FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: What types of Insurance do you offer?
A: Please visit our "Insurance" page to see a list of the types of coverage we offer. If you have any specific questions, please give us a call!
Q: What makes Blackburn Insurance different from other agencies?
A: A few things come to mind! First of all, as an independent agency, we're able to shop your coverage around a variety of different markets to ensure you're getting a competitive price! Second, a local, family-owned agency means you get exceptional service. Where other agencies are selling out and outsourcing their customer service, we are committed to being available to you. When you call us, there's a real, local person on the other end of the line. Finally, our agency is all about family. A.D. Blackburn, who founded our agency, operated with principles of honesty and kindness. That legacy continues to inform our decision-making every day.
Q: How can I get a quote?
A: Reach out to us by calling us at (336) 643-7703, or by submitting your information on our "Get a Quote" page!
Q: Which insurance companies do you work with?
A: We work with a large range of carriers - both for our Property/Casualty needs as well as the Life/Health/Medicare side. Visit our "Carriers" page to see a more comprehensive list.
AUTO INSURANCE
Q: What factors affect my auto insurance rates?
A: Your rates depend on several factors, including:
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Your driving record (accidents, tickets, violations)
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Your vehicle type (make, model, year)
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Your credit score (in most states)
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Your age and location
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The coverage limits and deductibles you choose
Q: Do you offer bundling discounts?
A: Yes! Bundling your auto and home insurance (or other policies) can save you money and simplify your coverage under one provider.
Q: What should I do after a car accident?
A: Follow these steps:
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Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
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Move to safety and turn on hazard lights.
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Exchange information with the other driver(s).
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Take photos of the scene and damages.
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File a police report if required.
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Contact us to start your claims process.
Q: Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?
A: In many cases, the liability coverage from your personal auto policy already covers rental car liability, so purchasing additional insurance may not be necessary. However, there are situations where adding rental car coverage could be beneficial. It's important to review your policy to understand your coverage.
If you don’t have a personal auto policy, you’ll need to obtain liability coverage through the rental car company. Also, If your personal auto policy includes comprehensive/collision coverage, then you may not comp/collision for your rental car.
HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS INSURANCE
Q: What does homeowners insurance cover?
A: A standard policy typically includes:
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Dwelling coverage (repairs/replacement for your home)
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Personal property coverage (your belongings)
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Liability protection (injuries or damage you cause to others)
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Additional living expenses (if you’re displaced due to a covered loss)
Q: Do I need additional coverage if I want coverage for floods or earthquakes?
A: Yes! Standard homeowners policies do not cover floods or earthquakes. We can help you add separate policies for these risks.
Q: How much homeowners insurance do I need?
A: Your coverage should be based on the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. We’ll help you determine the right amount using replacement cost estimates.
Q: Does renters insurance cover my belongings?
A: Yes! Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from theft, fire, and other perils, and provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your rental.
BUSINESS INSURANCE
Q: What types of business insurance do you provide?
A: We offer:
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General Liability Insurance (for customer injuries and property damage)
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Workers’ Compensation (for employee injuries)
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Commercial Auto Insurance (for company vehicles)
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Commercial Property Insurance (for buildings, inventory, and equipment)
Q: Why does my business need general liability insurance?
A: General liability insurance helps cover legal fees, medical costs, and damages if your business is sued for bodily injury, property damage, or advertising harm.
Q: Do you offer insurance for contractors and tradesmen?
A: Yes! We specialize in contractor insurance, including general liability, workers’ comp, commercial auto, and tools/equipment coverage.
Q: Can I get insurance for my company vehicles?
A: Absolutely! Commercial auto insurance protects business-owned vehicles and covers liability, collision, and medical expenses.
LIFE INSURANCE
Q: What types of Insurance do you offer?
A: We offer:
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Term Life Insurance – Provides affordable coverage for a set period (e.g., 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years).
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Whole Life Insurance – A permanent policy that includes a cash value component, lasting your entire lifetime.
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Universal Life Insurance – Offers flexible premiums and a cash value that can grow over time.
Q: How much life insurance do I need?
A: The amount varies based on your income, debts, future expenses (such as college tuition), and your family’s financial needs. A common guideline is 10-15 times your annual income, but we can help assess the right amount for you.
Q: Why should I get life insurance?
A: Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones by covering expenses such as:
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Mortgage payments
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Funeral costs
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Outstanding debts
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Income replacement
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Future education expenses for children
Q: What happens if I outlive my term life insurance policy?
A: If your term policy expires, you may have options to convert it to a permanent policy or renew coverage, though premiums may increase. We can help explore your best options before your policy ends
MEDICARE
Q: What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
A: Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), run by the federal government. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurers and must cover everything Original Medicare does, but often include additional benefits like vision, dental, hearing, gym membership, over-the-counter allowance, and prescription drugs.
Q: How much do Medicare Advantage plans cost?
A: Costs vary depending on the plan and county of residence.
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Some have $0 premiums, but you must still pay your Part B premium. ($185/month in 2025 unless you receive Medicaid or have an IRMAA penalty due to high income).
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You may have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
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Plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit, unlike Original Medicare.
Q: Do I have to sign up for Medicare A and B or am I automatically enrolled at age 65?
A: An individual is automatically enrolled in Medicare if they are drawing Social Security prior to turning 65, in which case a card should be mailed approximately three months before your 65th birthday. If an individual isn’t drawing Social Security, they can go to www.ssa.gov to sign up online or call the local Social Security office to set up an appointment and get enrolled.
Q: What is the donut hole? I've heard that medications can be really expensive on Medicare.
A: In 2025, the donut hole closed. The Inflation Reduction Act has capped the costshare on medications listed on the insured’s plan formulary to $2,000 for the year. This can be very beneficial for Medicare beneficiaries with expensive medications.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Q: Can I get coverage if I have a pre-existing condition?
A: Yes. The ACA prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. This protection applies to all health plans sold through the ACA marketplace. There are also no pre-existing condition waivers, forcing ACA plans to cover pre-existing conditions from day one.
Q: How do subsidies work under the ACA?
A: The ACA provides premium subsidies (also called premium tax credits) to help people with low to moderate incomes afford health insurance.
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These subsidies are based on your income and household size.
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The American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act have expanded and extended these subsidies through 2025, making more people eligible and lowering costs for many.
Q: What are cost sharing reductions (CSRs) under the ACA and how do they work?
A: CSRs do not reduce your monthly premium, but they make it cheaper to use your coverage by reducing copays, deductibles and coinsurance percentages. The CSRs are only available on silver plans, but can boost the coverage of a silver plan where it performs better than gold options. An insured must have a household income between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (or 138% to 250% in Medicaid expansion states).
Q: When can I purchase an ACA plan?
A: You can purchase an ACA plan:
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During the open enrollment period (OEP) which is typically between November 1st through January 15th.
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During a special enrollment period like losing health coverage, moving to a new zip code, getting married/divorced, having/adopting a child, etc.
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There is a year-round enrollment period for individuals with income of 150% or less of the Federal Poverty Level.
POLICY & CLAIMS QUESTIONS
Q: How do I file a claim?
A: You can call our office or your insurance carrier directly to report the claim. We’ll help guide you through the process and work with your provider to ensure a smooth experience.
Q: How can I make changes to my policy?
A: Contact us anytime to update your policy, add coverage, or adjust limits. Some changes may require underwriting approval.
Q: Can I pay my premium online?
A: Yes! Most of our carriers allow online payments. Visit their website or contact us for assistance
Q: What should I do if my policy is about to lapse?
A: If you missed a payment, contact us immediately. Some carriers offer a grace period, but reinstatement may require an additional payment or underwriting approval.
If you have any other questions about your insurance needs, please give us a call and let us know!