Finding the right information about insurance can be hard and at times overwhelming. That is what makes an independent insurance agent so valuable. We don’t work for the insurance companies, we work for YOU. We have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions here, and our responses to them. If you don’t find your question answered here, feel free to contact us through our website, or call at any time (508) 678-8341.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a minimum imposed by each state, which you can find out through the DMV. Beyond that, you should buy as much car insurance coverage as you feel comfortable with and can afford.
Most insurance companies will not issue or maintain insurance for someone who has a suspended or revoked driver’s license. However, you can work with your insurance agent to file an SR-22 form, which grants insurance coverage for a period of time.
You may need different types of insurance if you have different types of vehicles, such as:
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
- RVs
Generally speaking, the insurance goes with the car. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, the owner’s insurance would apply toward damages first. Your auto insurance would generally apply in the event the owner of the vehicle had no auto insurance or did not have enough auto insurance to pay the damages.
Yes, auto insurance is mandatory in every state across the U.S.
Many carriers have apps where you can access your account and pay directly. It's quick and easy, let us know if you need help with that!
Through phone or email.
Nope! We can do the entire process online and over the phone!
We don't accept payments in the office, therefore cash and checks are off the list. Payments are usually forwarded to carriers and mostly over the phone.
Not often, but insurance does go up every year with the rate of inflation. That's the case with both home and auto insurance. Usually, at renewal for both types, you’ll be notified of any significant changes. Your annual renewal period is a good time to talk to your agent about how much you're paying and see if there are any cheaper options.
This all depends on your carrier! Some carriers offer auto pay options.
In the event of an insurance claim, the deductible is the amount that a policyholder must pay before the insurance company begins to pay. We typically recommend that our clients carry a $1,000 deductible on their insurance, depending on their current situation and ability to pay that amount in an at-fault accident. Avoiding claims protects your driving record, so you really only want to file a claim when there is significant damage. A higher deductible will lower annual premiums, saving you money in the long run. As always, it is best to check with your agent to see what the right policy is for your particular situation.
That’s easy! When you visit our website, there’s a link titled “personal insurance”. If you hover over it, you’ll get the opportunity to choose either home, auto, or life insurance. That’ll take you to a specific form you can fill out!
We always recommend a home inspection before listing your home. The process might be a bit costly sometimes, but it definitely helps you in the selling process!
The best part of Lapointe is that we do your shopping around FOR YOU and we offer more than one option, it’s totally up to you to choose!
Great news, we already have an option for your furniture under “personal property” on your policy.
Here are the most important parts:
- Dwelling coverage: pays for your actual house, also known as the amount we pay to help you fix or rebuild your home if the damage is covered.
- Other Structures: The “other” structures of your home, like your shed or deck! This coverage is usually 10% of your dwelling coverage.
- Personal Property: Your personal property includes all your stuff and is usually between 50%-70% of your dwelling coverage.
- Loss of Use: Covers the costs of your accommodations somewhere else if your house needs to be worked on.
- Liability and Medical Payments: Covers you in instances where someone gets hurt on your property or you accidentally hurt someone outside of your property.
Everything we need to know prior to shopping around is found in our quick and easy home insurance form.
Sweet! When you’re looking to buy a car for you teenager, your top priority is obviously their safety! Therefore we advise that you consider something with less horsepower, no recalls, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
That’s great news! Click on this quick form that’ll help get you started. When you answer these easy questions, we’ll know how to shop around for you and we’ll find you extraordinary quotes.
You most certainly should! Gap insurance is a coverage offered to individuals who finance their vehicles. In the event of a car accident, Gap insurance protects you if your cash value insurance payout is not enough to pay off your car loan.
That depends! Fill out this quick survey and an expert from our team will reach out within 24-48 hours with the options that best suit you!
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In the event of an insurance claim, the deductible is the amount that a policyholder must pay before the insurance company begins to pay. We typically recommend that our clients carry a $1,000 deductible on their insurance, depending on their current situation and ability to pay that amount in an at-fault accident. Avoiding claims protects your driving record, so you really only want to file a claim when there is significant damage. A higher deductible will lower annual premiums, saving you money in the long run. As always, it is best to check with your agent to see what the right policy is for your particular situation.
The three most effective ways to keep insurance affordable while maintaining the right coverage are to:
- Increase your deductibles.
- Make sure you are taking advantage of safety discounts.
- Don’t file claims often.
As always, chat with your independent agent to see if you have the best policy for your needs.
Contact us! We are happy to introduce you to the right person for the job! We work with an amazing team of professionals in the area. Whether you are in need of a realtor, mortgage lender, closing attorney, an accountant, financial adviser, or car dealer, we will connect you with the right person for your needs.
It usually makes sense to add your teen as a driver to your existing policy, but only after they get a permanent license. If you’re driving an expensive car, it might make more financial sense to buy your teen a safe, older vehicle and get them a policy of them own.
As long as the driver has your permission to borrow the car then yes they will be covered. If they’re involved in a minor accident, your liability and collision coverage will kick in.
When an accident happens and you suffer an injury or property damage, a claim must be filed.
If you experience a small fender bender or anything that would qualify as a small claim, you should still chat with your agent. They will discuss with you about deductibles, insurance surcharges, and the possible effect on your driving record.
Home insurance is designed to protect you from the unexpected. It will cover you for most cases of accidental and sudden damages in your home.
However, some things in our homes are just not built to last. Whether its an old furnace or HVAC unit, many appliances in our homes have shelf lives. For these cases, home insurance may not be helpful.
A home warranty is a protection plan designed to protect you from these expected maintenance problems and normal wear and tear. Together, home systems protection and a home warranty can protect you from both expected and unexpected damages that may occur.