Questions, answered.

No jargon, no runaround. These are the questions we hear most, answered the way we'd answer them on the phone. Don't see yours? Ask us.

Collin with Frankie the Doberman and Walter the bull terrier

Questions we hear a lot

What does independent actually mean?

It means we don't work for one insurance company. We work with many of them, so we can shop your coverage across multiple carriers and tell you honestly which one fits.

Does getting a quote cost anything?

No. Quotes are free and there's no obligation. Worst case, you find out your current coverage holds up.

What do I need to get started?

Just the basics. For auto, who drives and what they drive. For home, the address. We'll walk you through the rest.

Can you look at the coverage I already have?

Yes. Send us your current policy and we'll give you a straight answer about what's working, what's missing, and what you might be overpaying for.

How do independent agents get paid?

The carrier pays us a commission when you buy a policy. You don't pay us anything, and quotes are free either way.

Will you actually shop my renewal, or just set it and forget it?

We shop it. If your rate jumps or a better fit shows up, we'll tell you. That's the point of working with an independent agency.

What's a deductible?

The part of a claim you pay before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, and the other way around.

What's a premium?

The price of your policy. Pay it monthly, twice a year, or annually. Paying in full often earns a discount.

How are my rates decided?

Carriers look at your history, what you're insuring, where you live, and the coverage you pick. Every carrier weighs those differently, which is exactly why shopping around works.

What's the difference between full coverage and liability only?

Liability covers damage you do to others. Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive, which cover your own vehicle too. Full coverage isn't a legal term, so let's make sure yours actually covers what you think it does.

Do I have to switch everything at once?

No. We can move one policy now and the rest at renewal, or just quote one line and leave everything else alone.

Will switching insurance cost me anything?

Usually not. Most carriers refund unused premium when you cancel, and we handle the switch paperwork.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Carriers send a notice with a grace period before anything cancels. If money is tight, call us. There are usually options.

When should I review my coverage?

Once a year, or after anything big. New car, new house, renovation, marriage, a teen driver. Five minutes on the phone keeps it current.

What's an umbrella policy?

Extra liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto policies. It protects you from the big lawsuit-sized stuff, and it costs less than most people think.

Do you only work with people in Rochester?

We're based in Rochester and licensed across New York. Wherever you are in the state, we can help.

How fast can I get proof of insurance?

Usually same day. ID cards, certificates, mortgagee changes. Call or email and we'll send it where it needs to go.

What should I do when my renewal price goes up?

Send it to us before you pay it. We'll check whether the increase is fair, and shop it across our carriers if it isn't.

Still have a question?

Call, text, or email. You'll get a real person and a straight answer.