“Can’t you just give me a quote without asking me all this?” – No, and here is why!
At Looker, Wolfe & Gephart, we know that applying for insurance can feel like a lot with all the questions we ask. But don’t worry—every question has a purpose and we try to make the process as painless as possible! Whether you’re insuring your home, car or business these details help us find the right coverage at a fair price tailored just for you. Let’s dive into why we ask about dog breeds, woodstoves, or your car’s usage, and how this information shapes your homeowners and auto insurance quotes.
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Home Sweet Home
When you reach out for a homeowners insurance quote, we ask about your home and details like the age of the property, roof age, and additional details. These questions help us understand potential risks, so we can offer coverage that keeps your home safe. Here’s why we ask about specific details:
- Dog Breeds: Some dog breeds, like pit bulls or Rottweilers, are seen as higher risk for liability claims due to bite incidents. Not all insurance companies agree on this, and some assess dogs case-by-case, but knowing your pet’s breed helps us find a policy that fits your furry friend and your budget.
- Woodstoves and Fireplaces: These can increase the chance of a fire, so we ask about them to assess fire risks and eligibility. Did you know that it is against the National Fire Code to have a solid fuel-burning appliance with an open flame, like a woodstove or coal stove, in a garage that houses vehicles? Fuel vapors and flames are a perfect recipe for a fire.
- Trampolines, Pools, and Hot Tubs: These are fun but considered “attractive nuisances” because they might attract kids and lead to injuries. We ask about them to ensure your policy accounts for any liability risks and that the policy meets all eligibility requirements. Things like having netted sides on trampolines, or fenced-in protection for below-ground pools are all but required these days for a new policy.
- Age and Condition of Your Roof: Older roofs are more likely to leak or get damaged in storms, which can lead to claims. If your asphalt shingle roof is over 15 – 20 years old, some companies will decline to offer coverage based on the increased wind and hail damage exposures. It is important to be truthful and not misrepresent information the insurance application to avoid possible coverage issues.
- Other Property Details: We also ask about your home’s age, construction type, or if you have a security system. For example, homes near water might face higher storm risks, while security systems can lower premiums by reducing theft risks. These details help us create a personalized quote and make sure all of the discounts you are eligible for are applied.
Every insurance company has its own guidelines, so providing accurate information ensures we match you with a policy that meets your needs. Whether it’s your roof or your pup, we’re here to find coverage that works for your home.
Auto Insurance: Keeping You Safe on the Road
When it comes to auto insurance, we need details about your vehicle and driving habits to ensure you’re covered and getting a fair price. Here’s why we ask for things like your car’s make, your driving record, and where you park:
- Vehicle Information: The make, model, year, and safety features of your car matter. Newer vehicles with advanced safety tech might get discounts, while high-performance or older cars could have higher premiums due to accident or theft risks. Most of these automatically get applied once we have the vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Current Policy and Claims History: We ask about your current insurance and any past claims to understand your driving history. Continuous coverage without gaps is seen as lower risk, while frequent claims might affect your rate. This helps us compare policies accurately if you’re switching insurers.
- Licenses and Dates of Birth: These verify your identity and driving experience. Younger drivers or seniors might face higher rates due to accident statistics. This ensures your premium reflects your time behind the wheel.
- Vehicle Usage and Garaging Location: How much you drive, whether it’s for commuting or pleasure, and where you park your car impacts your risk. Higher mileage or parking in high-theft areas can raise rates, while low mileage might save you money. Your ZIP code also plays a role, as local risks like traffic or theft vary.
- Discounts: There are lots of different discounts, and they can vary by company. We will also do a search to find you the overall best value. Some discounts include multi-policy, multi-car, driver training, mature driver courses, good student, low mileage, telematics (actual driving behavior monitored to look at things like acceleration, braking, distracted driving), and many more.
Modern auto insurance uses these details, along with tech like usage-based insurance and mileage history, to set premiums. Insurance pricing has gotten very complex, with 25+ rating factors! Pennsylvania’s unique laws also shape how rates are calculated, so honest answers help us find the best coverage for your driving habits.
Why It Matters: Getting You the Best Coverage
At Looker, Wolfe & Gephart, we ask these questions to build a complete picture of your risks and needs. Different insurance companies have their own rules—one might focus on your roof’s age, while another cares more about your dog’s breed or where you park your car. By gathering accurate details, we can shop around to find a policy that’s just right for you, avoiding surprises down the road. The last thing you want is to switch insurance companies, and a month later get a letter that your new policy is being cancelled because your roof is in very poor condition, or you have a diving board on a pool that isn’t deep enough based on company requirements.
For example, if you have a trampoline, some insurers might charge more or require safety measures, while others won’t mind. Similarly, if you drive a lot for work, we’ll find a policy that reflects your higher mileage without charging more premium than another company. This tailored approach ensures you’re protected without paying for coverage you don’t need.
We’re Here to Help in Central PA!
We get it—insurance can feel complicated, but we’re here to make it simple and approachable. At Looker, Wolfe & Gephart, we’re your neighbors and are dedicated to finding affordable, reliable coverage for your home and vehicles. Got questions about why we ask about your roof or your driving record? Curious about how your pool or mileage affects your quote? Give us a call or stop by our office. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you protect what matters most.
Ready for a quote? Reach out today, and let’s find the perfect insurance plan for you!
We would love to earn your business!