Does the Color of a Vehicle Change Insurance?

The color red has a bad reputation for being thought of as the color of vehicles that are involved in more accidents and whose drivers get more speeding tickets. That urban myth is not accurate. However, there are statistical differences in accident rates and traffic citations that are available regarding the color of vehicles.

Vehicle Color and Accidents

The most likely vehicle color to be involved in more accidents than other colors is black. Black-colored vehicles are difficult to see, especially at night, so they are involved in a higher proportion of accidents.

The next most likely colors for a vehicle that has more accidents are blue, gray, and silver. Darker blues, which are similar to black, are more difficult to see at night.

A red vehicle is only 7% more likely to have more accidents than the safest color for a vehicle, which is either yellow or white. The explanation of why yellow is safer is because bright yellow is a color that attracts more attention. It stands out from the surrounding environment.

A study in Australia found that white was the safest color. However, statistics from the USA show the color of white to be less safe than yellow. This determination considered the number of vehicles of a particular color that are on the road. White-colored vehicles make up 18% of the vehicles on American roads. They are involved in 25% of the accidents.

It turns out that the color of a vehicle is less of a factor in accidents than visibility and weather conditions. When thinking about getting a new car work, with your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC and the surrounding communities, to get insurance quotes for the various models under consideration.

Vehicle Color and Traffic Tickets

It turns out that red is not the most likely vehicle color to attract more traffic tickets. The top color for getting traffic tickets is white! Red is second. Gray is third and silver is fourth.

The model of a vehicle is a stronger influential factor than the color in getting traffic tickets. One study found that the top ticket-attracting models are Mercedes-Benz SL, Toyota Camry Solara, and Scion TC. These models are three or four times more likely to get a traffic ticket than other vehicles.

To get a quote for any color vehicle or model, contact your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC by calling or use the convenient online form.

How Is My Commercial Business Insurance Premium Determined?

Your commercial business insurance premium is determined by a wide range of factors, including where you’re located and what you do. Those in Matthews, NC should have all the facts, so there are fewer surprises by the time they start searching for quotes. Whether you’re looking for brand new coverage or you want to improve upon what you currently have, JC Demo Insurance Group may be able to help. 

Your Location and Specialty 

Different businesses are riskier than others. If you have a body shop in a dangerous section of town, your location may be more likely to sustain criminal activity, such as theft or vandalism. You’re also more likely to have a liability or workers compensation claim filed against you. Let’s say a customer comes to pick up their car when they’re injured by a misplaced tool. Your premium will be higher based on the risks, meaning it will be very different from an air-conditioned office stocked with ergonomic chairs and other safety features. 

Claim History 

This factor is something of an extension of your location and specialty risks. If you’ve filed multiple claims before, you’re more likely to have a higher premium because insurance companies assume your rate of filing will likely remain stable. For many businesses, there is only so much they can do to eliminate all risk. However, it can help for business owners to take as many safety precautions as possible in an effort to prove to the insurance company that everything is being done to prevent accident, injury, or property damage. 

To find out more about how you can do more for your business, call JC Demo Insurance Group today. We serve the owners of Matthews, NC who want to keep their livelihood going no matter what happens. 

3 Tips for Buying Life Insurance in Matthews, NC

To protect the ones we love after we’re gone, life insurance is a must. With a life insurance policy you can have peace of mind knowing that when you pass, your family will be taken care of. Life insurance helps cover burial expenses, college tuition, paying off debt, and help with living expenses, for example. This important policy should be set in place as soon as possible if you don’t already have one. In fact, JC Demo Insurance Group has put together three important tips for purchasing life insurance in Matthews, NC. Read on to learn more:

1. Compare Several Quotes

Insurance quotes are never exactly the same. That’s why it’s so important to go over the fine detail of several quotes before deciding on a life insurance policy. An insurance agent can help you do this.

2. Bundle Your Insurance Policies

To save money on your premiums, bundle your insurance policies under one carrier. You can stay with your existing insurance company or switch to a new one that offers both better discounts and coverage. Using an insurance agent to complete this task is a good idea. You can bundle any of your policies together, such as home insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, and more.

3. Work with a Reputable Agent

To secure the right life insurance policy for an affordable price, it’s best to work with a reputable agent. These experienced professionals can answer all your questions and concerns, help you compare quotes, and find you discounts.

To learn more about purchasing life insurance in Matthews, NC, call the team at JC Demo Insurance Group today.

 

Why your insurance needs change after you pay off your car

Owning a car outright can be an exciting feeling! When you purchased your car using financing, there were probably stipulations put in place by your lender. Now that it’s yours and you hold the title, your insurance needs change a bit. The team at JC Demo Insurance Group is here to help you make sure that your Matthews, NC area vehicle has the coverage necessary to protect this asset. Your car is likely the most expensive item you own, outside of your home and it’s important to make sure you have adequate coverage in place.

Why your insurance needs a change after you pay off your car

The most important consideration when you are choosing the auto policy for a vehicle that you own outright is the replacement value coverage. Your car is now paid off, and if you have had it for a number of years, it is likely depreciated in value. If there is a situation that renders your car totaled, you want to make certain that your policy will cover a replacement car that will suit your needs.  Oftentimes people forget to update their policies only to find out that their payout after a total demolition is inadequate. Don’t let all of your hard work and fiscal responsibility go to waste! Review your auto policy now and add this important feature. The coverage levels that your lender required are no longer relevant; take the time to sit down with an agent and make sure you have the coverage you need!

If you are in the greater Matthews, NC area and your car is now paid off, contact the team at JC Demo Insurance Group today and learn more about the auto insurance policy options that are now available to you.

As your home value increases, so should your insurance coverage level

Our homes are often our largest investment, and it is important to keep them protected. When you first bought your home you probably sat down and reviewed all of your home insurance options to make your decision. Since that time, it’s likely that you’ve just renewed the same policy each year and not thought too much about it. The team at JC Demo Insurance Group recommends that you have your policy reviewed on an annual basis to make sure that your coverage is keeping pace with the value of your Matthews, NC area home. 

Your home policy should change along with the value of your home

Home values are constantly shifting, and your home policy should change along with it. It’s easy to forget that insurance policies have upward limits, especially when you have been fortunate enough to not have to file a claim. But as your home value increases over the years, it may surpass the level of current insurance. It is highly recommended that homeowners review their policies on an annual basis in order to make sure that their policy is adequate to meet their needs. If you haven’t taken a look at your home insurance coverage since you bought your home, now is the perfect time to review it! No one wants to find out the hard way that does to the increase in their home’s value that their policy is no longer provides sufficient protection for their family home.

Is it time for you to review your home insurance policy? If you are in the greater Matthews, NC area, call or stop by the JC Demo Insurance Group today, and we will help you make sure that your current policy meets your home protection needs.

The Benefits of Having Commercial Insurance to Cover Special Risks

Most business owners know about the basic commercial insurance needed to protect a business, which includes workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance, and commercial vehicle insurance. A business may need product liability insurance if it produces or distributes products.

Depending on a person’s occupation there may be a need for professional liability insurance as well. The is also called malpractice insurance for those in the health care sector and attorneys. It may be called errors and omissions (E&O) for those professionals providing financial services, such as financial planners, stock brokers, and tax accountants.

Basic commercial insurance for a business may not be adequate because new risks are becoming more common.

Protection From New Risks

To address these new risks, which are now being experienced by most businesses, there are customized commercial insurance policies that work in combination with umbrella insurance to provide protection for things like:

  • Terrorist Attacks: Mass shootings and product tamperings.
  • Industrial Accidents: Oil spills, gas leaks, and biohazards.
  • Cybersecurity Breaches: Stolen personal information, fraud, and malware.
  • Severe Weather Damage: Flooding and hurricanes caused by climate change.
  • Lawsuits: Defamation, slander, libel, discrimination, and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Talk with your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, and the surrounding area, about these risks and others that are potentially serious. The goal is to reduce these risks that could negatively affect your business. Your agent can help to determine how insurance can alleviate some of your exposure.

Business Interruption Insurance

Many businesses find it wise to carry business interruption insurance. For example, even if a business is not damaged when a natural disaster hits the area, it still may not be able to operate due to the power-down condition and/or dangers. Business interruption insurance helps pays the bills for an ongoing business if it is temporarily not able to operate normally.

Contact your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC by calling 704-541-5155 or using the convenient online form to get a quote for new commercial insurance or to upgrade your commercial insurance for your business.

Retiring to North Carolina? – Life Insurance Review!

Is There Ever A Bad Time To Review Your Life Insurance Needs?

Are you in Matthews, NC right now? If so, come in today and pose that question to the professionals at JC Demo Insurance Group. We dare you. Do you know what our response will be? A resounding "no" , there is never a bad time to review your life insurance needs.  

Life Insurance Review For Retirees

North Carolina is a popular location to retire in. Retirement is a great time to take a careful review of your financial situation. Life insurance is not just a means to pay for final expenses. Life insurance can be an investment tool to ensure you can cover major life expenses. Depending upon the type of life insurance product you currently own, chances are your needs have changed greatly with retirement. You may want to travel more extensively, pay off an existing mortgage and downsize your living accommodations, essentially the sky is the limit to the choices that are in front of you as you retire. This is the logistical freedom you have worked for all of your life. Reviewing your policy with one of our professionals will give you a clear view of how your coverage can adapt to your retired lifestyle.    

As the old adage says, there is no time like the present. JC Demo Insurance Group is located in Matthews, NC. Our telephone number is 704-541-5155. Call or come right into our office today to learn how we can assist you with your insurance issues. We serve both North and South Carolina. We provide coverage for several different aspects of your life.  Our professionals can discuss your; Business, Auto, Home and personal insurance for your recreational vehicle or just about any insurance question you can think of. 

Is Your Auto Insurance Coverage Too Low?

Have you ever wondered if your car insurance coverage was enough to take care of you in the event of a serious accident? Our JC Demo Insurance Group team has put together this short guide to help you determine whether the coverage you carry on your auto insurance policy is just right or too low.

Understanding State Minimum Limits for North Carolina Drivers

Before we can discuss whether a basic policy is sufficient, it is important to know what’s required by law. In North Carolina, the minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person for bodily injury with a $65,000 maximum aggregate per accident. Drivers are also required to carry $25,000 or more in property damage coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage is considered a first-party coverage and is not required unless you have a loan on your vehicle.

Is State Minimum Coverage High Enough?

In most cases, state minimum coverage is high enough. However, if you’re involved in a major accident that is determined to be your fault, there’s a chance that this amount is not high enough. Medical bills for a serious incident easily range in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and repairs to fix brand-new vehicles can easily exceed a $25,000 threshold.

Why You Should Consider a Higher Limit

One of the most common questions North Carolina drivers ask is whether they should carry higher limits on their auto insurance policy. If you have substantial assets—like a home or a business—or a moderate income, state minimum limits might not be enough if you’re involved in a serious accident. In turn, this could potentially leave you open to a possible lawsuit in the future.

JC Demo Insurance Group is proud to assist Matthews, NC residents with all of their auto insurance needs. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Home Insurance for Newbies

Home insurance may be new for those who are buying their first home. There are a few things that you should know when you are looking for a policy. Talk to a professional, like the ones at JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC so that you can ask questions that they will be able to answer.

Basic Insurance Coverage

  • Internal and external damage may be covered if it states in your policy that you will be covered for costs associated with damages to your home due to storms, vandalism, lightning, and fire. If your home had flood or earthquake damage, you would need to get a special policy, known as a rider, to cover the cost of the repairs.

  • Your clothing, furniture, and appliances can be replaced, repaired, or reimbursed for the cost depending on your plan’s details.

  • Liability would be a big issue if someone trips and falls on your property, and they were injured due to your negligence. You would have to spend thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for the individual’s medical costs. If you have to go to court, you could also pay court and lawyer fees. This could be avoided with liability insurance attached to your homeowner’s policy.

Replacement Coverage

  • Actual cash value is when your damaged items are refunded minus depreciation costs. If your furniture is destroyed in a fire, then the actual cash value would be the value of the furniture at today’s prices, not at the price you paid for it.

  • Replacement cost is the value of your damaged property at its cost but without the depreciation.

When you’re ready, you can stop by the offices of JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC to start your insurance policy today. You can also get great information about life insurance, auto insurance, and commercial insurance.

 

Bundling your business indurance coverage

Business insurance is complicated because of the many issues involved in creating coverage for business owners. One solution is the Business Owners Policy, or BOP, that combines protection from all the areas of risks and liabilities in one package. The JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC can help you determine the level of coverage our business needs. You can get the whole package or any part of the package that you decide you need.

The policy starts with coverage for the building and contents. If you don’t own the building, you would still need contents coverage. There is also specialized coverage for certain types of content coverage.

The BOP also includes business interruption coverage which covers the loss of income if you are unable to operate your business. If there is a fire or some other catastrophe that stops your business from operating, you would have your income covered. It can also cover the costs of operating from another location.

A third part of the package is liability coverage. This would be a basic liability policy covering things like accidents where people get hurt o your property. It would also cover you for any liability from a product you made that was used off the property.

 A business owners policy does not cover auto insurance, workers compensation or health insurance for employees. Those would have to be bought separately but could be included in your overall portfolio of coverages.

Bundling your coverages like this can save you some money. They also offer you a lot of flexibility as you can mix and match portions to your needs. Stop by or call the JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC to learn more about getting insurance for your business. We can help you understand all your options and help you get the best insurance for your situation.