Newlywed Insurance Checklist
Wedding planning is behind you, and now you’re officially married. Congratulations! This new chapter likely includes moving into a shared space, planning for the future, and starting to build your life together.
One essential task during this exciting time is making sure you have the right insurance coverage in place to protect your shared belongings and new home.
As you combine your lives, it’s important to take some practical steps to ensure you’re covered where it matters most. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
- Covering your new home with homeowners insurance
- Combining auto policies for better rates
- Protecting valuable jewelry like wedding rings
At Insurance Doctor, we specialize in helping newlyweds find the best insurance options in Raleigh, no matter their budget or background. Whether you’re looking for affordable homeowners insurance or exploring car insurance bundles, we can help you protect what matters most.
Auto Insurance for Couples
If you’re a North Carolina resident, chances are you already have auto insurance. But after getting married, it’s worth reviewing your policy to see if adding your spouse makes sense. Whether you’re sharing vehicles or anticipate your spouse driving your car more often, combining your auto policies can simplify things and even save you money.
A joint policy often reduces overall costs—especially if one of you has a good driving record. Plus, many insurers recommend that all drivers in the same household are included on the same policy to avoid potential issues in case of an accident.
Insurance Doctor is here to help if you’ve had trouble finding affordable car insurance before. We work with multiple low-cost insurance providers to help you secure a policy that fits your needs and budget. Protecting each other is one of the most practical ways to start your marriage.
Insuring Your jewelry
Your engagement and wedding rings are more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry—they’re symbols of your love and commitment. Insuring them is an easy way to safeguard these meaningful items from life’s unexpected events.
Jewelry insurance can cover your rings in case they are stolen, lost, or damaged. Imagine misplacing your ring on your honeymoon or losing a precious stone. With the right coverage, you can quickly repair or replace it without added stress or out-of-pocket expenses.
Make sure this treasured part of your marriage is protected from day one by including jewelry insurance as part of your broader insurance plan.
Homeowners Insurance
Moving into your first home together is one of the most exciting steps in your marriage. Whether you’re renting or buying, you need coverage. It’s essential to have homeowners or renters insurance to protect your living space from unexpected events like fire, theft, or storms.
Homeowners insurance can help you repair or rebuild after disasters, ensuring your home and belongings are covered. Even if affording homeowners insurance feels overwhelming, Insurance Doctor works to find policies that are tailored to your budget. We specialize in securing the best deals on insurance for newlyweds, so you can focus on enjoying your new home without the financial stress.
Saving by Bundling
Bundling your home and car insurance can lead to significant savings and simplify your insurance management. Many insurance providers offer discounts for customers who choose to bundle multiple policies. This means that by insuring both your home and vehicle with the same company, you can benefit from lower premiums on both policies.
Additionally, bundling reduces the number of policies you need to keep track of, streamlining your insurance experience. You’ll have a single point of contact for questions or claims, making it easier to manage your coverage. This convenience, combined with potential savings, makes bundling an attractive option for couples starting their life together.
When exploring your options, be sure to ask about companies with bundling discounts and the specific coverage details for both home and auto insurance. With the right combination of policies, you can enjoy peace of mind while keeping your budget in check.
By tackling these insurance steps early in your marriage, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that you and your spouse are covered no matter what life throws your way. Contact Insurance Doctor today to find affordable insurance quotes in Raleigh and start your marriage on the right financial foot.
- Published in Uncategorized
Full-Time RV Living For Millennials & Gen Z
The appeal of life on the road has never been stronger, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. With remote work becoming more common and housing costs soaring, RV living offers an affordable and adventurous alternative to traditional living.
Insurance Doctor of North Carolina can help you find the best RV insurance rates for full-time RV living and ensure you get the best deal.
The Appeal of Full-Time RV Living
Remote Work Opportunities
Since the pandemic, remote working has become more popular than ever, opening up new possibilities for digital nomads. An RV allows you to live and work from anywhere in the country, making full-time RV living a practical and exciting option. Insurance Doctor of North Carolina helps you protect that lifestyle with the best RV insurance rates.
Adventure and Exploration
Millennials and Gen Z are rewriting the script, ditching the 9-5 office life, and turning the American Dream into a dream that’s filled with adventure. Full-time RVers see endless opportunities to explore new places, experience different cultures, and live life on their terms. We’ll help you compare RV insurance rates to keep your adventures affordable.
Housing Costs
Rental costs are skyrocketing everywhere, and many Millennials and Gen Zers are priced out of the housing market altogether. That’s one reason the full-time RV lifestyle has caught on for both generations. An RV lets you save money while still enjoying the independence of owning your own place.
Challenges of Living on the Road
Whether you’re a digital nomad or work camper or just pursuing an alternative to the high cost of sticks-and-bricks living, the full-time RV life offers many benefits. But it also comes with challenges, such as:
Adjusting to a Mobile Lifestyle
Living a fully mobile lifestyle will take some adjustment. Be prepared for trials like finding reliable internet for remote work and securing a safe spot for overnights or a longer-stay camp.
Maintenance and Repairs
Keeping an RV in good condition requires regular maintenance, but you’ll always encounter unexpected repairs. It’s essential to secure the best RV insurance rates to cover these costs.
Navigating Insurance Needs
An RV is a home on wheels, so it makes sense that you need specialized insurance coverage. Insurance Doctor can help compare RV insurance rates to find the best options for your budget.
No One Is Refused
At Insurance Doctor, we understand that everyone’s insurance needs are unique, and we’re here to help, even if you have a less-than-perfect record. We specialize in helping clients who need SR-22, FR-44, or FS-1 forms, ensuring that no one is refused the coverage they need for their RV lifestyle.
Don’t let a spotty driving record deter you from your RV dreams. We’ll help you get the best RV insurance rates, regardless of your driving record.
Call Insurance Doctor Today
Call Insurance Doctor of North Carolina or click below for your free quote and learn how we can help you secure the best RV insurance rates for your full-time RV lifestyle.
- Published in Uncategorized
Rising Insurance Rates in 2024
Similar to various industries, the auto insurance sector has been affected by the upward trend in inflation, influencing consumers’ financial plans. According to data from ValuePenguin in 2024, the average annual expense for full coverage car insurance is $1,984. While numerous states are seeing notable percentage hikes above the national average, others, such as North Carolina, are observing declines in percentage relative to the national average.
You might be curious about the underlying reasons behind these increases beyond economic inflation rates and how they will impact your future.
Costly Car Repairs & Insurance Claims
Severe Weather Damage
While we all enjoy the weather and coastal lifestyle of North Carolina, it comes with a downside of severe weather from storms and hurricanes. In 2023 the top contributors to vehicle damage claims were hail and flooding caused by these storms, affecting hundreds of thousands of cars in a single area. With the increased risk and unpredictable extreme weather occurring yearly, insurance companies are forced to increase their rates.
Increase in Electric Vehicles
As gas prices rise and the used car market stabilizes, consumer interest in electric vehicles has surged. While electric vehicles offer numerous benefits, such as environmental friendliness, they also come with drawbacks. Specifically, in 2024, insuring an electric vehicle costs an average of 23% more than insuring a gas-powered vehicle.
You might wonder why insuring electric vehicles comes at a higher cost. We’ve got the answer! Electric vehicles entail pricier repairs and replacements, primarily due to battery expenses and other high-cost components. Additionally, there’s a shortage of repair shops qualified to handle electric vehicles compared to traditional ones. Consequently, those with the expertise may charge more due to specialized training and demand.
Car Thefts
Over the last two years, car thefts have surged, particularly targeting vulnerable Kia and Hyundai models, which are easily stolen. These brands account for over half of car thefts in many areas, elevating the risk of insuring them and consequently raising monthly costs.
Additionally, catalytic converters have become prime targets for theft due to their high value and vulnerability. Made of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, their worth escalated during the pandemic due to supply chain disruptions.
How to Save Money On Auto Insurance in 2024
With over 30 years of expertise in sourcing the most affordable car insurance rates in Raleigh North Carolina and Virginia, we stand as your premier agents of choice. Regardless of your driving record or desire to maximize savings, we’re dedicated to assisting you every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.
- Published in Automobile Insurance
How exactly does the Insurance Doctor work?
No Waiting… No Hassles… No Red Tape…
In 14 minutes, we can save you up to 50% on car insurance.
Here is what you can expect when you work with The Insurance Doctor.
Step 1:
Get a quote. Not just one… we will shop 40 different insurance companies to find the best policy for you. And each one of those companies has flexible pay plans to fit your budget.
You can request your quotes online. Or, we can give you a quote by phone. Either way is shockingly fast. On average, it takes us 4 ½ minutes to provide quotes by phone… even faster if you request your quotes online.
Before you hang up, we will have found the best policy for you.
Step 2:
Get your policy. Most people do this in our office because it’s fast, and your signature is required. Plus, with offices in Woodbridge, Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News and Virginia Beach, as well as Charlottesville, Northern VA, Raleigh, NC and other areas, we’re nearby, too. When you arrive, your paperwork will be waiting for you. If you have an email address or a fax machine we can send you the paperwork electronically. We want to make insurance coverage as convenient for you as this. It is what we’ve been doing for over 25 years.
The average client is done with paperwork in 14 minutes.
You will leave our office with:
Your receipt
Your new policy number
Proof of your coverage
Your payment schedule
Your temporary insurance card (until yours arrives)
Literature on your insurance company with 24 hour claims information
I hear that with some companies, your insurance can be cancelled if you have just one claim. Is this true?
It’s very unlikely that your policy would be canceled after you file a single claim. However, filing a claim could increase your premium.
Your auto insurance premium will almost certainly increase after an accident – especially if you were at fault. Actuarial evidence shows that people who have had accidents in the past are more likely to have accidents again. There is a logical reason to charge you more for insurance coverage because of this increased probability of a future claim.
The next question is how much your premium will increase. This is harder to answer, because insurance companies often use different formulas to calculate rate increases. In most cases however, your policy will not be canceled. And because we represent more than one insurance company we can find a better fit for you and you stay with the same agency!
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized
What is an FS-1?
An FS-1 is a document required by the court in the state of North Carolina for persons convicted of certain traffic violations that demonstrates proof of financial responsibility. If you need one, we will assist you for FREE when you get your policy.
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized
Oh no!!! I forgot to pay my auto insurance premium last month. Will my policy be canceled?
Each state has its own rules governing the cancellation of automobile insurance policies. You should check Part F of your personal auto policy (PAP) regarding termination and cancellation conditions. This section will address when, how, and for what reasons coverage under your personal auto policy can be terminated. You should also check any applicable endorsements regarding cancellation.
If you fail to pay your premium on time, your insurance company has the right–after providing you with at least 10 days notice–to cancel the policy. The notice of cancellation, mailed to the named insured shown on the Declarations page of the policy, will inform you of the date and time the cancellation will take effect. Even if you’re only a day late with your premium payment, your state may allow your insurance company to cancel your insurance policy, and the company won’t necessarily reinstate you once it gets your money. Furthermore, once your policy has been canceled, you may find yourself paying more money for a comparable policy or having trouble finding insurance at all. For our clients, sometimes we can be of help in this situation by dealing with the insurance company for them.
That being said, some insurance companies will not immediately issue a cancellation notice. You may simply receive an overdue notice, asking you to pay the past-due premium plus a late fee. Other companies may state in the cancellation notice that if payment is received by your insurance agent prior to the effective cancellation date shown, your coverage will be considered “reinstated.” It may also be possible for you to reinstate coverage after the effective cancellation date by paying the overdue premium and perhaps an additional sum. (However, it is likely that you will not be covered for any accidents between the effective date of cancellation and the date of reinstatement.)
In any event, you must look to state law and your automobile insurance policy to learn whether your policy will be canceled. Feel free to call us to ask for assistance.
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized
Exactly what is an SR-22?
SR-22 is a document required by the court in the Commonwealth of Virginia for persons convicted of certain traffic violations that demonstrates proof of financial responsibility. If you need one, we will assist you for FREE when you get your policy.
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized
I’m about to marry someone with a bad driving record. Will my insurance premium go up?
So you are about to say I Do and you discover your fiancé has a poor driving record! Well expect it to affect your insurance premium after you get married. Your automobile insurance policy covers you, your spouse, any other named insured listed under the policy, and any licensed driver in your household. If any of those people have bad driving records, it will affect your rates.
Of course, insurers consider marital status when calculating risk, so the very act of tying the knot may improve your future spouse’s risk profile. But if their driving record is really bad, you may want to consider additional strategies related to carrier selection, adjusting deductibles, driving school, and other approaches to avoid a hike in your premium. We can provide you with specific advice in this regard.
What strategy will work for you depends on your circumstances. We can discuss all of your policy options with you and make recommendations.
- Published in Auto Insurance Premiums, Automobile Insurance, Insurance Doctor, Uncategorized