Author: AgentInsure

Buying a New Motorcycle? Avoid These Common Mistakes

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Before shopping for a motorcycle in Myrtle Beach, SC, it’s important to research your options. You may have one model in mind only to discover it’s way beyond your budget or doesn’t really meet your riding needs. These tips from Benefit Insurance Services can help you avoid common mistakes in buying the bike of your dreams.

Buying Beyond Your Skill

Some motorcycle models are more powerful than others, requiring greater riding abilities and skill. A powerful bike can be unsafe for an inexperienced rider, putting him or her at greater risk of accidents. When shopping for a motorcycle, it’s important to stick with models you can manage, taking into consideration your motorcycle training, experience, and skill.

Breaking the Bank for the Bike of Your Dreams

It’s easy to get carried away when buying a motorcycle and choose a model that’s way beyond your financial means. You can avoid paying too much by shopping around and seeing what various motorcycle dealers in Myrtle Beach, SC have to offer. Then sit down, review your budget, and choose a bike that’s within your financial means. Keep in mind that pricier bikes are also more costly to insure, putting an additional burden on your budget.

Buying the Wrong Type of Bike  

Before buying a bike, consider how it will be used. If you’re looking for a motorcycle to commute to school or work to save on fuel costs, you’re not going to choose a costly sportbike. By looking for a bike that’s appealing and manageable, reasonably priced, and suited to your lifestyle, you’ll have a quality product you can enjoy for years to come.

Once you’ve purchased your ideal motorcycle, you’ll need motorcycle insurance. At Benefit Insurance Services, we offer motorcycle coverage for all bikes and lifestyles. Contact us for all your motorcycle insurance needs.

Explaining collision and comprehensive auto coverage

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Do you ever get tired of trying to understand insurance terms? So many terms so little time !! Some terms are obvious like liability and collision but what exactly is comprehensive. It sounds like it would a total insurance policy that would cover everything. That may be what it sounds like but that definition doesn’t fit at all. The dedicated staff at Benefit Insurance Services in Myrtle Beach, SC does understand all the insurance terms that refer to auto insurance coverage and they will be happy to make sure that you do too. 

Collision 

Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle in the event of an accident with another vehicle or something like a telephone pole or tree where you are deemed to be at fault or partially at fault. The insurance company determines the value of your vehicle and most policies have a deductible so that amount will be deducted from any amount that is paid to you. This is good coverage to have if your vehicle is relatively new and you would have a hard time paying for a repair or replacement on your own. 

Comprehensive 

Comprehensive coverage is a little more complex. It is often referred to as "non-collision " coverage. It covers things beyond your control. That is a valid description of the coverage except in the event a deer or other large animal decides to either run into your car or cut in front of your car, this is the type of coverage that pays for it. Other scenarios it covers are weather events like high winds or hail, theft or vandalism, and flooding. Glass coverage is also part of comprehensive coverage. 

When you are ready to look for auto insurance or to change carriers at Benefit Insurance Services in Myrtle Beach, SC we are ready to help out. Give our office a call for a no-obligation quote. 

Why Flood Insurance Is A Valuable Asset

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Located in Myrtle Beach, SC, Benefit Insurance Services is an independent agency. We offer different insurance policies to residents throughout South Carolina. We are committed to helping our clients find the coverage that will allow them to live less stressful lives.

Why Flood Insurance Is A Valuable Asset

Benefit Insurance Services is aware of the importance of flood insurance. The Southern region of the United States often plays host to intense storms and in some cases, severe natural disasters. As a result, flooding is a common occurrence in the area. During those times, many homeowners are startled to learn that their homes are not covered against the damage that occurs to their property. That’s why Benefit Insurance Services recommends that all of our clients purchase flood insurance. Here are a few reasons why flood insurance is beneficial.

Ensures That The Property Is Protected

Flooding can potentially cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a home. Relying on Federal Emergency Management Agency aid may not be enough. Homeowners can purchase a flood insurance policy and feel secure knowing that their property is protected.

It’s Affordable

For most homeowners, purchasing a flood insurance policy is affordable. Homeowners can protect their property as well as their families at an affordable cost.

Flood Insurance Can Raise Property Values

While homeowners who stay in high-risk areas may be required to purchase flood insurance, those who stay outside of those areas but still take the initiative to purchase coverage will see the value of their property increase. Interested buyers will take note that the homeowner truly cares about the appearance of the home.

Contact Benefit Insurance Services

Here at Benefit Insurance Services, our goal is to make sure that our clients in Myrtle Beach, SC are covered regardless of the situation, especially during a catastrophe such as flooding. Go to our website to learn how we’ll help take care of you.

3 Ways to Protect Your New Condo

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Once you’ve finalized the purchase of your new condo in Myrtle Beach, SC, you’ll want to take measures to make it a safe and secure place in which to live. The following tips from Benefit Insurance Services provide greater insight into how you can improve the safety and security of your new abode:

Invest in a “Home” Security System

Home security systems work just as well in condos as they do in single-family homes. For optimal protection, consider a system that includes an alarm, security cameras, and motion sensors for your windows and doors. If your condo had a previous owner, have a locksmith change the locks on your doors as a precaution against intruders entering your condo when you’re not home.

Install Exterior Lighting 

Install motion sensor lighting around the exterior of your condo to deter would-be burglars from targeting your unit. If your unit is located in a high-rise building, make sure your hallways and stairwells are well lit at night for greater safety and security. You should also petition your association to have security lights installed at the main door.

Purchase Condo Insurance

Purchase condo insurance to protect your unit and belongings. Your association’s master policy only protects your building and common areas, not individual units. A standard condo policy offers dwelling, property, and liability coverage.  

Dwelling insurance covers the interior of your condo (ceiling, walls, floors, and built-in structures) against fire, water damage from faulty plumbing, storm damage, lightning strikes, and other mishaps that can cause financial loss. You also have the option of purchasing property insurance to protect your belongings and liability coverage to protect you against accidental injuries that may occur while someone is visiting your condo. 

For more information about condo insurance in Myrtle Beach, SC, contact your Benefit Insurance Services agent today.

When should you get a health insurance policy?

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The health sector across the globe is in the limelight, and Myrtle Beach, SC is no exception. Let’s face it, health insurance is not cheap, and that is why many people still go without it. Millennials are the least concerned about health insurance as they regard themselves as "healthy". However, a healthy state is a productive state. If you haven’t bought health insurance, you may want to speak to our insurance agents at Benefit Insurance Services, and we will help secure a policy for you. So, when is it appropriate to purchase health insurance? Read on to find out.

If you had an accident

The worst part about accidents is that they can never be underestimated. Whether it is a road accident or a home accident that happened while you were repairing your roof, medical emergencies can be quite expensive. The bills can quickly turn into millions depending on the fatality of the accident.

If you have a pregnant wife or young children

 Having a family means having health insurance that protects every member of the family.  Young children require excellent medical care to ensure that they grow well, both physically and mentally. If you have a pregnant wife, you want to ensure that you are financially prepared to handle all the medical bills that could crop up during pregnancy and birth.

If you have a serious illness

If you discover that you have a serious illness, the first positive step to take is to buy a health insurance policy to help with medical bills. Some diseases can be quite expensive to treat, as doctors have to use specialized equipment and skills to achieve positive results. Additionally, think about the time when you will need to be admitted or laid up in the hospital. That means lost income, and without health insurance, you may find it challenging to pay for healthcare.

Feel free to visit Benefit Insurance Services serving Myrtle Beach, SC for more information or policy discussions.

Why do i need renters insurance?

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Almost every individual dreams of owning their own home someday. This may take a while to achieve and we, therefore, spend a good part of our lives renting houses. It is essential that we protect our belongings from calamities such as theft, fire, or damage while living in rental houses. If you are living in Myrtle Beach, SC, a good place to start would be buying a renters insurance.

What is renter’s insurance?

This is a policy designed to protect renters living in an apartment or rented house and their belongings. The policy covers you against financial liability that you are likely to incur in case of unexpected events or natural courses. These include fire, theft, electrical faults, volcanic eruptions among others. At Benefit Insurance Services, our agents will guide you in identifying areas of concern about the particular property you are living in. Be sure to disclose essential household items that should be captured in your policy.

Types of protection

  • Personal possessions

Your personal belongings are protected against fire, smoke, explosion, and other disasters. To decide how much insurance to buy, come up with the value of your personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and even bedding. Most insurance companies in Myrtle Beach, SC do not cover liabilities as a result of flooding. Kindly discuss this with our agents at  Benefit Insurance Services for an additional cover if you live in an area affected by floods.

  • Liability

A standard renters insurance will provide you with protection against lawsuits for bodily or property damage caused by you or your loved one. Damages caused by your pets are equally covered in case of a lawsuit. This policy also provides a no-fault medical cover. Where a person is injured within your premises, their medical expenses are catered for.

Kindly call Benefit Insurance Services agents or visit our website for further information on the renter’s insurance policy.

Choosing a Beneficiary for Your Life Insurance Policy

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Planning for the end of life is no easy task, but it can go considerably more smoothly once you have a good beneficiary in mind. To clarify, your beneficiary is the person (or group or entity) who will be receiving the payout from your life insurance policy. 

Sometimes it can be tough knowing who to select as a beneficiary, but at Benefit Insurance Services we’re here to help. We connect people all across the Myrtle Beach, SC area and beyond with quality life insurance policies to provide some comfort in life’s most difficult moments. 

And when it comes to beneficiaries, we’ve seen it all.  Now, most people choose a close family member (such as a spouse, child or even sibling) as their beneficiary, but things aren’t always so cut and dry. If you’re having difficulty deciding who your beneficiary should be, here are some points you should be thinking about: 

  • Find out if there are any restrictions that may prevent all of the money going to the person or entity you choose. 
  • Who will need financial support once you are gone? 
  • Who will respect your final wishes? 
  • If you have children, consider establishing trust so they can receive a gradual, more restricted payout that will still take care of their needs. 
  • If you don’t want to choose a person, is there a charity or other group you care deeply about that could benefit? 

Now, it’s worth pointing out that if no beneficiary is named or your beneficiary is deceased (a good reason to regularly review your policy and update it as needed), your life insurance payout will become part of your estate. It will then be distributed with your assets according to your will, or if there is no valid will, the state will evaluate your assets and most likely give it to your closest living relative. 

So needless to say, you’ll want to choose a beneficiary ahead of time if you don’t want that to happen. You should also name a contingent (a backup) beneficiary just in case. 

Whether you’re ready to take the next step and secure a good life insurance policy or you simply want to change the beneficiary on an existing policy, give us a call or come visit the Benefit Insurance Services offices in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

What Types of Businesses Need Commercial Insurance?

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If you have a business, or you’re thinking about starting one up, one of your biggest questions might be whether you need a commercial insurance policy. Most businesses should have this type of policy to protect themselves and their employees and customers. But there are also some types of businesses that really don’t need a policy. At Benefit Insurance Services, we can give you the answers you’re looking for when it comes to insurance policies for your business needs. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, we’re here to help you find the policy you need so you can get back to focusing on running your business.

Generally speaking, most home-based businesses that are operated online don’t need an insurance policy. That’s because they don’t have a separate location or customers coming through the door. But if you work out of your home and clients visit you, asking about a commercial policy can be the right thing to do. Your liability issues may be different at that point, and that means you need someone to advise you on the right course of action to protect your interests and your clients, as well. For companies that have a separate location (not a home), commercial policies are almost always necessary.

The type of policy, what it covers, and the level of coverage can all be different based on the kind and size of the business and plenty of other factors. With that in mind, Benefit Insurance Services can help you get the protection your business needs. We’re happy to help all of our Myrtle Beach, SC clients get the coverage they want and deserve. Peace of mind comes with a good commercial insurance policy, and we’re here to make sure you can get the policy that’s right for you.

How much home insurance do you need in South Carolina?

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The median home price for homes in Myrtle Beach, SC was just under $170,000 last year. Single-family property values are expected to rise throughout the cities as more individuals choose to live along the coast in South Carolina. So many new residents coming to the city may cause you to wonder about your home insurance policy. Is your plan enough to cover the unexpected? How much home insurance do you really need? The agents at Benefit Insurance Services can help you answer these questions and more. 

How does your home’s value impact your home insurance?

The value of your home works hand-in-hand with your insurance policy. Some indemnity providers commit to replacing your home according to its market value if it is a total loss in an incident. You stand to benefit if your home’s value is higher than what you paid when you purchased the property. On the other hand, you stand to lose money if your home’s value is less than what you paid for the property. 

It is a good idea to remain up-to-date on your home’s value so that you are not caught off-guard if your residence is destroyed. A simple search on a real estate site can give you a basic knowledge about median home values in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

How much home insurance do you need?

You certainly want to purchase enough home insurance to cover the cost of relocation should your home be destroyed. It is typically a good idea to search the database of median home values and purchase an indemnity policy accordingly. 

Your insurance policy should also cover your possessions inside the home. It may be a good idea to pay more to cover your antiques rather than rely on a standard policy, which may not give you the full value for such goods. 

The agents at Benefit Insurance Services can help you create the home insurance plan that works well with your finances. Call them today to schedule a consultation and to request a quote!

The basics of purchasing auto insurance in South Carolina

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As a driver in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, it is critical to know which auto coverages are required by law in South Carolina. It is also essential to understand that the required coverage may not be enough in case of an accident, and there may be other coverages that will be beneficial to you. The agents at Benefit Insurance Services are available to help you put together a comprehensive auto coverage policy. 

What are the auto insurance requirements in South Carolina? 

In South Carolina, all drivers are required to carry the following types of coverage and limits. 

Auto Liability and Property Damage 

  • $25,000 for one person for bodily injury or death as a result of an accident caused by the insured driver.
  • $50,000 for the total liability for injury or death from an accident caused by the insured driver. 
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage caused by the insured driver.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In addition to the coverage listed above, you will need to carry identical limits for Uninsured Motorist coverage. Uninsured Motorist coverage will protect you and the passengers of your car, in the event, you are in an accident with a driver who does not carry insurance. 

As you can imagine, if you are in a severe accident, it would be effortless to go through the required insurance limits, and then you would be on the hook financially for the remaining bill. It is crucial to speak with your insurance agent to discuss purchasing a policy over the required state limits. 

Collision Coverage 

None of the coverages required by the state cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car. Collision coverage will cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident. Collision coverage is critical if you own an expensive luxury vehicle. 

If you would like to learn more about putting together a comprehensive auto policy, reach out to an agent at Benefit Insurance Services today. We proudly serve the Myrtle Beach, SC area.