Matthews NC

Did You Know Having Commercial Insurance Can Land New Business?

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What is the difference between a small business and large one? The size of the sales and customer base. But the leap to the next level in Matthews, NC or elsewhere doesn’t happen with lots of little sales. According to the JC Demo Insurance Group, it happens with contracts and graduating into the business-to-business world. However, while companies are always looking for subcontractors and vendors that improve their situation, they are not keen on taking partnering with a business that can’t protect itself. That’s where commercial insurance makes the difference.

When companies are looking for smaller supporters and vendors, they will oftentimes put in a requirement that such vendors have to show proof of insurance to take are of themselves if a contingency occurs. Those smaller businesses that can’t meet the requirement end up out in the cold. Those who do oftentimes win the kind of accounts and clients that help them grow to the next level.

So the relationship between insurance coverage and winning new business is clear. It literally opens up doors for a small business to expand its markets into new arenas and potential.

The JC Demo Insurance Group has multiple clients in Matthews, NC who have relied on their policies to meet the minimum requirements necessary for moving to the next level in business growth. They can help a new business craft exactly the type of coverage often required or needed, ensuring a small business has what it needs to not be eliminated unnecessarily from opportunities. Call them, visit their website or email to find out more valuable business growth information today.

 

 

What New Homeowners Need to Know When Pricing Out Home Insurance

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JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the greater Matthews, NC area, knows that buying home insurance for the first time can be complicated. Here are three tips homeowners need to know when pricing out home insurance to make the process a little bit easier on you.

How Much Coverage You Need

One of the most important things you need to know when pricing out home insurance is how much coverage you will need. The amount of coverage you need has one of biggest influence on the price you will pay. If you don’t know how much coverage you will need, talk to a couple of different insurance agents to get an idea for what they recommend and why.

What Deductible You Can Afford

If you need to file an insurance claim, you will need to pay your deductible before insurance kicks in and covers anything. Carefully consider how much of a deductible you want as it has an influence on the final price you are quoted for homeowners insurance.

What Discounts You Are Eligible For

There are many different discounts you may be eligible for when it comes to home insurance. Bundling policies and having a home security system are just a couple of the discounts you may be eligible for. Always take the time to learn about the various discounts that are offered and find out if you may qualify for any of them. Then be sure to ask about them when getting quotes for home insurance.

If you are looking to price out a new home insurance policy, contact JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the greater Matthews, NC area. Our staff can help you determine what coverage amount you need, the right deductible amount for you and which discounts you may qualify for. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment to discuss your homeowner’s insurance needs.

Reasons Millennials Need Life Insurance

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Many in the millennial generation do not think they need life insurance but in reality, it is possibly the best time to purchase your life insurance policy. Whether you think that you do not need it because you are in perfect health or because you are too young to need it, it is time to reconsider and change your way of thinking. To help you better understand, take a look at these reasons from JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC. 

  • It is less expensive now. The younger you are, the less you will pay for life insurance. If you wait until you are older, you will risk paying more. It makes more sense to lock in a lower rate now and you should look for a policy that offers a rate lock. 
  • You have a lot of debt. It is no surprise that you likely have debt whether it is in the form of credit card debt or student loan debt. Either way, you do not want to stick that debt on one of your loved ones so getting a life insurance policy helps take care of that for you. 
  • You may have children. If you have children, then you should consider getting a life insurance policy that will help you take care of your children even after you are gone. 
  • You can have built-in savings. There are some policies that offer investment vehicles and ways for your insurance policy to grow over time. Since you are younger, you will have more time for it to grow and become another nest egg for you. 

Now that you know the benefits of having life insurance now, you should contact JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC to get your quotes and start the process of applying. 

Is It Time To Update Yor Auto Insurance Policy?

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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.

How to Split Commercial Insurance Costs in Business Partnerships

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Insuring your business is a critical component of a comprehensive business plan.  

In a partnership, there are a lot of factors to consider when determining how the commercial insurance will be handled. Among those below are the two major items to be considered:

  • What are the Tasks of Each Partner? – Depending upon the nature of the business some partners decide that if a partner is bringing certain insurable skills and the other is bringing other skills that each respective partner will insure for the liability that may be incurred for that skill. For example in the case of a limousine business, one partner may have the fleet and drive passengers for the parties and other events, while the other partner in the business handles the information technology and promotional side of the business. These partners may decide to have the driver which would incur the most liability take care of the commercial insurance.    
  • At What Level Is the Partnership?  – If this is a newly entered partnership, the partners may decide to let the partnership develop further before combining or taking out the commercial insurance. Oftentimes, partners come together because one person fills a complimentary need of the other partner. Getting a clearer look at this can occur in developing the business plan. For the most comprehensive protection deciding how the company will be insured should be designed during this process.  

The insurance agents at JC Demo Insurance Group would like to continue the discussion. Serving the Matthews, NC and surrounding areas, we can advise on the best types of coverage to ensure your business is properly protected against liability. Stop in today to learn how a commercial insurance policy can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of your business. 

Will Auto Insurance Cover Pothole Damage to Your Car?

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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.

 

Don’t Make Costly Home Improvement Mistakes

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The purpose of homeowners insurance is to provide financial security in the event of a loss. When disaster or a theft occur, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you have coverage. But in these uncertain economic times, people try to save a few dollars by making their own home improvements. Unfortunately, sometimes saving a few bucks can be a costly mistake and threaten your coverage. At JC Demo Insurance Group, our professionals are committed to helping members of the Matthews, NC community remain properly insured. Please consider these common things that might put you at risk of having a claim denied.

Wood Stoves

Wood burning stoves are and excellent and efficient way to save on energy costs. A few logs and you can heat a home and even prepare a few meals without turning on the oven. While you may have the available space to install one, they need to be done properly. Specific fire code regulations must be followed. To ensure that your insurance policy will cover any loss due to fire, a wood stove must be inspected and approved. You’ll then need to update your homeowners policy to include it.

Activating A Fireplaces

It’s not uncommon for people to buy a home with an inactive fireplace. Just having one in place opens the possibility of warm cozy nights by the fire. But when you purchase a home with a fireplace that doesn’t work, your insurance won’t reflect the risk of open flame. Like wood stoves, it will need to be inspected before used and the homeowners policy updated. Failing to do so could leave you vulnerable to a claim denial. Insurance companies assess the risk of any property when calculating a premium. Incorporating open flame into a home constitutes a change.

It’s imperative to update your policy any time you make a significant home upgrade. At JC Demo Insurance Group, we are available to help members of the Matthews, NC community revise and renew homeowners policies that provide continuous security.

How to Adjust Homeowner’s Policy for Home Improvements

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Having a home in Matthews, NC comes with plenty of benefits, but it also binds you with responsibility. One of those responsibilities is homeowners insurance. While you’ll want to enjoy the freedom of homeownership and all of the changes you can make to your house, you should pause to consider how those changes will impact your insurance. The JC Demo Insurance Group has put together this simple guide to help you with expectations.

Changes to Property Value

Typically speaking, major home renovations will increase the value of the property. Not all changes are equal, though. Major floor plan remodels that open space or even create new rooms can add thousands to the value of a home. Big changes to the kitchen or bathrooms also yield hefty value returns, especially if you replace major appliances or fixtures. The bottom line is that these improvements may require a new appraisal to make sure your policy is covering the new value of your home.

Increased Liability

The most fun add-ons to a house are also usually the riskiest. The easiest example is installing a swimming pool. It will certainly add value that should be appraised, but it also puts you at a greater liability risk. On average, new pools can increase your liability risks by a factor of five. This holds true for other fun additions that come with risk.

Premium Savers

Let’s start with a disclaimer: every policy is unique, so the chance for saving on insurance premiums will vary case by case. That said, there are some upgrades that often do lower the price of your insurance. The biggest of them all is getting a new roof. The roof is the part of the house that offers the most protection from weather related damage, and many policies will offer a discount for improvements in this area. Smaller savings can sometimes be found with security improvements and major upgrades that better protect your house from damage.

By all means, make your Matthews, NC, home the place you dream it could be. Just don’t forget about insurance along the way. Talk to your JC Demo Insurance Group agent before you dive into a project, and it can save you headaches and uncertainty in the long run.

 

Misconceptions About Auto Insurance You Need to Forget

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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. 

Car Emergency Kit Must Haves

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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.