Insurance 101

Useful Information What do I do if there is a fire at my house?

  • If possible, put the fire out with a fire extinguisher or water
  • Never use water on an electrical or grease fire
  • Get everyone out of the house quickly and safely
  • Call the fire department or 911 immediately
  • Call the claims number on your policy, or call your agent for assistance


What do I do if there is a broken pipe at my house?

  • Turn off the water main to your house to stop further damage
  • Contact a disaster restoration company to immediately begin damage mitigation
  • Call the claims number on your policy, or call your agent for assistance


Do you sell RV or Motorhome insurance?

Yes. We can insure an RV for road use as well as stationary use.


Do you sell ATV insurance?

Yes. We provide ATV insurance including: liability, medical, and property coverage.


Do you sell Motorcycle insurance?

Yes. We sell motorcycle insurance including: liability, medical, and property coverage.


Do you sell Boat insurance?

Yes. We provide boat insurance including: liability, medical, and property coverage.


Do you sell Snowmobile insurance?

Yes. We provide snowmobile insurance including: liability, medical, and property coverage.


Do you sell Jet Ski insurance?

Yes. We provide Jet Ski insurance including: liability, medical, and property coverage


What happens at the end of my term life policy?

Most term life insurance policies automatically renew at the end of a term. The policy is often designed to increase its price annually at the end of its term, often at significantly increased costs.


Does it cost more to work with an insurance broker?

In most states, brokers are not allowed to charge any additional fees. This means that the rate the insurance company has filed with the state is the price you pay.


How much car insurance do I need?

Every person and every family has different insurance needs. A good rule of thumb is to purchase as much liability protection as you can afford. Some things to consider:

  1. Does your bank require certain levels of coverage?
  2. Do you have a large vehicle that could cause more damage to others?
  3. How much can you afford to pay before insurance kicks in, in the event of a claim?
  4. If you would like help deciding how much insurance coverage is right, please call one of our agents.


What is an umbrella policy?

An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage above the coverage limits of your home, auto, and other insurance policies. This type of liability insurance protects you and your family in the event you are sued or found liable for a large claim.


How do I buy an umbrella policy?

To purchase an umbrella policy, most insurance companies require certain underlying limits. Generally, your home must have at least $300K in liability protection and your Auto or Motorcycle insurance must have limits of $250K/$500K.


How do I determine if an umbrella policy is right for me?

Add the following together:

  1. Total equity in your home.
  2. Total value of personal property.
  3. Total value of other investments.
  4. Total value of checking/savings.
  5. Total value of future wages: Annual Salary x Yrs working.
  6. If the total above exceeds the liability protection provided by your home or auto insurance, then you should consider an umbrella policy.


How much protection can I purchase with an umbrella policy?

We can provide umbrella policies from $1 Million to $10 Million or more.


What is general liability insurance?

General liability insurance protects your business against lawsuits and claims for bodily injury or property damage caused during the course of business.


How can I get cheaper business insurance?

Many factors are used to determine your insurance premium. Below are some factors that you can control to help reduce your prices:

  1. Choose higher deductibles.
  2. Keep your all your business insurance policies with the same company.
  3. Install a burglar and fire alarm for your business.
  4. Install a sprinkler system.
  5. Be careful when filing a claim (Be sure to consult with your agent if you aren’t sure you want to file a claim).


What types of business insurance do I need?

Different busiensses need different types of insurance protection. Below is a short list of different business insurance policies:

  1. General liability insurance.
  2. Business owners insurance.
  3. Workers compensation insurance.
  4. Professional Liability (E&O).
  5. Directors and Officers (D&O).
  6. Business property insurance
  7. Inland marine insurance
  8. Commercial auto insurance
  9. Commercial liability umbrella
  10. Bonds (surety bonds, performance bonds, etc.)
  11. Difference in conditions (DIC)
Our agents are available to help you navigate the myriad of insurance policies that your business needs. If you have more questions, call an agent today.


What is business auto insurance?

Business auto insurance is similar to your personal car insurance. The policy provides coverage for physical damage to the busienss vehicles as well as liability protection. Business car insurance generally provides higher liability limits and often additional types of protection that are not available on a personal car insurance policy. It may include cargo coverage, hired and non-owned auto coverage, and several others.


What are other names for business auto insurance?

Business auto insurance is also known as commercial auto insurance, truck insurance, trucker's insurance, and business car insurance.


Why do I need business auto insurance instead of personal auto insurance?

  • Many personal auto insurance policies do not provide protection if being used for work
  • Many personal car insurance policies do not provide the limits required in most business contracts
  • Most personal car insurance policies will not cover vehicles that are not rated for personal use such as; Trucks over 1-ton, Dump trucks, 18-wheelers, and vehicles with a modified chassis or frame.


When can I cancel my old insurance policy?

You can cancel your old insurance policy when you have received confirmation that a new insurance policy has been bound (is in-force)


Can I change my insurance payment (EFT) date?

This varies from company to company. Most insurance companies will allow you to move your insurance payment (EFT) date to an earlier date, but will not allow you to extend it to a later date. Be sure to call your insurance company or insurance agent to find out whether you can change your policy.


What happens at the end of my insurance policy term?

Most insurance policies automatically renew for a similar term at the end of the preceding term. (6 month insurance policies renew for 6 more months, 12 month insurance policies renew for 12 more months). Life insurance and health insurance have many other possibilities. Call your insurance agent or insurance company for verification.


Can you bill my mortgage company for my homeowner’s insurance?

If you have an escrow attached to your mortgage, we will gladly bill them for your homeowner’s insurance. If you do not have escrow, there are other options to pay your home insurance directly.


When will I get my auto insurance ID Cards?

You can receive temporary auto insurance ID cards when your policy is bound. Permanent car insurance ID cards are generally mailed from your insurance company 1-3 weeks after your insurance policy has been bound.


When are my monthly insurance payments due?

Most insurance payments are due at one month intervals from the exact date that your insurance policy was issued. If your insurance policy is not paid monthly, then your payments are generally due 6-months or 1-year from the date the policy was issued.


Why is my insurance premium different if I choose an electronic withdrawal instead of being billed directly?

Most insurance companies offer a discount for the electronic payment method, due to the reduced cost of processing paperwork.


Why is my homeowner’s insurance coverage different than the cost to purchase my home?

Homeowner’s insurance policies are designed to rebuild your home in the event of a loss. The cost to rebuild a home and the purchase price of a property are generally much different due to things like specialty construction or the value of land.


What kind of insurance do you offer?

Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Business Insurance, Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, and many other specialty insurance policies.


Do you offer Identity Theft Protection?

Most of our insurance companies offer ID Theft Protection as part of their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance package. Be sure to ask your agent about it.


Do you offer windshield replacement coverage with my Auto Insurance?

Many clients have found they save money by not purchasing the windshield replacement coverage. If windshield replacement is an important protection to you, please be sure to ask your agent for a company that offers it.


Do I have insurance coverage for that?

Every insurance policy varies in what it does and does not cover. Please be sure to bring any insurance questions you might have to your agent.


I lost my job and my health insurance, what options do I have?

  1. In most states you have the option to apply for COBRA through your previous insurance company.
  2. Often we are able to find an individual or family health insurance plan at rates that are better than COBRA. Be sure to ask your agent about your options.


My Cobra insurance runs out at the end of this month, is there anything I can do?

  1. Many people are eligible for individual or family plans at prices that are better than COBRA.
  2. We have "Guaranteed Issue" plans for individuals who have completed 18 months of coverage under Cobra.


I own a business but don’t have employees. What kind of health insurance is available?

  1. A business owner can choose from individual, family, or group health plans.
  2. "Business Group of One” is particularly appealing to individuals who have a medical history that wouldn’t qualify for individual insurance.


Do you pull a credit report when looking for insurance quotes?

For home and auto insurance, insurance companies do not generally pull credit reports while quoting or issuing insurance policies.


Do I need Med Pay coverage?

Med-pay coverage is always a good idea to add to your auto insurance. This coverage will help pay the medical bills for you or your passengers in the event you are in an accident. In some states this is a required coverage.


What other benefits do insurance policies offer?

Many of our companies offer additional benefits to their policies. Including but not limited to: Supplemental Death Benefits, ID Theft Protection, and Disappearing Deductibles.


What is a disappearing deductible?

This is a reward to good drivers. Over time, as you are accident-free and remain with the same insurance company, your insurance deductible will diminish by a certain amount. (Usually $100/year)


Do you guarantee repairs on my vehicle after an accident?

Nearly all of our companies provide a lifetime guarantee on parts and workmanship for repairs from a covered claim.


Do you recommend any repair facilities for my car?

Many of our insurance companies have partnered with certain car repair facilities. They have been chosen because they meet or exceed certain quality standards that are important to ensure your satisfaction. Please ask your insurance agent or your insurance adjuster for a recommended car repair facility.


How can I make my car insurance cheaper?

Many factors are used to determine your insurance price. Below are some factors that you can control to help reduce your prices:

  1. Keep your driving record clean (tickets can increase your rates)
  2. Keep your claims record clean (both small and large claims can increase your rates)
  3. Insure more then one vehicle with the same company
  4. Keep your Home and Auto insurance with the same company
  5. Choose higher deductible amounts
  6. Maintain increased liability limits
  7. Keep your annual vehicle mileage to a minimum
  8. Any students should maintain a "good student status"
  9. Purchase an alarm for your vehicle


How can I make my home insurance cheaper?

Many factors are used to determine your insurance cost. Below are some factors that you can control to help reduce your prices:

  • Choose higher deductible amounts
  • Be careful when filing a claim (Be sure to consult with your agent if you aren’t sure you want to file a claim)
  • Keep your Home and Auto insurance with the same company
  • Keep your home maintenance up to date
  • Purchase a burglar and fire alarm for your home
  • Check your smoke alarm batteries every 6 months
  • Purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it updated yearly
  • Make sure all exterior doors have dead-bolt locks
  • Purchase a hail-resistant roof with a 40 or 50 year guarantee


How can I insure my valuables (Jewelry, Firearms, Artwork)?

Your agent will gladly schedule expensive items on your homeowner’s or renters policy. This will provide you with increased insurance for valuable or irreplaceable property. This type of policy can insure jewelry, firearms, collectibles, and artwork.


Why would I want an umbrella policy?

Whether or not at fault, anyone can be sued. And multimillion dollar judgments have become all too common. Even if a court decides in your favor you may still have to pay legal fees and court costs. An umbrella policy can pay for these costs up the policy limit.


Why would I want condo insurance or townhome insurance, isn’t that covered by my HOA insurance?

Most HOA insurance does not cover the interior of condos. This includes wall finishing, light fixtures, appliances, carpeting, and even cabinets and sinks. Without an individual condo or townhome insurance policy, a serious loss could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.


Does my personal umbrella insurance cover my home business?

In many situations it does not. Be sure to read the language of your policy and speak to your agent to determine if you need a Business Insurance Policy. In many cases Business Insurance Policies can be very inexpensive and help provide valuable protection.


Why do I need flood insurance?

More than 50 percent of flood insurance claims occur in areas considered to have a low flood exposure. Even if your home is not in a flood plain, your home could suffer flood damage. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Ask your agent today for a quote.


What happens if my home costs more to rebuild than my homeowner’s insurance provides?

The majority of our homeowner’s insurance policies provide guaranteed replacement cost. This significantly increases the protection that your homeowner\'s insurance policy provides. Please be sure to ask your agent if you have this on your policy.


How can I change a vehicle on my Auto Insurance policy?

We provide you with many ways to manage your insurance. Nearly all of our insurance companies provide extended service hours to make policy changes. Please look for the service number on your ID Card or in your insurance policy. Also, many of our companies provide a website where you can access your insurance policy and make minor policy changes. Finally, our insurance agencies are available to help with your policy during normal business hours Monday through Friday.


What is collision coverage?

Collision coverage is a part of an auto insurance policy that pays for damage to your car if you are in an accident.


What is comprehensive coverage?

Comprehensive coverage (comp coverage) is a part of an auto insurance policy that pays for damage to your car from a fire, theft, vandalism, or many other. It is generally used for claims that occur while the vehicle is parked.


What is auto liability insurance?

Auto liability insurance protects you and your family against claims for bodily injury or property damange caused by an auto accident in which you or your covered family members are considered legally responsible.


What is medical payments (med pay) insurance coverage?

Med Pay is a part of your auto insurance policy that pays for medical services that you or your passengers need if you’re involved in an accident.


What is (UM/UIM) uninsured or underinsured motorists insurance?

UM or UIM is a part of your auto insurance policy that pays for damages caused by other drivers who do not have any or enough insurance. UM/UIM can also pay if you or your passengers are injured from a hit-and-run accidents.


What is rental reimbursement coverage?

Rental reiumbursement is a part of your auto insurance policy that will help pay for your rental car while your car is being repaired due to a covered accident.


What do I do if I’m in a car accident?

  • Move out of the way of traffic and turn on your hazard warning lights
  • Call the police even if it is a minor accident
  • Request medical assistance if there are any injuries
  • Exchange necessary information with the other driver, including: Name, Address, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Information, and Insurance Information
  • Take pictures of the vehicles involved and of the general location of the accident
  • Call the claims number located on your ID card immediately









If you have a question that is not listd here please feel free to contact us!