Plain-language guides to help you make smarter insurance decisions for your family and business.
Guías de seguros en inglés y español.
North Carolina requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 — meaning $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required.
Stay calm, check for injuries, call 911 if needed, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Do not admit fault at the scene.
When shopping for homeowners insurance, consider dwelling coverage (the cost to rebuild), personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses. Review your policy annually as home values change.
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers. Even homes not in flood zones can experience flooding.
A common rule of thumb is 10–12 times your annual income. Consider your mortgage balance, dependent children's education costs, outstanding debts, and your spouse's income when calculating your coverage need.
Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months around your 65th birthday. Annual Enrollment Period: Oct 15 – Dec 7 each year. Special Enrollment Periods are available for qualifying life events. Missing your window can result in late enrollment penalties.
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into a single, affordable package designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It's often the most cost-effective starting point for business coverage.
Self-employed individuals can deduct business expenses including home office, vehicle use, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and half of self-employment taxes. Keeping organized records year-round is key.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket cost at claim time. Choose a deductible you could comfortably pay in an emergency.
Review your policies annually and after major life events: buying a home, getting married or divorced, having a child, starting a business, purchasing a new vehicle, or significant income changes.