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. 

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.

Moving is generally very exciting, but sometimes it can be difficult or stressful, as well. That’s especially true if you move to a new place and you aren’t sure where things are or you don’t know anyone in the area. Fortunately, there are great ways to get involved in your new community, and one of those ways is through giving back to others. Here are six ways to do that.

1). Donate your time – There are all kinds of organizations that can use your time and help. Picking the one that you feel best about and getting started can give you purpose and help you meet people.

2). Offer up your talents – Really good at doing something? Let people know, and work with organizations that can use that talent to help others.

3). Adopt a shelter pet – Pets can make you happy and give you a lot of joy, and you’ll be saving a life at the same time.

4). Work with the homeless – There are many reasons someone can end up without a home, but you can help make their lives a little brighter.

5). Give blood – It saves lives, and it’s a great way to give back to your local community.

6). Spend money at local businesses – They could use your help, and that money can help them continue to give back, as well.

When you’re insured by someone in your community like Jim Boyce Insurance, you can stay more involved in the local area and also feel like you’re working with a business that has your best interests at heart. Charlotte, NC is a great place to be, and when you’re new getting involved can take a little time. It’s worth the effort, though, to become a part of your community and enjoy all that working with others to make your little corner of the world a better place has to offer.