FAQs
Quick answers to what clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask Savannah any time.
Claims
How do I start a claim?
Tell Savannah or call our office and we'll talk it through. You can also call your insurance company's 24-hour claim line; the numbers are in our claim directory. Every claim except glass is filed with the insurance company.
How does my deductible work?
The insurance company pays the claim minus your deductible. A $10,000 claim with a $500 deductible pays $9,500.
I'm not sure a claim is worth filing. What should I do?
Call us first. We'll look at what happened and tell you whether it's likely to be more than your deductible.
Who can help right away to stop more damage?
We recommend trusted partners for fire and water cleanup. They start protecting your property right away.
How long after an accident do I have to file?
The window is flexible. Get somewhere safe and let things settle first. If you find damage later, you can still file.
Can I get my car fixed wherever I want?
Yes. Recommended shops can speed things up, but the choice is yours.
What if I'm hit in a parking lot?
Take photos and get the other driver's insurance information. Calling the police is a good idea but not always required.
I was rear-ended. What should I do?
Get the other driver's insurance company and policy number at the scene. If you file with their company, you won't pay your deductible.
I lost power and my freezer food spoiled. Is that covered?
Yes, but it's subject to your deductible, so it's only worth filing for a large loss.
Car changes
I bought a car at a dealer. Will they handle the insurance?
Dealers often make the change for you, but please message us or call to confirm it's done.
Can a dealer add my car on the weekend?
Yes. New York gives you 7 days after buying a car to add it to your policy. If you have an active policy, we can add it the next business day, dated back to the purchase.
Should I make changes on my insurance company's website myself?
We'd rather you message us or call the next business day. If you need an ID card right away after hours, text the office and we'll do our best.
My child's car is titled in their name. Do they need their own policy?
Yes. A car titled and registered to anyone other than the named insureds has to be on a separate policy.
Do I need comprehensive and collision?
If you have a loan or lease, you must keep liability and collision on the car.
When can I drop collision to save money?
Once the loan is paid off, it comes down to whether the car's value is worth the cost of the coverage.
Do I need a photo inspection for a new car?
Not for a brand-new car with a dealer bill of sale. Most other cars up to 7 years old need a photo inspection.
I turned in my plates. How do I remove the car?
Text us a photo of the FS-6 form the DMV gave you and we'll remove the car or cancel the policy.
Is my trailer covered when it's hooked to my car?
Only for liability while it's being towed. Add collision to the trailer to cover damage in an accident.
Payments and renewals
When will I see my renewal bill?
Your insurance company mails it about 45 days before the renewal date.
Does my policy renew automatically?
Yes, as long as the renewal premium is paid.
Will my renewal stay on auto-pay?
Usually. The billing method normally carries over from the last policy term.
Is there a grace period or late fee?
It depends on the insurance company. We can sometimes get a late fee waived, but not always.
My policy canceled for non-payment. Can it be reinstated?
Usually, within about 15 days of the cancel date. You won't have coverage during the gap.
Why did my price go up when I had no accidents or tickets?
Claims have become more frequent and more expensive across the industry, and every insurance company has raised rates. When your price goes up 10% or more, we shop it.
Do you shop my policy every year?
We review every policy at renewal. Most insurance companies want about 3 years with a client, so unless rates rise sharply, expect to stay with the same company for a while.
Why does the dwelling amount on my home policy keep going up?
Policies with guaranteed replacement cost include an inflation rider that raises the amount about 3% a year. Some companies let you remove it, but that can put your replacement cost protection at risk.
Coverage
Am I covered in a rental car on vacation?
Your liability and collision coverage carry over to the rental, subject to your deductible. We still suggest buying the rental company's coverage so you can just hand the keys back.
How much liability coverage should I have?
New York's minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If you have more to protect, we suggest $250,000/$500,000. We don't sell state-minimum policies.
What's the difference between collision and comprehensive?
Both pay to fix your car, after a deductible. Comprehensive covers fire, theft, vandalism, glass and hitting an animal. Collision covers the rest. Glass claims often have no deductible.
What is water backup coverage?
It pays to clean up and repair damage when a sump pump fails or a drain backs up. You can add it any time during the policy.
I added cameras to my alarm system. Is there a discount?
Not yet. We keep asking insurance companies to add one.
If I apply for life insurance, do I have to buy it?
No. Once the insurance company offers a policy, you have 30 days to accept or turn it down. This is called the free look period.
Will my life insurance price change from the quote?
It can, based on your health and underwriting. The best way to know is to apply and see the company's offer. You can always say no.
Can I increase my life coverage later?
Yes, but more coverage may mean more underwriting or a medical exam.
When does my life coverage start?
Once you finish the phone interview and set up electronic payment, the company gives you temporary coverage while underwriting finishes.
Defensive driving
What do I get for taking the course?
10% off your liability and collision premium for 3 years, on the cars you're the main driver of. It can also take up to 4 points off your license.
Does every driver need to take it?
Each driver takes it separately. The discount goes on the car that person drives.
When will the discount show up?
A few days after we process your certificate, applied back to the date you finished.
Does it apply to my current policy?
Yes. Your savings start once you finish the course.
Where can I take it?
Online or in a classroom.
Do I have to do all 6 hours at once online?
No. Go at your own pace and pick up where you left off.
New customers
How long does a quote take?
No more than 24 hours, and we can rush it if you need. The first conversation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know I'm getting the best price?
We'll show you how our rating works and walk you through every option.
Will I save by moving all my policies?
Usually. Bundling with one company is almost always best, and we're rarely the right fit for a single policy.
Who cancels my old policy?
You sign a cancellation request and we send it to your old insurance company for you.
What happens to the money I already paid?
Your old insurance company refunds the unused part of your premium.
How do I pay my bill?
You pay the insurance company directly, either in full or with automatic payments. We don't take cash.
How do I send you documents?
Text or email them to the office.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Our data is encrypted and we never sell your information.
Who do I call with questions after I buy?
Us. We're your agent for the life of the policy, claims included.