Why does my policy have more than one deductible?

A policy commonly carries a flat deductible for most claims and a separate percentage-based wind and hail deductible in storm-exposed states like Georgia.

Does my own insurance cover me when I stay in an Airbnb or VRBO?

The host's short-term rental policy protects the host, not you. As an Airbnb or VRBO guest, your own homeowners or renters insurance usually covers your belongings and personal liability away from home, within policy limits, while travel insurance covers trip-specific risks neither the host nor your home policy will.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners policies exclude all flood damage regardless of cause.

What does uninsured motorist coverage do?

If you are hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills.

When do we use Selective for flood coverage versus NFIP?

Selective private flood wins for Zone X and moderate AE properties where it beats NFIP on price and offers higher limits with ALE coverage.

What does the Alabama Department of Insurance regulate?

All FAQs

Quick answer: The Alabama Department of Insurance licenses and regulates insurers and agents operating in the state and takes consumer complaints about how claims are handled. It can investigate and require corrective action, but it cannot award you damages.

The Alabama Department of Insurance is the state regulator standing behind every insurance policy sold in Alabama, and understanding what it can and cannot do helps set the right expectations before you ever need to contact it.

What does the Department actually regulate?

The Alabama Department of Insurance licenses and regulates insurers and agents operating in the state, reviews rate filings, and enforces Alabama's claims-handling standards under Ala. Admin. Code r. 482-1-125. It also takes consumer complaints about how a claim was handled and can investigate an insurer's conduct.

What can the Department do if it finds a problem?

It can require the insurer to respond formally, investigate the specific facts, and take corrective or disciplinary action, including fines or license action, against a company that violates Alabama's rules.

What can the Department not do for me?

It cannot award you money damages or force an insurer to pay a specific disputed claim. That distinction matters: a Birmingham policyholder whose claim is denied gets a regulatory review from the Department, not a court judgment. Recovering a specific denied claim, especially where bad faith is suspected, runs through a different path.

Where do I go to file a complaint?

See how to file a complaint for the exact contact information and what to include.