Insurance is essential for protecting your home, car, business, or personal assets. *** However, understanding what coverage you need and ensuring that your policy provides adequate protection can feel overwhelming. 

You need an experienced insurance agent to explain it all. Lindquist Insurance, serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD, is committed to helping clients make informed decisions about their coverage.

It's important to ask the right questions to get the most out of your consultation with your Lindquist Insurance agent. Here are five key questions to ask to ensure you’re fully informed and properly covered.

1. What Types of Coverage Do I Really Need? Insurance can feel complex, especially when considering the various types of coverage available. When speaking with your Lindquist Insurance agent, start by asking what kinds of coverage are essential based on your personal situation, assets, and risk factors. Depending on your needs, this could include:

• 
  Homeowners Insurance: This covers your home’s structure and personal belongings and protects against liabilities.
• Auto Insurance: Required in most states, this protects you from financial loss due to accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle.
• Life Insurance: Protects your family’s financial future in the event of your death.
• Business Insurance: For business owners, this covers everything from liability to workers’ compensation and property protection.

Your agent will be able to assess your specific risks and suggest which types of insurance are necessary. For instance, if you live in a flood-prone area in Annapolis, you may need flood insurance as an addition to your standard homeowners policy. Similarly, a business owner in Frederick may need both general liability and professional liability insurance depending on the type of business they run. Having clarity about what coverage is truly essential will ensure that you’re adequately protected without paying for insurance you don’t need.

2. What Are My Policy Limits and Deductibles? It’s crucial to understand both the policy limits (the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered loss) and the deductibles (the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in) for each of your policies. Many people assume their policies will cover every eventuality, only to be surprised when they face high out-of-pocket costs after an incident.

We will help you determine appropriate limits and deductibles based on your financial situation and comfort level with risk. For example, a lower deductible means you'll pay less out of pocket when filing a claim, but your premium will be higher. Conversely, a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it means more personal financial responsibility in the event of a claim.

It's important to find a balance that works for you. For instance, if you’re a homeowner in Frederick and a storm damages your home, do you have enough savings to cover a high deductible if you want to keep your premium lower? Your agent can help you weigh these considerations to choose the best combination of deductible and coverage limit. 

3. What Discounts Are Available? One of the great benefits of working with Lindquist Insurance is that your agent will actively look for ways to help you save money without compromising your coverage. Ask about available discounts, such as:

• 
  Multi-policy discounts: If you bundle your homeowners, auto, or other types of insurance, you can often receive a discount.
• Safety and security discounts: If you’ve installed features like smoke detectors, home security systems, or anti-theft devices in your car, you may qualify for savings.
• Good driver discounts: Many auto insurance providers offer lower premiums for those with a clean driving record.
• Claims-free discounts: If you’ve gone a certain number of years without filing a claim, you might be eligible for lower premiums.

Discounts can make a significant difference in your annual insurance costs, so it’s worth reviewing all potential savings options with your agent.

4. Am I Covered for Natural Disasters or Emergencies? With unpredictable weather and other emergencies, it's essential to know what’s covered in your policy. Depending on where you live, certain natural disasters—like floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes—may not be included in standard homeowners or renters insurance.

For Annapolis residents, flood insurance might be necessary due to the area's proximity to the water and its vulnerability to storms. Homeowners in Frederick may want to consider coverage for wind damage or other regional risks.

Ask us to review your existing policies to see if you need additional protection. We can help you assess whether purchasing supplemental insurance is worthwhile based on your location and the likelihood of specific natural disasters. This question is also essential for auto and business insurance, especially if your area is prone to specific risks.

5. What Should I Do If I Need to File a Claim? It’s important to be prepared in case you need to file an insurance claim. Ask your Lindquist Insurance agent to walk you through the process for each of your policies. Key things to know include:

• 
  How to file a claim: This may involve calling your agent directly, using an online portal, or contacting your insurance company’s claims department.
• What documentation you’ll need: For auto insurance, you need a police report and photos of the damage. For homeowners claims, photos, receipts, and an inventory of damaged items can help speed up the process.
• What to expect after filing a claim: Your agent will outline the claims process timeline, from your initial report to receiving compensation for damages.

Understanding the claims process in advance will help you navigate it smoothly during stressful times. Your Lindquist Insurance agent is there to guide you and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and fairly.

Choosing the right insurance and making sure you're fully protected is about more than just picking a policy. It requires careful consideration of your unique needs, risks, and financial situation. By asking these five key questions during your consultation with a Lindquist Insurance agent, you'll gain a better understanding of your coverage and how it protects what matters most to you.

At Lindquist Insurance Agency, our experienced team of insurance specialists can help residents of Annapolis and Frederick make informed decisions about their insurance. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let us help you protect what matters most.

We serve Fredrick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C.

*** For more information, visit the State of Maryland Insurance website.