Prepare Your Home for Summer’s Storms in North Carolina

As summer approaches in Matthews, NC, so do the storms and the damage they can cause. While we can’t control Mother Nature, there are steps you can take to ensure your home is prepared for both expected and unexpected weather events. From securing loose items to reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy, here are a few tips to help protect your home from severe weather. 

Secure Loose Items Around Your Home 

Secure any loose items outside is one of the essential steps to prepare your home for summer storms. This includes anything that could become airborne and cause damage in strong winds – patio furniture, umbrellas, garden structures, and play equipment should all be secured or brought indoors during severe weather events. It is also essential to trim trees close to your home and ensure dead branches have been removed. 

Install Window Shutters or Impact-Resistant Glass 

If you live in an area with frequent severe storms, installing window shutters or impact-resistant glass windows on your house is a good idea. This will help protect against flying debris which can easily break regular glass windows when wind speeds increase during a storm. It’s best to consult with a professional contractor specializing in hurricane protection if you decide this route is best for your home.  

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy 

When protecting your property from severe weather events, one of the best things you can do is review your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to get one! Speak with JC Demo Insurance Group representatives specializing in home insurance in Matthews, NC, and surrounding areas. We review coverage options with you so that if something does happen during a storm event, you can rest assured knowing that you are fully protected under the right policy for your needs!  

Review or obtain a homeowners insurance policy from JC Demo Insurance Group today!

Why does a North Carolina business need to have commercial insurance?

The Matthews, NC area has continued to be an excellent place to be a small business owner. The growing economy and continued support for local businesses will help any organization improve its chances of success. If you opt to start a company here, it is essential that you get insurance for it. Your North Carolina business needs to have this coverage for various reasons. 

Financial Support

Financial support is an important reason for any business in this part of North Carolina to get commercial coverage. A proper commercial plan can ensure you have coverage if you are a victim of theft, fire, vandalism, or other covered perils that result in a loss. Further, you will have commercial liability support. This will be very helpful if you are found liable for damages incurred by another party, as it will offer financial coverage up to the policy limit.  

Insurance is Often Required

You also may need coverage for your business in North Carolina because it is a requirement. Many companies today are obligated by lenders, investors, vendors, and clients to carry this coverage. These parties will want your business to have this insurance as it can help to protect their investment in your business. Keeping insurance will ensure you remain in compliance with such obligations. 

It is always helpful for a business in the Matthews, NC area to have commercial coverage. If you want to learn more about this coverage or start the process of getting this insurance, you should call our team at the JC Demo Insurance Group. At the JC Demo Insurance Group, we are focused on ensuring you can build the right plan for your business. 

Life Insurance Leaves a Loving Legacy for Your Family

The JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, and the surrounding area, can provide this vital coverage for your family’s protection.

But why is life insurance so important? It protects your loved ones from the potentially devastating financial losses that could result in the event of your passing. It provides financial security, pays off debts, pays living expenses, and pays medical and final expenses.

There are three types of life insurance.

  • Term life insurance offers coverage for a pre-determined period – usually 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Coverage expires when the term ends. However, most term life insurance policies offer optional riders allowing you to renew or convert your policy.
  • Whole life insurance does not expire as long as you continue to pay the premiums. This type of insurance offers a cash value component that has growth potential. You can borrow from the cash value, but withdrawals or loans may be subject to an income tax liability, reduce the cash value and death benefit, and cause the policy to lapse. Loans accrue interest.
  • Universal life insurance is similar to whole life because it does not expire as long as the premiums are paid. With this type of coverage, you can adjust the premium and death benefit. However, there must be enough cash value to cover monthly charges if a premium payment is missed. Additional premium payments may be needed to keep the policy in force. Any increase in coverage is subject to underwriting.

Certain debts do not go away upon your death. Your loved ones may need to use the money from your estate or sell off other assets to cover them. Do not leave your family in financial straits.

Contact the JC Demo Insurance Group today for a no-obligation quote. You will be glad you did.

Is Clutter Affecting Your Home Insurance Coverage?

If you’ve been struggling to keep your Matthews, NC home organized and tidy, it could be more than just an inconvenience—it may also affect your home insurance coverage. There are some circumstances in which clutter can make a home ineligible for certain types of coverage, so it’s essential to understand the risks involved and put a plan in place to mitigate them. In this post, JC Demo Insurance Group explains.

The Hazards of Clutter 

Clutter can come in many forms—from stacks of old newspapers and magazines to piles of clothing or toys that never seem to stay put. No matter what form it takes, clutter can cause serious damage inside and outside of your home. For example, if a pile of books falls over onto an electrical outlet, it could cause a fire. It can also attract pests like mice or cockroaches, carrying disease into your living space. In addition, clutter can make it difficult for firefighters or other first responders to get around quickly should an emergency arise. 

Insurance Implications 

Understanding that clutter isn’t necessarily excluded from home insurance policies is essential. However, if too much clutter in your home poses a significant hazard, insurers may be reluctant to provide coverage in certain cases. This is because clutter increases the risk of fires and other disasters within your house’s walls. To have access to full coverage for their homes, homeowners must demonstrate that their property is safe from hazards such as excessive clutter. 

Keeping your Matthews, NC home free from excess clutter can save you money on future insurance costs. Do you still have questions? Contact JC Demo Insurance Group today!

Questions You Should Ask an Insurance Agent Before Purchasing Auto Insurance

It is not easy to find good car insurance as there are many aspects of the coverage to consider. You will most likely deal with insurance agents when shopping for auto insurance.

What Questions Should You Ask an Insurance Agent Before Buying an Auto Policy?

Here is a list of the main questions to ask:

How much will I pay for my insurance?

Your monthly premium depends on an insurance company and specific factors, including the following:

  • Driving history
  • The value of your car
  • Marital status
  • Driving experience
  • Occupation
  • Annual mileage
  • Gender and age

Ask an insurance agent about all these factors, the cost of your insurance, and the options to lower your premium. 

What is my deductible?

A deductible is an amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The higher deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be. However, choosing an insurance plan with a high deductible is risky because you may not be able to afford it. You should remember that you have to pay the deductible first before your insurance kicks in. Therefore, make sure to have a deductible you can afford. 

What if I have to file a claim?

Make sure to ask an agent about the process of filing a claim. Will you have to deal directly with an insurance agent or a claims adjuster? It is never fun to file a claim, so it is important to know how exactly the process of filing a claim goes.  

JC Demo Insurance Group – Your Reliable and Trustworthy Insurance Company in Matthews, NC

Suppose you are shopping for auto insurance and need help with finding the perfect auto insurance plan. In that case, you should contact JC Demo Insurance Group serving clients in Matthews, NC, and other surrounding areas. Our company specializes in different types of insurance, and one of them is auto insurance. If you have any questions, feel free to browse our website or give us a call – one of our experienced insurance agents will provide you with the information you need. 

When should I buy life insurance?

Many people put off buying life insurance because they think they don’t need it or don’t have time. But the fact is, everyone needs life insurance, and it’s never too late to buy a policy. It is important to know when you should buy life insurance and how to go about getting a policy. We can offer some tips for reviewing your policy and ensuring it meets your needs.

Different policies at different stages of life

The first step in determining whether you need life insurance is calculating how much coverage you might need. This will depend on several factors, including age, income, debts, and dependents. Some general guidelines suggest that you should aim for at least five to ten times your annual salary in coverage. This may be more if you have a young family and a large mortgage and could be less if you have fewer responsibilities and debts.

Once you have determined how much coverage you need, the next step is to compare rates and choose a policy. Different providers will offer different terms and premiums, so it’s essential to research and find the right fit for your situation.

Once you have enrolled in a life insurance policy, it’s crucial to review it regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs. This might involve updating your beneficiaries or changing the amount of coverage based on changes in your financial situation. With proper care and attention, a life insurance policy can provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your family for many years.

Contact us today!

Call JC Demo Insurance Group today if you have any questions about how much life insurance you should carry. We proudly serve the Matthews, NC area.

Commercial Insurance Protects Your Livelihood

Are you a business owner in the Matthews, NC area? If so, is your business insured? If not, the JC Demo Insurance Group can provide the necessary protection.

Commercial insurance is one of the most vital investments you can make when starting a new company. A good commercial insurance policy protects your company from severe financial loss. It can be the difference between going out of business or staying afloat in the case of a costly lawsuit. It is important to be knowledgeable about the different types of commercial insurance.

There are three main types of commercial insurance.

  • Liability insurance protects your company against damage inflicted on any employee, customer, or client. It covers the cost of the property or personal injury lawsuits that occur in your place of business.
  • Property insurance covers any damage to the business property, such as a fire or flood.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance offers you protection in case any of your employees are hurt or become ill because of their job. This coverage prevents employees from filing a lawsuit for negligence against you.

There are specialized forms of insurance coverage under each of these broad categories that protect you from liabilities related to your business.

Remember that as your business grows, your insurance needs may change. Become knowledgeable about commercial insurance so that you can expand your coverage.

Your insurance agent can discuss specific losses common to your business and present coverage options for your business. Don’t be unclear about terms or conditions; ask questions about specialized information. Open communication with your agent is vital.

The JC Demo Insurance Group professionals can provide a no-obligation quote or answer any questions you may have. Contact our office today. You will be glad you did.

 

The Importance of Regularly Replacing Your Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers help remove rain and debris from your windshield while driving. This helps to ensure you can see as you are on the road. Here at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the greater Matthews, NC area, we know that many drivers know what their windshield wipers are used for but do not often realize why replacing them regularly is so important. Here are a couple of those reasons. 

It helps Increase Your Visibility.

The number one reason why it is so vital that you regularly replace your windshield wipers is that doing so helps to increase your visibility. It helps to ensure that you cannot see due to smudges or smears that can occur when your windshield wipers are worn or damaged. 

It helps Prevent Windshield Damage

The other reason why it is so crucial that you regularly replace your windshield wipers is that worn wipers can damage your windshield, leaving behind scratches. These scratches can be permanent, and the only way to remove them may be to replace your windshield. Your windshield is much more expensive than simply replacing your windshield wipers. 

Having windshield wipers in good condition helps to ensure that moisture and debris can be removed from your windshield while driving, helping to decrease the chances of an accident occurring because you cannot see. While replacing your wipers can help to decrease your chances of an accident for these reasons, it can not prevent an auto accident altogether. This is why having auto insurance that fully covers and protects you is so important. The JC Demo Insurance Group team, serving the greater Matthews, NC area, can help you find the right insurance policy. Call us today to get started. 

The Importance of Regularly Replacing Your Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers help remove rain and debris from your windshield while driving. This helps to ensure you can see as you are on the road. Here at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving the greater Matthews, NC area, we know that many drivers know what their windshield wipers are used for but do not often realize why replacing them regularly is so important. Here are a couple of those reasons. 

It helps Increase Your Visibility.

The number one reason why it is so vital that you regularly replace your windshield wipers is that doing so helps to increase your visibility. It helps to ensure that you cannot see due to smudges or smears that can occur when your windshield wipers are worn or damaged. 

It helps Prevent Windshield Damage

The other reason why it is so crucial that you regularly replace your windshield wipers is that worn wipers can damage your windshield, leaving behind scratches. These scratches can be permanent, and the only way to remove them may be to replace your windshield. Your windshield is much more expensive than simply replacing your windshield wipers. 

Having windshield wipers in good condition helps to ensure that moisture and debris can be removed from your windshield while driving, helping to decrease the chances of an accident occurring because you cannot see. While replacing your wipers can help to decrease your chances of an accident for these reasons, it can not prevent an auto accident altogether. This is why having auto insurance that fully covers and protects you is so important. The JC Demo Insurance Group team, serving the greater Matthews, NC area, can help you find the right insurance policy. Call us today to get started. 

Home Insurance for Your Historic Home

Founded during the 1800s, Matthews, NC offers many historic properties, but these require the coverage of a specific home insurance policy – an HO8 policy. The HO8 policy from JC Demo Insurance Group covers any architecturally significant home but most frequently gets purchased locally to cover older properties.

Which Homes Qualify for an HO8 Policy?

While owners of newly built homes typically choose HO3 policies, owners of homes designated for historical preservation purchase HO8 policies. Others qualify for this beneficial policy, though.

  • If you own a home built 50 years ago or more, your home may qualify for a historical policy. Some underwriters allow these policies for homes built as recently as 40 years ago.
  • Suppose you own an architecturally significant home, such as one designed by a world-famous architect or built in a unique style or with imported materials. In that case, your home may qualify for an HO8 policy.

What Makes an HO8 Policy Different?

A historical home policy offers replacement cost value for a historic or architecturally significant home. That means that if something happens to destroy the house you own, your policy would fully cover rebuilding it. 

So, if you import carved wood doors from Italy, and fire damages them, your HO8 policy covers replacing them – not with any old doors, but with new carved wood doors from Italy by the same artisan. An HO3 policy wouldn’t typically cover the replacement of the exact materials originally used.

Contact JC Demo Insurance Group

Contact JC Demo Insurance Group to learn more about protecting your historical home in Matthews, NC with an HO8 policy. Let us help you protect your investment.