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How to create and store a home inventory

Your home may be your castle, but that castle can fall victim to many hazards. If you ever need to file a claim, and 10%of homeowners do file claims every year, you will need some proof of what you lost. Your home inventory will be what you turn to when you need that proof. Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC is your local independent insurance agency. We can craft a plan that gives you the right coverage at the best price. 

A home inventory is a record of all the items you own. Once you start making it, you will be surprised by how much you own. It is most likely a lot more than you would ever suspect. You can do a traditional inventory with a pen and pad or a digital one. No matter what option you choose, you need to accompany it with photos and receipts. 

Start in the room of your choice and write down everything you see. Open closets and drawers. Give as much detail as possible. The better your inventory, the better your end results will be. When it comes to electronics, giving brand name, model and serial numbers will help. If you have expensive items, have an appraisal to maximize your benefits. 

Make sure you go to your attic, basement, and garage. Once you have everything listed, you need to store your inventory someplace where it won’t be destroyed if your home is a total loss. Making a copy and placing it in the cloud works. If you don’t have a cloud, a waterproof and fire-resistant box is an option or a safe deposit box. 

It does take time to make an inventory, but if you ever need it, you will be very grateful.

Contact Oak Ridge Insurance Services in Oak Ridge, NC for all your insurance needs. 

Should You Buy Classic Car Insurance for an Older and Rougher Model?

Many classic car collectors keep their vehicles looking perfect for ensuring that their value remains high. But what if your car was just declared a classic, and it is in rough condition? Do you need an insurance policy? We at Oak Ridge Insurance Services, serving Oak Ridge, NC, think that you do. And here is why we suggest getting a policy. 

Why Classic Car Insurance is Wise 

Classic car insurance for an old and rough vehicle is a wise decision for many reasons. Just a few things it will do includes how it:

  • Helps Pay for Upgrades – Some insurance policies may help pay for upgrades to your classic car to enhance its value.
  • Ensures Your Car is Protected – Classic cars need specialized insurance options to protect them from long-term damage issues common to these vehicles.
  • Minimizes Your Cost Angle – Cut down on the amount of money you have to pay for your car and keep it looking great. 

Even if you don’t plan to get into a long-term classic car collection, protecting the one car you own is a wise choice. For example, it can ensure that your vehicle is strong, secure, and more than worth the money they want to spend if someone comes looking to purchase it from you.

We Can Help You 

As you can see, insuring even a rough car is a wise decision that will cut back on many of your expenses in a powerful way. So, if you’re interested in getting classic car insurance and want to make sure that it is as high-quality as possible, contact us at Oak Ridge Insurance Services to learn more. We serve the Oak Ridge, NC, area and will do what we can to help your car stay solid and secure.

4 Boat Insurance Must-Know Tips Before A Day On The Water

Buying that boat was a lifelong dream come true! Before you set sail, you will need to bring along more than sunscreen for a day on the water. There is much more to boating than climbing aboard.

The knowledgeable and helpful agents at Oak Ridge Insurance Services want to share some important must-know tips about boat insurance. Here are 4 boat insurance must-know tips before a day on the water.

  1. Get boat insurance before you hit the water. You will need to know the size, type value of the boat for your agent to determine what type of insurance and how much you will need. Some small boats may be covered under a homeowner’s policy. While large yachts or speed boats will need a separate policy.
  2. What does boat insurance cover for an Oak Ridge, NC boat owner? Boat insurance policies will pay the cost to replace a vessel less depreciation. A partial or total loss will be calculated differently. Policies typically cover theft, bodily injury, liability, medical, towing, trailer and accessories, and loss or theft of belongings.
  3. Safety First – Always follow best practices for boat safety. Watch your speed, watch the weather, and never drive while drinking too much alcohol.
  4. You May Qualify For A Discount – Always ask if there are discounts that you qualify for. For instance, if you have ship-to-shore radios or Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers, you may qualify. If you are operating a diesel-powered boat, it is not as dangerous as a gasoline-powered one. If you have taken boating education classes or have years of experience you may have earned a discount as well.

Make sure you’re covered before you hit the water. Contact Oak Ridge Insurance Services serving Oak Ridge, NC before you set sail.

Who needs umbrella insurance in North Carolina?

If you are in the Oak Ridge, NC area, spending time to consider your insurance needs is a good idea. A form of coverage that many people will benefit from having is umbrella insurance coverage. This is a form of liability insurance that will provide coverage for a wide range of risks, which offers some valuable protection and support to policyholders in the area. There are a few reasons people here will want to have this protection. 

Coverage Protects Against Major Claims

A reason to have an umbrella insurance plan is that the coverage will give protection against major claims. Most people are going to have personal liability coverage included with their auto or home insurance plans. However, there is always a chance damage in an accident can exceed these levels. Fortunately, if you do have appropriate coverage, you will have protection against these claims. 

Coverage Offers Support for Wider Mix of Risks

You should also get an umbrella insurance plan to get support for a wider mix of risks. With an umbrella coverage plan, your liability support will include many risks that are not included under other standard insurance plans. This can help ensure you remain properly insured and prepared for situations and risks that are otherwise unexpected. 

Having an umbrella insurance plan in place can benefit many people in the Oak Ridge, NC area. If you would like to get a new plan in this area, calling Oak Ridge Insurance Services can be very helpful. As you are looking for umbrella coverage, you can quickly find out that there are a lot of choices to make. The team with Oak Ridge Insurance Services can help you assess your situation and give the support needed to choose a plan that meets your needs.

Who Needs Life Insurance in Oak Ridge, NC?

There are many reasons you need life insurance in Oak Ridge, NC. If you ever doubt that you need life insurance, ask yourself: Do I have dependents? How would they survive without my financial assistance? If you have a spouse, child, or an aging parent that depends on your income, you probably need life insurance. But is that all? Definitely not. Life insurance covers more than dependents. If you are in the below situations, there is a heightened need to buy life insurance from Oak Ridge Insurance Services today. 

If you are a spouse

In marriage, there are many shared financial responsibilities. Without the other spouse’s support, the spouse left behind would have difficulties paying financial duties like mortgage, school fees, and other obligations. However, life insurance replaces your income when you die, helping your spouse meet various financial obligations.

If you have debts

If you have a student loan, credit card, or mortgage loan, your cosigners are stuck with your debts in the event you die. However, when you purchase life insurance, you don’t have to bother your dear ones with unpaid debts when you die. 

If you own a business

If you are in a business partnership, you can name your partner as the beneficiary. When you pass on, the death benefit can be used to run operations or buy out outstanding shares in the business. 

If you want to take care of your funeral expenses

Running a funeral can be expensive in America. It will cost you between $8,000 and $10,000. Of course, the figure can go up depending on your final wishes. Instead of bothering your loved ones with burial expenses, your loved ones can use the life insurance proceeds to finance your burial costs. 

Life insurance in North Carolina

Are you looking to safeguard your loved ones or business with life insurance? You can trust Oak Ridge Insurance Services for all your life insurance needs. Contact us today for a quote.

Who needs an auto insurance plan?

When you are in the Oak Ridge, NC area, you will have many local amenities that you can enjoy. To ensure that you can enjoy them as conveniently as possible, it would be a good idea to get a proper insurance plan for your vehicle. There are many scenarios when someone here is going to need to get an auto insurance plan. 

Those that Have Taken Out Financing

A situation that will call for someone to have a specific type of auto insurance comes when they take out a loan to buy the car. Financing the purchase of a vehicle with an auto loan is quite common. Those that do have a loan need to follow the rules set by the auto lender. This will usually include requiring that the car owners have a full collision and comprehensive insurance plan.

Those that Want to Drive Legally

If you are in this state and want to drive your car legally, you will need to have an auto insurance plan in place. This state requires that all borrowers maintain full liability insurance as long as they drive on a public road. If you do not have this coverage in place and are caught without it, you could face a serious penalty. 

As you are looking for an insurance plan in the Oak Ridge, NC area, you should call Oak Ridge Insurance Services. The team with Oak Ridge Insurance Services knows how valuable this type of insurance coverage is. We can help you by answering all of your questions and providing the guidance and support you need to build and choose a new insurance plan. Reach out to our office to get started.

Is commercial insurance needed in Oak Ridge?

In the Oak Ridge, NC area, those that would like to be their own boss should consider starting a business. This area of North Carolina offers many opportunities for success as there is a good local market and support for small companies. When starting any business, it is important that you get the right insurance for it. There are several situations when getting a commercial insurance plan here should be considered a necessity. 

When Insurance is Required

A common reason that business owners here will need to get a commercial insurance plan is that it is a requirement set by various stakeholders. It is very common for small businesses to have commercial insurance requirements set by their lenders, investors, and even landlords. As all of these entities will have a vested interest in the business, they will want to ensure that it is as well protected as possible. 

When Wanting to Cover Investment

It would be best if you also got a commercial insurance plan to cover your investment. Starting a company always comes with a big investment, including investing your money into business assets. If there is ever a fire or other situation that results in a loss, your commercial insurance plan could protect your investment.

There are plenty of great reasons to get a commercial insurance plan in the Oak Ridge, NC area. If you would like to get a commercial insurance plan here, you need to speak with the Oak Ridge Insurance Services team. When you call Oak Ridge Insurance Services, you will learn a lot more about your insurance options. Our team can then give you the support needed to build and choose a quality policy that meets your needs. Reach out to our office to get a quote.

Protect your home and property with a comprehensive policy

Are you looking to buy a home in the lovely Oak Ridge, NC community? If so, the team at Oak Ridge Insurance Services has got you covered! We have found that there are different beneficial coverage features when it comes to protecting a home with a substantial amount of property. We understand that everyone’s needs are sometimes different, and we take a hands-on approach when it comes to helping our clients find the right insurance. 

Benefits of a comprehensive policy to protect your property

Basic policies are, just as the name implies, basic. However, most people who own a home with property and perhaps some outbuildings are often insufficiently covered. When there is the property and other buildings in addition to a family home, a comprehensive policy is a good way to cover all the bases. 

In addition to the main structure, it is sometimes possible to protect additional buildings such as barns, workshops, and storage sheds, all within the same policy. Peace of mind comes with knowing that protection levels are adequate, and everything has coverage if and when a covered event should occur.

Insurance may not be fun, but it is necessary and can be an important part of actively protecting one’s family. There is no reason to settle for an insufficient policy when there are many comprehensive homeowner policies available. 

Rest easy with the right homeowners’ policy!

Oak Ridge Insurance Services is here to help you review the different types of insurance that are available. We want our friends and neighbors in the greater Oak Ridge, NC area to have the protection they need. Call or stop by our office today and learn more about how you can protect your home and property with a comprehensive policy. 

Why should I invest in a classic car insurance policy?

In the Oak Ridge, NC area, it is very common for car lovers to want to one day own a classic car. If you are going to invest in a prized possession such as a classic car, you will want to know that you always have proper insurance for it. There are few reasons why getting a classic car policy can be a great option for you. 

Insurance Can be Curtailed to Meet Needs

One of the advantages of a classic car insurance plan is that your coverage limits are customizable and can be curtailed to meet your needs. A classic car is an important asset that you will want to cover with insurance as well as possible. When you get a classic car insurance plan, you can work with the insurance company to get the level of coverage needed to protect your asset properly.

Insurance Can Keep You in Compliance with Law

Another reason you will want to get classic car insurance is to keep you in compliance with the law. Anyone who will invest in driving any car in this state needs to have liability coverage. When you own a classic car, your actual risk will be low as you will likely drive sparingly. A classic car plan will consider this risk when it comes to coverage costs. 

Anyone who would like to get a classic car insurance plan in Oak Ridge, NC should speak with the Oak Ridge Insurance Services team. Picking the right insurance plan can seem complicated. Fortunately, when you call Oak Ridge Insurance Services, you will get the support that you need to choose an ideal policy and stay properly protected. 

An In-Depth Look At Renters Insurance

Based in Oak Ridge, NC, Oak Ridge Insurance Services serves the community by offering residents personalized insurance coverage. We strive to help our clients protect their most important assets. We will guide you through the process of finding coverage.

Renters Insurance

If you stay in a condo or apartment in Oak Ridge, NC, renters insurance will help you cover your personal items. The policy covers your personal items if someone damages them or tries to steal them. Accidents can happen at any time. That’s why liability coverage will protect you if someone gets injured while they are visiting your rental property or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.

You can amend your policy to cover you if your personal items are damaged due to a natural disaster or fire. Renters insurance allows you to protect your most valuable possessions in case something goes wrong. If you have some luxury items, you may have to amend your policy to protect them if something happens. Consider getting your luxury items appraised so that you will be aware of their true value. Also, it may benefit you to take note of every single item in the rental unit. This will assist you if something gets stolen.

During severe cases when your rental property suffers major damage, you can add emergency coverage so that you will have a safety net if you have to seek additional lodging elsewhere until your rental property is repaired. Your personal items are also protected when you are traveling away from your rental unit. You will be covered if something happens to your phone while you’re on vacation.

Consult With Oak Ridge Insurance Services

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

From our Community

Partner Carriers

  • American Modern
  • ASI
  • Bankers
  • Burns & Wilcox
  • Foremost
  • Hagerty
  • Heritage
  • Jackson Sumner
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Liberty Mutual
  • National General
  • NCJUA
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Tapco
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • Universal
  • Utica