The auto insurance industry is a fierce and competitive one, which is good news for you as a consumer - you can use this to your advantage. As you may know from experience, the cheapest of anything often isn’t the best, but sometimes there’s a bargain to be had! With car insurance, it’s always important to pay attention to the details of what is included in the policies being offered. By doing a little research, you should be able to find a good deal on car insurance, no matter your circumstances.

If you’re obtaining quotes online, pay attention and ensure that the details you enter for the free online quote are correct. Don’t lie about the specifics of your car to get a cheaper price. If you do end up lodging a claim and you did not provided correct information when taking out the policy, you may find that this impacts your claim.

Also, be sure to mention anything that could possibly reduce the risk of danger or damage to your vehicle to the insurer. For instance, if your vehicle is fitted with an immobiliser, an alarm, or other safety features, tell the insurance provider, as this could reduce the price of your policy. Inform the insurer if your car is kept off the road or in a garage, as the latter in particular can reduce your premium.

f you looking for cheaper car insurance, why not fill out our online form and obtain a quick quotation? If you want to discuss ways to reduce your premiums in North Carolina, contact the Paramount Insurance Agency. We can help you to analyse your circumstances and choose an appropriate level of coverage.

When renting an apartment, sometimes figuring out the uses of renter’s insurance can be complicated. Although a renter’s insurance policy often comes at a low cost to you that does not mean that the coverage is low. A common misconception of renters insurance, or any policy with a low rate for that matter, is that less cost to you means less coverage. This is absolutely not the case.

Renter’s insurance is inexpensive than homeowner’s insurance, for example, because there is typically less property and possessions to cover in a rental. There a lot more expenses that go into owning and maintaining a home, which is something one living in a rental property does not need to worry about. Since the owner of a rental property is responsible for keeping up with maintenance of a building, they have their own insurance policy. A renter only needs insurance for their personal possessions and property, what they have inside their apartments/rental property.

If something catastrophic, like a hurricane or fire, should happen to your apartment building, the only person responsible for your belongings is you. The owner of the building that your apartment is in will most likely have their own insurance policy to cover the damages to the actual structure, but they are in no way liable to cover damages to your personal property. Having a renter’s insurance policy will make sure that these things are protected.

Renters in North Carolina should contact Paramount Insurance Agency for more information on renter’s insurance and a free quote. Please visit our virtual insurance office (www.pianc.com) today!

Myths…urban legends…they exist in reference to almost anything. Things that may seem like common knowledge can actually turn out to be mystical. What do you have yourself believing in terms of car insurance? You’d be surprised at how many things you think are car insurance “facts” are actually false notions. Here are the 10 most “popular” myths about auto insurance:

1. If you’ve never been in an accident, you don’t need car insurance.
   No one is invincible; don’t make the mistake of thinking you can forever avoid an accident. Even if you are the perfect driver, not everyone on the road is as smart.



2. Personal auto insurance covers your vehicle and a business vehicle
   Your personal auto policy probably doesn’t cover a business vehicle. Although some policies can extend to business vehicles, you must make sure to check with your insurance provider before making this assumption. You should look into this especially if you have any employees driving your business vehicle as well.



3. You don’t need comprehensive auto coverage
   Many people make the mistake of thinking that comprehensive coverage on a car is a “perk,” or a policy for the “rich.” This is most definitely not the case; comprehensive coverage protects from more than you may know. This coverage is what protects you from loss due to theft, storms, fire, etc.



4. Credit scores do not affect insurance rates
   This is absolutely not true. Not only does your credit score matter, but so does your “payment history.” In other words, whether or not you can manage your bills and make payments on time is something that insurance agents will take into consideration when forming your policies.



5. Males under the age of 25 pay the most on auto insurance
   This is both accurate and not. Males under the age of 25 do pay more than females under the age of 25, but in general, teenage drivers and senior citizens pay the MOST for auto coverage.



6. As long as you pay your current month’s premiums, your new car is automatically covered.
   This may seem like a no brainer, but a common misconception is that if one pays their insurance bill in a current month, then the car they’ve just purchased is covered. Although an insurance agency most likely won’t charge you twice in one month (for the old and new vehicle), they do need to know within a certain number of days of a new vehicle purchase, usually according to state laws.



7. The government sets insurance rates
   For the most part, the government has so say on insurance rates. State government does regulate the rates of insurance, but this is mostly to provide a cap, not to overcharge people. States can decide what they will and won’t let insurance providers do in terms of rates.



8. You don’t have to pay for an accident if a friend is driving your vehicle.
   No one is responsible for costs to your vehicle but YOU! Even if you are not in your vehicle while a friend is driving it, if an accident occurs, you are the only one liable for the car. Your insurance rates, claims records, etc. will be affected, not your friend.



9. Car color affects insurance rates.
   In fact, the color of your car is one of the only physical attributes of your car that does not affect your rates. Your vehicles make, year, body type, engine size, and model are the characteristics of your car that affects insurance rates.



10. When you have no-fault insurance, it means there is NO affect to your insurance policy.
    When you have no-fault insurance, this simply means that your insurance provider will cover you in an incident involving your vehicle no matter who is at fault. However, this does not mean that your rates and policy will not be affected should something occur that is not your fault.

If you live in North Carolina and find yourself with questions about auto insurance, contact the Paramount Insurance Agency today! We are an independent insurance agency that understands the needs of those in North Carolina and have enough experience to provide you with any information you may need on car insurance. For a free quote and more information, please visit our virtual insurance office at www.pianc.com and contact us today!

Due to the current state of the economy, many people are finding themselves cutting costs. Unfortunately, some are skimping on insurance coverage to save a few pennies. Although cutting costs is becoming an increasingly important practice, you do not want to cut back so much on your insurance lines that you are no longer properly protected. Here are some ways you can save on your health insurance policies, whether you provide your own coverage or you receive coverage from your employer.

1. Practice Healthy Habits
   This seems like a no-brainer, but most people don’t understand the impact that their unhealthy lifestyle can have on the rates of their health insurance. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and quitting unhealthy habits like smoking can significantly reduce health insurance rates. Not only are these things good for your health, but great for your wallet.
2. Shop Around!
   This is an extremely important practice when it comes to any kind of insurance. Even if your employer provides health insurance, it may not be the best quality policy or the best price for you. Doing research can save you time and money.
3. Always check your medical bills
   Don’t assume that your medical bills are accurate. Make sure you check the services listed on your bills, the amounts, and the dates on your statements. Mishaps do happen, so you should double check and make sure you are charged for the correct services at the right rates.
4. Join your spouse’s health plan
   Having a joint health care plan with a spouse can save you a ton of money without having to cut the amount of coverage you have. Most insurance providers will allow you up to 30 days after you get married to add a spouse to your health insurance.
5. Ask about discounts!
   Just because your insurance provider doesn’t offer you discounts on your health insurance policy, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Some companies provide discounts for non-smokers, prove of participation in an exercise program, etc.

Health insurance is arguably one of the most important personal insurance lines one can purchase. It is a very smart idea to look into your current policy and make sure you are getting enough coverage at the best possible rate. It is possible to get affordable health insurance, but sometimes you have to search a little harder for it than others.

Those in North Carolina should contact that Paramount Insurance Agency for a free quote on a new health insurance policy. You can visit our virtual insurance agency at www.pianc.com or call us toll free at 800.781.8129.

Buying your first home is a milestone and you should rush through purchasing a homeowner’s insurance policy. You should look for an insurance agency that is locally based and specializes in providing policies to those in your area. Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t just cover your actual home. Here are the 3 basic protections that are included in most homeowner’s insurance lines:

1. The Structure of Your Home
   Usually your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover any damage that causes loss to you and your property. Most policies will protect your home from damage costs from lightning, fire, theft, vandalism, smoke, etc. Some things, like windstorms, earthquakes, and floods, may require additional supplemental policies to your homeowner’s line. The size and value of your property, home, and belongings will determine the amount of coverage you should purchase.
2. Your Personal Property
   Your personal possessions and property are protected under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Although it is definitely a tedious and time consuming task, homeowner’s should keep an inventory of all of their possessions, noting serial numbers, dates of purchase, costs, etc. Doing this and keeping it up to date can save you a lot of time and aggravation should you need to file a claim with your insurance agency.
3. Liability
   Your homeowner’s policy will protect you from the cost of liability claims as well. Should something happen to someone, for example an injury, on your property, the liability coverage within your homeowner’s policy can take care of medical costs. If someone should sue you, for a claim involving your home, your homeowner’s insurance can cover these liability costs as well.

Those in North Carolina, especially those in High Point, Greensboro, and Burlington, should contact the Paramount Insurance Agency for a free quote on your new homeowner’s insurance policy. We have plenty of policy options for your North Carolina home and we will work with you until we develop a policy that best fits your needs and protects your assets.

Unfortunately, young drivers are statistically the most dangerous drivers on the road. Many young people don’t respect the laws of the street or the fellow drivers around them. Also, a lot of teenagers have an attitude of “nothing will happen to me.” This is obviously false. Teenage drivers represent the highest risk segment of the population and are involved in more serious and fatal accidents than anyone else.

Student drivers can add anywhere from 50 to 100 percent of the family’s auto insurance policy. There are ways to reduce this coverage but it’s impossible to avoid it all together. A student’s good grades and driver education classes can reduce your current auto costs. Also, choosing a certain vehicle over another will greatly reduce your costs. For example, many cars are a much higher risk for young people to drive and therefore cost a lot more to insure. Choose wisely.

If your child attends a college that is far from home and doesn’t have driving privileges, tell your insurance company. You can save money on the family auto insurance plan while he or she is not driving.

Paramount Insurance knows that auto insurance is expensive. We will shop the top carriers in the country to find you an affordable insurance plan that you can rely on.

Receiving a driver’s license is one of those memorable milestones we hit in life. It is part of the initiation into adulthood; a rite of passage. It is an exciting time for a teenager, but the financial repercussions surrounding this initiation can be devastating. Paramount Insurance will help you plan for a new driver auto insurance policy that won’t break your bank account.

Although you may be eager to give them all the responsibilities that come with being a new driver, it is generally cheaper to add your child to your existing auto insurance policy, rather than having them purchase their own. If your teenager is going to be driving their own car, insuring it through your insurance company will lower their cost, and could give you a multi-policy discount.

Saving money on your auto insurance doesn’t just stop at multi-policy discounts. Your teenager can also affect their insurance prices by choosing their car carefully- as the type of car a teenager chooses can play a big role in their insurance costs. You and your teenager should choose a car that is easy to drive and would offer protection in the event of a crash. In addition to a sound car choice, you can decrease auto insurance costs if your child brings in good grades. Many companies will give discounts for getting at least a “B” average in school and for taking drivers education classes and driving lessons. You can also save if your teenager leaves their car behind when they leave for college. A discount can be given to reflect the time that your child is not home to drive their car.

Teen Auto Insurance is an absolute necessity for first time drivers. A comprehensive policy could protect you in the event of an auto accident. Paramount Insurance Agency has agents that are dedicated to providing you with the best, most affordable Auto Coverage for your new driver.

As Valentine's Day approaches, many husbands and fathers have decided that a great way to say "I love you" to their families is to show them they care by making sure their futures are secure during these difficult times. They're doing this by purchasing or updating their life insurance policies to make sure that their families' lifestyles will be maintained once they themselves have passed on.

Some might find this to be a sort of "downer" Valentine's Day gift; but they will appreciate it later in life. Instead of focusing on wants, those who are purchasing life insurance are focusing on needs.

Frank Picosa of Greensboro plans on purchasing a reasonably-priced box of chocolates for his wife and children, along with the life insurance policy. "The kids probably won't understand it until later," he explains, "but when they do realize what it means, they'll see how I'm looking out for them." 

Several of Mr. Picosa's co-workers are following suit, like Darrell Brown, who doesn't have children yet but decided to get an early start on investing in life insurance. "Two years ago, I surprised my wife with a diamond for Valentine's Day, and last year I spoiled her again," he says. "But with the economy the way it is now, I decided that a better way to show her I care would be to say ‘I'm going to look out for your future.' "

For more information on life insurance, contact us today! We're Paramount Insurance, an independent agency in High Point, North Carolina.

AskMen.com recently named their Top 10 Off Road Vehicles. All-wheel drive, ground clearance, and duality factor into their  decisions, as well as the vehicle having to "strike a balance of competence on less than ideal terrain, yet still offer creature comforts."

Here are their Top 10:

#10 - Ford Expedition
Giant, but loaded with torque.  

#9 - Subaru Forester
Once seen as awkward, this third-generation model has a classic but vague look.

#8 - Volvo XC70
Features more room, more agreeable looks, and more power.

#7 - Nissan Xterra
"Everything you need, and nothing you don't," Nissan insists. The base Xterra X still offers you a six-speed manual, and manual locks and windows.

#6 - VW Touareg 2 V10 TDI
Features a full 553 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm and also includes comprehensive programs and settings like the standard multi-mode air suspension.  With the Load setting, it squats for 6.3 inches of ground clearance.

#5 - Hummer H2
The 2008 model year has given us the first significant redesign since the H2's introduction: a 6.2-liter V8, new six-speed automatic, and new safety features.

#4 - Toyota FJ Cruiser
FJ was built to be the best Toyota for off-roading, and that hasn't changed for 2008, its second model year.  It does what you ask of it off-road and it gets you back home without compressing your tailbone.

#3 - Land Rover LR3
The LR3 offers better appointments than some luxury cars, and there's the standard 4.4-liter V8 and the seemingly endless bounty of driving aids.

#2 - Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class is a V8-only luxury off-roader. As far as the G appears to have wandered from its utilitarian roots, you can still navigate grades up to 36 degrees in this beast. 

#1 - Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
This four-door Wrangler answers the need for buyers who desire the legendary Jeep character and capability, but need more people room and cargo space than the standard two-door model can muster. A longer wheelbase, shorter overall length, and noticeable widening, and two extra doors improve an already great off-roader.

For more information on off road vehicles and off road vehicle insurance, contact us today! We're Paramount Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in High Point, North Carolina.

You may be worried about your teenager’s safety now that they’ve started driving. Even if your child is extremely careful, it’s normal to be concerned. After all, cars can be dangerous and your teenager is just learning. However, instead of being afraid to let them drive on their own, just go over safe driving practices daily with them and make sure they’re totally clear on the importance of responsibility that comes with driving.

Make sure that your teen understands the following:

• Cell phone and driving together are not safe.

• If you have a daughter, stress the danger of applying makeup or nail polish while driving. And whether you have a son or a daughter, explain the danger in eating while driving as well.

• Teenagers are full of energy and get excited while driving. In the case of passengers, make sure your teen knows it’s okay to ask their friends to calm down if they’re becoming too distracting. If it’s your teenager themselves, explain the potential danger of acting reckless while driving a car.

• Make sure your teenager has a pair of sunglasses. Sunlight which is too bright has accounted for many accidents.

• Many teenagers aren’t experienced with knowing when their gas tank will be drained completely. Make sure they know to go ahead and fill it up when the car alerts them to; they shouldn’t try to “push” it or they may get stranded.

• It’s important that your teenager knows not to “stuff” the car – kids love piling in and going places together, but they should only have as many passengers as there are seat belts.

• Does your teenager know exactly what to do when driving in rough weather? If not, inform them.

• Warn your teenager to not drive if they’re upset. This may sound silly, but teenagers get very emotional and that could be dangerous while driving. If they absolutely must get out of an area while very upset, tell them to drive a short distance away, calm down, and then keep driving once they feel ready.

• Warn them about speeding and racing. Make sure they know that it’s not worth it to get into an accident.

• Stress the importance of wearing a seat belt. This goes for their passengers as well.

Don’t forget to inform your teen driver of the basic common sense rules, such as leaving valuables in full view inside the car and parking in fire zones. Good driving technique begins with driver’s ed, but it’s up to you to make sure your teen driver follows through.

Want more information on teen driver insurance and safety? Contact us today! We’re the Paramount Insurance Agency, based in High Point, North Carolina.