Statewide Insurance Group, Inc. » Office News

Season’s Greeting from Statewide Insurance

Benji Riggins — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:48:23 +0000

Wishing you and your

family a very

Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year!

Your friends at

Statewide Insurance

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT STATEWIDE INSURANCE

Benji Riggins — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:55:46 +0000

On October 3rd 1789 George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday declaring that “it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of God, to obey His will and to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

As our nation once again prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a great time to pause and count all the blessings and favor bestowed upon this great nation and its citizens.

We have so much to be grateful and thankful for.

Even during these challenging times, when we reflect how fortunate we are we quickly realize that our blessings far exceed any challenges we face.

On behalf of Statewide Insurance we wish you, your family and your business our very best.

Auto coverage changes

Benji Riggins — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:09:54 +0000

New and renewal policies effective on and after 1/1/2009, are subject to a new law that requires UM, uninsured motorist, coverage for policies with 30/60 BI, bodily injury, limits and combined UM/UIM, uninsured/underinsured motorist, coverage if the insured purchases BI limits in excess of 30/60BI.

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

NC Auto Insurance rate revision

Benji Riggins — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:52:15 +0000

New and renewal policies effective on and after 1/1/2009 are subject to the NC Rate Bureau (NCRB) rate level changes. The overall rate level change is +9.4% statewide. The increase will be held in escrow since the NCRB and NC Dept of Insurance disagreed on the amount and the final decision will be made in court.

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

Farmers shuts down Homeowners in NC

Benji Riggins — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:58:50 +0000

Effective December 1, 2008, Farmers will be non-renewing existing homeowners policies in North Carolina as well as no longer accepting new homeowners business starting September 15, 2008. This change will not effect any other lines of insurance Farmers currently writes in the state.

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

About Statewide Insurance

Benji Riggins — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:28:12 +0000

For those who may not know who we are, I’d like to take the time to introduce Statewide Insurance Group, Inc.

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

Welcome to the Statewide Insurance Blog!

Benji Riggins — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:06:59 +0000

I’m Benji Riggins, President and Agent for Statewide Insurance and I hope to provide a useful and informative resource for our customers, staff, and the general public. I will try to offer open and honest communication with regards to the insurance industry as well as our company specifically.

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