asset protection

Roadside breakdowns can be more than a mere inconvenience, emergencies of this nature, if not prepared for and handled correctly, can be dangerous for all involved, including other drivers. Following a few basic steps can ensure that you and your vehicle make it through the breakdown as easily and safely as possible.
Continue Reading...

Considering the barrage of daily concerns, your homeowner's insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind. And yet, examining and reevaluating home insurance policies on an annual basis is a critical facet of homeownership, ensuring adequate coverage and protection for the most valuable asset and source of equity for many people in North Carolina and beyond. Premiums, like much else in the current economic climate, are forecasted to see some big increases in the coming year, with some expected to exceed $1,000 a year and many slated for rate hikes in the double digits.
Continue Reading...

"If you're not getting better, you're getting worse." It's hard to say who was first to utter that phrase but you hear it most used in sports banter. It is a round-about way to say that we're not living in a static world – everything changes and the same is true for factors affecting the costs to replace your home. Your policy might have been up to the task of covering the expense of rebuilding your home at one time. But, chances are, it may no longer afford enough coverage unless it has been changed to reflect the reality of replacement cost. Insurance industry experts and others routinely estimate that up to two-thirds of homes in the U.S. are under insured. For most of us, checking our home's replacement cost periodically is a good idea.
Continue Reading...

Fraudulent charges to your personal or business accounts can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Even if you do eventually recover the funds, the stress and time that results from having been stolen from can take a toll.
Continue Reading...

As prices for gas, consumer products and services rise often insurance costs follow the same trend. Insurance premiums for car insurance can vary based on multiple factors. Here are 8 tips to think about when trying to lower your car insurance premium.
Continue Reading...

For new homeowners, if you managed to buy a house in today's market, you definitely have a lot to celebrate. So now what? Well, whether you just purchased your dream home and plan to stay in it forever, or a property you hope to use as a stepping stone to better things, there are a few things you need to know in order to make your investment work for you.
Continue Reading...

So your business is growing, and that's a great thing. But as you add employees, assets, services, or any other elements, your business operations naturally become more complex. In addition, as your business grows, different laws and regulations may start to apply. If you're at a point where it's getting hard to keep up with all the rules you're supposed to be following and monitor whether your employees are fulfilling their legal and ethical responsibilities, it might be time to look into hiring a compliance officer.
Continue Reading...

Multiple studies have demonstrated that crime rates increase in the summer. Why? Well, the answer is complex, but researchers have suggested that some of the reasons include:
Continue Reading...

"Good fences make good neighbors," wrote Robert Frost in his poem "Mending Wall." And the legendary poet makes a good point, as fences can offer privacy, protect younger family members and pets as they spend time outdoors, and add to the aesthetics and value of a home.
Continue Reading...

A garage is often the place we tend to dump things that we don't know what else to do with, and one that we rarely truly clean. Even after a year at home, when many of us have deep cleaned, purged, and organized our entire houses, the garage may still be filthy, full of junk, disorganized, or all three. So if you're ready to tackle this space, here's how to start (and finish).
Continue Reading...

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers contribute to nearly 3,000 fires, 5 deaths and over $35 million in property loss each year. So making sure your dryer vent is clear is a simple but important way to keep your home and family safer. Even in the absence of fire, clogged vents cause your dryer to be less effective resulting in greater use of electricity and more breakdowns. If you find your dryer is taking longer and longer to fully dry a load of laundry, chances are your vent has become blocked with lint.
Continue Reading...

Although some in the U.S. have been fortunate enough to make it through the past eight months with their bank accounts intact, there's no doubt that many of us have struggled financially this year. Many have lost jobs, been forced to temporarily move in with relatives, or just found that they couldn't quite make ends meet. While the end of the pandemic (or at least the worst of it) seems to be in sight, many of us will still be struggling with the financial fallout for some time. Here are some ways you can work to stay within your budget while money is still tight.
Continue Reading...

Because you can't keep an eye on it all the time, you want your second home or rural property to stay well-maintained and protected. There are many things you can do to keep your land and buildings safe and prevent problems that can arise when a property is unattended.
Continue Reading...

In many cases, a warranty can seem like a sneaky way for manufacturers to squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers. In some cases, purchasing a warranty might actually be a good idea. Whether you're thinking about signing up for a warranty on a major purchase, or deciding whether to pay a few extra bucks for a warranty on a small appliance while standing in line at Target, here's what you need to know in order to make the best decision.
Continue Reading...

A few short months ago, many of us, and around the world, quickly learned that we were not prepared for an emergency. And while it didn't turn out to be the type of emergency we thought it was; there was really no need to buy all that toilet paper. It reminded us that we are not invincible, and that we really should have an emergency plan and supplies in place. If you haven't already put together your own emergency plan and supplies, it's not too late. Take the following steps to make sure your family is prepared.
Continue Reading...

Technology-enhanced homes in North Carolina are the wave of the future, but many people might not understand how smart home technology works, believe they can afford it, or know whether or not it's worth the investment. While there certainly are complete smart home systems available, you don't necessarily have to go all in or spend a ton of money in order to take advantage of some of the most practical innovations smart home technology has to offer.
Continue Reading...

For business owners, operating during a pandemic is complicated to say the least. You want to do the right thing by your staff and customers, without losing the business you love. In many cases, there is a lot you can do to make patronizing and working at your business safer for everyone.
Continue Reading...

In some areas of the country, having an air conditioner is an absolute necessity. But in other areas, such as in the Rocky Mountain Regions, staying cool indoors takes some diligence and effort. Whether your home is equipped with AC or not, here are some things you can do to keep your spaces cooler this summer.
Continue Reading...

Thinking about getting a dog or cat for the family, but worried that it might destroy your home, furniture and belongings? Here's how to decide whether you're ready for a pet in the first place, and what you can do to protect your home from your new best friend.
Continue Reading...

Most people rely on dozens of appliances to support their daily tasks and activities, including small but significant tools like alarm clocks or hairdryers; toasters and stand mixers; and heavy hitters like the dishwasher or washing machine. So, how do you keep your appliances running their best, and getting a good return for your investment by having them work for as many years as possible? Here are a few tips to improve the performance and longevity of appliances.
Continue Reading...

For those who live in snowy climates, winter is on the way. Take advantage of those sunny fall days to prepare your home and yard for frigid temperatures and icy conditions before the snow flies. Making sure your home is well-maintained inside and out will keep you safe and protected through the winter season. Here's how to get ready:
Continue Reading...

Americans love their stuff. And most of us have things in storage somewhere: the garage, attic, basement, or a storage unit off site. But what's the point of having all these things if they never get used, looked at, or if you can't even remember you have something you need when you actually need it? Here are some tips for downsizing, organizing and storing your stuff in a way that makes sense:
Continue Reading...

Although the idea for Inland Marine Insurance was inspired by Ocean Marine Insurance, which protects cargo and equipment while in transit on the ocean, it doesn't actually have anything to do with the sea. Inland Marine Insurance is a specialized coverage that can cover equipment, tools, project materials and other items while they are being transported on land, or while they are off your property. This type of insurance can benefit a wide variety of business and provide protection in some common situations that wouldn't normally be covered by insurance. So does your business need Inland Marine Insurance?
Continue Reading...

Spring is here: The grass is turning green, flowers are budding, and birds are singing their songs from morning to night. Before you get too excited about the vegetation and the warmer weather, take a weekend to tend to your home's basic needs after a long winter. These important home maintenance tasks can save you time and money in the long run as well as prevent serious problems or safety hazards that could damage your home or put your family at risk.
Continue Reading...

Selling your home this summer? If so, there are some quick cosmetic fixes that can make a big difference, and starting now can help. Should you make major repairs or improvements to your home before trying to sell? Maybe. But regardless of what you choose, there are several things you can do to make your home more attractive to buyers that won't require a ton of time and money just a little of each.
Continue Reading...

So you're thinking of buying a pool and imagining those lazy, hot summer days when you'll get to slip into the cool water, sunbathe, play with the kids, and invite friends and neighbors to share in your good fortune. But there's more to owning a pool than just the fun stuff. Make sure that it's truly something you want and are willing to put in the work to maintain. Here are a few things to consider before you "dive in" -no pun intended.
Continue Reading...

Moving can be stressful, it's like uprooting your life and all of your belongings, and settling back in. But it doesn't always have to be overwhelming. Here's how to make sure you're covered, insurance-wise, plus tips on hiring a mover and making your big day hassle-free.
Continue Reading...

Most people assume that having replacement value property insurance means that even if something happens, they're in good shape. After all, replacement value should pay for a brand new version of whatever you lost, right? But when it comes to buildings, including homes, both new and old, this isn't always the case. If you're a property owner, it's important to know about ordinance or law coverage and how it applies to you. Failure to understand when and where ordinance and law coverage is necessary may mean that if your home or commercial building is damaged, you don't have the coverage you need.
Continue Reading...

Smart home technology is quickly becoming commonplace in North Carolina, and also affordable to the average consumer. The increased quality and availability of high-tech security devices means that anyone can safeguard their property and belongings. If you're looking to protect your home, family and property, here's an overview of some smart home security tools that might work for you:
Continue Reading...

The term "catastrophe" brings to mind an event so disastrous, so "out there," that the odds of it happening to us are very, very low. Hail, wildfires, tornadoes, winter and tropical storms and man-made disasters like explosions can all qualify as catastrophic events. Yet none of these normal occurrences (depending on where you live) are covered by a standard home or business owner's insurance policy. Keep reading to find out whether catastrophe insurance makes sense for your home or business:
Continue Reading...

Much of our lives are spent online these days, so it only makes sense that insurance companies are starting to offer products to help protect consumers from the significant losses that can occur related to their online activity. And it's not just identity theft that's covered by these new cyber insurance and related "cyber loss" policies. Here are a few of the most popular new coverages to protect yourself online and ultimately, off.
Continue Reading...

For the average American, it's nearly impossible to get by in the modern world without taking on some debt. But, used wisely, debt can be a part of a healthy financial picture and not a chain around your neck. Keep reading to learn the difference between good debt and bad debt, what to do about old debts, and how to choose which debts to take on in the future.
Continue Reading...

Adding on to your home, completing major or minor renovations, or making upgrades to outdated plumbing or electrical systems can all have a positive impact on the value of a property. But did you know they can also change your insurance needs? Here's what you should do to make sure you're covered before, during and after you make changes to your home.
Continue Reading...

Insurance policies are made to be customized for a reason. The business executive has more income and assets to protect from liability claims than the recent college graduate. Families have more people to think about than young single people or an empty nester. And it is worth noting that the single person, the recent college graduate, the business executive and the empty nester can all be the same person...at different times. We all have different pursuits, different incomes, different bank balances at different points in time. The insurance policies that make up your insurance program - your blanket of protection - need to be tweaked from time-to-time so that you are getting the right protection and benefiting from all available discounts.
Continue Reading...

When a natural disaster or major emergency strikes, it's a good possibility that many of those affected will be on the job. That's why it's important for business owners to have a well thought out emergency plan, and to take precautions that will keep employees safe should a crisis occur.
Continue Reading...

After your home is damaged by wind, hail, or other natural elements, the storm isn't necessarily over; in fact, it might be just the beginning. Here's what you need to know about the storm-induced insurance process from diagnosing the damage to filing a claim and making repairs so that weathering your home's recovery is as painless as possible.
Continue Reading...

Last week, we discussed what other personal belongings you may want to insure separately. Here, let's look at some business assets that might warrant additional coverage.
Continue Reading...

Have you heard of supermodels insuring their legs or singers taking out a policy on their priceless vocal chords? That's probably not necessary for most people, but many of us probably do have a few valuables that can and should be insured separately.
Continue Reading...

Calculating the cost of natural disasters and extreme weather events is a complex process that takes a myriad of factors into account, including insurance payouts, lost income, property damage, and lives lost. In most cases, the cost of damage caused by these events far exceeds insured losses. Read on to find out some of the most surprising and significant facts about weather and insurance in the United States and around the world.
Continue Reading...

At school, home, and in the corporate workplace, taking the time to create an emergency preparedness plan is common; but for busy small business owners in North Carolina, this seemingly non-urgent task can easily take a backseat to more pressing concerns. However, by neglecting this task, your small businesses could be at greater risk of serious negative impacts.
Continue Reading...

Long Term Care Insurance (LTC) is designed to reimburse you for expenses for everyday living assistance, should something happen to you. Traditional medical insurance and Medicare will not cover extra costs should you need help with activities we take for granted like bathing, eating or simply getting out of bed. LTC insurance options can provide for nursing home costs as well as home health care and assisted living.
Continue Reading...