D is for Deductible

October 9, 2012

One of the most common questions we are asked in the office is what deductible should I choose? Before we address that question, let’s start with square one – what is a deductible? A deductible is simply the amount of money you will pay prior to the insurance carrier paying the remainder of the claim. For example, if you choose a $1,000 deductible on your homeowner’s policy, you are responsible for the first $1,000 and then the insurance pays the remainder of the claim, up to either the policy maximum or loss amount.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, on to question #2. What deductible should I choose? Honestly, it depends on your budget. Since you are responsible for whatever amount you choose prior to the claim being paid, you will want to make sure you can afford that amount. Keeping with the example above, if you can afford to pay the first $1,000 of a claim, then that is a fine option for you. If you can’t afford the amount of your deductible, then I would recommend you lower it. While you pay a little more each month for a lower deductible, you don’t have as much out of pocket expense if a claim occurs.

Just like all other insurance questions, ask your agent or send us a note, and we’ll gladly address it. Be educated! Know your coverage!

Katy Ringeman

203 N Main St.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
Email: Ringemm1@nationwide.com
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C is for Comprehensive vs. Collision

October 4, 2012

I started my career in insurance as a claims adjuster in 2003. I specialized in business and auto insurance claims. As an adjuster, I realized just how many people had no clue what the 2 c’s cover. In today’s blog, I’m going to break it down in simple, easy-to-understand language, just like how we explain it to our clients daily. comprehensive auto insurance in kernersville nc

Comprehensive is also referred to as “other than collision”. From the coverage stand-point, it covers a variety of losses. For example, theft, vandalism, malicious mischief, glass breakage, falling objects and animal collision are all considered comprehensive claims. This time of year in NC, we see an increase in comprehensive claims from vehicles hitting deer. With the increase of wildlife on the roadways, be safe out there especially in the early hours but also double check your insurance coverage!

Collision covers the literal meaning of the word – contact with an object whether or not it is in motion. For example, being in an auto accident with another vehicle, a tree, or a house would all be considered collision. A not as commonly thought of example of collision coverage is a shopping cart rolling into your vehicle at the supermarket (or during the holiday shopping frenzy!).

Many times, people carry different deductibles on comprehensive and collision. Why, you ask? Stay tuned for our next blog “D” is for “Deductible” to find out why and what it means!

Katy Ringeman

203 N. Main St.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
Ringemm1@nationwide.com
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“B” is for Business

September 20, 2012

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. From retail to restaurants to home-based business, all have 1 big thing in common – the need for insurance.

In 2008, our Winston-Salem office was hit by a vehicle. Like any loss, it was devastating, but it also provided us with an opportunity to see our policy in action. I’ve highlighted a few of the coverages that made a big difference for us and our ability to get back to operating like normal quickly:

Business Personal Property

Our office had significant damage from the vehicle hitting it. The upholstered chairs had shards stuck in them; the desks were obliterated; the filing cabinets were strewn pieces of metal rather than cabinets. Our business personal property coverage replaced all these items and restored our office to its original condition.

Business Income & Extra Expense Coverage

Our office was deemed uninhabitable until structural repairs were made. During that period of time, our office had to move to another location. The business income & extra expense coverage helped us continue operations.

Building Glass Damage

Many leases require the tenant to cover damage to the windows. When the vehicle hit the building, the front windows were replaced by our insurance policy rather than the landlord’s. If we had not endorsed our policy to cover glass breakage, we would have been out of pocket this additional expense.

Claims happen every day. Each one is unique. Your policy should be equally unique. Protect yourself and your business by reading your policy and more importantly understanding your policy. Need help with either part? Now that’s easy…call us for a complimentary review and in-depth explanation.

Stay tuned for our next blog. “C” is for Comprehensive vs. Collision!

Katy Ringeman

Ringeman Insurance Agency
203 N. Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
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A is for Auto (Insurance!)

September 5, 2012

What do a Mitsubishi Lancer, Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge Charger, and Cadillac Escalade have in common? From 2008-2010, they were involved in the highest number of auto accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS ranks vehicles based on accident statistics and provides valuable consumer information about the safety of each vehicle – from front, side or back impacts along with roof strength. From the insurance carrier perspective, this valuable information is used when determining the premium for each vehicle along with requested coverage for a client.

Automobile coverage is broken into 2 main categories – first party and third party. A first party claim is simply a claim presented against a policyholder’s own insurance policy whereas a third party claim is a claim presented against another person’s insurance policy for damage or injury for which he is responsible.

When purchasing auto insurance in North Carolina, the law requires only that you purchase third party coverage – ie: property damage and bodily injury – to be allowed to drive on the roads and keep your tags. This is to protect other drivers and property owners in case you are responsible for an accident. It’s important, however, to think about what you truly need – whether it’s coverage for your vehicle in case of a tree falling on it or coverage for medical bills that accrue in an accident. These coverages are not required by law but are equally important to your financial future. As an insurance professional, this is my job: to inform you on what is and is not covered, options, endorsements, and everything in between.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series! “B” is for Business!

Katy Ringeman

203 North Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
Fax. 336.992.0991
Email: Ringemm1@nationwide.com
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The A, B, C’s of Insurance

September 4, 2012

“A, B, C! Simple as 1, 2, 3!” Ok, so truthfully, it’s not! Like life, insurance can be complicated! I’ve been reading a book to Lillie on A, B, C’s, and it got me thinking…Can insurance be explained as A, B, C’s?

This series, The ABCs of Insurance, is an overview of topics we discuss daily with clients. I hope you find it educational and useful! If you have a topic you’d like me to cover specifically, send me a note! I’d love to address your question!

Katy Ringeman

203 North Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
Email. Ringemm1@nationwide.com
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A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned…

August 28, 2012

We were honored to write a blog for Moo-la Saving Mom last month on budgeting and insurance. Here’s a copy of the blog and tips on being a savvy insurance consumer.

I grew up being taught the adage “a penny saved is a penny earned”. I am an avid couponer and definitely love a good deal. I am also a firm believer, though, that you pay for what you get. After all, when I go to Wal-Mart, I don’t expect Saks quality and likewise, when I go to Saks, I don’t expect Wal-Mart prices. The world of insurance is no different, but there are ways to save your green while protecting your gold.

First of all, get to know your agent. Your agent can help you the most when she knows who you are, what you care about, and what you need to protect. It’s all about relationship! Your agent can help you decide if you need certain coverage or if you can forgo it. No two people are the same – everyone has different needs based on stage of life.

Secondly, think about what is important to you. If you don’t care about replacing your jalopy if it’s in an accident, your agent can advise you on what you do (or don’t!) need to carry. Of course, the less coverage you carry, the less your premium is monthly.

Lastly, think about your budget. Maybe you can’t afford to pay a full year in advance, but you can afford the monthly payment. Ask what payment options and discounts are available.

Bottom line – for me, it’s a value proposition. Call your agent, ask for an insurance review, and together, figure out a way to protect yourself, your family, and your lifestyle while staying above the red.

Katy Ringeman

203 N. Main St.
Kernersville, NC 27284
Tel. 336.992.2221
Email: Ringemm1@nationwide.com 
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Google Places Optimization for Local Businesses

August 13, 2012

In a world populated by smartphones, iPads and other tablets, the competition is heating up to attract consumers who are looking for local businesses “on the go”.

There are multitudes of online directories which feed into many search engines. However, Google Places reigns as the most important directory listing of them all. Google Places enables businesses to set up, claim and update their own listings within the #1 search engine. Your Google Places listing and its maintenance is of utmost importance. Otherwise, you run the risk of mobile customers being unable to find you! Therefore, we’ve compiled this list of suggestions to make it easier for you to maintain your business’s Google Places profiles.:

Claim your listing!
If you haven’t already done so, create a Google Account, login, go to the Google Places listing for your business and claim it. If one does not yet exist, you can create it. This guide will help. Populate all applicable fields with information, such as business description, categories and hours of operation. Including as much information as possible in your local profiles will improve the chances of your business locations’ appearing in the results of relevant search. Do this for each business location.
Visual Images
Visuals boost your rankings, appeal to consumers and help drive conversions. Videos and photos increase your appeal by making your offerings appear more tangible. Plus, search engines love them!
- Google Business Photos can be used for virtual tour images. Use these to show off your business, projects that your company has completed, staff members in the office, even the office itself!
- Create a YouTube Channel under your Google Account for those FAQ, testimonial and demonstration videos. You can then link this to your Google Places profile.
Keep it updated
Make sure your business profile information is kept current. Each month, update your profiles with specials, coupons, new products and services, photos and videos, as well as anything else that might have changed such as phone numbers or hours of operation.
Reviews
Encouraging happy customers to rate and review your products/services on sites such as Yelp and Google can help your search engine rankings and increase click-through and conversion rates. We suggest that you create a system of requesting ratings/reviews and encourage your customers to leave such on the various engines, especially Google Places.
If you should receive a negative or unfavorable review, it is always best to respond positively and make an effort to clear up the matter, even if it comes from one of your competitors.
By the way, a 2010 BrightLocal survey found that nearly 70% of surveyed US consumers reported that they trust online consumer opinions just as much as they trust recommendations from friends!                                                                                                                                                                                           Social Check-ins
Google now uses check-ins to make recommendations to people in a users Google+ circles when they search for local businesses. You can set up your Google+ social check-in offers through your Google Places profile and use it like a virtual coupon!
(Pssst! Claim your business pages and profiles on Facebook, FourSquare and other social platforms as well to encourage visitors to check-in at your business location for offers and tips!)
Coupon Offer Programs
Google Places gives you the option of creating an Offer once your listing has been claimed. Be sure to keep such coupons updated when they expire. Also, alert your employees to the fact that they are online so they will recognize them when a customer redeems them with a printed coupon or displays them on a smartphone or tablet.
- Google Offers must be something that is unique to Google users and not available to all customers regardless of their origin. (For example, free shipping or free estimates)
- Leverage the digital coupon for more than just a one-time sale. For example, a business coach can offer a free initial consultation. A service provider can offer a discount on a maintenance contract or set-up of some kind. Use it to promote new services current clients may not be aware of.
- Have a strategy for further outreach once they use the coupon. Consider a two for one deal that gets people to bring their friends. That way, you can place your business in front of the friend too!

You will be amazed at how many businesses never take advantage of this free form of marketing! (Which, btw, is the most basic step in any SEO campaign!) Do the right thing and take control of your listings. The information is “out there” for the search engines to find so make sure your customers find what you need them to know!

Angela Shoffner is the Director of Social Media Marketing for SEO Rocket, a full service internet marketing firm that provides local and national Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Paid Search Marketing and website analytics services. They are located in Kernersville, NC and on the web at www.SEORocket.com  　

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Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem

July 18, 2012

My family is a member at the Children Museum of Winston-Salem. It’s a great (COOL!) place to let Lillie run and play during the summer (HOT!) months! A special thanks goes out to Deiara Campbell at the museum for compiling a list of to-dos for you and your little ones!

The summer is not over yet and we still have lots to do at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem.  Get great member perks when you purchase your Summer Pass which allows unlimited admission for a family (two specified adults and all children of the same household) to the museum from now until Labor Day!  Enjoy the benefits of a subscription to our e-newsletter and special discounts offered by a variety of local businesses.  Visit our website to see the list of great discounts.

The fun continues with daily programs every day this summer! On the Move Mondays!, Carry a Tune Tuesdays!, Workshop Wednesdays!, Surprise Thursdays!, and Free to Be Me Fridays!    Be creative and let your imagination take over.  Daily programs are free with paid admission or Museum membership.

Join us for our special programs on July 28 for a Shipwreck Shindig; August 11 with our Kickoff to Kindergarten for all rising kindergarteners in the WS/FC School System and wrap up your summer on August 18 for a Pinkalicious Party. Registration is required for all special programs.  Please note that some events require an extra fee, so sign up early while space is still available.

Do you enjoy having fun later in the evening?  Then come out for Discount Friday Night August 17 where the cost is $3 per person from 4-8 pm.

From now until Labor Day, imagine, create and play the rest of your summer days away at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem.  Monday-Friday 9 am-4 pm; Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm.

 

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I am a piece of Paper…..But Even More

July 11, 2012

A friend of mine gave this to me as a reminder of what life insurance can be – I think it’s a great illustration!

I am an idea. I am a promise.
I help men and women see visions, dream dreams,
and achieve economic immortality.
I am an education for children.
I am savings.
I am also property that increases in value from year to year.
I lend money when you need it most- with no questions asked.
I pay off mortgages so that the family can remain together in their own home.
I create, manage, and distribute property.
I am the great emancipator from want.
I guarantee the continuity of business…I protect the jobs of employees…I conserve the employer’s investment.
I am tangible evidence that a man or woman is a good provider.
I am a declaration of financial independence, a charter of economic freedom.
I am a certificate of character, an evidence of good citizenship and unimpeachable title to the right of self-government.
I am protected by laws that prevent creditors from assessing the money I give to your loved ones.
I bring dignity, peace of mind, and security to the latter years of life.
I am a “great social compact that merges the individual into the mass and places behind the frailty of mankind.
I guarantee that there “will always be a happy fireside and the laughter of children –
even though their parent may not be there”.
I am the guardian angel of a home.
 

I AM YOUR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY.

As always, if you have any questions, give us a call!

Katy Ringeman
Ringeman Insurance Agency
203 North Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
336-992-2221 
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Making Mother’s Day Memories

May 10, 2012

That homemade card, the flowers picked from your front yard (or even the neighbor’s!), the hand-painted pot with a single petunia, the macaroni necklace.  Gifts like those are the best Mother’s Day gifts of all – made by the littlest hands with biggest hearts.  And they’re what Mother’s Day is all about – love, sharing, and a one-of-a-kind connection.

This Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day. And even if you’re just figuring that out now, you can still make Mother’s Day special with a home-made gift from the hands and heart.

Last year was my first Mother’s Day, and I received the most beautiful and heart-warming gift! My daughter Lillie and her daddy started a special “mommy book.”  Each year, Lillie will design a page for me in lieu of a store-bought gift (flowers, candy, jewelry, etc.).  The first page features her tiny footprints.  This year, who knows?!  All I know is that I can’t wait to see!

I love my mommy book because it’s personal, beautiful, and it’ll last a lifetime.  Flowers wilt, candy goes toyour waistline, and do any of us really need more stuff?  Do moms need more stuff to put away?

So, this year get creative and create lasting memories for the mothers in your life.  It can be anything, really. A photograph (or a collection of pics), a letter, a craft project. Something as simple as typing 20 words you think of when you think of your mom into a Word doc will work.  Mess around with the fonts and colors, hit the local craft store for a frame, and you’ve got a gift that’s a work of art and a labor of love.

And love, that’s really all we want for Mother’s Day anyway!

Katy Ringeman

203 N Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Telephone: 336.992.2221
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