Questions to ask your insurance agent
Insurance needs are ever-changing. Here are some questions to start the conversation.
Your insurance questions and needs likely stretch beyond notable events such as a new car or a new home. If you're not sure what to ask or where to begin, these questions to ask an insurance agent may offer a great starting point. Coverage options and how your agent can support you might surprise you!
General insurance questions
I've got my insurance. Why do I need to meet with my insurance agent?
It's totally understandable to think that insurance is a "set it, forget it" kind of a thing — especially when lots of competing priorities try to snatch up time. But a regular check-in with your agent can be great to discuss any big changes that may have occurred (a promotion with a boost in income that should be matched by a boost in life insurance, for example). If you don't have time for an in-person meeting, check in with your agent by contacting them utilizing a mobile app or through email.
Where can I find my insurance information and coverage?
Many insurers provide ID cards, coverage limits and deductibles through their mobile app. And a deductible could be one thing to talk about with your agent. You can change your deductibles from year to year based on any number of factors, from the size of your emergency fund (which you can use to cover the cost) to potential changes in insurance costs. (That's another reason to set up that regular meeting or contact your agent. If you like a traditional in-person approach, we have a PDF that can help with the discussion.)
Can I bundle my policies and receive a discount?
When you choose to bundlefootnote 1 products together, such as homeowner’s and auto policies, you may receive a discount. There may also be additional discounts offered when you are a safe driver. Ask your agent about available discounts.
How do claims work?
Understanding how filing a claim works could be a necessary piece of understanding your policy. Documentation of the damage, for example photos of damage on a car, is an important starting point for many claims. Your insurance agent can help you with the claims process and filing online may be a convenient option as well.
Where can I go to learn more about insurance, home, auto and finances?
When you meet with your agent, talk to them about what you can be doing to be proactive against loss — everything from tire maintenance to cleaning your gutters.
And if you're in-between agent visits, we've got another source: Simple Insights. Every month, there's more and more content on a range of topics, from setting up a budget to seasonal home maintenance, starting an emergency fund and prepping for retirement. And if you want to do even more to be a better driver, check out the mobile apps. For example, Drive Safe & Save® may help you improve your road skills (and earn possible discounts).footnote 2
Can I make changes to my insurance policy?
Life happens and sometimes it is necessary to make changes to your insurance policy to accommodate things like a difference in your budget, a move, expanding your family or buying a house. Your agent can help guide you through policy changes and discuss coverage options.
What is an umbrella policy?
An umbrella policy is another term for a personal liability umbrella policy (PLUP). Discuss with your agent whether you need more coverage than what your existing policies cover and whether a PLUP is the answer.
Auto insurance questions
What does my auto policy cover?
Not all auto policies provide the same coverage. Your policy may include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, liability coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage or other coverages fitting to your auto coverage needs. Your agent can help you navigate what your policy currently includes and what other coverage options you may choose that are right for you.
What if I get in a car accident?
The first thing to remember after an accident is to make sure you and your passengers are safe and call the police. Cooperate by providing the other party with your insurance information and obtain theirs. Your Insurance ID Card has valuable information to share with the other parties and your agent’s phone number to report the accident.
Homeowners, renters or condo insurance questions
When I buy something, it's covered by my homeowners or renters policy, right?
Your policy provides coverage for your personal property, but that coverage is usually limited to only certain causes of loss. Some types of property also have special dollar limits like jewelry which means you may not have enough coverage to replace your property. A personal articles policy offers broader protection for your treasured items, like collectibles, with higher coverage limits available.
Life insurance questions
How can life insurance help me?
Even if you never buy a different vehicle or live in the same house for decades, life insurance may be reason enough to schedule that meeting with your agent. A one-on-one conversation lets you consider those deeper questions about insurance that helps provide for loved ones if the insured passes away.
Do I have enough life insurance?
Life insurance needs may change depending on your family situation. For instance, the age of your children, the amount of time left on your mortgage and your retirement investment strategy may all play a role in how much life insurance you really need.
Business insurance questions
Should I have coverage for my home-based business?
Your home-based business could be considered a small business and may benefit from Small Business insurance. Your agent may be able to let you know if your existing coverage is adequate or offer additional insurance recommendations.
Meet with your State Farm agent and use the insurance meeting essentials form to record the basics.
For more information or to get a quote, give us a few details and a State Farm® agent will reach out to you.
return to reference 1 Customers may always choose to purchase only one policy but the discount for two or more purchases of different lines of insurance will not then apply. Savings, discount names, percentages, availability and eligibility may vary by state.
return to reference 2 Discounts may exceed 30% and vary state-to-state (NY capped at 30%). Not available in CA, MA, RI. A discount may not be available in NC depending on individual facts and circumstances. Setup required.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
