Author: AgentInsure

Types of Condo Insurance

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If you own a condo in Myrtle Beach, SC, getting condo insurance should be your next step. From protecting your property against damage to covering you when you get liability claims, these are just some benefits you can expect from condo insurance. Where to start, however, may be a problem if you are a new policy seeker. Benefit Insurance Services can help with this, with the following guide coming in handy for residents looking for condo insurance types.

Building Property Coverage

Building property coverage protects the interior of your condo against disasters such as fire, vandalism, and theft. Among the items protected by this coverage include permanent fixtures such as interior walls, sinks, floors, and cabinets. Depending on the extent of damage, building property coverage will help you take care of the costs of replacing or repairing these items.

Liability Coverage

Lawsuits can occur at any time, with the most common incidences being when a guest gets injured while visiting your condo or their property gets destroyed. Liability insurance covers liability claims arising from such instances and will take care of your legal expenses, medical costs, and repair or replacement costs.

Contents Coverage

When hazards such as storms, theft, and fires cause damage to your property, contents coverage will take care of your repair and replacement expenses. Among the items catered for by this policy include clothing, furniture, and electronics.

Loss of Use Coverage

If your condo becomes uninhabitable due to damage from covered perils, loss of use coverage provides compensation for your additional living expenses. This includes the cost of accommodation, your meals and travel costs.

Loss of Assessment Coverage

Communal living spaces can also get destroyed when disasters strike, a factor that will require your Master’s Policy to cater to the repair expenses. Where the costs exceed the Master’s Policy, condo owners are often required to contribute to the difference. Loss of assessment coverage comes in handy here, providing coverage for such costs.

If you are looking for condo insurance within Myrtle Beach, SC to protect your property, get in touch with Benefit Insurance Services today. Our agents will take you through our coverage options and help you get a tailored policy.

Do I Need Flood Insurance If Not In A High-Risk Flood Area?

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In South Carolina, storms and hurricanes are common, putting the residents at the risk of flood damage. Given the immutable fact that flood damage is real, getting the right flood insurance protects your business and home from flood damage. 

If you are new to flood insurance, it can be challenging to understand the nitty-gritty. Thankfully, when you partner with Benefit Insurance Services, serving Myrtle Beach, SC and its environs, understanding insurance can be made easy. 

Why do I need flood insurance?

Did you know that for a 30-year home, damage from floods is likely to strike more than fire damage within that period? It only takes a few inches of water to put your structure and the contents inside at risk of damage. For this reason, you need flood insurance to protect your home from heavy rains, hurricanes, and tropical storms in South Carolina. 

Do I need flood insurance if in a low-risk flood area?

The simple answer is yes. Because you don’t live along the coastline or near a water body, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned with flooding. Flood damage can affect anyone. In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 25 percent of the flood insurance claims are from people living in low to moderate flood risk areas!

By you carrying home insurance, it doesn’t mean you are protected from flood damage. Home insurance protects you from numerous risks like fire, lightning, windstorms, hails, and many more, but it excludes flood and earthquake damage. As such, you need a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home or business. 

Flood insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC

As seen, you don’t have to live in a flood plain area for you to carry flood insurance — flood damage can strike anywhere. If you are looking for an agent to talk about your flood insurance needs, you have a partner to provide you with all your flood insurance needs in Benefit Insurance Services. Contact us today!

How renters insurance protects your personal belongings

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How Renters’ Insurance Protects Your Personal Belongings

Renters insurance was particularly designed to protect your personal belongings from loss, damage, or liability for third-party injuries in your rental home. While it’s not always mandatory in Myrtle Beach, SC, renters’ insurance is a critical policy to have as a tenant. Remember your landlord’s policy only covers the building and not your personal belongings.

If you are looking to buy renters insurance to protect your valuables, Benefit Insurance Services can help you find coverage that matches your needs.

Protects Your Valuables From Theft

Your personal property coverage in renters’ insurance helps pay to replace the stolen items. However, it’s essential to keep an updated inventory for easier reimbursement. Additionally, you need to make sure that your coverage equals the value of your possessions. Property coverage is typically subjected to deductibles, which means you would have to pay a specific amount of money towards the covered item replacement or repair before your insurer pays for the loss.

Provides Protection When You Travel

Renters insurance not only protects your personal belongings at your rented apartment but also when you travel. If you travel a lot and take part of your possessions with you, renters insurance provides limited coverage based on the agreed limits. Check with your insurance provider for details on what is covered and what is not.

Additional Living Expenses

Suppose your Myrtle Beach, SC home becomes unlivable due to fire damage or any other peril. In that case, renters insurance can help settle you in a convenient location where you can live a normal life like going to work or school and having access to other amenities. If you choose to live in a hotel, your insurance company may compensate you for the additional costs incurred during the stay. The amount may vary based on your policy limits.

Renters insurance is an essential policy for every tenant. If you haven’t bought yours yet, our insurance experts at Benefit Insurance Services are ready to provide advice and guide you through the process so you make an informed decision. Call us today!

Health Insurance Can Provide Peace of Mind

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There are many ways to improve your peace of mind, and one of those ways is through health insurance. Good health is a precious commodity, and being able to handle any health issues without putting your family and assets at risk also matters. With the right insurance policy, you’ll be more likely to have that opportunity. At Benefit Insurance Services, we want all of our Myrtle Beach, SC area customers to get the support and guidance they need to make wise insurance choices. We’re here to help answer your questions, so you can choose a policy that meets your needs.

The level of security that comes with good insurance is easier to attain when you work with trusted professionals who care about your policy and coverage needs. Whether you’re trying to protect your health so you can keep doing the things you love, or you’re more focused on caring for your family if you experience a medical event, the right policy could make all the difference. Trusted insurance agents who can give you the information you need are important, so you have a policy you can rely on and feel good about.

If you’re in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, come see us today at Benefit Insurance Services. We’ll be here to give you information and help you choose the right health insurance policy. Then you can get back to living your life and doing all the fun things you want to do, without worries about proper insurance coverage. Not only will you feel more comfortable, but your family could also have additional peace of mind knowing that they’re better protected, as well. Taking care of your health is important, and a big part of that is ensuring that you have coverage to protect you if a medical issue happens. We can help with that.

Life Insurance Options in Myrtle Beach, SC

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If you want to know more about life insurance and all of the options that are available to you in Myrtle Beach, SC, you should consider working with a firm such as Benefit Insurance Services.

There are a few different options that you have in terms of life insurance in the state of South Carolina. Some of the main ones are as follows:

  • Term life insurance. If you purchase one of these policies, you will purchase it for a particular time frame. Typically, this is going to be 10, 20, or 30 years. Once this term is over, the policy will no longer be effective. Typically, this is the option that will cost the least amount of money.
  • Whole life insurance. Whole life insurance will never expire. Given that you are still paying your premiums, your policy will be effective. Your payment will be rolled into investments and accumulate equity so that you will be able to cash out the policy when you need to do so. It is also going to be an option to save your equity and use it as a payout for all of your loved ones in the event of your death. The payoff of this type of life insurance is more certain, even if it costs more money than does term life insurance.
  • Universal life insurance. If you had universal life insurance, you will have a fairly flexible policy that combines the advantages of term and whole life insurance policies. Similar to whole life insurance, it will accumulate cash value, and you will be able to take out loans that go against your equity. You could also use your accumulated earnings to cover premium costs if you need to do so.

If you are interested in obtaining life insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC, you should contact the professionals at Benefit Insurance Services. These individuals will be able to answer many questions that you might have and potentially help you figure out which life insurance policy is the best one for you.

Why South Carolina Business Owners Should Consider The Benefits Of Workers Compensation

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Based in Myrtle Beach, SC, Benefit Insurance Services helps the local community find coverage. We offer our clients multiple types of policies so that they will be protected regardless of the circumstances that may arise. We proudly serve as an independent insurance agency.

Why Business Owners Should Explore The Benefits Of Workers Compensation

Operating a business is a major investment that takes a lot of commitment and dedication. As a Myrtle Beach, SC business owner, you face a lot of responsibilities operating your business on a day-to-day basis. Commercial insurance is an asset. The coverage helps alleviate some of the stress that you may feel by protecting your business if your property is damaged or destroyed. Another important part of your commercial insurance policy is workers compensation. Workers compensation allows you to take care of your employees while protecting your business. Here is a closer look at the benefits of workers compensation.

Covers Your Employees

Workers compensation covers your employees if they are injured on the job. The policy also takes care of their treatment and rehabilitation, which prevents you from having to deal with a potential liability dispute.

Enhances The Reputation Of Your Business

Adding workers compensation shows that you care about your employees and you value their contributions. This can help your business improve its customer retention rate and help you attract the top talent in the industry.

Covers Disability

If one of your employees suffers a serious injury, workers compensation covers them if they become disabled. You can opt to provide temporary or permanent coverage to your employees. This allows you to help make the best out of a terrible situation.

Benefit Insurance Services Will Help You Protects Your Assets  

Visit our website today to learn more information about commercial insurance.

Types of Home Insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC

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If you live in Myrtle Beach, SC, and are interested in learning more about home insurance, you should see what the professionals at Benefit Insurance Services can do for you.

There are eight main policy types when it comes to home insurance. HO-1 is the most limited and basic type of policy, typically meant for single-family homes but not very common nowadays; HO-2 is more common and a little bit of an upgrade from HO-1. HO-3 provides even broader coverage and is the most common type of homeowners insurance policy. HO-4 is for people who are renting, HO-5 is the most comprehensive type, HO-6 is for condo owners, HO-7 is for the owners of mobile or manufactured homes, and HO-8 is a special type of insurance for homes that do not meet standards for other policy forms.

In South Carolina, hurricanes and tropical storms are fairly common. Homeowner’s insurance typically includes damage from these sorts of winds. It will often also protect your home from damage caused by hail, which is good in South Carolina because hail storms are fairly common. There may be special stipulations regarding hail in regions within South Carolina where hail storms are particularly common. Usually, hail will be named along with fire, wind, theft, and other potential causes of damage that may be listed within your home insurance policy.

However, you should be aware that flood damage is not necessarily going to be covered. You might need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy if this is your concern. You can do this through the National Flood Insurance Program or through a private seller if this is possible in your area.

If you live in Myrtle Beach, SC, and are interested in learning about the types of home insurance options that are available to you, you should contact the professionals at Benefit Insurance Services and see what they can do for you. 

What auto insurance is required in South Carolina?

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South Carolina is not one of the biggest stats but it is one of the prettiest. From the beaches in the east to the mountains in the west, the Palmetto State is a great place to live and drive. Like most states, (only New Hampshire doesn’t require auto insurance) South Carolina has basic auto insurance requirements. In Myrtle Beach, SC, Benefit Insurance Services is your local independent agency. We will help you to make sure you are in compliance with auto insurance mandates. 

If you are going to be driving in South Carolina, you are required to have liability insurance. You must have 25/5/25 coverage. That translates to $25,000 bodily injury for one person hurt in an accident with a maximum of $50,000 for any single accident. The final $25,000 is for property damage. This is the bare minimum you can carry to stay in compliance with the law. It doesn’t mean it is the amount of coverage you should have. 

If you cancel your coverage or allow it to lapse, the South Carolina Motor Vehicle Department will be notified. You will receive a letter giving you 20 days to reinstate coverage. If they do not get the required coverage your license plate, vehicle registration, and your driving privilege will all be suspended. It may cost you up to $400 to get them reinstated. If you are actually caught driving without insurance you will need to pay a $550 fine.

If you have an auto loan or a lease, you will be required to have comprehensive and collision coverage. These two types of coverage protect the vehicle you are driving. Since the lender or lessor has a vested interest in your vehicle they want it protected. 

If you live in Myrtle Beach, SC call Benefit Insurance Services if you are looking for auto insurance. We will make sure you have exactly the insurance you need. 

What You Need To Know About Comprehensive Car Insurance

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Some people may have a misunderstanding of what comprehensive auto insurance is. The word comprehensive, meaning “ complete” or “full,”  may suggest that the policy is all-inclusive; it offers full coverage for everything. Of course, it covers certain events, but they must be out of your control. You cannot control these incidents because they’re unpredictable.

Our comprehensive car insurance at Benefit Insurance Services will cover damages to your car due to external incidents out of your control. We’re here to protect your vehicle from unforeseen things like car theft. Other unexpected occurrences that can damage your vehicle include:

  • Earthquakes
  • Collision with animals
  • Falling objects
  • Hurricanes or tornadoes, hail, floods, or lighting from thunderstorms
  • Vandalism or civil unrest, violent demonstrations

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause massive damage to your car. For this reason, comprehensive auto insurance is ideal for providing cover for injuries.

Theft

If your car is stolen, comprehensive coverage will foot the bill to replace the vehicle.

Collision with animals

As you’re driving in the countryside in Myrtle Beach, SC, you may hit a deer, or it may strike you, or your car may be damaged extensively due to collision with animals. When this occurs, we’ll ensure that our comprehensive insurance provides cover for the injuries.

Violent demonstrations

During a violent demonstration, someone may smash your car windows or cause heavy damage. If you’ve got comprehensive insurance, you can get coverage for the incident.

Natural disasters

Hurricanes and tornadoes are common in South Carolina, and so it’s a good idea to have comprehensive auto insurance. 

While comprehensive insurance covers external events out of your control that damage your vehicle, there are certain situations, you’ll need extra coverage. It’s because full coverage car insurance is also known as other-than-collision coverage. It means that if you ram into a traffic light because you wanted to avoid hitting a deer, for example, a comprehensive policy won’t cover you. You’ll need collision insurance. 

Interested in knowing more about comprehensive car insurance and other policies? Contact Benefit Insurance Services in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Do You Really Need Motorcycle Insurance?

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Along with greater freedom on the road, motorcycles come with a greater risk of injuries or property damage in the event of an accident. That’s why it’s imperative to have motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle coverage from Benefit Insurance Services offers protection against accidental injuries, property damage, theft, vandalism, breakdowns, and more. Here’s how motorcycle coverage works to protect you against accidents.

Motorcycle Insurance Options in Myrtle Beach, SC

Motorcycle policies offer diverse coverage options to suit the needs of different types of riders. These options include:

Collision coverage – to cover damage to your bike if you crash into another vehicle, a tree, wall, telephone pole, or another stationary object

Comprehensive coverage – to compensate you for motorcycle theft or damage to your bike from non-collision causes like severe weather, vandalism, or falling objects

Uninsured motorist coverage – to cover repairs to your motorcycle if you’re hit by an uninsured or hit and run driver

Medical payments coverage – to cover your medical expenses if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident

Importance of Motorcycle Coverage

If you love to take road trips or travel long distances for business purposes, motorcycle coverage is even more important due to the risks of highway accidents. Motorcycle accidents can be much more severe than vehicle accidents as you’re more exposed to injuries and the elements. The right insurance coverage can save you thousands of dollars or more in medical or property damage expenses in the event of an accident. Unless you have the funds to pay for these costs out of pocket, you’d do well to protect yourself with quality motorcycle insurance coverage.

Where to Obtain Motorcycle Insurance

If you’re in the market for motorcycle insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC, you’ll find just what you need at Benefit Insurance Services. Call or visit us today for all your vehicle insurance needs.