Common Insurance FAQs

Select a category below to find your answer

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Filing & Managing Claims

automobile
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Filing & Managing Claims

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  • You have several options for filing a claim.

    The quickest way is to contact your insurance company directly. For carrier contact information, for contact information by carrier click here. You can also file a claim by completing the File a Claim form on our website, or by calling our office—we’ll be happy to assist you.

    • An adjuster will contact you for details.

    • Your vehicle or property may be inspected, or you may be asked for proof of ownership/value.

    • An estimate is prepared and payment is issued.

    • If repair costs differ from the estimate, a supplemental payment may be made.

    Your insurance company handles the settlement, and our agency monitors the process to ensure it’s resolved quickly and fairly.

  • Not every claim will affect your premium, but insurance companies do consider your overall claims history. If your policy includes a claims-free discount, you could lose that benefit after filing a claim, and in some cases, a surcharge may be added. Every company handles claims differently, but multiple claims or certain types of losses can result in higher rates and, in rare situations, cancellation.

Auto Insurance Coverage & Scenarios

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  • When renting a car, it’s important to understand how your existing coverage works before purchasing additional insurance from the rental company.

    • Your Auto Policy – In most cases, your personal auto insurance will extend to a rental vehicle as if you were driving your own car. However, certain exclusions or restrictions may apply depending on your policy.

    • Additional Rental Coverage – Rental companies may offer extra protection, such as diminished value and loss of use coverage, which your own policy may not include. These can provide added peace of mind.

    • Credit Card Benefits – Many credit cards provide complimentary rental car coverage for a set period when you use the card to book your rental. Reviewing these benefits could save you money.

    Taking a few minutes to evaluate these factors can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure you’re properly protected. If you’re unsure what coverage you have, a BWO customer service agent would be happy to review your options before you rent a car.

  • Your automobile policy protects you while driving in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada. However, coverage does not extend to other countries, including Mexico.

    Traveling to Mexico? You’ll need to purchase a separate policy for coverage while driving there.

    Driving overseas? Insurance must be purchased in the country where you’ll be operating the vehicle.

    Before your trip, contact BWO and we’ll help make sure you have the right protection in place.

  • Not always. A standard business auto policy does not automatically cover rented vehicles. To be protected when renting, you’ll need to add Hired Auto Liability and Hired Auto Physical Damage coverage to your policy. These endorsements ensure you’re covered for both liability and damage when using rented vehicles for business purposes.

  • If you own, lease (long-term), or finance your vehicle, you’ll file a claim with your insurance company and be responsible for your deductible. Payment for your loss will include any amounts owed to a finance or leasing company.

    If you cause damage to other vehicles or property, your insurance company will typically handle those claims directly—with little to no involvement required from you.

  • In most cases, the other driver’s auto insurance will cover damages to your vehicle, property, or injuries you and your passengers sustain. If the other driver is uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance, your own policy may step in through Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

  • In most cases, your auto insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. That means if you lend your car to a friend or relative, your insurance would generally be the primary coverage if there’s an accident. Their own insurance may apply as secondary coverage, but your policy would usually respond first. If someone regularly drives your vehicle, it’s best to check with your agency about adding them as a listed driver on your policy. Always be sure you understand who will be responsible before handing over your keys.

  • To add a vehicle, you’ll need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and a description of the vehicle. If the car is leased or financed, you’ll also need the lienholder’s name and mailing address. Having your financing or lease documents handy when you call makes the process quicker and easier.

  • Any licensed driver living in your household or anyone who is a regular driver of your vehicle should be listed on your policy. If someone does not live in your household and only drives your car occasionally with permission (for example, a visiting child during the holidays), they are typically covered under “permissive use” and do not need to be added.

  • Most auto policies provide a short window of automatic coverage for newly purchased vehicles, but the exact time frame can vary by insurance carrier and by the state where your policy is written. The safest step is to contact your agency as soon as you get a new vehicle to make sure you’re properly covered. If the vehicle is leased or financed, your lender will also require proof of insurance quickly, so it’s best to add the vehicle right away.


    Most auto policies provide a short window of automatic coverage for newly purchased vehicles, but the exact time frame can vary by insurance carrier and by the state where your policy is written. The safest step is to contact your agency as soon as you get a new vehicle to make sure you’re properly covered. If the vehicle is leased or financed, your lender will also require proof of insurance quickly, so it’s best to add the vehicle right away.

Business Insurance

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  • The type of insurance your business needs depends on the nature of your operations, industry, and risks. Common coverages may include general liability, property insurance, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, or professional liability, but every business is different. The best approach is to speak with your agent, who can review your situation and customize solutions to fit your business needs. Contact us at BWO and we’ll guide you through your options and help protect what matters most to your business.

  • Yes, it’s recommended — cyber risks affect businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations. A cyber insurance policy helps cover the costs of recovering from a data breach, ransomware attack, malware infection, or email compromise. The most critical protection is usually network security coverage, which responds if your systems are hacked or data is stolen. Cyber policies can also help with liability claims, regulatory expenses, and the costs of restoring your business operations after an attack.

Recreational & Specialty Vehicles

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  • Auto policies do not cover boats. A homeowner policy may provide limited coverage, but it usually applies only to smaller boats with low horsepower. For broader protection, you may need to add coverage to your homeowner policy or purchase a separate boat policy to make sure your watercraft is fully insured.

  • Yes, in most cases you’ll need separate coverage to be properly protected. Recreational vehicles can be vulnerable to collisions, theft, and accident-related lawsuits. While some homeowner policies may offer limited coverage, it often depends on where and how the vehicle is used. For example, ATVs and UTVs are designed for off-road use, and coverage under a homeowner policy is usually very limited. In some states, insurance is even required if you ride on public land.

    Your independent agent can help you review your situation and make sure you have the right protection in place. It’s best to secure coverage before using your recreational vehicle.

  • Coverage for recreational vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, or golf carts is often very limited under a standard homeowner policy and usually only applies while the vehicle is on your own property. Once you take the vehicle off premises or onto public roads or trails, your homeowner policy generally will not provide protection. To be properly insured, you typically need a separate recreational vehicle policy or specific endorsements to cover liability, property damage, and medical expenses in case of an accident.

Policy Management & Life Insurance

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  • It’s a good idea to review your policy at least once a year to make sure it still meets your needs. You should also review it whenever you experience major life changes, such as getting married, having children, buying a home, or changing jobs. Staying up to date ensures your coverage reflects your current situation and provides the right protection for your loved ones.

  • Every insurance company has different billing options. You can either:

    Contact your insurance company directly using the phone number or website listed under the “Companies” section of our site, or

    Reach out to BWO by calling 414-768-8100, emailing a customer service agent, or using the “Contact Us” form on this website. We’ll be happy to make the changes for you.

  • The required documents depend on whether the deceased was the only insured listed on the policy. In most cases, our agency may need:

    • A copy of the death certificate

    • Executor of Estate paperwork

    • A signed cancellation form from the authorized representative

    We understand this can be a difficult time, and our team will guide you through the process to make it as smooth as possible.

  • The timing depends on the type, how many policies you need quoted, and the details you provide. In many cases, we can prepare a quote within one to two business days. More complex requests—such as those requiring underwriting review or involving prior losses—may take longer. Providing complete and accurate information upfront helps us get your quote to you as quickly as possible.

  • For personal or commercial insurance questions/documents, email: bwo@bwoinsurance.com To request a certificate of insurance (commercial), email: certificates@bwoinsurance.com or link certificate form

    You can also call our office at (414) 768-8100 for assistance.