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. 

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. 

It’s important to protect your car with auto insurance in Matthews, NC. Although you will want to adhere to state standards, there are optional coverage levels that you can explore, too. With the help of our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group, we can see to it that you have a customized policy.

What the State Requires

The easiest and fastest way to protect at least the basics of your car is with the state-mandated insurance in North Carolina. The state requires you to maintain a certain minimum level of liability for property damage and bodily injury. This coverage will be a part of any auto insurance that you buy. It will cover you in the event you’re in a collision with another vehicle.

After you meet the state requirements, you are still vulnerable to other scenarios, including:

• Collisions with debris in the road, animals, and other non-vehicles
• Hail and storm damage
• Hit and runs

The good news is that there are a few other forms of coverage that you can choose to add to your policy.

Exploring Optional Coverage

Our independent insurance agents can help you to explore collision and comprehensive coverage. Neither of these is required by the state but can offer a significant amount of protection in the event that you get into an accident or experience some kind of damage.

Collision coverage protects you against any collision that might occur with a non-vehicle. Whether you experience a rollover when going around a sharp turn, collide with a guard rail, or hit a deer in the middle of the road, you would be covered.

Comprehensive coverage protects you against all non-driving related incidents, such as hail damage, a rogue shopping cart, or something else that might occur when you’re not even behind the wheel.

Start shopping for more comprehensive auto insurance in North Carolina by calling us at JC Demo Insurance Group today.

Any car registered in NC must be insured for liability, says G.S. 20-309, a state law, which further states said insurance must be issued by an insurance company licensed by said state. This is because accidents are all too common. There were 20,326 car crashes in 2018 in Mecklenburg County alone. JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC, offers these recommendations to help you avoid a crash.

Making Complete Stops

Stop. Wait three seconds. Then go. This constitutes a complete stop. A rolling stop is careless and dangerous.

Looking Left, Right, Left

Look left, then right, then left again, before pulling out, because cars coming from the left will impact you first.

Keeping a Safe Distance

The “two-second rule” states that two seconds should pass between the car in front of you passing a fixed point and you pass that same point.

Changing Lanes Carefully

When changing lanes, check your side and rear-view mirrors, then look over your shoulder to check your blind spot, as well as other lanes to ensure another driver isn’t moving into that spot.

Ignoring Distractions Until the Next Stop

In 2018, 19.2 percent of crashes in Mecklenburg County were caused by distractions. Use your phone after you arrive.

Being Sober

There were 904 alcohol-related crashes in Mecklenburg County in 2018. Other drugs slow your reaction time, as well. Say no if driving.

Obeying the Speed Limit

Driving too fast can cause you to miss vital cues, like road signs or another driver’s intentions.

Driving Defensively

You may drive well, but not everyone does. Being cognizant of other drivers may save your life.

Many drivers are under-insured or not insured. Now, before you’re in a crash, protect yourself. Contact JC Demo Insurance Group, located in Matthews, NC, for information and details.

Although modern technology has aided in the decline of automobiles over the past decade, there is still a high rate of stolen vehicles in the United States, including the area of Matthews, NC. In order to protect your automobile from being a crime of opportunity, there are a few steps you can take to deter potential thieves. JC Demo Insurance Group has put together a few tips to protect your auto from theft.

Park in Plain View

When parking your vehicle, especially in areas such as work or school where you will not have a visual view of your automobile, it’s important to park in an area where others will notice any potential thieves. You should never park behind a privacy fence or in the extreme back area of a parking lot. When parking at night, be sure to park in areas that have access to lighting, such as from a street light or porch light. When at home, park in the garage whenever possible.

Don’t Leave it Running

To avoid the risk of your vehicle being stolen, you should never leave your vehicle running, especially in an area where you cannot see the car. It’s also recommended that you not leave the vehicle running in the driveway while you are in the house. If you must warm your vehicle before driving, it’s best to start the car and let it warm up while you clean the windows.

Remove all Valuables

Before exiting your vehicle remove all valuables, including the cords for phones and electrical devices. If a thief spots a cord, they will assume the device that belongs to the cord is also in the vehicle, so do not leave them in view. Put briefcases, purses and other valuables that you aren’t taking with you in the trunk.

Always lock your vehicle before leaving it. If keys are lost or stolen, be sure to have the locks changed on your vehicle. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle from theft is to install a quality alarm as well as a tracking device, which will allow officials to locate the vehicle quickly in the case of it being stolen.

To learn more information about automobile insurance or to upgrade your policy, residents of Matthews, NC should contact JC Demo Insurance Group.

Accidents happen, even to those who are excellent drivers. When you know what to do if you have a car accident, you can avoid expensive errors. Here are five things to remember if you have an accident in Matthews, NC from JC Demo Insurance Group. 

1. Move Your Car

If your car is drivable, do your best to get it off to the side of the road so you can avoid blocking traffic as much as possible. If you can get out of your car and you see that other people in the accident need help, do what you can to help them. If you can’t move your vehicle and no one is in need of assistance, stay in the car with your seat belt on to keep yourself safe from other motorists

2.  Call the Police

Your insurance company will probably want a police report to make a claim. Even if no one is hurt, call the non-emergency police number to have a police report filed. 

3. Exchange Information

You and the other driver should exchange information. You can let the other driver know your name and phone number, the name of your insurance company and your policy number. You should also jot down a brief description of the other car involved in the accident, its license plate number, the exact street address where the accident occurred, and any names and phone numbers of potential witnesses in the vicinity.  

4. Cooperate with the Police

Answer the questions that the police have and let them have your personal information as well. Do not necessarily accept blame for the accident.  Just tell the officer what occurred, and let him draw his own conclusions. 

5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

After you have finished the paperwork and the officer releases you to leave the scene, you will want to call your insurance company to let them know about the wreck. They will tell you what your next steps should be. Often, they will have the numbers of preferred repair shops and tow truck companies to help you out. Your insurance agent can help you through this process, so be sure to write down what you need to do while you are on the phone. 

Car accidents are inconvenient, but having a good insurance agent can help expedite the process and get you back on the road in your vehicle. If you need insurance in the Matthews, NC area, contact JC Demo Insurance Group today.

The color red has a bad reputation for being thought of as the color of vehicles that are involved in more accidents and whose drivers get more speeding tickets. That urban myth is not accurate. However, there are statistical differences in accident rates and traffic citations that are available regarding the color of vehicles.

Vehicle Color and Accidents

The most likely vehicle color to be involved in more accidents than other colors is black. Black-colored vehicles are difficult to see, especially at night, so they are involved in a higher proportion of accidents.

The next most likely colors for a vehicle that has more accidents are blue, gray, and silver. Darker blues, which are similar to black, are more difficult to see at night.

A red vehicle is only 7% more likely to have more accidents than the safest color for a vehicle, which is either yellow or white. The explanation of why yellow is safer is because bright yellow is a color that attracts more attention. It stands out from the surrounding environment.

A study in Australia found that white was the safest color. However, statistics from the USA show the color of white to be less safe than yellow. This determination considered the number of vehicles of a particular color that are on the road. White-colored vehicles make up 18% of the vehicles on American roads. They are involved in 25% of the accidents.

It turns out that the color of a vehicle is less of a factor in accidents than visibility and weather conditions. When thinking about getting a new car work, with your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC and the surrounding communities, to get insurance quotes for the various models under consideration.

Vehicle Color and Traffic Tickets

It turns out that red is not the most likely vehicle color to attract more traffic tickets. The top color for getting traffic tickets is white! Red is second. Gray is third and silver is fourth.

The model of a vehicle is a stronger influential factor than the color in getting traffic tickets. One study found that the top ticket-attracting models are Mercedes-Benz SL, Toyota Camry Solara, and Scion TC. These models are three or four times more likely to get a traffic ticket than other vehicles.

To get a quote for any color vehicle or model, contact your agent at JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC by calling or use the convenient online form.

Owning a car outright can be an exciting feeling! When you purchased your car using financing, there were probably stipulations put in place by your lender. Now that it’s yours and you hold the title, your insurance needs change a bit. The team at JC Demo Insurance Group is here to help you make sure that your Matthews, NC area vehicle has the coverage necessary to protect this asset. Your car is likely the most expensive item you own, outside of your home and it’s important to make sure you have adequate coverage in place.

Why your insurance needs a change after you pay off your car

The most important consideration when you are choosing the auto policy for a vehicle that you own outright is the replacement value coverage. Your car is now paid off, and if you have had it for a number of years, it is likely depreciated in value. If there is a situation that renders your car totaled, you want to make certain that your policy will cover a replacement car that will suit your needs.  Oftentimes people forget to update their policies only to find out that their payout after a total demolition is inadequate. Don’t let all of your hard work and fiscal responsibility go to waste! Review your auto policy now and add this important feature. The coverage levels that your lender required are no longer relevant; take the time to sit down with an agent and make sure you have the coverage you need!

If you are in the greater Matthews, NC area and your car is now paid off, contact the team at JC Demo Insurance Group today and learn more about the auto insurance policy options that are now available to you.

Have you ever wondered if your car insurance coverage was enough to take care of you in the event of a serious accident? Our JC Demo Insurance Group team has put together this short guide to help you determine whether the coverage you carry on your auto insurance policy is just right or too low.

Understanding State Minimum Limits for North Carolina Drivers

Before we can discuss whether a basic policy is sufficient, it is important to know what’s required by law. In North Carolina, the minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person for bodily injury with a $65,000 maximum aggregate per accident. Drivers are also required to carry $25,000 or more in property damage coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage is considered a first-party coverage and is not required unless you have a loan on your vehicle.

Is State Minimum Coverage High Enough?

In most cases, state minimum coverage is high enough. However, if you’re involved in a major accident that is determined to be your fault, there’s a chance that this amount is not high enough. Medical bills for a serious incident easily range in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and repairs to fix brand-new vehicles can easily exceed a $25,000 threshold.

Why You Should Consider a Higher Limit

One of the most common questions North Carolina drivers ask is whether they should carry higher limits on their auto insurance policy. If you have substantial assets—like a home or a business—or a moderate income, state minimum limits might not be enough if you’re involved in a serious accident. In turn, this could potentially leave you open to a possible lawsuit in the future.

JC Demo Insurance Group is proud to assist Matthews, NC residents with all of their auto insurance needs. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Like most states, North Carolina requires basic liability coverage on your automobiles, as well as some coverage for non-insured or under-insured motorists. Visit the JC Demo insurance Group in Matthews, NC to get the coverage you need for your automobile. 

Liability, of course, covers damages you cause to another car, or injuries in an accident where you are at fault.  There are some basic limits as to how much to have, but many car owners have more than the minimum. There are people who do not obey the law, and if they cause an accident, you may not be able to collect from them. That is where non-insured or under-insured coverage can protect you.

 Collision coverage covers damage to your car when you drive it into something. That something can be another car, or a tree, or a building. It covers your car when it is damaged. This is optional coverage, but you may be required to have it by the lender if you owe money on the car. If the car has high value it is a good idea to have this kind of coverage.

Comprehensive is the other main kind of insurance, and this covers everything else. This covers damage to your car from things like storms, floods, trees falling and so forth. It also covers windshield damage, fire, theft and other things out of your control.  This is also optional coverage that most people have if they have a newer car.

Call or visit the JC Demo Insurance Group on Matthews, NC to make sure you have the right coverage for your car. You may visit in person or online to get the coverage you need. If you are going to change cars, it is also a good idea to let your insurance company know before the purchase is made.