Author: AgentInsure

5 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Car Theft

Posted on by AgentInsure

Car theft can happen to anyone at any given time, especially if you live in a high crime area. For this reason, it’s important to take precautions that would discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle. A standard auto insurance policy from Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC, will ensure your vehicle is covered in the event of theft. By doing your part, however, you may never have to put in a theft claim for your car.   

Always Lock Your Car: Many car owners encourage theft by leaving keys in the ignition or their vehicle running while they hop in and out of their home, a convenience store or gas station. It’s better to develop the habit of always rolling up windows and locking your car, regardless of how short a time you’ll be gone. Lock your vehicle even when parking in your driveway for any length of time.

Put Valuables Out of Sight: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle as this can attract the attention of would-be thieves and encourage them to target your car. Store valuables in your trunk or hide them beneath the seats where they’re out of sight/out of mind.

Park Smart: Park in well-lit, busy parking areas to make car theft more difficult without being seen or caught.   

Buy a Club: Buy a club (locking device) and use it on your steering wheel every time you leave the car.

Invest in a Car Alarm: If you live or work in a high crime area, invest in an auto alarm or security system to protect your vehicle, particularly if it’s a model that’s targeted often.

By taking preventative measures to safeguard your vehicle, you reduce the risk of theft. For more tips on theft prevention and information on affordable auto insurance in Hope Hills, NC, contact Cross Creek Insurance today.

Homeowners Insurance For First Time Buyers

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you’re buying a home for the first time, and you’re planning on getting a mortgage, your lender will require you to bring proof of homeowners insurance to your closing.  For purposes of protecting your lender’s interests in the property, you’ll need to include your lender’s name in the mortgagee’s clause.  It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to close on the home without your lender being protected.  You might even need to include six months of coverage for the next year as part of your closing costs.  At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills NC, we’ll help you meet your homeowners insurance requirements.  At a minimum, you’ll want to insure:

  • Your dwelling and any other structures on the property
  • Your personal property inside of the home
  • Your liability for any injuries or property damage on the land
  • Medical payments coverage is somebody is injured on your property

On top standard coverage for your home, you might want additional coverage.  Think about flood coverage if you live in an area where flooding occurs.  You might even want special endorsements for certain personal property like artwork, jewelry, furs or electronics.  A standard policy will only pay for loss or damage to those items on a limited basis. 

You’ll also need to make a decision on whether you want your home and personal property insured for actual cash value or replacement cost.  Replacement cost is a bit more expensive, but as opposed to actual cash value, it doesn’t contemplate depreciation.  Replacement cost is the better choice for homeowners.

You’ll want to speak with one of our agents at Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC in order to customize the best options for you.  Just give us a call or stop in for a cup of coffee.

Types of Home Insuranced You Might Need

Posted on by AgentInsure

There are a few different types of home insurance that you may need that are often attached to where you live. For those that live in Hope Hills, NC for instance, earthquake insurance is not something that you are likely ever to use, but for those in San Diego, CA, it may be a necessity.

Taking the time to learn about a few different types of home insurance can help you start to think about what coverage you need. General home policies cover things like fire, theft, break-ins, damage from storms, and injury of those that are on your property.

Most basic policies do not cover hurricane, earthquake, flood, or the cost of replacing very valuable collections that you may have. If you live in an area where floods are common, you may need a flood policy that can be tacked onto the cost of your basic policy. The same goes for hurricane and earthquake policies, they are not included in basic policies, but they can be added.

Similarly, if you have a large collection of jewelry, it may be safer to take out a policy that is just for those pieces than it would be to take out more home owners insurance that may or may not cover the replacement or retrieval of these pieces. On top of all that, you can take out more insurance on your home if you have made improvements to it.

The process of getting insurance for the value of your home is simple, the inspector will be sent from the agency, and they will valuate your home. This will allow them to set the coverage limits and determine pay outs if the home is a total loss or how to base their pay outs in the event of damage. Each location has different considerations and speaking with your agent if you live in the Hope Hills, NC area you can get the coverage you need.  Contact Cross Creek Insurance to learn more.

3 Ways to Improve the Exterior of Your Home

Posted on by AgentInsure

Whether you are selling your home or wanting to live in it for the rest of your life, it is imperative that you keep both its interior and exterior looking as good as possible. From washing the windows to pruning the rose bushes, taking care of your home will improve both its value as well as its looks. Here is a close look at a few tips you can follow to help improve the exterior of your home. 

Tip #1: Wash the windows regularly

When driving by your home, your eyes may not go directly to the windows, but when people are walking up your sidewalk, they will likely notice them if they haven’t been recently cleaned. Fortunately, cleaning the windows isn’t as difficult as you may have thought. If you don’t know how or don’t have the time to wash your windows, you can always turn to the services of a professional window cleaning company. Ideally, you will want the exterior of the windows to be cleaned once every three months and the interior cleaned at least once every two weeks. 

Tip #2: Take care of the landscaping

Mowing your lawn is a great way to keep the exterior of your home looking its best, but it is just as important to keep the bushes trimmed and the mulch fresh too. Taking care of the landscaping can be time-consuming, but working in it for just 20 minutes a day can go a long way. 

To learn more about improving the exterior of your home and home insurance, contact Cross Creek Insurance serving the Hope Hills, NC area. 

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Auto Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

Auto insurance can be difficult for even the most experienced person. This is because facts vary from state to state and person to person. Before you decide you’ve got a handle on it all, check out these 5 facts from Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC about your insurance. 

1. Your Rates Are Personalized 

And they can be drastically different with just a few slight adjustments. This is why you’re asked so many questions before you’re finally given a quote. 

2. Liability Is Not for Most People 

Most people can’t afford to buy another car if they happen to be involved in an accident, so even though it’s cheaper, it may make less sense in the long-term. 

3. Insurance Gets Messy 

Different companies may see the same events very differently, and it can cause problems for everyone. Policies change, and state governments impose their own rules in terms of limits and placing fault on people. 

4. Your Stuff Isn’t Safe  

Even if you have theft coverage on your car, the stuff inside your car may not be covered. Meaning if you keep your expensive laptop or jewelry in there, you may want to rethink how you store your things. Also, if you have after-market customization, then that may not be covered (unless you’ve updated your policy.)

5. Large Insurance Companies May Not Be the Way to Go 

When you deal with a huge corporation, it’s easy to get lost in the mix. You will have few relationships there and few people to call besides the major number that everyone has. Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC wants you to have the care you deserve, so call us today to talk to us about our quotes and polices. 

 

When is it Necessary to Update Auto Insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you haven’t reviewed your car insurance lately, it would be wise to do so. Lifestyle changes over the last year could have some effect on your policy. You don’t want to wait for an accident to happen to discover there are gaps in your coverage. Changes in your personal situation may even qualify you for insurance discounts you weren’t eligible before. If you’ve gone through any of the following changes in the last year, it’s to your advantage to update your auto insurance coverage.

Change of Employment – A new job could alter your driving patterns, increasing or reducing your risk of accidents. These changes could affect the cost of your premium. If you drive much less due to a shorter commute, you may be able to get a discount on your insurance.

New Home Purchase – If you’ve bought a new house in Hope Hills, NC, you could accrue substantial savings by bundling your auto and home policies with Cross Creek Insurance. By talking to a local agent, you can get a better idea of the benefits that bundling has to offer.

Marital Status – If you’re adding or removing a spouse from your policy due to marriage or divorce, you’ll need to update your coverage.

Add a Teen Driver to your Policy – If you’re planning to add your teen son or daughter to your insurance, you should update your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for all drivers in your family. Young drivers increase the risk of accidents. By raising your coverage limits, you’ll have ample protection against any eventuality. On the positive side, if your teen has completed a driver’s training course, you could qualify for a discount on your auto insurance. 

For more information on how lifestyle changes can affect your auto insurance coverage, talk to a Cross Creek Insurance agent at Hope Hills, NC.  

 

Flash Flood Damage and Auto Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

With regional weather changing away dramatically from historical patterns, people are finding that problems are happening with a lot less warning and more dramatic instances. Flash flooding is a big issue, especially in areas that are valleys between slopes as well as areas that represent runoff zones for regional rivers and drainage. That can mean folks very well find themselves in serious trouble with surprises and immediate changes in water levels with little warning or advance notice. Flooding is one of those not-so-common conditions that frequently ends up in a gray area with auto coverage. On the one hand, acts of God tend to be covered if the car owner has a comprehensive plan which anticipates such situations. On the other hand, limited policies may exclude flooding or may require additional documentation that can show the owner had no chance of being able to move or protect the car first before the damage occurred.

For those who are in areas near creeks, rivers, runoffs or drainage areas, it’s a smart idea to take a close look at one’s existing car policy and see what it says about flooding in general. If there is no specific mention, it may be wise to get a reconsideration or a plan change. If you’re in the Hope Hills, NC region, Cross Creek Insurance can help decipher and make sense of the ins and outs in auto insurance policies and what’s covered with each coverage choice. There’s no reason to play a guessing game. Their expert agents can walk a consumer through each situation and how it will be handled with the appropriate coverage in place. It’s the kind of service that makes a difference in a world filled with a lot of confusing rules otherwise.

Could A Blizzard In North Carolina Cause Severe Home Damage?

Posted on by AgentInsure

If you’re new to North Carolina, you might think this great state has little problems with blizzards . You’d be wrong: snowfall of up to 41 inches have been recorded and temperatures have dropped as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why we at Cross Creek Insurance are offering this  advice, as blizzards can cause a variety of damage can seriously impact your home.

Damage That Can Occur

When a blizzard hits your home, wind will likely push trees and telephone poles around in your yard, potentially causing them to fall on your home. It might even blow windows out of your house. Obviously, snow is another major problem, as heavy amounts can damage your roof and windows.

However, blizzards in Hope Hills, NC often come accompanied with heavy amounts of ice that can stick to your home’s exterior and damage it or create ice dams in your gutters. Last, but not least, extremely cold temperatures may cause cracks in your home’s windows or siding.

Preparing Is Crucial

Before a winter storm hits, you need to make sure your home is prepared well in advance by performing these simple steps:

  • Shovel the snow off your roof before the storm – an average roof can support 20 pounds of snow per square foot
  • Break up ice dams in your gutter
  • Remove any dead trees from your yard and trim dead branches and limbs
  • Seal your doors and windows to keep in heat – particularly crucial if the electricity goes out
  • Wrap insulation around your pipes to keep them from bursting

Protect Your Home From Damage

While blizzards are rarely as severe as this in Hope Hills, NC, you never know when things will get more serious. That’s why home insurance is so necessary: it will help cover most, if not all, of your home repair costs after a blizzard. Please contact us at Cross Creek Insurance to learn more.

Prepare Your Car for Long-Term Storage

Posted on by AgentInsure

You’ve needed this vacation for years and you finally have the time to go enjoy yourself. Now, you just need to leave your vehicle for an extended period of time and want to make sure it is well taken care of until you get back. If you need to store it for longer than a few weeks there are a few things you should do. Cross Creek Insurance, Inc. serves Hope Hills, NC, they can provide a few tips on how to prepare your vehicle for long-term storage.

The elements can cause extreme damage to the exterior of your vehicle when left unattended. In the summer, the sun can cause paint to crack, chip, and fade. The seats, dash, and other interior parts can become discolored. In winter, the snow and salt can seep into your car and cause it to corrode. Place a car cover over your vehicle if you are going to leave it open to the elements.

Leave it Topped Off

Make sure that all of your fluids have been replaced and filled before your trip. The engine could be destroyed if you leave it with used fluids sitting around. A fluid stabilizer will keep your gas from breaking down while you are away and corrupting the gas line.

Batteries Don’t Last Forever

Remove the battery and clean the connections. Batteries that sit without being used can become corrosive and start to destroy the engine. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend, you should have them start the car and drive it around the block once a week to preserve the battery until you return home.

Animal Prevention

Small animals, such as squirrels and mice can find tiny holes in your cars’ exterior when no one is looking. To prevent creatures from building a nest in your vehicle plug the tailpipe and other obvious holes. You could also place mothballs or other pesticides in and around the vehicle to keep the animals away.

In Hope Hills, NC, Cross Creek Insurance, Inc. agents are available to help you with beginning and maintaining an auto policy for your new or used vehicle.

5 Essential Facts about Homeowner’s Insurance

Posted on by AgentInsure

Homeowner’s insurance can be a complicated topic, so here are five facts that are easily digestible and essential to know before you sign up for a policy.

1. Damage Coverage Varies by Source

Homeowner’s insurance policies carefully stipulate what types of damage are eligible for reimbursement. When signing up for a policy, be sure to examine which damage sources are covered and consider purchasing extra coverage if a likely danger – such as flooding for homes near water or in high rainfall areas like Hope Hills, NC – isn’t mentioned in the basic plan.

2. Your Home’s Neighborhood Will Impact Your Insurance Rates

The area surrounding your home already impacts the property value, and it will impact your insurance rates as well. Mention any nearby emergency services, especially a fire station, to your insurance provider.

3. Catalog and Categorize Everything

Keeping diligent records of the property within your home is the easiest way to ensure you are properly reimbursed in case of damage. If you expect that you’ll want to file a claim for an item, take dated photographs and store them with any relevant documents like titles and receipts.

4. Your Credit Score Impacts Insurance Rates

Because your homeowner’s insurance policy represents a financial agreement, you can expect most providers to perform a credit check to determine how well you will be able to pay your premiums and deductibles. 

5. You Are in Control of Your Homeowner’s Insurance Purchase

While you may feel like you’re at the mercy of whichever insurance company you stumble upon first. The truth is that you’ll have plenty of options that range from national companies to homegrown companies from Hope Hills, NC like Cross Creek Insurance. Take the time to shop around and find an insurance company that works for you.