If you live in Hope Hills, NC, then you know how important it is to be covered when you’re on the road.  It’s important to know exactly what you’re required to have and what kind of insurance you should strongly consider, however.  

Basic auto insurance policies in North Carolina are designed to protect the other driver in the event that you are found to be at fault in an accident.  The law is interested only in making sure that the victim of the accident is taken care of.  That means that if you are found to be at fault in an auto accident, your basic insurance policy would not pay you anything for your own damage and medical expenses.

In fact, even with the minimal required insurance, you would still be required to pay for some of the cost out of your pocket.  Your deductible would be paid to the insurance company, who would then pay for damages up to the limit of your coverage.  With required coverage limits so low in North Carolina, it is possible that you would need to pay even more money in the event of a serious accident.  In many cases, this can bankrupt a family as they contend with their own expensive medical costs and repairs.

To make sure that you are covered, you may want to consider a collision policy.  This type of coverage will cover your own damages and medical costs.  

If you’er thinking of getting a new auto insurance policy, or if you just want to save some money on your existing policy, call the agents at Cross Creek Insurance.  They have years of experience helping Hope Hills, NC residents.

There was time when people filled up at the pump and only two choices existed: leaded or unleaded. There was, of course, diesel, but that was often on a separate pump used by truck drivers or people who owned a specific, smoke-belching European car. Today, however, people have at least four if not five choices, with three of them ranging from basic unleaded to premium, and a related cost range to match. So, no surprise, drivers eventually find themselves asking the question, is there something better with a premium fuel versus the regular one? In some cases, particularly with blends. Some brands make a point to include detergents and solvents designed to break down gunk in an older engine.

Generally, however, the big difference between premium and general unleaded fuel is the octane. Normal engines easily run with an octane level of 87. Some believe that higher performance engines need or run better with a higher octane. While it is true that a higher temperature is needed to burn a higher octane cleanly, that doesn’t automatically produce better engine performance. However, it does burn with less gunk. The fact is not burning all fuel completely leaves a residue, and that creates buildup. More buildup eventually makes a car engine run worse and have problems. So a hotter, cleaner burn is an advantage over the long-term. And, again, many quality brands include their detergents in premium fuel, which only helps keep the engine running smoother over its life.

Cross Creek Insurance provides consumer insurance serving the Hope Hills, NC, area. And one of the best ways of saving insurance for when it really matters is following preventive care for one’s car. Premium gas isn’t necessary to run a car, but it does make a difference that could matter in the long run.

Fender bender fraud is on the rise again in the United States.  This classic scam, in which a team of scam artists work together to create an accident, then bill you and your insurance company for thousands of dollars in made up damages, can cost you a lot of money and time.  Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

One of the most important things you can do is keep a kit in your car that contains everything you need to deal with a minor accident.  Make sure you have these items readily available.

1. Important paperwork.  Your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance are all required in the state of North Carolina.  Make sure you have these available to show a police officer after an accident.  Many times, scam artists will try to convince their victims to keep the accident out of official records.  By having these documents, you’ll be prepared to deal with the police.
2. Camera.  The camera on your cell phone can work if it takes good pictures.  Documenting the damage to both cars is a good way to present proof to your insurance agent later of the actual damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
3. First aid kit.  More important than the physical damage to property is the health tool that these scams take on their victims.  Be prepared by carrying some basic first aid items in your car such as bandages and tweezers.  

Of course, it’s also important for residents of Hope Hills, NC to be prepared for minor accidents with good auto insurance.  Contact the agents at Cross Creek Insurance to get a policy that gives you enough coverage to protect yourself from these scams.

Most people don’t realize that  often, injury claims occur weeks to months after the crash. Cross Creek Insurance offers several ways to protect yourself from fraud:

Notify the police. In the day of cell phones, it’s easy to call the police from the site. Even though police don’t always respond to minor accidents, you want to either wait for the police to arrive on the scene. If not, go to the station and file a report so that there is a public record.
Take plenty of pictures. Take pictures of all the vehicles involved, even if there is no visible damage. In a fraudulent claim, lack of damage can make a difference.
Get all the information. Name, addresses, phone numbers, license numbers of the individual and the car itself and insurance details of all the motorists involved are important. Take done similar information from any witnesses.
Be careful what you say. By admitting any fault on the scene, it could be used against you. Be cautious about what you say and don’t say, not only to police officers but to the other motorist and to the witness, and what you might say in a phone conversation that might be overheard.
Listen carefully to what the other motorist says.  Even if there is not evident damage, listen for the other motorist or their passenger if they complain of  discomfort or an injury. If the other motorist tries to blame or bully you, especially if he or she is at fault. Automatically insisting that they need an ambulance.These can be tipoffs that a fraudulent suit may happen.
Hire a lawyer. An auto accident attorney can investigate the crash, shift through the collected evidence and even request medical documents so they can dispute any legal action in the future.

Getting the most miles per gallon while driving in North Carolina should be a priority. Not only will reducing gas mileage help save you money, but also lower your carbon footprint. Driving efficiently and keeping your vehicle up to date will make the most significant difference in fuel economy.

Drive Smarter

Avoid certain driver behaviors that decrease your car’s gas mileage. This includes excessive braking, rapid acceleration, and cruising over the speed limit. After a car reaches speeds above 50 miles per hour, fuel economy decreases. Cruise control helps you maintain a consistent speed to avoid these issues. Idling can also burn up gas and should be avoided when possible.

Lighten Loads

Pulling cargo or storing items on your roof can both have a detrimental effect on your vehicle’s gas mileage. Not only does the weight from the loads affect fuel economy, but also cargo stored on the roof makes your car less aerodynamic.

Maintain Your Car

Check your tire pressure at least once a week to ensure the pressure isn’t too low since this could hurt fuel economy. Always use the recommended grade oil for your car too when it’s time for an oil change. Changing the car’s air filter can keep the car running efficiently in order to avoid excessive fuel consumption.

Get a New (or Newer) Vehicle

Ditch your old gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient car. Within the past decade, car manufacturers have made tremendous strides in increasing vehicles’ gas mileage. Compare your current car’s average highway and city MPG to newer models on the market.

If you do decide to upgrade your car, make sure you have the right amount of insurance coverage. Contact the independent agents at Cross Creek Insurance to discuss either your current auto policy or make arrangements to take out a new policy on your vehicle.