The cost of college keeps going up..up..up. We can’t do much about that, but we can help a little. Britt Insurance Agency offers two scholarships each year (one each semester) to students attending South Piedmont Community College. In addition we offer internships, and work-study opportunities at our offices. Preference is given to policyholder family members. Have your student check with their guidance counselors or call me for details.

Effective Jan. 01, 2009, the State of North Carolina has revised the law concerning Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This coverage is now mandatory. In addition, the coverage limits must match the Liability Bodily Injury and Property Damage Coverage on the policy. As before, if you only carry minimum limits, underinsured motorist coverage is not available.

I never recommend that my clients carry minimum limits of insurance. With the high cost of medical care you may find that you have a coverage gap if you are at fault in an accident. That’s when the lawsuits start arriving and you do not want that to happen. I recommend the highest limits available and then a personal umbrella above those limits. The cost of these policies are much less expensive than the cost of a lawsuit. And with those higher limits of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage you have provided protection for your self and your passengers in the event of a not at fault accident. Either way you win!

Look for an increase in Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums in 2009 as Insurance Companies continue to worry about catastrophic losses along the coastal regions.

And speaking of Homeowner’s Insurance, did you know that your Homeowner’s Insurance policy does not cover Flood Insurance? While many think of Flood Coverage as something only needed at the coast or for property by a river, many homes in low lying areas could be subject to flooding. This coverage is available to you through our Agency, please ask one of our Associates for details.

Eleven-year-old Robert Britt earns his Green Advanced belt.

My son Robert is now a Green Advanced belt in Karate, next steps are Red, Red Advanced, and then Black Belt. Not bad for an 11 year old. A plug for the Monroe Martial Arts Academy. The instructors there do a great job.