The Unity Group

Q: Why did my rates increase?
A: Many factors can influence your insurance premiums. Did you add to or change your coverage? Was there a loss or claim since your last renewal? Are you with a new carrier? Talk with our Customer Service Team about possible reasons for the increase and suggestions for reducing your current rate.

Q: Can I manage all of my insurance policies over the phone?
A: While there may be times when you need to send documentation or sign paperwork, the vast majority of requests, changes, billing issues and questions can be taken care of with a quick phone call to one of our Customer Service Representatives.

Q: Why don't I get the same Customer Service Representative each time I call about my account?
A: We want to take care of your questions and concerns as quickly as possible. Therefore, you will be directed to the first available agent who can help you, which may not be the same person each time.

Q: Isn't it better if I speak to one person in particular about my policy?
A: Not necessarily. Any one of our expert Customer Service Team members can access your account in seconds to find the answers that you need. This saves you from having to leave a message and then wait for a call back from one specific person.

Q: Do I need an appointment to see an agent in person?
A: While an appointment is not required, it could save you time by ensuring that a team member is readily available and prepared with your policy information when you arrive. Setting an appointment also allows us to set aside plenty of time to address all of your concerns adequately.

Q: Does is make a difference if I pay my insurance annually, semi-annually or monthly?
A: Installment plans are convenient, but they may cost more due to invoice fees or interest charges. You will save money in the long run by paying the entire amount in full when you receive your bill.

Q: Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
A: It may be possible to pay your home or auto policy bill over the phone with a credit card, depending on your carrier. Talk with one of our agents to find out.

Q: What determines my individual auto insurance rates?
A: Automobile insurance rates are calculated according to many different factors, some of which include: driver age, type of car, personal driving records and credit rating. Insurance companies may also consider how your vehicles are being used, stored and driven. We normally check with multiple carriers before delivering the best quote to you.

Q: Can other people drive my car and still be covered?
A: Generally speaking, anyone who has permission to drive your vehicle is covered. However, you should check with an agent for specific details regarding your policy. Any driver who regularly uses your car should be listed on your policy.

Q: Does my auto policy cover me if I rent a car?
A: Most policies cover you if you rent a car on vacation, but it is best to check with our Customer Service Team before you decline additional coverage from the rental company, just to be sure.

Q: What does homeowners' policy cover?
A: Homeowners insurance covers damage from incidents such as fire, theft and vandalism to your house and adjacent structures like a garage or shed, as well as your personal belongings. It also covers living expenses if your house becomes temporarily unusable and liability in case you or a member of your household injures someone or damages their property. Most standard policies do not include damage caused by flood.

Q: How much homeowners insurance should I have?
A: The amount of coverage should be based on the cost of rebuilding your home. The cost of rebuilding is often referred to as replacement cost and may be higher or lower that the price you paid for your home or the price you could sell it for today. A replacement cost policy will pay for the repair of damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality at current prices.

Q: Do I have replacement cost coverage?
A: Most homeowners' insurance policies do cover replacement cost for structural damage, but check with a customer service representative to make sure.

Q: If a tree falls on my house from my neighbor's yard, who pays for the damage?
A: The insurance responsibility usually lies with whoever's property is damaged. In other words, if a tree falls on your home, no matter where the tree came from, your insurance company should pay for repairs. One exception would be if the damage occurred as a result of negligence. For example, if the tree was dead before it fell and you had proof that you neighbor knew the tree was dead, the damage becomes your neighbor's liability. As a rule, state insurance officials suggest that you file a claim with your insurance company and let them deal with it.

Q: Do I need flood insurance?
A: If your property is officially designated as being in a special flood hazard area, you must obtain this coverage. Even if your home is not in a special flood hazard area, you may wish to consider flood insurance. It is important to note that flood insurance is not included in a standard homeowners' policy.

Q: What is a personal umbrella policy?
A: Certain liability exposures may not be covered under your current auto and homeowners' policies. Personal umbrella insurance is a low cost liability coverage option designed to provide an extra measure of security by filling in any potential gaps in coverage.

Q: Do I really need life insurance?
A: It isn't you that stands to benefit from your life insurance policy; it's the loved ones who depend on you. One of the main reasons to buy life insurance is the financial protection it offers. The proceeds from a life insurance policy can replace the income lost to your family upon your death, saving them from any additional financial hardship. You might also want to buy life insurance to pay off debt, cover funeral and estate expenses or leave money to charity.

Q: How much life insurance is enough?
A: A general rule is somewhere between 5 and 10 times your annual earnings, but many factors must be considered when making your decision. We recommend that you work with and agent who can help you determine appropriate coverages and recommend a company that will best serve your interests.

Q: Does my small business need insurance?
A: Yes! Not having insurance or not having the right kind of coverage can put your business at risk. Without adequate insurance, a fire, theft, employee accident or lawsuit could destroy your business and might even consume your personal assets. Your business may also be legally required to have certain kinds of insurance. For example, you may have to prove that you have specific types of coverage in order to get a state or local business license or as part of a contract agreement.

Q: What if I can't afford business insurance?
A: Many small business owners have no insurance due to a common misconception that small business insurance is too expensive. The truth is that not having insurance can cost a lot more than annual premiums. You could end up losing your livelihood.

Q: Are employers legally required to provide health insurance for their employees?
A: No, there are no state or federal laws that require private U.S. employers to offer health insurance benefits to employees. However, it is common practice for many employers to offer health insurance benefits as a means to attract and retain valuable employees.