Home Insurance for New Homeowners

Posted on September 23, 2020 by AgentInsure

Home insurance can get a little complex for new homeowners. Whether it’s your first home, a new home, or a better home for your growing family, it’s absolutely vital to have homeowner’s insurance to protect your investment. Learn all about the in’s and out’s of home insurance with Don Allred Insurance. Keep your Burlington, NC home protected with us!

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance, in a nutshell, provides you financial relief for a certain amount in the event that your home receives damage or worse. For those that are new to the concept of home insurance, here are some areas in which you can receive financial coverage for your home:

Stolen items
Damage sustained from a natural disaster
General property damage
Liability
Other structures on your property
Damage done to another person’s property

These are just some of the areas in which you can receive coverage for your home under home insurance. The different coverage types and amounts you can receive will depend on the specific coverage type you have. To get a consultation on what coverage would be most beneficial for you, visit Don Allred Insurance.

Why Is Home Insurance Important?

Your home is more than just a physical building. It’s a place where you can raise and protect your family. Your home should be protected in more ways than one. Home insurance provides that protection by guaranteeing your covered in the case of an accident or worse. It’s always better to have coverage and never need it than it is to never have coverage and find yourself needing it.

Protect Your Home with Don Allred Insurance

When it’s time to choose a policy that will protect you and your family, visit Don Allred Insurance. You can contact us to set up and appointment or receive a consultation over the phone. Our office is near Burlington, NC.

What New Drivers Should Know about Auto Insurance

Posted on September 16, 2020 by AgentInsure

As a new driver, one of your first responsibilities is purchasing auto insurance. If you live in Burlington, NC or surrounding areas, you can contact Don Allred Insurance for the auto coverage you need. Auto insurance is mandatory in North Carolina by law. Here are some important facts every new driver should know about auto coverage.

What Auto Insurance Covers

Auto insurance offers protection against auto theft, accidental injuries, vehicle damage, and breakdowns on the road. A basic policy will offer the following coverage:

Collision – to pay for collision damage to your vehicle

Comprehensive – to pay for auto theft and damage to your vehicle from non-collision causes (vandalism, bad weather, falling objects, etc.)

Uninsured/underinsured Motorist – to pay for damage to your vehicle caused by a hit and run or uninsured drivers

Liability – to pay for injuries or property damage to other drivers in accidents you cause. North Carolina requires that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage.

Shopping for a Policy

Auto coverage may vary from one company to another. Before purchasing a policy, take time to see what different insurers in your area have to offer. For your convenience, you can comparison shop for auto insurance online to get an idea of coverage options and costs. It’s also important to choose a reputable company to work with in order to get quality customer service.

Customizing Coverage

Auto coverage isn’t “one size fits all.” By being selective in your coverage, you can get better protection for your lifestyle. Customizing your policy can also save you money on your premium. As a new, inexperienced driver, you should ensure you get sufficient coverage to protect you and others on the road.

For quality auto coverage at affordable costs, come to Don Allred insurance, serving residents in Burlington, NC, and surrounding communities.

4 Ways an Agent Can Help You Customize Your Health Insurance Policy

Posted on August 31, 2020 by AgentInsure

When you’re dealing with a local independent insurance agent there are numerous benefits. One of these is that they can sit down and discuss your health coverage needs to come up with the best policy package. Don Allred Insurance agents are instrumental in providing such services to people in the Burlington, NC area.

Help with Understanding Terms

There’s much involved in health insurance paperwork and the language in other communications about your insurance. It’s in your best interest to have an expert talk through what different terminology means. Don’t worry about how you’ll look if you ask a lot of questions as this is definitely important to do before you go further into the process.

Advice from a Professional

Your agent can be your personal advisor. They’ll figure out what you need to be covered adequately. They’ll take the time it needs to listen to your health history and what you’re looking for in a policy. Remember, it’s best to be overly prepared than to find yourself at a loss in terms of your insurance when the time comes to use it.

Advocacy Is Ideal

Your agent also should be an advocate for your insurance issues and help you if you require a change to your coverage. They also are helpful when it comes to assessing your changing needs over time and if it would benefit you to bundle your health insurance with other types of insurance policies.

Personalization Is the Way of the Future

In today’s world, health care is becoming increasingly personalized in its approach. Since different people live different lifestyles and have unique preferences there are more considerations in health insurance policies. A quality agent can customize your insurance to allow for certain offerings such as coverage for specific treatment plans and therapies.

Find Out How Don Allred Insurance Can Help

Don Allred Insurance team members are ready and willing to assist new clients. If you’re in the Burlington, NC area and you’d like to learn more and make an appointment reach out to us today.

Three things that help you determine how much life insurance coverage you need

Posted on August 26, 2020 by AgentInsure

You need life insurance coverage to protect your family financially in Burlington, NC. If you have not yet purchased a life insurance policy to meet your needs, we can provide assistance at Don Allred Insurance.

The following are three things that you need to consider to determine the amount of life insurance coverage you need.

The number of dependents you have

The more dependents you have who are relying on you financially, the more coverage you need. If you have five kids, you’ll need more coverage than you would need if you have one kid.

You should also consider whether your spouse is financially dependent on you. If your spouse relies on you financially, you need to invest in more coverage. This means that not only is your spouse relying on you financially, but your spouse may also not be producing a significant amount of income to support your family if something should happen to you.

The amount of time that your dependents will be financially dependent on you

If your children are very young, they’ll be financially dependent on you longer than they would be if they were already in college. Purchase enough coverage to support your family until they become financially independent if possible.

The amount of money you make

The more money you make, the more coverage you’re probably going to want. If your income is high, it’s likely that the living expenses of your family are on the higher side.

Ideally, you want to have enough coverage so that your family could enjoy the same lifestyle if something happened to you that stopped your income from continuing.

If you’d like to learn more about choosing life insurance in Burlington, NC, we’re here to help. Contact us by phone or via our website at Don Allred Insurance to find the right life insurance policy for your needs.

3 Ways to Prevent a House Fire

Posted on July 22, 2020 by AgentInsure

Having your house catch fire can be a devastating experience. There are several ways to reduce your risk of a fire in your home. At Don Allred Insurance, the agents who serve Burlington, NC residents can provide you with tips and tricks to help save your house from becoming a statistic. Lowering your risk of a house fire is easy if you use common sense.

Minimize the Use of Extension Cords

Using too many extension cords can overload your sockets. Minimizing the use of extension cords decreases the risk of fire caused by cords that have overheated. Use surge protectors and make sure they are properly grounded. Remove any extension cords that are overloaded.

Don’t Leave Open Flames Unattended

Don’t leave open flames unattended. Always turn off any gas stoves or ovens. Make sure if the burners are on that there is nothing flammable close by. You should also extinguish any candles that you may have burning.

Don’t Set Fireworks Off Close to Your Home

People set off fireworks at various times of the year to celebrate a variety of events. It’s extremely important that you aim any fireworks away from your home and other buildings. One misguided firework that lands on your roof can cause extensive damage if a fire starts.

In Burlington, NC, the agents of Don Allred Insurance can help you figure out what steps you need to take to reduce your risk of having a home fire. Taking a few minutes each day to ensure your home’s safety can reduce your risk of a home fire. Check each room before you leave the house to ensure you have done everything possible to keep your home safe and secure.

Are You Getting the Most from Your Auto Coverage?

Posted on July 15, 2020 by AgentInsure

If you’re on a budget, you want to know you’re getting the most from your money, wherever it’s spent. This includes auto insurance. The right policy will give you the protection you need without wasting money on “fluff.” At Don Allred Insurance, we’ll customize your auto policy to suit your budget and lifestyle. Here’s how customized auto insurance in Burlington, NC can benefit you.

Provides Essential Protection

People vary in the auto coverage they need depending on the value of their vehicle, driving habits, and lifestyle. If you only drive occasionally for recreational purposes, you may not need as much coverage as someone who’s constantly on the road. In like manner, older vehicle owners can often get by with less vehicle protection than someone who owns a vehicle that’s brand new. Customizing your policy enables you to receive the essential protection you need, without paying for unnecessary coverage.

Fulfills NC Insurance Requirements

Auto liability coverage is mandatory in Burlington, NC by law to protect others in accidents you cause. When customizing your auto policy, your Don Allred Insurance agent will ensure you have this minimum requirement. You also have the option of purchasing more than minimum liability coverage to protect you against major accidents you may cause.

Safeguards Your Vehicle

One of the main purposes of auto insurance is to protect you financially against accidents. Quality coverage should protect you against liability claims and help pay for damage to your car. Collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist insurance covers your vehicle against theft and damage from collisions, vandalism, inclement weather, and hit and run drivers. If your lifestyle puts you at risk of these incidents, you’d do well to obtain this coverage.

For more tips on how to maximize your auto insurance coverage, contact Don Allred Insurance today.

Do I need health insurance when I am in North Carolina?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by AgentInsure

Those that live in the Burlington, NC area will have many different insurance needs. One of the most important insurance needs is to have health insurance. There are several reasons why someone in this area will need to have health insurance coverage at all times.

Access to Preventative Care

One of the most important reasons to get health insurance is because it will provide you with access to preventive care. Many health issues that people have could have been avoided if they had access to medical attention earlier. When you have a health insurance policy, you will have access to primary care physicians and medications needed to keep you healthy.

Major Medical Attention

Additionally, you will want to have health insurance to have access to major medical care. If you were to get into an accident or suffer from a serious illness, your medical expenses could be significant. With health insurance, you will be able to get this care at a much lower rate.

Required by Law

Additionally, in today’s environment, you will want to have health insurance so you can stay in compliance with the law. For the past few years, all people are required to have health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you could face some penalization.

When you are looking for health insurance in the Burlington, NC area, you should call the team at Don Allred Insurance. When you are looking for a new health insurance policy, there are a lot of options that you will have to choose from. To ensure that you know and understand your options, you should call Don Allred Insurance immediately. The team here will help you to evaluate your health insurance needs to make sure you get into the best policy possible.

Wise Tips for Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Posted on June 15, 2020 by AgentInsure

Choosing a beneficiary is an important step in the life insurance process. Your beneficiary is the person or organization that will receive the benefits of your policy upon your demise. If you’re not sure how to choose a beneficiary, these tips from Don Allred Insurance can help you make wise choices.

Who Needs Your Financial Support Most?

When considering a beneficiary, ask yourself – who needs your financial support? If you’re married and have a family, your spouse and children would be the most appropriate choices for beneficiaries as life benefits can help replace your salary in providing financial support after you’re gone. As the main breadwinner in the family, your wages will be sorely missed by your spouse upon your demise. Life benefits will enable your spouse to pay the bills, care for your children, and continue the lifestyle they’re used to after you’re gone.

If you’re single with no children, you may want to choose your aging parents or younger siblings as beneficiaries, especially if you’re helping them financially now. Life benefits will enable you to continue future support to help with your parents’ retirement or siblings’ college. Singles with no dependents may have a favorite charity in Burlington NC or community project they want to help with financial support.

One or More Than One Beneficiary?

You can choose multiple beneficiaries in Burlington, NC, if you want, and specify how to divide the benefits between them. This gives you an opportunity to help various people after you’re gone.

Establishing a Trust

If you want to leave life benefits to minor children, you can put them in a trust. You’ll have to designate a responsible individual to manage this trust until your children are of age to receive these funds.

For more help in choosing a beneficiary, talk to your Don Allred Insurance agent today.

North Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

Posted on May 29, 2020 by AgentInsure

Whether you drive the streets of Burlington, NC for business or pleasure, you must carry automotive insurance. Here at Don Allred Insurance, we want you to experience the safest driving you can on the NC roads and that means carrying the right insurance.

To register a vehicle in the state you must purchase liability, property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage. The state mandates the minimum amount of required coverage in the Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act of 1957. The law states you must purchase at least a 30/60/25 plan. That means you must purchase an insurance policy that at a minimum provides:

bodily injury coverage in the amount of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident,
property damage coverage in the amount of $25,000 per accident,
uninsured motorist property damage coverage in the amount of $25,000 per accident,
uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage in the amount of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.

Carrying this level of insurance ensures that you can comply with the NC government’s requirement that an at-fault driver has the ability to pay for the expenses from an accident. You also must carry with you in your vehicle proof of insurance which can take the form of your insurance ID card, the DL-123 certification provided by your insurance agent, an insurance binder, or the policy’s declarations page.

While the NC law mandates the minimum required insurance, Don Allred Insurance of Burlington, NC encourages you to also consider obtaining comprehensive and collision coverage. Full coverage best protects your vehicle, your personal health, and your financial standing.

How Your Local Fire Department Affects Your Home Insurance

Posted on May 15, 2020 by AgentInsure

House fires are one of the biggest concerns for insurance companies, and they need to price their policies according to the risk that they are covering. This means that your premiums will be determined in large part by your fire department’s "ISO" in relation to your home, or Insurance Services Office. Essentially your nearest fire department is given a score from one to ten, with one being the best possible rating. Different insurers will determine values differently, but the following concerns will always be considered:

The size of your Burlington, NC fire department’s staff, the quality of their training, and their distance from your home. This typically makes up about half of your ISO score.
The availability of a water supply is another big concern. If you live right by a fire hydrant, you’ll have a better score than someone who lives relatively off the grid.
Communications systems count for a significant portion, that is, how fast a 911 call gets to the department.
Community outreach and fire prevention courses.
If you’re more than five miles from the nearest station, you’re probably going to be scored a ten no matter what.

Location is perhaps the biggest concern. Homes in Burlington, NC closer to public services are pretty much guaranteed a better ISO than homes farther away, even if the home nearer to the fire hydrant is otherwise less safe than the one on the outskirts of the city. In some cases, an insurance company might even list fire as an exclusion if you live too far away from the nearest fire station, but this only refers to a small minority of homes. If you want to find out your own ISO and get covered, give Don Allred Insurance a call. Don Allred Insurance can get you the protection that you need.

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Don Allred Insurance