Q: Will filing a claim on my homeowner's insurance make my rates go up?

A. No. Usually, once an insurer reviews your loss history and finds none, a single claim should not affect your rates. If there a numerous claims on your policy, you may face cancellation.

Q. When do I need flood insurance?

A. Flood insurance will cover you if damages results from an overflow of a body of water. Basic homeowner's insurance policies do not include flood insurance. As flood damage happens infrequently, most insurance companies don't write flood coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program underwrites most flood policies in the United States.

Q. Will my car insurance company cancel my policy if I have one claim?

A. Very unlikely. But filing a claim could increase your premium. For example, your auto insurance carrier can add a surcharge to you policy if they pay out over $1,000.

Q. Exactly what does homeowners insurance cover?

A. Protection for your home, personal property such as furniture, clothing, and appliances, as well as personal liability. It protects you from a variety of perils, including fire, lightning, burglary, vandalism, storms, explosions, and more. Make sure you understand which provisions are included in the standard coverage you purchase and which might require supplemental premiums. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood insurance.

Q. Explain "replacement" coverage.

A. In the event of a loss, the insurance company will pay what it costs to replace the property at today's prices. Different insurers offer different levels of replacement coverage. Replacement cost policies give you more protection the actual cash value coverage.

Q. Are any discounts available if I take extra steps to protect my property?

A. Yes. Most insurers (including our office) offer premium discounts for improved security. Examples may include: having good quality locks, a central station alarm (fire or burglary), and sprinklers.

Q. Are my possessions covered away from the home, say if a go on vacation, for example?

A. Some policies can automatically include, or can be extended to provide, accidental damage or loss away from the home.

Q. What about if I work from home? Am I covered?

A. Most policies will not cover losses arising from business activities at home. For an added cost, your insurer may extend the policy, or you may have to buy a specific policy to cover your business activities.

Q. Why should I have a broker/agent instead of contacting a direct carrier?

A. Agents/brokers represent a wide variety of different companies. Our goal is to get the customer the best policy at the best price. When we write the policy, we represent the insurance carrier and, most importantly, the client.

Q. Is my jewelry, furs or fine arts covered on my homeowner's policy?

A. Most carriers have a limit on the coverage amount for jewelry, fur and fine arts. If you posses any items above that limit, these items must be added individually to your policy for an additional premium. This coverage will be "All Risk" for those items.