Getting Your Drivers License? Call Us First!

Before you go to the NCDMV to take your driving test or restore your driving license after a suspension, make sure you call us first! The N.C. General Assembly has enacted legislation to require some (but not all) driver license applicants in North Carolina to submit proof of automobile liability insurance coverage in order to obtain a North Carolina driver's license.

Proof of liability insurance coverage applies to those: Applying for an original license, including transfers from out-of-state; whose licenses are being restored after revocation or suspension; or Awarded a "Limited Driving Privilege" by the court.

Certification of liability insurance coverage must be submitted on DMV Form DL-123, or an original liability insurance policy, binder or an insurance card and must come from an insurance company licensed to do business in North Carolina: These documents must show: Applicant's name; Effective date of policy; Expiration date; and Date the policy was issued.  A  Form DL-123, binders and certificates are valid only for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Please make sure you call our office and add your teen driver to your policy before going to DMV so that we may issue you a DL-123 form.  Do not wait until you are at DMV unprepared or they will re-schedule your testing date!

Possible Rate Increases on the Horizon

North Carolina homeowners could see their first rate increase in four years as the state’s rating bureau demanded an average 17.7 percent increase in loss cost rates across the state. The North Carolina Rate Bureau filed for the rate increase on behalf of all property insurers. It would increase loss cost rates by 17.7 percent if approved. That figure includes a homeowners’ rate hike of 17.4 percent, a rental rate increase of 30 percent and a 29.5 percent increase in condominium coverage.

The rise of reinsurance is one of the several factors contributing to the rate increase, according to Rate Bureau General Manager Ray Evans. “The cost of reinsurance has increased by 65 percent since the last filing in 2008 and it is a challenge to fine adequate reinsurance,” said Evans. Evans also reasoned that insurers’ claims costs have risen due to the massive number of claims filed and severity of claims.

Recently, some consumer groups have spoken out against the proposed rate increases. The Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), a consumer group representing the state’s coastal area, is against the proposed rate, claiming it unfairly penalizes coastal policyholders. BASE Governmental Affairs Director Tyler Newman argued that the disparity between rates in the inland counties and coastal counties is unwarranted.

For example, under the current filing, a home valued at $75,000 in the inland areas will see its premiums increase by as little as 1.2 percent, from $364 to $369. In the coastal areas, that increase is projected to be as high as 30 percent, adding more than $300 in additional cost for the same policy.

“It is the disparity of costs that is so disconcerting,” said Newman. “Everyone should pay the same for the same perils.”

The new rate filing is the first since lawmakers earlier this year took steps to improving the ratemaking process by giving policyholders more input. Under the law, the property insurance rate filing is open to the public, which will have 30 days to submit comments. Previously, the public was only allowed to make public comments in the event the insurance commissioner decided to hold a public hearing.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance released a statement saying that in addition to accepting written comments, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is planning to hold a public comment session on October 17. “This gives citizens a voice they haven’t had before,” said Newman,

In the event that Goodwin and the rate bureau cannot agree on a final rate, a public hearing will be held that will offer North Carolina residents another chance to voice their concerns. Under the new law, Goodwin will have the final say on rates as long as they don’t fall below existing rates and above what the industry is requesting.

Am I covered if I drive someone else’s car?

Generally, your auto insurance policy provides coverage while driving someone else’s car if:

• you have the vehicle owner’s permission to use the vehicle;
• you use the vehicle for the purpose which the owner gave you permission; and
• you do not regularly use the vehicle.

If covered, your policy’s specific coverage, limits and deductibles would apply.

Typically, the vehicle owner’s insurance would apply first in the event of an accident.  However, in certain circumstances the coverage provided by your own insurance policy could also apply. This is known as secondary or excess coverage.

Boat Insurance

Boat Protector Policy

So what can we do for you?  Erie Insurance’s Boat Protector Policy safeguards your boat, boating equipment and accessories. It also protects you with liability and medical payments coverage.

ERIE offers:
•Comprehensive coverage that covers many types of losses. (Some of which you might not even have thought of.)
•No additional cost up to $500 for boating equipment and accessories.
•Coverage for bodily injury caused to others such as swimmers, jet skiers or other boaters. •Payments up to $250 per occurrence for emergency towing to the nearest marina.
•Award winning claims service that ensures you will be contacted promptly after reporting a loss. (Really, why should you have to wait?)

Contact us today to get your boat protector quote!

The 10 Insurance Policies You Need but Don’t Have

When people buy insurance, they often feel they know enough about their policy, what’s insured, and its risk. However, like a wallflower at a high school dance, what’s excluded in an insurance policy is barely given attention. You may not want a dance with those exclusions, but you should know what they are. Once you do that, you’ll find yourself asking a lot of questions.

What if your grandmother’s antique sewing machine in mint condition is ruined in a flood? Will your homeowner’s insurance pay the full amount of the sewing machine’s prior value? If your car is stolen and you owe $5K on it, will your insurance cover the remainder of the loan? Such questions, along with other times you’re at risk for losses or damages — whether yours or another’s — have answers in the form of important insurance policies you didn’t even know you needed. Here’s a list of them:

1. Personal Electronic Equipment Insurance
Even 10 years ago, there’s a good chance the average household didn’t have many personal electronics. In a scan of just your living room today, many of you reading this can easily name 5-10. If your $5K computer is damaged by a volcanic eruption, explosion, or other named homeowner’s insurance peril, it will be covered. Unfortunately, the top three causes of loss for personal electronics are accidental damage, theft, and power surges. Although it sounds like some kind of far-fetched insurance product protecting your restroom habits, Personal Electronic Equipment (PEE) insurance can carry higher limits and cover a broader range of damage.

2. Renter’s Insurance
If you don’t own the home you live in but rent, why do you need insurance for it? Because you’re a renter — plain and simple. Renters insurance protects personal belongings and even your personal reputation. Liability coverage is one of the most important parts of this policy because even renters can be sued for losses or damages connected to rented properties. Imagine what would happen if you negligently burned your apartment building down, bringing down five other people’s homes and personal property along with it — or even lives. If you don’t have renters insurance, you probably can’t write checks to cover all of your neighbor’s losses and damages (on top of yours). It’s also highly unlikely that you could pay for personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits. Fortunately, it’s very affordable, yet only about 47% of renters carry it, even though the average cost is only $17 monthly.  Get Renters Quote

3. Event Insurance
The average wedding in today’s society costs a whopping $26K and many brides plan for their day to be “princess” without safety nets. When that much money rests on one single event contained in a day, you need to think about protection, and the coverage it can offer is actually impressive. For example, if you need to postpone your wedding due to an unexpected illness, this policy can help. It can also protect expensive items like jewelry and wedding dresses depending on the policy. Did your wedding day become a rainy day? If so, event insurance can help pay for resulting losses or damages. If someone slips on that shiny dance floor, severely injuring themselves, they may come after the event organizer for medical bill coverage, and event planners would be the ones sued. Event insurance has a liability portion built in for that kind of protection. It can be purchased for all other event types as well, but weddings are one event when it’s definitely needed.

4. Burial Insurance
Many people say buying insurance is gambling, and that those playing are gambling on something bad happening. However, there’s one thing none of us can gamble on — death — and there’s insurance to help specifically cover part of its cost. Burial insurance, a form of whole life insurance not to be be confused with pre-paying for funerals at funeral homes, is one of the safest policies you can buy because you know it will be utilized one day. You won’t be around to see the payoff of burial insurance (literally), but loved ones left with final expenses would certainly appreciate your foresight. It helps covers final expenses in their truest form — burials, cremations, and funerals. If you aren’t sure how your funeral will be paid for, this is definitely worth looking into.

5. Flood Insurance
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flooding is the number one hazard in the U.S., yet many homeowners aren’t aware it’s not covered under standard insurance policies. You don’t have to live in a high-risk area to warrant buying a flood insurance policy either, as 20% to 30% of flood claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas. If you don’t have flood insurance, damage isn’t covered, and according to the NFIP, the average flood insurance claim is $30K. The NFIP reports average annual premiums of about $600, or rather, $50 a month. If you buy a home and plan on living in it for 30 years or the rest of your life, doesn’t spending $600 a year to protect your home seem logical given your long-term plans?

6. Gap Insurance
In 2010, 737,142 cars were stolen, totaling a stunning $4.5 billion in personal property losses. It’s likely some of those car owners still owed on car loans originally used to purchase the cars. Without gap insurance, you’re responsible for paying off that loan even if the insurance company has written off your car. Regardless of the car, its sale price, or any other factors, anytime you take out a loan to buy a car — especially brand new or very expensive ones — you should purchase gap insurance.

7. Umbrella Insurance
Your homeowner and auto insurance policies offer liability coverage, but it’s normally only up to a certain amount. Have you ever considered what would happen if you got sued for more than your liability limits? You’d have to pay out of pocket and with the rest of any assets you have. An umbrella policy provides extra liability protection at an affordable cost — a $1 million policy will usually run anywhere from $200-$500 a year.

8. Accident Insurance
Did I do that?  Whether it’s your fault or Steve Urkle’s, accidents happen and they can be financially devastating depending on the severity of the injuries you sustained from an accident. If you think bills from general practitioners are high, the costs of losses and damage incurred in an accident makes $180 seem like pocket change. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the average hospital stay is five days, meaning lost income, extra daycare, bills for the cafeteria’s gourmet meals, and more. That’s a lot of money, especially when the cost of staying at the hospital is more than $22K on average. Accident insurance is what could help cover — to at least some degree — things like those previously mentioned — lost income, insurance deductibles, and childcare among other things.

9. Pet Insurance
If you love your four-legged friend, whether dog, cat, or something more exotic, you probably care for them like another human family member. If they get sick, treatment can cost thousands. According to the Americans Pets Products Association, $12.2 billion was spent on veterinary care in 2009 alone, and those statistics are rising. Procedures become increasingly expensive, and those formerly out of reach are now widely available. If you want to protect your pet, this insurance policy can help you save money in the long run, but do it now. Similarly to the underwriting guidelines of many insurance types, you want to obtain coverage as early as possible — don’t wait until your pet’s vision seems to be waning. Buy it when your pet is still healthy to help lock in premiums and discounts that may help if something drastic happened, causing rates to rise. Additionally, pet insurance is still a relatively new frontier, so it’s wise to purchase it before it catches on more, which would likely mean more premiums.

10. Private Medical Insurance
If you’re employed and still have health coverage, thank your lucky stars. As the costs of health care rise, some employers are considering dropping benefits altogether. Then you may find yourself in the sticky situation of searching for private insurance — along with 46 million others who are uninsured. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, private medical insurance can cost up to $1K monthly, and the average cost of one ER visit is 40% more than the average U.S. rent amount at $1,233.

If you look at insurance as gambling, that’s fine. However, the irony of calling it gambling is that when you don’t “gamble” by not buying insurance, you’re gambling that nothing bad would happen, and that’s a gamble you want to lose

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Dropping Full Coverage?

Typically I’d be reminding you how important high liability limits are to protect you if you cause an accident that injures somebody. However, this is all about you, what you’re covered for, and what’s best for you financially when it comes to coverage.

Normally you may hear nothing but “increase your insurance coverage!” from insurance professionals, but there are actually times you need to scale it back.

When would that be? Usually when your car is old. This doesn’t mean you don’t love your car — plenty of people drive their cars until they no longer run. But old cars can be costly if you continue carrying full coverage. With older vehicles, there’s a good chance the premiums you pay are more than the value of the car.

Sometimes insurers will tell you this, either out of good faith or they’ll just outright refuse to extend full coverage. You shouldn’t wait on your insurer to tell you when enough is enough though — to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, you need to figure out when it’s time to increase coverage, downgrade it, and make other needed changes. So what should you look for? Here are five questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if it’s in your best interest to keep full coverage.

What am I giving up?
If you decide to drop full coverage, understand what won’t be covered. When people refer to full coverage, what they’re really talking about is comprehensive, collision, and liability on one policy. Liability protects another person and their property if you cause an accident. Collision coverage would kick in in situations where your car is damaged in that same accident or in single-car accidents (like hitting a telephone pole). Comprehensive generally covers everything else that isn’t the result of a crash. If hail cracks your windshield or dents your hood, comprehensive covers it. If vagrant teens spray paint your car on Halloween, comprehensive will cover it.

Note this though — full coverage only refers to comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability. Full coverage does not automatically include extras like towing and labor, roadside assistance, rental car coverage, or other optional add-ons. If you call an insurer right now and ask for full coverage with state minimum liability limits, you’re going to get a policy with bodily injury and property damage liability, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage — that’s all. With most insurers, you’re not even eligible for those extra coverage options unless you have “full coverage.”

Thus, “full coverage” isn’t as “full” as you may believe it to be, and when full coverage is removed, your policy will be pretty empty and only have liability coverage. That means absolutely no coverage for your vehicle at all. In addition to comprehensive and collision coverage, if you’re a fan of perks like roadside assistance, keeping full coverage may be worth it to you — just ensure you can’t get roadside assistance cheaper elsewhere. Ask yourself what’s holding you back from dropping full coverage and what you need most. The only time an insurer would pay to fix your car or ‘replace’ it is if someone else causes an accident. Then their liability coverage would cover your car.

Do I owe on the car or is there a lienholder?
One of the first things to figure out is if you’re even allowed to drop comprehensive and collision coverage. Often only seen in the case of newer vehicles that are financed, banks and lienholders will usually request that the loan owner carry full coverage until the loan terms are satisfied (until the car is paid for or until the lien is released). However, just because a car is old doesn’t mean it’s owned straight-out. If you still owe on your car, this is an easy decision because there’s a 99% chance that you don’t have a decision to make. You’re required to have comprehensive and collision on any car you still make payments on or that you’ve used as collateral for any kind of loan. As soon as you pay your car off or have satisfied the requirements set forth by a lienholder, then you can consider dropping full coverage.

What’s the value of my car?
Establish the value of your car to see if it’s worth it to keep full coverage or not. A car is not a fine wine — it only depreciates with age (antique and collector vehicles excluded). As it gets older, the value goes down even if it’s been well cared for.

So the value to look for?  Use sources like Kelley Blue Book and Black Book and N.A.D.A. Guides to determine value. If you can’t find your car or believe the value is different than the listed price, you can get it appraised, but usually you can avoid that expense by being honest with yourself about your car’s condition. You may have taken your wife out on your first date in that car, but last time I checked, N.A.D.A. doesn’t include a section for sentimental value.

How much do I pay for collision coverage?
Here’s where your car’s value matters most and where you’ll need to do some math.
Look at your most recent insurance statement. You’ll notice the majority of your bill comprises collision coverage. It’s expensive, but property damage can be as well. According to National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration, the average property damage price in car accidents is right over $26K. As expected, insurers raise rates for policies covering more expensive risks. When you compare what you pay for collision insurance with your car’s actual cash value, does it add up?

If you’re paying an extra $60 a month to have full coverage, you have a $1K deductible, and your car is only worth $1,500, it’s not economical to keep full coverage. If your car were totaled, the insurance company would only pay $500, you’d be responsible for $1K, and you would have spent $720 annually paying for full coverage. You’ve then spent a total of $1,720 out of your own pocket. That’s almost the price of replacing your car and you’ve paid more to the insurer than you stand to get back if the car is totaled. It’s better to bank the difference.

If you’re wary of dropping full coverage, try dropping collision first. This may be easier if you’re a safe driver, and you’d still be covered in freak accidents, like if a tree falls on your car. Hey, it does happen.

How much is my collision deductible?
Another way to keep collision and peace of mind is to just raise your deductible. This will lower overall insurance rates while still keeping your policy. Knowing the value of your car will help determine if this is the right decision. If your car is valued at $5,500 for example, all you may want to do is raise your deductible, especially if you can’t pull the replacement cost of your vehicle out of your pocket. But if your car is valued at $1K and you raise your deductible to that amount, you’re paying for insurance that won’t cover you, which doesn’t make sense.

Ideally, you’ll only be dropping full coverage on a vehicle that’s not your main mode of transportation. In any case though, build up your personal savings in case something does happen to your car. Be proactive about any small repairs before they turn into big projects. Dropping full coverage is a great way to save money, but if you do, it’s all up to you to ensure your car stays in safe, secure, and operable condition. Since you’re not paying anyone to pick up the tab anymore if something happens to the car, it’s up to you to help its longevity. If something happens, it’s all on you. That means it’s worth investing time into determining whether full coverage is worth it.

Landscape Contractors Insurance

Landscaping is no easy task. It takes a crew of dedicated, hard-working specialists to turn green into gorgeous. A faulty tool, a lapse of concentration, or even an uncooperative tree can turn the task at hand into a liability nightmare.

At Marshall Insurance Services, we can tailor a landscaper’s insurance policy to protect you and your crew from:

• General liability issues
• Commercial liability issues
• Vehicle and equipment malfunction or damage

Contact us today to learn how our landscapers insurance can give you the protection you need, at a price you can afford.

North Carolina Life Insurance

At Marshall Insurance, our team is happy to go far beyond being a simple North Carolina insurance agency, we aim to be the insurance leaders you trust to protect your most precious commodity- your life.

From providing you with reliable North Carolina auto insurance, home and business coverage, we are prepared and awaiting the chance to take it to the next level by insuring your life.

We know that finding the right North Carolina life insurance program can get confusing and even a bit overwhelming at times. From having to weigh the pros and cons of term life insurance versus whole, universal and variable and beyond -it’s easy to get lost amongst the terminology and varying coverage options.

That’s exactly why we at Marshall Insurance want to be more than just your insurance provider, we want to be your trusted coverage all. By helping you navigate your way through one of the most valuable policy decisions you will ever have to make in your lifetime; we vow to secure you a tailored plan you can rely on.

Term life insurance, whole life insurance, universal life insurance, variable life insurance, survivorship insurance… the list and combinations seem endless. At Marshall Insurance we want to help you determine which type of Carolina insurance policy is right for you! Our dedicated team of life insurance experts understands both North and South Carolina’s market and regulations and can find the right plan – or mixture of options – that fit your individual needs.

Term Life Insurance Basics:

• Coverage for a “term” or period of your life.
• Lower premiums for higher coverage.
• Rates can change after specific terms expire.
• No equity – cannot be used as cash value.

Whole Life Insurance Basics:

• Exactly like it says – permanent, not for a specific period.
• Protection carries with you your whole life.
• Can build equity and have cash value.
• Higher premiums than term life, but can be more valuable in the long run.

Term and Whole Life Combined:

• Build lifelong base of whole live coverage.
• Supplement specific times of your life with term insurance.

When to choose term life?
Most people choosing term life have a strategy for long term net worth. They need specific coverage for a period of their lives to protect debt, loved ones, and children. For a homeowner with children it may make more sense to have a term life policy that covers the mortgage and living requirements until their children are old enough to provide for themselves – in this case the term would expire around the time your children move out.

When to choose whole life?
Whole life can be used in the retirement years as cash assets. It can provide equity for loans and have fixed payments that do not increase with time. Often times whole life policies will pay dividends, although not always.

With a variety of alternatives and policy possibilities it’s understandable that you may feel a bit anxious. But remember, life insurance is all about you, and you are certainly worth insuring!

Give us a call or complete our online quote form and let one of our expert life insurance specialists get you started on the right path. Contact Marshall Insurance for more information and get a free North Carolina life insurance quote today!

Lowering NC Workers' Compensation Premiums

Workers' compensation is a mandatory business insurance. You cannot do business legally in North Carolina (with employees) if you do not have workers' compensation insurance or your business is not legally qualified as "self-insured." 

There are some exceptions for some family businesses, agriculture, some maritime or federally regulated business, but the exceptions are so few that, for purposes of this post, assume your business needs workers' compensation insurance!

As a necessary cost, it is critical to control and lower that cost if possible. Doing so requires an understanding of how your premium is established and what can be done to lower certain factors affecting that rate.

Understanding how Premiums are Calculated
Premiums for workers compensation ares calculated by the following formula:

RATE X $100 payroll X Experience Modifier = PREMIUM

There are two critical variables in the equation: rate and experience modifier.

Understanding Your Rate
Every year, NC will categorize your industry. The state will assess risk based upon actuarial calculations. Typically, states follow the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) in determining the classification and rate. The rate is based on a myriad of factors. The NCCI classification for clerical work, 8810, is usually the lowest, while the classification for the construction trades (especially carpentry, 5645) is usually the highest. Why? Carpenters get hurt on the job and secretaries do not.

Understanding Your MOD
The experience modifier is also a critical part of the calculation. It is typically referred to as your MOD. The MOD is a numeric representation of your business's loss and claim history. It is calculated differently by states. In general, a brand new business will have a MOD of 1.00. But, look how this is used in the formula. It is a multiplier on the premium. If your claims history is low it will decrease. If your claims history is high it will increase. For example, a MOD of .90 acts as a 10% discount on the premium while a MOD of 1.10 acts as a 10% increase.

Premium Based on Every $100 in Payroll
The final premium is a multiple value to be applied to every $100 of payroll. For example, a rate of .08 with a MOD of 1.00 results in $8.00 of annual premium for each $100 of payroll or $8,000 on $100,000 in payroll.

Control and Lower MOD to Lower Premiums
Your business will have little control over the broad industry it is in and little effect on the Rate assigned by the state. But, your business can dramatically affect premiums by lowering its MOD.

• Make Safety a First Priority - A safe workplace (onsite and offsite) lowers the number of worker injuries. If possible, budget for an outside safety evaluation and implement the changes suggested. Mandate employee safety training. Show employees what an amputation or electrical burn looks like to reinforce safety. Because the MOD variable in the premium equation is a multiple, every small reduction leads to big savings.
• Enroll in State Sponsored Programs - Every state sponsors programs to improve safety in return for a deduction in the MOD rating. In my state, Ohio, employers can get a deduction for participating in the Drug-Free Workplace Program. There are deductions for allowing inspections or focusing on certain injuries. The programs are available and you need to research them. The programs are not easy and compliance can be difficult, but not to the business that puts safety as its first priority.
• Become Part of a Group for Group Rating - Most states offer large discounts to recognized groups. This is called group rating. Technically, this discount is a rate discount, but I put it under MOD because in order to qualify for most groups, your business must have a better than average safety history. New businesses may not qualify. Start now to implement a safety first mentality with the goal of becoming group rated.

Review Your NCCI Classification - Accountants will tell you that most workers compensation programs have a 30-35% error rating when it comes to business classification. Do not use one classification for your business and have a professional prepare your classification paperwork. Classify all of the employees individually and demand proper classification. In the example above, a secretary in your business classified as a carpenter (because she works at a carpentry contractor) can cost thousands in premium dollars. This is because a carpenter's rate is two or three times as much as a secretary's premium rate.

Review Payroll Figures - Like NCCI classifications, payroll calculations are frequently wrong or not estimated correctly. A professional review of payroll history can result in a lower estimated payroll and lower resulting premium.

Fire Safety and Prevention: Home Safety Tips

Fires are the leading cause of home injuries and death. Does your family have a plan if a fire started in your home?

Fire Safety
The best way to practice fire safety is to make sure one doesn’t break out in the first place. This means being aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Check all electrical appliances, cords and outlets. Make sure they are all in working condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs.
• Use caution with portable heaters. Never place one where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over, and keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Be careful in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Always practice safe cooking habits, such as turning pot handles to avoid being knocked over, and supervising children while cooking.
• Check the fireplace. It should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks contained. Burn only wood in a home fireplace and never leave a fire burning unattended.
• Beware of cigarettes. They are the number one cause of fire deaths in the U.S. Most are started when ashes or butts fall into couches or chairs, so use caution if you smoke in your home.
• Use candles safely. Keep them out of the reach of children, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you leave the room. Do not allow children to use candles when unsupervised by an adult.
• Be aware of holiday dangers. If you use a cut Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered daily, and inspect all lights yearly for worn or frayed cords.

Fire Prevention
Make your home fire safe by following these tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Use the smoke alarm’s test button to check it every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have at least one working fire extinguisher in your home.
• Plan escape routes by determining at least two ways to escape from every room.
• Caution everyone to stay low to the floor while escaping and never open doors that are hot.
• Select a safe location outside your home where everyone should meet, and practice your escape plan at least twice a year so everyone knows it well.

Insurance for Churches

At Marshall Insurance Services, we understand the needs and concerns of your parishioners take precedence over your own needs and the needs of your church.

While you’re tending to your flock, allow us to help you tend to the mundane matters of insuring your grounds, staff, and any other risk concerns you may have.

Our insurance solutions for churches include coverages for:
•General Liability
•Employee Benefits
•Property
•Workers Compensation
•Umbrella

Let peace of mind translate to a more peaceful spirit. Contact us to learn more.

North Carolina Insurance- Auto, Home & Life

If you're a North Carolina resident looking for insurance, you're in the right place.  We've compiled all the info you need to help you find home, auto, business and life insurance right here on this page. We recommend you read it over, visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance website and let us help you find the coverage you need today!

Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance protects you from monetary loss in the event of a car accident. Your insurance policy acts as a contract between you and your insurance company which says that in exchange for paying the premiums, your insurer will compensate you for any losses you suffer—as outlined in your policy.

The North Carolina Financial Responsibility Law requires all motorists to carry liability coverage, including the following:
◦$30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
◦$60,000 in bodily injury coverage for all persons involved in an accident
◦$25,000 in coverage for property damage
>> But these minimum requirements may not be enough to cover damages in the event of an accident.

Before purchasing insurance for your automobile, you will want to ask yourself:
◦How much property can I afford to lose if it is stolen or damaged?
◦How much would it cost to replace those items?
◦If I am sued by someone who was hurt because of my misconduct, could I pay my legal costs? How could I afford the damage awards to the victim?
Your answers to these questions will affect the amount of coverage you choose to buy.

When you set out to find the right insurance policy, your agent will consider these factors when determining your premiums:

◦Your Driving Record: Your driving record is the largest factor in determining your auto insurance premium. North Carolina assigns points to motorists with convictions or at-fault accidents, which ultimately increase rates.
◦Where You Live: Your location also plays a part in determining your rates. Living in an urban area increases the risk of accident or theft and may boost your rate, whereas living in a rural area will decrease these risks.
◦Type of Automobile: Insurers must estimate the likelihood of theft and cost to repair or replace your vehicle when determining your rates. The style of your vehicle may also increase your premium: sports cars are likely to warrant higher premiums than mini vans. ◦Mileage: Motorists driving greater distances (to work, for instance) are at greater risk for accident, and therefore may receive higher premiums.

Homeowners Insurance

Your home insurance policy protects your home from damage incurred in the course of living. In addition, it protects you from financial duress by paying for any bodily injury or property damage for which you are liable. In case of a claim against you, your insurer will act on your behalf by negotiating a settlement, defending you in court and paying any judgments against you. If you finance your home, the bank may require you to insure it for at least the amount of your home loan. However, most NC insurance policies require coverage of at least 80 percent of the home's replacement value.

Many types of homeowners policies are available, so examine offerings closely to determine which policy type best suits your needs. Most companies in this state offer the following types of coverage:
◦Special Form (HO-3)—covers a single-family dwelling or townhouse against all risks except those specifically excluded.
◦Homeowners Contents Broad Form (HO-4) —provides coverage for a renter's personal property, but not the building itself.
◦Homeowners Unit-Owner's Form (HO-6) —covers a condominium owner's personal property, as well as any portion of the building he or she owns.
◦Homeowners Modified Coverage Form (HO-8) —insures the structure of an older home based on actual cash value.

North Carolina homeowners insurance premiums can vary greatly.  Several factors influence how much your premium costs you. These include: ◦Type of construction: Your home's ability to withstand or minimize loss has an impact on your premium. In addition, frame houses usually cost more to insure than brick houses. ◦Age of your home: New homes may qualify for discounts. Some companies are hesitant to insure very old homes. ◦Location: Urban areas have higher crime rates than rural areas, and rural areas tend to have fewer resources for fire protection. Both of these issues can affect your premium. ◦Deductibles: The higher your deductible, or the amount you pay before the insurance company begins paying, the lower your premium. ◦Amount of coverage: The amount of home insurance you purchase helps determine premium rates. ◦Additional coverage: Any extra coverage or additional coverage types you add beyond required state minimums raises your premium.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a substantial investment in the lives of both you and your loved ones. Cost can be significant—but benefits can be crucial. Selecting the life insurance policy best suited to your needs requires four steps: deciding how much life insurance you need; how much you can afford to pay; the type of policy providing you the broadest, most-needed coverage; and the amounts various life insurance companies charge for that type of policy.

Life insurance is available in your state in three basic types:

◦Term life: Purchased for a specific time period. Benefits are paid only if you die while the policy is in effect. Generally cheaper than whole life insurance, and usually more practical for those who need a large amount of coverage. Premiums may change each time the policy is renewed. May be "convertible" to a whole life policy. Provides the most death protection for your money.
◦Whole life: Provides lifetime coverage and accumulates cash value over time. Premium rates remain stable as long as the policy is in effect. Can cost significantly more than term insurance.
◦Endowment: Pays you a predetermined sum of money if you live to a certain age. (If you die before then, the death benefit is paid to your beneficiary.) Cost is higher than for comparable amounts of whole life insurance. Provides the least amount of death protection for your dollar.

We can explain these characteristics further and help you determine which type of life insurance is appropriate for you. Meanwhile, follow these guidelines to ensure a comfortable purchasing experience and to best maintain your new life insurance policy: