Frequently Asked Questions

Independent agents represent multiple insurance companies, not just one. That means we shop for you, explain the differences, and give you personal service that big call centers and websites can’t.

Every situation is different. We’ll walk you through your assets, risks, and goals to build a personalized plan—so you’re not over- or under-insured.

Often, yes! Because we work with many carriers, we can compare rates and discounts. But it’s not just about the lowest price—it’s about getting the right coverage so a claim doesn’t cost you more later.

Yes. Most carriers provide savings when you bundle home and auto, or combine other policies like renters, life, or umbrella insurance. We’ll explore the options for you.

Call us first! We’ll help guide you through the claims process, answer your questions, and work with the insurance company to make sure everything goes smoothly.

At least once a year—or anytime you have a big life change such as buying a home, getting married, having a child, or starting a business. We offer free annual reviews to keep your coverage up to date.

Yes! We write policies for small businesses, contractors, restaurants, trucking companies, farms, and more. Our goal is to protect your livelihood and keep you compliant.

Things like your driving history, vehicle type, location, credit (in some states), and coverage limits all play a role. We’ll explain your options and help you find ways to save.

It’s simple—call us, stop by our office, or fill out our quick online form. We’ll gather some information, compare rates from our carriers, and get back to you with customized options.

It is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered claim before your insurance carrier pays the rest.

It covers you and your company for claims that involve bodily injury and property damage which result from your services or operations. 

This coverage pays the difference between your vehicle’s value and the amount you owe on the loan if the car is totaled. 

We offer many discounts which you may be eligible for in addition to bundling/multi-policy such as good student, safe driver, vehicle safety features and claims free.

Yes, we have collectible car, antique car and lay-up usage for vehicles/motorcycles if you have other policies with us.

Yes! Always call to make sure that you secure the type of coverage that you need for your vehicle. Dealerships are not responsible to add your vehicle to your insurance and often they do not.

You should review your policy at least once annually and if you have any changes in your business personal, operations or vehicles and equipment.

No, General Liability does not cover injuries or illnesses to your employees. You will need a Workers Comp policy in force to cover employee work related injuries and illnesses.

Yes. It is called Diminished Value.

No. Only the named insured can authorize changes to the policy.

Most insurance companies require a teen to be added once they are of driving age. They must be added once they get their license.

Yes. We have a mobile app that is easy to use and offers a lot of options.

A deductible is the amount the policyholder pays out of pocket before the insurance company begins paying for a covered claim.

Filing a claim may increase premiums depending on the type of claim, frequency of claims, fault determination, and the carrier’s underwriting rules.

An insurance exclusion is a specific situation, condition, or type of damage that is not covered under an insurance policy.

Flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance and usually requires a separate flood insurance policy.

Homes are typically insured based on replacement cost, which reflects the cost to rebuild the structure using current materials and labor.

Most states require drivers to carry minimum levels of auto liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle.  It is required in Tennessee.

Car insurance rates are affected by driving history, vehicle type, location, age, credit score where allowed, and selected coverage limits.

Independent insurance agencies compare policies from multiple carriers and provide personalized guidance rather than selling a single company’s products. We analyze your risks,  explains coverage options in plain language, and provides personalized recommendations based on individual risk and budget.

In most cases, using an insurance agent does not increase the cost of insurance because agent compensation is built into carrier pricing.

Insurance policies should be reviewed annually or whenever there is a major life or business change to ensure coverage remains appropriate.

A health screening may or may not be required depending on the amount of insurance that you are applying for, your age and any medical conditions.  An underwriter reviews your case and determines if they need a urinalysis, blood sample and or EKG.

The screening is usually more prominent after age 45.

The right amount of life insurance depends on your income, debts, and the people who rely on you financially. A common rule of thumb is 10–15 times your annual income, but that’s only a starting point. 

Life insurance should be enough to cover things like funeral expenses, outstanding debts, a mortgage, everyday living costs, and future needs such as college tuition. If your income supports your household, replacing that income is often the most important factor. 

Because every family’s situation is different, the best way to determine the right coverage is to review your full financial picture. The goal is to make sure your loved ones can maintain stability and avoid financial stress if something unexpected happens.

A deductible is the amount you pay for covered medical services before your health insurance starts sharing the cost. For example, if your deductible is $3,000, you generally pay that amount before coinsurance applies. 

Copays are fixed dollar amounts you pay for certain services, like $30 for a doctor visit or $15 for a prescription. These may apply even before you meet your deductible, depending on the plan. 

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered services. Once you reach that limit, the insurance company pays 100% of covered costs for the rest of the year. Understanding how these work together will help you choose a plan that fits both your healthcare needs and your budget.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies and bundle Medicare Parts A and B, often including prescription drug coverage. These plans usually have lower monthly premiums but require you to use provider networks and may include copays for services. 

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. These plans typically have higher monthly premiums but offer more predictable costs and broader provider access. 

The right choice depends on your healthcare usage, budget, and how much flexibility you want when choosing doctors. Comparing both options helps ensure you select coverage that fits your lifestyle and medical needs.

Yes, life insurance is commonly used to help cover final expenses, such as funeral and burial costs, which can be financially overwhelming for families. Many policies provide a tax-free benefit that can be used immediately by beneficiaries. 

Life insurance can also help pay outstanding medical bills, credit cards, or other debts left behind. This prevents those expenses from becoming a financial burden for loved ones during an already difficult time. 

Final expense and permanent life insurance policies are designed specifically for this purpose and can offer peace of mind knowing your family won’t have to struggle financially after you’re gone.