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Good to know

Understand the terms.
Know what to ask.

Useful questions and plain-language starting points for your next insurance conversation.

A few everyday terms

What does
that mean?

Premium
What you pay for an insurance policy.
Deductible
The part of a covered loss you pay yourself, according to the policy’s terms.
Coverage
What the policy addresses. Read the terms, limits and exclusions together.
Policy
The written contract with the insurer.
Declarations page
An overview of key policy information, such as who or what is insured, dates, coverages and limits.
Endorsement
A change or addition to the policy. Ask what it changes and when it applies.

When you’re moving

A new address.
A few things to review.

A homeowner carrying a box into a new home

Tell your agent when you expect to move, whether the new home is owned or rented, and what will happen to your current place. A move can bring several policy questions at once.

Before the conversation

  • Note the expected moving date.
  • Have details of the new property ready.
  • Ask how belongings are addressed during the move.
  • Mention changes to your commute or where a vehicle is kept.
  • Ask your insurer to confirm the effective date of any change.
Talk about a move

Looking at your options

Put the details
side by side.

Two policies with different prices may have different limits, deductibles or exclusions. Before making a choice, compare the parts that matter to your situation.

  1. Look at who and what the policy includes.
  2. Compare the limits for the same coverage areas.
  3. Check the deductibles and when they apply.
  4. Read the exclusions and any endorsements.
  5. Ask about anything you don’t understand.
Ask about your options

Common questions.

Can I talk to someone before choosing a policy?

Yes. Start with what you need help with. You don’t have to arrive knowing which policy or coverage level you want.

Can we look at more than one kind of insurance?

Yes. Tell us which parts of your household or business you’d like to discuss so we can review the questions together.

I already have a policy. Where should I go?

Visit policyholder help for changes, documents and billing questions. Claims guidance has a separate route for questions about a loss.

Will a request put coverage in place?

No. A request starts a conversation. Your agent or insurer can explain what is needed and confirm the effective date of any coverage.

Can I visit the office?

Office visits are by appointment. Choose an office conversation in your request so there’s time set aside for your questions.

Should I include private policy documents in a first request?

Start with a general description of the help you need. Your agent can explain how to provide documents through the appropriate private channel.

A conversation comes first

Let’s talk through what you need.

A few details will give us a place to start.

Start a conversation