Discover Answers to Common Insurance Questions
Find quick and helpful answers to frequently asked insurance questions in our FAQ section. Whether you’re exploring coverage options, need to file a claim, or have inquiries about policy details, we’ve got you covered.
Automobile FAQs
Your policy generally adapts to meet different state requirements if you meet your state’s minimum coverage. However, please note that personal auto policy protection is only valid within the United States, its territories and possessions, and Canadian provinces.
To file a claim, there are multiple options available. The most efficient method is to directly reach out to the insurance company. For contact details by carrier, click here.
Your personal injury and property damage liability coverage extends to rental cars. Collision and Comprehensive Coverage may apply for damage to the rental car if your policy includes them. To safeguard against potential claims for lost income, check your policy or consult with us. Credit card companies often offer rental car protection; review their terms. Alternatively, consider the costly Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) from the rental company, which releases you from financial liability for rental car damage. Weigh your options if your policy or credit card doesn’t provide coverage.
Typically, a standard business auto policy doesn’t automatically cover rented vehicles. To extend protection for rental situations, consider adding Hired Auto Liability and Physical Damage coverage to your policy.
Once your claim is submitted, here’s what typically happens:
- An insurance adjuster will contact you for detailed claim information.
- An inspection may be conducted on your vehicle or property, or you might need to provide proof of value and ownership.
- An estimate is prepared.
- You’ll receive a claim payout.
- If discrepancies in actual and estimated damages arise, they are addressed, and a supplemental payout may be provided.
- Rest assured, our agency oversees the fair and efficient settlement of your claim, keeping you informed throughout the process to ensure your satisfaction.
In the case of vehicle ownership, long-term leasing, or financing, you’ll file a claim with your insurer, typically requiring payment of a deductible. Your insurance will cover your losses, including any payment to the finance or leasing company, if applicable. Damage to other vehicles or property is usually managed by your insurance company with minimal involvement from you.
Typically, the other driver’s insurance would cover your vehicle, property, or injuries. However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy, specifically Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage, may come into play, especially if you or your passengers are injured.
In most cases, a single claim won’t trigger these actions from insurance companies. However, a recurring pattern of claims within a short period could result in a premium increase or policy cancellation. Claims that indicate gross negligence, such as an accident coupled with a reckless driving or DUI conviction, may also lead to significant premium hikes or policy termination.
Your auto policy protection extends to anyone you authorize to drive your vehicle. No formal permission is necessary; the driver simply needs to reasonably believe they have your consent.
Homeowner FAQs
Certain natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, are typically covered. However, events like earthquakes and floods are usually not included. If you have any concerns about your coverage for losses due to natural or human-made disasters, please inform us. We’re here to assess your insurance plan and advise on any recommended adjustments.
The association’s master policy covers the structure, which you’re not responsible for. Yet, to safeguard your personal belongings and address legal liability in your unit, your own policy is necessary. Additionally, some associations may charge unit owners for master policy deductibles. This underscores the importance of having your policy that aligns with the association’s master policy.
The association’s master policy handles structural coverage, which isn’t your responsibility. However, to protect your personal belongings and address liability within your unit, having your own policy is essential. Furthermore, some associations may assess unit owners for master policy deductibles, emphasizing the need for aligning your policy with the association’s master policy.
A standard homeowner policy typically provides coverage up to 10% of the Coverage C limit, or a minimum of $1,000, whichever is higher, for items outside your residence. This coverage is useful for travel and temporary situations. However, if you have valuable property away from home for extended periods, consider additional protection.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
Homeowner policies usually don’t cover flood damage. Even if your home is a considerable distance from major water bodies, it may still be at risk if it’s situated in a flood-prone area. The National Flood Insurance Program provides a flood risk indicator on their website. By entering your property address, you can gauge the level of flood risk you might face. Our agency can assist you in obtaining flood coverage, and for a cost estimate, you can refer to the table of premiums on the National Flood Insurance Site.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
Renter’s policies offer various benefits. They provide compensation for losses to your personal property, along with liability protection. This liability coverage can be crucial, particularly in situations where your negligence, like a fire, could harm numerous rental units and their contents. In such cases, liability coverage typically handles your legal responsibilities to compensate others, along with other instances where you’re legally liable for damage or loss.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
Usually, renters policies cover you and your family members residing with you. If your roommate isn’t a relative, you won’t be covered by their policy. Renter’s policies are cost-effective, starting at just a little over $150 a year, and they offer liability protection in addition to coverage for your personal belongings.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
If you possess a homeowner policy, your boat may have some coverage, but certain limitations apply. Auto policies typically do not provide coverage for boats. It might be possible to enhance boat coverage by adjusting your homeowner policy, yet a separate boat policy could be necessary.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
To file a claim, there are multiple options available. The most efficient method is to directly reach out to the insurance company. For contact details by carrier, click here.
The 10% limitation applies to property at your residence. There’s no such limitation for items taken on vacation or stored in a storage unit (except for any specific content limit on the property).
Business FAQs
The coverage for rented vehicles typically depends on whether you’ve made specific amendments to your business auto policy. You can secure protection for rental situations by adding Hired Auto Liability and Physical Damage coverage.
The insurance needs of your business are contingent on the type of operations you’re involved in. At the very least, all businesses need basic liability coverage to safeguard against potential legal liabilities resulting from actions by owners or employees. Some professions, like lawyers, doctors, architects, or software designers, often require specialized professional liability protection. Manufacturers and product distributors typically necessitate product liability coverage.
Additionally, if your business owns or utilizes vehicles, a business auto policy is likely needed. Consider your business property, which includes office equipment, inventory, and real estate. Assess your ability to replace any damaged or lost property in these categories. If the potential loss exceeds your comfort level, insurance is a prudent option.
Furthermore, contemplate how long your business could endure a halt in operations. Business interruption insurance can cover expenses like supplier payments and salaries, even if your business income is interrupted due to a covered loss.
To file a claim, there are multiple options available. The most efficient method is to directly reach out to the insurance company. For contact details by carrier, click here.
Additionally, if your business owns or utilizes vehicles, a business auto policy is likely needed. Consider your business property, which includes office equipment, inventory, and real estate. Assess your ability to replace any damaged or lost property in these categories. If the potential loss exceeds your comfort level, insurance is a prudent option.
Furthermore, contemplate how long your business could endure a halt in operations. Business interruption insurance can cover expenses like supplier payments and salaries, even if your business income is interrupted due to a covered loss.
Life & Health FAQs
It’s advisable to review all your insurance requirements annually. If you experience a major life event, promptly reach out to your insurance agent or company representative, as it could significantly alter your insurance needs. Life events encompass:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Substantial changes in your health or that of your spouse/domestic partner
- Assuming financial responsibility for an aging parent
- Home purchase
- Loved one in need of long-term care
- Home refinancing
- Inheritance