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Frequently Asked Questions

Automotive Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Car owners young and old deserve some answers to the most common questions about car insurance, so we answered them!

If you cause an accident, be prepared to pay your deductible. After you’ve done that, your insurance company should pay the remaining costs, including damages or medical expenses you caused to other parties involved.

Learn more about Auto Insurance

Generally, the other driver’s liability coverage will pay for medical expenses and repairs to your vehicle. If, however, the other driver’s insurance is insufficient to pay your costs, your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can step in to make up the difference.

Explore Coverage Options

If possible, it's in your best interest to contact your agent first to discuss options available based on your situation. If unable to connect go straight to your insurance carrier to file your claim. You can file your claim either online or over the phone.

See the Full Auto Insurance Process

  1. Your insurance company adjuster will reach out to you to gather detailed information about your claim.
  2. The adjuster may come out to inspect your vehicle or property to evaluate the cost of damages.
  3. You will work with your adjuster will get an estimate for the damages.
  4. A check will be cut for that estimate.
  5. If actual costs differ from the estimate, you and your insurance provider will address the difference. Generally, this means a supplemental check will be delivered to you.

Learn About Claim Processes

If you cause an accident, be prepared to pay your deductible. After you’ve done that, your insurance company should pay the remaining costs, including damages or medical expenses you caused to other parties involved.

Get Tips on Managing Your Insurance

Young drivers face higher risks, and their insurance premiums reflect that. To keep costs manageable and ensure safety:

  • Emphasize safe driving habits.
  • Consider enrolling in a driver education course.
  • Add them to your policy with appropriate coverage.

Protect Your Young Drivers

Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses

Businesses deserve excellent insurance resources, and that's what we're here to provide!  Our Business Insurance FAQs are just the start!

The insurance your business requires depends on your industry, operations, and specific risks. Common coverages include General Liability, Commercial Property, Workers’ Compensation, and more. Each policy is tailored to protect your business from potential liabilities and losses.

Learn more about Commercial Insurance

If your business has employees, workers’ compensation is typically required by Illinois law. This policy covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job, protecting both your workforce and your company.

Explore Workers’ Compensation Insurance

 

General Liability Insurance protects your business from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and legal expenses. This is a foundational policy for businesses of all sizes to safeguard against unexpected lawsuits.

Read about General Liability Insurance

Cyber Insurance helps protect your business from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats. It covers costs like data restoration, notification expenses, and legal fees. This is critical for businesses that store sensitive customer or employee data.

Discover Cyber Insurance Benefits

Yes, contractors face unique risks and often require specialized policies, such as Contractor’s Liability Insurance, to cover injuries, property damage, and equipment losses. It’s essential for compliance and peace of mind on job sites.

Learn about Contractors Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance provides coverage for vehicles used for business purposes. This policy protects your company against liability, damage, or theft involving business-owned vehicles.

Explore Commercial Auto Insurance

General Insurance FAQs

Curious about some of the most common insurance questions asked, in general?  Hop on over to the right, and find some answers.

Insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. It provides financial protection against unexpected events like accidents, natural disasters, or lawsuits. Whether it’s auto, home, life, or business insurance, having the right coverage ensures you aren’t left financially vulnerable.

Explore our comprehensive Personal Insurance options

 

Several factors determine your insurance premiums:

  • Your Risk Profile: Driving history, age, credit score, and health.
  • The Value of Assets: Higher-value items like luxury homes or cars cost more to insure.
  • Coverage Levels: Choosing higher limits or lower deductibles increases premiums.
  • Location: Areas prone to theft or natural disasters may have higher rates.
  • Policy Bundling: Bundling multiple policies can reduce costs.

To save, consider improving your credit score, bundling policies, or increasing your deductible.

Learn about Commercial Insurance to protect your business at competitive rates.

 

Liability insurance helps protect you from legal and financial risks if you’re responsible for causing injury or damage. Examples include:

  • Auto Liability: Covers damage or injuries from car accidents you cause.
  • General Liability for Businesses: Protects against lawsuits for third-party injuries or property damage.
  • Home Liability: Covers injuries or damages to visitors on your property.

Liability insurance is essential for safeguarding your assets from costly lawsuits.

Understand General Liability Insurance for businesses

 

The coverage you need depends on your circumstances, including your assets and risks. Auto insurance should exceed state minimums, and home insurance should cover the full cost to rebuild your home. For businesses, coverage should address industry-specific risks, such as property damage or liability.

Check out Homeowners Insurance options for protecting your property.

 

To file a claim, contact your insurer immediately to report the incident and provide details. Document the damage with photos and receipts, and submit any required forms, like repair estimates or police reports. Your adjuster will review the claim and guide you through the resolution process.

Ask one of our representatives about our claims process

Some common insurance gaps include:

  • Not having water backup coverage in homeowners policies.
  • Insufficient liability coverage to protect personal or business assets.
  • Underinsuring your home by focusing on its market value instead of its replacement cost.

Regularly reviewing your policies with an experienced agent can help you avoid these risks.

Learn how to avoid gaps with tailored coverage here.

Some Questions Homeowners Might Have

Whether you're a new homeowner, or you've had one for thirty years, we're sure that you've got some questions.  We've got answers!

Homeowners insurance covers three primary areas:

  • The Structure: Protects your home’s physical structure against damage from covered events like fire, wind, or hail.
  • Personal Belongings: Covers loss or damage to items inside your home, such as furniture and electronics.
  • Liability: Protects you from lawsuits if someone is injured on your property.

Additional coverages, like water backup or replacement cost, can be added for comprehensive protection.

Discover Homeowner Insurance Options

Filing a claim starts with documenting the damage—take photos, gather receipts, and write descriptions of any lost or damaged items. Then, contact your insurance provider promptly to report the incident and provide details. An adjuster will assess the damage and help guide you through the claims process.

Learn From One of Our Representatives How to File a Claim

Renters insurance provides valuable protection for tenants by covering your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses in case of a covered loss.

Here’s what it typically includes:

  • Personal Property Coverage: Protects your belongings (like furniture, electronics, and clothing) from damage or theft.
  • Liability Protection: Covers legal and medical expenses if someone is injured in your rental unit or you accidentally cause damage to another person’s property.
  • Loss of Use Coverage: Pays for temporary housing and other living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, like a fire.

Find Renters Insurance Options Here

Your condo association’s master policy covers shared areas like hallways, roofs, and exterior walls. Depending on whether it’s an “all-in” or “bare walls” policy, it may or may not cover fixtures inside your unit. It’s crucial to understand the scope of the master policy so you can choose appropriate individual coverage.

Read more about Condo Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by floods. To protect your home, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. This is especially important if you live in a flood-prone area or near bodies of water.

Learn About Flood Insurance

Yes, bundling your home and auto insurance is a great way to save money while ensuring both policies work together seamlessly. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling, and it simplifies managing your coverage. Hicks Insurance Group can help you explore bundling options that maximize savings.

Check Out Bundled Insurance Options

What You Should Know About Life Insurance

It's not always easy to ask about life insurance—so we've picked some of the most common questions, and put them here for you.

Life insurance is a financial safety net that provides your loved ones with money in the event of your passing. It can cover expenses like funeral costs, mortgage payments, and daily living expenses, ensuring your family remains financially stable. Life insurance is a critical component of long-term financial planning.

Learn More About Life Insurance

  • Term Life Insurance: Provides affordable coverage for a set period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years) and is ideal for temporary needs like paying off a mortgage.
  • Whole Life Insurance: Offers lifetime coverage with a savings component that builds cash value over time.

The best choice depends on your financial goals, budget, and coverage needs.

Explore Term and Whole Life Insurance Options by clicking the links above!

Most experts recommend coverage equal to 7-10 times your annual income. Consider your family’s current expenses, future financial goals (like college tuition), and any outstanding debts when determining the right amount. An experienced agent can help tailor coverage to fit your situation.

Get in touch with a representative to find out how much coverage you might need

Disability insurance provides financial support if you’re unable to work due to an injury or illness. Here’s what it typically includes:

  • Income Replacement: Pays a portion of your lost wages (usually 60-70% of your income) during the time you’re unable to work.
  • Short-Term Coverage: Covers temporary disabilities, such as recovery from surgery or childbirth, usually lasting 3-6 months.
  • Long-Term Coverage: Provides benefits for extended disabilities caused by serious injuries or chronic illnesses, often lasting several years or until retirement age.

Find Disability Insurance

Short-term individual health insurance provides temporary coverage for those in transition, such as between jobs, recent graduates, or individuals waiting for long-term coverage to begin. These policies typically cover basic medical expenses like doctor visits, emergency care, and hospital stays, but they often exclude pre-existing conditions and preventive care.

Learn more about Short-Term Individual Health Insurance

Retirement annuities are long-term financial products designed to provide a steady income during your retirement years. They work by allowing you to contribute a lump sum or series of payments to an insurance company, which then pays you back periodically, either immediately (immediate annuity) or after a set period (deferred annuity).

Learn More About Retirement Annuities

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In need of anything from car insurance to rental insurance? We have you covered.
Get Your Commercial Insurance Quote
Ready to get started with your Commercial Insurance plan? You're in the right place.
Get Your Life
Insurance Quote
In need of anything from disability insurance to long-term care? We have you covered.
Get Your Personal Insurance Quote
In need of anything from car insurance to rental insurance? We have you covered.
Get Your Commercial Insurance Quote
Ready to get started with your Commercial Insurance plan? You're in the right place.
Get Your Life
Insurance Quote
In need of anything from disability insurance to long-term care? We have you covered.
Get Your Personal Insurance Quote
In need of anything from car insurance to rental insurance? We have you covered.
Get Your Commercial Insurance Quote
Ready to get started with your Commercial Insurance plan? You're in the right place.
Get Your Life
Insurance Quote
In need of anything from disability insurance to long-term care? We have you covered.