Southport Magazine

Achieve the Perfect Coverage

Story by Kass Fincher

Jonathan Peele, president of Coastline Insurance, brings a custom, consultative approach to finding the right insurance products for his customers. Not only does this independent agency offer a variety of options from different companies, they also consider the unique challenges of our coastal environment – storms, floods, hurricanes – in developing their insurance recommendations. Peele shared some insights on how they help customers achieve the right insurance coverage.

Tell us about Coastline Insurance?  How did you get started in the insurance business? 

 I started working in Southport in 2004 for another independent insurance agency and was mentored by the owner, Walter Hester.  Walter passed away a couple years later and I was tasked with managing the agency.  In 2010, Walter’s widow decided to retire.  At that time, I opened Coastline Insurance Associates.  My goal was parallel to that of my mentor’s – take care of your customers and your community, and they will take care of you.  

What kind of insurance do you offer?

We specialize in homeowners insurance, auto insurance, flood insurance, wind/hail insurance, marine insurance, and insurance for small businesses.

What is something that people usually overlook when shopping for insurance?

When people shop for insurance, they are often too focused on price instead of coverage.  You’re buying insurance to protect your property and your assets.  You’re not buying insurance to get the lowest price.  It’s important to have an agent that fully explains your coverage and understands your insurance needs.

What is the most important thing when shopping for insurance quotes?

Make sure you get a quote with equal coverage limits and deductibles.  Also, make sure your agent has experience in the coastal region.  Insuring property at the coast is very different and it really takes an experienced agent to make sure you are fully covered from the unique coastal hazards, such as flooding and hurricanes.

What makes Coastline different from all the other insurance co?  

We really try to take a consultative approach with each client.  Instead of just showing the lowest price, we like to give our clients some options.  We also strive to educate our clients so that they know what they are buying.  Our mission is to be the most responsive, dependable, and professional agents in the area.

Is it easy to insure things like jewelry…and personal items? Tell us more.

Clients really need to pay attention to how they insure their valuables, such as jewelry, artwork, and musical instruments.  Without having these items specifically insured, you may not get much from the standard homeowners policy.  We have several options for our clients to get protection on these valuables.

Can you tell us about an interesting claim that was covered? (Something unexpected)

I think Farmers Insurance has the best TV commercials regarding strange claims. With that said, I have one that I call “Heel Pain.”  I had a client that threw a cocktail party at her house. One of her guests wore high heel shoes that scratched and damaged her hardwood floors.  She filed the insurance claim and the insurance company ended up replacing the hardwoods in her house.

nsurance rates usually go up every time there is a claim… how easy is it to make a claim?

 Weather related claims typically don’t affect your insurance rates, but other claims certainly can affect home and auto rates.  Also, insurance companies look at claims frequency.  Before you file a claim, make sure it will exceed your deductible and make sure it’s a covered loss so that you don’t waste a claim.

What exactly does it mean to be under-insured? Or Over-insured?

You could be under-insured if you the insurance coverage on your house is less than the actual cost to rebuild your house.  This is extrememly important because insurance companies may charge you a penalty at claim time if the property is under-insured.  You could also be under-insured if you don’t carry enough liability coverage to protect your net worth.  We recommend personal umbrella policies to our clients so that they have excess liability coverage over their homeowners, auto, boat, and motorcycle policies.

How can I lower my car insurance…any tips?

It’s best to call an independent agent that can shop several companies.  Auto rates in NC tend to fluctuate a lot, so it’s important to shop.  Also, you typically tend to get better rates if you carry liability limits that are least $100,000 per accident / $300,000 per occurrence.  Drivers who carry higher limits show the insurance company that they are more responsible.  Some other things that may help lower your rate would be getting married, improving your credit score, buying a house, bundling policies with the same agent, and going three years violation and accident free.  Most of our carriers now have apps for your smart phone that will measure your driving habits.  Good drivers will see a discounted rate.

With hurricane season in full swing – what advice can you offer to make sure your property is fully protected from storms, flood, wind, falling branches, etc.

Again, make sure you have a local agent that is experienced in this area.  Make sure you understand your coverage and deductibles.  You’ll typically have a Named Storm or a wind/hail deductible that is higher than your standard deductible, so make sure you understand the difference.  Also, we encourage our clients to carry flood insurance even if it’s not required by their lender.  Flooding is common in this area and any place can flood with the right storm.  

FUN QUESTIONS:

What is your favorite summer activity? – 

I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, and playing golf when I can.  My perfect summer day would involve a boat, a beach, my wife, and good friends.

Do you have a dream vacation spot? Why? –

 I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland because I’m half Irish.  I think it would be a fun place to visit with a lot of history and culture.

What is your favorite adventure film? – 

I’ve always been a huge fan of Top Gun.  That movie has action, drama, excitement, love, and pain.  It’s one of the first movies I saw that kept me on the edge of my seat.  I also thought it would be awesome to be pilot in the military.

Do you have a favorite local band, musician or restaurant you’d like to tell us about? Or do you have any hidden talents? – 

I’m a huge music fan.  I go to a lot of country music festivals and visit local bars that have live music.