FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions?
Auto:
What factors may affect my auto insurance costs?
- Driving history. A "clean" driving record keeps insurance costs lower.
- Age, gender, marital status.
- Driving patterns and geography. The more you drive, the more you pay and the more populous your area, the higher your insurance premiums.
- Your car. Some cars cost more to repair, are more easily damaged in an accident or are targets for theft. They always cost more to insure.
- Amount of insurance. The higher the policy limit, the more it costs.
- Credit history. In some states, an excellent credit rating might reduce your premium.
How can I lower my auto insurance rates?
- Drive defensively and legally to maintain a good driving record.
- Comparison shop for insurance, and be sure you're comparing apples with apples for coverage types and costs.
- Obtain higher insurance deductibles.
- Get discounts whenever they apply to you.
- Credit Rating. Most insurance is based on credit risk scores. Protect your credit rating to get the best rate on insurance.
Why does my insurance keep going up?
- Tickets or accidents
Often are the reasons for a rate increase. When you get a ticket or have an accident you become a higher risk. Statistically, the chance of having an another accident increases proportionately to how many tickets and accidents a driver has already had, so insurance companies adjust their rates to accurately reflect the increased exposure to future claims based on this higher risk.- Rate Increases
Rate Increases often to offset the cost of insurance, Insurance companies adjust their rates sometimes higher and sometime lower this is based on the law of large numbers so if the risk pool has a high number of accidents your rates inflate this is based for the most part by city or county or zip code that you live in.
When I rent a car, what does my auto insurance policy cover?
- Check your policy or ask your insurance agent. Your policy may specify rentals only for pleasure, like vacations or special events, but not business. Make sure you understand exactly how much your policy covers. Limitations may cover repair, but not losses incurred while the rental is being repaired. The policy limits may or may not cover replacement if the car is totaled. If you carry only liability, you may not have rental car coverage at all.
If in doubt, buy the rental coverage. It's much cheaper than discovering after the fact that you don't have adequate coverage.
I have Property Damage and Physical Damage coverage. Aren't these the same?
- Property damage coverage, which is usually required, protects and covers damage you cause to someone else's property. There is no deductible for this.
Physical damage (also called comprehensive and collision) is usually optional. Collision covers damage to your car if you collide with another automobile or object. Comprehensive covers damage from fire, theft, vandalism, weather, windshield, or animal-related accidents. Both typically have separate deductibles.
If a friend drives my car, is he or she covered under my insurance?
- Other drivers who your permission to use your auto are frequently covered. To make sure, check your policy or ask your agent. Find out if there are limitations regarding your policy and how they apply to other drivers.
What should I do if I have an accident?
- Check to see if anyone needs medical attention.
- Call the police. They will tell you whether you should move the autos, and whether an officer will come take statements from those involved.
- Stay calm. If a police officer questions you, be factual. It is not up to you to talk about whose fault it is. The police and insurance companies decide that.
- If law enforcement is not involved, exchange.
Home:
Do I need Flood Insurance?
- Your mortgage company will determine if you need flood through Fema's flood Insurance Program.
Do I need Earthquake Coverage?
- http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/faq.php this link will tell you everything you need to know about an earthquake and if you feel the need for coverage then most likely you should get the coverage for your peace of mind.
How can I reduce my Homeowner Insurance Cost?
- Deductible and Coverage are the most common ways to reduce insurance cost however reducing coverage is very risky and puts you at a higher risk of being sued if underinsured. Deductible is your payment portion so if you increase your deductible make certain that you are able to pay the amount.
Life:
How much Life insurance do I need?
- Depending on your needs. If Married with a family the rule of thumb is to have enough coverage to supplement the loss of second income and enough to pay you bills and put children through college and pay for funeral cost. Ask your insurance agent for a need analysis.
What are the requirements for Life Insurance?
- There are many factors with getting life insurance issued. Age, weight, health conditions, pre-existing conditions, smoking and drinking habits and credit for most companies.