TOP Insurance Answers Center

Question 1

What is the minimum required car insurance in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia the legal minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. It is the legal floor, but many drivers raise their limits because a serious accident costs far more than $25,000.

Question 2

Can I get car insurance without a Georgia license?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several carriers issue policies using an ITIN, passport, or foreign license instead of a U.S. license. At TOP Insurance we compare the companies that accept these documents to get you legal coverage at the best possible price.

Question 3

What is an SR-22 and when do I need it?

Accepted Answer

An SR-22 is not insurance: it is a certificate your carrier files with the state to prove you carry the required minimum coverage. It is usually required after a DUI, driving uninsured, or too many violations, and normally must stay in place for about 3 years.

Question 4

What is the difference between SR-22 and FR-44?

Accepted Answer

Both are financial-responsibility certificates, but the FR-44 requires much higher liability limits than the state minimum and is used mainly after a DUI in states like Florida. The SR-22 only certifies the legal minimum.

Question 5

Should I get full coverage or just liability?

Accepted Answer

If your car is newer or still financed, full coverage (which includes collision and comprehensive) almost always makes sense and is often required by the lender. If your vehicle is worth little, liability only may be enough.

Question 6

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?

Accepted Answer

Collision coverage pays for your car's damage after a crash, no matter who was at fault. Comprehensive covers non-crash events: theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, or hitting an animal.

Question 7

Should I choose a high or low deductible?

Accepted Answer

A high deductible lowers your monthly premium, but you pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. A low deductible costs more monthly and protects you better after an accident. The key is picking a deductible you could actually pay at once.

Question 8

Do I need Gap insurance for my financed car?

Accepted Answer

Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on the car and what it is worth if it is stolen or totaled. It is especially useful if you made a small down payment, financed long term, or the vehicle depreciates fast.

Question 9

What is PIP and why does Florida require it?

Accepted Answer

Florida is a "no-fault" state: it requires $10,000 of PIP (personal injury protection) that pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident, plus $10,000 of property damage. PIP covers you and certain passengers.

Question 10

Is it better to buy insurance with an agent or online?

Accepted Answer

Buying online is fast, but you only see one company at a time. An independent agent like TOP Insurance compares several carriers for you, finds discounts, and advocates for you at claim time, almost always at no extra cost.

Question 11

Should I choose an HO-3 or HO-5 home policy?

Accepted Answer

The HO-3 is the standard policy and covers the structure against "open perils" and your belongings against named perils. The HO-5 is broader: it also covers personal property against open perils and usually pays replacement cost, ideal for higher-value homes and contents.

Question 12

Does homeowners insurance cover floods?

Accepted Answer

No. A standard home policy excludes floods; you need a separate flood policy (through the NFIP or a private carrier). If you live in a flood zone or near water, it is highly recommended coverage.

Question 13

Actual cash value or replacement cost?

Accepted Answer

Actual cash value (ACV) pays what your items are worth today, minus depreciation. Replacement cost pays what it costs to buy them new. Replacement cost costs a bit more in premium but leaves you far better protected after a loss.

Question 14

What is the difference between renters and homeowners insurance?

Accepted Answer

Renters insurance covers only your belongings and your liability, because the landlord insures the structure. Homeowners insurance also covers the building. Renters coverage is much cheaper and highly recommended if you rent.

Question 15

Do I need an HO-6 condo policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you own a condo. The association's master policy covers the building exterior, but the HO-6 protects your unit's interior, your belongings, and your liability. Many associations already require it.

Question 16

What is a deductible in insurance?

Accepted Answer

The deductible is the portion you pay out of pocket before the insurer pays its share on a claim. For example, with a $1,000 deductible on $5,000 of damage, you pay $1,000 and the policy covers $4,000. A higher deductible lowers your premium.

Question 17

Should I choose term or whole life insurance?

Accepted Answer

Term life covers a fixed period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is much cheaper: ideal for protecting your family while you have a mortgage or young children. Whole life lasts your entire life and builds cash value, but costs considerably more.

Question 18

Can I get life insurance without a medical exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No-exam policies approve faster (sometimes same day) by answering a few health questions, though they usually have higher premiums or lower coverage limits. With a medical exam you almost always get a better price if you are healthy.

Question 19

What is final expense insurance?

Accepted Answer

It is a small life policy (typically $5,000 to $25,000) designed to cover funeral costs and final debts. It is easy to qualify for, ideal for seniors, and keeps the family from carrying those costs.

Question 20

How much life insurance do I need?

Accepted Answer

A common rule is to cover 10 to 12 times your annual income, adding debts like your mortgage and future costs for your children (for example, college). An agent can help you calculate the exact amount for your situation.

Question 21

Whole life or indexed universal life (IUL)?

Accepted Answer

Whole life offers fixed premiums and a guaranteed, stable cash value. IUL is more flexible and its cash value grows tied to a stock index (with caps and floors), offering more upside but also more variability.

Question 22

Which is better, an HMO or PPO plan?

Accepted Answer

An HMO costs less but limits you to a network and requires a primary doctor and referrals to see specialists. A PPO costs more and gives you freedom to see specialists without a referral plus some out-of-network coverage. The best choice depends on your doctors and budget.

Question 23

Do I qualify for an ACA (Obamacare) subsidy?

Accepted Answer

Many families do qualify. The premium tax credit is based on your income and household size, and can greatly reduce what you pay monthly for a Marketplace plan. It is worth checking even if you think you earn too much.

Question 24

ACA Bronze or Silver plan?

Accepted Answer

The Bronze plan has the lowest premium but high deductibles: good if you rarely use the doctor. The Silver plan costs a bit more, and if you qualify by income it unlocks cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductibles and copays, making it the best fit for most people.

Question 25

What is an HDHP with an HSA?

Accepted Answer

An HDHP is a high-deductible, low-premium plan that lets you open an HSA, a tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses. It is ideal if you are relatively healthy and want to save with tax-free dollars.

Question 26

Can I buy health insurance outside open enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have a qualifying life event: losing coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving, or income changes. That opens a special enrollment period of about 60 days to enroll or change plans.

Question 27

When is Workers Comp required in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, the law generally requires Workers Compensation once a business has 3 or more employees. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses and protects the owner from employee lawsuits. Thresholds vary by state.

Question 28

What is a BOP policy for my business?

Accepted Answer

A BOP (Business Owner's Policy) bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one package, usually cheaper than buying them separately. It is ideal for low-risk small and midsize businesses.

Question 29

Do I need general or professional liability (E&O)?

Accepted Answer

General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage (for example, a client who slips). Professional liability (E&O) covers mistakes in your work or professional advice. Many service businesses need both.

Question 30

Do I need commercial auto or is personal enough?

Accepted Answer

If you use the vehicle for work (deliveries, hauling tools or clients, or it is titled to the business), a personal policy may deny the claim and you need commercial auto. For personal use only, a personal policy is enough.

Question 31

What is a certificate of insurance (COI)?

Accepted Answer

A COI is a one-page document that proves your business has active coverage and shows the limits. Many clients, landlords, and contractors require it before working with you, and your agent can often issue it the same business day when requested during business hours.

Question 32

Workers Comp or disability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Workers Comp covers only work-related injuries and illnesses and is usually required by law. Disability insurance covers injuries or illnesses that happen off the job. Many workers benefit from having both.

Question 33

What is an umbrella policy and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An umbrella policy adds extra liability on top of your auto and home limits, usually in $1 million increments. It makes sense if you have assets to protect or lawsuit risk; it is one of the cheapest coverages per dollar of protection.

Question 34

What is the difference between premium and deductible?

Accepted Answer

The premium is what you pay periodically to keep your policy active (monthly, semiannually, or annually). The deductible is what you pay out of pocket when you file a claim. Raising the deductible usually lowers the premium.

Question 35

What advantage does an independent agent have over a captive agent?

Accepted Answer

A captive agent sells only one company (a single brand). An independent agent like TOP Insurance represents many carriers, so they compare prices and coverages for you and find the best fit for your case.

Question 36

In which states does TOP Insurance offer coverage?

Accepted Answer

TOP Insurance offers auto, home, life, health, and business insurance in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, and Texas. Our bilingual agents serve you in Spanish and English in all of them.

Question 37

What is the minimum required car insurance in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida is a "no-fault" state: the legal minimum is $10,000 PIP (personal injury protection) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL). Bodily injury liability is not required for standard registration, though many drivers add it for better protection.

Question 38

What is the minimum required car insurance in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas the legal minimum is 30/60/25: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. It is the legal floor; with today medical and repair costs, many drivers raise those limits.

Question 39

What is the minimum required car insurance in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In South Carolina the legal minimum is 25/50/25, and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is also mandatory at the same 25/50/25 limits. This protects you if an uninsured driver hits you, which is common on the road.

Question 40

What is the minimum required car insurance in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

In Tennessee the legal minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. It is the legal floor, but a serious accident often exceeds those amounts.

Question 41

What is the minimum required car insurance in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

In Alabama the legal minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Driving without this coverage brings fines and registration suspension.

Question 42

What is the minimum required car insurance in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

In Indiana the legal minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. It is the legal floor; raising limits better protects your assets in a serious accident.

Question 43

When is Workers Comp required in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, construction businesses need Workers Compensation from the first employee, and non-construction businesses from 4 employees. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses and protects the owner from lawsuits.

Question 44

Is Workers Comp required in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas is the only state where Workers Compensation is voluntary for most private employers. Even so, many contracts, clients, and landlords require it, and operating without it ("non-subscriber") exposes the business to direct employee lawsuits.

Question 45

When is Workers Comp required in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In South Carolina, the law generally requires Workers Compensation once a business has 4 or more employees. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses and protects the owner from employee lawsuits.

Question 46

When is Workers Comp required in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

In Tennessee, the law generally requires Workers Compensation once a business has 5 or more employees; in construction, practically from the first employee. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses.

Question 47

When is Workers Comp required in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

In Alabama, the law generally requires Workers Compensation once a business has 5 or more employees. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses and protects the owner from employee lawsuits.

Question 48

Is Workers Comp required in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

In Indiana, the law requires Workers Compensation for virtually all employers, from the first employee. It covers workplace injuries and illnesses and protects the owner from employee lawsuits.

Question 49

What insurance does a contractor need in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

A contractor in Georgia usually needs three coverages: General Liability, almost always required by clients and general contractors; Workers Compensation, required from 3 employees; and commercial auto insurance if they use work trucks or vehicles. At TOP Insurance we compare options from multiple carriers to bundle them around your needs and budget.

Question 50

What insurance does a contractor need in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida a contractor typically needs General Liability (required by most clients and licenses), Workers Compensation —mandatory from the first employee in construction— and commercial auto for work vehicles. We compare several carriers to build the right package.

Question 51

What insurance does a contractor need in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas a contractor mainly needs General Liability, because clients and general contractors almost always require it. Workers Compensation is voluntary for most private employers, but many contracts demand it; commercial auto is also advisable for work vehicles.

Question 52

What insurance does a contractor need in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In South Carolina a contractor usually needs General Liability (required by clients and general contractors), Workers Compensation —mandatory from 4 employees— and commercial auto for work vehicles. We help you bundle them around your needs and budget.

Question 53

What insurance does a contractor need in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

In Tennessee a contractor typically needs General Liability (required by clients and general contractors), Workers Compensation —mandatory from 5 employees and practically from the first in construction— and commercial auto for work vehicles.

Question 54

What insurance does a contractor need in Alabama?

Accepted Answer

In Alabama a contractor usually needs General Liability (required by clients and general contractors), Workers Compensation —mandatory from 5 employees— and commercial auto if using work trucks or vehicles. We compare options from multiple carriers to find an alternative that fits your needs and budget.

Question 55

What insurance does a contractor need in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

In Indiana a contractor typically needs General Liability (required by clients and general contractors), Workers Compensation —mandatory practically from the first employee— and commercial auto for work vehicles. We build a package that fits your needs and budget.

Question 56

How much does business insurance cost in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, general liability for a small business usually costs between $47 and $121 per month; the typical annual cost runs from $250 to $3,000+ depending on risk and coverage. A BOP, which combines liability and property, is almost always cheaper than buying them separately. Your real price depends on your trade, sales and history.

Question 57

How much does business insurance cost in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, general liability for a small business usually runs from $55 to $144 per month; the typical annual range is $250 to $3,000+. Prices tend to be higher than the national average due to hurricanes, slip-and-fall claims and the state legal environment. A BOP usually costs less than buying liability and property separately.

Question 58

How much does business insurance cost in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, general liability for a small business usually costs between $43 and $122 per month, with a typical annual cost of $250 to $3,000+. A BOP, which combines general liability and property, normally costs less than buying both coverages separately. Your final price depends on business type, sales and the coverages you choose.

Question 59

How much does commercial auto insurance cost in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, a commercial vehicle with basic coverage usually costs between $156 and $305 per month. Fleets and heavy vehicles can start at $1,000+ per month depending on the fleet. Price varies by vehicle type, business use and limits; commercial vehicles usually need higher limits than the 25/50/25 state minimum.

Question 60

How much does commercial auto insurance cost in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, a single commercial vehicle with basic coverage usually costs between $230 and $412 per month. Fleets and heavy vehicles can start at $1,000+ per month. Florida is a no-fault state with PIP and commercial vehicles may face higher requirements, which raises the price versus other states.

Question 61

How much does commercial auto insurance cost in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, a commercial vehicle with basic coverage can cost from $100 to $326 per month. Fleets and trucks can start at $1,000+ per month depending on the fleet. The Texas auto liability minimum is 30/60/25, and fleets or trucks usually need higher limits. Price depends on vehicle, use and history.

Question 62

How much does workers compensation cost in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, workers compensation usually costs about $1.55 per $100 of payroll, though it varies by industry and risk. An office may be near $0.10 per $100, while construction can exceed $25+ per $100. Georgia requires this coverage from 3 or more employees.

Question 63

How much does workers compensation cost in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, workers compensation usually costs about $1.75 per $100 of payroll. An office may start at $0.10 per $100, while construction can rise to $25+ per $100. Florida runs above the national average, and in construction the coverage is mandatory from 1 employee.

Question 64

How much does workers compensation cost in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, a useful benchmark is $1.45 per $100 of payroll, though it changes by job class: an office may start at $0.10 per $100 and construction can rise to $25+ per $100. Texas is unique because for many private employers this coverage is voluntary, but clients and contracts often require it.

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