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3696 Hallowing Point Rd, Suite 5
Prince Frederick, MD 20678

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How does insurance work for single-vehicle accidents?

Although we often think of automobile accidents as involving more than one vehicle, single-vehicle accidents account for 55% of Maryland crashes. That number makes it vital that you understand what to do if you are involved in a single-vehicle accident and how insurance coverage works in those situations. Our team at Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., serving Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD is here to answer your insurance questions and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Understanding Fault In Single-Vehicle Accidents

Some states follow the no-fault approach to motor vehicle accident liability. That is, everyone involved in an accident relies on their own insurance to cover costs related to an accident. However, Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning we determine who is at fault for each accident and that drives who pay the accident’s costs.

Determining fault applies to both multi-vehicle and single-vehicle accidents because the driver is not automatically at fault for a single-vehicle accident.

Factors other than the driver that may contribute to a single-vehicle accident include:

  • Bad weather
  • Road conditions or unkempt rods
  • Hidden road signage
  • Obstacles or animals on the road
  • Faulty vehicles
  • Other drivers’ negligence

As with any accident, you should obtain a police report and safely document the accident scene, including the factors mentioned above, because that information may contribute to determining fault. In addition, if it is determined that others contributed to a single-vehicle accident, they may be required to compensate the accident victims.

Working With Carrie Polk Insurance Inc.

Your friendly team at Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., serving Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD, is ready to address all your insurance needs, including automobile insurance. So give us a call or stop in today to ensure you are appropriately covered while driving Maryland’s roads.

Why should I get home insurance for my Maryland property?

Owning real estate has been a good option for many in the Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD area. If you are a property owner in this region, you need to make sure that you get the best insurance that you can. One way to protect yourself and your primary asset is by getting home insurance for it. You should get this type of coverage for various reasons. 

Meet Insurance Requirements and Standards

A reason you will want to get a home insurance plan for your property in Maryland is so you can meet insurance standards and requirements that may have been set for your situation. Those in this area of Maryland that choose to buy a home likely have taken out a mortgage and may live in a larger home association. In both cases, you will be required to carry home coverage. 

Financial Protection

It is also wise to get a home insurance policy to receive financial protection. If you are going to buy a home, you will want to know that your investment is covered. With home coverage, you will have support in many situations that could result in a loss including if your home is damaged or you are a victim of theft. Coverage will also provide liability insurance protection to reduce various risks. 

Give Us A Call

It will always be a good idea for those in the Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD area to get home insurance. If you are looking for this coverage here, you can begin your search by calling our team with Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. When you call our insurance professionals at Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., you can get the support needed to build a plan that will meet your insurance needs and keep you in good standing moving forward. 

Types of Farm Insurance for Dealing with Natural Disasters

A single disaster can cause immense losses to your farm, whether it involves animals, structures, crops, or machinery. It is important to insure your valuable assets against such disasters in good time so you do not go down when one strike. Here are the types of farm insurance that you should consider having to deal with natural disasters in Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD.

Types of Farm Insurance

Crop Insurance

Crop insurance is a package designed to protect farmers against crop failure or damage. This helps farmers mitigate financial risks associated with natural disasters that cause damage to crops. It may cover, among other things, pesticides, diseases, floods, droughts, and floods.

Livestock Insurance

 This policy covers any livestock losses or injuries from disasters such as fires, droughts, and floods. It also covers your livestock against pandemics and severe diseases. You can also take out the insurance if you believe your livestock production will go down or you risk being damaged by any of the above factors.

Liability Insurance

 Liability insurance is a policy that covers any losses related to injuries and accidents that may occur at the firm during a natural disaster. It covers injuries to visitors and workers. This insurance protects you against any legal liabilities from such injuries and accidents to those working for you.

Property Insurance

 This insurance covers natural risks that may affect your property. It ensures that you are able to continue running your farm after a disaster flattens your structures, as it covers the cost of rebuilding. You may extend the coverage to your capital goods and equipment or have them separately covered.

Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. Is Here To Help!

With natural disasters unpredictable, consider protecting your farm from them in Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD. Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. is on hand to offer advice and a policy that meets your needs. Contact us today to get started.

Don’t Let Your Classics Go Unprotected – Get Classic Car Insurance

Are you a classic car enthusiast? If so, your hobby needs to be properly insured. Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., serving Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD areas, can provide the protection your classic car needs.

Benefits of Classic Car Insurance

Classic car insurance protects your classic car by providing liability, comprehensive, collision, and other specialized coverage. Antique cars usually increase or maintain their value. Therefore, classic car insurance covers your car up to an agreed-upon value. A regular car insurance policy will not provide as much coverage.

There are certain limitations to classic car insurance, however. Your classic cannot be used for everyday errands or commuting. Your policy may include mileage limitations and proof the classic is being garaged properly. Some insurers may require proof that you own a primary car for everyday use.

For insurance purposes, the age of a classic car is at least 10 years old to 50 years old. For registration purposes, it needs to be kept in its original condition and design. The term “classic car” includes antique, vintage, and collector vehicles, such as trucks and tractors. It basically depends on the definition used by your state, insurance company, or car collecting club, as each may have its own rules regarding vehicle age.

For an automotive lover, one way to diversify an investment portfolio is to begin a classic car collection. Almost all cars lose value as soon as they are driven off the dealer’s lot. Classic cars, however, gain value over time because of their performance, rarity, or special features.

As far as insurance cost, in general, auto insurance is cheaper for older cars. A car depreciates in value as time goes on, which lowers the amount the insurer would pay in the event of an accident.

Reach Out To Us

To obtain a free quote on insuring your collectible, contact the professionals at Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. today. We serve the Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD areas

Does RV insurance cover wind and storm damage?

If you own an RV or travel trailer, you may be wondering if your insurance policy covers wind and storm damage. This is a great question! When it comes to RV insurance in Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD and surrounding areas, there are a few key points to consider when determining what type of coverage is right for you. Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. is here to assist. 

What Is Covered By RV Insurance?

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover any damage that is caused by something other than a collision—like theft, fire, hail, windstorms, and more. Depending on your specific policy, comprehensive coverage may help cover damage from windstorms such as broken windows or roof damage.

Your comprehensive coverage should also help pay for any repairs necessary after the storm passes. However, it’s important to note that comprehensive coverage does not provide protection against hurricane or flood damage; this type of coverage must be purchased separately. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision coverage helps pay for any damage caused by a collision between your RV and another vehicle or a stationary object like a fence post or building. This type of insurance can also help cover damage from storms as well as high winds if they cause your RV to collide with something else—such as trees being blown over into the road, causing an accident with another car. Collision coverage typically requires you to pay a deductible before the policy takes effect.

Contact Us Today

It’s important to understand what types of protection are included with each one so that you can determine which additional policies might be needed for complete protection from potential losses due to weather-related events. Contact Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. today so we can answer all your questions about RV insurance in Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD!

Top Perils for Motorcycle Riders to Avoid

Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD motorcycle riders are required by law to obtain liability insurance in the amount of $30,000 for bodily injury per person or $60,000 per wreck, in addition to $15,000 for property damage. Your Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. representative can help you obtain these and other insurance products.

To avoid accidents, keep on the lookout for the following common perils while on the road:

Mud can appear in splotches on the pavement and can cause you to lose traction. After a storm, be on the lookout or when you’re riding on roads near a river or off-roading trails. Asphalt may also have slick spots from the mud when it thaws after a snow event. 

Oil spills can create another hazard for motorcycle enthusiasts, and for this reason, it is good to drive with care. A slower speed will help you course correct more quickly when you find yourself in a tricky situation. Be aware of any rainbow-colored stains on the roadway, as these are particularly visible after it has rained.

Manholes can be incredibly dangerous, as they create uneven levels for the cyclist to ride across and can cause accidents. Steel plates are another impediment that can place a higher amount of pressure on one tire over the other and can be safely traversed at a lower velocity. Potholes are another obstacle to be wary of, be careful to drive around them without swerving and wiping them out. 

Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. is Here to Help 

Our knowledgeable agents can equip you with the insurance products you need to gain peace of mind. Serving the Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD communities, we invite you to speak to us on the phone, stop into our office, or reach out to us online. 

What is the benefit of having boat insurance in Maryland?

Those that live in the greater Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD community will likely be used to having long and hot summers. If you want to enjoy this time of the year as much as possible, owning a boat is a good option. Along with a boat, you need to pick a quality insurance plan.

There are various benefits that come when you do have a boat insurance policy here:

Ensure Your Boat is Covered

An important reason for anyone to have a boat insurance plan is to ensure that their boat is covered. If you decide that you want to buy a boat, being able to enjoy it for a long time will be a priority. If you are properly insured with boat insurance, you will have coverage if you are a victim of theft or accident damage. 

Reduce Liability Risks

Similar to when you are operating any other type of vehicle, there is a chance you could cause a collision when driving a watercraft. If you do create an accident, you will need to cover the damage. As these can be significant, insuring against the risk is important. When you are insured with boat coverage, it offers the support necessary to cover damages and offset these risks. 

Contact Us Today

Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD boat owners need to ensure that they are properly insuring their watercraft. When you are looking for insurance here, you can find there are a lot of choices to make, and speaking with someone you can trust is important. A great company to call for all of your insurance needs is Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. If you do call Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., you can get all of the support that you need to build an ideal policy. 

Benefits of Having an Umbrella Policy for Retired People

There is no instance in which umbrella insurance is mandatory under law for Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD residents, however, many people choose to purchase a policy. Retired people often have an income that is limited or fixed, and protecting their assets is vital. Unexpected expenses can arise from a variety of causes when your regular insurance policies’ limits have been breached, but umbrella insurance is designed to cover costs once these figures have been exceeded. 

Benefits of Having an Umbrella Policy for Retired People

You can speak to a Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. agent who can tailor your policy to meet your exact needs, especially as umbrella insurance is meant to dovetail with other indemnification. Generally speaking, this coverage tends to apply to the same categories a standard policy would, providing extra financial coverage, and does not typically guard against other, outside, areas of an unforeseen occurrence. 

Your home is one area where you can incur costs due to injuries experienced by guests, for example, and umbrella coverage can extend to much higher amounts than standard insurance. Benefits can also be applied to various members of your household and can be purchased to supplement other types of indemnification, such as homeowners, auto, boaters, and commercial. 

If you have valuables or collectibles, antiques, or fine jewelry that are of exceptional value and are stolen or otherwise vandalized, these may not be fully protected with a standard policy. In addition, if your home is worth more than you can afford to replace or make extensive repairs during retirement, umbrella coverage can help give you peace of mind. Even renters can purchase a policy. 

Get The Right Coverage Today

Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. exists to serve the residents of Prince Frederick and Waldorf, MD and surrounding areas, and we welcome you to reach out for more information. It is our pleasure to do business with you. 

Flood Insurance in Maryland: Three Steps to Get You Started

Flood damage is a common and often costly disaster, and most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. While there is no legal requirement to have flood insurance in Maryland, exploring flood insurance options is a good idea. Maryland is prone to flash flooding, general flooding from extended periods of heavy rains, and flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes. Flooding can occur even if you don’t live in a “high-risk” area.

Homeowners, renters, and business owners need to know the risks and take steps to protect their properties through flood insurance. Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., serving the greater communities of Waldorf and Prince Frederick, MD, can help you navigate this vital coverage.

Flood Insurance: Three Steps to Take

Step One: Determine Flood Risk

Different areas have varying levels of flood risk. If you live in a high-risk area, you will likely pay more for flood insurance. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s website allows you to check flood risk in your area. 

Step Two: Discover Flood Insurance Options in Your Area

Not all insurance agencies offer flood insurance, and others only provide coverage in certain areas. It is crucial to research insurance agencies in your area to see if they offer flood insurance and cover the region where you live. It is also a good idea to explore the two kinds of flood insurance: one to cover structural aspects of your home and one to cover items inside your home. 

Step Three: Contact an Insurance Agency For a Quote

Once you have found an agency that offers flood insurance coverage in your area, it is time to reach out for a quote. Knowledgeable insurance agents will be able to discuss flood insurance options and provide you with a quote that meets your needs. 

Give Us A Call

Contact the experienced agents at Carrie Polk Insurance Inc., serving the greater communities of Waldorf and Prince Frederick, MD, to start your flood insurance journey today.

5 benefits of life insurance

When it comes to life insurance, age is just a number.

There are countless misconceptions surrounding life insurance. While many policyholders in Maryland have inadequate coverage, even more, are left without plans entirely. The primary reason is the mistaken belief that life insurance is only for older adults.

Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. wants to set the record straight. Serving the state of Maryland, our experienced professionals know that life insurance is important during every stage of life. 

Although there are many advantages to having life insurance, here are five key benefits of purchasing a policy:

Protect your family

Life insurance isn’t for you. Its main purpose is to look after your loved ones. Life insurance is designed to provide for your family long after you have passed.

Replace lost income

The lost income from a deceased partner can be difficult to overcome. Life insurance supplements these earnings. This helps to cover daily necessities but also minimizes this financial burden overall.

Pay off debts

Bills can be overwhelming. To prevent them from stacking up, life insurance payouts can go towards any mortgages, loans, or other outstanding debts.

Cover funeral cost

Funerals can be expensive too. When a family is already carrying the emotional stress from your passing, don’t pile on additional worries. Death benefits are included as part of most life insurance plans. 

Added financial security

You can’t put a price on peace of mind. Take comfort in knowing that your spouse, partner, and children are cared for after you’re gone. This added layer of security prepares you for the unexpected.

Contact an agent in Maryland

Carrie Polk Insurance Inc. does more than debunk the myths surrounding life insurance. Our dedicated agents can find a personalized policy that protects you and your loved ones. Schedule an appointment today.

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