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:

North Carolina Flood Insurance

North Carolina Flood Insurance provides protection for destruction and financial devastation caused by floods in the greater Charlotte, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, and Mooresville, NC area. Although it may not seem like much even a few inches of water can cause serious damage; resulting in thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs.

Did you know that North Carolina home insurance does not cover floods?  Purchasing a NC flood insurance policy through Marshall Insurance can protect you. Although it may not seem as necessary as homeowners insurance, flood insurance is important if you want to keep your home safe and your possessions secure.

Flood coverage offers protection against losses that result from heavy and lengthy rain falls, storm surges, blocked storm drainage systems, snow melts, etc.

Different types of policies are available based on your property’s location and flood history:

• Standard NC Flood Insurance Policies- If you live in a community that participates in the NFIP, your building and its contents can be covered by a standard flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established by the Federal Government to help communities who “voluntarily participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.” To be considered a flood, the waters must cover at least two acres or affect at least two properties. You must apply for building coverage and contents coverage separately if you choose to invest in a standard flood insurance policy.

• Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policies- If your home or business is in a low or moderate risk zone, your building may qualify for a low-cost preferred risk policy. While you aren't required to purchase flood insurance in low-to-moderate risk areas, a preferred risk policy will protect your home and its contents if you are affected by a small flood or a larger flood that has extended into your low-risk area. In truth, many flood insurance claims occur in low-to-moderate risk areas.

Don't wait until it's too late. Contacting Marshall Insurance today will get you on the path to flood protection with an affordable and comprehensive NC flood insurance policy.

Link:  NC Floodplain Mapping Program

Landscapers Insurance Coverage

Landscapers are exposed to various types of risk every day they're in business. Landscaping accidents can cause injuries or property damage that could lead to lawsuits and financial loss. Adequate landscaping insurance can protect your business from these types of situations.

Landscaping insurance, now offered through Marshall Insurance' carriers could include a Business Owners Policy (BOP) with General Liability insurance, Workers' Compensation insurance and commercial vehicle insurance.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance, or GL, is a fundamental part of landscaping insurance. It could provide protection against lawsuits and other financial liabilities that result from things like accidents or other mishaps.  GL is often bundled with a variety of other coverages in a Business Owners Policy, or BOP.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Workers' Compensation insurance through Marshall Insurance could help cover the medical costs and a portion of lost wages for an employee who becomes ill or injured during work. Discover if you're eligible to include Workers' Compensation coverage to your landscaping insurance package.

Landscaping Insurance for Vehicles

Landscaping vehicle insurance provides continuous coverage throughout the year, saving you money on premium and allowing you to avoid costly breaks in coverage.

We provide all types of contractor vehicle insurance including:

• Pickup Truck Insurance
• Truck Insurance
• Business Auto Insurance
• Van Insurance
• Dump Truck Insurance
• Trailer Insurance

In addition to outstanding commercial vehicle claims services, our companies  also provide flexible payment options and fast online bill payment capabilities.

See What You Could Save!!

Get a commercial vehicle quote online or call us at 704-684-0082 and learn more about landscaping insurance with a BOP, Workers' Compensation, and commercial auto insurance today.

Who Needs Landscaping Insurance?

A wide variety of businesses could benefit from landscaping insurance. Examples include:

• Landscapers
• Tree trimmers
• Arborists

• Landscape architects
• Landscape designers
• Lawn irrigation contractors

Protect Your Home While You're Away

The National Realtors Association reports that there are more than six million second or vacation homes in the United States. Many people who seek escape from the cold, dark, icy days of winter head to second homes in warmer climates during the winter months.

Others leave their homes to enjoy summer vacations at the beach, or winter ski and snowboarding adventures in the mountains. No matter what your destination, here are a few things you should do to protect your primary residence while you're away.

Give It That Lived-in Look

When you're going away for an extended period of time, you should try to make your home look like it is still occupied. If there is the appearance of activity at your home, there is less chance that the house will be burglarized. Here are a few ways to make it seem like you're home:

• Set lights and a radio or television on timers so they'll go on and off at different times of the day.
• Use call forwarding to have your calls sent to your vacation home's phone line or cell phone. You can also turn off or lower the ringer volume on your phone so that it can't be heard from outside. If you are going to leave a greeting on your answering machine, be sure you don't leave any information about being away from home. Rather, leave a generic message like "we can't come to the phone right now, please leave a message."
• Arrange for landscaping services while you're away. Have someone mow the lawn, rake the leaves and shovel the snow.
• If you're leaving a car at your house and you don't have a garage, have someone move your car periodically or ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway or in front of your house every so often.
• Have your mail held at the post office and suspend delivery of your newspaper. Or ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspaper daily.

Have an Expected Visitor

When you're going to be away, it's a good idea to ask someone to check on your home on a regular basis. Ask a friend or family member to stop by about once a week so that if there is a problem it can be taken care of quickly. They should check that doors and windows are secure and open and close curtains and shades every now and then to help make your house looked occupied. Be sure to give your "home checker" a spare key-don't hide a key anywhere near or around your house because thieves know where to look. Also, if you have a home security system, be sure that your expected visitor knows how to set and disarm the alarm.

Avoid Frozen Pipes in Winter

Frozen pipes are not only frustrating to deal with but they can also cause a great deal of damage to your home. So, before you leave this winter, be sure that your heating system is checked for proper operation and make any necessary arrangements for continued fuel delivery. Also make sure that any pipes in crawl spaces and attic spaces are well insulated and set your thermostats to at least 55 degrees so that your home is kept warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Finally, leave kitchen cabinet doors and bathroom vanity doors open so that heat can circulate to pipes under the sinks.

Insurance and Your Dog

Dog bites are no fun, especially if it was your dog that did the biting. You can be faced with a lawsuit and will need to defend your dog even if the bite was due to someone provoking your dog. Do you have insurance coverage for it? In a lot of cases, your homeowners insurance should cover damages like that. But there are some cases when it might not.

There are some breeds of dogs that are considered more aggressive and dangerous than other breeds in the insurance world. If you own a dog, it is important that you know if he will be covered or not if he bites someone. It is hard to defend a dog that falls into the aggressive category, so a lot of insurance companies have decided to consider them a higher risk. You may need to have increased limits of liability on your homeowners policy if you own a dog that is on the list.

The list is quite extensive and contains about 75 different breeds including Rottweilers, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes and American Bulldogs.  Talk with us to see if your carrier follows the list when determining what type of insurance we can offer you. Your current homeowners insurance may not be enough to protect you if your dog decides to bite someone – even if it was in defense of you, himself, or the household.

If you never mentioned your dog to us before, you will want to do it now. You don’t want to find out later that you will not be covered under your policy if something goes wrong. If your current policy isn’t enough, find out how to get more. Protect your dog and your finances by having the right insurance policy.   

The 5 Most Common NC Homeowners Insurance Claims

Ever heard of Murphy’s Law? I’m not quite sure who exactly “Murphy” was, but if there’s one true statement that can almost always sum up insurance, it’s his law of “If it can happen, it will happen.”

Perhaps that’s a bit pessimistic, and I’m certainly not an insurance agent with a crystal ball, knowing when disaster will strike policyholders. Perhaps more appropriately, it can’t be said by anyone that you’ll ever face certain kinds of claims, or if you’re lucky, you’ll never face any at all. If that’s the case, that’s fantastic.

But you still shouldn’t dismiss Murphy’s Law. After all, if you believe in the law of attraction (aka ‘The Secret’) then you could end up knee deep in damages and claims. Similarly, you shouldn’t dismiss it and become a pessimist or paranoid. Instead, you should keep it mind to anchor reality and possibility — two things insurance hinges upon. When you’re buying insurance, you should look at your options and ask yourself if your coverage would please Murphy (whomever he may be) by adopting his motto.

That’s true for any insurance, but can be crucial to homeowners insurance. When you’re buying a house, it’s imperative that it’s insured properly to cover any kind of accident or damage involving your property. Many states require that homeowners have a certain level of insurance, and this is meant to act as a safety net. While it’s important to obey the law and get the required insurance, you should always look at getting additional coverage to cover any high-cost claims that you might incur. However, you may run into some of the following situations that any homeowner usually ends up dealing with at one time or another — and sometimes so do renters.

1. Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common claims, and you don’t have to live on the riverbank or next to the ocean to have a serious claim. Depending on the age of your home, there is always potential for a pipe to burst. We’ve all heard horror stories of someone coming home to find the basement under a foot of water due to a busted pipe. Add that to your water bill and your tears will only make the damage worse. Make sure you find a policy that will cover water damage despite the source of the water.

2. Wind & Hail

As you can imagine, severe weather can take its toll on a house, especially if you are in a severe weather prone state such as Texas or Florida. Many of the coastal states will experience high winds during hurricanes, which can also bring hail, and other states further inland have to endure tornadoes, strong winter blizzards, and even uncommon occurrences such as the derecho that hit several states this past summer. Exterior damage can be costly depending on the amount and severity so make sure you have legitimate coverage based on your state’s weather history.

3. Accidents

It happens whether you are ready for it or not. You never expect any visitor on your property to get seriously hurt, but if they do, you must make sure you are adequately covering all of your bases. Because there is a high possibility that someone could sue you after getting injured on your property, you want to make sure that you have the appropriate liability coverage and also a good lawyer. This won’t always be the case because it may be your brother that is injured and he would never dream of suing you, but if you have the right kind of insurance, it will provide the monetary support and protection you need for surprises of this kind.

4. Dog Attacks

If you have a dog, be sure that it is properly restrained at all times. Even if you believe your dog would not hurt a fly, the wrong person could walk by, causing your dog to feel threatened. If they are bitten, they have every right to sue you and you could find yourself wading in thousands of dollars owed. With claims of this nature, despite the intentions of the bitten, the dog owner assumes primary responsibility and you could end up having to pay out a good chunk of money. Make sure you have at least $300K of coverage in liability coverage to protect you — and keep Fido on a leash.

5. Fire

Losing everything in a fire is devastating to begin with, but the claims process that takes place afterwards can be just as much of a headache. When you’re trying to make a fire claim, you must be able to prove the worth of what was lost and sometimes the insurance company may not agree on the value of your property. Then, an investigation can ensue placing a price tag on the things that made up your life. Talk about adding insult to injury! However, this is a necessary process to make sure you get the fair amount to start rebuilding. Be sure to keep a running tally of your possessions as well as their value, and if this unfortunate accident happens to you, at least the insurance process won’t burn you.

The whole point of insurance is to provide coverage for the unexpected, but if you don’t have the right kind of limits, you can find yourself paying more out of pocket than you expected. When you’re searching for a homeowner’s policy, always look for the best rates, but don’t forget to weigh the heft of the policy with the price. Even if you get a good deal for your coverage, make sure it’s worth its weight in gold, or you could be looking at an unwelcome surprise after a loss.

You May Not Need Additional Insurance When Renting a Car

The next time you are at the car rental counter, take a moment before you agree to purchase additional car insurance. Chances are the insurance that covers your personal car will be enough to cover the rental car as well. If you don’t know what your policy covers, it is easy to find out. If you want to rent a car and you are unsure about the amount of coverage you have with your personal insurance provider, the first thing to do is to call your car insurance company and find out if your policy covers rental cars. Many comprehensive car insurance policies provide this, meaning whatever coverage you have on your personal car will also apply to a rented car.

If you are renting a car because yours has been damaged or totaled in an accident, when you call your insurance provider, ask if your coverage will be enough for towing charges, payment of administrative fees and loss of use. Many people forget to inquire about the loss of use, which can mean hefty fees tacked on by a rental company for lost revenue while the car is repaired after an accident.

If your car insurance provides adequate coverage for a rental car, then there is no need for you to purchase the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company. It is also important to find out the circumstances under which your policy provides you a rental car at no additional charge- some policies only cover rental cars if the accident leading up to the car rental was not your fault.

Another step you can take is to contact the lending agency responsible for the credit card you plan to use when renting your car. Because credit card companies typically offer free car insurance benefits for rental cars, you may also have additional coverage at no extra cost. Some credit cards allow you to earn benefits in the form of rental car insurance. You should also check with your card provider before renting because terms and conditions can change without notice. You will need to know specifically what type of coverage it is and the coverage amounts. In many cases, you may find that your credit card may not cover property damages or limit the amount of medical bills that are covered.

Knowing your options and your current car insurance coverage before renting can keep you from purchasing additional, possibly unnecessary, and potentially pricey car insurance from the car rental company.

Having a Safe Workplace is Smart Business

Business owners have the absolute responsibility for the day-to-day health, safety and welfare of employees and worksite visitors. To make your work place safer, know the three common areas of risk: people, environment and company.

People First!

Keeping your employees safe and healthy is good for your business. To do that:

• Offer prevention and wellness activities
• Have options in place so injured employees can receive immediate treatment
• Consistently search for and eliminate workplace hazards
• Offer early intervention and rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems
• Make free flu shots available

A Safe Environment

Heavy equipment, electrical hazards, even keyboards can pose health threats to your employees. For a safer workplace environment:

• Conduct routine maintenance and housekeeping measures
• Frequently check for proper ergonomic conditions
• Check all equipment for unsafe wear and tear
• Educate workers on identifying hazards and risks
• Make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment
• Create and rehearse a worksite disaster plan
• Control and eliminate toxic chemical use where you can
• Make your workplace smoke-free

From the Top

Safety starts with a company’s leadership. To establish and communicate your vision, mission, policies and trust:

• Keep confidential medical information protected
• Offer educational programs to improve health and safety
• Thoroughly analyze accidents for prevention
• Have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence
• Offer access to cost effective health care benefit programs
• Begin an employee assistance program

If you have any employees, most states require you to have an active workers compensation policy to insure coverage for those employees against a workplace injury. In most cases, the owners of a sole-proprietorship or a partner in a partnership are not considered employees and have the option whether to cover themselves or not.  For more information about workplace safety and disaster preparedness, visit these sites:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission – www.cpsc.gov
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration – www.osha.gov

For more information about insurance for business owners, contact us at 704-684-0082, e-mail us or fill out our contact form.

Understanding Life Insurance

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Life insurance products are not all the same. While some provide coverage for your lifetime, others provide coverage for a specific number of years.   Determining the right product depends on a number of factors.

ERIE’s life insurance calculator can help determine the amount of life insurance you may need. To learn more about the different types of life insurance, talk to us. They can help you decide what products and options best meet your needs.  There are two basic type of life insurance: term life and cash value life.*

Term life insurance

Term insurance provides coverage for a term of one or more years. The 20-year plan is the most popular version. Term insurance pays a death benefit if death occurs during the policy term. However, it does not include a cash value that can be used in the future.

Some term insurance policies are renewable for one or more terms, even if your health changes, though the premium usually increases with each renewal. Inquire about renewal premiums before you buy. Also ask if there is an age when you can no longer renew the policy.

Most term policies also include an option to convert to a cash value policy without having to provide evidence of insurability. Make sure you understand how the convertibility option works. The annual premium for term life insurance is usually less during the early years than the premium for a cash value insurance product. Be sure to compare the long term cost of each product before you buy.
Erie Family Life’s term life insurance policy provides coverage to age 95. The face amount of the policy remains level until then and the policy owner can choose from a 10, 15, 20 or 30-year guaranteed level premium period. After the level premium period, the premium increases on an annual basis.

Cash value life insurance

Cash value life insurance is designed to last an entire lifetime. Most products provide coverage until age 100 or later. The premium for this type of insurance is higher than term insurance during the early years of the contract when compared to term life insurance. The premium that is not used to cover expense or the cost of insurance is invested by the insurance company. That investment builds a cash value that increases with time. That cash value can be borrowed to:

• Fund a business or investment opportunity.
• Pay education expenses, such as college.
• Enhance your retirement income.
• Pay emergency medical expenses.

There are several types of cash value life insurance, including whole life, universal life and variable life.

• Whole life insurance provides coverage for as long as you live. The annual premium is usually payable for a period of time such as 20 years or to age 65. Some are payable forever. The premium amount never changes unless there is a change in benefits. The cash value is guaranteed as shown in the policy.
• Universal life insurance is a flexible premium adjustable life insurance product that allows you to vary the premium payment within certain limits as defined by the insurer and the tax code. The death benefit can be increased or decreased as defined in the policy without having to buy a new contract. The cash value earns interest at a rate determined by the insurer and that rate is subject to fluctuation based on market conditions. Like whole life, the cash value can be borrowed. Additionally, the cash value can simply be withdrawn, thereby avoiding interest expense charges, subject to policy limits.
• Variable life insurance can be structured as whole life insurance or as universal life insurance. The distinguishing feature of variable life is that the cash value is dependent on the investment performance of one or more separate accounts. In other words, the policy owner is subject to financial risk and the loss of their cash value. Be sure to read and study the prospectus before buying this type of policy. Erie Family Life does not offer variable life insurance products.

For information on your life insurance policy or the features and benefits of other products that we offer, contact us or fill out out our quote form.

The Advantages Of An Independent Insurance Agent

When choosing an insurance plan, there are so many important decisions to make, and you seldom feel as if you're informed well enough to make them. Many insurance customers end up buying insurance based on price, hoping the money they're paying will provide them with all the coverage they need, or that they're saving themselves money in the long run with the cheapest plan.

The process of protecting your family can quickly become complicated, frustrating, and worrisome. But an independent agent can lift those loads in several ways. You may actually know your independent agent. He could be the father of your son's classmate. She could be the girl's little league coach.

Independent agents usually live right within your community, support it, and are available for help without the long telephone or online hold times. An independent agent stays in business by keeping customers happy. You'll soon be used to receiving follow-up calls and even visits to be sure you're satisfied with your coverage or the resolution of a claim. Unlike larger, national companies, when you benefit from your insurance coverage, your agent benefits.

You'll have more choices than you knew were available. Because independent agents are not bound to any particular insurance provider, you'll have the luxury of choosing from several different companies. And because your agent is working for your benefit, the confusion so many choices can cause is eliminated. Your agent has done all the research, and is willing to educate you about every viable option. There's no need to change agencies to suit your circumstances.

The lack of ties to a single provider keeps your agency flexible enough to offer you coverage choices that make sense each time your life changes. There’s an advantage of staying with the same independent agent for the long haul. You can actually build real relationships with agents local to your community who know you by name. Insurance can be complicated to navigate, and the lack of trust most people have for the industry is not made better by the impersonal service many large insurance companies provide.

Independent insurance agents can reduce guesswork, save you money, and create community-building relationships national companies simply can't. Call us and ask about how you can put an agent to work for you.

Rental Property Insurance

As your trusted NC insurance agent, we value the simple fact that we can protect you far beyond simple home, auto and business insurance — we are proud to get you the custom coverage you need for all aspects of your life.

Our ability to build tailored policies and offer the highest quality insurance advice is especially helpful for those who own rental properties. You may think that your generic home insurance policy covers all of your worries, but guess again. Having the appropriate insurance coverage is absolutely essential. Whether you are renting out a long term property like a home or condo, or are simply allowing others enjoy a much needed getaway in your luxury vacation rental, you need to consider all of the risk exposures you face — and you certainly cannot rely on the coverage the your homeowners insurance may or may not provide.

Our specialized rental property insurance can help assume the risk for damages to your premises as well as cover you against any unexpected injuries or accidents that occur involving others while on your property. These realistic risk exposures are exactly why we at Marshall Insurance Services want to be your insurance ally, and help you determine the best coverage options for your unique needs.

We can help protect you against a variety of issues and our specialized insurance knowledge allows us to insure all levels of rental property including:

•Properties that are vacant or up for sale
•Properties that are under construction
•Luxury high risk and high value vacation rentals

Furthermore, we offer effective dwelling fire insurance that is specifically designed to protect rental property owners, such as yourself, from losing rental income as the result of a fire. In most cases, this coverage will provide you with a year’s worth of rental income, allowing you the time and resources to rebuild and rent.

With so many options and alternatives to choose from, selecting the best rental insurance package may seem tricky — but with Marshall Insurance Services on your side, we guarantee to secure you the most effective coverage that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations, so give us a call today!

Insurance Coverage for NC Apartment Buildings, Condo Associations and Building Owners

As a building owner, you have special insurance coverage needs. Protect your building and business personal property with an Ultrapack Plus^SM Policy.*

Property and Liability Coverages

ERIE offers coverage for:

• Your buildings
• Business personal property – both yours and others’
• Income protection
• Crime
• Liability needs

Coverage Details

Learn more about the coverage details:

• Buildings and Business Personal Property
• Rental Income Protection
• Mechanical and Electrical Breakdown
• Liability Coverage
• Additional Property Protection
• Optional Coverage Enhancements
• Employment Practices Liability

Erie Insurance also offers many optional insurance coverage's to allow you to customize your insurance to fit your unique needs.  Call us today for a quote at 704-684-0082.

Fight NC Insurance Fraud

Report Insurance Fraud

If you have any questions about insurance fraud or would like to report suspected insurance fraud, please contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division. The Division is headquartered in Raleigh, and we have investigators based throughout the state. We depend on citizens and industry representatives to report illegal and suspicious insurance-related activities. Tips can be reported anonymously.

You may report insurance fraud using any of the methods below

• Online Fraud Reporting System (OFRS)
• Phone: (919) 807-6840 or Toll-Free (888) 680-7684 (NC Only)
• Fax: (919) 715-1156
• Email: reportfraud@ncdoi.gov

Other Information

• Field Operations District Map
• Insurance Fraud in North Carolina