HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

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 fudge.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It’s rare… You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It will soon be Christmas!

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. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. 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. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is 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.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, please, have some standards!

10. One final tip: Wear sweatpants/loose fitting clothing. If you are leaving the party and you can walk without help from a construction forklift, “you haven’t been paying attention, people!” Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you and your

family a very

Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year!

Your friends at

Statewide Insurance

Basically this means the state is mandating insureds include uninsured or un/underinsured motorist protection on their auto insurance policies based on the amount of liability coverage they are insured for.

The uninsured motorist coverage provides protection for your injuries in an accident if someone hits you and doesn’t have insurance.  It also includes an amount for the damage to your vehicle subject to a $100.00 deductible. 

The un/underinsured motorist coverage includes the uninsured coverage but also provides coverage for your injuries if the at fault party has insurance but lower limits than you have on your coverage and your damages are in excess of the amounts their policy provides for.

With the current state of the economy, this is definately a good idea since more drivers on the road are without coverage due to their inability/desire to pay for coverage.

If you have any questions about this important and now required coverage, please contact Statewide Insurance.

Benji

It is important to note this is the average statewide and will be higher or lower depending on where you live, types of cars you drive, age, and driving record.

In Union and surrounding counties, I’m sorry to report, that among our multiple carriers I have seen along the lines of 15-25% increases.

Although an increase of this magnitude is hard to stomach with the economy in such dire straights, NC drivers need to remember that we had the 5th lowest auto insurance rates in the nation.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for a review of your current policy so we can look at options to help off set the increase you may face.

Benji Riggins

North Carolina offers three plans -Fair, Beach, and Coastal- for properties not acceptable in the standard market as a result of claims, credit, or condition issues.  If losses exceed the financial capability of the plans, insurers are assessed based on the percentage of homeowners business they have in the state.  The Beach/Coastal plans have been growing rapidly and are considerably under funded at this time.

Although I’m sure Farmers regrets having to non-renew homeowners customers, the current hurricane assessment process has forced them to make this difficult business decision.

Since Farmers decision, other carriers have followed their lead and either started the process of non-renewing exisiting customers or discontinued the writing of new business in North Carolina.

Although the foundation of insurance is the sharing of risk over a large group, I fear the residents of North Carolina not located on the coast are being or will soon be paying a premium for their home insurance that includes the risk only the coastal properties are faced with.

I encourage you to voice your opinion to the state legislature, as they will make the final decision on how this matter will eventually play out.

Benji Riggins

We are a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency with two locations in Union County, NC (Monroe and Indian Trail).  We have a staff of 7 licensed agents with over 100 years of experience providing North Carolina residents with peace of mind.  We specialize in home and auto coverage but also offer all lines of insurance including specialty vehicles, commercial, life, and health.

We represent some of the most respected insurance companies in the country including Met Life, Farmers, GMAC, Progressive, Lititz Mutual, and others.  Our ability to place your policies with multiple carriers enables us to provide you with options in coverages and price to assure you the best insurance value for your money.

We appreciate the opportunity our clients extend in allowing us to provide for their families financial security.

Thanks

Benji Riggins

Posts will include industry news, consumer and safety articles, helpful resources, inspirational thoughts and quotes, the occasional rant and/or rave and probably the kitchen sink.  Certain content pertaining to insurance policies may be specific to the state of North Carolina, but most information will be provided for the benefit of all.

If there is anything that needs to be addressed individually, please don’t hesitate a comment, question, or observation.

You can also check our contact us page or homesite and reach us directly by phone, email or drop by one of our locations.

Thank You for your business, interest and/or input.

Benji Riggins