Is Your Home Insurance Policy Ready for Storm Season?

Posted on September 28, 2018 by AgentInsure

Storm season is here and now is the time to ensure that your home insurance policy is up to date and contains all of the coverage that you and your family require. Don Allred Insurance is here to serve the needs of our clients in the greater Burlington, NC area and help you prepare for the upcoming storm season. You don’t want to find out after the fact that your policy has significant gaps in coverage and the repair of some of your storm-related damage is now your responsibility. Working with a professional agency can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home and your family are protected.

Not All Storm-Related Damage is Covered by Basic Home Insurance Policies

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that their basic policies will provide the coverage that they need in the event of damage or destruction to their homes. While all policies do provide some level of coverage there is a wide range of protection levels. When you think about the disruption that a storm-related event could cause your family, especially if the repair is not covered, it makes sense to have a home insurance policy in place that offers comprehensive coverage.

An annual review of your insurance portfolio is always a great idea and making sure that your home policy has the coverage you need can help you to sleep better! If you are concerned about damage caused by wind, debris, rain, hail, and ice, your agent can review your policy to ensure those coverages are in place.

Call Don Allred Insurance today to get a review of your Burlington, NC area home insurance policy. We can help you review your current policy to make sure that it provides the protection that you need!

3 Benefits of Auto Insurance

Posted on September 25, 2018 by AgentInsure

Purchasing auto insurance coverage can be a complex task. However, by understanding its benefits, this could help you figure out what type of coverage you want and where to get it from. That said, the following is a closer look at the three benefits of purchasing an auto insurance policy.

Extended Medical Coverage

Although accidents are not ideal, they do happen. In the event that someone is seriously injured, your auto policy can help provide the much-needed funds for surgeries and other procedures. Purchasing an auto policy ensures that you and/or your passengers are able to get the necessary medical attention for recovery, in the unfortunate event that one of you is injured while on the road.

Fire Damage

So, the last place you plan to deal with fire damage is in your car. Nevertheless, this does happen. Rather than suffering a partial or even total loss, you can purchase a premium auto insurance policy complete with fire damage coverage and never worry about totally losing your vehicle to a fire.

Vehicle Recovery

Lastly, although most people only consider coverage for matters that occur while they are behind the wheel, seldom seem to ponder on what would happen if the vehicle is stolen. Luckily, if you purchase a premium policy, you will never have to worry about matters such a vehicle theft ever again.

Overall, for residents of Burlington, NC, Don Allred Insurance is an excellent option for auto insurance coverage. A premier insurance agency in Burlington, NC, if you simply visit their office, call, or email today, you can find out your auto insurance coverage options and hopefully find a few ways to save. Contact Don Allred Insurance today!>

How an Electric Car Affects Your Auto Insurance

Posted on August 20, 2018 by AgentInsure

For some, buying an electric car is a decision made based on their desire to have a positive impact on the economy. Others, while often supporting eco-friendly measures, are considering buying an electric car for reduced costs over the long run. They figure that with the tax credits and lack of buying gasoline, they’ll recoup their costs over the years. However, the question is more complicated than that, as most people don’t factor in auto insurance. Depending on your driving record, insurance company, your current car, and selected coverage, your premium may vary greatly.

Find out exactly how much you would be paying, or could save on your current policy, by contacting Don Allred Insurance, a high-quality company serving the Burlington, NC area.

Are Gas or Electric Cars More Expensive to Insure?

Usually, an electric car is more expensive to ensure that its gasoline counterpart. One of the main reasons is that an electric car model is more expensive than the gasoline model, so in the event of an accident, the insurance company has to pay out more money. Not only are the MSRPs of electric vehicles higher, parts are usually more expensive, too.

Is There Any Way for Electric Car Drivers to Save?

Yes, it’s possible for electric car drivers to lower their insurance premiums. Some companies offer an eco-friendly discount, rewarding you for making a decision that benefits the planet. Electric cars are often more heavy than gas vehicles, which makes the electric cars safer, generally. According to the IIHS, the chances of being injured in an accident are 25 percent lower for those in hybrid vehicles versus non-hybrid cars. Some insurance companies factor this into their quotes and offer reduced rates.

There’s no need to guess whether it would be cheaper to insure your hybrid vehicle. Get in touch with Don Allred Insurance, which serves the Burlington, NC area, to find out more about electric car insurance.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Moving Damage?

Posted on August 13, 2018 by AgentInsure

Moving can be a challenging and stressful task to accomplish. You need to pack your belongings and take care of them to ensure that there is no damage or loss. In fact, one of the most stressful parts of moving is worrying about damage or loss to your personal property. One of the big questions that will most likely come up when switching homes is; “does my home insurance policy from Don Allred Insurance cover my belongings while moving?” This is a genuine concern among homeowners in Burlington, NC who are thinking about switching homes. Here is what you need to know about your home insurance policy and moving.

Does Your Home Insurance Policy Cover Moving Damage /Loss?

The answer to this question is, not necessarily. Although your standard home insurance policy generally covers your personal belongings in your home, the loss must be related to an event that is listed in your policy and moving isn’t one of those events. Covered events usually include risks such as theft and fire. Therefore, if there is theft out of the moving truck, then you can file a claim for reimbursement.

However, your policy might provide coverage in certain situations. For example, if the moving truck is involved in an accident and your personal properties are destroyed, then your standard home insurance policy should help cover the loss. In most cases, though, your coverage limits may be much lower while your belongings are being transported from one home to the other.

Always Call Your Insurance provider to Check Your Coverage

Even if you are 100% sure that your homeowners’ insurance policy includes moving coverage, make sure that you call your insurance agent to double check what is covered and what isn’t covered. Sometimes, the insurance company may not work in the way that you expect, and you may only realize this fact when damage has already occurred.

Are you a homeowner in Burlington, NC? Contact Don Allred Insurance today for your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Finding the right commercial coverage for your business

Posted on July 27, 2018 by AgentInsure

Commercial insurance coverage in Burlington, NC is not a one-size-fits-all solution and can be dependent on a number of different factors for the business. An agent at Don Allred Insurance can help find the right insurance coverage.

First, understand your business needs and value your belongings and merchandise. Remember that if you need to make a claim, the insurance company is going to use the value of your belongings and not what you paid for them. Used equipment is not going to be valued as high as new equipment. There are different industries that have more risk factors, and you should take those risk factors into account when determining the amount of coverage you need. The different risk may also require different policies, such as commercial auto insurance or more workers compensation insurance protection. If you have expensive machinery, don’t forget to add more coverage. You know your business the best, so while your insurance agent can help, you need to think about the day-to-day operations of your business. Don’t let premiums be the only thing that determines your decision. It’s important to have sufficient coverage to handle any claims you may have.

When comparing policies, it’s important to read the fine print and understand what each policy is covering to determine which one is the best. While it’s necessary to find a policy that suits your business needs today, make sure to think long term. Will your policy be able to cover your future needs? Can it grow with your businesses? Think about what you will be offering your customers in 5, 10 and 15 years, and consider how your policy needs will change. It’s still important to go over your policy on a yearly basis in order to keep up to date on coverage.

Contact Don Allred Insurance serving Burlington, NC to get a quote on commercial insurance.

Protecting Your New Baby with Life Insurance

Posted on July 20, 2018 by AgentInsure

When a family has a new baby, the parents want to do everything they can to protect the baby from harm. It is a good idea to have an insurance review with an agent from Don Allred Insurance, serving Burlington, NC, and the surrounding area, to adjust the life insurance coverage of the parents to protect the baby if something happens to one or both of the parents.

Some parents also like to get life insurance for their baby, not because there is such a great risk for the baby but because whole life insurance when purchased at a young age is very inexpensive and is an investment that gains cash value over the years.

How much life insurance is adequate?

The amount of life insurance that parents should consider is what would cover the loss of parental income for the years that the baby needs to grow up. Most calculations of this amount are for 18 years or for 21 years.

Some parents like to add the estimated cost for the baby to attend a college or university as part of the life insurance coverage. It is nice to add a bit more to give the young person a secure start in life without having so much financial stress.

What type of life insurance is a good choice?

Life insurance is offered in two basic categories with a number of variations. The life insurance that serves as an investment is in the category of whole life. This category includes universal life insurance also. This type of insurance builds up cash value over time as the premiums are paid.

Term life insurance pays beneficiaries upon the death of the insured person; however, it does not build cash value. There are also many other types of life insurance that are suitable for different needs and goals.

Contact an agent at Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC to get professional advice about the different types of insurance that are available and get a quote for life insurance to provide protection for your lovely new baby.

How To Insure a Teenage Driver

Posted on June 25, 2018 by AgentInsure

New teen drivers are prone to having accidents. This is why it is important to have adequate insurance coverage. If you have a teen that is going to start driving be sure to consult with your insurance agent at the Don Allred Insurance, serving the Burlington, NC area, to make sure you have insurance in place.

DoSomething.org is a non-profit organization that collects information about teen driving and has programs to help improve driver safety for teen drivers. Of all drivers of any age, 16-year-olds are involved in the most car accidents. One in five 16-year-olds will have an accident during their first year of driving. For those that are between 13 and 19 years old, one-third of the deaths, which happen during those years, are caused by auto accidents.

Distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors in these fatal accidents involving teens. More than half of teens admit that they talk on the phone or text while driving. About 60% of accidents, when teens are driving, are caused by distracted driving.

If you are a parent with a teen that will soon be driving, you now see the real need to talk with your insurance agent at the Don Allred Insurance, serving the Burlington, NC area, to make sure you have adequate insurance in place. Moreover, the statistics show that parents who are involved with the teen’s driving practice are more likely to get the teen to use seat belts that can save their lives if they are involved in an accident. The risk of an accident with a teen driver increases with each additional passenger. A limit on the number of passengers is a good idea. Other ways to reduce risk include limiting nighttime driving because 40% of the teen deaths from auto accidents occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Contact your agent today if your teen is getting ready to drive in order to adjust your auto insurance.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Auto Insurance?

Posted on May 28, 2018 by AgentInsure

In the state of North Carolina, you are required to carry auto insurance on your vehicle. However, if money is tight, you may find yourself wondering what actually happens if you don’t get or drop your auto insurance coverage. Here at Don Allred Insurance, serving the greater Burlington, NC area, we want to let you know just how important auto insurance is and why you should always carry auto insurance on your vehicle. Here are three things that can happen if you don’t get auto insurance.

Your Registration Can Be Revoked

In the state of North Carolina, you are required to have auto insurance to register your car. Without auto insurance, you cannot register your car. But, if you drop your auto insurance after registering your car, the registration can be revoked until you show proof that you have auto insurance.

You Can Face High Fines

If you are pulled over, law enforcement will ask you for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can be fined. Not only this, but your car can be towed and impounded since it is illegal for you to be driving without insurance.

You Will Have to Pay Auto Accident Damage Out-of-Pocket

The last thing that can happen if you don’t have auto insurance is that you will have to pay for any auto accident damage out of your own money. If you are involved in a car accident, you have to pay for the damage you caused, which can amount to thousands of dollars.

If money is tight, dropping your auto insurance can only make the situation worse. Look to balance your budget in other ways. If you have already dropped your auto insurance or need a new policy in the greater Burlington, NC area, Don Allred Insurance can help you get the coverage you need. Call us to get started

The basics of auto insurance

Posted on April 23, 2018 by AgentInsure

Insurance policies and laws vary from state to state. Despite the fact that different states have specific auto insurance commands, the majority of car policies consist of six basic types of coverage as explained by auto insurance experts, Burlington, NC, Don Allred Insurance:

Body injury liability – This liability coverage applies to injuries caused to the policyholder, the designated driver and family members listed on the policy. It is therefore advisable to have enough liability insurance, more than the state required minimum.

Personal injury protection – This covers treatment and medical payments of injuries caused to the passengers and driver of the policyholder.

Property damage liability – This covers the damage you the driver or someone driving the vehicle cause to another person’s property which can be another car, building, and fence or lamp posts.

Collision – This coverage pays for damages caused by a collision with another car, object or flipping over. Usually, it’s sold with a separate deductible and in case you are at fault, the collision covers the cost of repair less the deductible and if you are not at fault you get reimbursed the deductible amount too.

Comprehensive – Comprehensive coverage reimburses the policyholder loss caused by something else other than collision. This includes theft or events such as fire, explosions, floods, vandalism and falling objects. It is also sold with a separate deductible although in other cases, a glass portion is usually offered.

Underinsured and Insured auto coverage – This auto coverage reimburses a designated driver, a member of your family or the policyholder himself on an event where you are hit by an insured driver or a driver whose insurance is insufficient to pay for your total loss. In case you are struck by an underinsured or uninsured motorist or you are a victim of a hit and run, this coverage also offers protection to bother the driver or pedestrian.

For specific policy information in your state, it’s important to contact your state insurance department or licensed local insurance agent.

How Do You Figure How Much Home Insurance You Need?

Posted on April 9, 2018 by AgentInsure

All homeowners should have home insurance, but knowing exactly how much insurance to purchase may be confusing for some. There are a few rules of thumb to follow that can help you may a smart decision, however, you should consult an experienced insurance agent before making a decision.

How Much Is Enough

Generally, people wanting to purchase home insurance should take the total cost to build their home and factor in the value of the contents. If you have outside structures you should also factor the value of the structure and the contents if the insurance policy covers additions and external building. Once you have a figure, you should round up to the next available amount of coverage. You can choose from actual value or replacement cost insurance. The actual value insurance policy covers the value of the property at the time of the insurance purchase minus depreciation. The replacement cost insurance policy will cover the cost to replace covered items at the time of the covered event based on the fair market value of materials and labor.

Get Quality Insurance

Make sure you purchase quality insurance for your home. Do business with an insurance company that cares about their customers and will help you every step of the way from purchasing the policy to filing a claim. If you own a home in or around Burlington, NC, you should consult Don Allred Insurance for help finding the right policy.

Residents living in Burlington, NC and the surrounding areas can count on Don Allred Insurance to help them get the coverage they need to protect their home and their belongings. For more information call or stop by to speak to a helpful representative today.

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