Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy insurance from the rental car company if I have my own personal automobile insurance? That depends. Liability protection that you carry for personal injury and property damage will provide some protection while you are driving the rental car. Damage to the rental car would be covered under Collision and Comprehensive Coverage, if your policy has it. The rental car company may also try to recover damages for lost income while the rental car is out of service. Your auto policy may or may not protect you against this claim; the best way to know is to look at your policy or ask us to review it for you.
How do I file a claim? You can file a claim several ways. The best way is to contact us (Kelly DeFord Insurance directly.
How does my automobile policy protect me when I’m driving in other states that may require different limits or types of coverage? What about when I’m driving in another country? Your policy will normally adjust for differences in other state requirements if you have the required minimum coverage for your state. Personal automobile policy protection is only applicable in the United States, US territories and possessions and the provinces of Canada.
What happens if I cause a car accident? If you own, lease (long term) or finance your vehicle then you will file a claim with your insurance company. You will have to pay any deductible amount. Payment for your loss will include payment to the finance or leasing company, if any. If you cause damage to other vehicles or property, your insurance company will handle that with little or no involvement on your part, in most cases.
What if another driver hits my car? In most cases the other driver’s insurance policy would respond and reimburse you for damages to your vehicle, property or injuries. In some cases, as when you or your passengers are injured and the other driver has inadequate or no insurance, coverage from your own policy may apply (Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage).
Will filing a claim make my premium increase or result in my policy being canceled? Generally the answer is no. One claim is not a cause for concern on the part of insurance companies. But a pattern of claims may result in a premium increase or cancellation. So if you have a claim that is the third in three years, for example, that will be viewed differently than having one claim only.
Will my automobile policy protect a friend or relative if I loan my vehicle to them? Your automobile policy protection is extended to anyone you grant permission to drive your car. You do not need to explicitly provide permission, the other person only needs to have a reasonable belief that they are driving with permission.
Are natural disasters such as flood, earthquakes and hurricanes covered under my homeowner policy? Many natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, are covered in a homeowner policy. Others, like earthquake and flood are not. Let us know if you have any concerns about your protection from loss due to natural or even man made disasters; we’ll be happy to review your insurance program and let you know what, if any, changes you might want to consider.
Do I need a condominium policy if my condominium association has a master policy for the complex? The association master policy is for coverage to the structure, which you don’t need. However, to get protection for your own possessions and for legal liability related to your own unit, you need your own policy.
I’m not near any body of water. Is there any particular reason why I would need flood insurance? Doesn’t my homeowner policy provide flood coverage? Homeowner policies specifically exclude reimbursement for damage caused by flood. Your home may be a significant distance from a major body of water but still be exposed to flood risk if your home was built in a flood plain. The National Flood Insurance Program has a flood risk indicator on their website. All you have to do is enter your property address and you will get an indication of the degree of flood risk you face. Our agency can get flood coverage for you.
What are the benefits of a renters policy? Renters policies provide several benefits. A renters policy will provide compensation for many types of loss to your personal property. Renters policies also include liability protection. This can be especially important because a fire, caused by your negligence, could damage a large number of other rental units and the property contained in them.
Will my roommate’s renters policy cover me as well? Typical policies provide coverage for you and relatives that live with you. So, if your roommate is not a relative you will not be protected under his or her policy. Renters policies are very affordable, starting at not much more than $150 a year and they provide liability protection as well as coverage for your personal possessions.
Is my boat insured if I have an auto or homeowner policy? If you have a homeowner policy your boat might be covered but there are limitations. Automobile policies do not extend coverage to boats. Boat coverage can sometimes be increased by modifying a homeowner policy but a separate boat policy may be needed.
How often should I review my life insurance policy? You should review all of your insurance needs at least once a year. If you have a major life change, you should contact your insurance agent or company representative. The change in your life may have a significant impact on your insurance needs.