SC Car Insurance Anti-Car Theft Tips

AOL Autos had a great article on how to foil a car thief, with tips on making sure your car insurance doesn't end up having to replace it.

 

It never occurrs to most people that a car thief could work so quickly on a locked car, but according to the article, you could walk into a convenience store, buy coffee, and walk out to find your automobile heading down the road without you. They also say that New Years day is the biggest day for car thefts.

 

Below are some of the tips they provide to protect your vehicle:

• Park only in well-lit, populated areas.
• Always take your keys and lock your car.
• Don't use any of those magnetic key holders or leave spare keys on your car. Thieves know exactly where to look.
• Though they say car alarms are not that useful, it does tend to make the thief feel he has to work faster, and if he runs into multiple safety measures, he may move on to an easier target.
• Applying the emergency brake, turning your wheels to the right or left, putting the car in park, and using a vehicle recovery system or engine immobilizer device will help.

One unique suggestion was if you are parking in an airport parking lot or long term somewhere, to remove the cables to your car battery. If it doesn't start easily, the thief will move on.

 

Lastly, they advise to engrave the VIN number in the trunk, on your stereo equipment, or inside your doors. Your local police will probably offer this service.

 

Think smart, don't be a victim, and always keep adequate coverage on your auto. Visit our website to get a SC car insurance quote, and see how much money we can save you with a good driving record.

Todd Insurance in Social Media

We've worked extra hard to get our services known, and have a good number of social profiles out on the web now.  Check us out on the following social networking sites!

Todd Insurance -Allstate- Facebook Page
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Todd Insurance Agency on Yahoo
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SC Homeowners Insurance vs Mobile Home Insurance

Mobile Home after a tornado

From time to time I am asked about SC homeowners insurance for a "modular home".

I am sure as these type dwellings become more and more popular, this will increase. It is always a tricky discussion because I have to ask a series of questions to make sure that I am insuring the property correctly. When I question the customer, I am trying to make sure the home is truly a modular home and not a mobile home or manufactured home.  Mobile Home insurance is a totally different thing.  Here are some of the differences between modular homes and mobile homes:

• A modular home is built in a factory under a controlled environment. It is constructed in several sections and put together on the job site.
• A modular home is NOT built around a metal automotive frame to keep it mobile. 
• A modular home is NOT titled but is deeded. 
• A modular home is transported to the job site on a flat bed trailer. 
• A modular home is lifted onto a permanent foundation by a crane. A modular home is NOT underpinned. 
• A modular home has the electric meter base on the home itself and not on a separate pole.:

All of these things are good things to look for when trying to distinguish a true modular home from a mobile home. This is very important because a modular home is insured like a regular stick-built home and hopefully will increase in value over time. Mobile homes, on the other hand, have a higher insurance cost per thousand of coverage.

~Scott Todd

SC Car Insurance, SC Renters Insurance, Myrtle Beach Auto and Home Insurance

Homeowner Safety When You Barbeque

Every spring and summer families and neighbors delight in gearing up for barbeques and cookouts. Nothing is more irresitible than the smell of a steak, or even a hotdog or hamburger cooking on a grill.

As harmless as this family activity sounds, every year charcoal grills and gas grills cause fires that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

Here are some tips for cooking out safely and avoiding any unwanted homeowners insurance claims:

• Keep pets, children, and boisterous games away from the grill.
• Make sure the grill is on a flat area, and kept away from outbuildings, trees or anything flammable.
• Don't leave the fire unattended EVER. 
• Do not light a grill indoors, in a garage, or on a porch.
• Position yourself so that the wind is away from you when you light the fire or maintain the coals.
• Never pour extra lighter fluid on hot coals or start a fire with explosive liquids such as gasoline or kerosine.
• Trim away visible or excessive fat to prevent flare-ups when dripped on hot coals.
• Never eat pork or chicken rare. Pre-cook inside to be sure the meat is completely done.

More than half of Americans say they are grilling outdoors year round. Use safety precautions and enjoy your family and the neighborhood cookouts. Keep your SC homeowners insurance up to date just in case!

Todd Insurance Agency is your go-to agency for homeowners coverage, South Carolina renters insurance, and car insurance in Myrtle Beach.

 

E And O Insurance Claims in New Mexico

E and O, or Errors and Omissions insurance is a broad-reaching type of coverage which protects professionals (real estate agents and brokers) from liability resulting from negligence after a sale, unintentionally omitting information on a property, and MLS listing errors, among others.

Even the most honest Realtor can end up as a defendant in a lawsuit. Without comprehensive Errors and Omissions insurance, companies or agents might have to pay thousands of dollars to clear your name--even from a frivolous liability suit.

A recent article from the Albuquerque Real Estate Board, or the GGAR (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors) was interesting to read, aimed at their Realtors. We sell SC renters insurance and SC homeowners insurance, but the industry as a whole is affected by all its types and divisions.

What Causes High Dollar E and O Insurance Claims
in New Mexico?
By Cindy Rice-Grissom, CEO - Rice Insurance Services

As part of a new risk reduction initiative, the New Mexico E&O insurance administrator, Rice Insurance Services Company, LLC has conducted a review of the 31 New Mexico claims that involved incurred amounts over $50,000 since 2004. The incurred amount includes damages paid, estimated damages to be paid, expenses paid in defending the claim, and estimated expenses to be paid in defending the claim.

One clear finding from this review is the need for a reminder to all licensees to verify information prior to including it in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Five of the high dollar claims involved inaccurate information included in a MLS listing. Two claims involved the agent using old MLS information without verification of current information (one previous listing incorrectly stated that the unit included a garage, and another previous listing incorrectly stated that a guest house was included with the property and could be used for rental income).

One claim involved new construction when changes were made to include additional amenities and the agent updated the MLS listing with the new price but failed to list the new upgrades. One claim involved a listing misrepresenting that the house as being designed by a famous architect. One claim involved misrepresentation of the square footage in the MLS.
Download the PDF Whitepaper to read more...

Contact us for information or quotes on car insurance in Myrtle Beach, Homeowners Insurance in Myrtle Beach, or any other insurance needs.

SC Homeowners Insurance and the Future

The recent financial crisis has not only caused major issues for the real estate industry, but it has also affected the insurance industry, and SC homeowners insurance in ways that you might not realize.

Insurance companies make money in basically two ways: investment income and underwriting income. Investment income is basically making money from investing their profits. Insurance companies invest like the rest of us, in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. How have your investments performed over the last couple of years? So, needless to say, they are not making a lot of money from their investments. Underwriting income or basic profitability is the obvious way we would all think of an insurance company making money. They price risk, charge and collect premiums, take out for expenses and claims, and what is left over is net profit.

I think that in the near future insurance companies will see increased pressure; more so in their property lines such as homeowners, condo, mobile home, and renters insurance. The homeowner line, in general, is not profitable for a lot of companies throughout the industry.

Since the recession began companies have seen the frequency of homeowner claims increase. With the increase in the number of claims and the amount paid out, higher premiums will soon follow. So, here are a few tips to help keep your property insurance as low as possible:

• Don’t file small claims – A lot of companies offer claim free discounts, so filing a small claim might cost you more in the long run. Usually it takes 3 to 5 years to earn that claim free discount back. 
• Consider a higher deductible – The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Having a higher deductible will also help you with the first point. 
• Insure your home, autos, and other toys such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs with one company. Usually if one company insures it all you get various discounts on each policy. Also, remember to look at it as a package. One company may be a little higher on your car but because of the discounts, as a package it is cheaper than having 4 or 5 different companies.

Personally, I think that the more you have insured with one company and the longer you are with that company, the better you are treated. No one wants to lose 4 or 5 policies over bad customer service or a claim being handled poorly. (This point is especially true if you live in a coastal area. Over the years, I have seen small companies selling mainly homeowners insurance come into a coastal area with lower than normal prices only to pull out within a year or two. This leaves the customer scrambling to find coverage) Remember the saying, if it seems too good to be true…

Have an agent, know your agent, and sit down with him or her every year. Things in life change for you and for your insurance company. Make sure you are covered adequately and make sure you are getting all of the discounts that you are entitled to. Companies add new discounts from time to time. Don’t assume you will get them without asking. Insurance is complicated. Don’t wait until claim time to find out if something is covered. Talk to your agent.

Call me for home or car insurance in Myrtle Beach. We'd love to service your insurance needs at Todd Insurance Agency.

New Short-Sale Programs Offer SC Foreclosure Alternative

New Short-Sale Programs Offer SC Foreclosure Alternative

As the foreclosure crisis continues to deepen across the United States and in South Carolina, there are several new options available to distressed homeowners.

North Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB) January 1, 2010 -- The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has been in effect during 2009, but very few homeowners have been able to qualify for this program to restructure their loan. Realizing this, the U.S. Treasury launched the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA), making the "short sale" process a much more viable way to avoid foreclosure.

In a short sale, the mortgage holder agrees to take less than what is owed on the mortgage, plus releases the borrowers from any future liability for the debt. But prior to the new HAFA program the process had come to a near standstill due to the sheer volume of foreclosures. The HAFA regulations should streamline and simplify the process, helping to limit the amount of foreclosed properties and stabilizing neighborhood values. More above...

Another Type of Homeowners Insurance

With winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach being fairly mild, many locals may be tempted to save money on heating their homes by turning the central heat very low and using a kerosene or space heater.

Although we can hardly blame people for trying to save money in this economy, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissionusing warns that these types of heating devices cause around 22,000 residential fires every year. Around 300 deaths are a result of using various space heater types.

Here are some CPSC safety tips for buying and using space heaters:

• Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or heating element. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, or other flammable materials.
• Choose a space heater that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters meet specific safety standards.
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented fuel-burning space heater. This helps prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to provide sufficient combustion air to prevent CO production.
• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
• Turn the space heater off if you leave the area. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Have a smoke detector with fresh batteries on each level of the house and a carbon monoxide detector outside your sleeping area.
• Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment. Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
• Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually.

Be sure to maintain your SC homeowners insurance or renters insurance always. If the worst were to happen, you wouldn't want to compound the problem with a lapse in your insurance coverage.

Visit our website for more tips on SC car insurance, home, and condo insurance.

SC Car Insurance - Choose your car wisely

One of the biggest factors that determine the premiums on car insurance in South Carolina is the type of car you drive. Is it a sports car? Does it have a souped up V8 engine? Is it among the favorites for car thieves? These factors can amount to hundreds of dollars more or less that you pay for that shiny new car.

How do some cars get rated for higher premiums when they are not a Corvette or Ferrari? You might be surprised at the answer!

Insurance companies often base the rates on how many claims they receive for a certain type of car. If a car model attracts a younger, more reckless type of driver, it can cause the MODEL to end up with a higher premium in the system. Likewise, a car model that attracts a more safety-minded (stodgy, perhaps) older driver may end up being one of the least expensive models for car insurance purposes.

How a new car gets rated

Each year the car manufacturers try to come up with a new model that catches the public's attention. When a new car is introduced, the insurance companies have no collision or replacement history to go by. So the insurance rates for the new cars will be based on the price of the vehicle.

In the next 3 to 5 years, an insurance rate is accurately determined by the number of collisions, cost of body parts replacement, and even if they cause more damage to a victim vehicle during a collision. A good example of this would be the Hummer, which sits up higher and can damage another vehicle much worse.

MSN Money has listed a Cadillac Escalade as a favorite among car thieves. Insurance rates are higher for this vehicle because of it.

So be sure when you are buying that new car that you take into consideration how much you will be paying for your SC car insurance, and do some investigating online or elsewhere to check your chosen toy. Even if you want it bad enough to pay more for the car insurance, it's better to go into it prepared and not be surprised, especially if you've unknowingly chosen one that can be half as much with a comparable model.

CNN Money's List of the Most Expensive Cars to Insure include: (high to lower)

• Dodge Viper Convertible
• Nissan GT-R
• BMW M6 Convertible


• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Acura RDX
• Land Rover LR2
  


• Cadillac Escalade EXT
• Chervrolet Silverado 2500
• HDDodge Dakota
  


• Audi S6
• Mercede-Benz CLS-Class
• Acura TL
  


• BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon
• Mercedes Benz R-Class
• Ford E-Series Wagon

RV and Motorhome Insurance in SC

So you've decided to follow that life-long dream and buy a beautiful motorhome to travel the country. Congratulations! Nothing could be more fun than taking a leisurely cross-country trip to see the US in your own comfy RV. It's the most wonderful way of all to share adventures with your spouse or friends.

Registering an RV in South Carolina is the same process as registering a vehicle. Unlike a tag-along camper, a motorhome IS a vehicle.

Notify your insurance agent (Todd Insurance Agency we hope!) first, and combine your new RV along with your SC homeowners insurance policy if possible. As we have stressed so often, the best way to discount your car insurance is with the "Multi-policy Discount". If your car or home is insured somewhere else, please consider letting us handle these along with any other insurance you have. We can really save you some money!

And as the Allstate commercial says, "Breaking up is hard to do". We will do the switch for you!

When you've insured your RV with us, we'll give you a proof of insurance certificate that you will take along with your title to the tax office. SC charges a 5% tax on all newly purchased vehicles.

You will also need to print out a SC Registration Application Form 400,
(pdf download) and fill it out.

With the tax receipt, title form, and proof of insurance, step over to the license department and get your tags. Now, knowing your new toy is protected by the best insurance you can have, climb in the drivers seat and visit Niagra Falls, the Grand Canyon, the entire state of Florida, and all the other places you've always wanted to see!

Visit our office or call us for a quote on RV insurance, boat insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC car insurance, renters insurance in south carolina, or Homeowners Insurance in Myrtle Beach SC. PS...send us a postcard!

Identity Theft Insurance Needed by Everyone

Our local Channel 13 TV news reports a case of identity theft in Conway. Most people think it doesn't happen around here or it can't happen to them, but it can, and does. Everyone who works on the internet often or has any other reason to be at a risk for having your bank accounts or other financial services disturbed should consider getting Identity Theft Insurance.



Conway police try to identify identity theft suspect

Conway police are asking for the public’s help in identifying an identity theft suspect.
They say an unknown woman used another person’s identity to withdraw large sums of money from that person’s bank accounts.

Anyone with information on this individual’s identity or location is asked to contact the Conway Police Department.

Visit our website and learn about all the ways you can protect your life and family. From car insurance in Myrtle Beach to renters insurance, we offer the best in customer and claims service.

A Calm Year for the SC Insurance Industry after a Weak Hurricane Season

With only about 5 weeks left in this year's hurricane season, coastal NC and SC homeowners are breathing a tentative sigh of relief. After the summer fire damage at the Barefoot Golf community in North Myrtle Beach, it is especially nice if we get through the season with no major storms.

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but September is the month that usually sees the most hurricane activity and damage. This year was unusually calm, but those of us in the SC homeowners insurance business urge our customers to stay vigilant, and always be prepared for other catastrophes, such as this year's freak fire, and keep all your coverage current.

Whether it's home insurance, condo insurance, or renters insurance in Myrtle Beach, our rates are reasonable enough to protect your property without stripping your wallet.
Please don't gamble with your home or belongings. Stay in touch with your insurance agent and keep us aware of your life changes or major purchases.

We have a customer survey form that you, as a policy holder can use to tell us about your property and any changes that might indicate a need for reviewing your current coverage. We love to hear from you, and hope you'll let us know anytime your circumstances change!

A Really Good Allstate Insurance Commercial

Visit or call us for the best rates and customer service of any South Carolina insurance company.

Todd Insurance Agency, Inc.
North Myrtle Beach, SC

All Renters Need Renters Insurance

One of the most undersold policies is a renter's policy. You need renters insurance if you rent your home, apartment, or condo and do not own it. A South Carolina renters insurance policy insures your personal property or contents of your home. The best renters policies will cover your personal property on a "replacement" cost" basis. That means that no matter how old the item is, it will be replaced with a new item of like kind and quality without depreciation.

A good renters policy will also have liability coverage attached. Personal liability coverage pays your legal defense and any subsequent judgement against you should you be sued because of something that happens on your residence premises. It is very easy to purchase a renters policy in South and North Carolina.

Visit our website and get a quick online quote for rental insurance. We service both North and South Carolina. You will be surprised how CHEAP it is!

Tips for Affordable Auto Insurance

Did you know that the four major auto insurance carriers can have completely different premiums for the same coverage and similar drivers? If you haven't talked with your own agent about your car insurance discounts, you should. Some agents won't volunteer to give you everything you deserve unless you ask!

*Fact* Many auto insurers are actually a collection of several insurance companies in which each caters to a certain type of driver. The worst drivers go in one company, the best in another, and a lot of people wind up in one of the middle companies. These middle people pay less than the worst drivers, but more than the best. Which one are you in, if any?

*Fact* Many insurers now use your credit history as a major factor in determining what to charge you for auto insurance. In some cases, if your credit is excellent, you could save money by moving your insurance to a company that uses credit as a rating factor – even if you have a so-so or poor driving record! If you have poor credit, you could save money by moving your auto insurance to a company that does not use credit as a rating factor.

*Fact* Some companies give a discount for your insurance on 16-17 year old drivers if they are good students in school!

For Eleven Ways to Discount Your Auto Insurance, visit our website and see what most insurance agencies don't want you to know. And if you have a good driving record, fill out an Online Auto Quote, and let us SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE!

Scott Todd

Todd Insurance Agency

Scott @ CarolinaPolicies.com

Hello From Sunny North Myrtle Beach!

Welcome to our Insurance Blog for North Carolina and South Carolina car, home, life, and personal insurance. We hope you'll find our blog interesting and informative, as we try to give you tips on how to get the most insurance for your hard-earned dollars. We will also try to keep you informed on current events related to insurance issues in North and South Carolina.

Bookmark our blog and visit our Myrtle Beach Insurance website.

And look for good things to come!