FAQs
INSURANCE FAQ 
- Auto Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance
- Renters Insurance
- Business Insurance
- Student/Recent Graduate Insurance
- Investment products
Why do I need to buy insurance?
- Protects your assets against accidental loss or a Peril listed in the policy depending on the type of policy you own.
- Provides for cost of defense when you are sued.
- Allows you to purchase such high value items as a car or a home by insuring the collateral on behalf of the financial institution that lent you the money.
- Provides financial security for your family in the event of your death.
- Provides a saving plan while protecting young lives while growing up.
- Provides for the health care of you and your family through systematic payments.
- Allows you to save for retirement while deferring interest payments to a time when your income is lower, thus reducing your tax payments.
- Allows you to remain financially solvent when you're ill and can't work.
- Replaces a preestablished income because of Illness or accident.
- Helps your money grow by investing in prudent investments prescribed by our Estate Consultant.
What factors affect the insurance premiums I pay?
- Claims activity including such costs as medical care, auto body repair, construction, legal defense, jury awards, claims adjustment, and insurance fraud.
- Overhead including rent, utilities, employee salaries and benefits, office supplies, equipment, and furniture.
- Investment income.
- Insurance Score
AUTO INSURANCE
How does where I live affect my premium?
Where you keep your car directly affects your chances of having an accident or becoming a victim of theft or vandalism. The likelihood of encountering these problems increases in larger, more densely populated cities, while such incidents remain relatively low in rural areas.
Additionally, the time and efficiency of police response and law enforcement, local road and traffic conditions, and the quality of local medical services can affect regional insurance rates. Some insurers even factor in the litigation rates in a given area (how many lawsuits are filed, go to trial, out of court settlements, and their amounts).
Do all states require some kind of Liability insurance?
No. Although not every state requires Auto insurance, some have “financial responsibility” laws mandating all drivers to be able to pay for any damage or injury they might cause. However, Liability insurance is still the best way for you to meet your state's financial responsibility requirements. Iowa requires you be able to show financial responsibility at the time of an Accident. Insurance is the easiest and fastest way to show financial responsibility.
By law, all states offer UM and UIM policies, including no-fault states. In fact, some states require all motorists to carry this coverage in order to gain protection from inadequate insurance coverage of other drivers.
How do I keep my insurance company from canceling my policy?
Besides maintaining a clean driving record, consider investing in special safety and security features for your car. If you've been in an accident, consider taking a defensive driving course.
What happens when I loan my car to someone? Is that person covered by my policy? Am I still covered?
Yes. Liability and coverage for Physical Damage (i.e. Comprehensive and Collision) always follow your car. Plus, if the driver of your car is insured, his/her policy will also be available to cover the cost of damages and injuries.
The same rules apply when you borrow someone else's vehicle; your own insurance follows you no matter whose car you're driving. But the vehicle owner's policy is the key coverage in the event of an accident.
Am I covered for natural disasters or “Acts of God”?
Comprehensive insurance, which covers you for fire and theft, generally covers you against damage by flood, earthquake, hail, and other natural perils, except when your car is overturned (which is technically considered a collision). If you have specific concerns about the safety of your vehicle in natural disasters, contact us for information on catastrophic coverage.
Flood Insurance is offered by our agency. Flood Insurance is not covered by most policies. Flood Insurance is a Federal Government program.
Earthquake coverage is not automatic on insurance policies. It must be added by endorsement. Please ask one of our agents for details.
How can I challenge my insurers if they refuse to cover a claim?
Usually, insurers that refuse to cover a claim have a strong legal reason for doing so — even if you disagree. First, contact us if you feel you're being treated unfairly. Your agent is your strongest advocate in insurance matters. But if it's a legal problem, you might have to hire a lawyer.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
Who decides on the type of insurance, the mortgage company or me?
You do. The mortgage company collects a set amount from you each month in order to protect 
their investment. This money is put in escrow and covers your insurance and taxes. However, the policy is still yours and you might select the insurance you feel offers the best coverage at the best rates.
What exactly does a Homeowners policy cover?
“Exact” coverage is impossible to define because there are different policies and about 900 insurance companies writing Property/Casualty business in the United States. However, 80% of Homeowners policies are based on a standard form. All Homeowners policies cover two important areas: Property and Liability.
Property insurance covers your structures and possessions. Personal Liability, as its name implies, means you're legally obligated to pay money to another person for actions caused by you, your family, or your property. That liability extends to medical payments to others for injuries caused by you or your family.
Are floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters covered?
Most Natural Disasters are covered but, flood and earthquake coverage typically are not covered unless special arrangments have been made before the loss occurs and or policy purchased. The only poilcy that covers flood with out specifically asking for it is comprehensive coverage on a auto policy. Flood coverage is a federal Government program. We can assist you in gettting this coverage or answer your questions. Earthquake damage is not covered by a standard policy and typically can be added by endorsement. There are some rules, stipulations, time constraints and moratorium time lines concerning Flood and Earthquake coverage.
Are there exclusions I should know about?
Exclusions listed and defined in your policy might include neglect, intentional loss, “earth movement,” general power failure, and even damage caused by war. If you fail to take care of your property (e.g., a leaky roof), you might not be covered. Obviously, if you intend to lose an object or damage your property, there's no coverage.
One other exclusion that can be costly is the Ordinance or Law exclusion. Building codes established by governmental bodies that drive up the cost of rebuilding or repairing after a loss occurs might not be covered by your insurance policy. Thus, if you discover when replacing damaged property that current law demands higher grade or more expensive materials than those you're replacing, the new materials might not be covered fully.
Coinsurance Clauses must be seriously taken into consideration. This clause can limit your claim or provide a discount on your premium depending how your property values are managed. Always ask your agent regarding your coverage and how a Coinsurance Claus my effect your future claims.
How expensive is renters insurance?
Renters insurance is typically available for as little as $100 a year.
Does my landlord's insurance protect me?
Generally, no. The property owner's insurance covers the building itself and seldom a tenant's possessions or liability. Clarify this with your landlord before signing a lease.
I'm just getting my business started. Do I need insurance immediately?
Yes. Your chance of suffering a loss begins with the first day of business. If you suffer a loss and have no insurance or have improper or insufficient coverage, your insurance agent can do little, if anything, to help you.
Also, many states and local jurisdictions require businesses to have insurance to begin operating. And if you rent space for your business, your landlord probably requires you to obtain adequate insurance.
I don't have any major business assets. Why do I need insurance?
Every business has some property. When you think about it, your business is your property. Just like your home and your car, your business needs to be protected from loss, damage, and liability. In addition, your business is your source of income, so you need protection from the potential loss of that income.
Does insurance coverage vary for different businesses?
It can. Many small businesses opt for package policies that cover the major Property and Liability exposures as well as for a loss of income. A common package policy used by many small businesses is called the Business Owners Policy (BOP).
Generally, BOPs provide more complete coverage at a lower price than separate policies for each type of insurance needed. We can help you decide which policy or policies are right for your business. You can also purchase additional coverage for perils or conditions otherwise excluded (e.g., flood protection) as endorsements to a standard policy or as a separate, second policy called a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy.
Outside of the use of a BOP type policy your business insurance will need to be custom built for your specific needs. We are trained to do this.
We can advise you of the best policy (or policies) to protect you and your business.
STUDENT/RECENT GRADUATE INSURANCE
I'm a college student. Am I still covered by my parents' policies?
It depends on the policy and its terms. For example, most Health insurance policies cover insureds' children up to age 18, or up to 22 if the child continues as a full-time student. If you’re over 18 and not a full-time student, you’ll need your own Health insurance policy.
What kinds of risks do college students face?
College students face many new risks as they head off to school: theft of personal property, auto accidents due to driving long distances, and risks related to attending and giving parties.
How extensive are these risks?
College and university campuses aren’t immune to property crime. A 1995 FBI study reported that there were more than 100,000 property crimes on college nationwide, including burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Thieves took an average of $1,251 of property per offense that same year.
At least one in 10 college students revealed that they had caused an auto accident in the last two years. One in four had a speeding ticket or other moving violation. These and other offenses contribute to higher Auto insurance premiums for students.
Iowa Insurance Consultants Ltd
821 North John Wayne Drive
Winterset, Iowa 50273
Phone: 515-462-2392
Fax: 515-462-2387
E-Mail: iic7@qwestoffice.net
