The dos and don’ts during a home insurance claim

Making a home insurance claim today is a straightforward process, particularly if you are making minor claims. However, larger claims can be a lengthy and complicated process if not handled the correct way. That is why we at JC Demo Insurance Group advise our Matthews, NC residents to learn the dos and don’ts when dealing with a home insurance claim.

Here is what you can and cannot do.

Do call your insurance immediately: In the event of a major accident like a fire or burglary, call your insurance company immediately, when the ordeal is still fresh in your mind. Of Course, you also want to make sure that your family is safe and that you save what can be saved to minimize damage or injuries. No matter how busy and dramatic the moment could be, make sure to inform your insurer.

Don’t touch anything until the agents get to you: If your insurer has advised that you stay away from the scene, do so to avoid mishaps with the investigations.

Do take pictures and videos: Take some evidence just in case it will be needed by the police. However, if the situation is too dangerous, you don’t want to expose yourself to harm. If it is safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the scene as well as the root cause.

Don’t throw receipts: If you used your money to buy several things needed to save the damage or prevent it from spreading, or rented an apartment to stay because your home was too damaged, you will need to prove these things with receipts when filing a claim. So, never throw a receipt during home insurance claims.

Do have your details with you: Your insurance provider will require you to provide your personal information when you call them. Make sure you have them near you.

At JC Demo Insurance Group, we help customers find policies that best fit their style, budget, and needs. If you are looking for home insurance around Matthews, NC,  JC Demo insurance is here for you. Try us today!

Do I Need to Carry Auto Insurance on my Car if I Put It in Storage?

In Matthews, NC, the agents of JC Demo Insurance Group can help you keep your vehicle protected even if it has to be placed in storage. Putting your car in storage takes it off of the road, but it doesn’t eliminate all of the different risks it may be exposed to. Making sure it is properly insured at all times is the best way to protect your investment.

Reasons for Storing Your Car

There are several reasons for putting your car in storage. One of the most common is that it is a second vehicle and that won’t be driven if you go on a lengthy vacation or return home for the summer. Individuals who live in North Carolina for only a few months out of the year, often have a vehicle at their winter home for added convenience. Putting it in storage helps to keep it safe during the long months that you are away.

Making Sure It Is Properly Insured

Just because your vehicle isn’t being driven on the road, doesn’t mean all of your risks are put to rest. Your car may be stolen or damaged by vandals. It could possibly be damaged by something falling on it if the building it is stored in is compromised in any way. Making sure it is properly insured is the best way to reduce your risk and protect your investment.

The agents of JC Demo Insurance Group are always available to help residents living in the Matthews, NC area find the right coverage for their vehicles. This includes when they have to be placed in storage for any length of time. Call and schedule an appointment with an agent today!

Three Questions You must ask about Home Insurance in North Carolina

When looking for adequate home insurance, it’s natural for us all to have questions. North Carolina residents are no different from the next person. Our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are here for you in getting those questions answered. If you live in the North Carolina area, here are three important questions you must ask about home insurance.

When is windstorm and hail coverage necessary?

North Carolina normally has mild weather compared to other American states. However, some of its residents do live in the beach and coastal areas. That’s when a separate windstorm and hail policy is good to have, assuming it is excluded from your primary home insurance policy. If this coverage is offered to you separately, it is written by a tax-exempt association of insurance companies called The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA).

How does deductible work in a home policy?

Your deductible is a portion of a covered claim you are responsible for paying. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage of your total dwelling coverage amount. There are various deductible options. That’s why you must review any deductibles you have on the declaration page of your policy.

What is excluded from my policy?

When deciding on a policy, you must ask your agent what is excluded from it. Depending on your home’s location, age, and other factors, you must decide whether it’s necessary to request a separate policy. Talk to your agent to discuss whether or not this is right for you.

Contact our agents today

Our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group are here for you in giving you the answers to your puzzling home insurance questions. Don’t delay. Contact us to get a quote today. 

Three problems your auto insurance policy can solve for you in North Carolina

Auto insurance is an essential product to invest in for a variety of reasons. Vehicle owners in Matthews, NC can benefit in numerous ways by investing in an auto insurance policy. At JC Demo Insurance Group, we’re here to help area residents meet their auto insurance needs.

The following are three problems that your auto insurance policy can solve for you in North Carolina. 

Meeting state liability coverage requirements

You are required by North Carolina law to meet certain insurance requirements. You are required to purchase at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $25,000 for property damage. 

Purchasing adequate auto insurance coverage will provide you with the proof of insurance that you’ll need to register a vehicle in North Carolina.  

Paying for repairs to your vehicle after an accident

Being involved in an auto accident can be incredibly expensive. A severe accident can make it so that your vehicle requires repairs before it can operate properly again. Some auto accidents result in total losses where a vehicle must be completely replaced.

If you invest in collision coverage, your auto insurance can cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident. 

Getting roadside assistance when your vehicle breaks down

Many auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an extra feature on their policies. With roadside assistance, you can receive assistance if your vehicle breaks down.

Roadside assistance will usually involve a tow truck coming to pick up your vehicle and take it to a nearby garage. This helpful service can be a lifesaver when you experience a breakdown. 

Are you on the market for the right insurance policy in Matthews, NC? Contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group to learn more about our insurance policy offerings. 

Why you need life insurance

As we all mature, buy a house, get married, have children and grandchildren, and potentially start a business, the idea of obtaining a life insurance policy begins to take shape. Having a sound financial plan in place as you age is a good idea that will give you the peace of mind you need and deserve.

There are many reasons to obtain a life insurance policy and one of them is to protect our loved ones after we are gone from this earth. This is very important to people of all ages because even if you are a younger parent, your children need to be provided for in the event you die suddenly and unexpectedly. Money from your life insurance policy can provide the people who mean the most to you with the things they need, such as housing, childcare, and other essentials.

Many times when someone dies who had no life insurance policy in place, their family has to dip into their own savings or ask for assistance from the public for funeral expenses. If you have a life insurance policy, this can pay for your final expenses and possibly leave some amount as an inheritance for your children and grandchildren.

A life insurance policy can also alleviate debt that you still had when you died, such as a mortgage, vehicle loans, or credit cards. It is unfair to saddle your children or spouse with these types of debts when you die and by having a life insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind in knowing everything will be taken care of when you pass away.

To create the best life insurance policy for you and your situation, you will need to enlist the assistance of an experienced life insurance agent. The staff at the JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC is ready to assist you with all of your life insurance needs. Call for an appointment today!

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.