Do You Have Enough Motorcycle Coverage?

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Motorcycle insurance is required in North Carolina, but you may wonder if you have enough coverage. We offer motorcycle insurance at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC. 

Legally Required Coverage

North Carolina requires you to have liability insurance when registering your motorcycle. This includes $30,000 per person in Bodily Injury Liability and $60,000 per accident. You’ll need $25,000 in property damage liability as well. 

Any policy you purchase in the state will meet these coverage limits. However, you may want to consider higher coverage limits. 

Full Coverage 

If you have a loan or lien on your bike, your lender will require you to have full coverage. This will cover the cost of fixing or replacing your bike if it’s damaged or totaled in an accident. 

Full coverage includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage covers damage caused by an accident on the road. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your bike when you aren’t riding, including vandalism and storm damage.  

If you don’t have a loan on your bike, you may be tempted not to have full coverage. However, if you can’t afford to replace or repair your bike if it’s damaged, it’s a good idea. 

Optional Coverage 

You may also want to consider optional coverage. If you enjoy riding long distances, you should consider trip interruption insurance. This will cover repairing your bike or accommodation if it’s damaged or breaks down on the road. You can also get roadside assistance. 

If your bike is customized or has expensive accessories, you may want to cover these items as well, as they aren’t covered under your standard policy.

Motorcycle Insurance at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. 

If you need motorcycle insurance in Nashville, NC, contact us at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. Our expert agents are here to discuss your needs and help you choose the best policy for your situation. 

Weather the Storm: How Boat Insurance Protects Against Natural Disasters

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How secure is your boat against natural disasters? Here at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., we recognize the importance of being prepared for anything, especially in a region like Nashville, NC, and its surrounding areas where boating is a beloved pastime. Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, turning a day on the water into a potential financial and emotional whirlwind. This is why having robust boat insurance is crucial—it helps you manage these risks with confidence.

Understanding Boat Insurance Coverage

Boat insurance is your safety net when the weather turns foul. It typically covers damage to your boat caused by various natural events, from hurricanes to lightning. Policies often include protection for the boat itself, your personal items on board, and liability in case of accidents. Some plans also cover the costs of emergency assistance and towing, which can be a lifesaver if you’re stranded.

Why Natural Disaster Coverage Is Essential

Where weather can be as unpredictable as river currents, it’s particularly important to have insurance that covers natural disasters. This specialized coverage ensures that you’re prepared for the worst—sudden storms or flooding. It’s not just about repairing damage; it’s about securing peace of mind, knowing that a sudden storm won’t financially capsize your lifestyle.

Keep your boat safe. Contact us today!

We believe every boat owner’s needs are unique at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., serving Nashville, NC, and surrounding areas. That’s why we offer personalized insurance solutions designed to match the specific needs of your boating lifestyle. Whether you enjoy quiet fishing trips on local lakes or vibrant family gatherings on your pontoon, we make sure that your policy covers all bases.

Umbrella Insurance Coverage Basics

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Umbrella Insurance Policy Basics

An umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability protection and fill any gap in your existing coverages. Individuals dwelling in the St. Bunn and Nashville, NC region can benefit significantly. Here are some essential factors to analyze when considering this type of insurance.

The Benefit of Liability Protection

Liability protection protects you from possible legal and other costs if you face a lawsuit. It’s crucial to review your existing insurance policy and verify the amount of liability protection it provides.

Protecting Your Assets

An umbrella insurance policy can offer supplementary coverage for individuals with substantial assets, reducing potential financial losses in a lawsuit situation.

Evaluating Risk Factors

It’s essential to carry out a risk assessment to understand your need for additional liability protection. This assessment should evaluate the potential reasons for accidents on your property, acting as a guide to making relevant risk-lowering changes to your property.

Inspections Can Highlight Need For Coverage

Conduct a thorough property inspection to resolve any uncertainties about the need for umbrella insurance coverage. This process reveals valuable information about your property’s status, identifying structural issues or other potential concerns.

Connect With Our Team

After learning about umbrella insurance coverage essentials, contact one of our agents at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. Our team will provide additional information and guidance on this type of coverage.

Navigate Local Flood Zones with Our Comprehensive Guide to Flood Insurance in Nashville NC

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Nashville, NC, is a beautiful coastal city located alongside the mighty raging waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Local homeowners feel safer living in this serene coastal environment when they know their homes and valuables are protected by flood insurance from trusted providers like Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. 

Understanding Flood Risk in Nashville, NC

Nashville has a rich history, a vibrant community, and a location near nearby rivers and larger bodies of water, which puts this comfortable community at risk for flooding. Proactive action, including investing in a local flood insurance policy, is the best way to protect your home against the aftermath of devastating floods. 

The Following Factors Contribute to the High Flood Risk in Nashville.

  1. Proximity to Rivers and Streams 
  2. Low Lying Areas Prone to Flooding During Periods of Heavy Rainfall
  3. Historical Flood Data Showing the Likelihood of Flooding in High-Risk Zones

Why Flood Insurance is a Wise Investment for Local Homeowners 

Many local homeowners aren’t aware that most standard home insurance policies don’t automatically include flood damage. Talk to a trusted local insurance agent to ensure that your home, family, and valuables are protected from risk in a devastating flood. 

Benefits of Flood Insurance for Coastal North Carolina Homeowners

  • Coverage for Structural Damage
  • Compensation for Personal Property
  • Coverage for Living Expenses 

Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home and valuables from the devastating effects of flooding caused by natural disasters, plumbing incidents, sewage backups, and related incidents. 

Get flood insurance advice from local experts at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. Our knowledgeable and friendly agents can answer your flood insurance-related questions and provide you with a quote! 

What Does the Life Insurance Claim Process Entail?

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Many people often try to avoid life insurance, yet it must be discussed and planned for. Everyone is going to die one day, so it’s best to be prepared for when that day happens. You must file a claim if you are in charge of a life insurance policy for a loved one who has recently passed away. However, in addition to your grief, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and nervous about the claim process itself. What exactly does the life insurance claim process entail?

Contact Your Life Insurance Agent

Although each insurance company handles claims differently, most of them are very similar. You will need to obtain a copy of the loved one’s death certificate to give to the insurance company as proof of the cause of death. Once you’ve gathered that, you can report the death to the insurance agency. You will be required to complete a packet of information, which you will return upon completion. Once you’ve completed the claim packet, you’ll need to choose a payout method. Depending on the insurance company, you can opt to be paid in a lump sum or payments. 

Wait for Your Payout

Life insurance companies typically have 30 days to process a claim and make payouts. Still, once you’ve completed the claim packet accurately, you can expect payment to arrive in about 7–10 days. 

As you can see, the life insurance claim process is pretty uncomplicated, so you shouldn’t allow it to intimidate you. If you’re in the Nashville, NC, area and looking for a new insurance provider, you might want to check us out at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. We at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. have been in business for a while, offering high-quality service and policies. We provide coverage for Nashville, NC, so give us a call today for a quote.

I just paid off my car loan. Is full coverage auto insurance still a necessity?

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Although most states require drivers to carry liability insurance, drivers often need to carry more than the state-required minimum auto insurance. Full coverage auto insurance is often recommended if you have an auto loan or a new car. Many people would be ill-prepared to pay out of pocket for damage to their late-model vehicle. Auto insurance has many benefits and protects the driver and other drivers. Our team at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. is dedicated to educating Nashville, NC, drivers on the benefits of car insurance. 

What are the benefits of auto insurance?

Auto insurance provides a lot of protection for both the driver and other drivers through liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability protects other drivers and their property that you may damage. Collision coverage protects you, your car’s damages, and your injuries, while comprehensive coverage covers many kinds of accidents and situations that may not involve a wreck. The coverage type depends on your specific type of auto insurance. 

I just paid off my car loan. Is full coverage auto insurance still a necessity?

Maybe. If you own a late-model car, it may be challenging to pay for damage that your vehicle may sustain due to an auto accident. Auto insurance pays for the repair of your vehicle minus your deductible. This is often a huge savings for most drivers. If you’re a driver with a car loan, your loan company often requires you to carry full coverage auto insurance until your car is paid for in full. However, once you pay your car off, you are no longer required to carry full coverage auto insurance. However, this doesn’t mean reducing your coverage is a wise idea. If the cost of insuring your car exceeds its value, it may be wise to drop full auto insurance coverage. Likely, your insurance company wouldn’t pay for repairing your vehicle if it were critically damaged in an accident because the damage would exceed your car’s value. If you have questions about auto insurance, call us. We’re standing by. 

Protect Work Vehicles With Commercial Insurance

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Owning a business in Nashville, NC, is a daily adventure with plenty to appreciate. If your business is doing well enough to own one or more vehicles, it’s important to ensure you have the right insurance for the job: commercial auto insurance. If you’re unfamiliar, allow us at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. to break it down for you.

What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?

As you might guess from the name, this is auto insurance for vehicles used in the workplace. If the business owns the vehicle or employee vehicles are explicitly used for work purposes, you need this coverage.

Here are a few examples of situations where commercial auto insurance arises:

  • Employees delivering pizzas with their own vehicles
  • Work trucks owned by the company
  • A company truck doled out to employees for work use

You can probably think of other occasions that fit the bill, but you get the idea. One thing to remember is that a commuter vehicle that is owned by an employee and not used while on the clock does not need commercial insurance.

What Does It Need to Cover?

Now that you know where commercial insurance applies, how much do you need, and what does it cover?

Well, commercial auto insurance is a lot like personal auto insurance. It is designed to cover liability, and it can also cover the vehicle itself. To get more than liability, you’ll want to explore "comprehensive" coverage, which would apply to damage to the vehicle in an accident. It could potentially also cover vehicle theft and other issues.

Liability coverage is not optional. North Carolina requires minimum coverage for personal injury and property damage liabilities. You can have more insurance than the minimum, but the amount you need by law is $30,000 per person per accident and $60,000 per person per accident for bodily injury liability. You also need $25,000 per accident for property damage liability.

If your business in Nashville, NC, needs commercial auto insurance, your Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. representative can help.

How does my home insurance deductible work in Nashville, NC?

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When choosing a mortgage to protect your Nashville, SC home, you have many choices. One of the most important choices you have is which deductible you want. Understanding what a deductible is and how it can potentially affect you and your family is important. Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. can answer all your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Is a Deductible?

When you file a claim, you are responsible for paying your part. That part is the deductible. A common deductible might be $500 or $1,000. 

Say, for instance, that you file a claim that a storm damaged your roof, and it will cost $5,000 to repair the damages. If your deductible is $500, you will pay $500 and your insurance company will pay $4,500. 

Choosing a Deductible

When you are already facing a crisis, it can be even more stressful when you have to come up with part of the money to pay for the damages. You want to find a deductible you are comfortable with. However, the lower your deductible, the more your premiums will probably cost.

You will need to pay more per month to have a smaller deductible. You probably shouldn’t file a claim if your damage is less than the deductible.

Choose a Deductible In Nashville, SC That You Can Afford

If anything should happen to your home, you will depend on your insurance to help you recover and get back to normal. If your deductible is too high, you may have trouble making the payment. At the same time, you don’t want to pay more for your premium than necessary. If you have questions or want to compare different policies, please call Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. today.

Protect Your Vintage Gem with Classic Car Insurance in Nashville, NC

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Proud owners of classic cars in Nashville, NC understand the importance of preserving timeless gems. Classic cars aren’t just automobiles. They represent a piece of timeless history, a labor of love, and act as warm symbols of Nostalgia. 

As such, your classic car deserves the best protection possible. You can learn more about protecting your classic auto with traditional car insurance from Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. in Nashville, NC. 

Tailor Your Classic Car Insurance to Meet Your Needs

Many classic car owners aren’t aware that coverage for their classic vehicles and late-model automobiles can drastically differ. Auto insurance coverages for newer model vehicles won’t cover the historical value of classic cars. 

What is Agreed Value Coverage?

Agreed Value Coverage is a special kind of classic car insurance that assigns the actual value to classic cars and agrees to pay out the actual value of your vehicle if it needs repairs or becomes a total loss in an auto accident. 

North Carolina classic car owners sleep well at night knowing their most timeless possessions are protected for their total agreed-upon value should an accident occur. 

Talk to a licensed insurance agent at Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. to learn more about how agreed-value coverage can protect your tried and true investment. 

Learn About the Features of Classic Car Insurance

Agreed value coverage is only one of the protective features offered by today’s classic car insurance policies. Policyholders can also request specialized coverages for towing, spare parts, and even attending classic car events and shows. 

If you want to learn more about the features, contact one of our licensed agents to learn more about what classic car insurance benefits are available to you and get coverage for your most prized possession today!   

Temporary Relocation and Renters Insurance: Coverage During Displacement

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Temporary relocation can happen for various reasons, such as home renovations, natural disasters, or work assignments. When renters in and around Nashville, NC find themselves displaced from their homes, it’s crucial to understand how renters insurance can provide coverage during this period of uncertainty. 

Understanding Temporary Relocation

Temporary relocation is when renters must temporarily leave their primary residence due to circumstances beyond their control. This can include scenarios like fire or water damage, severe storms, or structural repairs that render the property uninhabitable.

Coverage for Temporary Relocation

Renters insurance typically includes coverage for additional living expenses (ALE), which can be invaluable during a temporary relocation. Here’s how this coverage works:

  • ALE Coverage: ALE coverage is designed to reimburse renters for additional temporarily displaced costs. These expenses may include temporary housing, meals, transportation, and other essential living expenses.

Limits and Duration of ALE Coverage

There are some essential considerations concerning limitations and durations:

  • Coverage Limits: Renters should know the coverage limits specified in their policy. This limit represents the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for additional living expenses. 
  • Duration: ALE coverage is typically limited to a specific time frame, often a percentage of the total policy coverage limit (e.g., 20% or 30%). This means it may cover expenses for several months or until the home is deemed habitable again.

Documentation and Claims Process

To claim ALE coverage, renters should keep detailed records of their additional living expenses, including temporary housing, meals, and transportation receipts. They should also promptly inform their insurance provider about the displacement and the need for temporary accommodation.

Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc. Can Help You

At Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services Inc., we can answer all your questions concerning renter’s insurance. We assist the Nashville, NC area. Contact us today.