Long Insurance Services of Kernersville, NC


  Contact : 336-992-5664

All Posts in Category: Commercial Insurance

Flood Insurance

ERIE’s Extended Water Coverage

Did you know that most homeowners policies don’t cover flooding? ERIE’s Extended Water coverage is here to help.

We can’t say it enough: If it can rain (or snow), it can flood. Flooding can happen in a matter of minutes, or it may creep up slowly, but either way it can cause massive amounts of damage. Typically, nature handles excess water by sweeping it away into streams, lakes and rivers or just absorbing it into the ground. But we all know Mother Nature can be fickle, so when she opens the floodgates, it can be detrimental to your home, property and all your belongings.

Unfortunately, most people don’t know that their homeowners policy doesn’t cover flooding. What’s more, they usually don’t discover that until after a costly loss. Floods are the most expensive and destructive natural disaster in the United States, according to FEMA, and can occur in every state. At Erie Insurance, we’re here to bring you peace of mind, which is why we’ve introduced our Extended Water coverage.

What is Extended Water Coverage?

ERIE’s Extended Water coverage1 provides protection for your home in the event of a sewer or drain backup, or from flooding such as inland flooding, tidal water, storm surge or mudflow and mudslide. This endorsement can be added to your ErieSecure Home® policy (or bundle) and offers protection for your home, garage or other structures and personal property2— including that stuff you’ve stored in your basement. To avoid losing valuables, make sure you know what not to store in your basement, because there are some things even we can’t replace!

Floods are devastating, they can damage homes both above and below ground, as well as displace families for extended periods of time. Extended Water coverage is designed to help cover things like:

  • Basements and other rooms
  • Water backups from sewers and drains
  • Repair and replacement costs for your home and personal property3
  • Flood avoidance reimbursement (up to $10,000)4
  • Temporary relocation costs, like a hotel or short-term rental5

But Why Do I Need Extended Water?

As we’ve mentioned, flooding can happen anywhere, to anyone. Yet your typical homeowners policy doesn’t cover it and only a staggering 4% of homeowners actually have flood coverage — as estimated by Milliman, an independent risk management, benefits and technology firm.

Sadly, many people assume since they aren’t in a high-risk area it’s not a needed coverage. But did you know that over 25% of flood claims come from individuals living outside high-risk zones? What’s even more earth shattering is just a single inch of water in a home is estimated to cost over $25,000 in repairs. Quite a hefty bill for such a small amount of water.

With the help of Harris Poll, ERIE conducted a national poll to see just how much water people thought was needed to necessitate replacing baseboards and drywall. In the poll, 53% of survey participants stated 5 inches or more would be needed. Sadly, the truth is only 3 inches of water can destroy baseboards and drywall. The cost flooding and other water damage brings to families can be a major financial strain that can hang over people for years. Our Extended Water coverage is here to ease uncertainties and ensure that in the event of a flood, we’ll be right there to get you back on your feet.

A Little Preparedness Goes a Long Way

Let’s say you live in a new development near a stream. After a few days of steady rain, you become concerned about the rising water and buy sandbags to place around the basement door. The stream floods the neighborhood and still makes its way into your home, despite your attempt to avoid it. Extended Water would provide coverage for the sandbags4 plus damage to your home and contents.3

If you’re expecting a large flood or storm to come through the area, we highly encourage you take some flood safety steps to help protect yourself and your family. As always, your safety is the top priority, and in the event of a flooding disaster, rest easy knowing we’ll be there.

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Coverage Review

The Importance of an Annual Insurance Review

When it comes to insurance, the best policy is one that provides the right protection for you and your family — right now. That means as your life changes, your insurance coverage should, too.

In an ideal world, you’d call your insurance agent every time you finished a home renovation, bought a new vehicle or got a new job. But life is busy. And with all the responsibilities of work and family, evaluating your autohome or life insurance coverage may fall pretty low on your priority list.

That’s why it’s helpful to have an insurance agent. Your agent can keep an eye on your policies and reach out to connect to make sure they’re still the right fit.

So if your agent calls (or texts or emails) and offers to review your coverage, here’s what you can expect. Or if you’re ready to review your policies you can download our free PDF printable checklist on what to tell your agent and what information to have handy.

WHAT IS A COVERAGE REVIEW?

A coverage review is a general check-in with your insurance agent. During the review, you’ll meet with  your ERIE agent and share any life changes that could affect your insurance needs. This information will be used to update your current policies and recommend additional coverages you may want to consider.

A coverage review is a good opportunity to ask questions and understand what your policies can (and can’t) cover. Your ERIE agent can also share real-life claims examples they’ve seen in your local area to help you avoid potentially costly coverage gaps.

Your agent may schedule an in-person meeting, or ask you to provide information over the phone or email — whatever works best for you.

Of course, you don’t need to wait for your agent to schedule a coverage review. You can also request one yourself! Just call, email or text your agent to get in touch.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL MY AGENT ASK FOR DURING A COVERAGE REVIEW?

During a coverage review, your agent will want to know about any life changes since you last connected. This may include:

  • Personal information: Make sure your agent has current information for you and your family. This includes your mailing address, phone number, email address and all the members of your household. Be sure to let them know of any name changes due to marriage or divorce, or if you’ve had a child since you last spoke — this may lead to a change in your policy beneficiaries. Having the correct information on file ensures there aren’t any delays in the event of a claim.
  • Covered drivers: When updating your auto insurance, your agent will need to know if there are any changes to the drivers covered under your policy. This could be a child that’s about to get their driver’s license or someone who’s living with you and regularly using your vehicle (Related: Am I Covered When I Lend My Car to Friends or Family?). If you’re considering a new vehicle, your agent can also provide a free quote.
  • Home updates: Have you upgraded your kitchentransformed your bonus room or finished your basement? Major improvements like these increase the value of your home, which means you may need a higher limit on your homeowners policy. Without changing your limits, you may be left with a coverage gap t hat could leave you underinsured if you need torepair or rebuild your home if the unexpected happens. Ask your agent how guaranteed replacement cost can provide peace of mind.
  • New purchases: If you’ve bought any new “toys” — like a boatall-terrain vehicle (ATV) or golf cart— you may want a separate insurance policy. While insurance might not be required for watercraft and off-road vehicles, they still represent a significant investment that should be protected. The same holds true with valuables such as musical instruments or jewelry. Sending a copy of your updated home inventory to your agent will help them determine if you need to purchase personal valuables insurance.
  • Job changes: Let your agent know if there have been any changes with your employment. For example, if you’ve retired or are now working from home, the miles you save on your daily commute may result in a lower auto insurance rate. And if you recently earned a promotion, it may be time to review your life insurance policy to ensure you’ve got enough coverage — beyond what may be offered by your employer.

CAN MY AGENT HELP LOWER MY INSURANCE BILL?

Everyone likes saving money, right? Talk to your ERIE agent – they’ll work with you to ensure you’re getting the best price possible for the coverage you need.

Read more about available insurance discounts from ERIE or check out this list of ways you can save:

  • Safe driving discount: If you’re a safe driver with a good driving record, you could get a discount on your auto coverage. And in select states, ERIE’s free driving safety app, YourTurn® can help you earn rewards for safe driving*. With YourTurn®, drivers measure criteria like speeding, braking and phone usage to become more aware of their driving habits. As an added perk, you’ll earn a gift card for safe driving (up to $5 or $10 every two weeks). Learn more about YourTurn®.
  • Car safety equipment discounts: You can save on your insurance coverage if your car is equipped with safety equipment like factory-installed air bags, passive restraint2, anti-theft devices3 and anti-lock brakes.
  • Multi-car discount: If ERIE insures two or more of your vehicles, you could qualify for a discount. (All the vehicles in your household must be owned and used by the drivers we insure on the policy.)
  • Multi-policy discount: A discount is available if you have a qualifying life insurance policy1 or home policy in addition to your ERIE auto insurance.
  • Reduced usage discount: If you’re not using your car for at least 90 consecutive days during the policy period, you could be eligible for a discount on your car insurance2.
  • Young drivers: Unmarried drivers under age 21 who reside with their parents may be eligible for additional savings on their car insurance3.
  • Annual payment plan: You can save by paying your auto premium annually.
  • Changing your deductible: Generally, you can lower your insurance premium by raising your deductible. But if you’d prefer to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim, our diminishing deductible is available for about $30 more per year with the Erie Auto Plus4 endorsement. Your deductible diminishes for every year you do not have a claim.

GET CUSTOMIZED ADVICE FROM AN INSURANCE EXPERT.

At ERIE, we know every customer’s circumstance is different. That’s why we never work from a one-size-fits-all formula. Your ERIE agent will listen to you carefully and offer tailor-made solutions for your situation and your budget. Best of all — you’ll get outstanding coverage, great rates and service from local people who care.

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Duane Long + Monte Long

We provide Property, Casualty and Life insurance for personal and commercial needs.
Individual: Home, Auto, Life, etc. … Business, Prop., Casualty, WC, etc.

See https://www.facebook.com/DuaneLongInsurance/ for local news!

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Garage Liability Insurance Policies

Garage and auto related operations are unique with respect to the exposures they present. The lines between the general liability for the operations side of things, and the automobile liability blur in several areas. The garage policy was developed to provide comprehensive liability coverage to protect both the general liability and automobile liability exposures in one neatly packaged policy and protect from gaps that would otherwise leave this type of operation exposed to potential claims. As a package, the Garage Coverage Form contains premises liability coverage, products liability coverage, automobile liability coverage, and physical damage protection to vehicles. Endorsements are available to broaden and further protect the insured and to make the Garage Coverage Form even more comprehensive as well as specific broadened coverages such as an amended pollution liability endorsement.

Regarding liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage coverage does not apply to a known possible loss prior to the policy inception date. In order to qualify for coverage, an “accident” has to occur in the “coverage territory” and the “bodily injury” and “property damage” must occur during the policy period. Regarding Auto Liability, most common coverages for covered autos are Symbol 21 “any auto” for dealerships, and for all other acceptable operations are designated Symbol 30 – ‘Autos’ left with you for service, repair, storage, or safekeeping.

Garagekeepers coverage is needed to cover loss or damage to customers’ cars. The coverage may be provided on a legal liability basis or without regard to legal liability. It may be offered as direct coverage that is excess over insurance carried by customers or as direct coverage on a primary basis. You would want to specify to your broker which of the two you want quoted.

This coverage is important to any association that offers valet parking or attended parking of any kind. While general liability does provide some coverage, as soon as the vehicle leaves the premises, general liability ceases and if there is no coverage unless garagekeepers is added to your package.

What Type of Business Should Purchase Garage Liability?

The businesses that should purchase this coverage are:

  • Gas Stations
  • Used Car Dealers
  • Auto Repair and Body Shops
  • Car Washes
  • Parking and Valet Lots
  • Mobile Auto Repair or Detailers
  • Tire Dealers
  • Used Motorcycle, Large Truck, and RV Sales and Service
  • Driveaway Contractors

And more.

The form provides protection suited to any operation that, for a fee, accepts the care, custody or control of vehicles belonging to third parties. Even if you don’t drive your customer’s vehicle, if it is in your care even for an hour while replacing a windshield or repairing a ding, you would not be properly covered without garagekeepers coverage. It is necessary because both the General Liability policy and the Auto liability policy excludes coverage for automobiles and exposures involving the care, custody and control of another’s property.

Having explained the basics of Garage Liability and Garagekeepers coverage, rates are based on several factors:

  • Type of operation
  • Number of employees and/or employee payroll
  • Territory area
  • Acceptable motor vehicle reports on all drivers
  • Safety, condition, and security of premises
  • Limits requested

 

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Business Insurance Quotes

When was the last time you had your insurance quoted? We have multiple lines to find the best rates for your Personal and Commercial needs.  Call us today at 336-992-5664 to see if we can save you some $$$$.

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