​It's not easy to pay off debt. It's harder than you realize. However, if you have a life insurance policy, then you can use it to pay off debt. The average American family always suffers from the burden of credit card debt, a home mortgage, student loans, and other expensive bills. Here are some points you need to know about how to sell your life insurance to pay off debt.

Can You Use a Life Insurance Policy to Pay Off Debt?
Although it depends on what kind of life insurance you have, you always have the choice to use your policy as payment for a debt. Don't rush, especially if your loved ones will need the death benefit. However, if you think you have enough savings, then you can sell your term life insurance. You can also sell your permanent life insurance. That's one smart move when paying your debts.

What Kind of Debt Can You Pay With Life Insurance?
No matter what kind of debt you have, one of the options for payment will always be a life insurance policy. When you pay off debt, one of the best things you should do is to pay the debt with the higher interest. After that, you work on the debt with a lower interest. The insurer doesn’t care at all if you decide to sell your policy. They also don’t care if you use the money to pay off your debt.

What Are the Pros?
One of the biggest benefits of selling your life insurance is that you can use it to pay off debt. Debt can have serious effects on your lifestyle. Frequent calls from banks and collection agents may push you over the edge. In that case, you can always use your life insurance policy to pay off the debt that is high already. Peace of mind later in life is more important than you would ever think.

What Are the Cons and Alternatives?
One of the disadvantages of selling your life insurance is that your loved ones will lose the death benefit. If you haven't saved enough for your retirement, that could put you in a tough situation. If your income suddenly stopped, you would be in big trouble. It’s still always better to have alternatives for debt payments. One of these is to consider applying for a home equity loan. 

How Can People Sell Their Policy?
You should weigh both the pros and cons of using life insurance to pay off debt. Before you do this, make sure that you'll not pay that much for fees. Also, ask your insurance company if they can allow you to sell only a portion of the policy. If you think you have too much equity on your name, then this is a good option.

Some Final Words
It’s good to have a life insurance company that you can trust. If you have life insurance, you have plenty of options on how to use it. Life insurance can help you pay off debt. You should get life insurance now if you want peace of mind someday.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (252) 644-3353 or Click Here to request a free quote.

​No matter what business or work you have, there will always be demanding customers. Some of them may have valid reasons, while others are just plain rude. That burden is for customer service to bear. If you're in customer support, make sure that you'll at least follow these five tips on handling difficult customers.

Let the Customer Vent
Customers who are being difficult are usually those who feel that you're stepping on their rights. They are those who think that you're not allowing them to express themselves. Thus, let your customer vent and don't interrupt him unless it's necessary. If you do this, you're showing them that you care. Therefore, don't interrupt the customer when he's explaining something.

Listen to the Customer With Sincerity
Although easier said than done, this one is important. If you listen to the customer. Sincerely, then the customer may calm down as he explains. If you decide to hear your customer out, they won't have to raise their voice. A person raises his voice only if he feels that the other is not listening. He reacts in the same way if he thinks that the other doesn't get his point.

Identify the Constraints
All complaining customers want your utmost and direct attention. They also want you to find a solution right away. One solution is to tell them immediately any constraints that the company has in supporting them. For example, if they want a full refund, tell them that you can’t give this to them right away. However, deliver the bad news with some good news. You can tell them that you can make a report to consider their request as urgent.

Act Quickly to Help Difficult Customers
An upset customer prioritizes time. Thus, make it a point to act as fast as you can whenever there's an unhappy client. A simple reply about their concern would be an excellent way to respond. Don't remain quiet until they lose their patience.

Learn From the Experience
Difficult customers teach a lot to businesses. You may hate them, but you will learn a lot from them. Except in a few cases, the customer isn't always the problem. Sometimes, the root of the problem is your own business. What could be worse is that the problem is you, employee. Thus, after handling the complaint, try to solve the problem in your business.

Some Final Words
A business may naturally have its bad days. That's when you find frustrations, conflict, and complaining customers. While it's hard to handle some irate customers, you can still learn from them. Get yourself a good business insurance policy in order to buffer the effects of some of these problems.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (252) 644-3353. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

​There are always pros and cons when it comes to hiring a maid or housekeeping service. Some would say that allowing a stranger inside the home is risky. However, others would think that a housekeeper could save you a lot of time and energy. Here are five tips you need to consider before deciding a housekeeping service. 

Choose a Recommended Service
Choosing a particular housekeeper is like choosing a doctor. An excellent housekeeping service will never put the safety of your home and belongings at risk. Thus, you need to find reputable housekeeping services with reliable references. Ask your neighbors, co-workers, family members, or independent reviews. Do your due diligence till you find the right housekeeping service.

Have a Phone Interview With the Service First
You will invite the cleaning services to come over and give you an estimate of their services. However, before you do that, ask them questions on the phone first. Ask about the products that they usually use. Also, ask what they do when they clean or if they're licensed or not. Also, ask how long they've been in business. However, always counter-check their answers with what's on their website.

Decide Whether to Hire an Individual or Service
Individuals may give your home a lot of attention to detail. They may also make beds and fold clothes. However, they could get ill anytime. Thus, if they got sick and had an accident in your home, you would have to spend for them. If you have homeowners insurance, you might need to use it too. With a team, there is no likelihood of cancellation of cleaning appointment. However, they may not give your home a more detailed, personalized attention. 

Walk Through Your Home With the Representative
The cleaning representative is someone who understands the service best. He’s also the one who calls the shots. Thus, walk through your home with him as soon as he arrives. There may be some things you need untouched. There might also be other things that you need to alert them about like expensive antiques. Also, there could be parts of the home that you might want them to focus more on.

Ask Your Family About It
Ask the cleaning representative some honest and candid questions about the housekeeping service. Ask about guarantees of honesty from the workers. Also, ask whether your family would be comfortable with this if the cleaning team is there regularly. Remember, it's not only you who owns the house.

Some Final Words
Think over these tips if you're considering getting a housekeeper. Weigh the pros and cons thoroughly, and make a decision. Getting a home insurance policy is also imperative. Only home insurance could give you peace of mind whether you have a housekeeping service or not.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (252) 644-3353. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

​Great prices for auto insurance offers are tempting. However, low premiums will always come with a catch. If you're paying very low-premium auto insurance, you're in for more trouble if you have small claims. Here are four of the most common pitfalls of buying cheap car insurance.

No Glass Coverage
You will not realize the importance of glass coverage on your car until it's too late. If a large piece of rock hits your windshield as you're racing at a speed of 100 km/h, then it can crack the glass. If you don't have a car insurance policy, then you have to shell out a considerable sum of money for the repairs. If your coverage doesn't include the glass, it's the same thing.

Poor Customer Support
Cheap auto insurance companies usually have poorly paid staff. These companies don't invest much in their customer service. Thus, if you have problems with your policy or claims, no one might listen to you. You will end up running around in circles and still get the wrong answer. Thus, go for companies that are top-rated and not ones that will only ignore your concerns.

No Coverage for Certain Aspects
You may have an assumption that all insurance for cars is the same. However, they're all different. Thus, if you don't know much about coverage, you might only choose the cheapest insurance rates. The problem is that it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to coverage.

Insufficient Coverage 
You may have an auto insurance policy with a reputable insurer. The problem is that you've chosen the cheapest insurance rates. If that happens, then you'll have a problem when you have to file claims for hitting large, expensive vehicles. Your coverage might not be enough and you will have to shell out or borrow the remainder. If the damages leave you with a difference of $10,000, that will really be difficult. 

Some Final Words
Before you make any decision when buying car insurance, read through your policy at least twice. Read the fine print and consider every detail before you sign it. Ask questions if you have to, and never hesitate to do that. Speak to a highly-qualified broker before you get into any decision. Buy a good car insurance policy with a high-enough premium because it will save you so much trouble. 

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (252) 644-3353 or Click Here to request a free quote.

​Life is meant to be paid forward and one way to secure the future is to get life insurance. It is understandable if you feel a little twinge of fear out of the thought that things may not turn out the way you expected your insurance to be, especially if it is your first time to buy business insurance. Worry not! Here are a few vital tips in purchasing life insurance to make your purchase more convenient and smooth-sailing for the first time.

Know the Purpose of the Purchase
One point in life, you might have thought of having life insurance. However, don’t purchase such if you’re just fitting in with the trend, it may not meet your budget. Likewise, do not rush as it would likely lead to reckless decisions. Life insurance is an excellent lifetime investment for it would not hassle your family members in times of need. It gives you protection in events like the death of an immediate family member, helps you to pay tuition and matriculation for college, assists in funding retirement, and many others. Consider choosing a small starter policy if you’re not in immediate financial need.

Define Your Needs
To what extent would you like your insurance coverage to be? If ever you will die, the amount of money that your heirs will receive is called death benefit. If you want to calculate this, online calculators can be helpful. You can get approximate figures using some formulas. One simple way is to compute your annual salary and multiply it to 8.

To give you a more detailed process, add your monthly expenses your family will have after your death. The process will include death expenses, school fees, and mortgage bills. Compute your ongoing costs and divide it by .07. It is an indication that you’ll need a collective sum of money earning 7% yearly to pay current expenses. Add that to any money that you’ll need to cover one-time costs. Then you’ll have a fair estimate of the amount of life insurance you need. 

Purchase the Right Kind of Policy
The moment you know how much coverage you need, analyze what the best kind of policy that will satisfy you. Primarily, there can be two options available: term life and permanent life. Term life is more affordable than permanent life. However, permanent life is more complete in coverage which can be a bit expensive. Here are things you need to remember, too:

• Always be on-look for a quality insurance provider. You can read reviews and recommendations.
• Seek help from professionals.
• Enrich your insurance vocabulary for a more comprehensive discussion.

A life worth living is a life secured as it would give you a sense of comfort in times of need. Apply a starter life insurance policy as early as now.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (252) 644-3353. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

​Business ventures, be it big-time or small, involve a lot of decision-making and risk-taking. Inherently, risks are inevitable in the life of an entrepreneur, so one should understand how to handle it. One secure way for you to manage your business and mitigate its risks is to purchase business insurance. However, insurance providers have a different scheme, coverage, and set of benefits; here are vital tips to consider in buying business insurance that fits your needs.

Identify Your Needs
Different businesses have unique insurance needs. The concept ‘one fits the other’ strictly does not apply here, so what may be the appropriate insurance for one company, may not be suitable for another. The nature of your business will determine the risks that you will encounter. Thus, it would be best if you had business insurance that asserts the needs and specifications of your business. To be one step ahead, study the kind of business you have and pay attention to the coverage you are needing. 

Take Heed of Essential Coverage Options
Be extra meticulous about your insurance coverage choice. You might think one’s insurance company good enough, but double-check the coverage that you would be receiving. You might consider some coverage has a minor difference, but in the long run, it can save you lots of money. Coverage choices like business interruption insurance, for example. If a fire burned a part of your establishment, property insurance would cover the expenses of the reconstruction of your property. 

However, throughout the rebuilding, the generation of income might be a pause. On the plus side, if business interruption insurance included in the coverage, you can get benefits like expenses while construction is in progress, which provides for workers salaries, taxes, and loan payments. That is why take heed of minor costs for in the future, and it can make a significant impact.

Seek Help from Insurance Agents
Working with an agent who understands your industry and answers your questions can be of great help. That is why they seek professional services as they assist you in choosing the best insurance according to the needs of your business. Most of them are hands-on in comparing rates and coverages from insurance providers. They give you a hint about companies that provide discounts.

Always calculate your risks while ensuring the financial security of your business. It is better to be safe and secure than to regret and remorse in the future. Sign up for insurance now!

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (252) 644-3353 or Click Here to request a free quote.

​During the summer season, people are always tempted to switch the AC on to cool off and let the planet warm up as hydrofluorocarbons get released into the atmosphere. Not only do air conditioners consume electricity and pump up your bills, but they also contribute to global warming. Here are a few tips on how to limit your AC usage.

Utilize Blinds and Curtains
It may not be obvious, but studies have shown that at least 30% of unwanted heat comes from windows. Utilizing curtains, blinds, and shades will give you a 7% save on electric bills and also a decrease in indoor temperature by up to 20 degrees. Closing blinds and curtains to protect your house from having the heat of the greenhouse, especially with windows facing south and west where the sun sets and rises.

Regularly Change Bed Sheets
It has been a general idea known to many that sheets should be changed every two weeks. Not only is it to promote cleanliness, but it also freshens and cools your bedroom. For warmer days like the summer season, it is recommended to use cotton sheets since air quickly passes through, making it cooler than fleece blankets and flannel sheets. For added convenience, you can buy at least a pair of buckwheat pillows. The buckwheat hulls have air space between them that naturally occur. They won’t absorb body heat even when crammed together, unlike conventional pillows.

Take Note of Your Body Temperature
Even if the house feels warmer than usual, you can cool yourself down by making yourself a cold drink or applying a cool cloth on pulse points such as your wrist and neck. Cooling from the inside out is a practical idea. You can also be smart about your choice of clothing and maybe avoid vigorous body contact until the next season. This may require more dedication if you’re committed to not turning your AC on to save on bills. Keeping a basin of cold water by the bed also helps you cool down when you dip your feet in the middle of the night whenever you feel warm.

Invite the Evening Air
During the day, you close your blinds to avoid any more unwanted heat due to sunlight. The most convenient time to open your windows is at night, where the temperature drops. Take advantage of the cold temperatures by making sure your fans are near the open window.

The increasing temperature on hot days can damage specific parts of your home. Investing in home insurance will make sure you are safe from extra expenditures when nature tends to devour its way in.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (252) 644-3353. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

​Plenty of car owners dream of customizing their paint jobs to get that glossy shine that will make heads turn to their hot wheels. Most of the time, the work and process may take longer than expected. However, the fantastic results are always worth waiting for. Check out these paint jobs and choose which one suits you.

1. Metallic
   You can have a metallic finish by having a tiny amount of metal powder mixed into the all-over pigment. Most of the time, technicians vary the amounts they use and the metal powder type to try out different dazzling effects. However, the element most commonly used is aluminum. Metallic paint jobs can differ in sparkle type and size and can be customized to whichever you prefer. As light hits the metal, the coat will reflect an illuminating sparkle, giving your car that unique shine.
   
   
2. Pearlescent
   Pearlescent paint jobs reflect a colored shine on your vehicle, unlike metallic ones. Professionals for custom painting have their pearl bases added with a transparent coloring agent. This is to apply an even glimmer for your vehicle. There are two or three stages of application. For the two-stage operation, the added pearl base is cured after application for that extra shine. For the three-stage process, experts add two additional coats – a pearl and protective coat – after the pearl base for a longer-lasting radiant glow.
   
   
3. Matte
   Matte finishes are often misunderstood and are mostly thought of as a solid color without a clear coat. When, in fact, the final coating for matte is what gives the vehicle its flat finish. Clear coats contain divots and dimples that prevent any reflection of light; thus, giving the car a satin and smooth appearance. Most luxury vehicles get this type of paint job.
   
   
4. Color-Changing Paint
   The color-changing paint, more commonly known as the chameleon paint, is designed to change in color depending on which angle and perspective is the viewer looking from. This process is usually done in three stages, where they add a pearl paint layer after applying a non-reflective base. After drying, experts generally add a protective coat.

Now that you’ve chosen the paint job you like, make sure you don’t get any dings or scratches on it, or else you might say goodbye to your pocket money. One thing to prevent this, however, is by getting auto insurance. Any damage done to your vehicle will be compensated, depending on the investment plan you chose.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (252) 644-3353 or Click Here to request a free quote.

​You don’t want to increase your insurance rates by as much as 41 percent, right? So, paying attention is a must. So, how can you stay focused on the road? Read this post as it will talk about distractions while driving and the impact of vehicular mishaps on your insurance. 

Distractions While on the Road

• Grooming While Driving
  You can become too busy at some point, and you might have some work to do, even late at night. If you’re not used to it, you’ll end up waking up late in the morning. On a side note, you don’t want to be late going to your office so you’ll cram and do your best to arrive on time.  Most women who are waking up late are doing their grooming rituals while driving. This is not a good practice. 
  
  
• Everybody’s Too Noisy while in the Car
  It’s okay to talk to your passengers while driving. But, you should always keep an eye on the road.  However, if everybody’s speaking loudly, it will distract you while driving. There’s a high tendency that you won’t hear other vehicles outside.
  
  
• Using Phone and Texting While Driving
  A lot of people do this. They use their mobile phone while driving, and it’s tempting. Others are using an earphone with mic so that they can continue using their cell phone while on the road. You need to understand that your phone will still distract you even if you’re using it that way.
  
  
• Eating and Drinking While Driving
  Your boss provided you with 3-day vacation, and you and your family decided to go farther to see a magnificent tourist spot. You might be bringing some delicious food to have a good picnic. If your passengers are eating and drinking, the tendency is that you might be tempted to do the same. This will distract you while driving.

Becoming a Safe Driver
Do you know that police officers have a way to tell if a vehicular crash was caused by using a cell phone while driving?  Increasing numbers of vehicular accidents happen due to mobile phone usage while the car is moving. That being said, a lot of insurers have made an action — they decided to increase auto insurance premiums with this regard.

Pay attention and be aware of the distractions while on the road. Keeping a good driving record will give you a high likelihood to pay lower auto insurance premiums from your insurer. 

You ‘ll be confident if you are prepared. Get the necessary auto insurance plan from a trusted insurance provider.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (252) 644-3353. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

Following a terrible, heavy storm, a lot of policyholders are requesting assistance from their insurers to recover quickly. There are some families who don’t check the details of their home insurance policy. They will only realize that their home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage after a disaster, and it’s already too late. 
​
To avoid this distressing experience, read this post as it will explain why most home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.

Why Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover Flood Damage
Some insurers assist flood damage. But in most cases, the flood is not covered by home insurance. Here’s why. Not every homeowner necessitates insurance protection from a flood. According to experts, not everyone who lives near the coast or any kind of water body is at risk of flood damage.

What Home Insurance Covers
Just to be clear, standard homeowners and renters insurance plans don’t cover damage from flooding.  But, if you encounter property damage because of your home’s drainage malfunctions or due to corroded or failing pipes, you can use your home insurance to get assistance. You can get compensation from your insurer because the mishap is ‘sudden and accidental’. In other words, the problem occurred inside your house and was not caused by outside factors.

Moreover, homeowners' insurance covers repair and replacement of your home and belongings if they are damaged by these — theft and fire. However, home insurance policies are not one-size-fits-all. Having open communication with the insurance agent is necessary for you to be enlightened with what you can gain from a bespoke insurance policy.

Who Needs Flood Insurance?
It’s vital to understand how flood insurance works so that you can avoid the risk of being underwater. You need to assess the location where your home is situated. Getting a flood insurance policy is necessary if you live in a designated flood zone.

Take note: Flood policies are provided by the federal government and some private insurance providers. Your home insurance might include coverage for damage caused by flood, but expect that the cost of the premiums is higher. So, talk to your insurance broker fully to clarify everything.

Get the necessary home insurance plan now from a trusted insurance provider. Your insurance broker will guide you for you to obtain adequate assistance that you need.

At Gary Bacon Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (252) 644-3353 or Click Here to request a free quote.