Automotive
Q: What are the biggest factors influencing my auto insurance rates?
A: The biggest factors influencing auto insurance rates are the number of years the driver has been licensed, his/her driving record and annual miles driven.

Q: What makes my rates fluctuate?
A: Auto insurance rates fluctuate according to traffic violations, at-fault accidents, a change in vehicle use, a change in vehicle, and/or a change in annual mileage driven.

Q: How long do traffic citations affect my rates?
A: In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles determines which traffic violations are chargeable. If the DMV designates the violation as a one-point citation, the driving infraction will remain on the driver's record for three years. If the violation is assigned a two-point citation by the DMV, the infraction will remain on the driver's record for seven years. Assignment of a two-point violation by the DMV results in the driver losing the "Good Driver Discount."

Q: How will a traffic accident affect my premium?
A: When the accident involves no injury and the driver is considered to be principally at fault (51% or more) and property damages exceed $500, the driver will lose their "Accident-Free Discount." When the accident involves injury and the driver is considered to be principally at fault (51% or more) and damage exceeds $500, the driver will lose the "Accident-Free Discount" and "Good Driver Discount."

Q: What happens if I am involved in an accident that wasn't my fault?
A: If you are involved in an accident and there is substantial evidence proving the fault of the other party, your account status will remain intact.

Q: What kinds of cars get the lowest auto insurance rates? The highest?
A: The lowest rates are given to vehicles with a positive safety record. Cars that receive the highest rates are those rated high in performance but carry a poor safety rating, and carry a high dollar value. Comprehensive and collision rates typically decrease as the vehicle ages due to decreasing market value of the vehicle.

Q: Who is considered a "Good Driver"?
A: California Insurance Code Section 1861.025 impacts the way auto insurance is underwritten. Proposition 103 provides that a person is a "Good Driver" and is qualified to purchase and receive a "Good Driver Discount" policy from his/her carrier of choice if:
a. The driver has been licensed continuously for the previous three years, and
b. The driver has no more than one violation point or one accident point.

Q: How can I get the best rate?
A: You can receive the best rate by taking advantage of all the company discounts available to you. Call your Personal Express local servicing office for more information.

Q: Why is it so expensive to insure my son/daughter?
A: Auto insurance rates are regulated by the State of California in compliance with current legislation. Drivers with the least driving experience pose the highest risk, from an insurance standpoint. Statistics show that inexperienced, young drivers are involved in more accidents than older, more experienced drivers. Rates for young drivers, therefore, are higher because the risk to the insurance company is increased. Personal Express Insurance does offer a "Good Student Discount" and an "Inexperienced Young Driver Discount." Contact your Personal Express local servicing office for more information.

Q: Will I get a new car if my vehicle is "totaled" in an automobile accident?
A: No. Vehicles are not insured for replacement value. Losses are settled on an actual cash value basis, and for the fair market value.
Actual Cash Value: is the sum of money required to pay for damages or lost property, computed on the basis of replacement value less it's depreciation by general wear.
Fair Market Value: is the price that the property would sell for today.

Q: If I rent a car while on vacation, will my auto insurance afford any coverage?
A: Yes, but the rental company's carrier will be primarily responsible for any liability coverage up to the state's required Financial Responsibility Limits of Liability. Your auto policy would be secondary for liability coverage. Further, if you do not carry comprehensive or collision coverage on vehicles you own, you will need to purchase that coverage through the rental company. If you do carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your own vehicles, your policy affords this coverage for the rental car, subject to the policy deductibles you carry.

Q: If I purchase a vehicle and become involved in an automobile accident prior to notifying Personal Express Insurance of my purchase, will I be covered?
A: If the vehicle is registered for use on public highways, your policy affords coverage for the vehicle for up to 30 days from the acquisition date. Coverage for the newly acquired vehicle will have the broadest coverage we currently provide for any vehicle shown on your policy. If you do not carry comprehensive or collision coverage on any auto, neither will your new car purchase. If you do not carry this coverage on your policy but would like to, you must call your Personal Express Insurance representative prior to picking up your new vehicle.

Homeowners
Q: How do I determine the amount of coverage my home needs?
A: Your home should be insured for the amount it would cost to replace the structure in the event of a total loss. The replacement value of your home is determined by factors including square footage, type of construction, size of garage, number of fireplaces, and further, by comparing local residential construction rates for the area where the home is located.

Q: What is the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost Coverage?
A: Actual Cash Value is the sum of money required to pay for damages or lost property, computed on the basis of replacement value less its depreciation due to obsolescence or general wear. Replacement Cost Coverage pays the cost of replacing property without deduction for depreciation.

Q: Does my Homeowner's Insurance policy cover my home office equipment?
A: There are limitations to your policy for property located in your home, but are used in the course of business. Please refer to your policy, or call your local Personal Express Insurance servicing office for your coverage information.

Q: Does my Homeowner's Insurance policy cover flood damage?
A: Coverage for water rising and entering the home is not covered by the standard Homeowner's Insurance policy. Coverage may be obtained from the National Flood Insurance Program. Property damage caused by water that is sudden and accidental (such as a pipe burst) is typically covered. Please refer to your policy for specific exclusions.

Q: If I turn in a claim, will it affect my homeowners rates?
A: Generally, we do not increase rates based on your claim activity, however, Personal Express Insurance does periodically review the claims history of all policyholders. Claims frequency or severity may result in non-renewal. These periodic reviews assist us in maintaining and protecting the rates for all policyholders.

Q: Does my Homeowner's Insurance policy cover my car or motorcycle if they are stolen from my garage or destroyed in a fire?
A: No, it does not. Your Homeowner's Insurance policy excludes motorized vehicles unless used for maintenance to the insured residence, such as lawnmowers. For vehicle coverage, a separate auto or recreational vehicle policy including comprehensive coverage must be purchased.

Q: As a renter, do I need insurance?
A: As a renter, you will need a renter's insurance policy to provide coverage for your personal property and personal liability.

Q: Is my personal property covered while I am traveling on vacation?
A: Yes, your Homeowner's Insurance policy provides contents coverage anywhere in the world, but there are limitations and exclusions. Call your Personal Express Insurance local servicing office for more information.