insurance

Why Liability Coverage Matters for Homeowners

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Homeownership comes with more than just maintaining a house—it also brings legal and financial responsibilities. Liability coverage is a core part of homeowners insurance, designed to protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause harm to others.

What Is Homeowners Liability Coverage?

Liability coverage helps pay for legal expenses, medical bills, and damages if you are found responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others. This protection typically applies to incidents that occur on your property, as well as certain accidents that happen away from home, such as your child damaging someone else’s property.

Common Situations Where Liability Applies

Many everyday scenarios can lead to liability claims. A guest slipping on an icy walkway, a tree falling onto a neighbor’s fence, or a dog bite are common examples. Even minor incidents can result in expensive medical costs or lawsuits, making liability coverage essential for financial protection.

Legal Costs Add Up Quickly

One of the most valuable aspects of liability coverage is legal defense. Attorney fees, court costs, and settlements can quickly escalate, even if a claim is unfounded. Liability insurance helps cover these expenses, preventing a single incident from threatening your savings or assets.

What Liability Coverage Does Not Include

Liability coverage generally does not apply to intentional acts, business-related activities, or injuries to household members. Understanding these exclusions helps homeowners identify when additional or separate coverage may be necessary.

Cross Creek Insurance: We’re Here To Serve Hope Mills, NC

If you’re searching for an insurance agency that serves Hope Mills, NC and the surrounding areas, we’re here to help. Reach out to Cross Creek Insurance today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly agents today.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Another Driver?

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Do you let other people drive your car? Should you let them drive your car? Would your insurance cover another driver? The answer is yes, on certain occasions. Firstly, they have to have your permission to drive the car. Second, they have to be listed on your policy. Another important factor is if the driver in question lives with you or uses the car frequently. These people, whether they be roommates or family, need to be added to the policy in order to guarantee coverage in the event of an accident. Keep in mind the other driver is only covered if they have permission to drive and are a household member. 

When Another Driver Is Not Covered

If someone isn’t on the policy yet frequently uses your car your insurer may deny the claim even if they had permission. Of course, anyone who was specifically excluded from the policy will not be covered. Generally, this is when the person in question is considered high risk. Even if the person has permission, they still need to have a valid license to drive. Personal policies also will not cover accidents occurring during business use such as ridesharing. You should always add anyone who frequently drives your car to your policy in order to guarantee that they are covered, thus preventing any potential claim denials or policy voiding. 

Cross Creek Insurance Serving Hope Mills, NC 

If you are in the Hope Mills, NC area and in need of auto insurance, please contact us at Cross Creek Insurance. We will get you in touch with a knowledgeable and courteous agent who will try their utmost to help you find the policy that is best suited for you and your unique needs.

The Differences Between Employer-Provided Life Insurance and Private Life Insurance

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When it comes to protecting your family’s financial future, understanding your life insurance options is crucial. Many people rely solely on their workplace coverage without considering alternatives. At Cross Creek Insurance, serving Hope Mills, NC, we help clients navigate these important decisions by explaining the key differences between employer-provided and private life insurance policies.

Coverage Amounts and Portability

Employer-provided life insurance typically offers basic coverage, usually one to two times your annual salary. While this might seem adequate, it often falls short of what financial experts recommend for comprehensive family protection. Additionally, this coverage disappears when you change jobs or retire, leaving you vulnerable during life transitions. Private policies offer much higher coverage limits and remain with you regardless of employment changes, providing consistent protection throughout your career.

Cost Considerations and Control

Many employees appreciate that employer life insurance appears "free" as a benefit. However, you have no control over premium increases or policy changes that your employer might implement. Private policies allow you to lock in rates and choose terms that match your budget and needs. You also gain access to various policy types, including whole life options that build cash value over time.

Customization and Additional Benefits

Workplace policies offer minimal customization options since they’re designed for group coverage. Private insurance allows you to tailor coverage amounts, add riders for specific situations, and choose beneficiaries. You can also combine different policy types to create a comprehensive protection strategy.

Making the Right Choice

While employer coverage provides a foundation, it shouldn’t be your only life insurance strategy. Cross Creek Insurance can help you evaluate your current coverage and determine if additional private insurance makes sense for your family. We’re currently serving Hope Mills, NC. 

Can Umbrella Insurance Be Applied To a Commercial Insurance Policy?

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Running a business requires more than the ability to sell services and/or products to consumers. Understanding the importance of liability coverage, property protection, and financial safeguards is key to running a successful business. At Cross Creek Insurance, serving Hope Mills, NC, we specialize in helping clients find the right commercial and umbrella insurance plans for their ventures.

What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?

Commercial umbrella insurance provides an additional layer of liability protection for any type of business, regardless of its size. Umbrella insurance coverage extends beyond the limits of traditional business policies. When a major accident, lawsuit, or claim exceeds your primary policy’s limits, an umbrella policy can help cover the additional costs.

Why Businesses in Hope Mills Can Benefit From Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance can be paired with traditional commercial insurance policies. Business owners face lawsuits, customer injuries, and even auto accidents involving commercial vehicles. An umbrella policy can help cover:

  • Large lawsuits that are much more expensive than what your traditional commercial policy allows for
  • Large bodily injury claims
  • Legal defense fees when facing a lawsuit
  • Excess property damage liability, especially if you have a retail store, office space, or warehouse
  • Multiparty or multivehicle accidents involving commercial vehicles you use to run your business

Understanding how umbrella insurance works and its benefits is essential as a business owner in Hope Mills, NC. If you’re thinking of adding an umbrella insurance policy to your existing liability coverage, Cross Creek Insurance is here to help. To discover how umbrella insurance paired with commercial insurance can help add a layer of protection to your investment while providing you with peace of mind, contact us.

Will Auto Insurance Replace Your Tires?

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Vehicle owners in Hope Mills, NC, often find themselves spending hundreds on new tires. You may need them due to vandalism or normal wear and tear. There are several situations where your auto insurance policy may be able to assist. 

Type of Policy

Whether your insurance will cover a new set of tires typically depends on the type of policy you have. Liability insurance only covers damage to another person’s property if the accident is your fault. Other policies, such as collision and comprehensive, may help if a covered peril occurs. 

Covered Perils

Insurance policies will pay for damage if it’s due to a covered incident. Commonly covered perils include, but are not limited to: 

  • Vandalism
  • Certain natural disasters
  • Accidents

These vary depending on your policy and insurance company. An agent at Cross Creek Insurance can help you learn what events your policy covers. 

Common Exclusions

Many policies also have specific exclusions. For example, auto insurance will not cover everyday wear and tear. If you need a new set of tires because they’re old and worn out from driving, you are responsible for the cost. Policies also don’t cover events that aren’t covered by your current policy. For example, if you are found at fault for an accident, but only have liability insurance, your policy won’t cover any damage to your vehicle. 

Some policies also specifically exclude theft and vandalism. This can depend on where you live. The best way to determine whether your policy will cover new tires is to contact an agent at Cross Creek Insurance. We’re currently serving the Hope Mills, NC, area. We are happy to answer any questions you have. 

How To Create and Keep a Home Inventory

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Owning a home is the fulfillment of the American dream. It’s probably the biggest investment you will ever make in your life. Hope Mills, NC, is a great community, but even in the nicest places, bad things can happen. At Cross Creek Insurance, we want to make sure your investment is safe and you have the home insurance you need. 

Making a Home Inventory

You can easily make a home inventory with a mobile app. This will allow you to document each room with pictures, supplemented by any receipts you have. The more detail you add, the better. Include the brand, serial numbers, and model number for electronics. Open every drawer, in every room, and count everything in them. Go through closets and record all major furniture and decor. 

Go up to the attic if you have one, and remember to include your holiday decorations. Head down to the basement and then to the garage. You have no idea the extent of any damage that your home may sustain. It’s better to overdocument than underdocument. 

Storing Your Home Inventory

Your home inventory needs to be stored in a safe place. If you have a digital home inventory, store it in the cloud so you’ll be able to access it from anywhere. But if you have a physical home inventory, you’ll need to use a safe deposit box or another secure location outside of your home. 

Cross Creek Insurance, serving Hope Mills, NC, is your local independent insurance agency. That means we can offer you more choices when it comes to your home insurance. Call us, and let us help you with your home inventory or any other home insuracne needs. 

I have a pre-existing condition. Can I get life insurance?

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Many people consider investing in life insurance as a way to protect loved ones from potential financial burdens after death, as well as to address other financial obligations. Life insurance offers numerous benefits, some of which can be utilized while you are still living. It is typically designed to cover a specific term or period of time, or your entire life. At Cross Creek Insurance, we understand that life insurance can be confusing, and many people have questions about how it works and who should invest in it.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a type of policy designed to provide a financial payout to the beneficiaries you designate in the event of your death. Policies can be set for a specific term or period of time, or they can cover your entire life. Life insurance can also be used to meet financial obligations, such as paying off debts or covering end-of-life expenses. However, the specific benefits depend on the type of life insurance you choose and the terms of your policy.

I have a pre-existing condition. Can I get life insurance?

It is possible to obtain life insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition, although your premiums may be higher. You may also have fewer options, and the terms of your policy could differ. Your ability to secure life insurance depends on the specific insurance company, as well as the nature of your condition and overall health. At Cross Creek Insurance, our agents in Hope Mills, NC, are dedicated to helping all clients explore their options, regardless of any pre-existing conditions. We are committed to finding the coverage you need and answering all of your questions. Contact us today to learn more.

Optional Commercial Insurance Every Business Owner Needs

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Most businesses are required to obtain certain types of insurance. However, there are several additional options business owners should consider based on the specific needs of their business.

Legal Requirements

Businesses with more than one employee are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to cover potential injuries that occur on the job. Owners are also required to carry liability insurance to protect against lawsuits, such as those resulting from a customer being injured on the property. An agent at Cross Creek Insurance can help you understand and meet these legal requirements.

In addition to mandatory coverage, there are several optional forms of insurance to consider.

Property Coverage

It is essential to ensure your business property is adequately covered. Property insurance should protect against natural disasters and common perils, such as vandalism and fires. Be sure to ask whether this coverage includes inventory or if you need additional insurance for those items.

Business Interruption Coverage

Business interruption insurance provides financial support if you need to close your business for any reason temporarily. This type of policy can compensate employees or the business owner for lost wages, helping you avoid a stressful financial situation during unexpected closures.

Specialized Insurance

Businesses in industries like construction or those that rely on specialized equipment and tools should consider a commercial policy to protect their assets. These policies can cover theft or damage, which is especially important if you need to leave large equipment unguarded at a job site.

At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Mills, NC, we understand that every business has unique needs. Our agents will work closely with you to identify the best coverage options for your situation. Contact us today to learn more about your insurance options. We proudly serve North Carolina residents.

How Tire Maintenance Plays a Role in Protecting Your Car

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When people think about protecting their car, they often focus on getting good insurance or parking in safe places. However, one of the most overlooked ways to keep your car safe is through something simple: tire maintenance. At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Mills, NC, we remind our clients that taking care of their tires isn’t just about performance. It’s a key part of keeping your vehicle protected.

Tires Do More Than Keep You Moving

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, making them critical to how your car handles, brakes, and responds in various weather conditions. If your tires are worn out or underinflated, your risk of getting into an accident increases. While your insurance may help cover damages, it’s always better to prevent accidents in the first place.

Regularly checking your tire pressure, rotating your tires, and replacing them when the tread is too low can make a significant difference. These simple steps improve your car’s grip on the road, especially during rain or sudden stops. Tire maintenance is about avoiding situations that could lead to a claim or, worse, an injury.

Insurance and Maintenance Go Hand in Hand

Auto insurance is there to help when something goes wrong, but staying on top of basic maintenance like tire care is one of the best ways to reduce risk and protect your investment. At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Mills, NC, we’re here to help you stay protected from every angle. If you want to ensure your coverage aligns with your commitment to safety, give us a call today.

How to Protect Your Home From a Burglary This Holiday Season

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The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also a season when burglaries tend to increase. With many families traveling or leaving gifts in plain sight, homes can become tempting targets. At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Mills, NC, we understand how important it is to keep your home safe during this festive time of year.

Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In

One of the easiest ways to deter burglars is to make it appear as though someone is home. Leaving a few lights on, setting timers, and asking a neighbor to collect your mail can make a big difference. An empty driveway and a dark house are often signs that no one is around, which can attract unwanted attention.

Be Smart With Social Media

It’s tempting to post photos of your holiday trip or share your travel plans online. However, broadcasting your absence can alert others that your house is unoccupied. To stay safe, save the vacation photos for when you return.

Lock Everything Up

While it may seem obvious, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it easy to overlook basic security measures. Double-check that all doors, windows, and even the garage are locked before heading out. If you have a security system, ensure it’s activated and functioning properly.

Don’t Forget About Insurance

Even with the best precautions, unexpected events can still occur. That’s why having the right home insurance is essential. At Cross Creek Insurance in Hope Mills, NC, we’re here to make sure you’re protected. Contact us to review your policy and ensure your home is ready for the holidays, inside and out.