| |
 |
|
 |
General - FAQ's |
|
|
| Are there advantages to using one agency for all my insurance needs? |
Working with one agency offers convenience. Multiple insurance questions can be answered by one phone call. We have a full-time staff developed to claims and customer service. We offer old-fashioned personal service with a receptionist to take your calls, plus the conveniences of voice mail and e-mail should you prefer.
Working with one agency offers security. We have experienced agents that can also help with your life, health and investment needs. For more than 90 years, businesses and individuals have placed their trust in us.
|
| How can I lower my insurance rates? |
Insurance companies offer the lowest rates to the best risks. Companies use a number of different methods to determine who is the best risk. For auto insurance, these factors will generally help you to achieve a lower rate:
- No accidents or comprehensive claims during the last 3 years
- No violations or speeding tickets during the last 3 years
- No major violations during the last 5 years
- No alcohol-related violations during the last 7 years
- Higher insurance scores (see your agent for an explanation)
- Higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverages
- Combine your auto and home insurance with the same company for a multi-policy discount
- Make sure the younger drivers on your insurance policy receive a good student discount if they have a “B” average or higher
- Check to see if your auto carrier offers a discount if you take a defensive driving course
- Don’t purchase sports or high-performance vehicles
- Purchase vehicles that perform well in national crash tests
Factors to help you achieve a lower homeowner’s insurance rate:
- Clean claims history during the last 3-5 years
- Increase your deductibles
- Combine home and auto insurance with one company for a multi-policy discount
- Update the mechanical systems in your home. Check with your agent to see if you can receive a lower rate for replacing your electrical, plumbing, furnace or roof
- Higher insurance scores (see your agent for an explanation)
- Install a theft alarm system
|
| What is the process my insurance company follows when I file a claim? |
Here is a general overview of the claim process:
- Claim should be reported to your agent or insurance company claim service center as soon as reasonably possible.
- Usually within 24-48 hours, the insured receives a call from the claim department to review the facts and claim handling procedures.
- If an inspection is not needed, the adjustor requests information necessary to process the claim and issue a settlement check.
- If an inspection is needed, the claim is assigned to a local appraiser who contacts the insured and sets an appointment.
- If a contractor is involved, the appraiser attempts to meet with the customer and contractor to reach an agreement of the damage and the cost of repair. The appraiser prepares an estimate and forwards it to the claim department so a settlement check can be issued.
- If a contractor is not involved, the appraiser prepares his own estimate and forwards to the claim department so a settlement check can be issued.
- If the insured obtains a contractor after the loss is settled, the insured should notify the company adjustor if there are any discrepancies. If additional money is owed, a supplemental estimate is prepared and another check issued.
|
| Why does my premium go up when I have had no losses? |
Good question! Insurance is not like a savings account where you deposit money (premium) and withdraw it if you have a claim. As long as you don’t have a claim, the premium should stay the same or, better yet, get lower. Right? Wrong.
Instead, the insurance premiums for huge groups of people are pooled together – typically by state in the case of homeowners, or in the case of auto insurance, by age groups as well as geographic areas. The number and size of the claims to be paid for that group of similar people are determined statistically, and a rate or premium is determined. When the total claims of that group are larger than expected, rates increase for the group if they are less than projected. Increased competition lowers the rates. If over a five-to-ten-year period the losses are higher than anticipated, significant increases occur, or the company may determine its chances of profit are slim and may decide to withdraw from the state or that particular line of business.
|
|
|
