Answers to your insurance questions

Texas requires drivers to meet minimum financial responsibility rules, most often with liability insurance at or above the state minimum limits. Those limits can change, so we can review the current requirements with you.

Texas insurers generally must offer both, and they are typically included in your policy unless you reject them in writing. We can explain what each one covers before you decide.

Personal auto policies generally do not cover motorcycles. A separate motorcycle policy is usually needed, even if you already insure a car.

Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is usually a separate policy, so ask our agency about it if flooding is a concern where you live.

Dwelling coverage should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, which is not the same as its market value or what you paid for it.

Generally, no. A landlord's policy usually covers the building, while your belongings need their own coverage, such as a renters policy.

A master policy generally covers shared areas and may cover parts of the building, but it usually does not cover your belongings or your personal liability. How much of your unit's interior it covers depends on the policy.

Not always. Many flood policies have a waiting period before coverage takes effect, and the length can vary by situation, so ask our agency about timing well before you need coverage.

A homeowners policy is generally meant for a home you live in. If you rent the property out, talk with our agency about whether a landlord or dwelling policy is a better fit.

Term life covers a set number of years and generally has no cash value. Whole life is designed to last your lifetime and builds cash value, which is one reason its premiums are usually higher for the same death benefit.

It depends on what you want the policy to do, such as replacing income, paying off debts or covering future costs like a child's education. We can help you think through those needs.

Coverage generally stops at the end of the term. Depending on the policy, you may be able to renew it, usually at a higher premium, or convert it to permanent coverage while the conversion period is open.

Often, yes. Depending on the policy, you may be able to borrow against it or withdraw part of it, but doing so can reduce the death benefit and may have tax consequences.

No. A prepaid funeral plan is generally arranged with a specific funeral provider, while final expense insurance is a life insurance policy that pays your beneficiary, who can use the money as needed.

No. Both are offered by insurance companies, but life insurance is mainly designed to pay a benefit when you pass away, while an annuity is mainly designed to help you save for retirement or receive income.

It depends on what you do, whether you have employees or vehicles, and what your leases and contracts require. Many small businesses start with a BOP or general liability, then review other coverage.

No. A BOP generally includes general liability plus property coverage, and often business income protection. A general liability policy on its own does not cover your property.

A certificate of insurance is a document that summarizes your coverage so a client or landlord can confirm you carry it. It does not change the policy itself.

It depends on how the vehicle is used, who owns it and what your personal policy allows. We can review how you use the vehicle and explain whether a commercial policy may be needed.

In Texas, a nonsubscriber is generally an employer that does not carry workers' compensation. Nonsubscribers may lose certain legal protections if an employee sues over a work injury.

An additional insured is a person or company added to your liability policy, often at a client's or general contractor's request, so they have certain protection related to your work. Terms depend on the policy and endorsement.

It depends on your household, your budget, how you use care and whether you qualify for help paying premiums. We can explain how each option works so you can compare them.

Marketplace plans and other ACA-compliant individual plans are generally available during the annual Open Enrollment period or during a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event. Other types of coverage, such as supplemental policies, may be available at other times.

Eligibility depends mainly on your expected household income and household size, along with other factors, such as whether you can get affordable coverage through a job. We can help you understand the application and how the credit is applied.

It depends on how you expect to use care and how you want to balance premiums with out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans usually have lower premiums and higher costs when you get care, while Gold and Platinum plans usually work the other way. Depending on income, some people may also qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs with a Silver plan.

Self-employed people can generally buy individual or family coverage through the Marketplace or outside it. Depending on your household income, you may qualify for a premium tax credit through the Marketplace.

No. Short-term plans do not have to follow ACA rules for comprehensive coverage, so they may exclude pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits.

No. Supplemental policies pay benefits in addition to health insurance, not instead of it, and they are not a substitute for comprehensive coverage.

It depends on the policy. Dental and vision plans generally help pay for covered services, while accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity policies often pay set benefit amounts, sometimes directly to you.

Some dental plans have waiting periods before certain services are covered, often for basic or major care. Preventive care is frequently covered sooner, depending on the plan.

Some health plans include certain eye care, especially for children, but routine adult eye exams and eyewear are often not included. A separate vision plan can help fill that gap.

No. Accident insurance pays benefits for covered injuries from accidents. Illness is handled by your health insurance or by other policies, such as critical illness or hospital indemnity coverage.

It depends on the policy. Each policy lists its covered conditions and defines what counts as a qualifying diagnosis, so we can help you read those details.

Generally not directly. It usually pays a set benefit to you for a covered stay, which you can use toward the bill or other expenses.

Original Medicare is Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and generally include Part A and Part B coverage, often along with drug coverage.

If you are becoming eligible at 65, your Initial Enrollment Period is generally a seven-month window around the month you turn 65. Other enrollment periods may apply depending on your situation.

The right fit depends on your situation, including your doctors, your prescriptions and how you like to receive care. We can explain how each option works and answer your questions in English or Spanish.

It depends on the plan. Many plans use provider networks, so it helps to check whether your doctors are in a plan's network before you enroll.

Not necessarily. Each plan has its own drug list, so whether a specific medication is covered depends on the plan.

It is drug coverage expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare's standard drug coverage. Having it can matter when it comes to the late enrollment penalty.

Medigap policies sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. People with Original Medicare can get drug coverage through a separate Part D plan.

In Texas, plans with the same letter offer the same basic benefits, no matter which company sells them. We can help you compare the plans available to you.

No. Requesting a quote or a policy comparison is complimentary, and there is no obligation.

No. A quote request is not an offer of insurance and does not bind coverage. Coverage starts only after a carrier issues a policy and confirms it in writing.

Yes. Our agency serves clients in English and Spanish.

Texas. Nelly is licensed in the State of Texas.

Yes. We can walk you through what your current policy covers, what it does not cover, and where you may have gaps.