Strengthening Coastal Insurance: The Huneycutt Group and Pleasure Island Insurance Unite!

With a rich history spanning over four decades in the North Carolina coastal region, THG Insurance agency has evolved into a trusted name. Originating in the Outer Banks and specializing in coastal insurance products, the agency’s journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and independence. Now, with a strategic acquisition that brings Pleasure Island Insurance into the fold, THG Insurance’s capabilities are set to soar to new heights!

Pleasure Island Insurance brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that complements THG Insurance’s existing expertise. As an independent agency, THG Insurance takes pride in collaborating with multiple carriers to offer clients enhanced coverage opportunities. This new joining of forces will significantly amplify our business potential, giving us a competitive edge in the industry.

Chad Huneycutt, President and CEO, emphasized the positive impact of this acquisition on customer experience. With two locations now at our disposal, the agency is poised to provide even better service, faster response times, and stronger relationships with carriers. Ultimately, these improvements translate into tangible benefits for clients and their insurance needs.

The core philosophy of THG Insurance revolves around diligently tailoring insurance benefits to match individual requirements, ensuring that clients receive precisely what they need. This approach enhances security and empowers individuals to live fully in the present, knowing that their future is secure.

This new partnership with Pleasure Island Insurance brings expanded capabilities to The Huneycutt Group, and also reaffirms their commitment to “Protect What Matters Most” within our community. The shared goal is to nurture a successful and mutually beneficial partnership that furthers the mission of safeguarding people’s cherished assets and well-being.

The acquisition of Pleasure Island Insurance is a giant leap forward, a testament to THG Insurance’s hunger for progress and dedication to impeccable service. As this new venture unfolds, THG Insurance extends gratitude to Pleasure Island Insurance for joining their team and are looking forward to a prosperous journey ahead. Join us in our pursuit of excellence in the insurance landscape, where protection and community take center stage! To explore more about our offerings and expertise, contact us today. 

Knowing Who You Serve – Interview With Chad Huneycutt

While the dream of coastal living most often involves pristine beaches and glorious waves, actually living here is a little more complex. The same climates that sculpt those beautiful coastlines also brew devastating hurricanes, creating unique needs for homeowners, especially when it comes to insurance. 

Chad Huneycutt, Insurance Agent and owner of The Huneycutt Group, has been helping coastal Carolinians protect their most valuable assets from homes to boats and RVs for decades. Today we sat down with Chad to discuss how he and The Huneycutt Group uniquely serve the Cape Fear Region–by knowing who they serve: 

• What common misunderstandings have you encountered with coastal homeowners when they are selecting an insurance agency? 

Homeowners are very concerned with competitive, affordable rates for insurance–which is crucial. However, this concern can sometimes overshadow their awareness of differences in coverage details and how there might be gaps. It’s important to have insurance that covers everything you need for coastal climates and to compare rates between equivalent plans.

• Wouldn’t a big-box insurance agency provide more options? Why should I work with a boutique, especially if I live in the Cape Fear Region? 

Living so close to the water brings unique challenges such as adverse weather, wind, and a hurricane season that lasts from June to November. You want to work with someone who knows the Carolina coastline, and knows what it’s like to live in coastal Carolina.

In a crisis, you’ll be waiting in line at a big box insurance agency. Our boutique experience allows for a more individualized experience that gets you the attention that you deserve

• Then what makes The Huneycutt Group different from other boutiques?

Simply put, we care the most and the longest. The Huneycutt Group offers clients 40 years’ worth of experience combined with a more personalized experience that focuses on giving people the specialized attention they deserve. Our agency is very responsive to our client’s needs and allows you to speak with someone who actually cares.

• What are you most proud of in your business?

Our solid support structure for our clients: we have built an experienced, cohesive group of team members to serve our clients. Each agent is well-versed in their field and works well with one another to help provide their clients with the most comprehensive support.

• What’s the most special part of working with a family-owned insurance company?

Because we are family owned and operated, we are down to earth and build deep relationships with our clients. We’re here for you when you need our support, but we aren’t just “foul weather” friends. The Huneycutt Group will have your back long after the storm moves on.

What to Expect If Your Home Has Been Damaged by a Named Storm

You breathe a sigh of relief everytime hurricane season passes without a hitch. But sometimes the storms don’t stay away. If your home is damaged in a named storm, we’re here to help guide you through the process. Here’s what you should expect if you need to file a claim. 

Know Your Policy

Even before hurricane season, it’s important to know what your insurance plan covers and your deductible. In a hurricane prone area, most insurance deductibles are percentage based. So, if your 400,000 home is insured for hurricanes with a 2% deductible, you will pay $8,000 out of pocket. Reach out to your insurance agent to review your plan at any time. 

When to File a Claim

Contact your agent as soon as possible. Some insurance policies require claims to be filed within 60 days of the incident. This is the first step in the process to repair your home and get back to your life. Even if the damages seem minimal, it’s still worth making a claim, because there may be more damage than meets the eye. 

What Information Does an Insurance Company or Agent need? 

When you contact your agent, it’s helpful to have a few things already on hand. Make sure you have the name of your insurance company, your policy number, and your contact information. You will also give the agent a brief description of what happened and the extent of the damage. You will eventually need to take a full inventory of damages with photo or video documentation.

Wind or Flooding? 

It is also helpful to know which policy will cover your damages. Flood insurance policies only cover physical damage from flooding: overflowing bodies of water or flash floods from rain. Wind-driven rain and other damages may be covered under your homeowners policy or wind policy. 

File for Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

Some homeowner policies include provisions to cover additional living expenses if the extent of the damages causes you to be temporarily displaced from your home. ALE covers the difference between what you would normally spend during this period of time in your own home and the additional costs incurred by displacement. 

Document the Damage

Take photographs or video of the inside and outside of your home. Make a list of all damaged items and structures. Make sure to get photo or video of each item on the list and record the following:

• Description and # of the item. 
• Brand name (if any).
• Where item was purchased.
• Cost, model, and serial number (if you have them). 
• Location of item in your home. 
• Your estimate of the loss amount. 

Make sure to check with your agent about disposal of damaged items to prevent the spread of mold during the assessment process. Should you separate them outside or dispose of them? Additionally, if you need to contract services to protect your home from further damage, contact your insurer to determine whether it is covered in your policy. 

Working with Adjusters

After your initial contact with the agent, an adjuster will reach out to you and set a time to visit the property to measure and document flood damage. The adjuster will let you know if additional visits are required. 

Using the information collected from the visit as well as the documentation you provide, the adjuster will complete a detailed estimate of damage. You can use this estimate to get bids from licensed professional contractors. 

We’ve Got Your Back

While the road ahead may seem challenging, The Huneycutt Group has been protecting our coastal community for over 15 years. We’re here for you every step of the way. Please get in touch. 

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season in Coastal North Carolina 

Hurricane season in North Carolina runs from June 1st through November 30th. Most homeowners in Coastal North Carolina are familiar with the general havoc and property damage that hurricanes and tropical storms wreak. Before and during the early stages of hurricane season, it is crucial for homeowners to be proactive to mitigate damage to their home and get the best help if something goes wrong. 

Prevent Hurricane Damage

Preparing your home for hurricane season is the first step in minimizing property damage. High speed winds, heavy rain, flooding, and outages are all potential sources of property damage from hurricanes. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 in repairs, not to mention all that can be done quickly, for free: 

1. Clear your yard and prune your trees. While it may seem hefty, with hurricane speed winds, your favorite grill could become a dangerous projectile, hurtling straight for your house. Be sure to move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter. Eliminate natural projectiles by keeping trees and shrubbery well pruned. Also check storm drains and gutters to make sure they are free of yard waste to prevent flooding. 

2. Protect windows, doors, and roof. Don’t leave your home vulnerable to projectiles or high winds. Cover windows with plywood storm shutters. Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least one inch long. Secure your roof with hurricane straps and ties or clips. 

3. Prepare for outages. You can pretty much assume that a hurricane means a power outage, and, with some bad luck, even loss of water. Keep bottled water on hand and ahead of a storm, fill up tubs or other containers with water for bathing. Consider purchasing a generator–even a small one just to power essentials such as your fridge. 

Peace of Mind During Hurricane Season 

Even with the best mitigation, you may still face hurricane damages. Insurance can be complicated for hurricane season and when you need to file claims, the first steps you take can impact the overall claim experience.

1. Know who to call. It is important to know how to get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance company if you have a claim. Make sure to have the updated contact information for your carrier and agent on hand before a storm. It is highly recommended to keep a digital and printed copy of your policies and agent contact information.

2. Understand your deductible. In a hurricane prone area, most insurance deductibles are percentage based which could leave you paying a lot out of pocket. For example, if your 400,000 home is insured for hurricanes with a 2% deductible, you end up having to pay $8,000 out of pocket. 

3. Know your coverage. It’s also important to know exactly what your insurance policy covers before a storm hits. Reach out to your insurance agent well in advance to ask any questions, review your coverage, and go over what to do if you were to experience damage. 

Ultimately, one of the best ways to have peace of mind during hurricane season is a comprehensive insurance policy that addresses all aspects of hurricane damage (with a reasonable deduction). The Huneycutt Group has the experience and knowledge to provide you the best help during hurricane season. For more information, contact us today. 

Are You Covered? What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

An automobile is an expensive asset used in daily life, and there are a lot of auto insurance policies out there to help you protect it. Regardless of the type of vehicle you purchase, it’s important to know how auto insurance works.

Auto Insurance: Required by Law

According to a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, in 2019 up to 13% of drivers were uninsured. The state of North Carolina is clear-cut and dry regarding auto insurance; if you live here, it is required by law to have it. The exact terminology is known as a continuous liability insurance policy. Failure to procure this can result in fines and other forms of legal action, such as the forceful revocation of your license plate. Insurance companies are also required to report drivers who fail to abide by these laws and policies. 

Out-of-state policies are not accepted as a substitute. In short, without auto insurance, you’re risking legal ramifications and the well-being of other drivers on the road. At the very least, it’s negligent and reckless. 

But what sort of insurance policy should you purchase to cover your vehicle? And what should you expect?

Know Your Coverage: What’s Included in North Carolina Auto Insurance

When purchasing an auto insurance policy, it’s necessary to know what it covers. You don’t want to be saddled with a policy that doesn’t apply to your situation or vehicle. Each of the following policies is important in helping you protect yourself, vehicle, passengers, and other drivers. Accidents can happen at any time, but with the right plan, you’ll be better prepared.

The following are typical components of basic auto insurance:

1. Coverage For Accident Accountability

You are required by law in North Carolina to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage, or accident accountability. This type of coverage includes two different sub-policies such as one for bodily injury and another for property damage. Both are intended to protect the lives and property of other drivers.

2. Coverage for Drivers with Minimal or No Insurance

While it’s lawful for a driver in North Carolina to have insurance, you still run the chance of being hit by someone that has no insurance at all or has insurance that just isn’t enough to take care of all costs. This is where Underinsured Motorists Coverage can step in to lighten the financial load.

3. Comprehensive For Non-Collision Incidents

Out of all the different policies filed under basic auto insurance, this is one of the most popular. In the United States, 78% of insured drivers usually choose to buy this style of coverage in addition to Liability Coverage. Officially known as “Comprehensive Coverage,” these policies deal with replacing or repairing a vehicle that is damaged in a non-collision incident.

4. Collision Incident Coverage

This policy is straightforward; If you get into a collision with another driver or hit hard objects in a collision, it helps you cover the cost of any procured damages.

5. Coverage For Medical Care

In the case of any physical injury to you, your passengers, and other drivers in an automotive accident, coverage for medical payments can help associated costs. This can include physical therapy, surgery, and other medical procedures.

What Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover

The point of auto insurance is to give you peace of mind when you’re on the road, rather than be a burden. Just as it’s important to know what is included in a basic auto insurance policy, it is equally vital to know what it doesn’t include. You don’t want any unexpected twists when you least expect them.

Auto Insurance does not cover you in the following instances:

• Damage due to normal wear and tear
• Intentional damage
• Damage due to another reckless driver in control of your vehicle
• Personal property stored inside the vehicle that might be stolen
• Added modifications
• Getting in an accident while driving a vehicle not registered to you
• Rental car reimbursements
• Damage due to natural disasters

Each of these has its reason for not being fully covered by automotive insurance. For example, items or modifications to your car would be considered personal property. Natural disasters like hurricanes would be considered weather conditions where it’s up to the owner to protect their asset. Just because your policy says you have “full coverage,” doesn’t always mean you’ll be protected in every scenario. It’s critical for you as a driver to know what you’re getting into before purchasing.

The Huneycutt Group Insurance Can Help

Choosing the right auto insurance policy takes knowledge and guidance. The Huneycutt Group is one agency you can depend on to help you decide on the right course of action. We know that auto insurance must be customized to fit your individual needs and work with you to make sure your assets are properly protected. Our team also specializes in auto insurance for Motorcycles and R/Vs too! Regardless of if it’s on the phone or face-to-face, we will take care of you.

Purchasing Power: Do You Need Boating Insurance Before You Buy One?

Purchasing a Boat? Start Thinking About Insurance

If you live in a coastal environment, chances are you might be thinking of buying a boat. Purchasing boating insurance is not quite the same as purchasing automotive insurance, and maritime regulations vary depending on where you live. For someone in the Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach locales, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before purchasing a boat. 

Hard Facts: North Carolina Boating Laws

Contrary to belief, the state of North Carolina does not require boater’s insurance for purchase. The only states that require boating insurance to purchase are Utah and Arkansas. For aspiring boat owners living on the Carolina coast, that might seem like a sigh of relief. But it’s still a wise choice to have some sort of insurance. Marinas and privately owned docks will require you to have some sort of liability coverage to moor your boat with them. 

Basic boating insurance covers two primary aspects of boat ownership: bodily injury and watercraft property damage. Property coverage does what you would expect it to, protecting your boat from theft or damage due to an accident. Bodily injury protects you and your passengers from physical harm that may come from boat usage.

Don’t Let Figures Anchor You Down

Cost can be a primary reason why you might not consider purchasing boater insurance, especially if it isn’t required. But boating insurance does not have to break the bank, and often ranges anywhere from $200 to $500 per year according to sources like Forbes Advisor. Other sources such as Ramsey Solutions include that boat insurance costs one to five percent of a boat’s value. You might pay $2,500 a year to insure a $100,000 yacht, for example. Typically, this amount increases the more coverage you purchase. Factors that would increase costs include:

• Value of the boat
• The boat’s length, age, and classification category
• Engine type
• Placement of anchorage
• Location of boat use
• Boating experience of the owner
• Owner’s past insurance claims

Knowing policy price is important because an owner should be educated on what they need and what can be omitted. Buying a boat doesn’t have to equal a financial burden. Do your homework and ensure your insurance suits your needs.

Do I Need Boat Insurance? The Bottom Line

While some states require boating insurance for purchase, North Carolina is not one of them. However, there are plenty of reasons why having coverage is important, such as:

• Investment protection
• Protecting yourself and your passengers
• Cost effective
• Total loss replacement
• Environmental protection

There are a lot of important reasons to purchase boat insurance. In 2019 alone, Ramsey Solutions reported that $55 million in property damage was caused by boating accidents. Anything can happen out on the water and being prepared or covered properly can give you peace of mind while enjoying your boat. If you’re a fan of personal small watercraft, kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats, home insurance typically covers these. This coverage also includes boats that have low-horsepower engines, such as Jon Boats. For anything greater than that, you run the risk of being held liable in an accident. 

Boater’s insurance also covers named storms like hurricanes unless stated otherwise in your purchased policy. It’s important to note that boat insurance will also cover any damage to your trailer during transport, but not damages to another driver’s vehicle. A boat that’s in storage for the off-season is also still at risk for accident. Therefore, boat insurance is still needed even if your vessel is stored away for winter. Overall, the greatest determining factor here is safety, and what the boat owner is willing to risk.

The Huneycutt Group Insurance Agency Makes Protecting Your Boat Easy

It’s important to have the right team to help you make the right decisions. The Huneycutt Group has been assisting boat owners in the Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington locales for over 40 years. As a family-driven agency, they insure all types of vessels from yachts to speedboats. Regardless of if you prefer to text, phone call, or face to face meetings, you can count on our team to take care of you. For more information regarding boat insurance, contact us today.

Inside and Out: Insuring Your Home and Your Assets

One thing a homeowner shouldn’t underestimate is the importance of good coverage, or rather, the right coverage when you need it most. It’s important to protect what you have with the right insurance plan. Protecting the physical structure of your home is not the same as guarding the valuables inside of it. That’s why home insurance is split into three pieces of coverage: Dwelling Coverage, Personal Property Coverage, and Personal Liability. The two most important are Dwelling Coverage and Personal Property Coverage.

Don’t Dwell on Being Unprotected:

Dwelling Coverage covers the physical parts of your home. It covers items like walls, floors, built-in appliances, ceilings, and structures attached to your home. Basic hazards like fire, hail, smoke, vandalism, and theft are also covered under dwelling insurance.

But as with any policy, it’s important to know what Dwelling Coverage does NOT cover. If you have structures on your property that are not attached to your home, such as a shed, Dwelling Coverage will not insure it.

Dwelling Coverage can help you rebuild your home in case of a total loss, depending on the limit of your policy. Be it damage due to adverse weather or otherwise, Dwelling Coverage makes sure the physical parts of your home that can be replaced, repaired, or rebuilt are covered.

Take Your Protection Personally:

Personal Property Coverage is the part of home insurance policies that cover your actual personal belongings. Such items include clothing, furniture, and electronics that could be lost in a worst-case scenario. It’s important to be prepared for tragic and unexpected events, where valuable, material assets can be lost or damaged.

Most typical types of home insurance include Personal Property Coverage. There are also two types of Personal Property Coverage: replacement cost and actual cash value for homeowner compensation.

In the case something valuable is lost, the replacement cost policy typically pays the dollar amount of what it would take to replace an item. Cash value policies determine value by taking the actual cost of your belongings and automatically factor in depreciation over time. Even Personal Property Coverage has limits however and may not always replace the full value of an item. Jewelry for example, while technically considered personal property, requires a separate policy of protection.

You may have invested a lot in your belongings. It’s important to protect these items so that they can be replaced if they are ever lost in a tragic event or accident.

The Bottom Line

It’s important to have clear communications with a credible agency that can provide you with the right coverage for your situation. Dwelling Coverage and Personal Property Coverage are two important halves of a whole, and your home isn’t truly protected without either. With all the moving parts in the real estate and insurance industry, it helps to have experts there to cut through the excess and tell you exactly what you need to know. The Huneycutt Group has the experience to protect your assets and give you the peace of mind you deserve. For more information regarding your home insurance, contact us today.