A Q&A with a Local Insurance Agent

Personal insurance plays a vital role in protecting your home, car, and financial future. We sat down with a local insurance agent to ask the most common questions people have about personal insurance and got straightforward, helpful answers.

Q1: What is personal insurance, and why do I need it?

Agent: Personal insurance covers your individual assets and liabilities. This includes your home, vehicles, valuables, and protection against lawsuits or accidents. Life is unpredictable—personal insurance gives you financial security and peace of mind when unexpected events happen.

Q2: What's the difference between home insurance and renters insurance?

Agent: Home insurance is for property owners and protects the structure, personal belongings, and liability. Renters insurance doesn’t cover the building, but it protects your possessions inside and offers liability coverage. Both are essential depending on your living situation.

Q3: How much auto insurance do I really need?

Agent: At a minimum, you need to meet your state’s legal requirements. But we often recommend higher limits, especially liability coverage, to protect your assets if you're at fault in a serious accident. Coverage like comprehensive and collision helps pay for damage to your own vehicle, too.

Q4: What’s a personal umbrella policy, and who should get one?

Agent: A personal umbrella policy offers extra liability protection on top of your home and auto policies. If you're sued for a large amount, it kicks in after your standard policy limits are exhausted. It's ideal for people with assets to protect, kids driving, pets, or frequent visitors at home.

Q5: How often should I review or update my policies?

Agent: At least once a year—or anytime you have a major life change like buying a home, getting married, having a child, or buying a new vehicle. An annual review helps make sure you're properly covered and not overpaying.

Q6: Does my homeowners insurance cover flooding or earthquakes?

Agent: No, standard homeowners policies usually exclude flood and earthquake damage. These require separate policies. If you live in a high-risk area, we can help you explore options for added protection.

Q7: What should I know about insuring valuable items like jewelry or art?

Agent: Most policies have limits on certain categories like jewelry, collectibles, or firearms. If you have high-value items, we recommend scheduling them separately (a “rider”) so they’re fully protected against theft, loss, or damage.

Q8: Can bundling home and auto insurance really save money?

Agent: Yes! Most carriers offer a multi-policy discount when you bundle, and it can simplify your billing and claims. Bundling can save 10% to 25% or more, depending on your provider and policies.

Q9: What factors affect my insurance rates the most?

Agent: For home, it’s things like location, age of the home, and claims history. For auto, it’s your driving record, credit, vehicle type, and even how far you commute. We shop multiple carriers to get you the best combination of price and coverage.

Q10: What’s the biggest mistake people make with personal insurance?

Agent: Underinsuring! Many people choose the cheapest policy without realizing how exposed they are in a serious claim. Our job is to help you understand the risk—and protect what matters most.

Have more questions or need a personal review of your coverage? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.