Insurance

What Types of Coverage is Included in Renters Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

While renting a home is not always considered a major commitment or investment, those that rent do often have personal assets inside the property. To ensure that that they are properly protected, Charlotte, NC area residents should always carry a full renters insurance policy when they rent a home. There are several types of coverage in a renter’s insurance policy that can make them a great option.   

Liability Coverage

The first type of coverage included in a renter’s policy is liability coverage. When you have a visitor to your home you are taking on a certain level of responsibility for them. If they happen to be injured while in your home, you could be found liable for their injuries or other damages. The renter’s policy will provide you with liability coverage to mitigate this risk.  

Personal Property

A renter’s insurance policy will also cover your personal property. If the home is vandalized, damaged by a storm, or robbed, you could lose your personal items. The renter’s insurance policy will provide you with reimbursement for your loss. If you have expensive personal items, which could include jewelry, and additional rider may be necessary.

Living Expenses

If the property is damaged and is temporarily inhabitable, the policy could provide you with reimbursement for living expenses. This will include giving you money to cover the housing costs associated with living in temporary housing.  

If you are in need of renter’s insurance, a great option would be to contact the Jim Boyce Insurance agency. The Jim Boyce Insurance agency is a leading consumer insurance agency that providers services to consumers all over the Charlotte, NC area. The company will be able to help you better understand your renter’s insurance needs and can provide you with a quote for a policy that gives you the necessary coverage.  

What’s the Difference Between a General and Commercial Car Insurance Policy?

Posted on by agentinsure

If you use your car in any capacity in regards to your business, you may be wondering if a personal auto insurance policy is enough. A personal auto insurance policy will only cover but so much and commercial policies extend liability amounts due to business. You may be surprised that you need a commercial policy for your vehicle. If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area and aren’t sure if your personal policy is enough for your vehicle, Jim Boyce Insurance is here to guide you. Let’s review the key points for needing a commercial policy. 

Are you Commuting, or Using Your Vehicle to Provide Business Services?

If you you are driving out of town or other long distances regularly for your business, a commercial auto policy is needed. Other than your regular commute or personal drives, your car becomes a business necessity when you are using it to drive to more than one or two regular job sites. Also, consider that you are putting mileage and wear and tear on your vehicle as well as becoming at greater risks for accidents due to the constant use. In addition, if you are using your vehicle to transport goods- including doing deliveries for items purchased by your customers- a commercial auto insurance policy is in order. What about if you started a small, local car service and are using your vehicle to drive people to and fro. A commercial policy is a must because you now have more than one person to be liable for in the case of an accident! Many small businesses don’t that these points into consideration until it is too late.

Heavy Vehicles 

There are weight class considerations for vehicles that will make your car more likely to require a commercial policy. If you are driving something larger than a large SUV- including towing and semi-trucks or trailers- a commercial policy is in order. These vehicles have higher liability because of the damage they can cause and incur in an accident. Thus, special coverage is often required. 

 

What’s Yours and What’s Not When it Comes to Condo Insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

What many condo owners don’t understand is that condo insurance is different from home insurance. It’s also different from rental insurance.

Both you and your condo association will be responsible for different parts of where you live, and this concept can be confusing to some. Here’s what you need to know about who insures what when it comes to your condo:

The “Ins and Outs” of Condo Insurance

First, it’s important to note that your condo association is not responsible for what is inside your condo. That’s up to you, and it’s why you should have your own personal condo insurance policy.

For the most part, you are responsible for everything “walls in.” this generally includes all permanent fixtures, drywall, and all your belongings. Your condo association will be responsible for the physical structure of your condo, the property that your condo is on, and the common areas of your association.

With this in mind, as you search for a condo insurance  policy that will work for you, you’ll need to have one that covers the interior structures of your building and your personal property. You should also find a plan that accommodates for loss of use or additional living expenses should your condo be too damaged to reside in, medical payment coverage, loss assessment coverage, and coverage for personal liability.

Contact Jim Boyce Insurance

Are you a Charlotte, NC resident who is looking for condo insurance? Jim Boyce Insurance proudly serves the residents of Charlotte, NC. One of our knowledgeable insurance agents would be happy to speak with you about your condo insurance options and help you find a policy that works for you. Stop by our nearest agency location or call us at your earliest convenience to learn more.

Is It Time To Review Your Commercial Insurance Coverage?

Posted on by agentinsure

Established business owners know that they can’t make assumptions. Fashions fade, technology becomes obsolete, and even laws change. No business owner can coast along on the way they did business in years past. Assuming your commercial insurance coverage is as good as it was years ago is just as serious a mistake. Legal requirements for minimum coverage may have changed since you last looked over your policy. Your insurance needs may have changed due to updated technology or an addition to your brick and mortar site. Here at Jim Boyce Insurance we have access to the most up-to-date commercial insurance coverage available that can protect you.

Did you know that there are several kinds of commercial insurance available in North Carolina? Not only is there standard commercial insurance that protects losses from fire or storm, but there is also commercial auto insurance, general liability, and several others. A Business Owners Package (called a BOP) rolls the various kinds of commercial insurance into a manageable combination. It might seem a little confusing at first, but with our help you’ll get it down quickly. So let us review and update your policy, and maybe you’ll find savings along the way as well. The peace of mind when you have sufficient coverage for your Charlotte, NC business is well worth the call.

Proudly serving the Charlotte, NC area, Jim Boyce Insurance has independent agents who can access the most recent insurance coverage policies and packages that will offer you the best protection at cost effective rates. We can discuss your specific needs for your unique business and get you all set up in no time. Protecting your business with solid insurance coverage will let you focus on running your business. Contact us today.

Installing a New Fence? Make Sure It Will Protect Your Home

Posted on by agentinsure

Ah yes, you’ve decided to add a beautiful white picket fence to the front of your property this year. Lovely. But have you considered if it will do anything beyond adding beauty to your home? A fence can be a key element of your home security system when the right one is installed on your Charlotte, NC home. The folks over at Jim Boyce Insurance offer up these tips to help you protect your largest investment.

Fence Should Be Four Foot Tall

In order to increase the security of your property, a fence should be tall enough that it poses an obstacle to a potential intruder.  A wrought iron fence still offers an elegant view of your home while preventing casual intruders. If you own a pool, some municipalities require it to be taller. Check with your city inspector for applicable rules and regulations. By securing the perimeter of the yard, you may actually see an increase of the value of the entire property.

Surround Your Property for Best Defense

Placing a gate and fence along the road at the front of your yard looks very formidable to a thief casing the neighborhood.  However, if the fence does not encircle the yard it actually creates an invitation for a burglar to gain entry at the rear out of sight of your neighbors. Fencing at the back of the property does not have to match the front where it is visible and choosing a more economic version can provide protection while reducing costs.

Electronic Monitoring Raises the Game

With the cost of home security systems dropping and improving with technology, it’s not hard to add a camera and electronic surveillance at your gate. This can add extra security and convenience.

Your agent at Jim Boyce Insurance is available to answer any more questions you might have about protecting your Charlotte, NC area home. Give us a call today.

Knowing if a Company is Responsible for a Fall Claim

Posted on by agentinsure

So a person slipped and fell on the premise of a business. The company is probably in panic wondering if the person is going to sue and for how much. What’s best for a company to do is to assess the situation and determine if the business is at fault, and of course, contact the insurance company and attorney. 

1. Was There Water on the Floor

Once a fall occurs, it’s important for the company to look and see if there was water on the floor. This isn’t always a just reason for a claim, though. If there was a sign, cone or other labeling that states the floor is wet or to be cautious, it’s the responsibility of the person. The sign must be in plain sight, though, or the business could still be held responsible. 

2. Was the Area Damaged

Holes, cracks and uneven sidewalks are common causes of falls. It’s vital that a company fixes the issues in a timely manner. In between the time the damage arises and the repair or replacement, the company must create a sign that states the area is damaged and the person must avoid it. Caution taping off the area is one way to prevent people from passing through the area. If the portion of the building is left for anyone to walk on without any warning, a lawsuit could arise from the fall. 

3. Winter Accidents 

When it snows and is icy, it’s obviously not the company’s fault. However, if a fall results from the business not cleaning a sidewalk off or plowing the parking lot, it can be considered the company’s fault. If the sidewalks and parking lot were maintained recently and it just kept or started snowing again, the fall wasn’t necessarily the business’ fault. However, if the sidewalks and parking lot wasn’t touched, it can be considered the company’s fault. 

To create a policy that protects your business and makes your business less likely to experience a liability claim, contact Jim Boyce Insurance, serving Charlotte, NC, at 704-364-9955. 

What You Should Know About RV Insurance

Posted on by agentinsure

An RV is a great investment. It gives you a chance to gather the family and see the country together. While an RV is a great investment for the family, it is also an expensive one. The best way to protect your investment is to purchase RV insurance through Jim Boyce Insurance, who serves the Charlotte, NC area. Before you do, however, you should understand how RV insurance works.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

RV insurance is similar automobile insurance. It includes collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance. If you want additional insurance for your belongings on board or any equipment attached, such as an awning or satellite dish, it can be purchased separately.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

The cost of RV insurance depends on the class. There are three RV classes. They include:

  • Class A: This class includes luxury coach models, converted buses, and motor coaches. The vehicles in Class A can be up to 75 feet long.

  • Class B: This is the smallest class of RV’s. They can include cargo vans, travel trailers, and camper vans.

  • Class C: RV’s in this class use a cargo van for driving the RV. The camper portion extends over the cab area. It also covers all 5th wheel vehicles.

When it comes to cost, insurance for Class A RV’s is the most expensive. That is followed by Class C, and then Class B.

The cost will also depend on if you are going to be using your RV occasionally or if you are going to be living in it full time. Your driving history and your past claims also have a great deal to do with the cost of insurance. If you choose a low deductible, the cost of your insurance would be higher. If you choose a higher deductible, your insurance would be lower. Finally, if you add any additional riders to your insurance, such as coverage for personal belongings or towing and roadside assistance, your premiums would be higher.

The rates and coverage vary from state to state, therefore,  you would need to contact an agent for a quote.

Motorcycle Insurance Makes the Charlotte Drive Much More Exciting

Posted on by agentinsure

In life, there are few things that are quite as exciting and exhilarating as riding a motorcycle down North Carolinas’ roads, the knowledge that you have the freedom and control that you’ve always wanted when you first got your license. It is not enough to just have your license, unfortunately; you need insurance as well. Without insurance, a single bad mistake made by you or even someone you have never met could wind up doing severe damage to you and your livelihood. So don’t let a lack of insurance be the one thing that does you in – let Jim Boyce Insurance help you figure things out.

There are a lot of snares that a rider may face out on the road. One thing I hear a lot is that they do not need any insurance because they are a good driver (this is something I also see with why people use cell phone while driving or drive without buckling their seatbelts). This, of course, is never true, and it’s never worth the harm that a lack of insurance may cause. No matter if you wind up having your license suspended (thereby making it more difficult to get your daily activities complete), wind up paying for part or all of your medical bill, or having to pay costly repairs for your ride (or even get it outright replaced).

NC riders can feel relaxed to know that in the event of an accident, their insurance plan’s endorsement will extend medical payments coverage to two-wheeled motor vehicles. The laws vary from state to state and can be complicated, so if you have any questions or concerns, make sure to contact Jim Boyce Insurance online or by phone at (704) 364-9955 so we can sort it all out for you.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Posted on by agentinsure

Whether you are a new homeowner or you have lived in your property for some time, you may be wondering if you really need to purchase flood insurance. Flood insurance is something that many people do not consider because they assume that they do not need it if they are not in an area that is prone to flooding or if the area is not at a high risk for flooding. Unfortunately, this is a big mistake that people can make and there are several reasons why you should consider flood insurance. Continue reading to find out why.

  • Your homeowners policy probably does not protect you. One bug mistake that many people make is assuming that their homeowners insurance policy also covers flooding. Unfortunately, most of them do not. It is worth taking a look at your policy to see what is and is not covered so you can know for sure. 
  • Twenty percent of all flooding happens in low to moderate flooding areas. That means that even if the area is not known to flood, floods still happen quite a bit. That is a big percentage to consider. Flooding can happen anywhere because if a burst pipe or a variety of other factors. 
  • New construction areas are more prone to flooding. The soil that used to absorb water is not covered by sidewalks and roads which means the water has to go somewhere. It can result in flooding which is something many people do not even consider. 

If you are interested in taking a look at your current policy for any gaps or would like to find a new flood insurance policy, contact us today at Jim Boyce Insurance. We will be happy to help you through the entire process and find an insurance policy that meets your needs. 

ATV tips for first-time riders in Charlotte, North Carolina

Posted on by agentinsure

Charlotte, North Carolina is the biggest city in the state, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to get out into the forests and countryside to ride your new ATV. However, if you are going to make this a regular hobby, make sure you have taken the proper precautions to protect your expensive new toy and yourself as you ride your four wheeler around the wilds of North Carolina.

TAKE IT SLOW AND PRACTICE FIRST

Don’t just throw yourself into the fire so to speak when you start riding your ATV. Find a flat field or large patch of dirt and learn how your ATV rides. Practice turning, accelerating, braking—all of the techniques you will be using regularly when you are riding down trails in the middle of the forest. The more familiar you are with these basic riding techniques, the less of a chance you will have an accident, hurting yourself or your ATV.

ALWAYS RIDE WITH SOMEONE ELSE

Make sure you’re not setting out all by yourself on your ATV, especially when you are first learning how to really ride. Another ATV rider with their own vehicle should be with you, so that if there is an accident and someone is hurt, or one of the ATVs has a mechanical failure, you won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Cell phones aren’t enough here, because reception is often spotty in these back country ATV riding areas. So convince a buddy to come along every time you go riding.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE PROPERLY INSURED

The chances of you having an accident of some kind on your ATV when you first start riding is usually pretty high. So you will want to make sure you and your all terrain vehicle are properly insured so that the damage caused by whatever accident happens isn’t also damaging your pocketbook. Check with a company like Jim Boyce Insurance, who serves the greater Charlotte area, for an ATV rider’s policy that works for your needs.