Personal Insurance FAQs

To lower your auto premium, discuss available discounts with your insurance agent, such as:

• Multi-car, renewal, claim-free, student, driver training, and defensive driving discounts.
• Discounts for safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft devices, and auto/home bundles.
• Ask about potential savings from increasing your deductibles.

Homeowners who take steps to reduce risks may qualify for lower premiums. Consider these actions to reduce your costs:

• Secure your home with deadbolts and window locks.
• Install a security system connected to local police.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors.
• Add a sprinkler system and fire alarms that alert local authorities.
• Bundle your auto and home insurance with the same company.

Boats equipped with safety features may qualify for discounts. Check with your insurer for savings on:

• GPS, Ship to Shore, VHF, Depth Sounder, Halon systems, Fume detectors, Alarms, and Loran systems.
• Discounts for completing boating safety courses or Coast Guard certification.

“Full coverage” refers to the legally required or most commonly requested coverages but doesn’t mean you’re covered for everything. It typically includes:

• Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist, and Damage to a vehicle (Comprehensive and Collision).
• Additional coverages like rental car, towing, road service, or extra equipment coverage. Check your auto insurance policy declaration page for specifics.

Coverage can vary by state, so consult your insurance agent. Generally, you’re covered for liability to third parties, but not for damage to the vehicle unless the owner lives with you or the vehicle is regularly used by you. In many states, coverage for damage to the borrowed vehicle may not apply.

To substantiate a homeowner claim, keep a detailed inventory of your personal property, either in a booklet or on videotape. Store this inventory in a safe place (e.g., safe deposit box or with your agent). Retain receipts for major purchases and additions, and take photos or videos of your items.

If you have full coverage and rental reimbursement on your personal auto policy, you may not need extra insurance. Confirm this with your insurance provider.

Rental car coverage applies only to vehicles with rental reimbursement coverage in the event of an accident, not if your car is in the shop for mechanical issues.

Yes, all licensed drivers living in your household must be listed on your auto policy, unless they have their own insurance elsewhere.

An auto insurance liability policy generally covers:

• Named Insured: The person(s) listed on the policy, no matter what vehicle they drive.
• Spouse: Typically covered even if not listed on the policy, unless the couple is separated.
• Other Relatives: Anyone living in the household and related by blood, marriage, or adoption, including foster children.

Anyone with Permission: Anyone driving your insured vehicle with permission, but someone who steals the car is not covered.