Personal & Commercial Insurance FAQs
Get reliable answers to common insurance questions.
AUTO/CAR INSURANCE
Coverage
Does my policy cover a rental car when I am on vacation?
Yes the liability & collision coverage extend to the rental car. Any damage done to a rental vehicle is subjected to your deductible. However we always recommend purchasing the additional rental vehicle coverage offered by the rental company. There is peace of mind knowing you can just hand the keys back with no questions asked.
What is the right amount of liability coverage?
The amount of liability insurance coverage you need depends on your state and your needs. Most states require some amount of liability insurance, but the minimum varies by state. Speak to one of our insurance experts to discuss what limits best fit your lifestyle.
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision & Comprehensive coverage both pay to repair damage to your vehicle. Comprehensive covers fire, theft, vandalism, glass or hit animal. Collision is anything other than those specific named coverages. Both coverages are subject to a deductible; glass claims typically do not have a deductible.
Is my trailer covered when hooked up to my vehicle?
Yes but it only covers liability while in tow. You have to add Collision coverage to the trailer if you want it to be covered for damage from accident.
Claims
Can I get my car fixed wherever I want?
Yes you can. We will recommend using registered repair facilities to speed up the claim process but you are certainly free to have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. See our Trusted Partner Section of our website to learn more.
My windshield cracked. What do I do?
Please contact our office these are very common claims. We have a few preferred vendors we use and this will make the Glass Claim repair process extremely painless.
How long after the accident do I have to file a claim?
The Claim reporting period is flexible. We always recommend waiting to you are in safe place and you have let the circumstances of the accident subside. If you didn’t realize an damage had occurred to your vehicle and its been a while that’s OK, you can still file a claim and it would be covered.
What do I do if I was rear-ended?
Of course you always can file the claim with your own insurance company. However if you obtain the other persons insurance company and policy number, you will not have to pay your deductible. It’s always best at the scene of the accident to gather the other parties insurance information. Ask the other driver for proof of their insurance before the police arrive. We can then guide you through he process to file your claim.
What if I’m hit in a parking lot?
These can be tricky situations because determining who is at fault can be difficult. We recommend documenting the situation with photos and also take the necessary steps to obtain the other persons insurance information. Its always a good idea to contact the police but this is not always necessary.
What happens if I hit an animal?
This is considered a comprehensive claim and the deductible may be different from your collision deductible.
Vehicle Change
If I go to a car dealership and buy a new car will the dealer handle it, or do I still need to call the agency to confirm the purchase and coverages?
Yes, it is common for the dealership to make the changes on your behalf. However we always recommend you call or send a message confirming this transaction is taking place.
If I am adding a vehicle that is titled and registered to my child do I need to get a new policy?
Yes, when titling and registering to anyone other than the Named Insureds the insurance companies requires the vehicles be on separate policy.
Should I go directly to my insurance company’s website and do my own car changes or coverage changes to my policy instead of calling the agency?
No, We always recommend waiting to the next business day to call or send the office a message. If you are in situation and you need the ID Card immediately send a text to the office and we will do our best to provide the documentation after hours.
Do I need comprehensive and collision coverage on my vehicles?
If you have loan on your vehicle you must maintain continuous Liability & Collision Coverage on your policy.
When can I remove collision coverage to save money?
If you have paid off your loan you have to decide if the value of the vehicle is worth paying the premium for the collision coverage.
Can a car dealer add my car to my policy on the weekend?
Yes. NY State Law gives you 7 days from after the purchase of a vehicle to add it to your current insurance policy. Many times dealers will not release the vehicle without a new Insurance card. (They Don’t Know Any Better.) If you have an active policy you are allowed to retro actively ad the vehicle the next business day.
My plates were turned in; how do I cancel or remove my car from my auto policy?
The DMV will give you an FS-6 Form all you need to do is text us image of that and we will promptly remove your vehicle or cancel your policy.
Defensive Driving
Do all drivers on policy need to take class individually to receive policy discounts?
The discount is applied to the vehicle the individual drives.
When will I see my defensive driving discount applied?
This is retroactively applied based on the course completion date. It is usually applied a few days after processed by the office.
If a new safety driving class was taken (via online), would we get a 10% discount on current policy?
Yes once the class is completed you instantly start saving with the discount.
Where can I take the course?
You can take the course online or in person at designated classroom facilities.
How long is the defensive driving discount good for?
The discount is good for 3 years.
When I take the course online do I have to do all 6 hours at once ?
No. You can go at your own pace, stopping whenever you want and picking back up where you left off. It’s designed to fit into your lifestyle.
Why take this online course?
4 Point Reduction on your Driving Record. If you have incurred violations during the 18 month period prior to completing the course, up to four (4) points will automatically be reduced on your driving record. The point reduction could help you avoid a license suspension.
NOTE: The point total cannot be reduced below zero. Point reduction can only be credited once every eighteen (18) months. This course cannot be used to reduce future points. 10% Off Your Insurance Premium. When you complete the Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program, you are eligible for a 10% discount on your Collision and Auto Liability insurance premium, including Property Damage (PD), Bodily Injury (BI), and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Your discount will apply to all vehicles for which you are the principal operator FOR 3 YEARS.
HOME INSURANCE
Coverage
How does my deductible actually work?
When you have a loss you will receive a payment minus the deductible amount that is stated on your policy.
What do I do if I am not sure if I should turn a claim in or not?
We always recommend calling our office at the time of loss. We can discuss the severity and the nature of the claim and give you an indication of what would be appropriate. Not all claims exceed the deductible amount.
What is Water Back Up Coverage?
Water Back Up / Sewer Sump Pump Coverage will pay for any and all necessary clean up in the result that your sump fails or drain overflows and water causes damage to your property. This coverage is an additional coverage that is added at the time of purchase or can be added at anytime during the policy period.
I have a discount on my homeowners policy for an alarm system; is there an extra discount for having cameras?
There is no additional discount for cameras at this time. However as companies evolve, we present these ideas to them.
Claims
How does my deductible work?
Insurance Companies will settle your claim by giving you a check minus your deductible amount, i.e., on a $10,000 claim with a $500 deductible, you receive a final payment of $9500.
How do I start my claim?
You can start a claim 2 ways. Call our office to discuss your situation or contact the insurance company directly using their 24-hour reporting hotline. You can find those claim reporting telephone numbers in the claim service section of our website.
Who do I call if i need immediate help to prevent more damage?
We have trusted partners that we recommend for things like fire & water damage restoration. Visit our claims services section to learn more. They will begin protecting and minimizing damage right away.
What happens if I lose power to my freezer and I loose all the food I had stored?
Yes this would be covered under your policy. The downside is that it’s subjected to your deductible. You would need a significant loss of food for it to be worth reporting a claim.
What do I do if water backs up into my home?
Water back up from a sewer or sump pump can be one of the most sudden claims policy holders experience. Most policies include an endorsement that specifically covers this type of loss. Please contact our agency to be sure this is a covered loss. If you experienced this type of loss please take all necessary measures to protect any property that can be saved. Typically these claims happen in heavy rain storms or when power failure occurs. Always check your sump pumps to make sure they are actively working and keeping up with the flow of water and are operational during dry or drought periods. We recommend reaching out to any water restoration company like Servpro that offers 24 hour emergency services.
We had a home fire. What are our options?
Fire claims can be the most devastating claim you suffer. The most common claim is kitchen or grease fires and the smoke damage is devastating throughout your home or business. Typically you want to contact Servpro or any smoke fire damage remediation company right away to get them on the scene as soon as possible. You then want to file your claim directly with the carrier to get an adjuster assigned to your claim. With fire claims National NSFA which is fire claim advocate will proactively reach out to you, they monitor fire department communications. They will find you so be on alert for phone calls from them. They get paid based of the amount of your claim. We recommend that you speak to them and decide if you want them to advocate for you with the insurance company.
LIFE INSURANCE
Coverage
If I apply am I bound to paying for the policy?
No! you have 30 day from once the Insurance Company offers you a policy to accept. ( This is called the Free Look Period.)
Will the price change? coverage?
The price that you are quoted is subject to change based on health and underwriting guidelines. While we aim to provide the most accurate price upfront it’s always best to apply and let the insurance company make you an offer. You can always refuse or chose other options.
Can I increase the amount of insurance after the policy is issued?
Sometimes Based on the amount of coverage you are applying for certain medical exams are required. if you decide you want more than desired you may have to complete additional underwriting and or medical exams.
When does my coverage start?
Once you complete the telephone interview and as long is submit electronic payment the insurance company will provide you temporary insurance coverage while in the underwriting process.
GENERAL
Payments
When will I see my renewal bill/know the cost of my renewal policy?
This is sent by mail 45 days before your renewal date.
If my policy is in non-pay cancel can I get it reinstated?
Results can vary. We recommend reaching out to your agent to see if it is an option to get reinstated.
How do I know if my renewal will be on auto-pay or if I need to make a manual payment and re-setup automatic payments?
The billing option is typically the same as the previous policy period.
Policy Renewals
Does my policy automatically renew?
Yes as long as you pay the renewal premium it will renew automatically.
Will you be shopping for better quotes each year?
No we evaluate each policy upon renewal. Most insurance companies want to see a 3 year history with prior carrier so unless your current company has taken significant rate increase expect the policy to stay with the same carrier for 3 years
Why do my premiums go up when I did not have any accidents or tickets?
The last few years insurance companies have seen a significant increase in frequency & severity with claims. All the carriers have been increasing premiums. We always do our best to re-market policies when we see an increase of 10% or more.
Why does the dwelling coverage keep Increasing on my Home Insurance Policy?
Home Insurance Policies with guaranteed replacement cost provisions have inflationary riders that increase the premium at rate of 3%. You can ask to have this removed with some companies but you can jeopardize your replacement coverage provision by doing this.
New Customers
What happens to the money I already paid?
You are entitled to a pro-rated refund based on the amount of premium your prior insurance company has earned. The prior company will fully refund your insurance premiums within a reasonable time period.
How do I know I am getting the best price?
We will show you our rating system and how it works. We can present all quote options and help you decide what is best.
How long does it take for you to complete my quote?
It can vary by complexity, but for personal insurance it is no longer than 24 hours. For commercial insurance quotes it can take several business days. If you need your quote expedited let us know we can put a rush on it.
Is my information secure?
Yes we encrypt all our data and never sell your information to any 3rd party. All our communication methods are protected with the highest level of security.
How long does it take to give you all my information?
Typically when we speak for the first time it take 10-15 minutes and we can usually get all the information we need. People are really surprised how easy it is.
How do I send you my documents?
You can Fax, Email, or Text them to our office.
Who cancels my prior policy?
We will have you sign a cancellation request that we will forward on your behalf to your current or prior company letting them know you properly changed insurance companies according to state insurance laws.
Who do call If I have questions after I buy a policy?
We are your agent and we service your policy just like any other insurance agency does. We are here all the time to answer any type of questions.
How do I pay my bill?
Your bill is paid directly to the insurance company. You can set up automatic recurring payment methods or pay in full for the policy period.
Do you take cash payments?
We do not accept cash monthly payments in our office. Occasionally we can make an exception but we feel it is a security issue and our agency standard does not allow cash payments.
Will I get a better price if I transfer all my policies?
Yes it’s always best to look at packaging all your policies with one carrier. We typically are not a good fit for single policies unless there is specific underlying circumstances.
What if I have a claim?
We are always here throughout the claim process with follow ups. All insurance claims are to be filed directly with the appropriate insurance company. We always encourage customers to call us regarding any would be claim questions before filing claims with the insurance company.
Check out some of the most frequently asked questions we get, where we answer the most pressing inquiries you may have regarding insurance. We have all the information you need, whether you’re looking for commercial insurance FAQs or personal policy information. We hope that our extensive insurance FAQs section will be of assistance to you in understanding the ins and outs of different insurance products, such as business, home, auto, and life insurance.