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's contributory negligence rule affect a general liability claim against my business?

All FAQs

Quick answer: Yes. Alabama follows pure contributory negligence (Golden v. McCurry, 392 So. 2d 815, Ala. 1980): a claimant found even 1 percent at fault is completely barred from recovering. This can help a business defend a claim, but is not a defense to wanton or reckless conduct.

Does Alabama's contributory negligence rule affect a general liability claim against my business?

Yes. Alabama follows pure contributory negligence, confirmed in Golden v. McCurry, 392 So. 2d 815 (Ala. 1980), where the Alabama Supreme Court held that a plaintiff found even 1 percent at fault for their own injury is completely barred from recovering damages.

How does this help a business facing a liability claim?

This is a strict, all-or-nothing rule rather than one that simply reduces an award proportionally. In practice, this doctrine can make it harder for an injured claimant to win a general liability claim against your business if the claimant contributed at all to their own injury.

Does this eliminate a business's liability exposure?

No. It does not eliminate the exposure. Contributory negligence is not a defense to claims based on wanton or reckless conduct, so a business that acted recklessly cannot rely on the claimant's own minor fault to avoid liability.

Example

A customer who ignores a clearly posted wet-floor sign and falls at a Huntsville retail store may find their own claim barred entirely under this rule, since their own fault (ignoring the warning) contributed to the injury. A business that never posted any warning at all faces a very different analysis.

What should a business owner check?

This doctrine helps a business defend a claim, but does not replace general liability coverage. A coverage review can confirm the right liability limits for a specific business. See Alabama general liability insurance for more.