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.

Does Alabama require a higher commercial auto minimum than personal auto?

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Quick answer: It depends on use. Alabama's general minimum is 25/50/25, same as personal auto. The Alabama Public Service Commission requires 100/300/50 for intrastate for-hire property motor carriers, and interstate carriers must meet federal FMCSA minimums of $750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo.

A personal Alabama policy meets the 25/50/25 minimum. A for-hire motor carrier operating intrastate faces far higher required limits - commonly 100/300/50 - filed with and accepted by the state before it can operate for compensation. The right floor depends on what the vehicle does.

What is the personal minimum?

Alabama's personal auto minimum is 25/50/25 under Code of Alabama Sec. 32-7-6: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. That floor applies to ordinary personal driving and to most business-use vehicles that are not for-hire carriers.

What does a for-hire carrier have to file?

Alabama Public Service Commission rules state it directly: no one may carry passengers or property for pay on Alabama highways until proof of financial responsibility, such as a certificate of insurance, has been filed with and accepted by the Commission (Ala. Admin. Code r. 770-X-10-.04-.01). A for-hire intrastate carrier is required to file proof of coverage at a substantially higher tier - commonly 100/300/50 - before it can legally operate.

Does every business need the higher tier?

No. Most Alabama businesses that use a vehicle commercially are not for-hire carriers - they own or lease the vehicle for their own operations rather than transporting other people's goods or passengers for a fee. For these businesses, the commercial-auto floor tracks the ordinary 25/50/25 minimum unless a client contract or lender requires higher limits. The higher for-hire tier is specific to businesses that transport for compensation as their trade - a distinction worth confirming before assuming either floor applies, since misjudging it can leave a for-hire operation under-filed and unable to legally operate.

Example: a florist's delivery van is business use but not for-hire - it delivers the florist's own product - so its coverage floor is the ordinary minimum. A courier hauling freight for other businesses for pay is a for-hire carrier and must file proof of coverage at the higher tier before operating.

See how commercial auto insurance works, when a business needs commercial auto in the first place, or the personal auto minimum in full. See also Alabama insurance requirements. A coverage review can confirm whether a specific business's auto use crosses into the for-hire tier.