Can I buy a car over the weekend?

Yes.  Your policy will extend the broadest coverage under your auto policy for a period of days – most companies give you at least four days but it could be more depending on the company.   If you do not have full coverage on at least one of your vehicles and purchase a vehicle over the weekend that requires full coverage (i.e. if you have a loan on the vehicle) most companies will give you $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles within the first four days (until you can reach your agent). 

When do I add my child to my insurance?

It’s a good idea to let your agent know when your child gets their drivers permit.  There are some companies who will add them to your policy as a non-rated driver and then rate them once they have become licensed drivers. 

Do I have to add someone to my car insurance if they borrow my car?

Permissive use is typically covered under your policy so if you let someone temporarily borrow your vehicle there would be coverage under your policy – insurance follows the vehicle first and the driver second.  If someone is using your vehicle on a regular basis you will want to discuss this with your agent since your insurance company may want this person listed on your policy as an occasional operator.  If they are a resident of your household and do not have separate insurance, they must be added to your policy.

If I rent a car on vacation, does my rental insurance cover an accident?

If you have full coverage (comprehensive and collision) on at least one vehicle on your policy and you are renting within the United States, it’s territories and possessions, Canada or Puerto Rico, there is coverage under your auto policy for a rental car (it will follow the broadest coverage on the policy) for 30 days.

If you are planning on renting the vehicle for more than 30 days you must make arrangements to renew your contract with the rental car company before that 30 day mark – thus starting your 30 days again.
There are fees that a rental car company can charge you in the event of a loss – for example, Loss of Use of the rental car – while being repaired the rental car is not able to be rented to other people and Diminished Value, in the event of a loss to the rental car, just like any car that’s been in an accident, the resale value of the vehicle is lower.  They can pass these costs along to the person who they have contracted the use of the rental car to.  Also, in the event of an accident, even if it is a not at fault accident, if your name is on the contract, the rental car company can and will pursue you.  Last, it is very important that you list all potential drivers on the contract with the rental car company in order to ensure coverage.   

Does my home policy cover me if my house is flooded?

Flood is not a covered cause of loss on a homeowner’s policy.  If you have water in your basement, or if a pipe bursts, there are companies that do afford coverage for this typically by endorsement to the policy.  In order to be classified as a flood, it would need to be standing water between two normally dry pieces of property or standing water covering two acres of land. 

If my neighbors tree falls on my home, which homeowners policy would pay?

You (or your neighbor) are not liable if a tree falls due to wind/decay so it would be the responsibility of the home owner’s policy to pay.  This may be a different case if a tree is known to be decayed and it was requested that it be removed prior to the incident.  That may be a case of liability and, if so, the tree owner’s policy would respond.