When is the Right Time to Buy Life Insurance in North Carolina?

Posted on June 14, 2021 by AgentInsure

There is never a bad time to buy life insurance in North Carolina, but there are often better times to buy it. You don’t want to buy it just when you become ill, or when a financial crisis is on the horizon. You want to buy life insurance to prepare you for those times.

At Don Allred Insurance, we want Burlington, NC residents to be ready for any life problem, regardless of what kind of life insurance you are looking for. It’s never too late to buy it, and there may be things going on in your life now that have you thinking about it.

Major Life Changes

When your life reaches a turning point that is celebratory, you are often going to start thinking seriously about your financial future. When you get married, have or adopt a child, or buy a new home, these are all common times people start thinking about life insurance.

Life insurance can cover a number of things in addition to death benefits and funeral expenses. It can cover basic needs for your family, pay off a mortgage, help you create a nest egg, or even pay property taxes.

When you undergo these life changes is the best time to get life insurance. When you are younger and healthy, term life insurance is often the most appropriate life insurance that you need, unless you can afford to begin investing in your policy.

When to Buy Permanent Life Insurance

The best time to buy permanent life insurance or whole life insurance is when you can afford it. This kind of life insurance is an investment that serves as an asset almost as soon as you start to pay into it.

It offers a cash value that can be used to borrow against, or pay you in dividends after you have kept the policy up to date for some time.

It is a little more expensive than term life insurance for that reason, and worth it if you have the room in your budget.

Buy Life Insurance Today

At Don Allred Insurance we don’t want Burlington, NC to wait to buy life insurance until it’s too late. You’ll need a medical, and some underwriting if you are buying a policy with over $100,000 coverage.

How to Determine How Much Home Insurance You Need

Posted on May 31, 2021 by AgentInsure

If you are interested in getting homeowners insurance, chances are you know the types of coverage under this policy and the benefits of each option. Next comes identifying how much insurance you need for your Burlington, NC property. To help with this, Don Allred Insurance outlines some tips to keep in mind during this stage.

Take Into Account Local Building Costs

Building cost is the first factor that will help you determine the level of insurance you need, as it generally caters to repair costs when your house gets damaged. Items to consider under building costs include the rooms on your property and the type of materials used in construction, such as wood or stone. In addition to this, take into account any custom items that your home has, such as ceiling moldings and stone carvings, since these come with increased replacement costs.

Consider the Value of Your Possessions

Numerous content coverage policies rely on the homeowners’ possessions’ value for fair compensation, meaning your home policy will likely be based on your valuables. Before signing up for a homeowners’ policy, first, conduct an assessment of your possessions’ value. This includes items such as electronics, appliances, and expensive items such as jewelry.

Consider the Rental Values in Your Neighborhood

Homeowners who reside in areas with expensive rental rates will likely need higher insurance policies as opposed to those living in lower-priced rental areas. This estimate will come in handy when getting additional living expenses cover, helping you get compensation based on your living standards.

How Do You Use Your House?

By factoring in how you use your house, you will also determine how much insurance you need and the type of coverage most suited to you. If, for instance, you frequently use your house for entertaining, consider getting a higher liability cover which will help you cover any injuries that your guests get while also covering any damage on their property.

To get homeowners insurance within Burlington, NC, consider reaching out to Don Allred Insurance today. Our agents will help you find the right type of coverage for your needs.

Why do I need an auto insurance policy in Burlington?

Posted on May 26, 2021 by AgentInsure

In the Burlington, NC area it continues to be quite important for anyone to own a car. If you are going to be a vehicle owner when you are in this area of the state, you will want to know that you are properly protected. One way to do this is by getting an auto insurance policy. There are several reasons people here need to have this type of insurance when they go out and buy a car.

Insurance Protects Vehicle

A key reason that you will want an auto insurance policy when you are here is so you can protect your vehicle. There is a big investment that needs to be made when buying and caring for a car. To ensure that this investment will last, you should get proper insurance coverage. With a full auto insurance policy, you can get collision and comprehensive protection that will cover damages or theft.

Insurance is a Legal Obligation

You will also want to get an auto insurance policy when you are here because it is a legal obligation. Those that would like to drive a car in North Carolina need to carry liability insurance whenever they are on a public road. With a full insurance plan, you will have this coverage and can avoid penalization that can come with not having this type of coverage.

As you are looking for a new auto insurance policy when you are in the Burlington, NC area, it would be helpful for you to call Don Allred Insurance. The team with Don Allred Insurance understands the value that comes with auto coverage. They can then help you be carefully assessing your situation and giving the support that is needed to build and choose a plan that is right for you.

Health Insurance Facts to Know

Posted on April 19, 2021 by AgentInsure

In Burlington, NC, most people do not want to talk about health insurance. It is a complex topic that uses complex language that not everyone can understand. It is an expensive coverage that has always been a matter of national interest but brought very little to help people understand everything. Don Allred Insurance is dedicated to helping people in North Carolina to understand some essential facts surrounding this topic.

Your Kids are Covered

As a health insurance holder, you don’t have to pay extra money for your kids because they are covered. Surprisingly, your kids will be covered until 26 years, even when they are out of school. This is something you need to know and exploit where possible.

You Share Expenses

If you are employed, you share the monthly premium contributions with your employer. The law states that you will pay a certain percentage, and your employer will top up to have your monthly insurance premium covered. Don’t be duped into thinking that it’s your employer who pays for your health insurance premiums.

It Is Better Than Out-of-Pocket

People will always complain about how expensive health insurance is. However, it is better to have this policy because, in the long-term, it is better than out of pocket payments. The cost of health has gone up by more than 300%, and the only security you can have is a health insurance cover.

Choose the Best Cover

There are several packages of health insurance policies that you can consider depending on your income and family. Always analyze all the possible insurance policies and choose the one that fits your budget and reduces the out-of-pocket payments.

Are You Looking for Health Insurance?

If you are looking for health insurance in Burlington, NC, Don Allred Insurance understands that it is time-consuming and may be difficult to get the right cover due to the complexities involved. Call us today for more information about health insurance.

Everything you need to know about term and whole life insurance

Posted on April 5, 2021 by AgentInsure

Everything you need to know about the term and whole life insurance

When you visit an insurance company in Burlington, NC, to buy life insurance, the first thing the agents will ask you is the type of life insurance you want to buy. It’s easy to be at crossroads when you are unsure what each offers or how they work. If you are in that specific situation, here is what Don Allred Insurance wants you to know.

Term vs. whole life insurance what you need to know

You will typically have two options when it comes to life insurance. They are the oldest and most popular types of life insurance. Like any other insurance policy in Burlington, NC, life insurance can be incredibly complex when you dig deeper. So, to keep things simple and more straightforward, we are going to look at the two, their differences and their suitability.

Term life insurance

Term life insurance is one of the most comfortable and most affordable types of life insurance. Many people prefer this policy as it promises a death benefit if you pass away after purchasing it. It’s also flexible as it allows you to pay your premiums for a specific duration, and you can withdraw and use the money as you please. While the premiums are relatively low, you need to consider other aspects of the policy like larger death benefits or longer coverage duration, making it more expensive. You also need to be careful with time as term insurance has an expiry date.

Whole life insurance

Whole life insurance simply means no expiry. Your coverage never expires as long as you are paying your premiums. You pay the same rate from the very beginning, and the premiums are split between building cash value and the rest goes to the insurance component. However, it more expensive than term life insurance.

For more information about life insurance, feel free to contact Don Allred Insurance today!

Beginners Guide to Home Insurance

Posted on March 22, 2021 by AgentInsure

Your home is one of your most valuable assets, and the last thing you want is to lose it. Home insurance is one of the wisest ways to protect your investment from many events. Don Allred Insurance is committed to helping Burlington, NC residents understand and obtain the home insurance they deserve.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Insurance policies vary, so not all over the same things. However, there are some commonalities. Most protect the following:

Your Dwelling

This typically includes the home as well as any attached structures, like a garage or porch.

Other Structures

“Other structures” refers to things such as sheds and fences.

Personal Property

Most insurance policies cover repairing or replacing personal items, such as clothing and furniture if damaged due to a covered peril.

Additional Living Expenses

If your home is deemed unlivable due to a covered peril, home insurance often pays up to a set amount for temporary living expenses. Depending on the policy, this might include a hotel stay, transportation to another living space,

Liability

If someone who is not on your policy gets injured on your property and you are found liable, a home policy typically provides aid.

Medical Payments

Most home policies provide some protection for injuries caused on your property, no matter who is at fault. Additionally, they usually cover injuries that you or a pet cause off property up to coverage limits.

While these are the most common categories covered, the specifics of what qualifies for coverage and the amount of that coverage depends solely on your policy.

Perils

There are some common perils that most policies cover.

Theft
Vandalism
Damage caused by aircraft
Damage caused by vehicles
Fire or lightning
Smoke
Explosions
Riots
Falling trees or other objects
Wind or hailstorms
Damage caused by the weight of ice, sleet, or snow

If you live in an area at high-risk of any common perils, such as windstorms or theft, you may require additional coverage.

Home insurance is highly customizable, and it’s crucial to get the best protection for your home and life. If you are a resident of Burlington, NC, stop by Don Allred Insurance or give us a call to design the right policy for you.

What is included with an auto insurance plan?

Posted on March 8, 2021 by AgentInsure

Those that are in the Burlington, NC area will find that it is much more convenient to live in the area when you have a car. Those that have a car in this area will be able to get around town quickly and can enjoy a convenient commute. If you are going to get a car here, you also need to have insurance. There are several forms of coverage included when you get auto insurance.

Liability Protection

An important part of the coverage that comes with your auto insurance plan is liability protection. Anyone that drives a car is at risk of causing a vehicle collision. Those that do cause damages in an accident will be responsible for covering the costs. As this is a big risk, it is important that you insure against it. With an auto insurance plan, you will receive liability coverage that can help to mitigate and offset this risk.

Coverage for Vehicle

Your car is one of the largest assets that you will ever own. If you are a vehicle owner it is something that you will want to protect as well as possible. A great way to do this is with an auto insurance plan that has collision and comprehensive protection. With this coverage you are going to receive protection to offset a variety of different risks including theft, accident damage or vandalism.

If you need to get auto insurance in the Burlington, NC area, it is important to speak with someone that you can trust. The team with Don Allred Insurance can be a great resource for you when you are looking for coverage. When you call the team at Don Allred Insurance you are going to receive the guidance you need to choose a policy that is right for your situation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Researching Health Insurance Policies

Posted on February 23, 2021 by AgentInsure

For over 30 years, Don Allred Insurance has helped Burlington, NC residents find insurance coverage. We proudly serve the community as an independent insurance agency. We assess each of our client’s situations to help them find the right policy for their needs.

Common Health Insurance Mistakes

Health insurance allows you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The policy covers you as you seek treatment in the event that you become ill. Health insurance also covers your preventative care, such as your yearly checkups with your doctor. Health insurance also covers different types of medication that your doctor may prescribe to help you feel better. While you research different policies, avoid some of these common mistakes.

Neglecting Deadlines

The biggest mistake to avoid while researching coverage is neglecting deadlines and potentially missing out on your enrollment opportunity. Keep in mind that there is an open enrollment period every year where you can sign up for a new policy or amend your current policy. If you forget the enrollment deadlines, you may be stuck with your existing coverage.

Making Sure That Your Doctor Is In The Network

Every health insurance policy includes a specified network of primary care physicians and doctors that you are allowed to visit under the terms of your policy. If your doctor falls outside of the network, you may have to inquire about another policy or you can choose to amend your current one. Networks change regularly and you want to avoid being locked into a local Burlington, NC health insurance policy that you aren’t comfortable in.

Failing To Plan For The Future

As you research different policies, don’t forget to think about how things may change in the future. Things may change as you progress through life. Perhaps an accident causes your health to change. It’s important to plan for the future.

Don Allred Insurance Will Help You Find Coverage

Visit our website today to learn more information about health insurance.

Reasons your life insurance policy can be cancelled

Posted on February 9, 2021 by AgentInsure

Life insurance is an important part of most people’s financial portfolio. It provides peace of mind that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of your death. Making sure it is active and will provide the protection you are counting on is important. At Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC, we have more than 40 years of experience minimizing our customer’s risks. As an independent agency, we can offer the finest in service and place customer’s needs first.

Non-payment

The most common reason for life insurance to be canceled is non-payment. It can happen to anyone but letting your life insurance premium go unpaid is never a wise idea if you plan to keep the policy. Most companies will allow a 30-day grace period after the due date for you to make the payment. If there are extenuating circumstances you might be able to get an additional 30 days before your policy lapses. If you have a whole life policy you do have some other options. You may be able to use your dividends to pay your policy. Your policy may have a waiver of premium rider. If you have cash value that can also be used to offset your premiums.

If you are having financial difficulties by all means contact your agent and discuss your options. It may be you need to get a less expensive term policy to get you through the difficult times.

Fraud

Insurance companies take a very dim view of any attempt to defraud them. Never lie on your application. If you have pre-existing conditions that you fail to include on your application, they will cancel your policy if it is discovered. Even worse is the fact they can refuse to pay a claim if the fraud is discovered.

Contact Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC for all your insurance needs.

What is a home inventory and how should I create one

Posted on January 18, 2021 by AgentInsure

No one wants to think about their home being damaged. You buy home insurance hoping you will never have to use it. The reality is quite different. On average one in twenty homeowners will file a claim every year with the highest percentage being the result of fire damage. At Don Allred Insurance we provide personal service to the residents of Burlington, NC and the surrounding area. With more than 40 years of experience, we are your one-stop independent insurance agency.

A home inventory is a listing of all your possessions. It will help to facilitate any claims you might have which makes creating one very important. You will have all the information you need about any loss at your fingertips.

You have a couple of options for creating a home inventory. You can make the list with a pad and pen or you can make a video. Whichever option you choose you should be thorough. That means opening every closet and cabinet door. Going to the attic, basement, and even the garage. Give as much detail as possible. Have brand names, manufacturer, model, and serial number. The more detail you provide, the easier the claim process will be.

Gather together any receipts or sales slips you have. If you are claiming jewelry or art, have an appraisal to make sure you can justify the value attached. If you are using a pad and pen, taking photos is a good idea. You can take a photo of each room and then highlight the most expensive items. One of the most important things you can do is place your inventory in a safe place where you will be able to access it if you need to file a claim.

In Burlington, NC contact Don Allred Insurance to discuss your home insurance needs.

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