Blogs

Do You Need a Personal Liability Umbrella?

The insurance policies for your home, auto, motorcycle and other property provide you with personal liability protection meaning if you are found liable, these polices will pay for the cost of the damages you are responsible for. Without a Personal Liability Umbrella, problems occur when the liability limits in these policies are too low when significant damages occur. The most common problems occur from carrying lower auto liability limits. Auto accidents occur more frequently and the damages can be very costly. That’s not to say you can’t be sued if someone is seriously hurt on your property or while on your boat. Every month, District Court Judge Tom Jarrell and I volunteer to speak to [...]

Do You Need a Personal Liability Umbrella?2018-04-26T00:30:46-05:00

Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance

You’ve probably been at the rental-car counter, wondering “should I buy rental car insurance?” And thoughts race through your mind. “Is this a rip-off? Doesn’t my own auto insurance policy cover me? Does my credit card cover rental cars? Why didn’t I look into this before I left on my trip?” At Paramount Insurance, we are here to help. And while every situation may be different, here are some general tips that will help you make an educated decision the next time you rent a car. 1. Know your personal auto policy. Because auto insurance policies vary, it’s a good idea to give us a call before you rent a car. In most instances, if [...]

Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance2018-04-26T00:29:49-05:00

Best Used Cars for Teenage Drivers

In case you're planning to buy a used car for your teen this year, or you're trying to decide which of your existing cars might be the best one for her to drive, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) is working hard to help you. For the first time ever, they have released their list of the Best Used Cars for Teenage drivers. The reason for this release is their research has shown that many teens are not driving vehicles with good crash protection or safety technology. The IIHS is known for its top safety picks of new car models; but its research found that 83 percent of parents who buy a car for [...]

Best Used Cars for Teenage Drivers2020-03-25T21:17:35-05:00

100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest for drivers 15-20 years of age. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) informs us that the highest number of fatal car accidents (regardless of age) occur in July, with August and June being second and third respectively making summer known as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. There are a number of factors that contribute to the summer months being the most dangerous. Some that we really can't control are: 1) Roads are more congested due to vacation travelers 2) Vacation drivers are more dangerous due to being unfamiliar with the area and [...]

100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers2018-04-26T00:24:49-05:00

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

There’s no substitute for experience and education when it comes to boating safety. Having the knowledge and experience to know how to avoid or react to the most common causes of boating accidents can not only reduce damages but can prevent injuries or worse. In 2012, the US Coast Guard reported 4,515 accidents that involved 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and $38 million in damages as a result of recreational boating accidents. Almost 71% of the fatalities, drowning was the cause of death and of those, 85% were not wearing a life jacket. Of these accidents, here are the top 10 causes… #1- Operator Inattention #2- Operator Inexperience #3- Improper Lookout #4- Machinery Failure #5- Excessive [...]

Common Causes of Boating Accidents2018-04-26T00:25:58-05:00

Spring is here! Avoid These Dangers on Your Motorcycle.

As it gets warmer, the urge to fire up your bike and hit the road gets stronger. Bikers across North Carolina are charging batteries, checking tire pressure, and polishing up the chrome... getting ready for that warm afternoon to get out on the highway. All bikers look forward to the first spring ride but before you do, here are a few safety reminders. You don't want to be the first to the hospital because you got in too much of a hurry. Avoid these dangers on your motorcycle. We'll assume you prepared your motorcycle properly when you put it in storage for the winter. Hopefully, ethanol in the fuel was treated last fall to avoid [...]

Spring is here! Avoid These Dangers on Your Motorcycle.2018-04-26T00:25:47-05:00

Got a Teen Driver? You Need a Personal Liability Umbrella.

Most consumers understand the reasons to carry liability and collision insurance on their vehicles. Auto liability coverage is required by North Carolina state law and collision is a financial requirement to either qualify for a loan on a vehicle or to protect yourself from the loss of the vehicle in an accident. But fewer understand the need for a personal liability umbrella policy and how that need escalates when you have a teen driver in your household. While your teen may be the exception, due to inexperience and immaturity teen drivers are involved in more accidents and those accidents are more costly than any other category of drivers. Teen Drivers Are Five Times More Likely [...]

Got a Teen Driver? You Need a Personal Liability Umbrella.2018-04-26T00:25:17-05:00

How to Prepare for Winter Storm Pax

As you are most likely aware, we are under a winter storm warning though Thursday evening. According to our friends at WGHP Fox 8 News there is a 100% chance of significant snow fall and possibly ice in their viewing area. Ice can be very damaging to property so in case you experience damage, I wanted to let you know what to do to prepare for winter storm Pax and how to prevent further damage. Our office may be closed tomorrow depending on the arrival of the storm. We will be answering phones though and will be here for you in case you have damage and need to file a property or auto insurance claim. [...]

How to Prepare for Winter Storm Pax2018-04-26T00:24:34-05:00

Is it a condo or a townhouse?

Is it a condo or a townhouse? Sometimes it can be hard to tell but if it's not described correctly, someone could pay. Here's the story... There was a townhouse that had some damage from a storm in High Point. The home was improperly insured as a condo. Apparently, someone had some bad information and didn't take the time to verify what type of home it actually was. And unfortunately in this case, there is a huge difference in how this property should have been insured. What amazes me is that it got past so many people. Surely, the previous owner should have known. The REALTOR could have found out. The closing attorney must not [...]

Is it a condo or a townhouse?2018-04-25T18:53:48-05:00

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Water And Sewer Backup?

Just the other day we helped a homeowner that found us over the internet. He visited our website and saw my free homeowners insurance report offer to learn more about insuring his High Point, NC home. Well, after reading the section on water and sewer backup, he checked his homeowners insurance policy and found that he didn’t have this coverage with his “soon to become ex” agent. He was floored when he found out that he wasn’t covered if sewage backed up into his home. You can imagine the mess that causes. Believe me, I’ve seen it first hand way too many times. The truth is the standard HO3 North Carolina homeowners insurance policy does [...]

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Water And Sewer Backup?2018-04-25T18:53:48-05:00
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