Here are some of our most commonly asked insurance questions listed below. Each section is labeled by its specific insurance group. If you have additional questions, visit our "Contact Us" page.
Auto Insurance FAQ's
What do I do if I have an auto accident?
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
What should I think about when buying car insurance?
Does my personal policy cover me when I rent a car?
Life Insurance FAQ's
How can I lower my life insurance premium?
What should I think about when buying life insurance?
How much life insurance should I own?
What is cash value?
Homeowners Insurance FAQ's
How do I file a homeowners claim?
How can I lower my home insurance premium?
What should I think about when buying home insurance?
Is my personal property covered away from home?
Do I need Flood insurance or Earthquake insurance?
Health Insurance FAQ's
How can I lower my health insurance premium?
What are out-of-pocket expenses?
What are preexisting conditions?
What is coinsurance?
What is CO-payment?Disability Insurance FAQ's
What Is Really The Likelihood That I Will Become Disabled?
How Much Disability Coverage Do I Need?
How Much Does Disability Insurance Cost?------------------------------------------------------------
Does my personal policy cover me when I rent a car?
Auto Insurance FAQ's
What do I do if I have an auto accident?
When you are in an accident. There are 4 steps to take: First, notify the police. Second, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Third, contact your insurance company as soon as you possibly can. Fourth, do all of the required steps your insurance company asks you to do. For more information about filing a car insurance claim, see our auto resources section. TOP
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
There are a number of things you can do to lower your car insurance. They include, shopping around, asking for discounts on your current policy, holding multiple insurance policies with the same carrier, and raising your deductible. If you would like to get competitive quotes on your auto insurance use our auto insurance quote page. TOP
What should I think about when buying car insurance?
Here are some basic things to consider when purchasing car insurance. First, decide what optional coverage's you want and need. Look at your situation and don't be fooled into buying something you don't need. Secondly, analyze the companies who are vying for your business. Make sure they are reputable and price competitive. Third, purchase the amount of liability insurance that is right for you. TOP
For this one, you must call your insurance company OR ask the agent from whom you are buying your new policy. Many states mandate that your insurance company provide coverage when you are renting a vehicle. Some insurance companies will only cover rental cars if you are on vacation, and not for business. TOP
Life Insurance FAQ's
How can I lower my life insurance premium?
Life insurance is based on several different factors. Among them are health, age, avocation, and occupation. In some cases you can do nothing about any of them. For example, you're a 50 military fighter pilot with high blood pressure. In other cases, lowering your weight and deciding not to jump out of air planes can lower your life insurance rates. TOP
What should I think about when buying life insurance?
There are several factors to consider when purchasing a life insurance policy. They include; 1) How much do you need?; 2) What type of insurance do you need?; 3) How long do you think you will need the coverage?; 4)What if any 'extras' do you want included in your policy?; 5) If its term insurance, is it convertible? TOP
How much life insurance should I own?
Opinions vary widely on this subject with some experts saying roughly 6-8 times annual earnings and some experts saying 10-14 times annual earnings. It all depends on your particular situation. TOP
What is cash value?
Cash value is the interest earning section of a whole, variable, or universal life insurance policy. Part of your annual policy premium goes to the cash value and earns interest. It's actually more complicated than that, but that's a very simple explanation. TOP
Homeowners Insurance FAQ's
How do I file a homeowners claim?
It is important to realize that if you don't follow the required steps, it could result in nonpayment by the insurance company. Here are the steps you should take; 1) Notify the police in the case of a robbery; 2) Notify the insurance company as soon as you realize their has been damage or loss of property; 3) Protect your property from further damage; 4) Prepare a detailed list of the things damaged or missing; 5) Be prepared to show the insurance company the damaged goods; 6) Complete a statement, for the insurance company, that details what happened before, during, and after the loss occurred. TOP
How can I lower my home insurance premium?
There are a number of things you can do to lower your homeowners insurance. They include, shopping around, asking for discounts on your current policy, holding multiple insurance policies with the same carrier, and raising your deductible. If you would like to get competitive quotes on your homeowners insurance use our homeowners insurance quote page. TOP
What should I think about when buying home insurance?
First, purchase the amount necessary to replace your home, not your mortgage. Your coverage could be larger than the amount of your mortgage for several reasons including the cost of rebuilding. Second, determine the amount of personal liability and personal property coverage you'll need. Third, see if you'll need additional endorsements like flood insurance, earthquake insurance, or increased coverage for items such as jewelry, guns, and computers. Fourth, pick a reputable insurer. TOP
Is my personal property covered away from home?
With the exception of specifically excluded items, your personal property is covered whenever you are away from home. It is considered your property once you have purchased it, regardless of whether it has ever been in your home or not. TOPDo I need Flood insurance or Earthquake insurance?
Damages due to several types of natural disasters are not covered under standard insurance policies. If you live somewhere where floods, earthquakes, etc. happen, strongly consider adding an endorsement to your homeowners policy. If you are in a specific area, such as a flood hazard zone, your mortgage company will inform you of any additional coverage that is required. TOP
Health Insurance FAQ's
How can I lower my health insurance premium?
Shopping around is about the best way we know of lowering your health insurance premium. But be careful. For example, if you or your wife is pregnant, a new company could list it as a preexisting condition and not cover the pregnancy. TOP
What are out-of-pocket expenses?
Out-of-pocket expenses include your annual deductible, coinsurance amounts, and any expense deemed not to be 'reasonable and customary.' TOP
What are preexisting conditions?
Preexisting conditions are conditions that are excluded from coverage under a health insurance policy. Examples are endless but include things like knee injuries, back injuries, heart ailments, etc. TOP
What is coinsurance?
The percentage amount that the insured is required to pay to 'share' in the cost of medical care. In most cases there is a limit or out-of-pocket maximum of between $2,000 and $3,000. TOP
What is CO-payment?
The set amount you are required to pay each time a medical service is performed. The best example is an office visit where you are required to pay a $5-30(the majority are in this range) CO-pay per visit. TOPDisability Insurance FAQ's
What Is Disability Income Insurance?
Disability income insurance is designed to replace lost income if you cannot work because of illness or injury. This type of protection should be a fundamental element of your financial plan because if you are less than 60 years old, you have a greater statistical chance of becoming disabled than of dying prematurely. TOPWhat Is Really The Likelihood That I Will Become Disabled?
According to the 1985 Commissioners Individual Disability Table a 40 year old American has a 48% chance of becoming disabled for three months or longer, while a 25 year old has a 58% chance! TOPHow Much Disability Coverage Do I Need?
How much disability income insurance you need depends upon your current income requirements. Disability policies often limit coverage to a percentage of earnings or to a maximum dollar amount (Usually 60% to 70% of your current income). Would this limited amount be enough for you and your family to live on? Would you have alternative means of support? Be sure to discuss this matter with your insurance professional. TOPHow Much Does Disability Insurance Cost?
Disability insurance premiums can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to several thousand annually, it just depends on your individual situation. It usually makes the most sense to purchase as much coverage as you can comfortably afford. TOP
