Monday, December 28, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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!

Friday, November 13, 2009

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.

Indentity Theft Insurance is a must!

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.

Friday, October 23, 2009

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!

Monday, October 12, 2009

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

Friday, September 25, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

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

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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!

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