We Answer Your Questions

Our coverage areas include everything you need to stay prepared when the unexpected happens in life. Read on for in-depth explanations of insurance types you can purchase through Hagendoorn & Emond Insurance, Inc.

Will where I live affect my premium?

Yes. Regional insurance rates will be higher in places with high populations where the chances of vandalism, theft, or accidents are higher. Other regional-specific factors like road conditions, traffic, law enforcement response times, and even litigation rates will likely affect auto insurance premiums.

Do all states require liability insurance?

No. However, some states have “financial responsibility” laws and liability insurance is still the best way to meet any state’s financial responsibility requirements. You may also want to consider uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist insurance; some states even require it.

Can I keep my insurance company from canceling my auto policy?

The best way to prevent this is by keeping a clean driving record and not getting into accidents. Your insurance company may be able to provide other tips for keeping your policy if you have been in an accident. For example, you can install safety features in your car or take defensive driving courses.

If I loan my car to someone, is that person covered by my policy and am I still covered?

Yes to both. If someone gets into an accident while driving your car, your insurance policy follows your car. That means you’ll still be protected. The borrower’s policy will also be applicable.

How do I get coverage for natural disasters or “Acts of God”?

Comprehensive coverage protects you against the costs of damage from fire, theft, flood, earthquake, and hail. You can also get catastrophic coverage.

How can I challenge my insurance company if they don’t cover a claim?

First, talk to your insurance agent to see if they can advocate for you in your particular matter. You might need to hire a lawyer if there’s a legal problem or go to your state insurance department for legal information to build your case.

Do I get to choose what insurance I get when I purchase a house?

Yes. You choose what homeowners insurance policy you want when you buy a house, not the mortgage company. The mortgage company will collect the money from you to put toward your insurance and taxes, but you can still choose the policy with the best coverage at the best rate.

What does a homeowners policy cover?

There are many different policies with a variety of coverage options. Generally, most policies include property and liability coverage. Property covers the structure of your home and your possessions while liability covers medical payments to others that you or your household members are found responsible for.

Are natural disasters covered?

Damage from floods and earthquakes is not commonly covered in most home insurance policies. Homeowners need catastrophic policies in order to cover those incidents.

What exclusions should I know about?

You will not be covered if you intentionally damage your property, and you may not be covered if you neglect your property, or if there’s power failure or “earth movement.” Check your specific policy for exclusions that apply to your situation.

How much does renters insurance cost?

It depends, but it could cost as little as $100 a year.

Does a landlord’s insurance protect their renters?

Probably not. Your landlord’s insurance likely only covers the building and rarely includes the possessions inside of it.

Am I responsible if someone is injured in my rented residence?

You may be liable if the injury occurred in your apartment or other rented residence, especially if your landlord’s insurance specifically excludes liability for something that happens within their tenant’s residence.

Do I need insurance if I just started my business?

Yes. Some states, cities, or towns require that businesses obtain insurance before they even open. You could also suffer losses very early on, and an insurance agent can’t help you after the fact if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Why do I need insurance if I don’t have any major business assets?

A few reasons. Property insurance will protect whatever physical property your business does have, and liability insurance will cover the costs of litigating and settling a case that results from damages caused by those possessions or by you.

Does insurance coverage vary by business?

Yes. Many small businesses are covered for major property, liability, and loss of income under a common package policy called the business owners policy or BOP. Some industries, such as restaurants and garages, require specialized coverage outside of a standard package policy. 

Will I still be covered by my parents’ policies?

Most health insurance policies cover children of their insured up to a certain age, so you should check with your insurance company about those age restrictions.

As a college student, what kind of risks do I face?

There are many unforeseen risks that students and their families can encounter when going away to school for the first time. In order to protect against risks that you may not be prepared for, it’s a good idea to explore options for student insurance policies. Some common risks include theft of personal items, accidents, and liability for personal injuries that occur during a party.

How can being uninsured harm students and parents?

Simply put, an accident or theft you’re not prepared to pay the full price for could be devastating for both parents and students paying high tuition. Consulting with an insurance agent or broker is the best course of action for determining exactly what type of coverage would best suit your individual risks.

Do I need malpractice insurance if I am a physician?

Though each state is different with its requirements on malpractice insurance, Connecticut requires all physicians to have the minimum amount of coverage. Some healthcare facilities even require doctors to have coverage if they work for them. The insurance is to protect the physician against malpractice lawsuits.

How much insurance do I need?

The minimum amount is $500,000 per occurrence – meaning this is how much the insurance will pay per claim. The total for your annual limit is 1.5 million. Depending on your practice, specialty, and whether you perform surgeries, carrying more coverage may be suggested.

Who needs umbrella insurance?

People with significant savings, pool or trampoline owners, landlords, travelers abroad, and those who need to protect themselves. These are just a few examples of people who qualify for umbrella insurance.

What does it cover?

Umbrella insurance covers injuries, damages to property, certain types of lawsuits, and personal liability. For example, an owner of multiple rentals would want to be covered as they could receive liability claims for damages on their property harming a person.

How can umbrella insurance protect you?

This type of policy can help cover you once your insurance has reached its limit. For example, in the event of a car accident, your auto insurance might only cover up to a certain limit – but with the umbrella policy, you can get the full amount covered with no worry. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns about our insurance options, please feel free to contact a member of our team to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re in the market to update your homeowners, malpractice, professional liability insurance, or another type of coverage, we’re here to help. No matter the type, trust our insurance brokers to find the right coverage for your needs and budget. For years, our insurance brokers have provided quality options for clients across Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, CT and the surrounding regions.