Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance

Why do insurance companies check credit scores?

Insurance companies use specific credit information to determine your insurance score.  Statistics have proven the higher your insurance score, the less likely you are to file claims.  Likewise, the lower your insurance score, the more likely you are to file claims.  The use of an insurance score makes pricing more accurate and results in the majority of people paying less for their auto and home insurance.

Why does my education and occupation affect my pricing?

Many insurance companies are starting to use things like your level of education and occupation as a factor in determining your pricing.  Statistics have proven that people with a higher level of education and in certain occupations are less likely to file claims.

What is the difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort?

Regardless of the tort option you choose, if you are injured in an auto accident you always have the right to sue for your actual out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damages.  Under Full Tort, you also have the right to sue for non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent injuries, scarring, and spousal loss of consortium.  Under Limited Tort, you only have the right to sue for these non-monetary damages under the following circumstances:

• You suffered a serious injury.  This is defined as a personal injury resulting in death, serious impairment or body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.
• The other driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or accepts an ARD program.
• The other driver committed an intentional act which caused your injuries.
• The other driver was operating a vehicle registered in another state.
• The other driver has no insurance.

What is the difference between Collision and Comprehensive (a.k.a. Other Than Collision)?

Collision will pay for the damages to your vehicle when it collides with another vehicle or object such as a tree, garage, pole, pothole, etc.  Comprehensive pays for the damages to your vehicle that did not result from a collision… such as hail storms, falling trees, theft, vandalism, broken glass, and accidentally hitting an animal while driving.

What is the difference between an HO3 and HO5 homeowners policy?

The difference lies in the protection you get for your personal property.  Under an HO3 policy, you get what’s called Named Perils coverage.  You are given a specific list of things that are covered, anything not on the list is not covered.  Under an HO5 policy, you get what’s called Open Perils coverage.  You are given a specific list of exclusions, anything not on the list is covered.  We highly recommend you purchase an HO5 policy because it provides much broader coverage.

What is the difference between Market Value and Replacement Cost Value of my home?

Market Value is the price you paid for your house.  Replacement Cost Value is the cost it will take to rebuild your house in the same spot, same size, and same quality of construction… at today’s costs.  These can be completely different values.  Insurance companies use the replacement cost value.