What is an Independent Agent?
An independent agent represents you, the consumer. We have access to many companies versus a “captive agent” that only sells for a single company.

Why an independent agent?
Most insurance companies have many prices they charge. The final price is determined by many different variables which make it difficult to determine if you are getting a good deal. While one of our companies may not be competitive, in almost all cases we have one that is.

Our Job?
Initially, our job is to find you the best combination of coverage and price. From there our job only begins. We are active in any billing issues, policy changes and claims.

Why BKS Insurance?
We have access to most major insurance carriers which allow us to be very competitive in almost all circumstances. With over 20 years in the insurance business, we understand coverage.

Which Company Will be Best for Me?
That cannot be determined until we quote your insurance with each and every insurance carrier. We will provide you with options including an explained recommendation.

Home Insurance

Why is Replacement Cost Higher than the Amount I Paid for My Home?
The amount of insurance is determined by the cost it would take to build your home from scratch. In many cases the amount is higher due to an increased cost of materials. The amount does not include the price of land, but should include an extra 10% for debris removal.

What is Replacement Cost?
Replacement cost will pay the amount to replace a similar item that cannot be repaired. If you had a 10 year old 25” TV that was damaged by lightning, the policy would pay for a new 25” TV, not the value of a 10 year old TV.

Why do I Need Liability Insurance and What Does it Cover?
Liability insurance covers people that are not members of your household should they be injured due to your negligence. Examples would be a dog bite, slip and fall and other occurrences. If you have rental properties or a boat, you can add liability coverage for those items to your primary home policy.

What Other Endorsements Should I Consider?
The homeowner policy covers $500 for jewelry and watches. The home policy can be endorsed to increase the amount to $5000. Jewelry and valuable items can also be scheduled at an additional cost which would cover items if they were broken or misplaced.

What is the Difference Between an HOA, HOB and HO3?
It is best to discuss the difference with your agents. There are so many endorsements adding and reducing coverage that no two policies are alike. We can offer you all three types of policies.

Auto Insurance

What Coverage is Required by Law?
The state requires that you carry liability limits of 20/40/15. We recommend higher limits and in some cases it may actually cost less for higher limits.

What does 20/40/15 mean?
If you are involved in an at fault accident, your policy will pay a maximum of $20,000 per person or $40,000 per accident for an injuries sustained by the other party. The $15,000 is the maximum that would be paid for damage to the other person’s property or vehicle.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Should you be involved in an accident that is not your fault and the other party is uninsured, this coverage will allow you to make an injury claim to your own company. The uninsured property damage will cover the damage to your car and property up to the policy limit with a $250 deductible

What is the Difference Between PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and Med Pay Coverage?
With Med Pay, if any amount paid is collected from the at fault insurance company, you would have to reimburse your insurance company for medical payments. Med Pay costs less than PIP.

What is the Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?
Collision coverage applies when your vehicle strikes another vehicle or object. Examples would be running over a pothole or curb or striking a pole. Animals are an exception and would be covered under comprehensive coverage. Examples of comprehensive losses are breakage of glass, theft, vandalism or striking an animal.

What Kinds of Coverage do I Need?
Developing an insurance program is a collaborative process. The more you tell us about your business, the more appropriate the program. Most businesses want property, liability and work comp coverage. Others also may want commercial auto, umbrella, professional liability coverage and others.

How is the Price Determined?
The price varies by line of coverage and class of business, but is typically based off of the square footage of your space, sales or payroll. In some cases discounts can be applied based on length in business, claims free and others

Why do I Need Work Comp Insurance?
Workers Compensation coverage prevents an employer from being sued by its employees. When an employee suffers an on the job injury, they relinquish their ability to sue an employer and the employer agrees to provide the state mandated benefits. Work comp coverage varies by state, so please contact us with specific questions.

What is Employer Liability Coverage?
Employer liability coverage provides coverage should an employer be sued by its employees for items such as discrimination and sexual harassment.

How Much Coverage do I Need?
The amount of coverage will vary based on the amount of income you make, the number of dependents you have and the amount of your current assets. A ball park method is to take your income and multiple by 5.

How Long do I Need Life Insurance?
Life insurance is needed to cover expenses and replace income. As long as your family is reliant upon your income, you should remain insured. Life insurance can also be used to provide liquidity should a persons estate be subject to estate taxes.

What Types of Life Insurance do we Offer?
We offer life insurance that is both permanent and temporary. Temporary insurance, better known as term insurance can be purchased as a 10, 15, 20 and 30 year policy whereby the premiums remain level for the number of years selected. The greater the number of years, the greater the premium. Permanent insurance can be offered with accumulative cash value and in most cases any interest is tax free. We also offer policies that will pay you back the premium you paid in.

What is a Health Savings Account?
A health savings account can be opened when an insured has an eligible high deductible savings plan. There are new laws and legislation frequently enacted so please call us for the most current information. These accounts are funded with tax free dollars and all interest accumulated is tax free as well. When you open an account, you are given a debit card to use when you go to the doctor.

What is Coinsurance?
Coinsurance is the percentage your plan pays after your deductible has been met.

Why are There Three or More Prescription Deductibles?
The deductibles are based on a lot of factors including cost. Most generic prescriptions will qualify for the lowest deductible.