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Trout Insurance Blog

6 Things to Know About Disability Insurance

7/7/2020

1 Comment

 
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1. Disability statistics tell a story.

According to the Council for Disability Awareness, some of the most common reasons for disability include back injuries, cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses.  When a long-term disability occurs, the average time of absence from work is approximately three years. With no pay check and security, most workers feel that they are put into a financial pinch. 

2. Disability benefits can be used for any expense.

Disability is a wise thing to have, even if it's not required. It allows you to receive a portion of your gross income, this can be used and spent any way you'd like. You could use disability benefits on things such as mortgage, rent, everyday expenses, credit card payments, and so much more. 

3. Disability insurance is for all workers.

It is not required to have a high gross income to have disability insurance, coverage is suitable for anyone who relies on their income to pay their living expenses. Having an illness or injury could mean having medical bills and other expenses, for these reasons, just about anyone who works should have a disability policy. 

4. You can purchase your own disability insurance.

If you don’t have the option of getting a disability policy at work, you may be able to purchase disability coverage on your own. In general, your health status will be a factor in the premiums charged for an individual disability policy. Having your own coverage gives you the flexibility because it typically stays with you if you need to change jobs. 

5. There are different types of disability insurance.
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There are two main types of disability policies:
  • Short-term policies typically have a waiting period of up to 14 days and pay a maximum benefit for no more than two years. 
  • Long-term policies have a waiting period of up to several months with a benefit that can last for the rest of your life. 6. Disability insurance comes with different protection features. 

6. Disability insurance comes with different protection features. 

There are other benefits that you may be able to purchase at an additional cost with your disability insurance policy consist of (but are not limited to):


  • Cost of living adjustment increases your benefit over time based on the Consumer Price Index.
  • Guaranteed renewable allows you to renew a policy with the same benefits.
  • Return of premium requires that you receive a partial refund of your premium if no claims are made during a certain period. 

If you have any questions about your disability insurance policy or want to your own, contact a Trout Insurance agent today!
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10 Tips When Adding a Teenage Driver to Your Auto Insurance

6/25/2020

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Below are 10 tips that can help you save money when you need to add your teenage driver to your insurance policy:

1. Compare Policies
Getting quotes from several different car insurance providers to see who had the best premiums and deals for your driving record and your teen’s newness is highly important and can save you money in the long run. 

2. Ask About Multi-Policy Discounts
There is a chance that insurance companies will give you a discount when you are bundling different policies with them. While you're shopping around, ask your agent for details regarding multi-policy discounts to save some money.

3. Safety Courses and Good Grades
There are two main perks for teen drivers that are often overlooked: safety courses and good grades. Many insurance companies will offer discounts for teenage drivers who have taken and passed  specific safety courses. Teens that make good grades (B average) usually can receive a student discount on insurance, this is due to the likelihood of “good grade” students getting involved in less accidents. 

4. Purchase a “Low Target” Car
Some types of cars are stolen more than others, when looking for a car for your teen you need to remember that these aren’t always the fanciest cars on the lot. These are the ones that are targeted by thieves because of the parts being so valuable. 

5. Buy an Older Car
Not only are older/used cars cost less to purchase, they also tend to carry cheaper insurance rates. Instead of buying your teen a brand new car right away, get an older/used car until they become more financially responsible and safer drivers. 

6. Get a Safe  Car
Like older cars, a safer car will get you a lower insurance rate. Look for different vehicles that have a high crash test rating or top line safety equipment.

7. Put Your Teenager on Your Policy
When you are searching around for different policies, check with your current insurance company first to see how much it would cost to simply add your teen to your adult policy instead of getting their own.

8. Increase the Insurance Deductibles
If you are wanting to reduce your premium cost, you can always manipulate your deductible any way you see fit. Usually raising your deductible will do the trick.

9. Educate Your Teen
Most people know and understand that the more accidents you have, the higher your insurance rates will go. However, making sure that you have these talks with your teens is important in making them safer drivers. Teaching your teenager that maintaining a good driving record correlates with low insurance rates is important in helping them stay mindful and teaches them to prepare for this responsibility in the future when they have to pay for their own car insurance.

10. College Discounts
If your teenager is going to or planning on going to college that is more than 100 miles away from home, they may be eligible for a college discount if they don’t have a car of their own on campus. Talk to your insurance company about the details to find out if or how you can qualify for this particular discount. 

To have your questions answered about adding your teen to your car insurance, contact a Trout Insurance agent today!

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Second Harvest Food Bank Distributes Food in Erwin

6/24/2020

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This week there will be a food distribution hosted by Second Harvest Food Bank in Erwin, NC. The distribution will take place from 4 - 6 PM on Thursday, June 25th at Nuclear Fuel Service, 1650 Jackson Love Highway.  
 
To learn more or donate, visit netfoodbank.org or call 423-279-0430 or check the organization’s Facebook page.
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Five Things to Know Before Buying Life Insurance

6/18/2020

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Below are five things that are important to know when looking into buying a life insurance policy:

1.Many benefits
Most people see the primary benefit of having life insurance as a guaranteed death benefit paid to their beneficiary, however, there are other benefits to think about:
  • Cash value interest or earnings accumulate over time.
  • Life insurance proceeds do not go through the probate process at the time of your death.
  • Life insurance death benefits are not public record.

2. Premiums Differ from Company to Company

There are hundreds of whole life insurance companies, there are plenty of ways to get a quote and see what is affordable for you. Never assume that all life insurance companies have the same premium structure. This will give you a better understanding as to how much each provider charges for the type of coverage you are interested in. 

3. Your Health and Age are Important
Usually when looking for whole life insurance you are most interested in taking care of two things:
  • Obtaining a policy at the cheapest possible price.
  • Securing a policy with the highest possible death benefit based on your budget.
The younger and healthier you are, the less you will pay for coverage. The best way to save on whole life insurance is to purchase it when you are young and healthy.

4. Some Companies are Rated Higher than Others
When looking at different companies to purchase whole life insurance, look at their ratings. After researching, you will find that some companies are rated high when compared to the industry average while others are well off the pace. It goes without saying, that the highest-rated companies are those you should and can put your trust in.

5. You Can Earn Dividends
The longer you keep your life insurance, the more you can collect in terms of dividends. There are many ways to use whole life insurance dividends, such as:
  • Take dividends in cash.
  • Leave the dividends alone to accumulate interest.
  • Use the dividends to purchase additional insurance.

Before making this decision check with your insurance company to discuss the pros and cons of these options. The last thing you want to do is do anything with your dividends until you fully understand the impact it will have on you and your policy.
​

To discuss more about Whole Life Insurance contact one of our Trout Insurance  agents today!

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Trout Insurance: Our Covid-19 Response

6/11/2020

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We hope you and yours remain safe and healthy during the Coronavirus pandemic. As always, Trout Insurance is committed to protecting what is most important to you. Our office remains open to serving you through scheduled appointments through this unprecedented time. 

Our Covid-19 Response:
  • Plastic panels have been installed on agent's desks
  • Daily office cleaning and wipe-downs in between appointments
  • Hand sanitizer available
  • Social distancing in practice
  • Masks are utilized and requested 

Make an appointment with one of our agents today or call 828.279.4681. 
Contact Us
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Eagle Market Street  Ribbon Cutting

11/21/2019

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Proud and humbled that we have been a part of Eagle Market St over many years -  we have written the coverage for the organization and board of directors for last 8 years or so.  Finally their project is coming together !   



Watch WLOS Video
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News from Trout Insurance

11/14/2019

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Manna Fundraiser Success

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​Trout Insurance sponsored a fundraiser for Manna Foods on Saturday, October 26. Dave baked brownies and brewed hot apple cider. We matched donations of both food and dollars. We are happy to announce that we delivered 8 boxes of canned goods and $300 to Manna to help keep our community well fed. Many thanks to all who contributed!

Senior Fitness Resources

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​Many of our insurance partners offer discounted or free memberships for folks on Medicare to attend local fitness facilities. These include the YMCA, YWCA, Gold’s Gym, Workout Anytime and many others. We work with Physio physical therapy on Merrimon Avenue, who offer a variety of classes and therapies, plus Haywood Regional Fitness, who features a great facility and super pool!
Find Out More: Fitness

New Benefits on Blue Cross Advantage Plans

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​As we come into Open Enrollment for individual health insurance, Blue Cross is offering expanded benefits on their Gold and Silver plans–the first three visits to primary care doctors are covered at 100% with no Copay.

We are seeing premiums decrease and are very affordable on their Bronze plans. In many cases, the Marketplace subsidy is greater than the premium, so your monthly responsibility is zero.
Find Out More: Healthcare

Marketplace Subsidies and 2020 Income Estimate

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​Healthcare.gov uses your “Modified Adjusted Gross Income" to calculate your premium subsidy. With tax reform passed by Congress in 2017, the 1040 return changed. Your Adjusted Gross income is found on line 7. If you or a family member on your return receives Social Security, the full value – line 5a must be added as well. And be sure to check with your tax or financial specialist.
Find Out More: Income Estimate

TriTerm Health Insurance Plans

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For folks who do not qualify for premium subsidies, health insurance is expensive. One option may be a non–ACA plan. While these plans do not offer the same benefits, they may be the right fit for you. New is “Tri-Term" from United Health Care. Once underwritten, this coverage will renew without further health questions for a day short of 3 years. 
Find Out More: TriTerm

The Grandkids on Halloween

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​Ben and Julie trick-or-treating in Weaverville, including our office on Main St.– where they know Dave is going to have some treats! 
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Weaverville Tribune Feature

10/1/2019

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Trout Insurance is proud to be featured in our town's local paper, The Weaverville Tribune. Both Jessica Cody and Jennifer Trout are graduates from North Buncombe High School and are now contributing to the success and expansion of our local business. We love our community and our team!  
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Art and Autumn

10/1/2019

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John and Dave raised $250 for American Red Cross Hurricane Relief at Art and Autumn in Weaverville.
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Insurance Basics

8/28/2019

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For many, the term insurance is thrown around very often but not many people understand what exactly it is. The origins of insurance date back all the way to the Code of Hammurabi, a collection of Babylonian laws of 1700 BC, which provided the first credit insurance. But modern-day insurance dates back to 1666 with the Great fire of London which destroyed 13200 homes, which formed the birth of Nicolas Barbon’s office to insure buildings.  
Insurance is providing protection against financial loss in a number of situations. These situations include loss against one's property, life or health.  
Life insurance policies provide a certain amount of money when the insured person dies. Health Insurance pays all or covers most of one's medical care, whether it is hospitalization, surgery or a doctor's visit. Property Insurance is bought to protect individuals against financial loss on assets and has two major forms which are Home and Auto insurance.  
For more about any type of insurance, go to https://www.troutinsurance.com/ and get in touch with a Trout Insurance Agent today.  

​

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Trout Insurance Services

Monday-Friday
9:00am-5:00pm & by Appointment


​Visit: 29 N Main St
Weaverville, NC 28787
     
Mail: PO Box 1414     
Weaverville, NC 28787  
Ph: 828.279.4681
​
Fax: 1.888.221.4842
​

contact@troutinsurance.com
Trout Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency Based in WNC. 
Privacy Notice Statement  | Privacy Policy
“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1.800.Medicare to get information on all of your options.”
Trout Insurance is an independent authorized agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). The content contained in this site is maintained by Trout Insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®, SM Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.”
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  • Insurance
    • Home & Auto Insurance
    • Medicare
    • Income Protection >
      • Disability Insurance
      • Long-Term Care
      • Critical Illness
      • Annuities
    • AARP - Hartford
    • Life Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • Dental and Vision
    • Employee Benefits
    • Business Owners >
      • Group Health Insurance
      • Commercial Property & Liability
      • Business Overhead Expense Disability
      • Disability for Business Owners
      • Critical Illness
    • Short Term Health
  • Trout Team
    • Our Story
    • Dave Trout
    • Jessica Cody >
      • Home & Auto Insurance
    • Jeremy Sheridan
    • Robert Pugh
    • David Hanson
    • Jennifer Trout
    • Idelle Davids
    • Jan Trout
    • Steve Dillingham
  • Resources
    • Employee Success
    • Fixing the ACA "Family Glitch"
    • Aetna/CVS Health NC
    • Client Center
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Articles >
      • Health Insurance 2022
      • Friday Health
      • Comparing 2022 Plans
      • Insurance Partners
      • Best Value Insurance Plans
      • ARP Facts CMS
      • ARP Unemployment
      • ARP 2020 Excess Premium Subsidy
      • No Income Cap
      • Unemployment Glitch
      • Asheville Homesharing
      • 2019 Verification-a
      • BCBS Online Setup
      • APTC Income 2023 & Tax Form 1040
      • Lost Subsidy
      • Privacy Policy
  • Community
    • Alignment's 5-Star Switch
    • Employer Networking w/ Just Economics
    • FALLing with Families
    • Medicare New Era Event October 13th
    • Blue Ridge Pride Festival
    • Health & Wellness Fair
    • Goombay & YMI
    • Alignment Health Plans
    • YMI Winter Coat Drive
    • Medicare Seminar
    • Art in Autumn + MANNA
    • Music on Main
    • Western Women's Business Center Conference
    • Mural on Main Street
    • Expanded Team- Next Generation
    • Back to School
    • Weaverology
    • Mother Earth Food
  • Contact Us