FAQs
Below you will find some the most commonly asked questions about Insurance Coverage.
PERSONAL INSURANCE
HOMEOWNERS:
AUTOMOBILE:
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE
PERSONAL INSURANCE
HOMEOWNERS:
Q. Does my homeowner's policy cover flood?
A. Losses due to flooding are NOT covered under most homeowners or business policies. A separate flood policy written by the National Flood Insurance Program, can be purchased from your Independent Agent.
Q. Is my home based business covered under my homeowner's policy?
A. If your home business occupies more than 100 square feet or there is more than 2,500 of contents value, the homeowners policy is probably inadequate. A separate home based business insurance policy is available through your independent insurance agent.
Q. Is my expensive jewelry covered for theft under by homeowner's policy?
A. Homeowners form B, (HO-B) provides coverage for theft of jewelry, watches and furs up to a base limit of $500. This limit can be increased to a total of $5,000 with an additional premium endorsement. Individual items can also be scheduled to provide broader coverage and higher limits.
Q. What should I do if I have a homeowner's loss?
A. Take any reasonably necessary steps to protect the property from further damage. Then contact your agent immediately so a company adjuster can be assigned to your claim.
AUTOMOBILE:
Q. Does my auto insurance cover injuries to passengers in my vehicle?
A. The liability portion of the Texas Personal Automobile Policy only covers bodily injury and property damage to persons in the other vehicle. To properly protect yourself and other passengers for bodily injury you need to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Un-underinsured motorists coverage.
Q. Should I buy the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) when renting a vehicle?
A. Whether you should buy the waiver depends greatly on your tolerance for risk and convenience. The CDW relieves you of any liability for damage to the vehicle as long as the terms of the rental agreement are not breached concerning use of the vehicle. If you buy the CDW you can take a damaged car back to the rental company and walk away. If you don't buy the waiver, the rental company will probably run up an estimated damage amount on your credit card, pending notification of and settlement by your insurance company, tying up your credit.
Q. What should I do if I have an accident?
A. STOP immediately, but do not obstruct traffic
ASSIST injured. Have someone call the Police.
SECURE names, phone numbers, address of other drivers, witnesses, injured persons.
SECURE make, model, license numbers of all cars involved.
MAKE rough drawing of scene showing position of cars and other details.
DON'T hastily accept claim settlement at scene of accident.
REMAIN calm, courteous and consistent in your version of accident.
NOTIFY your insurance agent as soon as possible.
Q. Does my automobile insurance policy cover me if I drive someone else's vehicle?
A. Yes, your auto policy will respond to any amount over and above any insurance that the other party has in force.
Q. Does my auto policy cover an unlisted driver of my vehicle?
A. Yes, your auto policy will respond as long as the unlisted driver has been given your permission to drive the vehicle.
COMMERCIAL INSURANCE:
Q. Will my business insurance policy replace any lost income if I have a loss?
A. Although most business insurance policies DO NOT include coverage for income replacement in the event of a loss, this coverage is available for an additional premium. Please call your agent to verify if you have or need this coverage.
Q. Does my commercial insurance policy cover any losses from Y2K problems?
A. Many companies have addressed the Y2K issue by adding Y2K exclusion endorsements to commercial insurance policies. If you feel you have any exposure, please contact your agent to address your specific needs.
Q. Does my commercial property policy cover flood?
A. Losses due to flooding are NOT covered under most homeowners or business policies. A separate flood policy written by the National Flood Insurance Program, can be purchased from your Independent Agent. Note: A separate flood policy is required for each individual building or structure.
Q. Should I be an additional insured on my contracto's insurance policy who is performing work for my company.
A. To properly protect your company from poor or defective workmanship, you should request to be added as an additional insured to your contractor's insurance policy. Contact your agent to obtain the proper endorsement form.
Q. What should I do if I have a loss?
A. Take any reasonably necessary steps to protect the property from further damage. Then contact your agent immediately so a company adjuster can be assigned to your claim.
Q. What should I do if my business is served with lawsuit paperwork?
A. Immediately contact your agent and provide them with a copy of the lawsuit paperwork. This will protect you from a loss due to abuse of process.
Q. Is my company required to carry workers compensation insurance in Texas?
A. Employers are not required to carry workers compensation coverage in Texas.
Q. Does my workers compensation policy cover my employees while out of the country on business (i.e. Mexico)?
A. The Texas workers compensation policy only covers injuries to covered employees while working within the United States and it's territories. A separate world wide policy can be purchased for an additional premium. Ask your agent for additional details.
