FAQ

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Auto Insurance

Are family members covered by my policy?

Yes, family members are insured under your policy. A family member is defined in your policy as a person related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption who is a resident of your household. This includes a ward or foster child. Please note these family members should be listed as drivers under your policy.
When I buy an additional car or replace a car, is the new car covered automatically?

Yes, as long as you notify the insurance company within 30 days after acquiring a new vehicle. Additional vehicles will have the broadest coverage of any vehicle listed on your policy. Replacement vehicles will have the same coverage as the vehicle it replaced. There will be no automatic coverage if you do not notify the company within 30 days.
What if the other driver's insurance isn't enough to pay my bills?

Medical: Your Underinsured Motorists (UIM) coverage can protect the difference between the other driver's Liability Coverage and the limits under your UIM coverage. You may find additional coverage under your policy's Medical Payments coverage portion. Check with your agent and review your policy to ensure you are adequately covered.

Property Damage: Your Collision coverage could cover the difference. Again, check with your agent and review your policy to ensure you are adequately covered.
What does my policy require me to do after an accident?

Notify the insurance company how, when, and where the accident or loss happened. Include the names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who is injured and any witnesses. Cooperate with the investigation. Obtain or authorize the insurance company to obtain appropriate documents, medical information, and other pertinent records.
The insurance company wants to total my car; I want to fix it. What can I do?

You have the right to keep the salvage vehicle. The insurance company will deduct the salvage value from the actual cash value when you do. If requested, the insurance company must furnish you with the name and address of a salvage dealer who will purchase the salvage for the amount deducted. This option will result in a salvage notation on the vehicle's title.
How can my loan balance be more than my insurance company says my car is worth?

This can occur for many reasons, including low down payments, high-interest rates, and poor maintenance. You may be able to purchase a type of coverage called Guaranteed Automobile Protection (GAP). GAP coverage covers the difference between the actual cash value of your car and your loan balance. This is typically only available for new vehicles. Otherwise, you can be held responsible for the difference.

Homeowners Insurance

What is the difference between a dwelling policy and a homeowner’s policy?

The homeowner's policy offers a combination of property and liability coverage to provide a packaged policy. A dwelling policy provides property coverage first, and other coverage can be added as needed. Dwelling policies may be used to insure a house that does not qualify for homeowner’s insurance, such as rentals.
How does depreciation apply under a homeowner policy?

Depreciation is the amount of money needed to fix your home, minus the decrease in value of your property because of age and use. If you have coverage for only the Actual Cash Value (ACV) on your home, you will only receive the depreciated amount. However, if you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV), your insurance company will reimburse you for repairing your home or replacing your belongings at today's cost of the similar or similar item.
My policy limits other buildings and structures, but I do not have any other buildings (garage/shed, etc.) on my property. Am I paying for coverage I do not need?

The homeowner's policy is a package policy designed to meet the needs of most homeowners. Although it may provide coverage that you do not need, it is less expensive for the company to issue a policy this way than to tailor it to each policyholder's needs. This results in a policy that provides broader coverage at a lower price.
Does my policy cover a flood?

Homeowner's policies do not cover flood or rising water damage. Some mobile home policies do include flood coverage. Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Contact your agent to assist you with the purchase.
If my neighbor's tree falls and damages my house, whose insurance covers the damage?

Generally, your own homeowner's policy would cover the damage if a tree falls on your home or other structure.

Terminology

Peril

a sudden and accidental event.
Premium

The money you pay for your selected policy coverages.
Deductible

Your out-of-pocket expense when filing a claim.
Bodily Injury

The amount your policy is specified to pay for injuries to other people harmed in an accident.
Property Damage

The amount your policy is specified to pay for damage to others' property.
Full Coverage

This is not a true insurance term but commonly refers to carrying more than the North Carolina state-required liability insurance.
Collision

Is coverage to protect your vehicle if it was involved in an accident.
Comprehensive/Other than Collision

Can go by either name depending on how the company specifies. It protects your vehicle from a variety of perils that do not fall under collision.
Uninsured motorist

protects you and your vehicle from potential damage caused by a person with no insurance at the time of the accident.
Underinsured motorist

protects you and your vehicle when an at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance coverage to cover the cost of the claim.
ACV

The amount of money needed to fix your home, minus the decrease in value of your property because of age or use. This is also called Depreciated Cash Value.
RCV

The amount of money needed to repair your home at today's prices of building supplies; or replace your belongings at today's cost of the similar or like item. When purchasing your policy, it is important to discuss replacement costs with your insurance agent.