Answers to Common Insurance Questions.
Q & A for Personal & Commercial Insurance.
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We’ve created a series of answers to the questions we are asked the most. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, please contact us or call us at 859-317-2217.
Have questions? Click the buttons below to view our Frequently Asked Questions and answers.
General Questions:
Could you please send me my ID cards and declaration pages?
Answer: The simplest way to obtain your ID cards and declaration pages is to log into or sign up for our Glove Box App on our website, where you can print them anytime. Alternatively, you can create an account with your carrier’s client portal to access and print these documents as well.
Why is it important to regularly review my insurance policy?
Answer: Life changes quickly, and those changes can impact the coverage you need. Whether you’re adding a new driver, building an addition to your home, or anything in between, it’s important to keep your policies updated to match your needs. It’s always better to understand your coverage and be prepared in case a claim arises. If you haven’t reviewed your policy this year, contact us today to schedule a time to go over it.
What are the reasons behind the increase in my insurance premium?
Answer: Insurance premiums can increase for various reasons, with the most common being violations, accidents, and credit scores. Other factors include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, your driving record, whether you carry comprehensive, collision, and liability coverages (commonly known as “full coverage”) or just liability, and having a young driver in the household. While these factors can raise your premiums, there are ways to reduce them. You can request a consultation with us to review your policy and ensure you’re receiving the right discounts and coverage tailored to your needs.
I hardly drive my car, so why did my rate increase?
Answer: Unfortunately, mileage is not a significant factor for most insurance companies when determining rates. However, depending on your insurer, there may be discounts or programs you can enroll in to help you save on your insurance.
There are many factors that influence your rate, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly what’s causing an increase. One major factor is the used car market. For instance, if you were to sell your used car today, you would likely get much more than a few years ago due to high demand. The same principle applies to your car insurance. If your car is totaled in an accident, the insurance company considers the current market value, so while your rate may increase, the payout for your car would also be higher.
What is a deductible?
Answer: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. This amount can vary depending on your specific coverage.
Does my deductible apply to each claim I file?
Answer: Yes, your deductible will apply to each claim you report.
If I think I have a claim, what should I do if I don't have all the details about my loss yet? Should I wait to file a claim?
Answer: You should never delay filing a claim. Even if you have limited information, it’s enough to get the process started. It’s also crucial to take action to prevent any further damage to your home or vehicle while reporting the claim.
Homeowners’ Questions:
Do I need an umbrella insurance policy?
Answer: If you own a home, an umbrella policy could be highly beneficial. Imagine a friend is staying overnight at your house, and they slip getting out of the shower, hit their head, and tragically pass away. If their family decides to sue for $800k and you’re found liable, your home insurance might only cover up to $500k in liability. That leaves you responsible for the remaining $300k. An umbrella policy would cover that difference.
Was it really your fault? That’s debatable. But could you be found negligent as the property owner? It’s certainly possible. We often remind clients that in today’s world, you can be sued by anyone, for any reason, and for any amount of money.
Does my homeowner's insurance policy include coverage for flood damage?
Answer: Flood damage caused by an overflow from a body of water or leaking, seeping groundwater is not covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. While your homeowner’s policy may cover water damage from events like a pipe burst or water heater rupture (these are optional coverages—contact us to check if you have them), it does not cover flood damage. To protect against floods, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood policy.
Auto Owners’ Questions:
Should I purchase rental car coverage at the rental counter?
Answer: If your auto policy includes both comprehensive and collision coverages, those protections will extend to the vehicle you rent. You are welcome to purchase additional insurance through the rental company if you prefer. However, if you are renting a U-Haul or similar commercial truck or van, you will need to purchase insurance through the rental company, as personal auto policies do not cover commercial vehicles.
Learn more by reading our blog.
When should I add my child to my insurance policy?
Answer: Each insurance carrier has specific guidelines for when you need to add a new young driver to your policy. To ensure you receive accurate information based on your carrier, please contact us through our client portal, text 859-242-7980, or call 859-317-2217 to speak with one of our Client Service Advisors. They’ll be happy to assist you.
What are the differences between comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage?
Answer: Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from “acts of God,” such as theft, fire, vandalism, and collisions with animals like deer.
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle, object, or obstruction on the road, regardless of fault.
Liability coverage covers the damages and injuries of other parties if you’re in an accident. It’s important to be aware that liability coverage has limits, which are crucial in the event of a worst-case scenario. To ensure you’re adequately protected, contact our Client Services Advisors to review your coverage.”
Is it okay for anyone else to drive my car?
Answer: Car insurance typically follows the car, not the driver, but guidelines can vary by carrier. It’s important to check with us to ensure you have the correct information for your specific carrier. This question also depends on two factors: First, is it permissive driving? In other words, did you give the person permission to drive your vehicle? Second, is it occasional? Did you allow this person to drive your car only on a truly occasional basis? If you answered yes to both questions, then it’s generally acceptable to let someone else drive your vehicle, but it’s always best to consult with us first.
Should I inform my insurance company if I drive for Uber or Instacart?
Answer: Yes! Many insurance companies do not cover accidents if their policyholder is driving for services like Uber, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, Lyft, Grubhub, etc. If you’re using your car to earn income, it’s important to talk to your agent to ensure you have the right coverage. Without it, if you’re involved in an accident, the insurance company may deny the claim, leaving you responsible for the damages.
How will an accident affect my rate or premium?
Answer: This question can be challenging to answer as it depends on your insurance carrier, as well as the type and severity of the claim. For a more specific answer, please contact us.
What details should I gather from the other driver if I’m involved in an accident?
If everyone is safe, then, if possible, gather the following information:
- Names of everyone involved.
- Email and mailing addresses of all parties.
- Phone numbers for the drivers, passengers, and any witnesses to the accident.
- If it’s safe, take pictures of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved for your records.
- The insurance company and policy number of the person(s) directly involved.
Should I file a police report if no one is injured in the accident?
Answer: While a police report may not be required in every state, it is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in a claim. When an insurance company investigates fault, they rely on available information to piece together the incident. A police report not only includes contact information for both parties but also indicates who is at fault. Without it, the claim’s outcome often depends on conflicting accounts from those involved.
In the event of a tragedy, your first concern won’t be how much you saved on insurance. Talk to your agent to see if an umbrella policy is in your best interest.
Do I need to obtain two estimates if my vehicle is damaged in a car accident?
Answer: You don’t need to obtain two estimates unless your adjuster specifically requests it. They will provide you with that information during your initial conversation.
Can you explain what Rental Car Coverage is in relation to my auto claim?
Answer: Rental car coverage helps you if you’re in an accident and need a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired or if you’re searching for a new car after yours has been declared a total loss. However, this coverage does not apply for routine maintenance or if your car breaks down due to normal wear and tear. It is an optional coverage with daily and per-occurrence limits. If you’re unsure whether you need this coverage or want to verify if your limits are sufficient, please contact us through our client portal, text 859-242-7980, or call 859-317-2217 to speak with one of our Client Service Advisors.
If I hit a deer and my vehicle is damaged, do I need to contact the police?
Answer: No, you don’t need to call the police if you hit a deer. However, it’s a good idea to notify them so they can arrange to remove the animal from the road. For your safety, do not approach the animal.
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