Steer clear of deer

Driving tips to avoid deer: 

• Watch for deer between sunset and midnight, and during pre-dawn hours when they're most active.
• Be especially attentive for deer during the October-to-January migration and mating season.
• Slow down in posted deer-crossing areas.
• If you see one deer, remember that others are probably nearby.
• Use high beams at night in deer territory when there is no oncoming traffic.
• If a deer is frozen in your headlights, honk your horn in a loud, sustained blast.
• Don't rely on deer whistles or roadside reflectors; they have not been proven effective.
• If you can't avoid a deer, brake and stay in your lane. Don't endanger other vehicles.
• If you strike a deer, do not touch the animal. It may harm you or further injure itself.
• Call police immediately if you hit or are hit by a deer.
• Take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage for your insurance claim.

Sources: Insurance Information Institute.
Mitch Wilson, Ohio Insurance Institute.

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For Immediate Release: October 29, 2013

Investigators Make Arrests in Wake County Insurance Scheme

RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest of four people in an alleged embezzlement scheme involving insurance funds.
Anthony Quentin Barlow, 40, of 7373 Sandy Creek Drive, Raleigh, was charged with one count each of embezzlement and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. He was arrested on Oct. 24 and placed under a $30,000 unsecured bond.
Tony Maurice Pittman, 40, of 8037 Bright Oak Trail, was charged with one count each of obtaining property by false pretense and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. He was arrested on Oct. 24 and placed under a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Sabrina Michelle Smith, 37, of 5300 Talison Court, Raleigh was charged with one count each of obtaining property by false pretense and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. She was arrested on Oct. 24 and placed under a $30,000 unsecured bond.
Rodney Smith, 39, of 5300 Talison Court, Raleigh was charged with one count each of obtaining property by false pretense and conspiracy to obtain property by false pretense. He was arrested on Oct. 24 and placed under a $30,000 unsecured bond.
Department of Insurance investigators allege that Barlow, while working as a claims associate at Nationwide Insurance, fraudulently used company claims funds to write checks to Sabrina Smith, Rodney Smith and Tony Pittman, who are each accused of receiving and cashing the checks. After reviewing checks written and cashed between June 6, 2010, and Dec. 12, 2012, investigators allege that the defendants embezzled and split approximately $69,000 from the scheme.
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have made more than 800 arrests, resulting in 430 criminal convictions thus far. These efforts have delivered more than $55 million in restitution and recoveries for victims.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.

'67 Mustang Flattened

Losses and Lessons: Timber!  Tree Flattens '67 Mustang

by Jeff Peek
 

WHAT WENT WRONG: Sometimes good intentions turn into “what-are-the-odds” disaster stories. The owner of a 1967 Ford Mustang custom convertible rolled his car into his driveway for a wash and wax. It was an overcast day, and he knew that rain was on its way, but he thought he could easily finish the job and put his car back inside before any drops fell. Then the house phone rang, he ran inside to answer it, and a short chat turned into a deep conversation. In the meantime, a fast-moving storm converged on his neighborhood. Just as the owner ran outside to move the Mustang back indoors, a huge oak tree branch came crashing down onto it.
DAMAGE/LOSS: Fortunately, the owner wasn’t injured, but the car didn’t fare so well. The custom convertible – which had been lowered, shaved and painted with custom wheels added – suffered damage to the hood, roof, windshield, dash, seats, trunk, driver’s side front fender, door and back fender. It was a total loss. Hagerty paid the insured Guaranteed Value of $30,000.
LESSON: Take nothing for granted when you walk away from your classic. If inclement weather is imminent, take a moment and put your car inside. One simple decision could avert an accident.

Many Renters are Still Uninsured

Many Renters Are Still Uninsured According to I.I.I. Poll

August 5, 2013

Although the majority of homeowners purchase insurance for their home, when it comes to renters, only 65 percent have renters insurance, according to a poll conducted for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
The number of renters is steadily increasing. According to an April 2013 U.S. Census Report, the share of housing occupied by renters rose to 35.4 percent in 2013—up from 34.1 percent in 2009. And in some of the country’s largest cities, renters significantly outnumber homeowners. In New York City, 69 percent of households rent their homes, followed by Los Angeles (61.8 percent), Chicago (55.1 percent) and Houston (54.6 percent).
“One of the biggest insurance problems after Sandy was the large number of renters who did not have coverage for their homes,” pointed out Jeanne M. Salvatore, the I.I.I.’s consumer spokesperson and senior vice president. “It can be extremely expensive to have to re-buy the entire contents of your home, so a renters insurance policy provides very important financial protection when there is a hurricane or other covered disaster.”
Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive. In fact, the average renters insurance policy costs only $185 per year in 2010 (the latest year this data is available) according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
With renters insurance,  personal belongings are covered against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and water damage. However, renters insurance does not cover damage from flooding. Flood insurance is available for renters from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
Renters insurance includes additional living expenses (ALE) coverage. ALE pays for hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other expenses while a home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Like a standard homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance includes liability protection.

Source: I.I.I.

  WHEN YOU'RE PULLED OVER

You will be in a much better position to challenge your ticket in court if you take a few simple steps.  Here are some suggestions from NOLO.

When You See the Police Car

If a police car is following you with its siren blaring or emergency lights flashing, pull over to the right safely and quickly. Pull over in a way that will be most likely to calm down an angry or annoyed traffic officer. Use your turn signal to indicate any lane changes from left to right, and slow down fairly quickly, but not so quickly that the officer will have to brake to avoid hitting you. Pull over as far to the right as possible so that, when the officer comes up to your widow, he or she won't have to worry about being clipped by vehicles in the right lane.

By stopping as soon as you can, you'll have a better chance of figuring out exactly where the officer says you committed a violation. You may want to return to that area later to make sure the officer was telling the truth about how he or she judged your speed, saw your turn, or witnessed any other violation.

Right After You Stop

After you've pulled over to a safe spot, you might want to show the officer a few other token courtesies. At this point, you have little to lose and perhaps something to gain.

First off, roll down your window all the way. You may also want to turn off the engine, place your hands on the steering wheel, and, if it's dark, turn on your interior light. This will tend to allay any fears the officer may have. (After all, police officers are killed every day in such "ordinary" traffic-stop situations, and the officer's approach to the vehicle is the potentially most dangerous.)

Don't start rummaging through your back pocket for your wallet and license, or in your glove compartment for your registration, until the officer asks you for them. For all the officer knows, you could be reaching for a gun.

If you are at all concerned that the person who stopped you is not actually a police officer (for example, if the car that pulled you over is unmarked), you should ask to see the officer's photo identification along with his badge. If you still have doubts, you can ask that the officer to call a supervisor to the scene or you can request that you be allowed to follow the officer to a police station.

Avoid Giving the Officer an Excuse to Search

A police officer is normally not allowed to search your vehicle. However, there are several exceptions to this. An officer who observes you trying to either hide something under the seat or throw something out the window may legally search your car. Once cops are on your rear bumper with his spotlight silhouetting your every move, they're watching for any sort of furtive movement. A sudden lowering of one or both shoulders will tip them off that you're attempting to hide something under the seat.

If the officer has a reasonable suspicion you are armed and dangerous, he or she can frisk you (pat you down). Similarly, if the officer reasonably suspects that you are involved in criminal activity he or she can also perform a pat down, and if police officers have probable cause -- a reasonable basis or justification to believe that you or your passengers are involved in criminal activity -- they can search your car and objects belonging to passengers.

Even if the officer doesn't have reasonable suspicion or probable cause, once you are stopped, a police officer may seize any illegal objects in your car that are in "plain view." Once they see the object, such as open beer or wine bottles or drug paraphernalia, they can open the car door to reach in and get it. After that, they may come across other objects that are in plain view and shouldn't be in your car, and they can seize these, too.

Lastly, your car may also be searched if you or any occupant is arrested. Also, if you're arrested and your car is towed, the police may make an "inventory search" afterward, even if they have no reason to suspect there is anything illegal inside.

 Should You Get Out of Your Car?  Not until asked.

An officer who stops you for an alleged traffic violation has the right to insist that you and your passengers get out of your car. You should do so if asked. Also, getting out of your car may make it easier for you to check road conditions, the weather, and the place the violation supposedly occurred.

However, many police officers prefer that you stay in your car and will tell you to stay there if you start to get out. If this happens, obviously you should cooperate. If you get out of the car against the officer's orders, don't be surprised to see a gun pointing at you. Cops are trained to expect the worst. When you get out of your car, they may assume you're about to pull a weapon or attempt to flee.

If an officer has any reason to believe that you might be dangerous, he or she has a right to conduct a quick "pat-down" search of your outer clothing while standing next to you, to make sure you don't have a concealed knife or gun. If the officer feels any weapon-sized object during the pat-down search, he or she can reach in and get it. Also, the officer's good faith belief that you may be dangerous justifies a search of the passenger compartment of your car for weapons.

Talking to the Officer

Many people stopped by an officer make the mistake of saying the wrong thing to him or her and failing to say the right things, and a case can be won or lost depending on what you say -- or don't say -- to the officer.

Don't speak first. Especially don't start off with a defensive or hostile "What's the problem?" or similar words. Let the officer start talking. He or she will probably ask to see your license and vehicle registration. Many people make the mistake of insisting the officer tell them why they were stopped before they'll comply. Don't make that mistake. Reply "okay" or "sure," then hand over the documents.

One of the first things traffic cops learn in the police academy is to decide, before leaving their vehicle, whether they're going to give a ticket or just a warning. They may act as though they still haven't made up their minds and are going to let you off only if you'll cooperate. Don't fall for this. The hesitating officer may be trying to appear open-minded in order to extract admissions out of you, to use them against you in court if necessary. The strategy is to try to get you to admit either that you committed a violation or that you were so careless, inattentive, or negligent that you don't know whether you did or not.

The officer might start by asking you the sort of question whose lack of a definite answer would imply guilt, like, "Do you know why I stopped you?" Or, he or she might ask, "Do you know how fast you were going?" Your answers, if any, should be non-committal and brief, like a simple "No" to the first question or a very confident, "Yes, I do," to the second. If the officer then tells you how fast he or she thinks you were going or what he or she thinks you did, don't argue. Give a noncommittal answer, like, "I see," or no answer at all. Silence is not an admission of guilt and cannot be used against you in court.

For further information about police stops, see The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System, by Paul Bergman and Sara J. Berman (Nolo).

Seven Groups Most Likely to Lack Life Insurance

By: Greg Bengel  June 5, 2013  Life Sense 

Are you inadvertently putting your loved ones in danger?

Millions of Americans lack enough—or even any—life insurance. Are you one of them?

A recent study revealed that life insurance ownership recently hit a 50-year low—and that 35 million households don’t have any life insurance at all. This means that the death of an income earner could be as financially catastrophic as it is sad.

Behind this trend is a serious misperception about how much life insurance really costs. On average, people think it’s three times more expensive than it really is. (In reality, life insurance has never been more affordable.)

While anyone can lack an adequate amount of life insurance, seven groups are especially likely to be under- or uninsured. Here’s who they are and why they skimp on the life insurance they and their families need. (To get an idea of what you need, make sure to take our Fast and Easy Life Insurance Quiz!)

1. Single parents
Single parents often go uninsured because they think that buying life insurance requires a big output of time and money—two things they have in short supply.

“Single parents tend to be extremely busy since they’re singlehandedly balancing work and family,” says Greg Wieser, director of strategic marketing at Erie Insurance. “And without that second income, money is often stretched tight.” This creates a classic case of penny wise, pound foolish; while they’re saving money in the short term, they’re running the risk that their kids would have no means of support if they were gone.

2. Parents who both work
When both parents work, the parent making less money often discounts his or her contribution to the family. This is especially true when one parent works part time in order to hold down the home front. “There are many things a lesser earning spouse does that have no dollar value associated with them, like cooking or child care,” says Wieser. “If something happened to that person, the surviving spouse often has to hire extra help or take on extra work to make up the lost income.”

3. Stay-at-home moms (or dads)
Research shows that a stay-at-home parent contributes $112,962 annually in the form of child care, cleaning, home maintenance, transportation, cooking and more to the family’s bottom line. These are costs that a life insurance policy—not a surviving parent—should cover if a stay-at-home partner passes away prematurely.

4. Homeowners
“If a person dies and there’s no life insurance to pay off the mortgage, the surviving family members may be forced to move,” explains Wieser. It’s hard enough to lose a loved one—you certainly don’t want your family to also lose their home, their school district and their neighborhood because there’s no life insurance policy in place.

5. Business owners
“New business owners often forgo life insurance because they think they don’t have enough money available,” says Wieser. Or a business may have had enough insurance, but has since grown. “A more established business usually needs higher limits to be adequately insured and have a plan in place to guarantee succession of the business,” Wieser says. Life insurance and a buy-sell agreement will let the show go on if one partner dies.

6. People with a history of minor health issues
Many people confuse life insurance with health insurance. “They think they won’t be eligible if they have high blood pressure or high cholesterol,” says Wieser. “If your health concerns do not affect your mortality, you can still get life insurance at a reasonable rate.”

7. People whose employer provides group life insurance
This group often has a false sense of security. While they have coverage, it often isn’t enough. “A typical group life benefit is two times your annual salary, but you may need more like six to eight times your salary just to break even,” says Wieser. Also, employers can (and do) terminate group life insurance benefits. (This is especially common during a sluggish economy.) Another downside is the fact that you lose this coverage when you leave your employer.

Even if you don’t fall within any of these groups, you and your family could still lack the life insurance you need. To find out what your needs might be, take our Fast and Easy Life Insurance Quiz. (And remember that your local ERIE Agent is always there to answer all your insurance questions!)

North Carolina Home Insurance From Marshall Insurance

North Carolina Homeowners Insurance:

North Carolina's online resource for NC Home Insurance. Whether you want to find about the standard NC Homeowners Insurance Forms, the standard NC Homeowners Insurance Coverages, the optional NC Homeowners Insurance Endorsements, or simply obtain a NC Home Insurance Quote.. you've come to the right place!

North Carolina Homeowner's Insurance is one of the most important types of insurance policies available. More than likely, your home is the largest investment you will ever make in your life. Finding and obtaining the right NC Homeowners Insurance Coverage is important. The fact is, you have numerous choices when deciding exactly how to protect your home. If you don't own a home, you still need some of the same protections as those who do. For those of you who rent, what would happen if all of your personal belongings were lost in a fire? This section of Marshall Insurance will help both the homeowner and the renter decide which NC Homeowners Insurance will best protect their respective investments.  We will detail the common "Homeowner Forms" available in North Carolina as well as some of the additional endorsements available.

View the Homeowners Form Chart Here

NC Child Passenger Safety Laws

Ages/Positions Covered:
» Children less than age 16 in front or back seats are covered under the NC Child Passenger Safety law.
» Drivers and passengers 16 years old and older are covered by the NC Seat Belt Law.
Vehicles Covered:
» All vehicles required by federal standards to have seat belts are covered. All passenger cars manufactured after 1967 are required by federal regulations to have seat belts and are covered by the NC Child Passenger Safety Law. Vans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured after 1971 are required to be equipped with belts and are also covered by the NC Child Passenger Safety Law. There are no exemptions for vehicles registered in other states or vehicles driven by out-of-state drivers.

Restraint Required:
» A properly used child restraint device (CRD) is required if the child is less than 8 years old AND weighs less than 80 pounds. Most parents and other care givers will be able to comply by using belt-positioning booster seats for children between 40 and 80 pounds. The child must be within the weight range for the child restraint/booster seat and it must meet Federal standards in effect at time of manufacture.
» Children may be secured in a properly fitted seat belt at age 8 (regardless of weight) OR at 80 pounds (regardless of age) - whichever comes first. Placing the shoulder belt under a child’s (or adult’s) arm or behind the back is both dangerous and illegal.
» If no seating position equipped with a lap and shoulder belt to properly secure a belt positioning booster seat is available, a child who weighs at least 40 pounds may be restrained by a properly fitted lap belt only. WARNING: Belt-positioning booster seats can only be used with lap and shoulder combination safety belts. Belt-positioning booster seats must NEVER be used with just a lap belt.
Refer to "What are Options for Children over 40 pounds? in the "Choosing and Using" section for additional information on booster seats and safer alternatives for lap-belt-only seating positions.

Position in Vehicle:
» The CRD must be installed in the rear seat if the child is less than age 5 and 40 lbs.and if the vehicle has a passenger side air bag and a rear seat.
» Front seat installation is allowed if the CRD is designed for use with air bags.

Exemptions*:
» Vehicles not required to have belts (such as cars made before 1968 and pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans made before 1972, and large buses)
» Ambulances and other emergency vehicles
» If all seating positions with belts are occupied

Responsibility/Penalties:
» Driver responsible for all children less than sixteen
» Penalty not to exceed $25
» Full court costs apply ($188 as of August, 2011)
» Two (2) driver license points
» No insurance points
» No conviction if the child is less than 8 years old and proof is presented at trial that an appropriate CRD/Booster seat has been acquired for a vehicle in which the child is normally transported since the violation.
Source: buckleupnc.org

Charlotte NC Homeowners Rates Set to Rise 8.4% in 2013

NC State regulators and homeowners insurance companies reached a settlement that will allow overall statewide homeowners rates to increase an average of 7 percent beginning July 1, 2013. 

“It was better to settle at where we did than to take the risk that a hearing would have led to much different and costly results,” said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

Under the settlement, rates will increase by as little as 1 percent in some areas of the state, and as much as 19.8 percent in some beachfront areas of coastal counties. The industry had requested an average rate increase of 17.7 percent back in October that ranged from a high of 30 percent in parts of coastal counties to a low of 1.2 percent. 

Under the settlement announced Tuesday, rates in Durham and Raleigh will increase 2.8 percent, well below the 11.8 percent requested by the industry. Rates in Charlotte will increase 8.4 percent, just below the 8.5 percent filed in the rate request.

The largest rate increase – 19.8 percent – will be in the beach areas of Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. The beach areas of Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties also will see an increase of 17 percent. The areas farther inland in those coastal counties will see much smaller increases.

The settlement eliminates the need for a June hearing where the companies and Insurance Department staffers were scheduled to present arguments for and against the industry's October increase request.   Read more here

It's time to Spring Forward NC!

Don't forget to change your batteries in your smoke detectors!

Marshall Insurance 2013 Referral Program

Who will be the next winner of $100 CASH in the Marshall Insurance Referral Round Up? 

Refer your friends and family to get an insurance quote at our agency and receive a FREE pizza and a chance to win $100 cash!

 

 

 

 

Should You Make a Claim on Your NC Homeowner’s Insurance?

In the wake of one of the worst storms in centuries, many homeowners may be shocked to learn filing a claim on their insurance may actually hurt them over time.

Paying for the repairs out of pocket should be weighed against filing a claim. Too many claims in one year will send a red flag to your insurance company causing them concern and possibly canceling your policy. 

 

Every time a claim is made or even inquired about it goes into an industry database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE. This information is available to most insurance companies, making it harder for the consumer to obtain insurance from another company after being dropped.

Under federal law, you can get one free copy of your report every 12 months at ChoiceTrust. You can also look at claims made on specific properties. If you are considering purchasing a home, you should check its history. For a fee, you can obtain a“Home Seller’s Disclosure Report” detailing the insurance loss history of the home you are considering. Knowing this information before your purchase can help you decide if you are making an informed decision. Too many claims on a property, can affect the rates of your homeowner’s insurance even if the claims aren’t yours.

A Word about Adjusters

You should receive the same claims adjustment whether you use an independent or the insurance company’s claims adjuster. The adjuster is a licensed professional who is trained to find the source of damage. They report to the insurance company their findings and if the claim is legitimate. If you do not agree, you can dispute your claim with your insurance company.

 

At Marshall Insurance, we are here to help you with your insurance needs. As a long standing independent insurance agency, we are committed to helping our clients in not only finding the best rates but helping in times of need.

10 Tips to Prevent Chimney Fires in North Carolina

This is the time of year when the nip of Old Jack Frost has many of us imagining a cozy night snuggled up in front of the fire. Wood burning fireplaces can feel like a luxury in the winter providing additional warmth and heat in the home. What most of us don’t think about is the possibility of a chimney fire. 

By following a few simple safety tips, you can enjoy your next fire without the fear of disaster.
 

1. Have your wood stove or chimney inspected by a certified chimney specialist each year and check monthly for damage or obstructions.

2. Never burn trash, paper, green wood or Christmas trees.

3. Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials. Combustible material too close to the fireplace or a wood stove can easily catch fire.

4. Keep chimneys clear and capped. Make sure tree branches and leaves are at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney. Contagious flames or sparks can jump from the fire source, quickly igniting other close objects. Installing a chimney cap can help prevent debris and animals from blocking the opening.

5. Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.

6. Close the damper and doors tightly when you are done. A fire may appear completely dead, but a midnight draft can reignite embers and a slight breeze can blow them into your living room.

7. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

8. Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries once a year.

9. Make sure everyone in the family respects the fire. Remind everyone not to get too close and to move carefully when in the vicinity. A fireplace screen to establish a safe perimeter is a good idea if you have small children or pets.

10. Have an escape plan in place in case of fire and review it regularly with your family members.

If you do have a chimney fire, close the damper and doors tightly if possible. Then leave the house and call 911. With the right home maintenance practices you can avoid chimney fires and enjoy the cozy, ambiance of your fireplace on cold mountain nights. We are available to answer any questions you have regarding coverage and your homeowners policy.

>>Find a Certified Chimney Sweep in Your Area:  The National Chimney Sweep Guild &
The Chimney Safety Institute of America

 Understanding NC Business Insurance

The success of any business depends on hard work and ingenuity. Business insurance ensures that all the effort and money you have invested in your business is covered in case a disaster strikes. In general, businesses need to purchase at least the following four types of insurance:

• Property insurance compensates you if the property you use in your business is lost or damaged by common perils such as fire or theft. Property insurance covers not just a building or structure but also what insurers call business personal property.
• Liability insurance protects you in the event that someone claims that your business caused him or her harm. Your liability insurance pays damages to third parties resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which your business is legally liable, up to the policy limits, as well as legal fees. It also covers the medical bills of any people injured by your business.
• Business vehicle insurance provides coverage for autos owned by a business. The insurance pays any costs to third parties resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which your business is legally liable, up to the policy limits. Depending on what kind of coverage you buy, the insurance may pay to repair or replace your vehicle because of damage resulting from accidents, theft, flooding and other events.
• Workers compensation insurance or workers comp, as this coverage is generally called, pays for medical care and replaces a portion of lost wages for an employee who is injured in the course of employment, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

Other Types of Policies You May Need

In addition to the basic coverages highlighted above, there are various other policies needed by some businesses, including the following:

• Business catastrophe liability or umbrella policies provide coverage over and above your other liability coverages. It is designed to protect against unusually high losses. For the typical business, the umbrella policy would provide protection over and above general liability and auto liability policies.
• Specialized liability insurance policies are designed to meet specific needs of individual businesses specialized for liability policies needed by some businesses. They include Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O)/Professional Liability Insurance, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (D&O).
• Terrorism insurance is offered to owners of commercial property as mandated by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, enacted by Congress in 2002. Insurance losses attributed to terrorist acts under these commercial policies are insured by private insurers and reinsured by the federal government.

To learn about the details on the specifics of your business policy or to inquire about what type of coverage is right for you, contact us.

Charlotte NC Personal Jewelry Insurance

Ah, Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say “Be Mine” - and, of course, jewelry. It’s exciting to receive jewelry from a loved one — or to give it as a gift. Not to mention romantic. But if you’re lucky enough to have some new jewelry in your North Carolina home this Valentine’s Day, you should take a few minutes to think about something you probably don’t find exciting or romantic: insurance.   Don’t know where to turn?  Don’t worry.

At Marshall Insurance, we think it is exciting to help our customers protect what’s most important to them — so we’re ready to help and can answer all of your questions. Things to consider when insuring jewelry: You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

You can check your policy or call us at 704-684-0082. You might want to reconsider your deductible amounts. As always, this impacts your policy premium. It’s a good idea to take a look at your deductibles whenever you make a change to your policy.

Do you need an appraisal?  You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper.

What kind of coverage is offered?  You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in North Carolina, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. You also should ask if you will be required to replace your jewelry if lost or stolen, or if you can simply keep the cash settlement. Pictures can be helpful.   Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from. Also a picture of a receipt is always good for any new purchases. Is the value of your jewelry mainly sentimental? Is an item irreplaceable? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” you might consider foregoing insurance. But please, talk to us before making that decision. That’s what we’re here for.

Of course, it’s important to store your jewelry securely when it’s not in use; a safe in your home or a safe-deposit box is best. We want your jewelry to be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, but we’d rather your sentimental and valuable pieces stay with you and your family for years to come. Here’s hoping your 2013 Valentine’s Day is full of fun and romance. And if there’s no jewelry involved, well, there’s always next year!

Contact Us!   For further questions and assistance, please contact Marshall Insurance at 704-684-0082, e-mail gary@marshallins.net or fill out our contact form.

Recognizing Evolving Insurance Needs in Matthews, NC

Over the years, your life is going to go through many changes and your financial situation will evolve as a result. Some of these will be changes that you make, and others will be those that the world thrust upon you. Whether the changes come from within or without, you need to respond by changing the coverage options and limits provided by your insurance policies.

While every individual must recognize the specific reasons for evolving insurance needs in their own lives, some common catalysts include:

• Inflation
  • Inflation doesn’t just impact how far your dollars reach; it also impacts how far your insurance benefits can stretch. As inflation increases prices around you, it can negatively affect your auto and home limits as well as your life insurance death benefit. It also impacts the effectiveness of your disability and long-term care benefits, as well.
• Savings balance fluctuations
  • The amount of money you have in your savings account could change the amount of insurance you want to have. While a large savings account might make you feel secure with high deductible insurance policies, changes in the market could mean that you need to switch to lower deductible plans. Your savings account balance may also impact how long a waiting period you choose for your disability and long-term care policies. The goal of insurance is to insulate your savings from the risks that you and your assets face each day. Adjusting your insurance policies over the years helps to aid this process.
• Changing asset values
  • Your assets do not generally have a static value. Some don’t even have a depreciating value. Certain items, like homes, jewelry, art, and antiques have values that can increase dramatically in a short period of time. This increase must be answered by the evolution of your home and auto insurance policy limits.
• Increases in income
  • When your income goes up, your standard of living tends to follow. Not only will this affect the type of assets you own, as well as their replacement and actual cash values, but it will also create a new lifestyle for your family to become adjusted to. Your home, life and auto insurance policies may all need a facelift as a result.

These are just a few of the examples of your evolving insurance needs. To discuss more ways that your insurance policies might be becoming dangerously dated, give us a call. We can go through your entire portfolio and make sure we get your coverage up to speed.

It Pays to Bundle Your North Carolina Insurance

National Insurance Companies are beginning to ‘strongly encourage’ North Carolina customers to bundle their insurance needs, or face the possibility that they may be dropped. Most insurance companies are no longer writing just homeowners policies in North Carolina. To entice NC homeowners into purchasing policies, rates have been decreasing for years.

The losses suffered by insurance companies for these discounts has hit an all time high. To combat the losses, insurance companies are increasing their rates or getting rid of discounts. Even though there is that possibility that bundling may be a requirement in the future, there are many reasons it pays to do it.

1. Cost savings. Often you will find reduced premiums when you bundle, up to 30% for most people. Insurance companies offer a discounted rate for automobile insurance when you allow them to insure your home.

2. Efficient. You will only have to deal with one insurance company and one independent Agent. Having one independent Agent handle all of your needs is efficient.

3. Better protection and coverage. One independent Agent can make sure all of your assets are well protected. An informed Agent will be able to help you properly insure your home and automobiles.

4. Strength in numbers. Having bundled insurance will allow one independent Agent to help you if several of your assets are damaged in one incident.

5. Personal touch and understanding. Having a personal relationship with your independent Agent makes a huge difference in service. When you have a need, won’t you prefer to speak to someone who knows you and understands all of your assets? Bundling your insurance needs is easy and practical.

Contact us today at 704-684-0082 for help bundling all of your insurance needs or complete our online quote forms.

North Carolina General Liability Insurance

Does your business have enough liability coverage?  Can your business ever have too much?

It’s true—today, even the smallest of mishaps can result in large lawsuits. That's why all of us at Marshall Insurance take your protection seriously.

General liability insurance, along with property and worker's compensation insurance, is a crucial tool for most businesses. Liability insurance specifically protects the assets of a business when it is sued for something it may have – or have not – done to cause personal injury or property damage.
NC general liability insurance coverage addresses accidents stemming from on-site accidents, as well as any injuries or damages incurred as a result of using goods or services sold on-premises.

In addition to the financial limits of the policy, it coverage can be designed to cover supplemental payments for attorney fees, court costs and other expenses associated with a claim or the defense of a liability suit.

At Marshall Insurance, we’re experts on determining the exact protection you and your business needs. The amount or level of coverage a business may require relies on a few key factors: perceived risk and the state in which you operate.

Our highly skilled agents strive to help you consider all aspects of your business to ensure that you are secure with the most appropriate policy available.  From first considering the amount of risk associated with your business – to then addressing North Carolina-specific regulations, we help to customize a policy plan that works for you.

You can learn more about general liability insurance coverage for businesses by speaking with one of our trusted agents today.  Contact us for more information and one of our dedicated insurance experts would be happy to take your questions and provide you with a free liability insurance quote right now!

Do you need an Umbrella Policy?

You’ve got it all covered…..you have a policy for your home, for your cars, your ATV and motorcycles, even the boat are well insured. While it looks like you have all the coverage you need; perhaps you should consider… an umbrella. No, we don’t mean to protect yourself during the summer afternoons, but a liability policy that fits with your primary policies.

Your primary insurance limits quite possibly provide more coverage that you’ll ever need, however, circumstances could involve a type of loss that is not completely covered by a primary policy. Umbrella or excessive liability coverage respond to an eligible loss only after the primary insurance has paid its limit. 

 

For example, your young driver is coming home on a rainy evening and loses control of the vehicle. They cause a chain collision damaging several cars and injuring dozens of others. If you don’t have enough primary coverage, any shortage may have to come out of your personal assets.

A NC Umbrella Policy  generally provide additional liability coverage for the following underlying policies:

• • Personal Automobile
• • Homeowners
• • Recreational Vehicles
• • Watercraft
• • Personal Liability

The additional coverage may often extend to providing for related expenses such as the cost of providing a court defense if the need arises. So before you get caught in a storm, call us for an assessment of your risk and your needs. You just might need an umbrella.

Auto Insurance: What is Comprehensive & Collision Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage pays for loss or damage to your vehicle caused by fire, theft, vandalism, hail, windstorm, riot, falling objects, flood, collision with an animal, and more. Your policy contract outlines the specific events that are covered.

Each Comprehensive claim is subject to a deductible (the amount you will pay out of pocket). You should choose a deductible that meets your financial needs; the higher the deductible, the lower the cost for carrying for this coverage.

Collision coverage pays for accidental damage to your vehicle caused by upset or collision with another vehicle or stationary object.

Each Collision claim is subject to a deductible (the amount you will pay out of pocket). You should choose a deductible that meets your financial needs; the higher the deductible, the lower the cost for carrying this coverage.


Do I have to carry both comprehensive and collision?

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, then most likely the answer is yes. Most companies with a financial interest in your vehicle require you to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage, but you should refer to your lease or finance agreement to be sure.

Although Comprehensive and Collision coverage are frequently written together, it may be possible for you to carry either coverage by itself.

Insurance for the NC Auto Service & Repair Industry

Eligible Risks
Repair shops Service Stations Auto Equipment Installation Auto Glass Installers Body Shops Gas Stations Car Washes – Prefer fully automatic with attendant	Quick Lube Shops Tire Dealers – Excluding recapping, re-treading and used tire sales Convenience Stores with Gasoline Sales – (CPP on 24-hour stores subject to underwriting approval; not writing Workers Compensation.)
Incidental Exposures – Less than 10% of total receipts (unless otherwise noted)
Car Sales (up to 25 per year) – with no sales of rebuilt vehicles Towing Associated with contract Work Parking Lots or Garages Radiator Repair Shops (for all lines except Workers Compensation) Roadside Service Sales of Mobile/Motor Homes or Camping Trailers
Ownership/General
Experience – At least three years in business Financially stable operation Full-time/year-round operation Owners actively involved in dy-to-day operation, with favorable attitude toward safety/controls Good housekeeping/maintenance is critical Tanks that meet all current EPA/UST technical requirements Depending on the occupant/values – Central Station Intrusion Alarm may be required Favorable Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) Paved or unpaved parking lots in good condition
Body Shops
UL-approved spray booth; adequate ventilation; explosion-proof lighting and fixtures Proper storage of flammables and rags Separate body-work and spray-painting areas (e.g., spray booth, welding curtain, separate building, interior wall, etc.) "No smoking" policy enforced Favorable Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) Call us today at 704-684-0082 for a quote!

Consent to Rate Letter -North Carolina

Insurance rates in North Carolina can be confusing, especially when working with an online company. Using an independent insurance agent can help in navigating your way through these tough times in the insurance industry. As claims rise and underfunding prevails, the insurance companies are looking for new ways to increase their rates outside the scope of what is regulated by the state.

Each state is different in how it determines its rates. In North Carolina, for example, the insurance rates are set by the North Carolina Rate Bureau. The Bureau tells the insurance companies the maximum rates they can charge consumers for home and auto policies. Your insurance company can decide they want to charge you a higher rate depending on several factors. But, they can’t charge this additional rate without your consent.

Consent to Rate Letter

That’s where the “Consent to Rate” letter comes into play. If the insurance company deems you a high risk, a “Consent to Rate”letter will be mailed to you. The letter will basically ask you to give the insurance company permission to charge you rates on your policy that exceed the state maximums. When you sign and return this letter you are essentially giving the insurance company your permission to be charged rates higher than those established by your insurance commissioner. This letter can be held in your file until the insurance company deems it necessary to use.

Why the Higher Rates?

Why would your insurance company ask to charge you a higher rate? There are a few factors they consider before mailing the Consent to Rate letter. Insurance companies are singling out high risk insurers for numerous reasons:

-Your home is located in a storm area susceptible to tropical storm surges or hurricanes.

-Your insurance company deems you high risk because of numerous claims

-Some insurance companies are looking at your credit score to determine their risk in insuring you

Why do I pay for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage?

Over the past few years, North Carolina auto insurance rules have changed in regards to Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage. While it used to be an optional coverage, it is now mandatory. A lot of people may wonder why it is an important coverage to have. Simply put, it will provide you with better protection in the event that you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have enough insurance to cover the claim.

A prime example of a claim that would require Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage would be a hit and run. Even if you see the person drive off and you report it to the police with vivid details of the vehicle they may never catch who hit you. Without having any information on the other driver, you will have to pay for your own damages and expenses which could run into a lot of money out of your pocket. That is where your Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage will come into play.

Unfortunately, even though there is a law in place a lot of people out there on the road do not carry insurance or they do not carry more than the minimum requirements. The minimum will only cover partial damages and most likely would not pay enough if they were involved in an accident. That is one of the reasons people tend to flee accident scenes.

To make up for other people’s lack of insurance, your policy includes coverage for those times when you are involved in an accident you have no control over. Hopefully it never happens to you, but if it does you can rest assured that your Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage will have your back. Call our office with any questions you may have about your current auto insurance policy.