Insurance FAQ
Personal Insurance
- The company I insure my home or auto with had a rate increase this year. What can I do to decrease my premiums?
- Is all personal property covered up to the amount shown on my policy?
- Do I need separate windstorm coverage?
- Do I need to buy flood insurance?
- What do I do if I have a homeowners claim?
- How is my deductible portion handled when I have a covered loss?
Professional Insurance Designations
The company I insure my home or auto with had a rate increase this year. What can I do to decrease my premiums?
Since we are an independent agency, we will work with you to find the best rates possible from all the companies we represent. The state does approve rate increases as it sees fit, so unfortunately, premiums generally do increase over time. If we cannot find a better rate for you with a different company we represent, here is a list of things to be considered which may decrease your premiums.
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Is all personal property covered up to the amount shown on my policy?
Your actual loss will be covered up to the amount shown on the policy. However, if you have items for business use, certain other limits apply. Also, items such as furs, money and jewelry have special limits that will affect the amount of your coverage. To be sure everything is covered for the full amount, items can be scheduled on the policy with their value to grant additional coverage. Please contact us if you have questions regarding your coverage amounts or would like to schedule items on your policy.
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Do I need separate windstorm coverage?
Certain coastal areas of Florida are designated “Wind” zones. This means Windstorm coverage is available to you through Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Homeowners policies in these coastal areas usually exclude coverage for windstorms, so you will need to purchase a policy through Citizens Property Insurance Corp. To find out more about Citizens, please go to www.citizensfla.com.
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Do I need to buy flood insurance?
The need for flood insurance is obvious if you live in a low-lying or coastal area prone to floods. However, much of the damage caused by flooding is often in areas that have never flooded before. If the area you live in is not considered a high risk for flooding, you may be able to purchase flood insurance at a low cost. Homeowners policies exclude coverage for floods, so you will want to carefully consider buying flood insurance. More information on flood insurance can be found at www.fema.gov.
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What do I do if I have a homeowners claim?
The first thing you need to do is try to prevent any further damage to your home. For example, if the roof is blown off your house, you will need to cover or move as much furniture as possible to keep if from further damage once your home has been deemed safe. Then, contact us as soon as possible. Be sure to keep you insurance policies in a safe place, as we will need information from these policies while processing your claim.
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How is my deductible portion handled when I have a covered loss?
The total amount payable for your claim will be reduced by the stated amount of your deductible. If you have a percentage deductible, the percentage is based on the policy limit and your total payable claim amount will be reduced by that amount. Remember, you are responsible for the deductible amount on each claim you file.
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AAI
To obtain the Accredited Advisor in Insurance designation, an individual must complete a three-course program focusing on insurance coverages, agency operations and technical knowledge of insurance products. Examinations on coursework must be successfully completed to be awarded this designation.
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ACSR
The Accredited Customer Service Representative designation is a national program for personal insurance or commercial insurance customer service representatives.
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AIP
To obtain the Associate in Insurance Production designation, an individual must complete a twelve-day course program in quarterly intervals. The class focuses on sales etiquette, negotiation, and accountability.
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ARM
Individuals holding the Associate of Risk Management designation have successfully completed a three-course program and examinations focusing on auto, property and general liability insurance.
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CEBS
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation is awarded to individuals who successfully completed an eight-course program and examinations through The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The CEBS designation is the most widely recognized and respected professional creditial in the employee benefits field.
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CIC
The Certified Insurance Counselor designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete five institutes and five rigorous examinations. An individual with this designation has shown a strong commitment to professionalism and quality insurance service.
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CISR
The Certified Insurance Service Representative designation is granted to individuals who have successfully completed an intensive five-day course with examinations at the end of the program.
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CPCU
The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation is an 8-part program consisting of classes in property and casualty insurance and ethics, education and experience requirements. Each candidate must successfully complete 8 examinations to receive this designation.
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CPSR
The Certified Professional Service Representative designation is a national foundation program for personal insurance customer service representatives.
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LUTCF
The Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow designation is awarded to individuals who have completed five courses in life and health insurance and related financial services and passed the accompanying examinations.
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REBC
The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant designation is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a five-course program and examinations. Individuals earning the REBC designation develop an understanding of the various types of group benefits and retirement plans, and the practical knowledge needed for choosing and/or designing the best benefits package that will meet the client’s needs.
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RHU
The Registered Health Underwriter designation is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed a three-course program and examinations. An individual earning the RHU designation demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge about the principles and practices governing the disability income and health insurance business.
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