Frequently Asked Questions

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I just bought a new car — do I have coverage right away?

Yes! If you already have an active auto policy, you typically have automatic coverage for a newly purchased vehicle for 14–30 days (varies by carrier).

You don’t need to call before driving off the lot. Just email or text us with your new car’s details (year, make, model, VIN, and lienholder). We’ll confirm your coverage window and update your policy right away.

Tip: Coverage for a new car usually matches your current policy’s broadest vehicle — so if one of your cars has full coverage, your new car will too (temporarily).

What should I do if I’m in a car accident?
  1. Make sure everyone is safe and move to a secure area.
  2. Call the police — always. Even if no one is hurt or they don’t come out, the call record helps support your claim later.
  3. Exchange info (name, contact, driver’s license, insurance, license plate)
  4. Take photos of all damage and the scene.
  5. File your claim directly with your insurance carrier.
  6. Email or text us once you’ve filed — we’ll help track your claim, answer questions, and step in if anything gets delayed.

Calling the police protects you. Some carriers may deny or delay liability decisions without a report or call record.

What should I do if I have a home insurance claim?

If it’s an emergency (fire, active water leak, storm damage), contact your carrier immediately.

For
non-emergency claims, call us first. Our agency partners with trusted local contractors and restoration vendors who can help right away. We’ll help you:

  • Understand next steps before filing a claim
  • Estimate which deductible may apply (our best guess — your carrier determines this officially)
  • Decide whether filing a claim makes sense for the size of the loss

If you do file, your carrier will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and handle payment. We stay involved to make sure everything moves smoothly.

What’s the difference between your agency and the insurance carrier?

Great question — it’s one of the most common points of confusion!

Our agency is your local advisor and service team. We help you shop for coverage, make updates, explain policies, and guide you through claims.

Your insurance carrier is the company that financially backs your policy.

They’re responsible for:

  • Underwriting (approving and pricing your policy)
  • Billing and payments
  • Assigning adjusters and paying claims


You might recognize carriers like Travelers, Progressive, Safeco, Nationwide, etc. We represent multiple carriers, which lets us match you with the right company and coverage for your needs.

In short: We work for you — not the carrier. When you need advice, service, or advocacy, come to us first. When it’s time to pay a claim or adjust coverage, the carrier makes it happen behind the scenes.

How can your agency help with claims if I have to file directly with the carrier?

Even though claims are filed directly with your carrier, our agency plays a hands-on role in helping you through it. We can:

  • Help you prepare before filing so nothing important is missed
  • Recommend vetted local vendors for cleanup and repairs
  • Explain your coverage, limits, and likely deductible in plain language
  • Follow up with adjusters to ensure things move forward
  • Step in if communication breaks down or if you need a stronger advocate

Our goal: You’re never left alone in the claims process. We help bridge the gap between you and the carrier so things stay clear, smooth, and fair.

Still have questions?

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