Recent Articles

Vacant Dwelling

A recent Study showed that approximately 24,000 vacant residential property fires are reported to fire departments each year, resulting in $800 million in property losses. Wooded areas bring fire hazards and vacant homes face increased risks for greater losses. In fact, 53 percent of vacant dwelling fires spread to the entire property and complete losses.

Read More

Renting a Car

If an auto insurance policy includes full coverage on a vehicle, that coverage will be able to be transferred over to the rental vehicle as long as the vehicle that is being rented is a personal auto that weighs under 10,000 lbs (a commercial vehicle that weighs over 10,000 lbs would not be covered). Typically, loss of use is not covered... this means that if a rental car was involved in an accident, the amount of money lost from the rental car not being rented, would typically not be paid out from your insurance.

Read More

Past Hurricanes and the Lessons Learned

The lessons taught by the last major hurricane, "Heavyweight Harvey" are endless and the financial costs have surpassed $125,000,000,000 Billion, while flooding 150,000 homes and killing 68 people and countless pets.

In Houston, the peril of wind was defended against by all the concrete that makes up a large city, though it didn't assist in the large amounts of rainfall that resulted in a massive flood.

Read More

Flood: Understanding the Risk, Navigating Insurance Options

With three-quarters of the Earth covered in water, it's no surprise that flood is one of the world's most destructive - and most common - natural disasters.

Individuals and businesses can be exposed to flooding virtually anywhere, at any time of year; yet flood continues to be one of the world's most underinsured events. To bring awareness to this issue and to educate consumers and businesses on the imporantance of obtaining flood insurance, Torrent has developed a whitepaper, Flood: Understanding the Risk, Navigating Insurance Options.

Read More

Homeowners insurance to increase by 5.5 percent on the coast

SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. - After months of negotiation, coastal homeowners will end up paying more for insuring their homes this year.

N.C. Department of Insurance (NCDOI) and N.C. Rate Bureau (NCRB) have settled on an increase in homeowners insurance Wednesday, significantly lower than initially proposed. New Hanover, Pender, Onslow and Brunswick County will see an increase of 5.5 percent in homeowners insurance this October.

Read More

The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has recently approved revisions to the Homeowners line of business

The North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has recently approved revisions to the Homeowners line of business. This was initiated by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and all North Carolina Homeowners insurance markets are responsible for putting these rate increases in place. The higher premiums impact the Amount of Insurance (AOI) relativity factors, Protection/Construction relativity factors, base rates, wind mitigation credits, and wind exclusion credits. These revisions will be effective April 1, 2018, for both New Business and Renewal policies.

Read More

Umbrellas: For More Than Just Rain

It is summer in southeastern North Carolina, which means that afternoons are fraught with pop-up thunderstorms. I find myself carrying an umbrella more often than not, as it protects me against the liability associated with storms - just in case the skies open up when I'm out between appointments. (There's nothing more antithetical to an insurance agent than being unprepared!)

Read More

Demystifying the Cost of Homeowners Insurance

Searching for a new home? You're likely also searching for the best mortgage, too. But first time home buyers often leave their homeowner's insurance as a last-minute thought - yet it is as critical a step as finding the right home or the right mortgage.

Read More

Wind & Hail Insurance: Why You Need It

If you own a home, you are subject to the vagaries of weather. Especially anywhere near the coast, weather can make a mockery of the best laid plans we have for our homes. Here are four reasons you should consider adding Wind & Hail Insurance to your policy

Read More

Hurricane Season June 1st - November 30th, 2017

This year's hurricane forecast is in! Our meteorologists are projecting an active season with 13 named storms, including 5 hurricanes and 2 major storms. As the storms approach this season, we recommend setting up a household storm response plan: drinking water, batteries

Read More

12 Things Affecting Your Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina

In the state of North Carolina, the law is to have car insurance - if you own a vehicle and use it, of course. And, of course, there are certain things that increase your rates that will help you understand why your rates are what they are. But first, let's go over what auto insurance is and the different kinds of coverage that is applied to your policy.

Read More

Best Practices & Preparations for Winter Weather Driving

Winter is upon us, North Carolina! And that means winter weather - which doesn't have too much of an effect on most people's work or school schedules - so it's probably a good idea to have your car and yourself prepared to lower your risks of a breakdown or accident.

Read More

Flooding Causes Damage Throughout the Carolinas

At the beginning of this month North Carolina and South Carolina experienced severe weather that affected homes and businesses all along the coast. This weather caused serious flooding and damage. While many property and homeowners were protected, there were some that did not have flood insurance. Those without the insurance needed to protect themselves have been left with devastating damage and costly repairs.

Read More

HO3 Home Insurance Policy

The HO3 Home Insurance Policy is the most common home insurance policy in the United States. It provides excellent coverage for your home and good coverage for your personal property.

Read More

North Carolina Joint Underwriters and The State Wind Pool

In many cases the NCJUA is thought to be the only wind and hail insurance option. In some geographical areas it may be the better option. The main point to this article is to inform our North Carolina Homeowners about many other options that are available. Let's backtrack a bit first...

Read More

10 tips to avoid accidents this winter

Winter weather frequently makes for the most hazardous driving conditions of the year. To protect you against accidents this winter, we've put together some tips for prepping yourself and your vehicle for this year's potential winter weather...

Read More

Primary and Excess Flood Insurance Protection

Most homeowners don't suspect that flooding will happen to them, especially those who live in low-risk areas. However, in the past five years all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. If your home is worth more than $250,000, you may require excess coverage. It is essential that you have the right policy in place to prevent devastating financial losses.

Read More

New All-Inclusive Home Insurance Company Coming To The North Carolina Coast

Heritage Insurance is pleased to announce a new homeowners market for the state of North Carolina! We are partnering with National General to provide quality personal lines insurance products for your customers. Heritage will be offering a full suite of homeowners programs - HO3, HO4, HO5, and HO6 - with a wide range of available coverages and discounts. Our products are competitively priced, and will be available in all areas of the state, including coastal counties. Heritage specializes in providing coverage for mid-market to preferred clients. Our products can be individually tailored to meet the needs of each customer.

Read More

Flood Insurance Changes

Each spring the National Flood Insurance Program makes a variety of program changes and updates. Spring 2016 is no different. Here's what you need to know about some of the significant changes taking effect April 1, 2016.

Read More

Flood Insurance Information

Flood insurance is both simple and very confusing. Here I go with some info about it. Flood insurance is never covered on any home insurance policy, and must always be purchased separately. Flood is managed by FEMA and NFIP, which is part of the Federal Government...

Read More

House Passes an Alternative to NFIP

In a unanimous vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed The Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act on April 28, 2016. This law effectively allows lenders to accept private flood insurance solutions to meet mandatory purchase requirements for federally backed mortgages...

Read More

Shifting Winter Storms and Hard-to-Place Property Insurance

This year, winter storms have brought tornadoes to the Florida panhandle, flooding to the Jersey Shore and so much snowfall to California that some people expect to be skiing until April. El Nino is at the center of the extreme weather pattern, and it is shaking up the insurance market from coast to coast...

Read More

Dairyland AutoGeoVera Insurance CompanyLLOYD’SStillwater InsuranceUPC InsuranceTraveler's Insurance