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Home > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our frequently asked questions.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via the web, or come and visit us at a location near you.

  1. What are your business hours ?
  2. Can you offer me an Auto/Home discount?
  3. Do you offer flood insurance?
  4. Why do you need my date of birth and social security number?
  5. What Companies do you currently represent?
  6. Can my homeowner insurance company cancel my policy because of the kind of pets I have on my premises?
  7. Who is responsible if my neighbor's tree falls on my roof?
  8. What should I do if my property was damaged in a storm?
  9. How is a young driver's information obtained by the automobile insurance company? How did the insurance company find out whether or not my child has a permit to drive?
  10. What kinds of perils am I protected against for my home?
  11. What is Actual Cash Value ?
  12. What is Replacement Coverage ?
  13. Does my policy cover my possessions even when I go on vacation?
What are your business hours ?
We are open M-F 9 - 5:30 and Saturdays by appointment only.

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Can you offer me an Auto/Home discount?
Yes, we have three major companies that offer the Auto/Home Discount. Approval required.


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Do you offer flood insurance?
Yes! Flood insurance is standardized since it is underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program, so our rates are the same as every other agency.


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Why do you need my date of birth and social security number?
Most companies use this information to verify claims and/or credit history. An inquiry on your credit for insurance purposes does not affect your credit score.


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What Companies do you currently represent?
We have over 14 admitted and surplus carriers. We are also an agent for the Texas Fair Plan Association


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Can my homeowner insurance company cancel my policy because of the kind of pets I have on my premises?
 Insurers have the right to determine if a pet creates a high liability risk due to the nature of it's temperament. Examples: Vicious dogs, large snakes, and or poisonous reptiles.

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Who is responsible if my neighbor's tree falls on my roof?
The owner of tree has a duty to exercise proper care in maintaining his property, however the burden of proof may fall on you to establish the neighbor was negligent in his maintenance.

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What should I do if my property was damaged in a storm?
Many times homeowners are amazed that two adjacent properties can encounter the same wind and or hail storm, but be evaluated very differently by claims examiners. It is important to note that a single storm can cause enormous damage to one property, yet leave the adjoining property of a neighbor virtually unscathed. Although this analogy may seem extreme, it does point to the unstable nature of Texas storms and this coupled with the many differences in home construction and age of structure, certainly require each claim to be judged on its own merit. Texas homeowners should realize a second opinion from a reputable contractor is important, should a vast discrepancy occur between the insurance adjuster and the homeowner. Regarding interior damage, be sure to understand water damage originating from windstorm and or hail must come thru a opening caused by the named peril or perils windstorm and or hail in order to constitute coverage.

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How is a young driver's information obtained by the automobile insurance company? How did the insurance company find out whether or not my child has a permit to drive?
Insurance companies acquire discovery rights when one initially agrees to purchase their policy. Insurance carriers have the right to discover additional licensed or permitted operators in the household where the named insured garages his automobiles. Acquiring driver's and claim history is also a part of the discovery process to arrive at a rate that equals the exposure of the newly determine driver. Should the insured decide that the new driver will under no circumstances operate their vehicle nor operate any other vehicle assuming, that driver is a minor, the insured can legally exclude the operator and not be subject to the additional premiums.

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What kinds of perils am I protected against for my home?
Remember that policies vary but homeowners insurance usually covers damage to both structures and personal property caused by:
  • Fire or lightning
  • Windstorm or hail
  • Explosions Riot or civil commotion
  • Aircraft
  • Vehicles
  • Smoke
  • Theft or vandalism (sometimes called malicious mischief)
  • Falling objects
  • Weight of ice, snow or sleet
  • Freezing of a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or other such household system

In fact, your coverage is most likely even more comprehensive than the above list. Many homeowners policies cover damage by "just about everything," unless the coverage is specifically excluded. In these cases, it is even more important to understand what is not covered.



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What is Actual Cash Value ?
The replacement cost of the item minus depreciation. For example, a new television set may cost $500. If your 7-year-old TV set gets damaged in a fire, it might have depreciated 50 percent. Therefore, you would be paid $250 for that set.

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What is Replacement Coverage ?
 The cost of replacing an item without deducting for depreciation. So today's cost for a TV set with features similar to the 7-year-old one damaged by fire would determine the amount of compensation. If it still costs $500 today, that would be the replacement coverage. Replacement value should not be confused with market value. The market value is what your house, for example, would actually sell for and is generally more than the replacement cost. This is because replacement value does not include the land - which almost always does not need to be replaced. Check your policy. If you prefer replacement coverage and do not already have it, this coverage can be added to your policy. Typically, the difference in premiums is 10 to 15 percent to upgrade from actual cash value coverage to replacement coverage. However, it is well worth it to protect your investment in your possessions. Your agent can advise you of the costs involved.

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Does my policy cover my possessions even when I go on vacation?
Yes, perhaps in this case the term "homeowners" is misleading because this is a package of insurance coverage that extends to all your possessions no matter where they are. If you take a round-the-world vacation and lose a valuable item, as long as the loss is by a covered event or peril, the location does not matter. The liability component also extends well beyond the boundaries of your home. Should you be found legally at fault for injury or loss to nother individual, whether you unfortunately caused a tumble down a San Francisco hill or a fall in an Indiana barn, that is personal liability which again is addressed in your homeowners policy. As in the property section of your homeowners policy, there are limits and exclusions to personal liability. Your business activities, for example, are not covered under a homeowners policy. You are also not covered for njuries or damage you purposely cause. So if a fight with a neighbor turns physical and you end up bopping him on the nose, your homeowners insurance will not cover the injury or any resulting suit. Your policy lists specific exclusions and limits.

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Bryan, TX 77802

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