Frequently Asked Questions

 

Auto Insurance
What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision coverage protects you if your vehicle collides with another car or object. Comprehensive provides coverage for almost everything else, including theft.
What is an insurance deductible? 
This is the amount of money you pay after filing a claim and before the insurance carrier pays for the remaining amount. 
Does my auto policy cover a rental car? 
Yes, your auto policy will cover a rental car so there is no need to purchase insurance from the rental car company. The only thing your policy will not cover is loss of revenue by the rental company if the rental car is out of commission for a number of days due to a loss.  
I don't have any accidents or violations on my record, so why did the cost increase at my renewal?
Insurance companies use statistical driving data to support their rates. Depending on the number of claims in your area, of other people your age or based on your type of car, along with the rising cost of labor and materials, this could all cause the rates to increase or decrease.

Homeowners Insurance
What does my homeowners insurance cover? 
It varies depending on your carrier, but generally the exclusions include earthquakes, flood, power failure, war, nuclear explosion, neglect or intentional damage. Some carriers offer endorsements you can add to the policy to cover specific excluded perils.
How much homeowners insurance do I need?
It really depends on how much home you're buying, where you're buying it and how much stuff you have. The policy includes a total coverage limit for the dwelling, structures on the property and personal belongings.
Why is the replacement cost higher than the market value of my home?
The replacement cost is the price it will take to rebuild your house in the same spot, size and quality of construction. This also includes the cost of labor and materials and if your home is made of non-standard materials or customized in any way, this could increase the cost. Market value is based on the price at which a house will sell within a reasonable period of time and is influenced by comparable sales, supply and demand, the area in which you live and so on.
What is liability coverage? 
The liability portion of the homeowners policy covers you if someone is accidentally injured on or around your property. For example, if someone falls down your stairs or slips on an icy sidewalk, so long as there aren't any exclusions, liability insurance will pay for that person's medical expenses and any court costs you incur if they sue.

Recreational Vehicle Insurance
What is personal effects coverage on my RV policy?
This protects non-permanently attached assess within the RV, including jewelry, personal electronics, clothing and so on. Most carriers include up to a certain amount in coverage at no additional charge. 
What is included on a motorcycle policy?
Similar to an auto policy, the coverages include bodily injury, property damage, comprehensive, collision and medical payments. Additional coverages include total loss coverage, roadside assistance, carried contents and enhanced injury protection.
Do I really need insurance for my golf cart?
Even if you're not legally required to have golf cart insurance, it's a good idea to have this coverage. Golf carts are often stolen or damage and they can also cause serious damage or injuries in an accident. Additionally, your auto and homeowners policies may not cover your golf cart so it's better to be safe than sorry with this extra coverage.

Is a trailer covered by my auto policy?
With travel trailers or fifth-wheel RVs, the liability portion from the auto policy will extend but the replacement coverage will not. Without this additional policy, there will be no coverage for physical damage or theft of the travel trailer or fifth-wheel RV. 

Watercraft and Boat Insurance
How much boat insurance do I need?
This depends on a number of factors, including the boat's value, motor size, age and how you use it. If you're purchasing the motor and trailer, these values will be added to the boat as well. 
Does boat insurance cover passengers? 
Boat policies will cover passengers as well as the owner in an accident. They are covered under the liability portion of the policy. 
Do I need to insure my boat while it's in storage or in the off-season?
Yes, your boat should be protected all year round. Fire, theft, weather and natural disasters can damage your boat anytime, anywhere. Without the right coverage, your boat remains exposed to these threats all year long. 
Is the trailer I use to tow my boat covered?
As long as the trailer is listed on the boat policy then it is. Similar to insuring the motor, if you include the value of all three (boat, motor and trailer) then they will be protected in the event of a covered loss. 

Landlord Insurance
Why is landlord insurance important? 
A landlord policy not only protects you as the homeowner from liability and property claims, but it also includes coverage for financial loss resulting from accidents, natural disasters, injuries and liability issues. It can help compensate for the lost income you would have had if you were collecting rent. 
Can landlords require their tenants to purchase renters insurance? 
There's no federal or state law requiring this, but as the landlord it is fully within your legal rights to require this as part of the rental agreement. Rental policies will cover the tenant's liability and personal property as well, so it's a good idea to ask for this extra coverage. For more information on rental insurance, click here. 
What's the difference between landlord and homeowners insurance? 
Landlord insurance typically covers all items used in a rental property, homeowners will only protect personal items of a landlord that are located in a rental property. The homeowners policy also only covers owner-occupied homes. If you start renting out to someone else, the coverage no longer applies. 
Does landlord insurance cover the renter's personal property?
No, landlord insurance does not insure the renter's personal property, which is why it's important to have your tenant purchase their own policy. The landlord insurance will only cover the homeowner's personal property in the residence. 

Renters Insurance

What exactly does the renters policy cover?
A renters policy primarily includes liability and personal property coverage. The policy will also cover damage you accidentally do to someone else's apartment, for example, if you overfill your bathtub and water leaks into the unit directly below. Your landlord should have their own policy which provides coverage for any structural damage to the residence itself. 

What happens if I can't stay at my apartment because it's damaged?
Your policy can include additional living expenses coverage, which would provide reimbursement for hotel stays and even meals if you aren't able to stay at your apartment as a result of a covered loss. 
Should I add my roommate to my renters policy?
Some carriers will allow you to add your roommate as an insured on the policy, but this does come with added risks. Say your roommate files a claim and is paid out with a settlement for the covered loss. Even though you didn't file the claim, if you're both listed as insureds on the policy this will show up on your insurance history for the next three to five years, which can result in a higher rate. In the long run, the savings of having a combined policy is not worth it and it's recommended to have separate policies.
Does renters insurance cover theft?
Yes, your policy will provide coverage for your items if they are stolen from inside or even outside of your residence. It's always a wise idea to create an inventory of all your belongings in the event of any loss and discuss with your agent whether or not you have enough coverage. 

Umbrella Insurance
What is umbrella insurance?
This is optional protection that provides additional liability coverage beyond that of your homeowners or auto insurance policy. For example, if the unexpected happens and you are sued, your home and auto policies kick in first and your umbrella will cover the excess when your limits have been reached. 
What does an umbrella policy cover?
This policy covers defense costs, judgements and court costs, personal injury, property damage, slander, defamation, libel, wrongful eviction and so on. 
Do I really need an umbrella policy?
Almost anyone may benefit from an umbrella policy, regardless of income or assets, because accidents can happen to anyone. Certain lifestyle factors, such as having a backyard swimming pool, come with additional responsibilities and potential liabilities if you don't have sufficient protection in place. 
Would an umbrella policy cover my whole family?
This policy may extend to other members of your household, such as a spouse or children. There are some exclusions, so be sure to read your policy or discuss this question with a Redel Insurance agent.