Following are a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers
about personal insurance in general.
What can I do to lower my auto / car premiums?
How can I lower my Homeowner premiums?
How can I lower my Boat Insurance premium?
Am I covered if I drive someone else's vehicle?
What kind of records are needed to substantiate a homeowner claim?
When renting a vehicle, should I buy the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company?
When my child gets his/her driver's license must I add him/her to my insurance policy?
Who is usually covered under an auto insurance liability policy?
A. Be sure to talk to Swantner & Gordon Insurance about all available discounts on car or auto insurance such as: multi-car, renewal, claim-free, student discounts, driver training, defense driver course, anti-lock brakes, air bags, anti-theft devices, and auto/home discounts. Ask how much you can save by increasing your deductibles.
A. Insurers frequently award lower rates to homeowners who guard against theft, accidents and other losses. And companies may provide discounts to premium for multiple-customers (home and auto). Here are some things you can do that generally qualify for lower premiums:
A. Safety Equipment Discounts are available for safety equipment. If your boat is equipped with any of the following, check with your agent or broker to see if you qualify: GPS, Ship to Shore, VHF, Depth Sounder, Halon system, Fume detector, Alarm System and Loran. Boating Safety Courses If you have taken the Coast Guard certification course, check with your current company as to the availability of a discount.
A. The term "full coverage" is a term that means the legally required or most commonly requested coverages. The term "full coverage" does not mean that everything is covered no matter what happens. "Full coverage" typically includes Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist, Damage to a covered vehicle (also known as Comprehensive and Collision) and any other coverages available such as: rental car towing, road service or additional equipment coverage. Your auto insurance policy declaration page lists the coverages you have selected.
A. The coverage provided varies from state to state and you should consult with your Swantner & Gordon Insurance agent for details. Generally, you are covered only for liability to the third parties unless the owner is a resident of your household, or the vehicle is furnished for your regular use. In many states, you are not covered for physical damage to the borrowed vehicle. Any coverage provided is over and above the collectible coverage provided by the owner of the vehicle.
A. It is recommend that you keep a booklet detailing the items or a videotape of your personal property. Having a complete inventory record at the time of loss could save you thousands of dollars because no one remembers everything, and unless written down, lost items will go unclaimed. The booklet should be kept in a safe place, preferably not at home. Keep it in a safe deposit box or with your insurance agent. It is also a good idea to retain all bills for major purchases and additions too the structure of your home. These could serve as proof of purchase in the event of a claim and should also be kept in a safe place. Finally, take pictures or videotape of all these items. Lay china and silverware on a table so that the picture will show the number of pieces and other details such as the design. Keep the pictures and all receipts in a safe place.
A. If you have auto insurance protection on your personal vehicles, you do not need to buy extra insurance.
A. Rental car coverage is only for vehicles that have been in an accident, not for cars experiencing mechanical failure.
A. Yes. All licensed drivers living in the household need to be listed on the auto policy unless they have their own auto insurance elsewhere.
A. An auto insurance liability policy usually covers the following people: