FAQ

An independent insurance agent represents multiple brands, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual situation. Independent agents are usually vested members of your community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being there for you in your time of need.

No, the color of your vehicle does not affect your insurance cost at all.

Term used to describe any type of insurance contract under which their own insurance company, regardless of fault in the incident, pays insureds for losses. Eligible injured parties are entitled to reimbursement of 60% of their verifiable wages and 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, and $5000 death benefit incurred as a result of a covered auto accident. In Florida, this is limited to $10,000 per loss. Florida law requires this coverage.

In general auto insurance premiums do tend to be lowered once a driver has turned the age of 25. When determining auto insurance rates, insurers generally consider a variety of information about you, including age, vehicle information, claims history and the claims experience of other customers like you. While premiums do tend to go down when you turn 25, the decrease in premium is usually very minimal.

Car insurance rates are individually determined, so factors such as age, driving record, credit history, type of vehicle and marital status are considered. Each person’s situation is unique, and car insurance rates will vary because of this.

Items stolen from your car may not be covered by your auto insurance coverage. However, your renters or homeowners insurance often covers such losses. Auto insurance usually only covers items stolen that are permanently installed by the auto manufacturer. Check all your insurance policies for coverage details so that you know whom to call if a theft occurs.

No, the insurance company will settle your accident based on actual cash value. Actual cash value means the cost to replace with new property of like kind and quality, less depreciation. There is also a coverage called Gap Insurance, which many insurance companies offer to add to your auto policy or a separate policy can be purchased. Gap Insurance will cover the difference between what is owed on an automobile and the amount that the insurance company will pay in the event the automobile is totaled.

This coverage protects you. It does not give insurance to uninsured vehicles. If you are injured, which is caused by an uninsured driver, your own policy covers medical costs, and other related expenses. Your insurance company will then take action against the responsible driver.

Because we live in a lawsuit-conscious society, the higher your liability coverage, the better. Whether you have substantial assets or not, your are still at risk from large damage settlements. If you lose a lawsuit, your wages can be garnished; it could take many years to pay damages in full.

There are limits on the amount of coverage you can receive for valuables such as jewelry. For example, most companies put a cap of $1500 on total jewelry lost during burglary of your home. If you find that your jewelry is valued at over $1500 you should talk to your insurance agent and schedule an endorsement on your policy giving you additional coverage.

Every home is in a flood zone. There is a difference between high risk and low risk flood zones. If your home is in a high risk zone, lending institutions such as banks that hold your mortgage will required you to carry flood insurance. No matter what zone you are in, its a wise idea for every homeowner to consider flood insurance.

A common mistake when homeowners are getting home insurance quotes for their home insurance is that they use the purchase price of their home to determine their dwelling value. The purchase price of your home includes the land under the home as well as market inflation. For that reason, your dwelling coverage should always reflect the replacement cost of your home or how much it would cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss.

If a banking lender is involved, they will require that you maintain homeowners insurance as long as they hold the mortgage. If a home is free and clear of a mortgage, homeowners insurance is not required. However, the risk is always there and it only takes one claim to destroy your investment.

Mold damage is generally not covered under the typical policy, although some policies cover a limited amount of mold damage if the damage is the result of a covered water loss.

Most home insurance policies include some coverage for the value of trees damaged by lightning, fire, explosion, riot, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles (not owned or operated by a resident of the house), vandalism, and malicious mischief. If a tree falls on covered property, such as your home, most policies will also cover the reasonable cost to remove it from the house. Only very nominal coverage, if any, is provided for debris removal when trees fall in the yard without falling on covered property. Home insurance policies do not cover falling trees if not due to the perils listed above and/or does damage to your property.

In general, you may not be covered if your dog bites a guest or someone else on your property. Most Florida home insurance policies exclude or provide minimal coverage specifically for injuries to your guests. Keep in mind that the laws about dog bites are different from state to state, and certain breeds of dogs may be excluded from coverage.

Your landlord insures his property, not yours. Renters Insurance helps protect you and your stuff. And it costs less than you think.

No, each insurance policy is different. The policy can vary based on what type of policy and what company the insurance is with. Be sure to consult with an insurance agent to make sure your home insurance is tailored to fit your specific needs.