How Will Auto Insurance Help Me If I Get Injured?

Since North Carolina is an at-fault state, your medical coverage will come from the other driver’s insurance if you were the victim. However, it is also a contributory negligence state, so you have to be 100 percent the victim in order to be covered. If there is proof that something was faulty in your driving, you may not have all of your medical expenses covered. Since it is a complicated matter, you should consult with an insurance expert in Matthews, NC (like JC Demo Insurance Group).

Medical Payments Coverage

If the other driver is fully at fault, then their insurance will give you medical payments coverage. This type of coverage will be able to pay for your copays and deductibles from your medical insurance. Necessary treatments that your insurance does not cover may also be covered. Even if you are without health insurance, MPC will pay your bills. If the other driver does not have auto insurance, which is illegal, they will still be legally required to pay your bills.

What You Should Never Do After An Accident

  •   Do not apologize and brush the incident off. You need to go through the proper routine of having the authorities involved and swapping insurance information. If you allow the driver to get away, they can then accuse you of causing the accident.
  • Do not accept any cash settlements outside of court.
  • Do not attempt to move injured persons until the authorities arrive.

Since the legal system can be tricky in this state, you should have an expert help you when making a claim. If you within the Matthews, NC area, consult with JC Demo Insurance Group to help you learn about medical claims with auto insurance.

Is It Time To Update Yor Auto Insurance Policy?

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.

Does Auto Insurance Cover the Cost of Pets in your car?

Our pets are like family and for many, it is a gamble to get them into the car. There are some that worry that their pets are not covered it the event of an accident. For those in the Hope Hills, NC area, the agents with Cross Creek Insurance can help you to understand just what your pets are covered for.

For the most part, pets are covered to a certain extent on all auto policies without your having to buy any extra coverage. What this means is that injury to pets is covered up to $1,000 for bills to the vet but this is not going to cover the cost of all the bills in the event of very serious injury. If your pet is just in need of a check up after an accident, the built in coverage will be enough to serve your needs. If your pet is seriously injured you are going to have to pay the remainder of the bill out of pocket.

Overall, if you have pets that travel with you in the car once or twice every few months, you are likely not going to need a huge policy to cover them. If they ride with you often, however, your risk of them being injured in an accident is much higher and you likely need more coverage. For those that have their pets in the car often, it may be beneficial to take out an extra umbrella of coverage to take care of them. You can purchase extra coverage through your auto policy or you can purchase a separate pet policy that covers your pet both in the car and at home. For those in the Hope Hills, NC area, the agents with Cross Creek Insurance can help you to cover your pets.  

Will Auto Insurance Cover Pothole Damage to Your Car?

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.

 

Misconceptions About Auto Insurance You Need to Forget

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

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.

Auto Insurance North Carolina

North Carolina is a hurricane state. When a hurricane is on the radar, drivers in the state are warned of peril in road travel ahead. Not surprisingly, auto insurance coverage is a must for drivers in North Carolina. Mandated auto liability coverage is often supplemented by comprehensive collision and damage insurance, as well as coverage for uninsured motorist risk in case of accident with a driver without adequate auto insurance. Protect your property from natural disaster.

Auto Insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina State’s Motor Vehicle Law mandates Automobile Liability coverage be continuously maintained by a driver. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements for a single policy holder, are $30,000 for bodily Injury for one person, $60,000 bodily Injury for multiple persons injured in an accident, and a minimum of $25,000 for property damage to an insured’s vehicle.

When shopping for auto insurance, look for a policy that covers compensation for a range of damages and injuries that may be sustained as result of hospitalization, medical care, vehicle repair and replacement after an accident. Some policies provide coverage for lost wages for time spent off work injured, regardless of fault in a collision. The rules to auto insurance agreements in North Carolina, also cover terms and conditions to liability and damages for road accidents caused by natural disaster.

Hurricane Disaster, Salvage Vehicle

In North Carolina when there is a hurricane, insurance companies often declare an insured’s property a “salvage vehicle”. The classification of salvage vehicle is applied to autos with irreparable damage or natural disaster related accident wreckage from a hurricane. The definition of salvage vehicle is applied if repairs cost more than 75 percent of the fair market value of the vehicle. This makes auto liability and collision coverage supplements for vehicle damage especially attractive to North Carolina drivers. 

If an auto is declared “totaled” compensation for market value is covered under North Carolina rules to salvage vehicles. An insured can either retain the vehicle, or sign the title over to the insurance company. Insurance companies auction or junk salvage vehicle assignments for cash. Insurers or dealers selling salvaged vehicles have a duty to disclose the status of the property to the purchaser in writing. Sellers concealing damage to vehicle are commissioning a misdemeanor punishable by fines in North Carolina.

For auto insurance coverage in North Carolina, contact a licensed auto insurance broker with JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC.

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.

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!

 

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.