What is an independent insurance agency?An independent insurance agency is appointed with multiple insurance carriers so they are able to shop many insurance companies in order to offer a variety of coverage options and rates.Back to TopWhy choose an independent agent?They give you a choice
Independent agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide variety of coverage options and price points. Most on average sell for five to eight different insurance companies. There’s no need for you to accept one quote from one company, and there’s no need for you to spend time filling out many different online applications to get your own quote comparisons. With their connections and their knowledge of the market, agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own. Agents do the shopping. You do the saving. They find you the right blend of price, coverage, and service.
They are licensed experts
Independents can explain the complexities of insurance in simple terms, helping you make smart decisions. They make a career out of assessing their customers’ insurance needs and matching them with the insurance carrier best equipped to meet those needs at a price the customer can afford. Think about it. While you might research wording for wills on the Internet, you’ll likely go to an attorney to ensure that the document is drawn up correctly. Why wouldn’t you seek the advice of a licensed insurance professional to be certain that your home, your auto, or your business is properly protected?
They are personal advisers
Agents not only find you competitive pricing, they make sure you are adequately covered. Working with you face-to-face, your agent becomes your personal adviser, taking the time to listen to you and understand your individual needs. They know it’s not just about finding a price you can afford; it’s also about making certain you are appropriately covered so that you don’t end up insurance-poor if you do suffer a loss.
They are your advocate
If you have a billing or claim concern, or need to change your coverage, your agent can be your advocate, working with the insurance company on your behalf.
They are right around the corner
Independent agents are your neighbors…they share your interest in the community where you live, and understand the benefits and challenges of living in your locale. They are often highly involved in the community, sponsoring youth sports teams, buying from your local businesses, supporting school organizations, and voicing opinions at the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting. They are right around the corner, ready to help.
They offer one-stop shopping
Independent agents can often meet all of your insurance needs with the companies they represent, providing auto, home, renter’s, and business coverage. Many offer life and health insurance as well.
They are consultants for a lifetime
Independent agents periodically review your coverage. They are there to help you through all the changes in your life, whether you’re going from renting an apartment to buying a home, starting a business, getting married, renovating your home, adding a teen driver to your auto policy, or looking to cover that retirement condo.
Back to TopWhy do I need insurance?To protect your family and assets in a claim situation. Insurance helps you pay for property damages (for your property or someone else’s) and health/medical expenses related to an insured event. In order to drive a car you own, you must have insurance by law. The state also requires you to have insurance when you have a loan or lease on a car or home. In addition to these legal requirements, insurance can help in the event that you are sued.Back to TopWhat should I insure?Common things people insure are cars, boats, homes, personal belongings such as jewelry or other valuables, and businesses. You can also purchase life insurance, disability coverage, and personal or commercial liability insurance. Call us to determine the right coverage for your situation. We will help you protect the important things in your life.
Back to TopWhat's "full coverage"?The term "full coverage" is a term that means the legally required or most commonly requested coverages. The term "full coverage" does not mean that everything is covered no matter what happens. "Full coverage" typically includes Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist, Damage to a covered vehicle (also known as Comprehensive and Collision), and any other coverages available such as: rental car, towing, road service, or additional equipment coverage. Your auto insurance policy declaration page lists the coverages you have selected.Back to TopWhat is a deductible?When you are getting your car repaired or home damage fixed the deductible is the portion of the damage that you pay. Once you have paid your deductible, your insurance pays for the rest of the damage. For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible on your vehicle and are involved in an at-fault accident, you would pay for $500 of the damage and the insurer would pay the remaining amount to fix your car. You can see how this is beneficial in cases of significant damage. A low deductible means you pay very little before your insurance kicks in.Back to TopWhat is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident; comprehensive insurance covers physical damage to your vehicle in situations such as a collision with a deer, a rock hitting your glass, theft, etc.Back to TopWhen my child gets his/her driver's license must I add him/her to my insurance policy?Yes. All licensed drivers living in the household need to be listed on the auto policy unless they have their own auto insurance elsewhere.Back to TopIs flood insurance included on my homeowners policy?No. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Although the government actually provides the coverage, Bill McCoy Insurance Agency, Inc issues the policy and, in the event of flood damage to your insured property, we would help you file a claim. Give us a call and we can find out if you are in a flood zone.Back to TopAre my personal belongings (furniture, clothes, sports equipment, etc.) covered by homeowners insurance?Yes, the part of homeowners insurance known as personal property coverage helps repair or replace these items if they are lost, stolen or destroyed in a claim situation.Back to TopAre jewelry, art, antiques, comic book collections, musical instruments, or collectibles covered by Personal Property Coverage?There are limitations to what insurance covers if these types of items are stolen. These special possessions can be covered by Scheduled Personal Property Coverage. Talk to your agent about additional coverage.Back to TopDo I need insurance if I am renting a home or apartment?You may not own the place where you live, but you still need insurance protection. Renters insurance will protect your belongings (furniture, etc. inside the building), your liability, and relocation lodging if your home becomes uninhabitable because of an insured loss. As an added bonus, if you have renter’s insurance with the same company that holds your auto insurance, there can be a multi-policy discount.Back to TopDo I need a different type of policy if I rent out my home?Yes, landlord dwelling home policies provide special liability coverage to protect you as a landlord from your tenants. It is important to make sure you switch your policy to landlord insurance if you yourself no longer live in the home.Back to TopWhat is “Umbrella” Coverage?Excess Liability. Sometimes used interchangeably with “umbrella,” “excess liability” refers to extended liability coverage. If you accidentally injure someone or damage their property, you could potentially be involved in a costly lawsuit. This coverage is meant to supplement your insurance coverage if the damages exceed your liability coverage. Be sure to talk to your agent about what your excess liability covers.Back to Top