FAQs

FAQs About Auto & Home Insurance

Insurance is a necessary part of our lives. It offers financial protection for many key parts of our life including our homes and vehicles. We spend a lot of our money to buy our homes and vehicles and it only makes sense that we keep them protected in every way possible. Insurance plans help to cover the cost of repairs and replacement of these things which would otherwise cost us a lot of money out of pocket. However, insurance policies are not always straightforward. They have a lot of complexities and nuances which lead to many questions from policyholders. Below, we provide some answers to some of the frequently asked questions that we get from our clients:

  • Is home insurance required?

    Whether home insurance is required or not depends on your circumstances. For example, if you own your home with no mortgage payments left, you do not have to have a home insurance policy. However, if you have a mortgage, a condition of every mortgage is that you have homeowners’ insurance.

  • What factors impact the cost of homeowners insurance?

    The factors that affect the cost of homeowners insurance include the age of your home, whether your home is in a flood zone or not, your credit score, proximity to fire protection services, deductible amounts, and roofing materials used. This is not a comprehensive list but gives you a basic understanding of what affects your insurance premiums.

  • What factors impact the cost of auto insurance?

    Your vehicle make and model, where you live, your age, how much you drive, your credit score, and your accident history all play a role in the cost of your auto insurance. There are more factors to consider, but these are most of the factors that are considered when determining your premiums.

  • How can I lower my car insurance?

    Some things you can do to lower your car insurance premiums include boosting your credit score, increasing your deductibles, and bundling your insurance policies.

  • Is car insurance required?

    Yes, car insurance is required for all vehicle owners. You cannot drive a vehicle that does not have proper insurance coverage. The NYS DMV will not allow you to register your vehicle without auto insurance and you will be ticketed if caught driving without insurance.

  • How do I go about filing a claim?

    Filing a claim is simple! Just contact our team and we’ll guide you through the process step by step. We want everything to be as smooth and stress-free as possible for clients.

  • Will I save money if I bundle my home and auto insurance?

    Yes! This is a great way to save on premiums. We’ll help you explore best bundle options to maximize your savings while ensuring you still have the right coverage for both your house and vehicle.

  • What kind of support is available if I have questions about my policy?

    Whether you need clarification on your coverage, advice on upgrading your plan, or help resolving an issue, our dedicated customer service team is just a phone call or email away.

  • How much home liability insurance should I get?

    It's better to have too much home liability insurance than to have too little. Home liability insurance is coverage in the event that someone gets hurt on your property. It's a good idea to make sure you have enough insurance to cover the potential high expense of an accident on your property. If you can afford it, make sure to purchase a high amount of home liability insurance. 

  • Should I get insurance if I'm renting a property?

    If your home is a rental, it's a good idea to get rental insurance that will cover your personal belongings on your property. Your landlord's insurance will cover the the building itself, but not your belongings in it. 

  • Do you offer vehicle insurance besides cars?

    Yes, in addition to basic automobile insurance, we offer coverage for trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and antique vehicles. 

  • Do I need auto truck insurance if I use my vehicle for my business?

    Yes. If you use your truck for business, standard car insurance may not provide enough coverage. Auto truck insurance offers specialized protection for vehicles used in commercial operations, covering potential damages, liability, and cargo loss.

  • What is casualty property insurance, and how does it protect me?

    Casualty property insurance combines protection for physical assets and liability coverage. It helps cover the cost of repairs or replacement for damaged property and provides financial protection if someone is injured on your premises. This type of insurance is ideal for homeowners and business owners alike.

  • What does liability home insurance cover?

    Liability home insurance covers legal and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. It’s an essential part of homeowners insurance that helps protect your financial well-being in the event of an unexpected accident.

  • Is rental insurance necessary if I live in an apartment?

    Rental insurance is highly recommended for apartment dwellers. It protects your personal belongings from theft, fire, or other covered events and provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your rental space. Most landlords now require proof of this coverage.

  • Does RV insurance cover full-time living in my recreational vehicle?

    RV insurance can be customized to fit your lifestyle. If you live in your recreational vehicle full-time, specialized coverage options can protect both your vehicle and personal belongings. TLC Brokerage can help you find policies that suit your specific needs.

Contact Our Insurance Company Today to Learn More

If you'd like to learn more about your options when it comes to insurance, we invite you to contact our office. TLC Brokerage is proud to work with homeowners, renters, vehicle owners, and others throughout Western New York, keeping you protected against the most unexpected of life events. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you navigate the process, from selecting the coverage you need to reviewing available policies. We look forward to working with you!