What to Consider When Choosing Auto Insurance

If you are looking for auto insurance in Hope Hills, NC, you should consider Cross Creek Insurance. We offer many types of insurance to meet all your insurance needs. When shopping for auto insurance, here are the things you need to consider. 

How Much Coverage Do I Need? 

First, you’ll need to determine how much coverage you need. You are required to have the state minimum coverage, but you may need more. Do you have assets that could be seized in the event of a catastrophic accident? Does the coverage cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle? Are you in a higher risk category? 

Which Types of Insurance Should I Choose?

There are several types of auto insurance.

  • Liability insurance: pays for the other party’s damages in the event the accident is your fault
  •  Collision insurance: often known as full coverage insurance. It will cover your damages in the event of a collision accident
  •  Comprehensive coverage: coves things like vandalism, hail, and theft that are not collision-related.
  • Medical payments: covers medical expenses for passengers in your vehicle
  • Uninsured motorists: covers damages to your vehicle if the other party is at fault but has no insurance or inadequate coverage 

Compare Coverage

It’s important to comparison shop when you are choosing auto insurance. A trusted insurance agent can help you consider each policy and determine which is the best for you. You’ll need to consider more than just insurance premiums. Coverage limits and deductibles are also part of the equation. 

Cross Creek Auto Insurance

At Cross Creek Insurance, we provide auto insurance coverage for Hope Hills, NC residents. Our experienced agents can explain coverage options and help you choose the best policy for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance services. 

Is Your Auto Insurance Policy Up To Date?

If you have a vehicle, you also have an auto insurance policy. That policy’s designed to protect your interests, and also protect other people if you’re involved in an accident. But if your policy isn’t up to date, you could be missing out on the level of protection and coverage that’s really right for your needs. That could put you and other drivers on the road at risk, without you even realizing it. At Cross Creek Insurance, we want to help all of our Hope Hills, NC customers get the proper auto coverage they deserve. You don’t need to settle for sub-par coverage or protection.

Following state requirements for car insurance is very important, but there are other coverages you can add, over and above state minimums. You can raise your coverage levels, or add options that the state doesn’t require but that can protect you better. The choice is up to you, and it’s important to be an educated consumer when you’re selecting a policy. Over time, your needs and situation may change. Your insurance policy should be updated to reflect those changes, to add to your peace of mind and the level of protection you and others on the road have from your insurance coverage.

If you’re in the Hope Hills, NC area, come see us at Cross Creek Insurance today or give us a call to talk about your auto insurance policy. Whether it’s through us or another company you want to switch away from, we can give you the information and guidance you need for a properly updated policy. Then you’ll feel safe on the road, and you can get back to enjoying your time behind the wheel. Having the right insurance is the best way to make your driving time better.

Some safe driving tips for Hope Hills, NC

There are some beautiful sights in and around Hope Hills, NC, and you may find yourself distracted even if you’ve seen everything before.  At Cross Creek Insurance, we understand the challenges drivers face when it comes to paying attention to the road and practicing safe driving habits. Here are some easy tips to remember that will help you avoid dangers while driving:

  1. Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure all passengers are safely buckled in. If you are transporting small children, keep them in the right kind of restraints or child safety seats and ensure they are fastened securely in. Even if you are secure, your unsecured passengers could turn into fast-moving projectiles if you are in an accident. 
  2. Do all the recommended maintenance on your vehicle, including regular oil changes and tire rotations.  Some accidents can’t be avoided, but keeping your car in good condition will help prevent some incidents like tire blowouts. 
  3. Observe the posted speed limits. Keep an eye out especially for work zones and school zones, where you might have to adjust your speed quickly. Slowing down won’t just potentially save your life; you’ll also save gas by driving slower. 
  4. Watch where you’re going. Don’t just focus on the car directly in front of you; take in other traffic ahead of you and look for stoplights and road signs. Distracted driving is the most common cause of accidents. 
  5. Also make sure you have your mirrors set so you can see around your vehicle, and check your blind spot regularly. 
  6. Use your turn signals. Other drivers will more easily be able to adjust to your turns and lane changes if you let them know first. 

If you are in Hope Hills, NC and would like to find out whether you may qualify for better insurance rates because of your good driving history,  or if you have any questions at all,  don’t hesitate to call Cross Creek Insurance.

Winter Storms And Snow Are On The Way: Winterize Your Car

There are plenty of ways for you to winterize your car in Hope Hills, NC. The last thing you want to deal with is winter hitting without you being prepared. With a few tips on winterizing your vehicle as well as help with auto insurance from Cross Creek Insurance, you can be ready as soon as the winter storms start rolling in.

Winterize Your Vehicle

It’s important to prep your car for the colder months. Otherwise, you run the risk of it not starting or it not able to stay on the road. Consider a few tips:

  • Check the health of the battery
  • Change the windshield wiper blades
  • Check your tire pressure
  • Change the oil

Additionally, you should stock your car with a few emergency supplies. This includes a flashlight, a jacket, gloves, and a shovel. If you get stuck on the side of the road, these supplies can help you get out of various situations.

Review Your Auto Insurance

You should take the time to review your auto insurance policy in Hills, NC. This way, if you’re involved in an accident, you know that you can file a claim with the insurance company. Particularly with winter storms, you may experience snow and ice on the roads. It’s easy to lose your way and run off of the road or even hit something in the road. To avoid paying out of pocket for an expense, you can rely on your insurance.

One of our agents can review your policy to ensure it offers comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you further in the winter months.

Stop in or call us at Cross Creek Insurance today to learn more about prepping your vehicle for the snow. We can also provide you with no-obligation insurance quotes to provide you with the coverage that you need.

 

 

Does the Make and Model of My Vehicle Affect My Insurance Rates?

There are a variety of factors that come into play when determining the insurance rates for your vehicle, from your driving history to your zip code. However, the make and model of your car can also impact your auto insurance premiums. Here’s what you need to know from Cross Creek Insurance about how your vehicle’s make and model can affect your insurance rates. 

Liability VS Comprehensive Insurance 

Liability insurance covers any damage or loss you may inflict on other people or property in the event you are deemed at-fault in a covered event. It is the bare minimum of insurance required by law in Hope Hills, NC, and your make and model of the car will not affect the premium. Liability insurance covers other people’s vehicles and property, not yours. If you are involved in an accident, it doesn’t matter whether you drive an older car or a newer one, because the policy won’t pay for damage to your vehicle. 

If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, when you are involved in a collision, your Cross Creek Insurance collision insurance policy will cover the value of your vehicle. So, driving an older, less expensive vehicle will cost more to cover than a newer, more expensive model. 

Other Factors Involving Make and Model

The make and model of your vehicle typically doesn’t have as much impact on liability premiums compared to other factors such as your driving history, however, the exception is that driving a big, boxy vehicle in Hope Hills, NC can, simply due to the fact that their size and weight can cause more damage to other cars and property.  

Here are some other reasons your vehicles make and model can affect your premiums: 

  • More valuable vehicles are more costly to insure 
  • Luxury, high-end makes are more expensive to find parts for repairs 
  • Certain manufacturers and models offer more personal protection such as anti-lock brakes 
  • Certain makes and models are involved in more accidents 
  • Makes and models without certain theft-protection features have higher theft rates 

For more information about other factors that may have a significant impact on your auto insurance premiums, call Cross Creek Insurance today! 

Does A Single Accident Make Your Policy Cost Increase Significantly?

When it comes to auto insurance, many factors may influence the amount of the policy and its premiums. One of the primary factors in an accident and citation history. Each time an incident is reported, it is going to influence your ability to obtain coverage and the amount the policy will cost. 

How An Accident Effects Policy Premiums And Cost

If you are in an accident, you will likely see an impact to your premiums and the cost to reestablish your policy at the end of the term. Even if the accident is minor, it can have a major impact on your ability to secure a policy from certain insurance providers and may also make the cost of the policy increase significantly. The best way to find out how an accident will impact you personally is to consult with an experienced insurance agent. 

Finding A Cost-Effective Auto Policy 

If you have had a recent accident in the last few years, you may face issues with finding a policy that stays within your budget. However, with the assistance of a skilled insurance agent, you can discover options that fit your needs and keep your costs to a minimum. If you are living in or near the Hope Hills, NC area, you can count on Cross Creek Insurance to give you plenty of cost-effective auto insurance options that help you stay compliant and protect you while you are on the open road or even parked at home.

Establishing good insurance protection can also largely depend on the provider and the agents they have serving their clients. If you would like to speak with an agent about your options, call or stop by Cross Creek Insurance, serving the residents of Hope Hills, NC. 

What should I do if I am in an auto accident?

A lot of what you need to do if you are involved in an auto accident in Hope Hills, NC seems pretty common sense. You should stop as soon as possible after an accident, or pull off at the closest safe place. You may need to move your vehicle out of a travel lane, but you should try to stay where you are if the area is safe. As soon as you are able, see if anyone is injured and needs help.

Even if you are not required to call the police, you may want to do so as a precautionary measure. North Carolina law requires you to make a report if there was significant property damage or if anyone was injured. However, what looks like a small amount of damage may be expensive to repair, and someone who seemed fine could have a serious head or back injury.

At Cross Creek Insurance, we encourage our clients to call the police so there will be an unbiased witness. The officer will help collect all the information for the report, including the drivers’ information, their vehicle information, and the condition of the vehicles. The officer can also look for other important evidence like skid marks and witnesses.

Drivers in Hope Hills, NC are required to carry a certain amount of insurance, and you will need to provide your name, contact information and insurance for even minor accidents. You should take your own notes, and keep a record of everything at the scene, such as the other driver’s information, any witnesses, and the officer’s name and badge number.

If you have any questions about what to do after an accident, or if you want to discuss whether your current policy provides enough protection, please call Cross Creek Insurance today for a free quote.

What are the consequences of driving without insurance in North Carolina?

People in Hope Hills, NC are like everyone else, wanting and needing to drive. North Carolina has some rules about how much insurance drivers are required to carry in case they are in an accident. Every driver will need to be able to prove liability coverage totaling up to $30,000 to cover any bodily injuries, such as broken bones or whiplash, with a total of $60,000 for the accident. Drivers also need at least $25,000 to cover the victim’s vehicle.

Any policy you obtain through Cross Creek Insurance will be sure to meet those minimal requirements. If you are caught driving and it is discovered that you are not carrying the minimum amount of coverage, there are serious possible repercussions. 

Civil Penalties 

Your possible penalty for driving without insurance in North Carolina depends on how many times this has happened, and punishments get progressively worse. You can even have your vehicle registration suspended if you have not verified the vehicle is insured.

The first fine is $50, with an extra  $50 fee for license reinstatement. The next penalty is $100, and the third is $150. All of these carry the extra fee for license reinstatement and a 30-day registration suspension. 

Criminal Penalties 

The state of North Carolina takes driving without insurance very seriously, and you can also receive criminal charges if you are caught driving without proof of financial responsibility. Operating a vehicle without insurance is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to 120 days in jail. The Court may also issue a fine, and you could get probation.

Clearly, it is better to have a solid insurance policy from a company you can trust when driving in Hope Hills, NC. If you want to make sure you have coverage that makes you comfortable, or if you just have questions, feel free to call one of the friendly agents at Cross Creek Insurance today.

What You Need to Know About Teen Drivers

Teens who are approaching the age where they are allowed to legally drive a vehicle usually get very excited. Their parents get terrified and naturally so. One of the greatest killers of young people is a fatal car accident, especially one that involves distracted driving (talking or texting on the phone while driving), and the use of drugs or alcohol.

The highest crash rates for drivers of any age are those caused by 16-year-olds. About one-third of all deaths of 13 to 19-year-olds come from auto accidents.

Most teens can be taught to drive responsibly. Many do take care when first learning how to drive. Unfortunately, many others do not and the rate for auto insurance premiums, to cover teenage drivers, reflects this greater risk.

For parents considering allowing their teen to drive, it is important to consult with your insurance agent at Cross Creek Insurance serving Hope Hills, NC and the surrounding area. Your agent can help you understand the impact on your auto insurance premiums from adding a teen driver to the policy.

Be sure to consult with your agent before you allow your teenager to drive the car. If the family has more than one vehicle, it may be a good idea to restrict the teen driver to the vehicle that is less valuable.

It is very helpful for teens to take a defensive driving course. Parents can encourage a teen to do this by attending a course themselves. We all get rusty in our driving skills and taking a refresher course in defensive driving is good for everyone. Most teens would not be comfortable taking a course along with their parents; however, taking the same course at different times gives parents and teens something of shared relevance that they can talk about together. Otherwise, a parent may find a new teen driver finding fault (and correctly doing so) with the bad habits of the parent driver.

To get an updated insurance quote, reach out to your insurance agent at Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Hills, NC if you are considering allowing your teen to drive. Having the teen as a listed driver on the vehicle’s insurance policy is critical before you allow them to drive the family car.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Hurricane Damage?

Hurricane season stretches from June through November each year, and recent years have brought some dangerous and damaging storms to the Southeast region of the United States and beyond. It is truly staggering to see the extent of destruction caused by hurricanes and tropical storms, no matter what level of severity and intensity they are. That impact can include damage to automobiles. You might be wondering what your auto insurance covers during and after a hurricane. At Cross Creek Insurance serving the Hope Hills, NC area, we are happy to help answer questions like that.

Collision insurance coverage as part of auto insurance may or may not come into play when hurricane damage occurs, just depending on the individual circumstances. This type of coverage pertains to a vehicle hitting or being hit by something. So if an automobile accident happens because of a hurricane, collision insurance could address that.

Then there is comprehensive coverage as part of auto insurance. It covers many different circumstances. In a hurricane, some of the types of situations that would be handled under comprehensive coverage would be the wind that causes damage to a car, flooding that affects a car, hail damage, auto damage related to hurricane-force winds or glass breakage.

Just as you need to complete a variety of preparation steps before a hurricane, make sure you also obtain the proper auto insurance coverage in advance of any storms. Often it is not possible to get coverage right before a hurricane is about to hit and after watches and warnings are issued. If you need advice on the insurance that makes the most sense for your unique needs, contact us at Cross Creek Insurance serving the Hope Hills, NC area.