Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we’re here to provide you with answers. Some of our most common insurance questions are answered below. If you don’t find what you are looking for, just contact your agent for a reliable response.
Why do I need renters insurance?
Renters insurance provides protection of your personal belongings in the event of a loss in addition to providing protection against medical and legal bills should someone get injured while visiting. There are some property owners that require all tenants to have insurance
What is Long Term Care Insurance?
Long Term Care insurance, or LTCI, helps provide for the cost of long-term care which is usually not covered by traditional health insurance or Medicare. This care can take place in a nursing home, assisted living center, at your home and a variety of other facilities. The cost of your long-term care insurance policy is based on the type and amount of services you choose to have covered, how old you are when you buy the policy and any optional benefits you choose, such as Inflation Protection.
What is the difference between term life insurance and permanent life insurance?
Life insurance that pays only a death benefit is called term insurance. It provides protection for a specific period of time – the “term” – and is designed for temporary circumstances. Permanent insurance offers lifelong protection, and you can accumulate cash value on a tax deferred basis.
I have a deductible on my health insurance. What does that mean?
A deductible is the fixed dollar amount you pay for most covered services before benefits are available during a benefit period.
How much insurance should I carry on my home?
We recommend that you have enough insurance to ensure that it can be “replaced” if you have a loss.
What is an umbrella insurance policy?
Umbrella insurance is designed to give you added liability protection above and beyond the limits of your current insurance policies. Additional liability insurance is often inexpensive, especially compared to the added coverage you will gain.
What is an Independent Insurance Agent?
An Independent Agent usually has the authority to write business with many different insurance companies allowing them to shop for the best combination of coverage and price. All of the agents at American Trust Insurance are Independent Insurance Agents.
Why does American Trust Insurance need my social security number?
Many factors go into rating your insurance. Most, if not all, insurance companies develop an insurance score that is somewhat based upon information obtained from credit bureau reports. Your social security number is used when running a credit report. American Trust Insurance has safeguards in place to protect all confidential data, and we do not release any information to unrelated third parties.
What kind of information should I write down when I get into a car accident?
Exchange contact information with everyone involved, including name, address and phone number. Get the following information about all vehicles involved – make of car, year of car, license plate number and insurance carrier. Also, get the name and phone number of anyone who witnesses the accident.
My daughter is turning 14 and will get her learner's permit in the next 6 months. Do I need to add her to my auto policy even if she isn’t driving quite yet?
Most insurance companies require that all licensed members of the household (this includes non-family members) be listed on your insurance policy unless they are covered under a policy of their own. This also applies to students away at college.
How does my driving record affect my insurance premium?
The premium you pay is a direct reflection of your driving record for the past three to five years (depending on the insurance company). Insurance companies order driving records from the Department of Motor Vehicles of your residence state and from other states where you’ve been licensed.