Modern Family Insurance Education Page – Summary
The FYI Express "Modern Family" webpage is a comprehensive educational resource covering personal insurance topics. It blends technical insurance guidance with real-world examples, video tutorials, quizzes, and even motivational quotes. The content is geared toward understanding how to properly insure a modern household – from home and auto coverage basics to handling unique scenarios – while also emphasizing ethical principles and positive practices. Below is a structured summary of the key information and sections presented on the page.
Importance of Policy Forms and Facts
One major theme is “Why Forms AND Facts Matter” in insurance coverage decisions. The page notes that many people struggle to determine if a claim is covered often because they do not fully read or understand their policy forms. Insurance expert Bill Wilson has identified eight common reasons for this knowledge gap – ranging from apathy (believing policies don’t differ) to lack of training in policy interpretation. Even when a policy’s wording is understood, the specific facts of a claim scenario can change the outcome. The page stresses that one must review both the contract language and the unique circumstances of the loss to know if coverage applies. For example, a provision might cover a situation in one circumstance but not in another slightly different scenario, illustrating that “forms AND facts matter” in tandem. In short, the resource encourages careful reading of insurance forms and an appreciation of context, rather than making assumptions about coverage.
Home Insurance Valuation and Underinsurance
Homeowners insurance coverage amounts are another focus. The page warns against simply using a mortgage’s value to set insurance limits. In a segment titled “Ignore the Bank, Go With Replacement Cost,” it explains that lenders often require Coverage A (dwelling) limits equal to the loan amount, which can exceed the home’s replacement cost. This is because a mortgage also reflects the land value and location, whereas insurance only needs to cover rebuilding the structure on that land. For instance, if a property’s market value (land + house) is $200,000 with a $175,000 loan, but the house alone would cost $150,000 to rebuild, insurance should only cover $150,000. Insuring for the full loan amount would mean needlessly insuring the land (which does not burn down or get destroyed). Many insurers base required dwelling coverage on reconstruction cost, not market value, and some jurisdictions even prohibit lenders from demanding more than replacement cost coverage. The advice is to insure the home for its true rebuilding cost and not let the bank’s higher number dictate your policy limit.
The page also addresses the opposite concern: underinsurance. It cites a CoreLogic study finding “approximately 60% of homes are underinsured by about 20% on average”. This underestimation of replacement cost can leave homeowners devastated after a total loss, and potentially expose insurance agents to errors-and-omissions liability. The issue gained public attention when The New York Times reported on widespread underinsurance of wildfire victims, even suggesting that agents or insurers sometimes misguided customers on coverage amounts. While tools exist to estimate rebuilding costs, errors or intentional low-ball estimates (for lower premiums) can result in Coverage A limits too low to fully rebuild a destroyed home. The takeaway is that ensuring sufficient dwelling coverage is critical – one should regularly review coverage limits to match current construction costs and avoid the underinsurance trap.
Personal Auto Insurance – Exclusions and Scenarios
The "Modern Family" content delves into personal auto insurance topics, explaining key exclusions and illustrating coverage scenarios through question-and-answer cases. Some of the notable auto insurance insights include:

• “Business Use” Exclusion: Personal auto policies typically exclude coverage when a vehicle is used as a for-hire conveyance (e.g. as a taxi or rideshare service). The page quotes a standard policy clause barring coverage for liability arising from operating a vehicle “while it is being used as a public or livery conveyance.” However, importantly, this exclusion does not apply to share-the-expense car pools. In other words, using your car in a true carpool (with friends or colleagues sharing gas expenses) would still be covered, whereas using it as an Uber driver or delivery driver might void personal auto coverage without a special endorsement. This clarification assures that normal carpool arrangements are not penalized, aligning with typical policy language that carpooling is acceptable.
• Towing a Family Trailer – Who Pays?: One scenario described is titled “Dad Hitches His Trailer to His Daughter’s Auto… Uh Oh.” In this case, a father lent his camper trailer to his daughter, and while she was towing it with her SUV, the trailer accidentally came loose and slammed into the back of her vehicle, causing thousands in damage. The father felt responsible (admitting he may not have secured the hitch properly) and expected his auto policy to pay for the damage to his daughter’s SUV. Initially, the insurance adjuster pointed out that since the daughter was driving and the trailer was attached to her SUV at the time, her auto policy would be primary, and also noted the father’s policy might deny coverage because the trailer was owned by him but not listed on his policy. This situation highlights how coverage can become complex when multiple policies and family members are involved. Experts analyzing the standard ISO Personal Auto Policy suggested that, despite the initial response, the father’s liability coverage could indeed apply here, because the PAP’s insuring agreement is broad – it will pay for property damage an insured is legally responsible for in an auto accident. If the father’s negligence in securing the trailer caused the accident, he may be considered legally liable for the damage to the daughter’s car, making it a valid claim under his policy (even though the trailer wasn’t explicitly listed). The final lesson was that fault and legal liability – not just vehicle ownership – determine whose insurer should pay, and standard policies do cover an insured’s legal liability for non-owned trailers in tow (though coverage could be limited or subject to policy conditions).
• Stolen Car Recovered 30 Years Later: Another intriguing case asks, “What happens when an auto is recovered... 30 years later?” The scenario given is that in 1973 an insured’s 1967 Chevrolet Corvette was stolen; the insurer paid out $2,500 for that loss back then. Decades later (over 30 years afterward), the car was found stripped and returned to the insured. The insured sold the long-lost Corvette to a friend, but then the insurance company demanded repayment of $14,000 – the car’s present value, since the insurer technically now owned the recovered vehicle (having paid the claim). The insured only wanted to reimburse the original $2,500. This case highlights the concept of salvage rights: when an insurance company pays for a total loss (theft), it usually assumes ownership of the lost property. Indeed, experts pointed out that the insured likely signed over the title to the insurer in the 1970s when he got the claim payment, meaning the car no longer legally belonged to him. By selling a recovered car that was legally the insurer’s property, the insured had no right to that profit. Opinions differed on how much he owed (some said at least the original $2,500 with interest; others noted the insurer should take the car and was entitled to its value). The consensus was that the insurer owned the car and the insured’s sale of it was improper, potentially even fraudulent. The lesson: if a stolen item is found after you’ve been paid, you can’t just keep it – you must either return it or reimburse the insurer according to the policy terms. Both parties should reach a fair resolution (often the insured repays the claim or the insurer takes the recovered item).
• Legal Requirements to Carry Auto Insurance: The page briefly poses the question “Can I drive legally without insurance?” The general answer is no – almost every U.S. state mandates auto liability insurance by law. The only exception noted is New Hampshire, which does not require standard auto insurance as long as the driver can demonstrate financial responsibility for any damage they might cause. (Virginia also has a unique system allowing uninsured driving for a fee, although that still puts the financial risk on the driver.) Outside such rare cases, driving without insurance is illegal and can result in penalties. Even where not legally mandated, the financial stakes of an accident mean it is extremely risky to go uninsured. The takeaway is that car insurance is effectively a legal necessity for responsible driving in the modern world.
• Collision with Animals – Myth vs. Reality: One article snippet titled “A Collision with an Animal IS a Collision” corrects a common misunderstanding about coverage for hitting deer or other animals. Many consumer sources (and even some regulators) have stated that if you only carry collision coverage and not comprehensive, an accident involving an animal wouldn’t be covered. This is a myth in most cases. In a standard policy (ISO Personal Auto Policy), a collision is defined as an impact with another vehicle or object – and hitting an animal falls under the definition of a collision when no other specific coverage is present. It’s true that if you carry comprehensive (“other than collision”) coverage, insurers prefer to classify animal hits under comprehensive (since “contact with bird or animal” is usually listed as a peril in comprehensive coverage). But if a driver has only collision coverage, a collision with, say, a deer would be paid by collision coverage. The page emphasizes that the idea one must have comprehensive for animal accidents is incorrect and harmful to consumers. In fact, a collision is a collision, whether with an animate or inanimate object – so if an insured declines comprehensive coverage, their collision coverage can still cover damage from hitting an animal. (The nuance is that when both coverages exist, the claim goes under comprehensive, often to the customer’s benefit because comp claims usually have lower deductibles and don’t count as an at-fault accident.) This clarification encourages readers to correct any instances where they see this misinformation being spread, since proper understanding ensures drivers aren’t misled about their coverage.

These various auto insurance discussions help demystify tricky coverage situations and dispel myths. They illustrate the importance of knowing your policy’s specifics – such as exclusions for business use, coverage for trailers or non-owned vehicles, insurer rights after a total loss payout, state insurance laws, and the true scope of “collision” coverage. Each example reinforces the earlier theme: both the exact policy wording and the facts of the situation will determine the outcome.
Insurance Coverage Basics (Auto and Home)
Throughout the page, there are references to fundamental insurance coverage knowledge for both auto and home policies. For those less familiar with policy details, the page links to explanatory articles to cover the basics:

• Auto Insurance Basics: A section titled “What Is Covered by a Basic Auto Insurance Policy?” outlines the standard components of auto coverage. Most basic auto policies comprise six main types of coverage: 1) Bodily Injury Liability – covers injuries to others if you are at fault; 2) Property Damage Liability – covers damage you cause to someone else’s property (usually their car); 3) Medical Payments / Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – covers medical expenses for you and your passengers (and in some cases lost wages or funeral costs), regardless of fault; 4) Collision – pays for damage to your own vehicle from collisions (crashes) with another vehicle or object or rollover accidents; 5) Comprehensive – pays for damage to your car from non-collision events (theft, fire, vandalism, natural perils like hail, or hitting an animal); 6) Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – covers your injuries or damage if you’re hit by someone with no insurance or not enough insurance (including hit-and-run cases). Each of these coverages has its own limit and sometimes a deductible. The page underscores the importance of carrying sufficient liability limits beyond the bare minimum, since serious accidents can exceed low limits. Understanding these basic coverages is crucial for anyone evaluating their auto policy or shopping for insurance.
• Homeowners Insurance Basics: Similarly, the page links to “What Is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance?” which describes the four essential protections provided by a typical homeowners policy. These four are: 1) Coverage for the structure of your home (Dwelling Coverage) – pays to repair or rebuild the home if it’s damaged by covered perils like fire or storm. (Standard policies cover many disasters but exclude floods and earthquakes, which require separate policies.) Detached structures on the property (garage, shed) are usually covered as a percentage of the dwelling coverage. 2) Coverage for personal belongings – covers your possessions (furniture, clothing, etc.) if they are stolen or destroyed in a covered event. This is typically set at 50–70% of the dwelling amount. High-value items may have sub-limits, so you might need special endorsements for jewelry or art. Interestingly, standard policies also include limited coverage for things like unauthorized credit card use and damage to trees or shrubs. 3) Liability protection – covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to others (e.g., your dog bites a neighbor or you accidentally damage someone’s property). It pays for legal defense and judgments up to your policy limit. Liability coverage typically starts around $100,000, but higher limits or an umbrella policy are recommended if you have significant assets. It also includes a no-fault medical payments provision for minor injuries to guests on your property. 4) Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – covers the extra costs of living elsewhere if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss. ALE pays for hotel, meals, and other expenses above your normal cost of living while repairs are made, subject to certain limits. These four broad coverages ensure that a standard homeowners policy not only protects the house itself but also the owner’s belongings and finances (liability and loss of use). The page’s inclusion of this information suggests it aims to educate readers on fundamental insurance concepts before diving into more complex scenarios.

By providing these basics for auto and home insurance, the page ensures readers have a solid grounding in coverage fundamentals – essentially an insurance 101 briefing – so they can better grasp the advanced topics and scenarios discussed elsewhere on the page.
Special Coverage Considerations (Home Businesses, Rentals, Trees)
Modern families often have situations that fall outside the scope of standard personal insurance coverage. The FYI Express content addresses a few special personal lines scenarios and what insurance adjustments may be needed for them:

• Operating a Business from Home: With many people working remotely or running side businesses (especially highlighted during COVID-19), the page includes guidance on in-home business insurance. Running a business out of your home can invalidate or limit coverage under a regular homeowners policy, because standard homeowners insurance is not designed for business exposures. The page (via a linked article) urges home-based business owners to evaluate their risks and insurance needs. It recommends consulting with an insurance agent or expert, since the type of business matters – a freelance graphic designer has very different risks than someone baking goods or seeing clients at home. One likely needs either a homeowners policy endorsement for home business or a separate small business policy to be properly covered. Key considerations include: protecting business equipment/inventory (which may exceed the small sub-limit on homeowners policies), obtaining liability coverage in case a client or delivery person is injured on the premises, and even workers’ compensation if the business has employees. The content specifically notes that normal homeowners or renters insurance is often not sufficient for business property and liability, so an endorsement or stand-alone in-home business policy should be considered. It also references general COVID-19 safety tips (like maintaining distance and hygiene if customers visit), since this piece was written in the context of the pandemic. Overall, the advice is to speak with your insurer, add proper coverage for any home-based business activity, and follow any regulations, so that you are protected from financial loss while working from home.
• Renting Out Your Home (Landlord Coverage): The page also links to an article about insuring a home that you rent out, titled “What Type of Insurance Do I Need If I’m Renting Out My Home?” If homeowners decide to lease their house or even a room – whether as a long-term rental or a short-term vacation rental (like Airbnb) – a standard homeowners policy may not cover damage or liability during rental periods. The guidance is to always inform your insurance company and likely obtain specialized coverage. For short-term rentals of a primary residence (renting your home out occasionally), some insurers will allow it with prior notice, while others require purchasing an endorsement or rider to extend your homeowners coverage for the rental period. If short-term rentals become frequent (e.g., running a year-round Airbnb), that could be considered a business use, which standard policies exclude entirely – in that case you might need a bed-and-breakfast or hotel policy. For long-term rentals or investment properties, you would need a proper landlord insurance policy (rental dwelling policy) rather than a homeowners policy. Landlord policies typically cost about 25% more than homeowners insurance, because they provide additional protections tailored to rental situations. A landlord (dwelling) policy covers the structure for the usual hazards (fire, wind, etc.), plus any personal property the owner leaves for tenant use (like appliances or lawnmowers). It also includes landlord liability coverage in case a tenant or guest is injured and the owner is held responsible. Importantly, most landlord policies come with coverage for Loss of Rent – if a covered loss (say a fire) makes the property uninhabitable, the policy will reimburse the lost rental income during repairs. The page notes that as a landlord, your insurance covers the building and your interests, not the tenant’s belongings, so you should encourage or require tenants to buy their own renters insurance for personal property protection. The key point is that renting out a home changes the insurance requirements significantly: homeowners must update their coverage (or get a new policy) to avoid gaps, otherwise any claims during a rental period could be denied if the insurer wasn’t aware and the proper policy wasn’t in place.
• Tree Maintenance and Insurance: A more niche topic on the page is “Understanding Trees and Insurance: Tree Maintenance.” This appears as a video link, likely discussing how the upkeep of trees on your property can affect insurance claims. While details on the page are brief, the implication is that homeowners have a responsibility to maintain trees to prevent damage. Insurance policies will cover damage if, for example, a healthy tree is blown onto a house by a storm (a typical covered peril). But if a tree was dead or rotting and fell, an insurer might question whether it was a maintenance issue rather than an “accident.” Indeed, many home insurance policies include language requiring the homeowner to take reasonable care of the property. Sources note that policies often cover tree-related damage only if it’s sudden and accidental, and lack of maintenance can lead to claim disputes. Proper pruning and removal of diseased or dead trees is advised both for safety and to remain in good standing with your insurer. Additionally, insurers generally cover a limited amount for debris removal or tree removal after a storm (and typically do not cover the cost to remove a tree that poses a threat before it falls). The presence of this topic on the page serves as a reminder that good property maintenance is part of risk management, and it can even be an insurance requirement. A homeowner who proactively cares for their trees is less likely to have a claim denied on grounds of negligence. In summary, the FYI Express content encourages families to think beyond standard scenarios and address special cases by adjusting their insurance: get the right coverage for home businesses and rentals, and keep the property (and trees) well-maintained to ensure coverage when it’s needed.

Educational Videos and Interactive Learning
To enrich the learning experience, the "Modern Family" page is loaded with multimedia and interactive content. It references a series of short videos and self-assessment tools aimed at both insurance professionals and consumers:

• Nine-Part Video Series: The page lists Video #1 through #9, covering a range of personal insurance topics in sequence. These likely correspond to a structured course on insuring a modern family. For example, Video #1 is “Risk Overview”, and Video #2 “General Information (Part 1)”, suggesting an introduction to personal risk exposures. Then the sequence moves through specific coverage parts: Video #3: “Dwelling – Coverage A & Additional Structures – B” (home property coverage), Video #4: “Personal Property – C & Living Expense – D” (contents coverage and loss of use), Video #5: “Personal Liability”, Video #6: “Personal Umbrella” (excess liability coverage), Video #7: “Personal Auto”, Video #8: “Personal Lines Watercraft” (boat insurance for personal boats), and Video #9: “In-Home Business” (home-based business coverage). Each of these corresponds to essential areas of personal lines insurance. The videos likely provide overviews and tips in an accessible format. For instance, the Dwelling coverage video would explain how homeowners insurance covers the building, while the Umbrella video would talk about extending liability limits beyond home and auto policies. By enumerating these, the page essentially outlines a curriculum of personal insurance topics, reinforcing the textual information with audiovisual content. The presence of YouTube links (including a Spanish-language tutorial video on personal property coverage) indicates an effort to cater to different learning preferences and language needs.
• Quizzes and Exams: The page includes prompts for quizzes, signaling an interactive approach to learning. A “Thanksgiving Quiz” is mentioned, presumably a seasonal knowledge quiz for fun or review. More substantially, the “Academy of Insurance Skills Test” is introduced. This appears to be a set of exams designed to help insurance practitioners assess their knowledge and identify areas for further training. Specifically, a Personal Lines Skills Test is offered, covering all key topics in homeowners and personal auto insurance. The test spans concepts like definitions of “insured,” coverage limits, valuation methods, causes of loss and exclusions, important endorsements, eligibility rules, and so on for Homeowners policies, as well as similar fundamentals for Personal Auto policies. It’s structured to be completed in two hours. This kind of self-test allows readers (especially insurance agents or students) to gauge how well they have absorbed the material. In addition, there’s a reference to a Final Exam for those who have completed “24 hours of Edu-Tainment.” This suggests the page is part of a larger continuing education (CE) program – possibly a 24-hour credit course for insurance licensing, delivered in an entertaining format. The note even addresses Georgia agents, offering a special price for 24 hours of continuing education or free access through membership. Users who feel they’ve covered enough content can attempt the final exam, whereas others are directed to continue to further lessons (e.g., “Lesson #3: Auto Insurance” is mentioned). This structure implies that “Modern Family” is a section of a broader course (“Be a Better Agent” or similar) that uses storytelling (the modern family scenario), multimedia, and quizzes to teach insurance. By gamifying the learning with quizzes and offering formal CE credit, the page ensures the educational experience is engaging and rewarding.
• Additional Resources: The page doesn’t shy away from pointing to external resources for deeper learning. For instance, it provides a link to the Insurance Information Institute’s Spanish portal on insurance topics, acknowledging the importance of accessible information for Spanish-speaking readers. It also links to YouTube videos like “Informed Citizen: What to do in case of an auto accident” – which presumably gives general public guidance on steps to take after a car crash (ensuring safety, calling police, exchanging info, notifying the insurer, etc.). Another linked video, “Building a Treehouse Inspired by a Bird House,” seems more light-hearted or inspirational in nature; it may metaphorically relate to planning and constructing something securely (perhaps analogous to building a solid insurance foundation), or it could simply be included as off-topic “edu-tainment.” In any case, these links enrich the content and provide practical takeaways beyond policy clauses – from safety mindfulness to creative problem-solving.

Overall, the inclusion of videos, quizzes, and external links transforms the page from a static article into an interactive learning module. It caters to different learning styles and keeps the user engaged, embodying the “FYI Express” tagline of free online tips, tools, and “Edu-tainment” for the insurance industry. By the end, a diligent reader/learner would not only have read about insurance concepts but also watched demonstrations, tested their knowledge, and learned some best practices for real-life situations.
In summary, the FYI Express "Modern Family" page provides a rich, structured tour of personal insurance knowledge intertwined with real-world case studies and uplifting wisdom. It covers everything from the nitty-gritty of policy clauses and coverage nuances to the broad strokes of professional attitude. A reader of this page would come away with a deeper understanding of homeowners and auto insurance intricacies – like why reading the policy and calculating proper coverage limits are so important – and also practical insights into special situations like home businesses and rentals. The inclusion of videos, quizzes, and quotes makes the learning experience engaging. Ultimately, the page serves as a one-stop educational hub for anyone (especially insurance agents or informed consumers) looking to better protect the “modern family” and do so with both expertise and integrity. Each section of content is well-sourced and backed by industry knowledge, reflecting the page’s goal to offer “FYI” (for your information) in an express, digestible, and enlightening manner.
Source: https://www.fyiexpress.com/modern-family.html

Click here to download manual

VIDEO #1: RISK OVERVIEW

VIDEO #2: GENERAL INFORMATION (PT.1)

​VIDEO #3: DWELLING - A & ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES - B

When Insurance Strikes (Out): Underestimating Replacement Cost
Underinsurance is still a problem. According to CoreLogic approximately 60 percent of homes are underinsured by 20 percent on average. Obviously, this leads to devastating results for the insured, and possibly the agent from an E&O perspective. We know this in the industry, but now the NY Times is reporting it – and they are making serious charges.

​VIDEO #4: PERSONAL PROPERTY - C & LIVING EXPENSE- D

​VIDEO #5: PERSONAL LIABILITY

VIDEO #6: PERSONAL UMBRELLA

VIDEO #7: PERSONAL AUTO

​VIDEO #8: PERSONAL LINES WATERCRAFT

​VIDEO #9: IN-HOME BUSINESS

Is Meth Cleanup Excluded from Dwelling Policies?
In February 2013, Jeremy Kaiser (Kaiser) learned the tenants living in his rental property might have been involved with drugs. On May 1, 2013, when the tenants willingly vacated the premises, he inspected the property and found evidence of methamphetamines. Kaiser contacted a bio recovery service to inspect and test the house. Methamphetamine vapors and residue were detected within the entire house and clean-up was recommended before new tenants could occupy the rental home.
Kaiser submitted a claim to his insurer for the clean-up cost, but the claim was denied. He continued clean-up nevertheless and incurred more than $38,000 in costs. Once clean-up was completed, Kaiser filed a complaint against his insurer for breach of contract and bad faith and requested reimbursement for remediation, lost rent and serving as the general contractor. He argued that the loss should have been covered under vandalism and malicious mischief. Click here for court's ruling

​Liability Insurance Exclusion
Drivers involved in car pools and other group arrangements may wonder if the situation is covered under their auto policy. This concern is valid as many auto policies have restrictions. Typically, liability coverage under personal automobile policies does not apply to "…liability arising out of the ownership or operation of a vehicle while it is being used as a public or livery conveyance." (A public conveyance is a vehicle used indiscriminately in transporting the public without being limited to certain persons or occasions. A livery vehicle is one that is offered for rental). There is slight variation in language among policies issued by various insurers, but the intent is the same: to exclude the use of a personal auto for transporting people or property for income. However, this exclusion does not affect coverage for car pool, driver group, and share-the-ride arrangements.

Thanksgiving Quiz

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Personal Auto Insurance Basics
Can I drive legally without insurance? Article
A Collision with an Animal IS a Collision
It's bad when industry information sources and regulators publish wrong coverage information, especially info that’s detrimental to consumers. I hope, when you come across such instances, you take the time to correct them. Here's a good example of an auto insurance coverage myth that I've run across many times over the years....
Read on »

What Happens When an Auto is Recovered...30 Years Later?
In 1973, the insured had a 1967 Chevy Corvette stolen. It was reported to the police and the insurer paid $2,500 for the claim. The car was recovered last October, completely stripped. The police called the insured and released the car to him. The insured sold the car to a friend who restores Vettes. The insurer now wants the insured to reimburse them for $14,000, the current value of the car. The insured wants to reimburse the carrier the $2,500 paid over 30 years ago. Who's correct? Answer

Dad Hitches His Trailer to His Daughter’s Auto…Uh Oh
A father’s nonresident daughter borrowed his camper trailer to be hauled by her SUV. Dad hooked the vehicles up. While the trailer was being towed, it somehow became uncoupled, and the tongue of the trailer rammed the rear of the daughter’s SUV, causing several thousand dollars damage. Dad thinks this is his fault and wants his PAP to pay. Will it? Find out what the Experts say ...

Personal Auto Insurance Basics
What Is Covered by a Basic Auto Insurance Policy? Article
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Homeowner's / Renter's Insurance Basics
What Is Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance? Article

Understanding Trees and Insurance: Tree Maintenance Video

Miscellaneous Personal Lines 
What Type of Insurance Do I Need If I'm Renting Out My Home? Article

​Academy Skills Test
Welcome to the Academy of Insurance Skills Test. These exams were designed to help you pinpoint areas of interest for possible training opportunities.
Each of these skills tests is designed to be completed in two hours.

Personal Lines
Take the Skills Test
This skills test focuses on personal lines topics, including;

• Homeowners (HO) Coverage Forms
• HO "Insured" status
• HO Definitions
• HO Covered Property
• HO Coverage Limits
• HO Valuations
• HO Causes of Loss & Exclusions
• HO Endorsements
• HO Part II – Liability Coverages
• HO Eligibility
• Personal Auto Policy (PAP) Coverage Parts
• PAP "You" and "Insured" Status
• PAP Covered Autos
• PAP Coverages & Exclusions
• PAP Definitions
• PAP Endorsements
• PAP Eligibility and Rating

Insurance Coverage en Español
http://www.iii.org/es/insurance-topics/all-coverage-en-espanol

The “Business Use” Exclusion in the Personal Auto Policy

Why Forms AND Facts Matter
There are at least eight (8) reasons why some individuals cannot figure out why a claim is or is not covered. All too often this is due to the inability or, worse, unwillingness to read the policy. But in many instances the problem is the inability to review policy language in the context of the unique facts and circumstances of each claim.
Read on »

Ignore the Bank, Go With Replacement Cost 
Every day agents are asked, well required, by banks to provide Coverage A limits in excess of the developed replacement cost. Why are such requests made? So that Coverage A limits match the loan requirements of course. Mortgagees tend to forget that the loan buys more than just the structure; it includes the land and location, location, location. The buyer/mortgagor is paying for the view and access to the office and shopping in addition to the house. The insurance policy only pays to replace the house.

Tutorial en español

Modern Family

Modern Family