Home Insurance Exclusions You Should Know About

Posted on September 13, 2021 by AgentInsure

Home insurance from Don Allred Insurance protects your dwelling from perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and certain natural disasters. But just like other insurance coverages, your home insurance isn’t entirely flawless — it has exclusions, and knowing about them is equally important as understanding what your home insurance policy covers.

Do you have a home insurance plan for your Burlington, NC home? Here is what your typical home insurance won’t cover.

Ground movement

When earthquakes and sinkholes strike in your home, your home insurance won’t cover you. Otherwise, you need a separate endorsement to cover these disasters.

Floods

Your home insurance will cover water damage resulting from leaky pipes but won’t cover you from overland flooding. That said, you need to talk to your insurance agent to get you an individual plan for flood insurance if you live in a flood-risk zone.

Pest and mold infestation

If molds and pests damage your home, don’t run to your insurer since your claim won’t go through. Your insurer expects you to take care of your home from such infestations, and therefore, any damage from neglect isn’t your insurer’s headache.

Sewer backup

Clogging, old sewer lines and tree roots may compromise the integrity of your sewer system, leading to water damage. While this is a common occurrence, the sad bit is that your conventional home insurance doesn’t cover. However, you can purchase a separate rider to cover such damages.

Natural wear and tear

After some years, wear and tear is likely to crop up on your property. And because this is expected, your home insurance won’t protect you when this occurs. However, with proper maintenance, your home can always look in tip-top condition, negating any need for insurance intervention.

Home insurance in Burlington, NC

Need to learn more about your home insurance plan? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Don Allred Insurance for more information.

4 Auto Insurance Add-ons to Consider

Posted on September 6, 2021 by AgentInsure

Your auto insurance from Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC, is perfect for shielding you against accidents, theft, liabilities, and so on. However, it would help if you considered endorsements (add-ons) to cover you against risks specific to you.

Not sure the add-ons to help boost your auto insurance? Keep reading.

Nil depreciation

If your car got an accident today and filed a claim with your insurance, you will receive the claim amount minus the depreciation figure. The results? You will have to dip into your pockets to cover the difference. Add deductibles to this amount, and the out-of-pocket expenses can quickly stack up, eroding the benefits of auto insurance.

Given this scenario, we advise new car owners and those motorists whose spare parts cost an arm and a leg to buy the zero depreciation rider to get the total claim amount when accidents happen.

Road assistance coverage

Since car breakdowns are part and parcel of the car ownership journey, it’s not uncommon to experience engine failure, flat battery, and punctures when on the highway. Since these breakdowns are unplanned, they can be inconveniencing and frustrating.

Thankfully, road assistance coverage ensures your car is towed to the nearest garage, lessening your frustrations and financial burden.

Consumables coverage

Consumables like oils, bolts, nuts, filters, and many others aren’t covered by your typical car insurance when your insured car is undergoing repairs following an accident. However, when you purchase this coverage, consumables don’t have to dent your pocket.

Umbrella insurance

Do you have significant assets? You might need to boost the liability coverage of your car insurance with umbrella insurance. Since your liability coverage limit can be depleted following a severe accident, you need umbrella insurance to protect your assets when you are deemed liable for the accident.

Car insurance in Burlington, NC

Would you like to boost your auto insurance with the above add-ons? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Don Allred Insurance today. You will be surprised that add-ons cost a fraction of your basic car insurance premium, but trust us, every penny is worth it.

Why Preventive Care is Essential

Posted on August 30, 2021 by AgentInsure

Preventive care might not be a phrase that you are familiar with, but Don Allred Insurance serving Burlington, NC wants to tell you why preventive care is so important to your health.

Preventive care benefits are offered as a part of all health insurance policies. Preventive care ranges from something as simple as your annual physical with your primary care physician to specialized tests that are completed to make sure you haven’t begun to develop serious health issues.

Taking part in the preventive care services offered by your health insurance can literally save your life. Preventive care tests for high blood pressure, diabetes and a variety of different cancers are part of your benefits. Additionally, many vaccinations are available through your preventive care benefits. Participating in these annual tests and screenings is vital to monitor your health and wellness and will give you and your physician the opportunity to treat any health issues as soon as they begin to develop.

For certain conditions, such as cancer, early detection and treatment can literally be the difference between beating the disease and succumbing to it, so taking part in any and all annual cancer screenings that your health insurance offers is essential. Screenings for your A1C blood sugar levels can vastly lower the complications that can arise from uncontrolled diabetes. Having your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked routinely can also help your physician determine if you are at risk for heart disease, which is often considered a silent killer.

Take full advantage of your health insurance benefits and be an advocate for your own health by taking full advantage of your preventive care benefits.

Contact the team at Don Allred Insurance serving Burlington, NC today to learn more about health insurance and preventive care!

How Whole Life Insurance Works

Posted on August 25, 2021 by AgentInsure

When you need life insurance, and most people do, it’s important to know what you are paying into and how it will work. Whole life insurance works very differently from term life insurance. If you are interested in whole life, call us at Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC right away to find out more.

Whole Life

One way that whole life insurance stands out from other life insurance policies is that it is good for your whole life. Just as the name suggests, it will cover you for the rest of your life as long as you stay up to date with your monthly premium payments. If you keep paying for your policy, it can’t be cancelled- not even by the insurance company. This gives you peace of mind for life.

Cash Value

Another factor that distinguishes whole life insurance is that your policy will build a cash value. As you pay your monthly premiums, over time the amount that you pay in starts to build up a value within the policy. This is a cash value that you can borrow against when you need to. If you have a major financial problem, you can borrow some of that cash value and pay it back later just as you would with any loan. This can be extremely useful if a sudden financial problem comes up.

Death Benefit

The death benefit of your policy is guaranteed. If you have borrowed against the cash value of your policy, and you don’t finish paying it back, the amount that you owe is simply deducted from the death benefit amount.

Get Whole Life

If you like the idea of being covered for life, you may be a good candidate for a whole life policy. If you’re interested in getting one, call us at Don Allred Insurance in Burlington, NC.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor for Damage Repairs to Your Home

Posted on July 20, 2021 by AgentInsure

Buying a home is a serious investment, and when something breaks, you want to make sure it is fixed correctly and hire a reliable contractor. If your Burlington, NC home needs repairs, it is essential to protect your investment by hiring a contractor who can get the work done, making your home look as good as new.

Questions if your insurance policy covers your damage? Contact the experts at Don Allred Insurance for claim assistance or more information about available insurance policies.

Call for Estimates

To know you are getting the best price, call two to three different contractors for an estimate. Your estimate should also include details about the quality of materials used, total cost, and estimated repair timeline. Before selecting a contractor, make sure the scope of the work matches the project you want to be completed and the repairs needed.

Verify Licenses and Insurance

Before signing the contract, verify the contractor you plan to hire is fully licensed, certified, and insured to do the work needed. You can call your state’s regulatory agency to verify the status of their license. Also, check to make sure they can pull the proper permits and if that cost is included in their estimate.

Check References

When speaking with the contractor, ask for three written references. When checking references, ask if they were satisfied with the work and if the project was completed on schedule.

Get a Written Contract

When hiring a contractor, make sure to receive a written contract with all the details associated with the cost, payment, scope of the job, and timeline.

Those living in Burlington, NC needing repairs should take their time to select the best contractor for the job. The experts at Don Allred Insurance are ready to help answer any questions you have about your insurance coverage related to your home repairs.

Should I get an auto insurance plan in North Carolina?

Posted on July 13, 2021 by AgentInsure

People that live in the Burlington, NC area are quickly going to find that there are a lot of great amenities in the area. Those that are going to move to this area of the state want to make sure they own a vehicle. Along with your vehicle purchase, you should also spend time picking a quality insurance plan. You should get an auto insurance plan here for a few reasons.

Coverage Protects Car

A reason that you should have auto insurance is so you can protect your car. A vehicle that you purchase today can be quite expensive and will be something that you want to be able to replace if necessary. If you obtain a full plan that includes comprehensive and collision coverage, you are going to have the protection needed at all times to repair or replace your vehicle. This can be helpful if you are in an accident or are a victim of theft.

Coverage Offers Liability Support

You should also get an auto insurance plan as it will give liability insurance support. Drivers are always going to have a risk that they could cause an accident when they are operating a vehicle. With a proper insurance plan, you can offset this risk as it will give you the necessary liability insurance to provide support if you are liable for accident damages.

People that are in the Burlington, NC area will always need to have insurance for their vehicles. As you are looking to build an insurance plan in this area, it would be a good idea to call Don Allred Insurance. There continue to be a lot of choices to make when picking an insurance plan and Don Allred Insurance can make it a lot easier for you. This can help ensure you maintain proper insurance coverage at all times.

Do I really Need Health Insurance if I’m Healthy?

Posted on June 21, 2021 by AgentInsure

Health insurance has many benefits. However, some of the benefits of acquiring health insurance aren’t always obvious. This is why it helps to speak with an agent to learn the benefits of health insurance, even if you’re a healthy young person. The team at Don Allred Insurance of Burlington, NC understands that many people have questions about health insurance and we’re here to educate North Carolina residents on the benefits of health insurance for everyone.

I’m Young…

Many young people don’t see the benefit of health insurance. This is understandable because many of the benefits of health insurance aren’t readily apparent. In fact, it takes developing a fundamental understanding of how health insurance works to understand why it’s a good investment as a young person. For starters, many young people don’t understand the financial benefit of locking in health insurance coverage while you’re young and healthy. If you purchase health insurance as a young person, the cost of your insurance may be considerably less than trying to acquire insurance as an older person who may have pre-existing conditions.

Life’s Seasons…

Many of us will go on to marry and have a family. For most of us, the out-of-pocket cost of handling doctor visits and emergency room visits would prove to be too much, especially if we have a family. Insurance helps us to manage those costs and also provides peace of mind in the event of some kind of unforeseen medical condition.

As We Age…

As we get older, many of us may face unforeseen health issues that we don’t or didn’t see coming. Health insurance helps us to manage these unforeseen health issues, as well as meet our basic healthcare needs. Even if we are healthy, we still need the benefit of affordable preventative healthcare that allows us to routinely see a doctor if we need to. Our team at Don Allred Insurance is committed to educating North Carolina residents on the benefits of health insurance at every age. Give us a call. We’re here to help.

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.

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