Is Your NC Business Disaster Ready?

Advanced planning is key to protecting your small business in Matthews, NC from disasters. You can’t keep disasters from happening, but you can take measures to minimize injuries and property damage at your business site. Here are a few suggestions from JC Demo Insurance Group on how you can ready your NC business for disasters.

Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan

A disaster preparedness plan can give you an edge in recovering from a disaster.  Designate a disaster coordinator to help create your plan and a disaster committee to help implement it. Your plan should cover such factors as employee safety, communications during and after a disaster, evacuation procedures during business hours, and business operations post-disaster. Rehearse your plan on a regular basis and update it when necessary to keep it relevant.    

Update Your Commercial Insurance

Assess the risks your small business faces in Matthews, NC and update your commercial coverage accordingly. Your property coverage should be sufficient to compensate you for damage to your building, equipment, and inventory. If your business has to close down temporarily for disaster repairs, business interruption can expedite your recovery by covering lost revenue, payroll, business loans, and other expenses to avoid financial loss. Talk to your JC Demo Insurance agent about other essential coverage you may need to recover from disasters.

Protect Essential Data

Protect your essential business data by backing it up on different devices and storing it safely in separate locations. This includes business files, financial records, customer and employee information, and other data essential to your business operations. Make sure this data is encrypted to prevent security breaches and that your encryption keys are only accessible to authorized personnel.

To purchase commercial coverage to protect your NC business against disasters, contact JC Demo Insurance Group today.

What exactly does home insurance cover?

Moving into a new house without proper home insurance is a risky decision – whether it is located in Matthews, NC or anywhere else. You need insurance to protect your home and assets against unpredictable damages. However, before getting a certain policy, it is good to know what exactly your insurance covers. Here is the list of things typically covered by standard homeowners insurance: 

The Structure of The Building 

A standard insurance policy will pay for the repairs and rebuilding of the house if it was damaged by such cataclysms as hurricane, lightning, fire, hail, or anything else listed in the policy. Most policies also cover detached constructions, including a gazebo, garage, or a tool shed. However, it is important to know that insurance will not pay for the damages caused by floods and earthquakes, and it will not cover routine repairs of the building. 

Personal Belongings

All your belongings will be covered by insurance if they were stolen or damaged by fire, hurricane, or other natural disasters stated in the policy. In most cases, the coverage of personal belongings is between 50 and 70% of the insurance for the house’s structure. If you have extremely expensive and valuable things you want to insure, it is recommended to purchase a special property endorsement because standard home insurance does not cover valuable items for their full value. 

Liability Protection

Liability coverage means that in case of property damage or bodily injury caused by you or your family members to other people, you will be protected. Liability protection will also pay for any damage caused by your pets. If someone is injured in your house, their medical bills will also be covered by the insurance company. 

If you are shopping for insurance and you are not sure what exactly it covers, our independent agency JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC is ready to answer your questions and help you to make an informed decision. Call JC Demo Insurance Group today to find what the options are available to you. 

Summer Road Trip? How to Stay Safe on the Road

As a native of Matthews, NC, you’re privy to beautiful scenic highways and byways for summer travels. North Carolina is a favorite hot spot for summer road trips, making it necessary to drive safely in order to enjoy your road trip to the full. If you’re planning a road trip this summer, these tips from JC Demo Insurance Group can help you stay safe on NC roads.  

Plan Ahead

Take time to plan your trip, choosing safe routes and reserving places to stay in advance so you’re not caught unprepared. Have alternate routes planned in case you run into road construction or heavy traffic due to an accident that can clog up the road. Share your plans with loved ones so they’re aware of your whereabouts in the event you have an accident or breakdown along the way.

Service Your Car

Service your car before leaving to ensure it’s road-ready. Check your fluids, tires, brakes, battery, hoses, signals, wipers, and lights. Pack an emergency kit to include a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, flares, tool kit, and other needs in case you run into trouble on the road. Don’t leave anything to chance. 

Drive Defensively

Drive carefully and defensively, enjoying your trip every step of the way. Stop and rest when you’re tired as drowsy driving increases your risk of accidents. Never drink and drive or take medications that can make you sleepy on the road. Stay within speed limits. Use signals when changing lanes or turning. Be considerate of other drivers to avoid problems with road rage.

Update Your Auto Insurance

Make sure you have the auto insurance protection you need for your summer travels. To update your auto coverage, contact your insurance specialists at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving residents in Matthews, NC. 

Why Matthews, NC Residents Should Consider Variable Life Insurance

For over 20 years, JC Demo Insurance Group has assisted residents throughout North and South Carolina through providing access to different types of personal insurance coverage. We use our standing as an independent agency to our advantage by establishing relationships in multiple markets around Matthews, NC. This allows us to meet the insurance needs of our clients regardless of their situation.

Consider Variable Life Insurance

JC Demo Insurance Group is aware that many people believe that purchasing life insurance is unnecessary. However, purchasing a life insurance policy is very beneficial to your future. There are some alternatives that you may consider, such as variable life insurance. Here is an in-depth look at variable life insurance and why that may be the best option for you.

A variable life insurance policy is an agreement involving you and the insurance company. Under the terms of the agreement, your beneficiaries will receive an outlined amount after your death. Variable life insurance policies also include a cash value that is based on your premiums and investment choices.

As the policyholder, you will have a large influence on how your premiums are invested. Primarily, you can choose to invest your premiums into bonds, stocks, or mutual funds. You can also choose to place some of your premiums into a fixed account. Putting some of your assets into a fixed account guarantees that they will accumulate a fixed rate of interest. The more money that you put into your premiums, the lower your expenses will be.

JC Demo Insurance Group Can Assist You

We are committed to providing excellent customer service to all of our clients in Matthews, NC and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in a variable life insurance policy, our agents will discuss all of the details with you, so that you can make an informed decision. Contact us at your earliest convenience or visit our website.

A Guide to the Types of Commercial Insurance

When you go into business for yourself, you have numerous things to accomplish including insuring the business against loss. This basic of business continuity requires knowledge of the many policy types though because commercial insurance offers a wide variety of kinds of coverage.

Typically, you obtain a business owner’s policy (BOP) to cover your liability and general damages to your storefront or office environment. You can purchase the components of a BOP separately as property and liability insurance. If you hire employees, you will also need workers’ compensation insurance. Otherwise, you will need specialized policies to cover various aspects of your business.

Here is what each policy type does. 

  • Automobile Insurance: provides liability and property damage coverages to the vehicles in your fleet and damages caused by your employees when driving a fleet vehicle.
  • Boiler and machinery insurance: also called equipment breakdown insurance, this covers repair or replacement of boilers, business machines, equipment plus pays for the business interruption losses.
  • Builder’s risk insurance: also called construction insurance, this covers your structure as it gets built.
  • Business interruption insurance: pays for the real property expenses resulting from a named peril as well as lost income.
  • Crime insurance: reimburses your business from loss from property crimes including burglary, robbery, and theft.
  • Debris removal insurance: this policy pays for removing debris following a named peril such as a fire.
  • Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance: Corporations and non-profits obtain this insurance to cover the costs of lawsuits involving their officers and directors.
  • Errors and omissions ("E & O") insurance: most common among manufacturing firms, attorneys, and medical practitioners as well as publications, it pays for failures or mistakes causing third party injury. The mistake must be inadvertent, not intentional.
  • Glass insurance reimburses you for the replacement of broken windows and plate glass on your commercial buildings.
  • Inland marine insurance: a typical insurance type for dry cleaners and shipping services, it pays for damage to property in transit and third party property at your business.
  • Liability insurance: pays for injury or damages to third parties. 
  • Malpractice insurance: also called professional liability insurance, covers losses stemming from third party injury due to a professional not meeting the appropriate standard of care. Also, it covers attorney fees.
  • Ordinance or law insurance pays to have a building demolished and rebuilt to code when the structure has been partially destroyed. 
  • Property insurance: reimburses you for damage to real or personal property.
  • Tenant’s insurance: a requirement of many landlords as a stipulation of a commercial lease, this policy covers repairing damages to the lessee’s improvements and building damages caused by the lessee’s employee negligence. This differs from renter’s insurance which covers your property and belongings.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance: this policy pays for medical care and time off from work due to injury or illness from the workplace.

Avoid the confusion by speaking with an insurance agent from JC Demo Insurance Group today. We serve the Matthews, NC area. 

How Matthews, NC Residents Can Protect Their Car With Auto Insurance

It’s important to protect your car with auto insurance in Matthews, NC. Although you will want to adhere to state standards, there are optional coverage levels that you can explore, too. With the help of our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group, we can see to it that you have a customized policy.

What the State Requires

The easiest and fastest way to protect at least the basics of your car is with the state-mandated insurance in North Carolina. The state requires you to maintain a certain minimum level of liability for property damage and bodily injury. This coverage will be a part of any auto insurance that you buy. It will cover you in the event you’re in a collision with another vehicle.

After you meet the state requirements, you are still vulnerable to other scenarios, including:

  • Collisions with debris in the road, animals, and other non-vehicles
  • Hail and storm damage
  • Hit and runs

The good news is that there are a few other forms of coverage that you can choose to add to your policy.

Exploring Optional Coverage

Our independent insurance agents can help you to explore collision and comprehensive coverage. Neither of these is required by the state but can offer a significant amount of protection in the event that you get into an accident or experience some kind of damage.

Collision coverage protects you against any collision that might occur with a non-vehicle. Whether you experience a rollover when going around a sharp turn, collide with a guard rail, or hit a deer in the middle of the road, you would be covered.

Comprehensive coverage protects you against all non-driving related incidents, such as hail damage, a rogue shopping cart, or something else that might occur when you’re not even behind the wheel.

Start shopping for more comprehensive auto insurance in North Carolina by calling us at JC Demo Insurance Group today.

Does my home insurance policy change after paying off my mortgage?

Congratulations on finalizing your mortgage payment and welcome to the rank of homeowners in Matthews, NC. While paying off your mortgage comes with innumerable benefits, there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty regarding home insurance. Your mortgage must have come with mandatory home insurance from the lender. However, with the mortgage gone, you have a choice to either keep your home insurance or get rid of it. If you ask us at JC Demo Insurance Group, the latter is always a bad idea. So, what happens after you pay off your mortgage?

Does it change? 

A big yes. When you pay off your mortgage, a lot of changes with regards to your insurance. You are likely to receive several documents; one from your lender stating that your loan is fully paid, canceled promissory note, your canceled deed of trust or mortgage, and a certificate of satisfaction. A promissory note is what you signed when you took out a mortgage, which required you to pay your lender based on the agreed timeframe and interest. The mortgage is the agreement that grants your lender the title of your home.

What about your home insurance?

By now, you know the importance of home insurance and that you need it now more than ever. You don’t want to start dealing with fire damages or burglaries in your home just when you have owned it. An important step here is to inform your insurance company that you are the sole owner of the property so that they can remove your lender’s name. Failure to take this step can cost you penalties. If you keep your home insurance, you might also need to update your payment options and have your bills sent straight to your home.

Now that the challenging parts are over, it’s time to review your home insurance policy and update it accordingly. Speak to any insurance agent at  JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC, and they will help you get some value for your money. 

Life Insurance Offers a Safety Net for Your Loved Ones

If you don’t have life insurance, it’s time you came to talk to us at JC Demo Insurance Group. We want to make sure all our Matthews, NC area clients and their families are protected in the best way possible. When you choose a life insurance policy, you’re giving your family a safety net in case you pass away. That’s especially important if you’re the one who takes care of your family’s home and other needs. The goal of an insurance policy on your life would be to give your family options if they didn’t have you to rely on any longer. The right policy can give you and your family protection for the future, along with a lot of peace of mind.

There are a lot of things to consider about life insurance, but some of the most important things are how large of a policy you’re looking for, who the beneficiary will be, and whether you will get a whole life or term life policy. We can discuss all of those options, so you can find the one that works for you. What policy you need and how large it should be will change based on your situation and goals. You also want to remember to update your policy if your life changes, such as you have another baby, change careers, get a bigger house, or make other adjustments.

We can help you find or update your life insurance, so your family stays protected and cared for. Contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group today if you’re in the Matthews, NC area, and we’ll be happy to address your questions and insurance needs. Then you can get out there and enjoy living your life, knowing that you and your family are protected for the future.

Have You Reviewed Your Commercial Insurance Policy Lately?

If you have a business, you probably have commercial insurance. But have you reviewed that policy lately? There are a lot of changes a business can have to happen to it, along with changes it chooses to make. All of those changes can affect the way things are done and the liabilities the business has, as well. With that in mind, it’s very important to make sure your insurance policy for that business is up to date. That’s the only way to ensure proper protection. If your Matthews, NC business hasn’t reviewed its insurance policy in a while, reach out to us at JC Demo Insurance Group and let us help you with that today.

Your business insurance policy provides protection for your company, and also for the people who come through your doors and purchase from you. Accidents and incidents can happen to employees, customers, or the structure of the business’ location itself, as well as your inventory and other areas of your company. But a good insurance policy will help you weather any storms that might come your way. It provides peace of mind and lets you take care of things in a way that keeps your business viable and strong while making things right for others, too.

If it’s been a while since you reviewed your commercial insurance policy, contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group today. If your business is in the Matthews, NC area, we’re here to help you have the coverage you need. Whether you have a policy with us now or you’re looking to change carriers, a review of your current insurance needs and what your policy offers can be an excellent way to make sure you’re properly protected and give you peace of mind for the future, too.

Home Insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina is blessed with milder weather compared to other states in the US. Overall, the milder weather does contribute to lesser average home insurance premiums in the state of North Carolina. However, this average can be misleading because the actual premiums for home insurance will depend on several factors such as your exact location, age of the house, which provider you choose and more. A home inspection is typically required before you get home insurance rates finalized. In the inspection, they check several things such as foundation problems.

For most people, their home is the most expensive investment. Home insurance policies protect you financially in case of any damage caused by wind, storms, vandalism, fire and more. Keep in mind flood insurance and earthquake insurance are not included in home insurance policies and if your home is a high-risk region for floods or earthquakes, you must consider getting an additional policy to get coverage for them. Most mortgage lenders require you to have home insurance as they want to not protect the asset they are lending money on. Whether required by lenders or not,  it is highly recommended you get adequate home insurance as the benefits of home insurance outweigh the relative cost of premium payments. You don’t want to be in a situation where a single storm ends up costing you your entire life savings to repair the house.

JC Demo Insurance Group, a licensed and independent insurance agency serving Matthews, NC, has the resources to assist you with home insurance. Not only can they navigate you to the best home insurance policy for your needs, but they also guide you on common pitfalls to avoid and educate you on the policies so you can make an informed decision.  The contact details for JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are available on their website.