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When is it a good idea to shop for life insurance in North Carolina?

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In the Oak Ridge, NC area, residents typically have various insurance needs. When you’re looking to improve your insurance coverage, one type of insurance to consider is life insurance. This valuable coverage can offer financial support and protection for those you care about. There are several situations when you should start shopping for this coverage.

During Major Life Changes

One situation when you should consider looking for life insurance is after a major life event. A key benefit of life insurance is that it offers financial assurance to the people you care about. As such, your needs are likely to change as your life evolves over the years. If you get married, have children, take on other dependents, or experience other significant life changes, evaluating your life insurance needs is a good idea.

Get Coverage When Young

It’s also wise to get life insurance when you are younger. Life insurance is unique because it often comes with a very long policy term, which can be 25 years or more. If you lock in a life insurance policy while you are young and presumably healthier, you can benefit from a lower premium throughout the entire term. This ensures you have coverage for future needs while keeping your costs lower.

There is never a bad time to look for life insurance when you are in the Oak Ridge, NC area. When looking for this type of insurance here, it can be a great idea to call our Oak Ridge Insurance Services team. Our professionals understand the value of this coverage and will provide the guidance you need to build a new plan.

Things you should always have in your glove box

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Some items are essential to have with you when you are out and about in your vehicle. Some of them fit in the glove box, and some of them should be in your trunk. You need to have a spare tire, a jack, and a can of Fix a Flat is always helpful. At Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, we are independent insurance agents, which means we work for our customers and can offer them more options.

Documents

Certain documents should always be in your glove box. When you register your motor vehicle, you are given a copy of your registration. Many states allow their residents to renew their motor vehicle registrations online. Please print off the registration and carry it in your glove box. When you renew your registration, you need to get a vehicle inspection. You should also carry the test results in your glove box to prove you passed. Your auto insurance company provides a printable card to prove that you have the mandated auto insurance coverage, which should also be in your glove box.

Carry your driver’s license on your person whenever you drive your vehicle.

Other Glove Box Necessities

For practical purposes, your glove box should contain a pen and paper. A flashlight and an umbrella will also be very handy. A glass-breaking tool and a seatbelt cutter can save lives if the vehicle is submerged. If you are stuck in your vehicle, having a nonperishable snack and a bottle of water is a smart option. An extra charging cord and a charger for your electronics will also be much appreciated.

Contact our Oak Ridge Insurance Services office in Oak Ridge, NC to discuss your auto insurance needs.

A Look at the Most Common Commercial Insurance Mistakes and How You Can Avoid Them

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At Oak Ridge Insurance Services, serving the Oak Ridge, NC area, we understand the complexities of commercial insurance. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost your business. Let’s explore some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

Underestimating Coverage Needs

One major mistake is underestimating the amount of coverage required. Many business owners focus on cutting costs, leading to inadequate protection. It’s essential to accurately evaluate your business assets, potential liabilities, and risks. Comprehensive coverage ensures you’re protected against unforeseen events.

Ignoring Policy Exclusions

Another common error is overlooking the exclusions in your policy. Not all situations are covered; assuming they are can lead to unpleasant surprises. Always read the fine print and discuss any uncertainties with your insurance provider to ensure you’re fully aware of what is and isn’t included.

Failing to Update Your Policy

As your business grows, your insurance needs will likely change. Many companies make the mistake of not updating their policies to reflect these changes. Whether you’ve expanded operations, purchased new equipment, or hired more employees, your policy should evolve with your business to provide adequate coverage.

Choosing Price Over Quality

While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, this can be a mistake. The lowest price often means limited coverage. Instead, focus on the value and quality of the coverage, ensuring it meets your business’s specific needs.

Get the Right Guidance in Oak Ridge

Avoiding these common mistakes can save your business from significant financial risks. At Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of commercial insurance. Contact us today to ensure your business is fully protected.

What Common Mistakes are Made When Shopping for Home Insurance

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There are many important forms of insurance coverage to consider in the Oak Ridge, NC, area. One of the most important things to consider when selecting a home insurance plan is picking the right home insurance policy. Various common mistakes are made when looking for home insurance. It’s important to avoid these mistakes when looking for a new plan.

Not Evaluating Needs and Options

A common mistake people make is not evaluating their needs and options. Home insurance needs vary from one person to the next. It’s important to consider your personal risks, coverage needs, requirements, and options. This can include evaluating the level of property and liability coverage, coverage for your personal assets, and liability coverage. Spending time carefully evaluating your options will help ensure you select and build an ideal policy.

Not Shopping Around

Another mistake that property owners can make when looking for home insurance is not shopping around. There are many carriers for insurance coverage from which you can get a policy, and each will have a different method for determining eligibility and premium costs. Ideally, it would be best to spend time evaluating your options with various carriers and even reconsider your plan once a year. This can ensure you get a good deal and an ideal policy for your situation.

Owning real estate in the Oak Ridge, NC area can be a great idea; having insurance here is very important. Unfortunately, many people make common mistakes when shopping for coverage. If you are looking for a plan, it would be great to call our Oak Ridge Insurance Services team. Our Oak Ridge Insurance Services team can help you select the right policy to ensure your home is covered.

Does Your Older Vehicle Need Classic Car Insurance?

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Understanding Insurance for Classic Cars

If you own an older car, you might wonder what kind of insurance it needs. Is it now considered a classic car due to its age? For those around Oak Ridge, NC, who are seeking information on classic car insurance, our agents at Oak Ridge Insurance Services can help. We answer all your questions and provide detailed information on the various insurance options available, regardless of your car’s age.

Generally, a car needs to be at least 20 years old to be considered a classic car. But it could be classified as an antique car if it’s older than 40 to 45 years. This is why discussing with your insurance agent is wise – to ensure you have the correct coverage. Just because your car is old does not necessarily mean it qualifies for classic car insurance.

Working with your agent will help you choose the best level of coverage and protection for your car. Not all older cars have the same value or popularity, and some may be easier to source parts than others. These factors can result in considerable differences in policy options depending on your car’s make and model. Selecting the most suitable insurance is crucial to ensure you are well protected if you need to file a claim.

Contact us today at Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, to learn more about classic car insurance. Whether you own a classic or an older car and are looking for the right level of cover, we’re ready to assist you.

Common Add-ons or Riders to Renters Insurance

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You can create a custom policy when you buy renters insurance from Oak Ridge Insurance Services to cover the items in your Oak Ridge, NC home. Renters’ policies cover your liability needs and personal property, including furniture you bring to the apartment, condo, home, or other domicile. You customize your insurance policy by scheduling items.

Scheduling in an Insurance Policy

Insurance agents use a few different terms to describe scheduling items. Your agent might suggest an add-on or a policy rider. All three terms mean the same thing. You pay a few more cents or dollars per premium to enhance the coverage to cover a specific item, such as an engagement ring, or a range of items, such as your hobby equipment.

Common Policy Add-ons

While the insurance industry has an add-on for nearly every item, some add-ons or riders are more common than others. Here are a few of the most typical:

  • Home business add-ons that cover business equipment and supplies plus enhanced liability coverage for your home-based business
  • Jewelry riders, which cover specific pieces of jewelry that you describe, provide a photo and valuation of
  • Hobby equipment scheduling covers costly equipment for hobbies such as photography and filmography, musical instruments, etc.

Without these scheduled items, your renter’s policy typically covers between $1,000 and $2,000 of personal property. By scheduling items, you insure them at their full value, and the insurance pays you that value if they are stolen or destroyed by a peril named in your policy.

Contact Our Offices Today

Call or email Oak Ridge Insurance Services today for an insurance review. Let us help you protect the valuables stored in your Oak Ridge, NC home.

Can Boat Insurance Cover Jet Skis and Other Recreational Vehicles?

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At Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, we help our customers keep their water vehicles and boats covered all year round. As the summer sun and waves hit, you’re probably thinking about heading out onto the water. Before you do that, you should ensure that your insurance coverage protects not only standard boats but also recreational vehicles. Since every insurance policy varies, you’ll want to check with one of our qualified insurance professionals before you assume that the information below applies to your policy because it is generalized.

What Is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance refers to insurance that covers boats. This can mean that a boat insurance policy could cover yachts, row boats, and other watercraft you think about when you think of boats. Although it covers most standard boats, boat insurance may not always cover special vehicles.

Is Boat Insurance the Same Thing as Watercraft Insurance?

Boat insurance and watercraft insurance are the same thing. The only difference between the two types of coverage is the name. If you have watercraft insurance, you have boat insurance, and vice versa.

Does Boat/Watercraft Insurance Cover Recreational Water Vehicles?

Boat and watercraft insurance may cover some recreational vehicles if one of our insurance agents indicates they are covered on your policy. More often than not, you’ll need a specialized policy to cover recreational vehicles like jet skis. We can review your options for specialized coverage if you call our office or stop by to discuss what is available to you. Although it’s unnecessary, it’s better to be covered on the water than risk liability and more.

Contact Oak Ridge Insurance Services

For more boat insurance coverage information, call our office at Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, today!

How Much Umbrella Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

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If you are interested in umbrella insurance, you may wonder how much coverage is enough. At Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC, we offer umbrella insurance.

Umbrella Coverage Requirements

Firstly, it’s vital to ensure you meet the requirements to purchase umbrella insurance. Before purchasing an umbrella policy, you’ll typically need the maximum coverage amounts on your home and auto policies. This reduces the likelihood that you will need the umbrella policy.

Determining Net Worth

The simplest way to decide how much umbrella coverage you need is by adding all your assets. This includes savings, retirement accounts, property, and any other assets you have. Then, subtract your liabilities, including credit cards and loans. The result is your net worth.

You’ll want umbrella coverage equal to or higher than your net worth. If you are sued, your assets won’t be in jeopardy in most cases.

Considering Future Earnings

It is also critical to consider your future earnings. A judge can garnish your future wages or income if they rule against you. You may be paying for the claim for many years without umbrella insurance.

This is why umbrella insurance is a good idea, even if your assets total less than 1 million.

Consider Your Risk

Lastly, it would be best if you considered your risk. Do you own a dog or a swimming pool? If so, you are at a higher risk of being sued. Are you relatively well-known in your community? This also can increase your risk.

Umbrella Insurance Increments

Umbrella insurance is designed to protect you from catastrophes and is known as catastrophic insurance. Because of this, it is typically sold in increments of 1 million. Most policies will allow you to choose coverage between 1 million and 5 million, but some policies may go up to 10 million or more.

Covering Funeral and Burial Expenses with Life Insurance

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Funeral and burial expenses around Oak Ridge, NC can impose a hardship and financial strain on families during death. However, life insurance provides a valuable solution to alleviate these expenses and ensure loved ones can honor the deceased without financial strain for the funeral and the bills from the estate.

Financial Relief During a Difficult Time

Life insurance policies pay a death benefit to beneficiaries upon the insured individual’s passing. This lump sum payment can cover various end-of-life expenses, including funeral and burial costs. The funeral director usually handles these arrangements.

It can cover funeral service arrangements, such as the cost of the casket, embalming, and funeral home services. It can also cover burial plot purchases and cemetery fees. The choice is available for in-ground, above-ground, or mausoleum drawers. Different cemeteries have different costs. 

Life insurance proceeds offer families the financial resources to arrange a dignified farewell for their loved ones. Its ultimate goal is to smooth the process because those left behind suffer immensely. 

Alleviating Emotional Stress

Life insurance can help alleviate the emotional strain of financial worries during a difficult time. It gives the family time to focus on those left behind in the immediate family without the added stress of worrying about how to cover funeral expenses.

Determining Adequate Coverage

When purchasing life insurance, it’s essential to consider the coverage needed to adequately cover funeral and burial expenses. Factors such as funeral preferences, burial plot costs, and additional funeral-related expenses should be considered. Remember, you’re not alone in this process. 

Let Oak Ridge Insurance Services Give You Information

Oak Ridge Insurance Services is here to assist you with all your life insurance queries and requirements. We’re dedicated to serving the Oak Ridge, NC, region. Reach out to us today.

I just paid off my car. Should I drop full coverage auto insurance?

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Auro insurance can protect you, other drivers, their property, and your vehicle. However, this is heavily dependent on the type of auto insurance you carry. More often than not, many drivers question how much insurance is necessary and at what point adjustments should be made to coverage levels. An insurance agent is usually the best person to ask when you have questions regarding your sp[specific situation. This is why our Oak Ridge Insurance Services team is dedicated to educating Oak Ridge, NC drivers about their auto insurance options. 

What type of auto insurance is legally required to drive your car?

All drivers must carry auto liability insurance. This insurance provides coverage for other drivers, their properties, and vehicles if you cause an accident. However, this form of coverage doesn’t offer any coverage for you and may not be adequate, depending on your situation. If you have an auto loan, your lender generally requires you to carry more than auto liability insurance. Instead, you’re required to invest in full coverage auto insurance, which will protect your car, your property, and you from personal injury and damage, as well as other drivers.

I just paid off my car. Should I drop full coverage auto insurance?

It depends. If you own a late-model car, it’s likely that your car’s value still exceeds the value of your insurance policy, making it a worthwhile investment. This also means that your insurance company will repair any damage your car may incur. Many drivers wouldn’t be prepared to pay for car damage out of pocket. Car insurance makes repairing your car more affordable. Aside from a deductible, that’s all a car owner pays to have their car repaired. However, once you pay off your car, you may question if full coverage auto insurance is still a good investment. If you own an older car that is likely worth less than your auto policy, it may be a good idea to carry the minimum auto insurance required. If you’re in an accident, your insurance company would probably consider your car a total loss and opt not to repair it because its value is less than your policy. However, an insurance agent can help you determine your best option. Give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

Brent Schroyer

Brent Schroyer

Insurance Advisor
Chastity Spofford

Chastity Spofford

Insurance Specialist

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