Why Teens Have Higher Insurance Rates

If you’re a teen driver or a parent of a teen driver you may already be aware that the insurance rates for these youngest of drivers are quite high. If you live in the Matthews, NC area, you may be wondering why adding your teen to your insurance costs so much.

Why the rates are higher

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the accident rate for drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 is higher than in any other age group. Driving is a complicated skill that takes time to develop. The problem is that the only way to get experience driving is to do it, and driving itself can sometimes be dangerous. Insurance companies know that teen drivers are at a higher risk for a claim, not because they’re necessarily more reckless, but because they don’t have the experience and mature judgment that older drivers have developed over time. Insurance companies aren’t "out to get" teen drivers. However, all drivers in higher risk categories, such as those with several tickets or accidents and, yes, teen drivers too, will pay higher insurance premiums.

What teens can do to keep rates as low as possible

While teens can’t do anything about their ages, they can keep their insurance rates as low as possible by doing a few things. First, teens should drive safely to keep a clean driving record. Things like traffic tickets and accidents can make insurance rates go even higher. Second, teens can ask the insurance agents at JC Demo Insurance Group about discounts for things like good grades or taking drivers’ education classes at school. Third, teens should consider carefully which cars are driven. Different cars have different insurance costs, so it may pay to shop around.

If you have questions about teen automobile insurance or any other insurance questions, contact the folks at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the Matthews, NC area.

Will Adding an Extra Living Room Add Value to Your Home?

When it comes to adding value to your home, you may have heard before that adding on an extra living room is a great way to accomplish this goal. And the truth is, it really is a great way. Adding any type of living space to your home is an excellent way to add to its value, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and living room especially. It is of the utmost importance that you make sure the extra living room is added onto your home in the right spot, connecting it to a hallway or walkway area that easily accesses other parts of the home. 

Why is adding on a living room of so much value to a home?

People can use a living room for many purposes. From using it as an office or workspace to letting it be an area where the kids can keep their toys, there are multiple purposes that can be customized to meet a family’s specific needs and preferences. If you are looking to use a living room to provide storage space, you can always decorate with storage that is versatile. Take for example a living room ottoman that has the ability to store DVDs or kid’s toys. Or a couch that opens up and allows you to store items. Almost any type of furniture piece can be used for multiple purposes, you just have to research your options. 

As you can see, adding on an extra living room to your home is an excellent way to add value to your home, so contact JC Demo Insurance Group today to learn more about home value and home insurance in the Matthews, NC area. 

How Much Should I Spend for Auto Insurance?

This is a major question on practically everyone’s mind, and it’s definitely a good one. Your money is important, and whether you want to spend it on your kids or a new surfboard, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be trying to save it at every turn. Find out more about how much you should be spending in Matthews, NC. 

A Policy for Everyone 

The good news is that you really just have to meet the state limits in your state, and then after that, it’s up to you. The only problem with this is that it’s incredibly tempting for people to forego what they need for what they want. Let’s say you’re tempted by getting liability only on your car. Should you cause an accident you may not be able to make it to work, thus jeopardizing your income. JC Demo Insurance Group wants everyone to be able to keep their money, which is why we would advise you to think ahead to the potential consequences of what might happen should you skimp on your insurance now. 

Keeping Things In Perspective 

Living in Matthews, NC, you should understand that your car is extremely important, as are the lives of the people who are on the road. Even extremely small accidents can cost people a lot of money, and it makes it difficult to handle when you’re not prepared. If you truly feel that you have the savings and alternative plans to handle anything that might happen to you, then you will at least feel as though you have all of the facts in front of you. To find out more about those facts or to request a quote for price comparison, call JC Demo Insurance Group for more information today!

 

Tips for Home Maintenance in the Fall

Fall has officially arrived.   The leaves are beginning to change colors and temperatures are dropping to a cool and comfortable level.  Is your home ready for fall?  At JC Demo Insurance Group of Matthews, NC, we believe that proactive preparation is the best defense against unexpected issues arising with your home.  Here are some tips to prepare your home for fall and the upcoming winter.

Make Sure to Clean Your Gutters and Roof

As leaves begin to fall, these can clog up the gutters.   Make sure to clean them out regularly, especially while the weather is still pleasant to be out in.  Check your roof for any loose or missing shingles and make sure to clear off any debris.

Prepare to Transition from Air Conditioning to Furnace Usage

While North Carolina winters are fairly mild compared to other parts of the country, it does still get cold.  Winterize your air conditioning unit and make sure to get your furnace inspected.  The furnace should be checked for leaks and carbon monoxide levels.

Perform Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance Before Using Them

It is enjoyable to have a cozy fire going in the fall and winter.  But before you use it in the upcoming months, it is a good idea to have it cleaned and inspected.  This helps prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide and ensures it is in good working order.

Regular seasonal home maintenance is an important way to protect one of your biggest investments, your home.  It is also important that your house is insured to protect you against unforeseen accidents and disasters.  Contact one of the agents at JC Demo Insurance Group of Matthews, NC to learn more information on the types of insurance coverage we recommend for your home.  

 

 

Why Your Auto Insurance Rates Are Different from Your Friend’s

When you first get your car insurance policy set up in Matthews, NC, you may have a variety of feelings about it. You might wonder how to budget the expense into the rest of your necessities, or you may be annoyed that you have to take the time for the practical before you can get to the fun of driving. You may even hate the idea of considering all the bad things that can happen to your baby. But one of the worst feelings is later finding out your friend is paying a very different rate from you. JC Demo Insurance Group wants you to know why this happens. 

Insurance Is Specific 

States and cities differ depending on the amount of people, amount of accidents and crime rates. So if you’re more likely to have your car stolen then your rate will be higher than your friends. It also has everything to do with how safe you are on the road, so if your friend not only has no accidents or tickets but also tends to drive rarely and then only to their children’s school for drop-offs, then it’s easier to see why they’re paying less than you. Practically everything you do or don’t do is tied in with your rates, so if you want a lower rate, then you may want to pick a safer and more practical car, or stop trying to see how high over the speed limit you can go before you get pulled over. 

JC Demo Insurance Group 

We serve Matthews, NC and we’re here to talk you through how you can optimize your insurance rate. Call us if you’re looking for a new quote or want to know how different choices will affect your premium rate. 

 

 

Tips and Tricks to Keep Your North Carolina Home Safe During Fall

Residents of Matthews, North Carolina very often look forward to the fall season, just as residents of other cities around the United States often do. I mean, who can hate fall? The leaves are beautiful, the whether is cool – but not too cold – and there are some great seasonal holidays to look forward to such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. And yet, for all of the comfort and all of the fun that the seasonal changes bring, there are just as many things that the seasonal changes can bring that are a nuisance (or perhaps worse). Cold and dry weather can hurt your home, as can clogged gutters. Here are some handy tips and tricks to keep your home running as smoothly as possible.

One of the first tips that people will often tell you to deal with is to check your doors and windows. This is one of the key areas where the cold whether is most able to creep inside, and when it happens, this is typically due to poor sealant or poor quality of the make of the doors and/or windows. If you have poor insulation from the outside weather, not only can this cause you to spend more money on your heating or air conditioning (depending on the kind of weather you are facing), this can also cause your woodwork and furniture to suffer due to the dryer weather. The wood absorbs the moisture in the air, and without proper insurance covering this, replacing and/or fixing these things may have you paying entirely out of pocket.

It is not too late for Matthews, NC residents to be extra prepared for the fall weather – in addition to all of the practical home improvements, you can seek out the proper insurance plan as well. JC Demo Insurance Group is happy to help you find the insurance plan that is right for you.

No Regrets: Choosing Home Insurance That Works for You

Everyone has a different view and opinion of home insurance in Matthews, NC. Some people are incredibly cautious and want to ensure that they’ve accounted for every possible event, while other people think that it’s a better bet to get the minimum coverage and just take their chances. Here are a few things to consider before you decide whether or not you want extra coverage on your home. 

Can You Afford the Damages?

This is not just about property damages or about the belongings within the house. If you can’t handle the total costs of potential events and would rather not declare bankruptcy over these issues, then you may want to consider getting additional coverage. Litigation, natural disasters and theft can all end up costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars, even if you think that your home and things inside are of nominal value. 

Understanding the Consequences 

Very few people know their insurance policy inside and out. For instance, many people believe that their home insurance would cover a flood in Matthews, NC, only to find out that they actually have to deal with the water damage on their own (which can be incredibly expensive.) Getting caught unawares is one of the absolute worst feelings in the world, and one that you certainly don’t want to experience after you’ve already been through a terrible disaster. Should you choose to opt out of additional home coverage with full knowledge of your choices, at least you won’t feel blindsided should something terrible happen to you. 

JC Demo Insurance Group Inc. 

Our agents take the time to explain all of this and more to you. As experienced consultants, we want everyone to be aware of what their decisions mean for what is typically the most expensive piece of property they own. If you’re wondering if you should up your coverage, give JC Demo Insurance Group Inc.  a call today for more information! 

 

Why auto insurance is a must in Matthews, NC

Located on the outskirts of Charlotte, Matthews, North Carolina is a suburb that allows residents to be close to all the good things a big city has to offer, but also distance themselves from all the bad things the city has as well. Because of this distance, however, most residents will need vehicles to get around, which means they will probably also need auto insurance of some kind. Below are some of the reasons why auto insurance is a must in Matthews, NC.

FIRST, IT’S THE LAW

Everyone who drives in North Carolina needs auto insurance of some kind so that they can cover an accident that they cause, at the very least. If you don’t have auto insurance or proof of it while you are driving, you will get a ticket if you are pulled over and then still have to get auto insurance before you can legally drive again.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF FINANCIALLY WHILE ON THE ROAD

Auto insurance protects you financially while you are driving. If you don’t have it and are in an accident, you will have to pay for your vehicle’s damage, the other vehicle’s damage or property damage caused by the accident and any medical bills that are incurred from the accident as well out of your own pocket. This could easily be tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is enough to cripple you financially for a long time. So with auto insurance, this is no longer a concern.

PROTECTION AGAINST LAWSUITS

Sometimes those involved in an accident want to sue for more money or damages. The auto insurance company will protect you from this lawsuit in most cases, rather than you having to deal with it yourself and being on the hook for payment if you lose. 

3 Things to Do After an Auto Accident

Car accidents are unexpected and frightening. Regardless of how careful and cautious a driver you are, you can still be involved in an auto accident. JC Demo Insurance Group is here for you, and will help you through this tough time by providing peace of mind. Read on for three things you must do after you have been involved in an auto accident.

1. Be Prepared

Accidents can’t be predicted, so one of the best things that you can do is to be as prepared as possible. You need at least one set of cones and emergency warning triangles to help to notify traffic and to alert authorities to where the accident occurred.

2. Assess the Situation

Try to remain calm after an accident. If you are alert and able to move, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you are unsure if someone is hurt, then you should call an ambulance. Minor accidents can be moved to one side of the road where they are not blocking traffic. Your vehicle’s hazard lights should remain on at all times.

3. For the Record

You need to notify your insurance agent immediately. Whether you feel the accident was your fault or not, do not mention or accept fault at the scene of the accident. Police officers will ask you to account for the damages and ask for specifics regarding the wreck. Do not sign any documents from the other party involved in the wreck. Take as many notes as possible, including damages to all vehicles involved in the wreck, information for all drivers involved, and witness information.

The state of North Carolina requires all drivers to have insurance coverage that is equal to the state’s minimum coverage law. JC Insurance Demo group is ready to help you get the coverage you need. Shop online today to get started.
 

My business hasn’t turned a profit yet. Do I need commercial insurance?

Every business goes through periods of ups and downs.  This is especially true when a business is first establishing itself; the costs of advertising and new equipment can quickly eat through any profit that the business might make. For a business owner, this can be a particularly trying experience, and all too often they decide to look for other places to cut costs. Unfortunately, too many business owners make the decision to cut their commercial insurance coverage in order to save money.

The truth is that this relatively low-cost coverage is one of the last things that should be cut.  Commercial insurance is often the only thing that protects a business from criminal activity, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events. 

When a business is losing money, it’s often because it just made a big investment in property or equipment.  While it may appear as if there is no money being made, the truth is that profit will come as a result of the investment.  If something happens to that equipment, however, the entire investment is lost.  That prevents the business from ever turning a profit again.

Business owners should consider their commercial insurance as insurance for their investments rather than as a business expense on their equipment and inventory.  Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to save money on a commercial insurance policy.

Talk to the agents at JC Demo Insurance Group if you’re thinking about altering your commercial insurance. They can help you to look for discounts and make suggestions about what changes could be made to help your business to reduce its insurance costs.