Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our frequently asked questions.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via the web, or come and visit us at a location near you.

1.Will filing a claim result in higher insurance costs or cancellation?
2.Is there a grace period on my billing?
3.Does my policy cover rental vehicles, or should I purchase the coverage offered by the rental company?
4.If I loan my car to someone, will their insurance cover if there is an accident?
5.What is "No Fault" Insurance?
6.Do I have 30 days to request a vehicle change?
7.Will my policy cover my child while away at college?
8.If my neighbor's tree falls onto my home, garage, shed or fence due to a storm, whose insurance company do I file a claim with?
9.What should I do until the adjuster arrives if my home has sustained damage?
10.Is there coverage for my interior water damage if it's resulting from exterior damage caused by storms?
11.Is there coverage for water that enters the home through basement walls, window wells, or the basement floor?
12.A storm has caused my power to go out, will my policy pay for a hotel?

Will filing a claim result in higher insurance costs or cancellation?
Each claim situation is unique. A pattern of claims may result in a premium increase or cancellation. Our specialists can advise you on the ramifications of filing your claim, and explain how the claims process works - eliminating frustrations which usually arise from the unknown.

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Is there a grace period on my billing?
You should never assume that there is a grace period on making payments. Please call our office or refer to the "Make a Payment" section of our website.

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Does my policy cover rental vehicles, or should I purchase the coverage offered by the rental company?
The Property Damage Liability limit on your policy extends coverage to rental vehicles on a temporary basis (contracts written on personal basis for less than 30 days). Coverage is available in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico only. Although your policy extends coverage to rental vehicles, there may be some “gray areas” that may not make your coverage 100% inclusive. You are not required to purchase the coverage offered by the rental company, but if you’re worried about the “gray areas” then you may want to consider purchasing the coverage they offer when renting the vehicle.

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If I loan my car to someone, will their insurance cover if there is an accident?
Insurance follows the vehicle, so when you allow someone to use your vehicle you are also extending your auto insurance to the person driving your vehicle. Once your limits are exhausted, then coverage could come from the driver's policy.

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What is "No Fault" Insurance?
“No Fault” refers to the Personal Injury Protection coverage provided by a Minnesota auto insurance policy. Regardless of where the negligence in an auto accident is attributed, your own auto policy would pay first for any injuries sustained. If certain thresholds are exceeded, you may pursue damages from the negligent party.

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Do I have 30 days to request a vehicle change?
This is no longer correct. Laws have changed regarding automatic coverage for vehicles. Our recommendation is to contact us the next business day as company requirements vary.

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Will my policy cover my child while away at college?
Personal Property - there is typically an extension from the homeowners policy equal to 10% of the personal property limit. Personal Liability - this can vary depending on your child's housing situation. Please contact our office to discuss your specific needs. Auto Insurance - generally, your child needs to remain listed as a driver on your policy. You may be eligible for discounts if your child is away at school without a vehicle

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If my neighbor's tree falls onto my home, garage, shed or fence due to a storm, whose insurance company do I file a claim with?
Even though it's your neighbor's tree, storms are generally considered an "act of God" and you would submit the claim to your own homeowners insurance company. This would be subject to your policy deductible. Your neighbor could be held liable for damages if the tree should have been removed prior to the storm, due to a disease. This would be determined by the adjuster that inspects your property.

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What should I do until the adjuster arrives if my home has sustained damage?
The homeowner’s policy has a provision for making temporary repairs. You should take necessary steps to protect your property from further damage. You may have tarps installed on the roof, siding, or broken windows to protect the interior from water damage. We recommend taking photos of the damage and retaining receipts for any expenses incurred for temporary repairs.

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Is there coverage for my interior water damage if it's resulting from exterior damage caused by storms?
Yes. Your policy will cover damage to the interior of the home, if the home has first sustained damage to the exterior caused by windstorm or hail.

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Is there coverage for water that enters the home through basement walls, window wells, or the basement floor?
No. Water that enters the home in this manner is considered surface water, or water below the surface of the ground, and is specifically excluded by a homeowners policy.

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A storm has caused my power to go out, will my policy pay for a hotel?
No. Your property must sustain direct physical damage causing the power outage. The property must be considered unfit for occupancy in order to recover costs for motel bills.

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The Insurance Mart is a Trusted Choice® Agency. Trusted Choice® agencies are dedicated to you and are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy.  As a Trusted Choice® agency, we agree to a Pledge of Performance, designed to assure quality service that enables us to offer you competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and valuable advocacy.