Hartfield Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency in Gainesville, Florida specializing in auto, home, life, and business insurance.
As a part of our commitment to your financial self-defense, below you will find simple answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If you do not see your question listed or would like to talk to someone about insurance policies to fit your situation, contact us!
Do I really need insurance?
Most states mandate drivers carry car insurance on their automobiles and mortgage lenders typically require borrowers to purchase home insurance before they will fund home loans, but the question of whether or not you need insurance comes down to how prepared are you if the worst were to happen?
If you or your loved ones became ill, could you afford the treatments? If someone were to injure themselves at your home or business, would you be able to dedicate the necessary time and resources to a lawsuit? If you were to pass away, would those who care about you be able to replace your income or cover your final expenses? If the answers to any of these questions is “no” or “I’m not sure,” talking to an experienced insurance professional about how to best protect the people and things you hold dear is a wise choice.
Will my credit score affect my insurance rate?
Credit scores are considered when insurers quote premiums, so make sure your credit files with the major credit bureaus are up-to-date and accurate. You can order free copies of your credit reports from annualcreditreport.com and request any debts be verified or challenge any information you believe to be inaccurate.
Do I need to purchase rental car insurance when I rent a car?
Some auto policies cover you when you rent a vehicle and some do not. The best way to make sure you are covered when you rent a car is to contact your agent or insurer before your trip and ask about rental coverage in your auto insurance policy.
What is the difference between collision and comprehensive auto coverage?
Collision insurance covers you when your car hits or is hit by another object. This includes traffic accidents, parking lot collisions, and other such accidents.
Comprehensive insurance covers you when loss is incurred by other means like theft, vandalism, or natural occurrences like weather. Windshields damaged by rocks or road debris are typically covered by comprehensive coverage as well.
How much insurance do I need?
Many factors need to be considered when purchasing insurance. Your age, financial state (both present and future), and family situation, among others, will be important in determining the amount of coverage you should purchase. So, when considering purchasing insurance, contact an experienced insurance agent as they will consider all of these when recommending products and coverages to suit your situation.
What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term and whole life insurance policies are similar in that they both have a predetermined, guaranteed, amount of money, called a “death benefit,” that is paid to a beneficiary in the event of your passing. The costs and functions of each type of policy are very different, however.
Term life insurance, also known as temporary insurance, is a lot like renting a home. As with renting, a term policy has a fixed start and end date. Should you pass away during your policy period (typically 20-30 years), your beneficiary will receive specific, guaranteed, benefits. But once the end of the policy period arrives, those benefits disappear.
As with renting a home, the costs of term life insurance can be less than owning, but if you are still living at the end of your policy term, any money spent on premiums is kept by the insurance company.
Whole life insurance, also known as permanent insurance, is a lot like owning a home. A portion of your policy premiums each month go into an account and, much like equity in a home, the value of that account can grow over time. You can use that money to draw from, take a loan on, or use as part of a retirement fund.
Whole life insurance policies generally cost more than term policies, but similarly to owning a home, a whole life insurance policy will retain a cash value that you own indefinitely.
Which insurance company is best?
There are many great insurance companies out there, but to say one is best would be a bit unfair. What makes one company or product great for one person may not be great for another. One of the benefits of working with an independent agent is that agent has relationships with many companies and can consider all aspects of an individual’s, business’s, or family’s situation and find the best company and product for them.
What happens if I stop paying for my insurance policy?
Never abruptly stop making payments on your policy. If your circumstances change, reach out to your agent or insurer and let them know about your situation. They are familiar with all types of insurance products and will be able to recommend the most appropriate course of action as to mitigate the impact of a potential missed payment.
Do insurance companies really prevent Florida home owners from purchasing insurance during hurricane season?
Some insurers will not accept new insurance applications and discourage Florida homeowners from making changes to their policies during hurricane season. Thankfully, independent insurance agents work with many different insurance companies, so they will be able to guide you to the best company for your situation during every season.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us any time with your auto, home, life, or business insurance questions!