more about what these steps are, here.

Record All the Important Information

If the driver of the vehicle that hit you leaves the scene, you need to work to gather as much information as you can to give the police. This is the information that the police can use to find the other driver and make sure you don’t have to cover the damages they caused. Some essential things to try and get include:

• The make, model and license plate number of the vehicle

• Approximate year and color of the vehicle

• Location and time the accident occurred

• The direction that the driver went

• The contact information of possible witnesses

• Pictures of the damage to your car and the accident scene

Contact the Police

It is imperative that you call the police as soon as you can after an accident occurs. Provide information about the names of witnesses, the location of the accident and which way the driver went.

Once you have done all this, contact your own insurance company in Matthews, NC. Companies such as JC Demo Insurance Group will help each step of the way.

If you need new insurance, you can also contact this company for more information and to get the policy you need.

It’s easy to forget how many benefits come with an auto insurance policy if one gets a comprehensive coverage plan for their vehicle. However, it becomes really clear what one is missing if instead, a driver chooses strict liability coverage just to meet the North Carolina insurance requirement minimums for public roads. Comprehensive coverage auto insurance doesn’t just protect from a variety of vehicle-related risks, it also tends to extend coverage to other vehicles a person drives, including rental cars.

Normally, if one goes to a rental car agency in Matthews, NC or elsewhere, the company will push its own coverage plan for temporary protection of the car or then hold the driver personally responsible for any damage. And if you think that’s avoidable, just a windshield crack from a flying pebble can be a $100 to $200 is costs to repair. So drivers end up having to take out a plan. However, if one has it included in his comprehensive coverage already in place, then the claim just goes to the personal auto insurance policy to address. And that can avoid a big, sudden expense at the end of a trip.

On the other hand, if your coverage for personal driving is the bare minimum, then it is unlikely that your auto insurance addresses coverage with a rental car as well. Such plans tend to be vehicle specific, but this is not a fast and solid rule. According to the folks at JC Demo Insurance Group, it varies from company to company, so the sure way to know is to read the terms of a coverage policy before renting a car.

For those in Matthews, NC who travels a lot by car, rental cars may just be a necessary fact of life. In that case, you should talk with the folks at JC Demo Insurance Group to make sure your coverage is inclusive of rental car use. You don’t want to be surprised after the fact.

At JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the Matthews, NC area, one of the questions that we have been asked multiple times is whether you can insure an inoperable vehicle. Here is the information you need to know about this topic. 

What an Inoperable Vehicle Is

An inoperable vehicle is a vehicle that currently cannot be operated on the roadways. It may be unable to pass smog or emissions testing, it may have been involved in a car accident, or it may need parts repaired. 

If an Inoperable Vehicle Can Be Insured

An inoperable vehicle can be insured. Most insurance companies do offer insurance specifically for inoperable vehicles. This takes into account the fact that the car is sitting and not be driven, which greatly reduces the liability costs associated with the car. However, some companies do not differentiate between operable and inoperable cars when providing auto insurance, so be sure to ask whether the company offers inoperable vehicle insurance or not. 

The Benefits of Insuring an Inoperable Vehicle

There are many benefits to insuring an inoperable vehicle. The top benefits are that your car is covered from theft, fire and vandalism when you have comprehensive or full auto coverage on the car. While your car is not being driven, and as such, is not likely to be involved in an accident, these other factors are much more likely to happen. Insuring the car helps to ensure that you are financially covered in the event one of these elements occurs. 

If you are looking to insure an inoperable vehicle, JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the Matthews, NC area, is here to assist you. Call us today to get answers to any of the questions you may have or to get a free estimate for auto insurance. 

Cars have come a long way in terms of safety, which means the number of deadly accidents has decreased tremendously throughout the years. The latest safety features range from automatic braking to apps specially designed to keep your hands on the steering wheel. Although you still have to have insurance from a company like JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, and the surrounding area, these technological advances keep you safe and will prevent your premium from rising from an accident. 

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control helps correct issues like understeering and oversteering. Understeering happens when the car continues to move forward without turning as a result of the tires not having enough traction. On the other hand, stability control also helps with issues like oversteering when the car turns farther than a driver intended, ultimately resulting in the rear wheels sliding. Electronic stability control is ideal for new drivers. 

Apps for Driving 

While you’re encouraged not to use your phone while driving, there are apps that can assist you while you’re driving. Two apps, in particular, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allow people to easily access their entertainment, navigation, texting and calling features on their phones through voice commands while they drive. 

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control utilizes sensors to scan the road ahead and automatically adjust the car’s speed if the car in front slows down. When the road becomes clear ahead, the car’s speed adjusts back to normal automatically.  

Blind Spot Monitor 

Blind spot monitors sense cars in your blind spot. An icon will light up if a car comes into your blind spot. If you try to change lanes or turn on your turn signal, the car warns you with an audible alert. 

Forward Collision Warning 

A forward collision warning uses radar, lasers, and cameras to detect vehicles in front of the vehicle and alerts the driver if they are going to fast. Vibrations or an audible warning get the driver’s attention back on the road. 

These safety features among others will keep you safe, but just in case an accident occurs, JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC and the surrounding area, can assist. Contact us today at 704-541-5155 to get a quote for auto insurance. 

 

 

Since North Carolina is an at-fault state, your medical coverage will come from the other driver’s insurance if you were the victim. However, it is also a contributory negligence state, so you have to be 100 percent the victim in order to be covered. If there is proof that something was faulty in your driving, you may not have all of your medical expenses covered. Since it is a complicated matter, you should consult with an insurance expert in Matthews, NC (like JC Demo Insurance Group).

Medical Payments Coverage

If the other driver is fully at fault, then their insurance will give you medical payments coverage. This type of coverage will be able to pay for your copays and deductibles from your medical insurance. Necessary treatments that your insurance does not cover may also be covered. Even if you are without health insurance, MPC will pay your bills. If the other driver does not have auto insurance, which is illegal, they will still be legally required to pay your bills.

What You Should Never Do After An Accident

•   Do not apologize and brush the incident off. You need to go through the proper routine of having the authorities involved and swapping insurance information. If you allow the driver to get away, they can then accuse you of causing the accident.
• Do not accept any cash settlements outside of court.
• Do not attempt to move injured persons until the authorities arrive.

Since the legal system can be tricky in this state, you should have an expert help you when making a claim. If you within the Matthews, NC area, consult with JC Demo Insurance Group to help you learn about medical claims with auto insurance.

North Carolina drivers take out auto insurance for two basic reasons. First and foremost, to cover the costs associated with accidents and other losses. Secondly, because the state mandates that drivers have liability and uninsured motorist coverage. But the state’s low thresholds could fall far short of actual losses involving crashes and property damage. That’s why it may be a good idea to update your current policy. At the JC Demo Insurance Group, our trained professionals are available to work with people in the Matthews, NC area to create and update policies.

Minimums Don’t Provide Adequate Coverage

Mandated coverage limits are likely to fall far short in the event of a significant car accident. Between the high cost of medical treatment, surgery or rehabilitation, those limits could be quickly exceeded. Once that happens, you could face a civil lawsuit if found to be negligent. Being in a situation where you could have your wages garnished or liens placed against property makes little sense when you could have simply put adequate coverage limits in place. It’s important to not put yourself in a vulnerable position by being underinsured.

Opt for Optional Insurance

Optional coverage tends to be a cost-effective way to help avoids out-of-pocket expenses. For example, having adequate collision insurance could come in handy for expensive repairs associated with a crash. Stop and think about how much bodywork and repainting alone could run. Do you really want to pay that out of your earnings?

Taking out comprehensive coverage also makes good sense. There’s no knowing when a vandal could scratch of spray paint your vehicle. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. There are also plenty of miscellaneous expenses associated with auto accidents such as towing and car rentals while your vehicle is being repaired. They say the “devil is in the details” and it may be time to take a long look at your auto policy and make some changes.

At JC Demo Insurance Group, our industry professionals are available to update existing policies so that you have adequate coverage should the unexpected occur. It’s our pleasure to serve the good people of the Matthews, NC community and we look forward to working with you.

Whenever spring rolls around, the streets begin to be filled with potholes. Caused by the freezing and thawing of water, these potholes are not only annoying, but they can do a significant amount of damage to your vehicle. If you have a flat tire or a broken rim, which are common damage caused by potholes, you may be wondering if your auto insurance policy can help you cover the repair costs. In some cases, this may be an option.

What Your Auto Insurance Covers

Every auto insurance plan is a bit different. It is important to contact your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group to learn more about the specific details of your plan.

If you have collision insurance, it may cover damage caused by striking a pothole. However, some auto insurance plans have specific exclusions to this type of damage. That means the policy does not cover the loss at all. If you do not have collision insurance, you generally will not be able to file a claim for this type of damage. It does not, in most cases, fall under comprehensive coverage.

In some situations, you may be able to file a claim against your city for the damage from a pothole. If you can prove the city knew about the pothole, had time to fix it, and did not do so, you may be able to file a claim there. Many cities have rules and laws that limit this type of legal action, though.

Get the Auto Insurance You Need in Place

To protect yourself, contact JC Demo Insurance Group to request a quote for collision or other coverage. We serve residents in Matthews, NC and the surrounding communities. We’ll help you customize a plan to meet your needs.

 

Auto insurance is one of those things that people think they know all about. Many of the things that people think are true about auto insurance, however, are myths in disguise. To help you better understand what is true and what is false, JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, has developed a list of misconceptions you need to know the truth behind. 

• Older drivers pay more in insurance. You may think that declining sight and poorer reaction times would result in higher insurance rated but the opposite is true. Older drivers are seen as more mature drivers to insurance companies so they end up paying less for their premiums. Younger drivers actually end up paying more. In fact, there are even some additional discounts for drivers over the age of 55.
• Red cars cost more to insure. While this is a common myth, it could not be further from the truth. The color of the car is never even taken into consideration. Instead, companies look at the age of the vehicle, the make, the model, and the body style. They also look at the driving history, age, and credit score of the driver. Since the color of the vehicle is not even taken into consideration, you should never limit yourself or stop yourself from purchasing a vehicle in the color that you want. 

Whether or not you already have an auto insurance policy, it is worth it to reach out to JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC. They can run you a quote for auto insurance that will meet your budget needs as well as the minimum required in the state. If you do have a policy, they can take a look at your current one to ensure there are no gaps in coverage. 

You should be prepared for anything whenever you are operating a vehicle. Your car could break down, or you could suddenly have a flat tire, and you are in an area without cell phone reception. JC Demo Insurance Group has independent agents in Matthews, NC wants to let you know everything you need to have in your emergency car kit.

Homemade or Prepacked Kits

Kits that have everything already packaged together is a great place to start, but you may want to tailor your kit to suit your family and travel needs.

• Weather – in North Carolina, the temperatures could drop drastically, and you may need a small shovel or window scraper.
• Family Needs – include extra diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, feminine protection, and pet food.
• Food and Clothing – add an extra supply of non-perishable food, water, zip lock bags, trash bags, and clothing.

Things You Will Need

Whether you are going to buy a prepacked emergency kit or create one of your own, you will need to have the following items included in your pack:

• First-aid kit
• Gloves
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• Emergency triangle or cones
• Jumper cables
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Fire extinguisher
• Scissors or box cutter
• Alcohol wipes
• Microfiber cloth
• Paracord or a tow rope
• Blanket
• Rain poncho
• Extra cell phone battery

Useful Tips in an Emergency

Keep an empty gas canister in your trunk. If you ever run out of gas, you won’t have to wait for a tow. You can walk to the nearest filling station and back.

Having an automatic battery charger could come in handy if your battery doesn’t start. It is a small device that you can use as a temporary measure instead of calling a tow truck.

Keeping up your vehicle’s maintenance is the best way to preserve your vehicle and keep you safe. The JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC has auto insurance options that will also help keep you safe on the road.