Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services

2313 Randolph Rd
Charlotte, NC 28207

Get Directions
Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services Blog

Can I Add My Classic Car to My Regular Auto Insurance?

When residents of Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, need auto insurance for their classic cars, they often wonder if their vintage vehicle can be added to a regular auto insurance policy. Our team at Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services is here to help you secure the coverage you need.

Classic Car Insurance vs. Regular Auto Insurance

While adding your classic car to a regular auto insurance policy might seem like a convenient option, it is not advisable. Regular insurance policies for cars, trucks, or SUVs do not account for the unique value of a registered classic car or the specialized needs it requires for repairs and replacement parts.

Specialized Classic Car Insurance

As a classic car owner, protecting your investment with the right type of insurance is essential. If your car qualifies as a classic under North Carolina’s guidelines, you’ll want coverage that applies when the car is used for parades, exhibitions, and occasional driving.

Specialized classic car insurance policies insure your vehicle for its agreed-upon value rather than its market value in the event of an accident where the car is deemed a total loss. These policies may also include coverage for restoration work, specialized tools required for your specific type of classic car, and unique parts needed for repairs and replacements.

Additionally, these policies provide liability coverage for injury or damage to others when you are at fault, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and medical expense coverage.

Contact Us

Whether you’re in Charlotte or Waxhaw, NC, you want your classic car to be protected at all times. With assistance from Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, we’ll ensure you have the right policy for your vintage ride. Contact us today to learn more.

How Insurance Works if You Lend Your Motorhome to a Friend or Family Member

Let’s say you’ve got a motorhome sitting in the driveway, and a close friend or family member asks to borrow it for a weekend getaway. You trust them, of course, but have you ever wondered how your insurance would respond if something went wrong while they were behind the wheel? At Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte, NC, and Waxhaw, NC, we get this question more often than you might think.

Whose Insurance Applies?

In most cases, your motorhome insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. That means if your motorhome is involved in an accident while a friend is driving, your insurance typically responds first. However, there are exceptions. If the person borrowing it lives with you or uses the motorhome regularly, your insurer might expect them to be listed on the policy. If they’re not, it could cause complications when filing a claim.

Understanding "Permissive Use"

Most policies include something called "permissive use," which means occasional drivers who have your permission to use the vehicle are covered. However, the coverage limits might be lower than if you were driving, and some optional coverages may not apply. It’s always a good idea to double-check your policy before handing over the keys.

Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

Before you lend out your motorhome, it’s smart to have a quick conversation with your insurance agent. That way, there are no surprises if something unexpected happens on the road.

If you have questions about what your motorhome policy covers, or if you’re looking to make sure you’re fully protected, reach out to Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte, NC, and Waxhaw, NC. We’re happy to guide you every step of the way.

Boat Insurance and Navigational Limits: Where You’re Actually Covered

When you’re out on the water, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance has your back. However, if you’re a boat owner, understanding your policy’s navigational limits is just as important as checking the weather. At Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, we help boaters stay protected no matter where their adventures take them.

What Are Navigational Limits?

Navigational limits define the geographic area where your boat is covered under your insurance policy. While it may sound straightforward, many boat owners are unaware of how these boundaries can affect their coverage. If you sail outside your designated zone—even by just a few miles—you could lose coverage for accidents, theft, or damage until you return within the limits.

Why Insurers Set These Boundaries

Insurance companies use navigational limits to assess risk. Certain waters are known for their rough conditions, piracy, or limited access to emergency services, which can increase the likelihood of claims. Setting boundaries helps insurers manage these risks while keeping your premiums reasonable and affordable. The good news is that if your boating plans change, many policies can be adjusted to expand your coverage area.

Always Know Before You Go

The best way to avoid surprises is to review your policy before heading out on a new route. Whether you’re cruising down the coast or planning a trip to the islands, make sure your coverage is ready to go with you.

For help understanding your navigational limits or updating your policy, contact Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC. We’ll help you stay protected, wherever your boat may roam.

Am I Required to Get Condo Insurance?

If you live in a condo, having insurance is essential. Condo insurance protects your unit and personal belongings, providing peace of mind and financial support during the recovery process after a covered event.

The professionals at Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, servicing Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, can help you obtain condo insurance. We work with multiple insurance carriers to help our customers find the right policy for their needs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Condo Insurance?

Condo insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay to repair or replace the interior of your condo and your personal belongings when a covered event occurs. This insurance is invaluable during disasters and is often considered an essential part of condo ownership.

Who Is Required to Get Condo Insurance?

Many condo owners are required to have condo insurance, either because their mortgage lender mandates it or their condo association requires it, or both. To determine whether you need condo insurance, contact your loan servicer and condo association before purchasing your condo.

Even if you’re not required to have condo insurance, it’s worth considering. Condo insurance can save you money in the event of a disaster and provide peace of mind knowing you’re protected.

Need Condo Insurance? Call Today

If you need condo insurance, the professionals at Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, servicing Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, are here to help. We work with multiple carriers to find the best policy tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to get started with your condo insurance policy and speak with one of our insurance experts.

Can People With Disabilities Get Life Insurance?

If you’re living with a disability in Charlotte or Waxhaw, NC, you might be wondering if you can purchase a life insurance policy. Disabilities vary widely, and some are not immediately apparent. While finding an insurance provider that caters to those with disabilities may be more challenging, it’s certainly not impossible. Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services can assist you in choosing a suitable life insurance policy.

What Constitutes a Disability?

Disabilities are physical, cognitive, or mental conditions that hinder individuals’ ability to interact with others or participate in certain activities. Common disabilities include:

  • Vision and hearing impairments
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Cognitive issues affecting thinking or memory
  • Missing limbs
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Down syndrome

If a life insurance policy is denied to someone solely based on their disability, it may violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Improving Your Chances of Getting a Policy

If you’re in good health apart from having a disability, you should be able to obtain a life insurance policy. Insurance carriers consider other factors such as age, gender, health history, lifestyle, and smoking status when determining your rates. However, you may pay higher premiums because having a disability can pose additional risks to your lifespan. To improve your chances of getting a policy and reduce your potential premium, take control of health factors within your reach. Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising to the best of your ability are two key factors. You can also submit medical records to your potential insurance company to demonstrate how you manage your disability.

Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, serving residents in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, will work closely with you to find insurers that accommodate people with disabilities. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Renters’ insurance and downsizing

Renters’ Insurance and Downsizing

People downsize and opt for renting for various reasons. Some may be nearing retirement and no longer wish to maintain a single-family home. Others may choose to downsize and rent for financial reasons, as a smaller rental space is generally less expensive than owning a home. Some may see renting and downsizing as a way to simplify their lives.

If you live in the Charlotte or Waxhaw, NC area and are considering downsizing into an apartment, Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services can help with renters’ insurance.

Renters’ insurance helps protect your personal belongings when you rent and also offers some additional and valuable features. Here’s what you should know.

Why You Need Renters’ Insurance

The insurance your landlord has on the property you rent will not cover your personal belongings in the event of a loss. Items like your furniture, clothing, bedding, housewares, and electronics can quickly add up. If they were lost in a fire, storm, or even by theft, you could suffer a significant loss without renters’ insurance.

It Can Provide Liability Coverage

Typically, renters’ insurance includes a component that can help protect you from an injury liability claim suffered by a visitor, friend, or even a delivery person.

Protection When Traveling

Renters’ insurance also offers protection for personal items when traveling. This is additional protection while on the road.

It Is Affordable

Many are surprised by just how affordable renters’ insurance is, especially compared to homeowners’ insurance.

Get a Quote Today

To learn more about renters’ insurance and get a price quote, contact us at Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, serving the Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC areas.

Why You Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection

You probably don’t think about what would happen if you got into an accident and the other involved motorist didn’t have auto insurance. That scenario happens more than you think in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC. If you don’t have the proper auto insurance policy, you could pay for the damage, even if it isn’t your fault. Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services can help ensure that your vehicle is fully protected if such an event happens.

Understanding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

North Carolina law requires drivers to have minimum coverage for collision, comprehensive, and liability. However, drivers do not have to buy uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is an optional provision in almost all auto insurance policies. Drivers on a budget sometimes forgo this coverage to save money. However, that’s not a wise choice, as uninsured/underinsured coverage is one of the options in most policies. Not buying this coverage can save you money in the short term, but in the long run, it could cost you thousands of dollars.

Role of Uninsured/Underinsured Provisions

Suppose you are in a motor vehicle accident, and your car is extensively damaged or totaled. The other driver has insurance or has insurance that pays out the minimum. The result is you are on the hook for some or most of the bill. This could cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if your car is new or you own a higher-end vehicle. The uninsured/underinsured provision pays for damages minus your deductible if you are involved in an accident that causes damages or injuries. The premiums you spend for this coverage will be much less than you would pay to remedy the damages.

If you are considering a new auto insurance policy, learn how your policy’s uninsured/underinsured section can save you money. Contact Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, serving Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, for an appointment.

How Traveling to Another State in Your Motor Home Affects Your Insurance

Naturally, if you have a motor home, you’re going to want to use it to travel long distances. Perhaps you’ll want to take in the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With those winding roads and vast vistas, it can be easy to find yourself drifting over state lines. Do take care to realize that traveling out of state can affect the insurance on your motor home. Educate yourself on the laws regarding insurance before those country roads take you far from home.

Understanding State Laws Regarding Motor Home Insurance

Let’s start with North Carolina. In North Carolina, you are required to have liability insurance on your motor home. It is the same in Georgia, though Georgia has higher minimum requirements. These fluctuate, so keep abreast of them. Having more coverage than the state minimum protects your assets by increasing your liability limits, so it’s a good idea to start with. In South Carolina, it is required that a motor home be insured with both underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) and underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD). However, submitting a signed form may reduce or even reject such coverage. It is the same in Tennessee. Not so in Virginia.

Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services Serving Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC

Whether you live in Charlotte or Waxhaw, NC, Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services can help you with your motor home insurance needs. We will connect you with a courteous agent who can help you find the policy that is right for you.

Watercraft Insurance: Do I Need a Specific Type for My Watercraft?

Investing in a boat is a significant financial commitment. Apart from the initial cost, maintaining a boat to ensure its longevity also requires ongoing expenditure. Watercraft insurance is a crucial aspect of this maintenance, providing coverage in case of breakdowns or accidents. However, when insuring your boat, you might question the sufficiency of the policy you’re considering. Do you need specialized coverage for your watercraft? Here’s what you need to know about boat insurance and how Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services can help you find the right policy. We serve clients throughout North Carolina, including Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC.

Is Specialized Insurance Necessary for Your Watercraft?

Basic boat insurance typically covers most boats. You might need specialized insurance only if your boat is significantly larger or if it’s docked at a specific location. For instance, larger boats like yachts and fishing boats require specialized insurance to ensure adequate coverage in case of an accident. Similarly, if you dock your boat at a marina or similar location (instead of keeping it on your property), you might need a specialized policy and pay for the reserved spot. The more expensive your boat, the more likely you’ll need a specific type of policy. However, for an average boat, almost any policy should suffice.

Begin Your Journey to Watercraft Insurance Here

At Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services, we’re committed to helping residents of Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, find watercraft insurance quickly and easily. Compare quotes with us today to ensure your boat is insured and protected!

Does Condo Insurance Cover Issues Coming From Other Parts of the Building?

Homeowners insurance is straightforward because it covers your property and because your property is unlikely to be affected by properties around you. But when you live in a condo, you live in a unit surrounded by other units. If they experience a problem that affects their unit, like a major plumbing leak, it could also affect your unit. This prompts the question, does condo insurance cover issues coming from other parts of the building? It’s an important question to ask. Let’s see what condo insurance will cover and how we here at Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC, can help!

Does Condo Insurance Cover Damages Stemming from Other Units?

Condo insurance is designed to cover damages that happen to your unit and come from your unit. But what if another condo owner’s pipes were to burst and result in water damage to your unit? Would you be covered in this scenario? Typically, yes. Your insurance would likely cover the repairs required to fix your condo so it’s back in optimal shape. Then, your insurance may end up going after the other person’s insurance to recoup the cost. The building owner may also be able to help as they own the building and could potentially be responsible for the damages caused by a lack of maintenance on certain systems. These types of situations can be complex, but you should rest assured that you’ll likely be covered should these types of damages occur. If you’re concerned about this, reach out to your provider ahead of time for clarity.

Secure Your Condo with Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services

Protecting your condo is important if you want to avoid expensive fixes. We’re here to help. Compare condo insurance quotes now with Hausmann Insurance & Financial Services in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NC!