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A Year of Natural Disasters: How Does It Affect Insurance?

Just eight months into 2011 and it has already become the costliest year for natural disasters in recorded history. In July, Munich Re (a global insurance company) estimated that the world had suffered $265 billion in economic losses, a total greater than the accumulated sum of damages experienced from all of 1982 through 1986! And that number doesn’t even include the costly damage that occurred throughout the east coast from the powerful Hurricane Irene. Damage totals from Hurricane Irene are now being estimated as high as $7 billion, a huge total for an already destructive year.

In North Carolina alone, two devastating disasters occurred in 2011, starting with the April 16th tornadoes that caused overwhelming destruction across the state and most recently the flooding and damage from Hurricane Irene. But what do all of these costly disasters mean for the insurance industry? 

NC Insurance: Who Needs Flood Insurance?

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in order to enable homeowners, renters and business owners to purchase insurance coverage in the event of a flood. It is believed by some that a homeowners’ insurance policy will offer coverage of flood damage, however that is an incorrect assumption. For protection against flood damage, a flood insurance policy is needed. NC insurance coverage for a flood is a special policy backed by the Federal Government (NFIP) along with local communities and private insurance companies. 

Flooding can happen anywhere and at anytime, but certain areas are considered more prone to serious flooding. Often times, if a home is located in a moderate- to high-risk flood zone, then homeowner’s are required to purchase a flood insurance policy (lenders require it before giving you a mortgage). However, considering it is a relatively inexpensive cost, should everyone contemplate purchasing flood insurance coverage?

Are Higher Deductibles a Healthy Decision?

With the economy weak, Americans are searching for anyway possible to save some money. However, some are starting to take it too far by sacrificing on their health insurance. Charlotte NC doctors are starting to wonder if the money saving option of higher deductibles is resulting in a greater lack of the use of preventive health care for consumers. It is worried that the low premium, high deductible plans are causing people to skip the routine healthcare that could head off serious and sometimes deadly illnesses.

Are high deductibles a healthy decision? Continue reading to learn why high deductible may be a detriment to your health in the future!

How to Choose the Perfect Life Insurance Policy for You

Did you know that September isLife Insurance Awareness month? Don’t think you need North Carolina life insurance? Think again! The loss of a loved one is already an emotional trauma that is horrible for anybody to go through, but to have to deal with financial loss can make it that much worse. By purchasing a life insurance policy, you’re protecting those you love from financial stress. The purpose of life insurance is to replace the loss of income that would occur in the event of one’s death. To kick of Life Insurance Awareness month we want to share with you some tips for choosing the perfect North Carolina life insurance policy for you!

North Carolina Auto Insurance: More Education = More Savings?

Car insurance is an anticipated cost of living for most people across the country. However, although North Carolina auto insurance is a requirement, it doesn’t have to break your bank! With the economy struggling and people searching for any way possible to save some money, insurance companies are now offering all kinds of different discounts. From having a good driving record to multi-car discounts, saving money is easy…but did you know that furthering your driving education can make a big difference in the cost of your insurance premium? Continue reading for more information.

Carolina Insurance: Should Earthquake Coverage Be Considered?

We all make the mistake of thinking that since we aren’t in California or on the west coast earthquakes are a non-existent threat. But the strong Tuesday quake in Virginia that was felt up and down the east coast has people second-guessing that thought. Mother Nature is an unpredictable monster; one can never guess where and when she’s going to strike next and how extreme the effects will be. That’s where Carolina insurance comes in handy!

Irene’s Knocking On The Door, Are You Ready?

As Hurricane Irene approaches, it’s looking more and more like the Carolinas are in store for a brutal pounding. Forecasters are now predicting that Irene will make landfall late in the week as a very large and very powerful storm. The question remains, are you prepared for the possible damage and destruction that may occur? Do you have the proper North Carolina homeowners’ insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection in the instance of damage to your home and valuables? Continue reading for some safety tips and wise instructions to ready you and your family for the first major hurricane that we’ve seen in three years!

The Best Insurance Commercials

What are some of your favorite insurance commericals? Are you a mayhem fan? Does the traveler dog tug at your heart strings? We want to know which one you like the most!

Here’s a few of our favorites!

Let us know in the comments which are some of your favorites! Which company do you think does best at making insurance interesting?

In Our Litigious Society, Umbrella Insurance Is a Must!

So, you have your home, cars, and other possessions completely covered by your insurance policies and you’re probably thinking that you have all the coverage you could ever need…but you may be wrong! In a world where people sue over anything and everything, your primary insurance policies may not offer you the amount of coverage that you need. For example, say someone is hurt in auto accident that you cause, and they decide to sue you for the medical problems that you’ve created. Your auto insurance will only cover you to the limit that the liability portion covers, after that you’re on your own. This is when an umbrella insurance policy steps in. Umbrella policies provide an extra cushion of insurance protection when your primary policy coverage is exhausted.

Continue reading to learn what umbrella insurance is and why it may be your saving grace if you’re ever involved in a disaster.

How to Make Health Insurance Affordable!

 

Did you know that on average, uninsured families can only afford to pay in full for approximately 12 percent of hospital stays they may experience? According to the Insurance Journal, nearly two million uninsured Americans are hospitalized each year resulting in about $73 billion of bills that are left unpaid annually. That number is then reflected on those who do have health insurance by shifting it into higher costs for them and their employers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

While there is no way for you to fight back against the uninsured hiking up your insurance premium, there are some other ways that you can help yourself and save money! Continue reading for a handful of easy ways to make your health insurance more affordable…