Cline Hall Agency

Cruise Questions?

2012-01-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've had some questions lately about what is covered under odd circomstances. I think the recent cruieship disaster has brought this on. If you have a NC Homeowners policy you don't have to worry, your belongs are covered worldwide. If you have a theft or loss while traveling in Europe you are covered just like here at home. Of course there are limitions, for example jewery has an limit for theft if it isn't scheduled.

Erie's HE-7 policy has higher limits on the base policy than the HO-3 that State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate, and Farm Bureu sales, call us for details on that.

Here is a little segment you might want to view regarding cruise safety:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/video/6684758-travel-expert-mark-murphy-offers-cruise-safety-tips/

Thanks to our insured Malia Fredrickson with Clear Water Travels

	http://www.clearwaterstravel.com

for sharing.

Some good Automotive web sites.

2012-01-21T04:51:00.000-08:00

I guess I am in the middle of winter malaise, so I have spent a lot of time this week on some automotive web sites. If you are a gear head like me here are some you might like.

http://www.hagerty.com/classic-car-articles-resources/Magazine
We proudly sell Hagerty and their online magazine is free to everyone!

http://smokymountainrider.com/?p=3998

An excellent article on motorcycle riding. I buy motorcycle maps from this site, they really add to the riding experience

http://www.pqbnews.com/news/137449228.html
It's amazing how little things can add greatly to your driving safety. Thanks to http://www.interstateglass.com/ for sharing this.

Lastly, I have been following the World Rally Championship closer now that we have a Mini Countryman and Mini has a factory team in this series. Mini became a force to be reckoned with in the Sixties when they won this event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-IcJxxe ... ata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkh8_Mdp ... ata_player

Have fun on a rainy day!

I've never heard of your companies.

2012-01-16T04:04:00.000-08:00

I was leaving church yesterday when someone approached me in the parking lot and said they needed to talk to my about insurance. This was not somebody I insure and I really don't like talking insurance at church. I tried to just give them my business card and get on my way (I have a problem with people trying to sell their wares while at church, but that's just me) but they wanted to talk.

They quoted a friend who said I "was really good" but they had a quizzical look on their face as they said "but I've never heard of your companies."

I hear that a lot.

Why?

Well, Allstate spend approximately 500 million a year advertising (http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20110625/issue01/306259984/allstate-misses-the-turn-as-rivals-reinvent-auto-insurance) I imagine Gieco, Progressive, State Farm, & Nationwide are in the same ball park.

Let me explain how insurance works. For every Dollar that a company brings in they have to pay for expenses and claims and have something left over for a profit or they get skewered by their stock holders or go out of business. So, were does that advertising budget come from? That initial dollar, but they still have to pay to run the business, underwriters, janitors, adjusters, electricity, etc. Guess what the biggest expense an insurance company faces? Claims, industry wide about 65% of revenues in a good year. Wonder where that 500 mil is coming from.

One of my companies , Auto-Owners (http://www.auto-owners.com/) feels they can afford to pay 68% on claims because they don't have that big advertising budget that the others do.

So, do you want to pay for Dennis Haysbert and Mayhem or do you want your company to have more money left over for claims?

Where's your $1000?

2012-01-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Sure, a lot of people are between a rock and a hard place with finances right now; but, while our country is building itself back up and regaining fiscal strength -- what are you doing?

As we've told you before, Cline Hall Agency is proud to be an "Endorsed Local Provider" of Dave Ramsey. Many of Dave's biggest lessons come from following his "Seven Baby Steps", which explain seemingly simple steps to put ourselves and our families on sturdy ground when dealing with our cash flow and/or debt. The first baby step Dave drills home is having $1000 in your "Emergency Fund" bank account. Have you taken this first step? Now, this can't be in your checking account where the Bon Jovi tickets suddenly become an emergency, or Valentine's Day last minute plans drain out the $1000 quickly. This account is for emergencies more so along the lines of your sudden need for new tires, or a trip to the dentist which isn't covered under you health plan. Or maybe even an unexpected accident, and the $500 deductible you'll need to pay to fix your car.

Of course, a lot of you learned of your need for a saving account long ago -- but what about the rest? Get it going! Emergencies happen, we've all experienced this. There truly is an ever-present sigh of relief when you don't have to cringe for every unexpected expense because you know your emergency account is in place. So, if you're not there-hop on it! It doesn't take long.

For more information on these baby steps check our Dave's explanation: http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/

Call or visit us, as always!

Hey, You are probably doing this wrong!

2011-12-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

When I started racing I found out I was doing this little thing wrong. Adjusting my rear view mirrors! I just always tried to avoid hitting my Dad's car when I backed out of the driveway and thought the blind spot was somthing everybody had. Everybody always talks about it, right? " I almost hit a car that was in my blind spot"

It doesn't have to be that way! Check this out:http://boingboing.net/2011/12/13/adjust-a-cars-sideview-mirro.html
Have a safe Christmas!

Watch out for deer!

2011-11-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

A few years ago a hit a very large dog while riding my motorcycle at 55 mph. It did not turn out well. Not for the dog, the motorcycle, or me. That incident has done a couple of things for me. I am even a bigger advcocate of ATGATT (all the gear all the time) as I wasn't wearing a full face helmet I would not be typing this to you today. Secondly, I very, very, let me say it again, very cautious while driving this time of year due to deer. After hitting a dog I don't want to mess with a deer! I now don't ride my motorcycle at night this time of year.

If you are not familiar with deer, they are a bit diffent than humans that the poet tell us in spring a young man's heart turns to love. In fall the young deer's heart turns to love so they are all running after or away from a deer of the opposite sex! The last thing on their little minds if you are riding or driving down the street.

Here is a little info from Erie on the subject: http://auto.erieinsurance.com/deer-car-crashes.aspx I'll even add this from UNC ( who will run into a big gobbler http://www.hokiesports.com/ this Thursday) http://www.hsrc.unc.edu/safety_info/animal_vehicle/safety_tips.cfm

Ok, lets be safe out there!

Are you getting insurance through work @ a discount?

2011-10-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Do you think you are getting a good deal on insurance because you work at ECU, or drive a Hyundia and a company has contacted you and told you you get a discount for that? Well here is what Consumer Reports says about that: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/july/money/this-insurance-deal-might-cost-more/overview/index.htm

What I see happening is that the initial premium is very attractive, making it appear that you are getting a discount. But, have you ever heard how to boil a frog? Put him in cold water on the stove and slowely turn up the heat, he won't notice! That's what happens to the premiums as you renew.

Just thought you might want to know.

Art's website

2011-10-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know Art Ingraham has moved back to Wisconsin and is working with AAA insurance. They are lucky to have him! He is doing a great job with the whole internet social media thing, as he did for us. Here is his website: http://my-insurance-guy.com/

Check it out and say hello

Hurricane Claims Phone numbers

2011-08-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you have had a claim due to the Hurricane do everything possible to SAFELY secure your property. If you have to buy tarps, lumber, etc to secure things save your receipts.

Here are some numbers that might be useful

FOR TARPING AND EMERGENCY FIXES:
BT Manning 252 714 8849
Greg Jarman 252 560 0002
Tommy Bell 252 341 1901

ROOFING

East Carolina Roofing & Coating   252 746 6483 cell 252 916 4149

Jeff Walker Roofing 252 355 8111 cell 252 531 9691

BROKEN GLASS

Interstate Glass 252 830 2800

INSURANCE COMPANIES WE REPRESENT

ERIE    1 800 367 3743
             1 800 533 3982
             1 800 458 0811

AUTO OWNERS   1 800 660 2303

GMAC INTEGON 10800 468 3466

FOREMOST 1 800 527 3905

SAFECO 1 800 332 3226

PROGRESSIVE 1 800 274 4499

NCJUA 1 800 662 7048

Hopefully the Cline Hall Agency will be available by phone so you can call us first at 252 756 5200 for guidance but if we are not available feel free to file your claim directly with the company.

I HATE these conversations!

2011-07-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

I bet a week doesn't go by that one of our insured's calls in and says that their shower has been leaking and they have to replace the floor under it. They said the plumber said to call and see if insurance covers it.

I think the plumbers just want to get out deflect the heat after they have given the estimate! Unfortunately this is not covered. If a leak occurs over the course of "weeks, months or years" it is excluded from coverage. A leak that is "sudden and accidental" is covered. If your water line springs a large leak goes into your floor causing your floor to bow then that is a good indicator that it is something that will be covered. If it is something like a slow leak that seaps through the tiles of around a pipe fitting it is probably not going to be covered.

So what can you do? Well here is a web site that gives a little advice on finding leaks before they become a problem http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/check-water-leak.html.

I guess the moral of the story is to be proactive and look for problems before they look for you!

Good Neighbors, Good Hands, and Umbrellas?

2011-07-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

In my newletters, blogs, and everyday conversation I am always mentioning the problems we have in Eastern NC with Homeowners Availability. Well, it seems we are in for another round of rate increases, cancellations, and forced deductibles.

Here is where it most recenty started, NC House Bill 1305 (http://nc.iiaa.org/Linked%20Documents/Raleigh%20Report/Implementation%20of%20House%20Bill%201305.pdf). Long story short, it makes the insurance companies doing business in NC responsible for 1 B (with a B)illion of looses on the coast in the event of a large hurricane. This is on homes they DO NOT insure, but is in addition to homes they insure. Because of this the companies are scrambling to maintain future profitablity. While I don't know what is going on with every company we are seeing some of the following:

Consent to Rate (CTR) letters. The insured has to sign in order for the policy to be renewed. The insured is agreeing that they will pay a higher premium for the coverage than the state allows with out notice. My understanding State Farm is doing this on all homes, other companies are doing it on a selected basis such as claims history.
Mass cancellations. Allstate is cancelling all Homeowners policies if the client does not have other coverge and then placing with another carrier. The also have CTR on most policies.
Separate Wind and Hail Deductible. Even in interior counties like Pitt some companies are implementing a separate deductible for Wind and Hail (that is where Hurricanes fall under but can also apply to just a random wind storm) My understanding is that Travelers is going with a 5% deductible in Pitt county. If you have a 250,000 home and a loss you have a 5,000 deductible!
Rate increase!!!! We have seen up to 40% with several companies. Don't get me wrong, all companies will be going up, but to what extent is the question.

So, what is the solution? First you need to find out what is going on with your own policy. Look at last years policy compared to this years. We have heard some really fuzzy math when some agents have explained the percentage of increase. Next, why not check with an independent agency that can offer you some options. If you are looking for one we would love to see if we can help. Check us out at www.clinehallagency.com

A Little Dave Ramsey Story

2011-06-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

I was meeting with a family that came to our agency through our affiliation with Dave Ramsey (http://www.daveramsey.com/home/) and they had a great story to share. The mom was at a yard sale and saw a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace CD set for $5 dollars, she wasn't familiar with Dave Ramsey but was pretty sure she could put these on Ebay and get more money. She did negotiate the price down to $2. To make sure the CD's were ok to sale on Ebay she and her husband listened to them while driving to Florida on Vacation. It ended up changing their lives! They never sold them on Ebay but now loan them out to friends. Now they have saved $500 on their insurance through our agency!

If you want a review in your area from a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider go to this site: http://www.daveramsey.com/elp/insurance/

2011-05-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Call your North Carolina Lawmaker to reduce your Auto insurance premium.

2011-05-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

There is a hidden cost in your NC auto premium. It is the Clean Risk Allocation Surcharge. Basically a tax levied on you to help the bad drivers who are insured in the NC Reinsurance Facility ( similiar to Assigned Risk in other states) pay for their insurance.

Here is a website that goes more in depth; http://www.insurancefederationnc.com/message/45/

If you want the condensed version:

Over time, SB477 also would eliminate a surcharge paid by all North Carolina drivers to cover the annual shortfall attributed to drivers in the Reinsurance Facility who are known as “clean risks.” Though this “clean risk” surcharge is not disclosed to drivers, it averages 5-7 percent of a driver’s premium and has ranged as high as 10 percent.

Bottom Line: go to http://www.ncleg.net/ and find who your representatives are and notify them you would like this bill passed. Well that is if you don't want to help other folks pay for their bad driving habits that is!

Why you need to be careful with Insurance Agents.

2011-05-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

My Mother in Law passed away in February. She was a wonderful woman in many ways, one of which was she was a great saver. She had money squirrelled away in annuities and several different life policies. The problem was she used different agents and companies for each thing she did. She also went with an agent because she trusted them. Well as Ronald Reagan said, "Trust but verify".

I have spent untold hours tracking down policies because either these folks and/or their companies are no longer around. In one case on of these trusted individuals took such advantage of her I refuse to meet him face to face as I am worried what I might say to the guy!

I said all that to say this: Your insurance program is one of the most important things in your family's life. Don't entrust it to just anybody. Work with a local person who works with reputable companies. I truly believe an independent agent is your best source for insurance because they can work for you, not the company. Check out the company you are working with on http://ambest.com/ for their rating. Check out the company website and make sure there are more agents in the area in case your agent is no longer there when you need the coverage.

Of course, if you are in North Carolina, we would be happy to see if we can be of help. Give us a call (252 756 5200) or go to our website www.clinehallagency.com .

State of Insurance Address 2011

2010-12-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Just as you always hear the same Christmas Carols every year, this
column seems to always be dedicated every year to the problem of
Homeowners Insurance. Well, here we go again! The General Assembly
of North Carolina passed House Bill 1305 which, in a nut shell, made
the insurance companies that do business in NC responsible for 1
Billion (note the B) of losses on the coast to homes insured by the
North Carolina Beach Plan (in the event of a large hurricane). This
of course, is in addition to the losses they would have to handle and
pay for with their own clients.

Therefore, the state has allowed all companies to raise their rates,
in unprecedented levels, in anticipation of this eventuality. Rates
began going up in the third quarter of 2010, so not everyone has
experienced the shock yet.

Some companies are in better position to handle this than others. You
will be happy to know that our two main companies are probably the two
best, Erie and Auto-Owners. Yes, their rates have gone up but not as
much as the competitors. We are insuring new clients every day so I
know we are still the place to be!

It is becoming more important than ever to try to have your Home and
Auto's insurance with the same company. With the price of Homeowners
what it is, having the Multi-Policy discount can be enough to fill
Santa's Sleigh!

I'm also seeing lot of teaser rates out there for Auto Insurance.
Some of the companies make no bones about not wanting your Home
insurance, but they are scrambling to snap up your Auto insurance. You
have probably seen the companies advertising that they give you a
discount to switch your insurance to them. Well, they are giving you
a discount for sure, but this discount soon disappears in subsequent
renewals. I guess they feel insurance policies are like boiling a frog
-- if you slowly turn up the heat the clients won’t notice! On the
other hand we have clients from those same companies come to us and
experience up to 30% savings. Isn't this kind of like dumping your
old friends in favor of your new friends? The companies we represent
treat all their clients on a consistent basis, I think that is the way
it is supposed to be.

Lastly, advertising. You cannot turn on any electronic device
(besides your electric razor) and not be inundated with ads from
insurance companies. Ever wonder who pays for that? Our conservative
companies choose minimal advertisements in order to best serve their
clients. So, if you’re ever feeling the need for a funny amphibian
neighborly voice to tell you we’re taking care of you…

give the office a call. We’ll tell you a joke and assure you that
we’ve got your best interests at heart. All at no charge!

-Cline

Changes at CHA

2010-12-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

  Work, work, work! I’m sure all of our clients have been doing the
same in 2010. To help make your life easier when it comes to
Christmas mail, the Cline Hall Agency Christmas Newsletter has gone
digital! We thought you might be like us, all of the junk mail
received in December somehow has a way of obscuring the real stuff.
Since we all rely on e-mail most of the time, we thought you might
enjoy a nice read online – So, sit back with a cup of hot cocoa, your
laptop and enjoy!!
  It’s been a great 12 months at Cline Hall Agency since our last
Christmas chat, we’ve had our trials, our highs and lows,
but over all, we’re going to wrap up the year on a high note. One
positive change to this year was the tall mid-western Yankee we’ve
added to our CHA family: Art Ingraham. Sure he has a bit of an
accent and he lives off of cheese and bratwursts, but he is finding his
way around the Bojangles’ menu just fine, and picking up on the proper
usages of “y'all” and “cut the lights off”. Art is a recent graduate
of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (2008), and he is quickly
picking up southern hospitality in regards to working with our clients.
His impeccable insurance skills have helped make him an asset to our
CHA family, and he has diligently worked to drum up new business while
looking after the clients we’ve got now. So, if you call in and speak
to Art, be sure to put on your most charming southern accent and
welcome him to the beautiful state of North Carolina!
Another change in our family is regarding our beloved Amy Wilson...
  As many of you may have noticed, Amy has been in and
out of the office due to her participation in nursing school. She’s done
exceptionally well academically, and the time has come for her to
focus full-time on her nursing career, though she may still be making guest
appearances in the office. We’ll miss Amy and her southern sassyness
around the office! What a great agent, friend and co-worker she’s
been to us all. We’ll miss you, Amy Wilson – Don’t be a stranger!
If you’ve been keeping track, we’ve add a man and lost a woman. What?
Could it be – the battle of the sexes has flipped. Cline Hall Agency is now:
Cline, Art, Cynthia and .5 of Sarah (via online working). That’s
right, Men: 2 Women: 1.5. Throw out those pink sticky notes and forget
the salads for lunch – you are on man turf now. So if anyone wants to
watch the game, come on over while the men reign in the office. It’s
been a long time of woman domination, but Santa’s finally given Cline
a Christmas Miracle: More men in the office than women. Ho, Ho, Ho!
If your cocoa is still hot, and you’re ready to hear about more
insurance news, you’re only a mouse click away from your Christmas Wishes.

Wish List for Lower Rates

2010-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

I know when you all sat on Santa’s lap this year, each and every one
of you asked for lower insurance rates! Right? Well, here are some
tips to make sure you qualify for the “Nice List” this year:

1. Better Be Good: No Tickets, accidents, or claims are the biggest
factor concerning your auto insurance. Even if the Patrolman says
"this won't cause your rates to go up", it doesn't mean you will not
lose a discount you might have on your policy now. In fact, some
homeowner’s policies are even charging for claims now.

2. Better Not Pout: Financial Stability has a big bearing on rates
currently; This is loosely based on credit. Companies do a "back door
hit" and attempt to use their crystal ball in determining who will be
a “better risk”. This process isn’t quite the same as qualifying for
a loan, but wise use of your finances will equate to lower rates.

3. Better not Cry: Multi-policy discounts have the potential to be
HUGE! Unless you have some blemishes that would prevent you from
insuring your Auto with your Homeowners carrier, it usually pays big
to do so.

4. I'm telling you why: Higher Deductibles -- especially on
Homeowners. It used to be the standard to have a $250 deductible, but
now it pays to have a $1000 deductible (or higher). With the
increases in Homeowners’ premiums, it is not unusual to save hundreds
of dollars by upping your low deductible.

I love to talk about saving my clients money, so if you want to know
more about these subjects e-mail us or give us a call!

252 756-5200

Tips for Holiday Happiness

2010-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can’t find it any other time of the year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories. It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It’s a treat, enjoy it. Have one for me, in fact have two!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it! That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. While on the subject of mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim pass, why bother? That would be like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Hot Chocolate and candy canes are non-caloric through December 25^th.

6. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free and lots of it.

7.  Under no circumstance should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

8.  On the subject of desserts, normal stipulations to how many you can have are null and void this time of the year. Feel free to have one of each, if there is one you don’t like (mincemeat for example) this allows you to then have two of another item. Cookies are considered one item for the total, not each. Fruitcake is not a normal dessert, make your own decision.

9.  One final tip, if you are able to leave the party or get up from the table with out loosening your pants you have insulted you host and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Reread this list and get back to eating!