The Benefits and Drawbacks of Group Health Insurance

One of the most important benefits that employers give their employees is the benefit of group insurance. For some, these group benefits are the only forms of insurance protection that an individual will ever have. But when possible, employees should enjoy these group benefits not as a sole source of protection from all the financial risks they face, but as a supplement their personal insurance policies.

If you aren’t sure why you should have both individual and group insurance coverage, consider these points on three different types of group insurance policies:

• Life insurance: Group life insurance benefits are very inexpensive and can be a great comfort to your family if they lose you while you are employed. But these plans are not portable—meaning you can’t take them with you when you leave. Having your own life insurance policy allows you the comfort of knowing you are insured whether you are employed or not. In addition, group life insurance benefits do not generally include accruing cash values which can be a source of tax-free loans in the future.
• Health insurance: Group health insurance coverage is especially helpful when you have a pre-existing condition that is hard to get covered with an individual health insurance policy. Group health costs can also be more affordable for those who have pre-existing conditions. However, group coverage can be less competitively priced for those who are young and healthy. It is also restrictive in options. You may not be able to see your existing doctors and have it covered in-network. And when you leave your employer, you can only carry the coverage for an additional 18 months in most instances.
• Disability: When you are employed and covered by a group disability insurance plan, you will have an affordable premium along with the protection of either short- or long-term disability benefits—and in some cases, both. This will be especially helpful if you suffer an injury that is not covered by workers compensation. But if you leave your job and go to another employer who doesn’t offer that benefit, you could be left without a disability benefit after a non work-related accident, illness or injury.

It is up to you to fully protect yourself and your family from financial risks. Insurance policies offer you an affordable, reliable means for doing so. And while employer-sponsored group policies do offer some attractive benefits, they may not be suitable as your only source of protection. Contact us to discuss your options for Group Health Insurance in South Carolina at (864) 269-6860.

How do insurance companies assess drivers’ risk?

When you apply for an auto insurance policy, before the insurance company can issue the policy they must try to foresee how much risk you will be worth if the policy is written. This helps them to manage the claims experience they have, determine whether or not to issue your policy and, if they do issue your policy, decide how much to charge you for it. The process during which they assess your risk is called underwriting.

While underwriting your auto insurance policy for coverage, underwriters will take into account various criteria including your previous driving record. They will obtain a motor vehicle report (MVR) to see how many tickets, accidents and other driving incidents you’ve had, what the tickets have been for, and decide how much influence those actions have on your current driving habits. Some of your past behavior—like speeding—will make you a riskier candidate to insure than others. This is because your past deeds and choices imply something about your personality and habits. Someone who has been cited with several speeding tickets in the past is more likely to have an accident and has also shown a propensity to ignore the legal speeding limit. This shows that the driver might be liable to disregard other driving laws and safe driving practices, therefore making him more likely to have an accident resulting in an insurance claim. Read more on underwriting for auto insurance.


As an independent agency we can offer our clients what direct writers cannot; More Choices and Better Rates.  We combine old fashion values and service with only select companies that provide stable financial stability. Contact or call us today for a free South Carolina auto insurance quote at (888) 269-6860.

South Carolina Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance

Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.

It's really all about protecting yourself financially.

• If you're in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.
• If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
• If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you're worth.
• Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, many states require you to have at least some coverage.

An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you're financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.

Most auto policies are for six months or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it's time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.

South Carolina

Can a state really be “Made For Vacation?” The answer is "Yes!" when that state is South Carolina.


From Table Rock in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the wide sandy beaches of our breathtaking coastline, the Palmetto State is made for vacation. From the crystal clear water of Lake Jocassee to the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston. From delicacies like she-crab soup to more South Carolina events and festivals than there are days of the year to 368 emerald green golf courses and 47 unique and beautiful South Carolina state parks. From our quaint small towns to our Heritage Corridor to incredible shopping, entertainment and nightlife… if vacation is on your mind, it’s time you put South Carolina vacations on your calendar.



Maybe you’re thinking about holding that next family reunion. Maybe it’s time for a romantic escape, that long-overdue girl’s getaway or an incredible guy’s golf week in America’s #1 golf destination. Or maybe what you really want is the best family vacation destinations in the country.

Heritage Insurance Agency

As an independent agency we can offer our clients what direct writers cannot; More Choices and Better Rates.  We combine old fashion values and service with only select companies that provide stable financial stability. Contact or call us today for a free South Carolina auto insurance quote at (888) 269-6860.

(Source and Photo: DiscoverSouthCarolina.com)

Greenville Auto Insurance

Heritage Insurance Agency specializing in Greenville Auto Insurance as well as home insurance and workers comp in Greenville, Easley and Anderson and surrounding areas in South Carolina.

We can provide you with more choices and better rates for your business, auto, home, recreational vehicles, life or health insurance with financially secure companies.

Some enhanced features that we can offer to you: An insurance program designed around your values.

Services we offer:
Identity Theft
Accident & Minor Violation Forgiveness
Financial factor
Original Manufacturer
Loan Gap Coverage
Replacement Cost
Single deductible
Accidental Death
Multi-Policy Discounts
Various payment options