You’re the Victim of a Hit and Run: What to Do Next?

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.

What Your Commercial Insurance Agent Can Teach You

When you have a business, you need good insurance. But if it’s a new business, or you’re not used to owning a company of any kind, you might not know what type of policy you really need. That’s where your insurance agent comes in. They can not only get you a policy that works for your needs, but they can teach you about the policy options you have. Then you can make an informed decision as to how you want to cover your Matthews, NC business the best way. When you work with JC Demo Insurance Group, you get the type of guidance you need to get the best policy for your company.

Commercial insurance policies aren’t all the same. They are very different depending on the type of company you have, since the insurance needs of a factory are very different from the insurance needs of an office, for example. Whether customers come to the location also affects the type of insurance you have, because there are higher liability levels when customers are present. No matter what type of insurance you’re looking for to protect your business, a knowledgeable agent can give you options that will help you get what you need.

By choosing the JC Demo Insurance Group, you can get your Matthews, NC business protected and work with an agent who is able to answer all your questions and advise you about the different policy options you can choose from. Then you’ll have peace of mind, and a policy that will keep your commercial endeavor protected for the long term. As your business needs change, you’ll also want to work with your agent about updating your policy so you are always ready for any challenges your business might face where your coverage is concerned.

5 Things Your Home Insurance Policy Probably Won’t Cover

Although a home insurance policy is necessary to help protect your home from an array of damages, there is no such thing as ‘full coverage’ with regards to home insurance. This is largely due to the fact that there are too many unforeseen issues that can arise as the result of things such as natural disasters and failing to keep up with regular maintenance, among other things. That said, the following is an overview of 5 things your home insurance policy probably won’t cover. 

Fine Art/ Jewelry

If you have excessively expensive items in your home, you may need to purchase a separate policy to protect those items specifically. The average home insurance policy will likely not pay for excessively priced items unless explicitly stated in the policy. 

Termite Infestation

One of the most unpredictable issues with regards to owning a home, people hardly ever purchase a home with the expectation of it becoming infested by termites. Nevertheless, termite infestations can be very costly and in extreme circumstances, can even leave a home inhabitable. 

Stolen Cash

If you have a large amount of cash lying around your home, you likely have your reasons. Nevertheless, physical cash can be very hard to keep track of so, your insurance company likely won’t just take your word for it that someone broke in and stole your millions. 

Mold

According to experts, mold coverage is typically limited to basic home insurance policies if not outright excluded. This is because mold can be both deadly and costly and there is no real way to anticipate the extent of the damages. 

Floods

Similar to mold, flood coverage is often limited or excluded for the same reasons. While you certainly have the option to purchase separate flood coverage, your basic home insurance policy will likely do little to protect your home from flood damage.

Overall, for those living in Matthews, NC the JC Demo Insurance Group is a great option for purchasing a home insurance policy. A premier insurance company in Matthews, NC, simply call, email, or stop by the JC Demo Insurance Group office to get a quote and start your policy at once. 

Renting a Car and Auto Insurance

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.

Can You Insure an Inoperable Vehicle?

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. 

How Long Should Life Insurance Terms Be

People in Matthews, NC are living longer than they ever have before. The most recent analysis of life expectancy calculated by the state of North Carolina has shown that the average person in Matthews, NC is expected to live to be 80 years old.

Better health care, advances in disease prevention, new medicines, more attention to healthier living, exercise, and living in a great part of the country are considered to be contributors to the increase in long life.

At JC Demo Insurance Group we feel that a longer life makes life insurance more important. The length of the terms of a life insurance policy is not as important as the aim of the policy. The terms of any policy should be determined by the reason that a person has for taking out the life insurance policy.

Naturally, age does play a part in the decision about how long life insurance terms should be. We would never think to give a 70-year-old a 40-year term. This is unethical and illegal.

Our view of life insurance is asset protection. The term should be long enough to guarantee that your survivors are provided for financially. Everything that you worked to give your family should be covered and paid for so that your family does not have to worry about money if you die unexpectedly.

JC Demo Insurance Group has been helping people make decisions about how long life insurance terms should be for over 20 years.

We offer our clients an advantage because we are an independent agency. We have relationships with the best life insurance companies in the country. This allows our clients to pick the coverage that best suits their aims. We provide experienced personalized help through each step of the process. Your peace of mind is our goal.

Call us at 704 541 5155 and we will explain how long life insurance terms should be for your goals.

 

What Businesses Require More than Standard Commercial Insurance in Matthews, NC?

Basic commercial insurance covers property, liability and workers’ compensation. Yet, if you work in the housing, construction or demo business, you need an insurance policy that covers incidents specific to your industry. Your JC Demo Insurance Group agent can provide more information about the types of coverage that would benefit your Matthews, NC business. In the meantime, here is a primary of the types of policies available beyond basic commercial insurance.

Additional Commercial Insurance Coverage

Property Insurance covers losses to real or personal property. Boiler and Machinery Insurance, or "equipment breakdown," covers the breakdown of boilers, related coverage can be written to include debris removal after a fire or flood, glass insurance, and other industry-specific coverages. Talk to your JC Demo Insurance Group to find out what coverage would best protect your business. Meanwhile, business Interruption Insurance reimburses lost income or expenses caused by property damage and loss.

Ordinance or Law Insurance has you covered for costs associated with demolishing and rebuild for a partially destroyed building. (Usually 50 percent coverage) Tenant’s Insurance provides the coverage required by commercial lease agreements. 

Crime Insurance reimburses your business for loss due to theft, burglary, and robbery, and Fidelity Bonds pay for losses caused by a bonded employee’s theft of business assets. Errors and omissions insurance protects your business from damages awarded for mistakes that cause injury to another person. Meanwhile, malpractice insurance covers injuries to third parties when it’s determined the level of care fell below industry standards. Also, Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance-covers the legal of lawsuits filed against directors and officers.

Commercial automobile policies cover your business fleet of vans, trucks, and cars, while Workers’ Compensation Insurance-pays for an employee’s on-the-job injuries. 

Contact Us

Contact JC Demo Insurance Group today to set up an appointment for a free quote or to purchase additional commercial insurance to protect your Matthews, NC business.

 

Home insurance coverage options

Having a home means so much to each person. It gives one a sense of belonging and at the same time it is a place where memories are created and shared. So, losing a home can be very devastating especially if you had no other plans. Wondering how you can lose your home? Well, there are various scenarios such as damage caused by floods, hurricanes, storm, and theft among more. You need to be prepared for such unforeseen risks.

JC Demo Insurance Group is an insurance company which has been serving the people of Matthews, NC, for a while. We have had experience dealing with various scenarios, and that has equipped us with knowledge of what homeowners are most interested in. Therefore, if you have decided to buy a home insurance cover but are wondering which coverage to invest in; worry no more. We are here to guide and serve you depending on your needs.

Here are some of our coverage options which you can choose from.

Property Coverage

Your home is a private place. It is where you keep your most important items. Therefore, you need to protect it by all means. We as the JC Demo Insurance Group cover all the expenses and costs associated with property loss or damage. So, if such a scenario happens, you can be sure that you and your family will be safe.

Liability Coverage

As long as someone is on your property, the court assumes that he or she is your responsibility. Therefore, if unfortunately a neighbor or a friend gets into an accident such as falling on the stairs, you are required to cover any medical expenses. If you have no savings, such scenarios can leave financially devastated. On the other hand, with liability coverage, all the risks are taken care of even that of your pets affecting a neighbor.

Additional Expenses Coverage

In case your home is destroyed, you will be forced to move out of your house for a period till it is repaired. At such moments, you may have to live in a hotel, and the expenses can be quite high. So, additional expense coverage takes care of such issues.

Matthews, NC, JC Demo Insurance Group, is here to guide you through all the coverage options in detail. Therefore, please feel free to contact us for more information.

 

Latest Car Safety Features

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. 

 

 

Commercial Insurance for Trucks

Whether you own one truck that delivers goods to the local area or you have a fleet that distributes supplies throughout the country, you’ll need to have those trucks protected with commercial insurance. Driving a delivery truck or semi-tractor trailer can introduce a variety of dangers to other vehicles on the road. If one of your drivers causes an accident, you should have the appropriate amount of insurance to cover the cost of medical bills, lawyer’s fees, vehicle repairs, and other costly incidentals.

Where Should You Start?

When shopping around for commercial truck insurance, start with independent insurance agents like JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC. Their professional agents can help provide you with a variety of carriers and insurance options. As experts, they can offer you advice based on your company’s needs, driving radius, and the number of trucks you own.

Types of Coverage

  • General Liability Insurance – protects you from liability claims that may include bodily injury and property damage as a result of an accident.
  • Physical Damage – gives you protection against damages that you may incur because of a collision, theft, or vandalism.
  • Cargo Coverage – protects the cargo you’re hauling that may be damaged or stolen.
  • Non-Trucking Liability – protects you when the driver is operating the truck for personal use.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, businesses must have a specified amount of liability insurance for their trucks depending on their weight. If your commercial truck hauls non-hazardous materials and weights 10,000 or more pounds, then you must maintain a minimum liability of $750,000.

It is important to know what type of coverage you will need for your commercial vehicles. Contact the independent insurance agents in Matthews, NC at JC Demo Insurance Group today to receive information concerning commercial truck policies.