Frequently Asked Questions

Automobile Insurance

How do I add a vehicle or driver to my auto policy?
You may call the Customer Service departments of the company you are insured with. A list of the carriers is provided in the “Insurer Directory” section of this website or you may call or come into our office.

How do I report a claim?
It is always best to report claims immediately or soon possible to the company. You can reference the “Insurer Directory” section of this website or call the toll free number provided by the carrier on the policy or the ID Card.

What are the minimum required liability limits for our State?
In the State of California the minimum for Bodily Injury Liability is $15,000. For each injured person with a maximum for each accident $30,000. The Property Damage Liability limit is $5,000. For commercial vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of 10,000. or more, the minimum limit is $750,000.

Why do I need Uninsured Motorist coverage if I already have physical damage coverage for my vehicle and medical insurance?
UM covers you and your passengers for bodily injury expenses. You may have a large deductible on your own health insurance and your passengers may not have any health insurance all. If the party at-fault is insured, they may only carry the minimum limits of $15,000./$30,000. which in some cases they would be described Underinsured.

Does my insurance premium go up if I turn in a claim?
There usually is no surcharge or uprate for comprehensive losses. Most companies only surcharge (add points) for moving violations and at-fault accidents.

How do I know if my house is insured to value?
Our agents have access to cost estimator programs that help our clients determine the actual re-building cost for their homes. This service is free of charge for our clients.

Can I get a homeowners policy for my secondary or vacation home?
Yes. However, the insurance carrier usually requires that they insure the primary home as well.

If I own a home and my “significant other” lives with me, is their personal property or liability covered under my policy?
No. If they are not recognized a legal owner on the title and named as an insured on the policy there is no coverage extended to them. They must obtain their own “Renters Insurance” policy.

How long does it take to get approved once I’ve submitted my application?
It depends on how complete the application is and how long it takes the physicians and/or hospitals to respond with your medical history. Typically the approval process takes about 30 days.

How do I get medical insurance if I’ve been declined due to a pre-existing condition?
There is a State sponsored program called The California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program. It’s a program that was developed to provide health insurance for Californians who are unable to obtain coverage in the individual insurance market place.

How do I obtain continuous coverage if I’m currently covered under a COBRA and it expires in 18 months?
Once you have completed the 18 months of continuous health coverage you would be eligible for the HIPPA Plans (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). Our agents can assist you with this transition.

What is the difference between “Term” and “Whole Life” insurance?
Term insurance is the type of Life insurance that provides protection only for a specified period of time. The common policy periods are 10 years, 15 years and 20 years. It does not earn any accrued interest but the cost does not change for the life of the policy.
Whole Life insurance is the type of Life insurance which may be kept in force for a person’s whole life and which pays a benefit upon his death that includes the face value of the policy plus any earned interest.

Do I need to be located in a designated Flood or Earthquake Zone in order to be eligible for these types of insurance?
No. You may apply for either one of these coverages no matter where you live in this State.

Who needs Workers Compensation Insurance?
All employers. In the State of California it is required by law that all employers provide workers compensation insurance. No matter how many employees they have. This benefit is intended to provide medical and disability for employees injured on the job.

Who does workers compensation insurance cover?
All persons designated “employees” for the company and in some instances volunteers. Corporate officers and partners of the business may also choose the option to be covered employees as long they meet the carrier’s guidelines.

What are the primary coverages for commercial businesses?
1) Premises Liability for Bodily Injury or Property Damage.
2) Building Coverage (if you own it).
3) Contents Coverage (business personal property including tools and merchandise).
4) Business Auto Insurance (if the vehicle is registered to the business or the individual businessowner).

What is Employment Practices Liability?
This is coverage to protect the employer by providing legal defense against employees claiming punitive and/or monetary damages for wrongful termination, sexual harassment and discrimination.