Understanding Auto Insurance Premiums

Auto insurance premiums are the price paid for coverage. This price is determined by the insurer’s assessment of your risk profile. This is affected by such factors as driving record, age, vehicle type, location and credit score. It should be understood that higher risks lead to higher costs. Bundling policies, discounts and safe driving may reduce them. Your premium is calculated by your insurer by estimating the chances that you will file a claim. This is balanced with your personal history with the expenses associated with theft, accidents and repairs in your area. 

Other Factors That May Influence Your Premium

A clean driving record will serve to lower your rates. Traffic violations, DUIs and accidents could increase them. Very young drivers, teenagers in particular, are a high statistical risk and so may come with higher premiums. Urban areas are more prone to accidents, theft and vandalism than rural areas and the premium rates will rise accordingly. Other things that can affect the price of your premiums are the model, make and year of your car as well as repair costs, safety features and theft rates. How often you use your car exposes it to more risk and thus affects premiums. Your credit score could have some bearing. Choosing comprehensive coverage levels or higher deductibles will change your premium. With this in mind, it is smart to maintain a clean driving record and strong credit history. Ask about bundle policies and other discounts and don’t forget to shop around. 

JC Demo Insurance Group Serving Matthews, NC 

If you are in the Matthews, NC area and need auto insurance, please contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group. We’re happy to help you find the right auto insurance policy for your specific needs.

Is Your Home Insured Against Flood Damage?

It is important to note that a standard home insurance policy does not cover against flood damage. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, generally through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The typical homeowners and rental insurance policy excludes damage caused by flooding, such as mud flow, rising water or storm surge. Fortunately, whether you live in a high risk flood zone or not, flood insurance is available. If you do live in a high-risk flood area, many lenders will require you to have flood insurance to get a mortgage. 

Getting Coverage

North Carolina is a high-risk state for flooding with high rip currents and coastal flooding. Tropical depressions can lead to coastal hazards such as ocean overwash and beach erosion, according to the National Weather Service. You may want to contact your insurance agent to see if they offer NFIP or private flood insurance policies. Keep in mind that there will generally be a thirty-day waiting period for a new policy to take effect, so don’t wait until the last minute. You may also want to remember that federal disaster assistance is only available in the event that a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made. Plus, it typically comes in the form of a low-interest loan. Thus, it is not planned to restore your home to the condition it was in before the disaster. 

JC Demo Insurance Group Serving Matthews, NC

If you are in the Matthews, NC area and are in the market for home insurance, we at JC Demo Insurance are happy to help you. Give us a call today for more information. 

If You’re Taking Care of Your Aging Parents, Should You Have Life Insurance?

Life insurance is often bought for parents of children and spouses who are primary caregivers. However, these aren’t the only scenarios where it would be wise to buy life insurance. For example, if your parents are older and you’re their primary caregiver, should you have life insurance for yourself? Here’s why it’s an excellent idea and how you can get started with our support at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC. 

Should You Have a Life Insurance Policy as the Primary Caregiver for Aging Parents? 

Yes. Life insurance is designed to provide those under your care with financial support if you die unexpectedly. Because your parents currently rely on you, having a life insurance policy will provide them with the financial assistance they’ll need to seek care for themselves, as well as to manage your affairs.

You should also consider getting life insurance for them, if you don’t already have it. Taking out a life insurance policy on them, with their consent, ensures that you’ll have enough financial support when they die. From funeral expenses to other end-of-life expenses, caring for someone can get expensive. Life insurance can provide peace of mind that you won’t be paying out of pocket. 

Insure Your Future With JC Demo Insurance Group

JC Demo Insurance Group is your go-to for finding the right life insurance policies for your needs. Contact us. We’re currently serving Matthews, NC. 

When Should Commercial Insurance Policies Be Reviewed and Renewed?

Commercial insurance is essential for any business owner, whether you run an office space, a retail store, or a warehouse in an industrial zone. Dealing with potential lawsuits and financial loss can be devastating, which is why it’s essential to review your policies periodically for the best coverage. At JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, we’ll help you find the best commercial insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage year-round, especially if you’ve recently made new investments in your business.

Review Your Policy Annually

Annual policy reviews are essential for any commercial business owner. This provides an opportunity to compare your existing coverage with the evolving needs of your business. During the review process, you’ll want to evaluate your liability limits and property values, equipment updates, workforce changes, and any new products or services you are offering to your customers and clients.

After Major Changes

After any major changes to your business, it’s also wise to review and potentially renew your commercial insurance policy. Some major changes that require research into your policy may include:

  • Adding new employees
  • Investing in new equipment or commercial vehicles
  • Renovating or expanding your existing commercial space or building
  • Moving locations
  • Signing new contracts or working with new clients
  • Changing the structure of your business 

Knowing when to review and renew your commercial insurance policies is crucial anytime you go into business, regardless of the line of work you’re in. The more familiar you are with policy changes and demands, the easier it is to maintain protection when you need it most. To learn more about your existing commercial insurance policies and when to review them, contact JC Demo Insurance Group. We’re currently serving Matthews, NC.

Why Basic Auto Insurance May Not Be the Right Choice for You

Basic auto insurance is the least amount of coverage that you are required to carry. It is different from state to state, but in North Carolina it is 50/100/50. That is entirely liability coverage. $50,000 for one person injured in an accident with a max of $100,000 for all injuries. An additional $50,000 is allowed for property damage. 

Serving Matthews, NC, JC Demo Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency that can help you to determine what the right auto insurance is for you and your needs.

When Is Basic Insurance the Right Choice?

Basic auto insurance is acceptable if you own your vehicle outright and it has very little trade-in value. If you lease your vehicle or have an auto loan, you will be required to have additional coverage. They will want their investment in your vehicle covered, which means that you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. 

When Is Basic Insurance Not the Right Choice?

If you have a vehicle that you really like, and it has some value as a used vehicle, you may want to consider keeping your collision and comprehensive coverage even if you don’t owe anything. Most of us use our vehicle every day to drive to work, to run errands, chauffeur the kids and more. If you have an accident where you are responsible, and you don’t have collision and comprehensive coverage, you will be responsible for the repair or replacement yourself. 

For most people, that would be a hardship. The cost of even a used vehicle is high. Unless you have savings or are willing to take on another auto loan, you will be in a difficult situation. With those coverages, you will only have to cover the amount of the deductible. 

When you need auto insurance, give our office a call at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC. We are here to help. 

Do You Need Additional Home Insurance Coverage If You Remodel Your Bathroom?

Remodeling your home in Matthews, NC, can be a great way to breathe new life into your space, and potentially give your property value a little boost. What you might not think about, especially if you’re remodeling a smaller space, is how the changes might impact your home insurance policy. At JC Demo Insurance Group, we can fill you in on the details, so you aren’t left holding the bag. 

Home Insurance Coverage: What To Know

The general rule is to update your home insurance policy if you make any major changes to your property. The catch is that what counts as "major" can differ from homeowner to homeowner (and from insurance company to insurance company).

If you want a way to simplify matters, just consider that your carrier prefers to know exactly what they’re covering when they set the terms and conditions for your policy. So, if you spend $50,000 on a bathroom remodel and don’t update your policy, the insurance carrier might not cover the updates if they’re damaged by vandalism or weather. 

How To Update Your Policy 

If you’ve just made a few minor cosmetic improvements to your bathroom, like paint touch-ups or new fixtures, there’s no need to make a call or fill out a form. However, if you’ve put some serious work into the project, whether installing a rain shower or tiling the whole room in pure marble, contact your agent for more information.

Or, if you’re shopping around for new coverage in Matthews, NC, the staff at JC Demo Insurance Group is here to review your options, so you can find coverage that works. Contact us to get the ball rolling. 

What Is the Difference Between Liability Only and Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

When you need auto insurance, it’s important to choose the right type of coverage for your vehicle and budget. There are several types of auto insurance available, including liability-only and comprehensive coverage. The professionals at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, can help you decide which type of auto insurance is best for your needs. If you have questions about liability-only and comprehensive auto insurance, we’re here to provide answers! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance is a type of coverage that pays for damages to the other vehicle if you cause an accident. However, it does not cover your own vehicle. This is the minimum type of auto insurance required in most states. Many people opt for liability-only insurance if they have older cars that they can afford to replace in the event of an accident.

What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Comprehensive auto insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle in the event of non-collision incidents, such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. However, it does not cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is a good option to consider if your vehicle is at high risk for theft or other non-collision events.

What Type of Auto Insurance Is Right for Me?

If you’re unsure about which type of auto insurance is best for your needs, the professionals at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are here to help. We can assist you in shopping for an insurance policy that provides the right level of coverage at a price that fits your budget. Contact us today to get started!

What is the GREAT Grant?

One of your responsibilities as a business owner is to secure commercial insurance for your company. Some business owners have questions about the types of insurance their company needs. If your company is located near Matthews, NC, our JC Demo Insurance Group team would like to invite you to discuss your insurance options with us. We’ve been working with companies like yours since 2009.

Understanding the GREAT Grant

Every business needs efficient internet access to network with clients and collaborate with other businesses. However, in some North Carolina regions, there is insufficient broadband access. The North Carolina Department of Information Technology has developed state-funded grants to address this issue. The GREAT Grant (Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology) provides broadband internet access to underserved areas of less affluent regions of North Carolina. More residents and businesses can grow and thrive when these areas are provided with internet access.

These grants are available for rural and remote areas of North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Broadband & Digital Opportunity, the areas previously had computers operating at slower than optimal speeds. Funds provided by these grants were allocated to broadband service companies willing and able to serve clients and businesses in these areas.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Your company must have the right insurance to safeguard its assets and protect its employees. Each member of our team at JC Demo Insurance Group is ready to work with your company and help you discover the right insurance for your business’s needs. Businesses near Matthews, NC, have learned they can trust our company for their insurance solutions. Give us a call for an appointment today, and let’s find the right insurance portfolio for your company.

Do Life Insurance Premiums Change Over Time?

Your life insurance policy remains active as long as you continue to pay the premium. When you secure a life insurance policy, you’re expected to pay the premium for as long as the policy is active. Some policies are active for a specified term, while others remain in place until the insured dies.

Therefore, if you’re considering getting a life insurance policy, it’s important to know whether the premium will increase over time or if the policy premium will remain the same for the duration of the policy. This information can help you budget for your life insurance policy.

The JC Demo Insurance Group professionals, serving Matthews, NC, can help answer your questions. Here’s what you need to know.

Do Life Insurance Premiums Change?

Some types of life insurance policies have premiums that change over time. For instance, the premiums for a universal life insurance policy change with time. These premiums are somewhat flexible, as is the death benefit. On the other hand, whole life insurance and term life insurance have fixed premiums that do not change over time.

Which Type of Life Insurance Is Best For My Needs?

The type of life insurance you choose depends on your budget and your goals for the policy. Do you want a policy that will only be in place while your children are young? Do you want a policy that will be in place even when you are old? Can you afford to pay a premium that increases over time? Can you afford a higher-cost premium that will remain at the same rate for the entire policy duration?

You’ll need to answer these questions to find the right policy for you. Your insurance agent can assist you with this.

Contact Us For More Information About Life Insurance

At JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, we’re here to answer your questions about life insurance. Call today to get started with your policy.

Even Smart Cars Need Auto Insurance Solutions

The term "smart cars" in the realm of automotive technology doesn’t just refer to those compact two-seater vehicles. Instead, it encompasses any technological advancements in the automotive field that make vehicles more efficient, comfortable, easier to drive, and hopefully safer. However, no matter how advanced our vehicles become, road safety ultimately lies in the hands of the drivers. This is why many drivers in Matthews, NC, rely on the friendly and professional team at the JC Demo Insurance Group for all their auto insurance needs.

Even Smart Cars Require Auto Insurance Solutions

Indeed, many compelling arguments support the benefits of automotive technology, including the production of safer vehicles. However, regardless of where you stand in the discussion about smart cars, technology has its limitations. As of now, even with the most advanced vehicles, technology cannot prevent 99.9 percent of accidents resulting in damage or injuries.

This doesn’t mean technology isn’t contributing to making vehicles and the roads safer. What it does suggest, however, is that even the owners of the most advanced smart cars still need the security and protection that only auto insurance can provide. This is why drivers in the Matthews, NC area collaborate with the experienced and helpful agents at the JC Demo Insurance Group for all their auto insurance solutions.

Auto Insurance Solutions for Drivers in the Matthews, NC Area

Do you live and drive in or around the Matthews, NC area? Are you interested in learning more about auto insurance solutions for you and your "smart" vehicle? We can assist. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for the auto insurance and protection you need and deserve at the JC Demo Insurance Group today.