Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance can be confusing. We're here to make it easier.
General Insurance Questions
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Insurance helps protect you financially when unexpected events happen. You pay a premium for coverage, and your insurance company may help pay for covered losses according to your policy. The amount they pay depends on your coverage, limits, and deductible.
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Insurance helps protect you from large, unexpected expenses. One accident or major loss could cost thousands of dollars without coverage. Insurance gives you financial protection when you need it most.
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Your premium pays for the coverage and protection provided by your policy. It helps support the cost of covered claims and the expenses involved in providing insurance. You're paying for financial protection when something unexpected happens.
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Your premium is the amount you pay for your insurance coverage. Depending on your policy, you may pay monthly, quarterly, or annually. Your premium can change based on different rating factors.
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A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before certain covered claims are paid. For example, with a $1,000 deductible, you would generally pay the first $1,000 of a covered loss. A higher deductible can sometimes mean a lower premium.
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A coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss under that coverage. Different parts of your policy can have different limits. Choosing appropriate limits helps make sure you have the protection you need.
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Without insurance, you may have to pay for covered losses entirely out of your own pocket. Depending on the situation, you could also be responsible for damages or injuries you cause to others. Some types of insurance are also required by law.
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Insurance is designed to protect against unexpected future events, not losses that have already happened. Coverage generally needs to be active before a covered loss occurs. Some policies may also have waiting periods or other eligibility requirements.
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Insurance companies look at different factors when determining premiums. These can include your coverage, location, claims history, driving record, property characteristics, and other rating factors. The factors considered depend on the type of insurance.
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Every insurance company uses its own pricing, underwriting guidelines, and rating factors. Two companies can look at the same customer and calculate different premiums. That's why comparing options can be helpful.
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Your agent does not simply choose your premium. The insurance company calculates the premium using its rating rules and underwriting guidelines. Your agent can help you understand your options and look for available discounts or coverage adjustments.
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It's a good idea to review your coverage whenever something major changes in your life. This could include buying a vehicle, moving, adding a driver, remodeling your home, or starting a business. Even when nothing changes, an occasional review can help make sure your coverage still fits your needs.
Auto Insurance
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Auto insurance can help protect you from expenses related to accidents, damage, injuries, theft, and other covered losses. The protection you have depends on the coverages and limits you choose.
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“Full coverage” is not a specific insurance coverage. People usually use the term to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
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Liability coverage can help pay for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else in a covered accident. It does not generally pay to repair your own vehicle.
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Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damage to your vehicle from things other than a collision. This can include theft, hail, falling objects, vandalism, and certain other covered events.
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Collision coverage can help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in a covered collision. Your deductible generally applies.
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Teen drivers generally have less driving experience and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Because of the increased risk, adding a young driver can significantly affect your premium.
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Insurance companies generally need to know about household members who are of driving age because they may have access to your vehicles. Depending on the situation, they may need to be listed, excluded, or otherwise accounted for on the policy.
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This coverage can help protect you if you're involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. What it covers depends on the specific coverage selected.
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There may be discounts or other rating factors that could help lower your premium. An agent can review your policy to see what options may be available.
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Your premium can change for many reasons, including changes in claims costs, repair costs, driving records, location, and insurance company rates. A rate increase doesn't necessarily mean you personally did something wrong.
Home Insurance
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Homeowners insurance can help protect your home, belongings, and finances from certain covered losses. Your exact protection depends on the coverages, limits, and exclusions in your policy.
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Replacement cost coverage is designed to help pay to repair or replace covered property without generally deducting depreciation, subject to the policy terms and limits. The amount needed to rebuild can be different from your home's market value.
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The amount your home is insured for is based on the estimated cost to rebuild, not simply what you paid for the property. Land value, construction costs, materials, labor, and other factors can affect the amount.
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Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance may be needed for protection against covered flood losses.
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Your deductible is the amount you generally pay out of pocket before your insurance pays for a covered claim.
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Homeowners insurance can provide coverage for personal belongings, subject to the policy's limits, exclusions, and conditions. Certain high-value items may need additional coverage.
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Home insurance premiums can change because of construction costs, weather and claims activity, property characteristics, and changes in insurance company rates. Your premium can increase even if you haven't filed a claim.
Business / Commercial Insurance
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Business insurance can help protect your company from certain financial losses caused by accidents, property damage, lawsuits, and other covered events. The right coverage depends on your business and its specific risks.
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General liability insurance can help protect a business from certain claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and personal or advertising injury. Coverage is subject to the policy's terms, limits, and exclusions.
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Commercial property insurance can help protect your business's physical property from certain covered losses. This may include buildings, equipment, inventory, furniture, and other business property.
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A Business Owners Policy typically combines certain property and liability coverages into one policy. It can be a convenient option for eligible small businesses.
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Commercial auto insurance is designed for vehicles used for business purposes. It can provide liability and other vehicle coverage depending on the policy selected.
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Workers' compensation can provide benefits for employees who experience covered work-related injuries or illnesses. Requirements and benefits vary by state and situation.
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Professional liability insurance can help protect certain businesses against claims alleging mistakes, negligence, or failure to perform professional services. Coverage depends on the specific policy and profession.
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It's important to let your insurance agent know when your business changes. New employees, equipment, locations, services, or vehicles can create new insurance needs.
Life Insurance
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Life insurance can provide financial support to the people who depend on you if you pass away. It can help with expenses such as income replacement, debts, final expenses, or future financial needs.
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Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. It generally provides a death benefit if the insured passes away during the covered term, subject to the policy terms.
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Whole life insurance is designed to provide permanent life insurance coverage as long as the policy remains in force. It can also build cash value according to the policy's terms.
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Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that can provide lifelong coverage while offering flexibility in premiums and death benefits, depending on the policy. It also has a cash value component.
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The right amount depends on your income, debts, family needs, future expenses, and financial goals. An agent can help you look at these factors when choosing a coverage amount.
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No. Life insurance can be useful for anyone who has financial responsibilities or wants to help protect loved ones. It can also help cover final expenses or other financial obligations.
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Yes, it is possible to have multiple life insurance policies. Some people use multiple policies to address different financial needs or stages of life.
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What happens depends on the type of policy and its specific terms. A policy may have a grace period and may eventually lapse if required premiums are not paid.