Insurance 101: FAQ

​Insurance can be a tricky topic, and we’re here to help. At Leigh Insurance Agency, not only can we assist you in finding a policy that can save you money, but we’ll make sure you understand exactly what you are – and what you’re not – covered for. Do you have a question regarding your insurance? Here’s a list of FAQ that may help point you in the right direction.

I know what Comprehensive and Collision coverage is – sort of. What exactly does it cover?

While neither of these are required by the state of Florida, both benefit you in the event damage to your vehicle occurs. Comprehensive insurance would cover damage to your vehicle after an incident including but not limited to fire, a falling tree, a cracked windshield, theft, or the like. Collision coverage protects your vehicle against accidents with other vehicles or objects, like a fence, building or garage.
If you opt to purchase either one of these coverages, you can choose a deductible – or out of pocket amount that you would pay if damage occurs. For instance, if you’re in an at-fault accident with $500 deductibles (these are considered “standard,” but you can choose between options higher or lower), you would pay $500 toward the damages and the insurance company would cover the rest.
 
I’m moving to the area – how much is homeowners insurance and how can I save money on it?
There are many, many factors that go into a home insurance rate in Florida, specifically. What’s the age of the home? When was the roof last replaced – and is it shingle or metal? Do you have a hip, flat or gable roof? We could keep going – and not to mention, if you’re in a flood zone or close to the coast, you could be looking at a higher premium.

Having a wind mitigation inspection completed by a licensed home inspector is one of the ways that many Floridians are saving money on their premiums today. The report breaks down how your roof was constructed, and it also looks for features that could reduce the damage to your home in the event of a storm or hurricane. If you’re purchasing a home, the sellers may have one of these on file. You could also receive some discounts for having a monitored fire or burglary alarm or living in a secure or single-entry community.
 
If my home floods due to a storm or heavy rain, is it covered by my homeowners insurance policy?

The short answer – most likely, no. Flood insurance policies nearly always must be purchased separately, although some homeowners insurance carriers do offer bundle deals. Your agent can assess your location and will make sure you are getting the most affordable rates, even if that means having two separate policies. And if your home is not located in a designated flood zone, you will still be able to purchase flood insurance for peace of mind, because let’s face it, life happens.
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Do you have any more questions for us? Your agents at Leigh Insurance Agency, located at 1797 Old Moultrie Road, Suite 111, in St. Augustine, FL, would be happy to answer them! We offer various lines of insurance and can help you put your policies under one roof. Give us a call today at 904-826-0799 for more information or to request a free quote.