New Business? You May Need a Commercial Insurance Policy

If you’re starting a new business in the Hope Hills, NC area, contacting Cross Creek Insurance is the right choice. We can help you decide on the commercial insurance policy that meets your needs so that you can get the right coverage for protection and peace of mind. The kind of policy you need will depend on the type of business you’re starting, where you’re located, and other factors. You don’t want to get the wrong coverage, or you may not be protected from a claim.

Understanding how to categorize your business is the first step toward finding the right policy for your new company. Service-based businesses are different from product-based businesses and don’t need the same kinds of policies. The same is true for home-based companies; whether customers or clients are coming to your physical location also matters. That’s why working with an agent is the right choice because you’ll get the important information you need.

Also, think about the size of your business and whether you have employees. If you’re working by yourself, you won’t need the same level of coverage as someone with many employees at their location. In short, it’s vital that you pay careful attention to the specific needs of your company when you choose a policy and carrier.

The good news is that you don’t have to worry about all these things on your own. If you’re in the Hope Hills, NC area and looking for help to find the right commercial insurance policy for your company, contact us today at Cross Creek Insurance. Then, you can feel confident that you’re receiving suitable options, so you can select a policy that will give you the right coverage for the long term.

What’s indexed life insurance?

Rising living costs in North Carolina show the importance of preparing for the future. That includes savings and protecting against worst-case scenarios that could happen today. Indexed life insurance can help Hope Hills, NC with both.

The Mechanics of Indexed Life Insurance

Indexed life insurance combines the death benefit protection of traditional life insurance with an investment opportunity linked to a market index. These policies are unique because they offer potential cash value growth based on the performance of a market index, like the S&P 500. The exact index followed can vary from one policy to another, but they’re generally well-known and broad market indices.

This allows policyholders to capitalize on potential gains that a market index will likely have over time should the index go down. However, an indexed life insurance policy typically limits how much of those losses the policyholder sees.

To do this, the policy credits interest to the cash value based on a formula linked to the chosen index. This isn’t the same as directly investing in the stock market, as the credited rate comes with participation requirements, maximum caps, and loss mitigations.

Choosing the Right Policy with Cross Creek Insurance

If indexed life insurance sounds like something you would like, contact the independent insurance agents at Cross Creek Insurance. The Cross Creek Insurance team is well-versed in life insurance, including indexed policies, and can help you determine whether one of these policies would make sense for you. Assuming one does, they’ll ensure you find an indexed life insurance policy that meets your needs well.

The Benefits of Whole Life Insurance

To leave something behind for those around you, you need a life insurance policy to ensure financial help. When you need a life insurance policy, a beneficial type is the whole life insurance policy. This is a type that has a lot of advantages for the policyholder. It’s essential to have life insurance when people depend on you financially. If you don’t yet have as much life insurance as you need, call us at Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC.

Long-Term Coverage

If you chose the other primary type of life insurance, called term life, the policy would have a clear expiration date. Once you reach that date, you’d have to apply for and get a new life policy. However, that isn’t the way a whole life policy works. With these policies, they will never expire. They will be good for as long as you’re alive and will pay a death benefit to your beneficiaries when you go. Always knowing that as long as you pay for it, the policy will be there for you can be a huge addition to your peace of mind. You’ll know that your loved ones will be taken care of. 

Cash Value

Whole-life policies have another major benefit for policyholders. They have a cash value after the first few years that the policy is in place. This cash value grows slowly and can become a significant amount of money. You can borrow against this amount if you have an emergency. This can be a financial backup in case of financial need. 

Get Life Insurance

When you need life insurance, we want to help. To get started with this type of insurance, call us now at Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC.

Four things to keep in mind when you buy commercial insurance

While running your own business is rewarding, it also involves a lot of responsibility and stress. Fortunately, commercial insurance can provide business owners with security and help ensure a company’s financial obligations are met. Cross Creek Insurance offers commercial insurance to business owners in Hope Hills, NC.

The following are four things that you should keep in mind if you’re in the process of buying commercial insurance. 

Some types of commercial insurance coverage may be required by law.

Business owners shouldn’t assume that buying commercial insurance is always optional. In some situations, business owners are required by law to purchase commercial insurance coverage.

Commercial auto and workers comp insurance, in particular are types of commercial coverage legally required in many situations. 

It would be best to get quotes from a few commercial insurance providers.

Commercial insurance providers in your area can provide you with a quote on a policy. It’s essential to get numerous quotes that you can compare so that you can be sure that you’ve chosen a good option for your commercial insurance coverage. 

Commercial insurance coverage may be subject to various exclusions.

Don’t make any assumptions about what your commercial insurance covers. Commercial insurance policies can be subject to exclusions that ensure that certain expenses won’t be covered under your policy.

Be sure to read the fine print so that you know exactly what your policy covers and doesn’t cover. 

Your commercial insurance coverage needs may change over time. 

As your company grows, your insurance needs change. That’s why it’s so important to update your commercial insurance policy once in a while. 

Ensure that the right commercial insurance policy covers your company in Hope Hills, NC. Get in touch with us today at Cross Creek Insurance and learn more about the coverage options that we offer. 

Three challenges when you buy commercial insurance

Business owners should know the challenges they might face when they insure their company in Hope Hills, NC. At Cross Creek Insurance, we can help you overcome these challenges and protect your company and livelihood with quality insurance coverage.

The following are three challenges you may face when you buy commercial insurance. 

Understanding your legal responsibilities

In certain situations, businesses are required to have commercial insurance. For example, you may need to have workers’ compensation insurance if you are an employer depending on the state in which your business is located. 

You need to research your legal responsibilities and ensure you’re meeting them with your commercial insurance coverage. Otherwise, you could face fines and other penalties that may compromise your company’s profitability.  

Deciding how much commercial insurance your business needs

Many business owners buying commercial insurance for the first time aren’t sure how much coverage they need. The amount of coverage you need depends on various factors, including the size of your company, the industry in which you operate, and the structure of your business (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)

If you’re uncertain about how much coverage you need, you should discuss this issue with an insurance company representative or a financial professional such as your accountant. 

Knowing when it’s time to buy commercial insurance

Generally, you should purchase insurance immediately after starting a company. Even if your company is still just a tiny startup, it’s best to have insurance coverage. 

At Cross Creek Insurance, we’re happy to assist companies that need insurance in Hope Hills, NC. Contact us online or by phone to learn about your insurance options. 

What to Consider When Buying Life Insurance

Many think of life insurance as a way to financially protect surviving loved ones. And life insurance is that, but it can also be much more. When you’re ready to discuss your life insurance needs, please contact Cross Creek Insurance, serving Hope Hills, NC. We can help assess your situation so you get the life insurance you and your loved ones need. In the meantime, here are some essential things to consider when considering life insurance.

Life Insurance Can be an Investment

Whole life insurance policies have grown in value over the years. They can serve as a significant financial investment for later on in life. For instance, if you ever need a short-term loan, you could borrow a certain amount on your whole life insurance policy for a preferred rate. Then, you pay it back, which goes back to your insurance policy.

Life Insurance Can Help Pay For a College Education

When it comes time to fill out your child’s student loan paperwork, you don’t legally have to declare the value of a whole life insurance policy. Yet, you can cash in that policy and use it to help fund your child’s college experience.

Your Loved One Needs Time

When calculating your needs for a term life policy, many people think only about their loved ones paying for the mortgage and bills for the time being. But bear in mind that losing you will play heavily on their hearts. They’ll need lots of time off of work to grieve, emotionally heal and try to put the pieces back together. In short, whatever figure you came up with, you should increase it so your loved one isn’t forced to return to work too soon.

Contact Cross Creek Insurance, serving Hope Hills, NC for all your life insurance needs, including whole life, term life, and more!

How to extend the life of your car tires and ensure optimal performance during the summer months?

Extending the life of your tires when summer hits requires proactive precautions and maintenance. The specialists at Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC provide these helpful suggestions to help maximize your tire’s lifespan during the summer months –

Check/Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Tire pressure should be checked and adjusted routinely all year. However, when the heat arrives, the tire’s air expands and overinflates the tire. It is best to refer to the owner’s manual (or the label inside the driver’s door) for the best or recommended tire pressure.

Regularly Rotate Tires/Maintain Wheel Alignment/Balance

Rotate the car’s tires following the manufacturer’s recommendations or every 5K to 8K miles. Routinely rotating the tires ensures they wear evenly–extending their useful life.

Don’t Overload the Vehicle

Be aware of your vehicle’s weight limit and avoid excessive weight, as this adds stress to the tires, increases the heat, and accelerates the tire’s wear. Hot weather further aggravates this situation.

Check Tire’s Tread

For the tire to maintain control and traction, the tread depth must be enough to match the desired performance. The minimum legal tread depth varies by jurisdiction.

Avoid Excessive/Aggressive Speed & Driving

Fast and aggressive driving generates additional friction and heat, increasing the wear on the tires.

Park in the Shade

When available, park the car in the shade or use a car cover, as extended sunlight exposure can degrade the compounds used to manufacture tires.  

Regularly Inspect for Damage

Check the tires for bulges, cuts, or other damage. Driving on damaged tires can be needlessly risky.

For additional information about automobile insurance and policies available for those who live or work in the greater Hope Hills, NC area, contact Cross Creek Insurance at 910-423-2900.

When Do You Need to Get Life Insurance

It’s not uncommon for Hope Hills, NC residents to think of life insurance as only beneficial to those in specific demographics. Or, most often, something that can be pushed to the back burner and dealt with later. However, the truth is that many families and individuals from various backgrounds and financial situations can significantly benefit from having a life insurance policy in place but don’t realize it. Today, we’ll examine who needs life insurance and when you should get it.

Who Can Benefit From Life Insurance

The decision and reasoning behind purchasing a life insurance policy can be deeply personal. But at the end of the day, a life insurance policy can make all the difference to those you leave behind, relieving the stress and anxiety that often follows the passing of a significant provider. With a life insurance policy, anyone with a mortgage, rent, car payment, debt, or other expenses can rest easy knowing that their loved ones won’t have to worry about paying all those bills on their own. Even if you don’t currently contribute a regular income to your household, you likely do things that can be difficult to keep up with upon your passing without some financial support.

Find the Right Life Insurance Policy For You Today

Like with other insurance policies, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life insurance. With a range of policy types and values from a vast pool of providers, it’s essential to work with an experienced Hope Hills, NC agent to ensure you buy the right plan. At Cross Creek Insurance, our team will go the extra mile to help you find the coverage that’s right for you. Contact us today to learn more!

Product-Related Issues and Commercial Insurance: What Business Owners Should Know

If you’re a Hope Hills, NC business owner, the right commercial insurance policy is an absolute must to protect yourself from potential liability. But if your company sells products, your policy really isn’t comprehensive enough until it includes product liability coverage.

We at Cross Creek Insurance will be happy to review your policy with you and ensure it’s thorough enough. But in the meantime, here’s a brief look at some of what business owners should know.

Why Do You Need Product-Specific Protection?

Naturally, you put a lot of care and effort into ensuring your products are right before releasing them to the general public. But mistakes, accidents, and chance mishaps can happen to anyone, so planning is essential.

Commercial insurance that includes product liability coverage protects you if one of your items is ever connected to an accident or other unfortunate incident. It’s essential if your company sells or manufactures products like:

  • Clothing
  • Food
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Motor vehicles
  • Electronic, industrial, or mechanical equipment

What Types of Claims Should Business Owners Watch Out For?

A product-related claim could materialize from anywhere and for a multitude of reasons. Savvy business owners need to be aware of them when considering their commercial insurance options. Examples include the following.

  • Manufacturing errors are usually isolated incidents but can cause injuries, side effects, and more, depending on the product.
  • Design flaws can cause similar problems. However, the issues involved are usually further reaching and may call for solutions like recalls.
  • Deficient operating instructions, disclaimers, and safety warnings can also open a business up to liability, so be as thorough as possible when packaging your products.

Ultimately, there’s no such thing as being too protected if you manufacture and sell products as part of your Hope Hills, NC livelihood. Cross Creek Insurance’s insurance experts can help you understand your options. Call us today and let us know how we can assist you!

Why should you get a workers compensation policy?

When providing financial protection for your employees, a worker’s compensation policy from Cross Creek Insurance is an absolute must. Not only does it protect you as a Hope Hills, NC area employer from costly legal fees and settlements in the event of an employee injury, but it also ensures that you’re providing your workers with the coverage they need should something happen. 

Workers’ compensation policies offer invaluable peace of mind for both employers and employees. For employers, these policies provide a guaranteed way to take care of their workers if they get injured on the job. They also protect them from any potential lawsuits arising from negligence claims or unsafe working conditions. And for employees, these policies ensure that they will be cared for financially should something happen while on the job. 

In addition to all these benefits, workers’ compensation policies can help you save money. By providing comprehensive coverage, you won’t have to worry about paying out hefty settlements in case of a workplace injury or accident; instead, the policy will cover any medical costs associated with treatment. Moreover, since most states require employers to have a worker’s compensation policy before hiring new employees, having one can give you a competitive advantage when recruiting talent. 

A worker’s compensation policy is essential for keeping your business safe and secure. It provides invaluable peace of mind for both employers and employees alike and offers vital financial protection in case anything were to go wrong. For more information, give us at Cross Creek Insurance a call today. We are proud to serve the Hope Hills, NC area.