Here are a few common questions to help get you started.
💬 General Insurance FAQs
Why should I choose an independent insurance agency?
Unlike agents tied to one brand, independent agents (like us!) can compare policies from multiple companies and tailor coverage to your specific needs.
For more information, click here.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointment necessary!
We welcome walk-ins during our regular business hours. Whether you have a quick question, need a quote, or want to review your coverage, feel free to stop by — we’re always happy to help.
Check our Contact Us page for location and hours.
*Note hours may vary on holidays.
What is insurance bundling?
Insurance bundling means combining two or more policies, like your auto and homeowners insurance, with the same agency or insurer. Bundling often leads to discounts, simplified billing, and easier management since you only deal with one company or agent. At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we can help you find the best bundle to save money and get comprehensive coverage.
Can I bundle my auto and home insurance?
Absolutely. Bundling can save you money and simplify your insurance. Ask us for a custom quote.
How do I file a claim?
Contact us directly and we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How often should I review my insurance policies?
We recommend reviewing your coverage annually or after major life changes like moving, buying a home, or starting a business to make sure your policies still fit your needs.
What is a deductible and how does it work?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Higher deductibles usually lower your premium, but they also mean more upfront cost to you if you file a claim.
🏠 Homeowners Insurance FAQs
What does a standard homeowners insurance policy cover in Florida?
A typical policy covers your home’s structure, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses if you’re displaced. Flood insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
How much homeowner’s coverage do I need?
Construction costs have risen in recent years, so it’s best to have enough coverage to rebuild your home at today’s construction costs, not just its market value. We can help you calculate the right amount.
Can I insure my rental property with you?
Absolutely — we offer landlord insurance policies to protect your investment property from damage, liability, and loss of rental income.
Do I really need renter’s insurance if I don’t own the property?
Renter’s insurance protects your personal belongings (like furniture, electronics, and clothing) in case of fire, theft, or other covered events. It can also include liability coverage if someone gets hurt in your rental.
What does renter’s insurance typically cover?
Most policies cover:
- Additional living expenses (if your place becomes uninhabitable and you need to stay elsewhere temporarily)
- Personal property (against fire, theft, water damage, etc.)
- Personal liability (in case someone is injured on your property)
How do I get renter’s insurance?
Getting renters insurance is simple. You can purchase a policy through our insurance agency. You’ll choose coverage limits for your personal property, liability protection, and sometimes additional living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
In most cases, you can get a policy set up in just a few minutes once you have basic information about your rental and belongings.
To learn more, you can visit our Renter’s Insurance page.
Is renter’s insurance expensive?
Not at all. Most renter’s policies cost less than $20/month and offer peace of mind for thousands of dollars in potential loss.
🌊Flood Insurance FAQs
Do I need flood insurance in Florida?
Yes — most homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage, and it’s always something we recommend regardless of your flood zone or distance from the coast.
To learn more about Flood insurance, visit our Flood page.
Does homeowners cover flood?
No — standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Most home insurance policies exclude damage caused by rising water, storm surge, or flooding from heavy rain or hurricanes.
If you want protection for flood-related losses, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy. This is typically purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance carrier.
Even in areas where flooding feels unlikely, it’s often worth considering—Florida storms can create flood risks quickly, even outside designated flood zones.
What do FEMA flood zones mean?
FEMA flood zones are areas mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to show the level of flood risk for a specific property. These zones help determine how likely a location is to experience flooding and are often used by lenders and insurance companies when deciding if flood insurance is required.
Properties in high-risk zones (often labeled “Special Flood Hazard Areas,” such as Zone A or V) have a greater chance of flooding and may be required to carry flood insurance if there is a mortgage involved. Lower-risk zones still have some flood risk, but it is considered less frequent or less severe.
It’s important to remember that flood zones are based on historical data and modeling—they don’t guarantee whether a property will or won’t flood, just the level of risk compared to surrounding areas.
🚗 Auto Insurance FAQs
What’s the minimum auto insurance required in Florida?
Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). However, we recommend additional coverage like Bodily Injury Liability and Collision for better protection.
How is my auto insurance premium determined?
Factors include your driving record, vehicle type, location, mileage, and coverage limits. We review all options to find the best value for your unique profile.
Can I get car insurance without a license?
Yes — in some cases. We can help find coverage even if you don’t currently have a valid Florida driver’s license.
What discounts are available for car insurance?
You might qualify for safe driver discounts, bundling policies, good student discounts, and more. We can help find you the best deal!
What do I do after an accident?
Make sure everyone is safe, call the police if necessary, exchange information with other drivers, and notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.
What is Uninsured Motorist coverage, and do I need it?
Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) helps pay for your medical expenses and related costs if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your damages.
Even though auto insurance is legally required, many Florida drivers are uninsured or underinsured. That’s why we strongly recommend carrying UM coverage — it protects you and your passengers when the other driver can’t.
💡 Tip: In Florida, UM coverage does not cover damage to your vehicle — that’s handled under collision coverage.
Can I Get Car Insurance with a Poor Driving Record or Bad Credit?
Yes — in most cases, you can still get auto insurance even if you have accidents, tickets, a DUI, or low credit. At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we work with multiple carriers that specialize in providing coverage for high-risk drivers.
While rates may be higher depending on your driving history or credit score, we’re often able to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Severe violations or recent major offenses may limit options, but our experience and network of providers give us flexibility to help in most situations.
🏢 Business Insurance FAQs
What type of insurance do I need for my business?
The type of insurance your business needs depends on its size, industry, and structure. Most Florida businesses need general liability, property coverage, and workers’ compensation. At Smith & Thomas Insurance, we tailor packages to meet Florida state requirements and your specific risk factors.
Do I need insurance if I run a business from home?
Yes — your homeowners policy likely won’t cover business equipment or liability. We can help find the right coverage to protect you.
Do I need workers’ compensation insurance?
In Florida, if you have four or more employees (including owners), you’re required to carry workers’ comp. Construction businesses must have it with just one employee. We’ll help you stay compliant and protected.
For a more detailed explanation, view My Florida CFO.
*Note link will navigate to a different site.
What is general liability insurance and why does my business need it?
General liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits involving bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury. It’s essential for most businesses — from retail shops to contractors — and can often be bundled with other policies for savings.
How can I save money on business insurance?
As independent agents, we compare quotes from multiple top-rated carriers in Florida to get you the best rate without compromising protection.
