Hess Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

policy service at Hess Insurance

Need help with your existing policy?

Insurance can feel complicated, especially when every company sounds the same. This page answers the most common questions we hear about auto, home, life, and umbrella coverage. Our goal is simple: help you understand your options so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Why Choose Hess Insurance?

Hess Insurance works for you, not one insurance company. We compare multiple carriers to find the best balance of coverage and price, and we stay with you long-term.

Hess Insurance does not add agency fees, broker fees, service fees, or markups.
The price we receive from the carrier is the exact price you pay.
Our role is to help you choose the right coverage, not profit from hidden costs.

Our role is to help you choose the right coverage, not profit from hidden costs.

  • What you can expect from Hess Insurance
  • No agency fees or markups
  • Real human support, no call centers
  • Coverage-first approach
  • Long-term relationship, not a one-time sale
  • We won’t push the cheapest option if it sacrifices protection

Getting Started:

  • We gather your information.
  • We shop multiple carriers.
  • We explain your options.
  • You choose what fits best.
  • We handle setup and paperwork.

Most policies can be active the same day.

Pricing and what affects it:

  • Driving history
  • Tickets or accidents
  • Credit-based insurance score
  • Vehicle type
  • Location
  • Annual mileage
  • Replacement cost
  • Roof age and material
  • Claims history
  • Credit-based insurance score
  • Location and weather risk
  • Security systems
  • Age
  • Health history
  • Tobacco use
  • Coverage amount
  • Policy type

Billing and Payments:

For the best pricing, most carriers require bank draft (ACH).

Why bank draft is recommended

  • Lowest available rates
  • No installment fees
  • Fewer missed payments

Yes. Paying in full often provides additional discounts and avoids monthly fees.

After you sign up & ID Cards

  • We submit your application.
  • We activate coverage.
  • We provide proof of insurance.
  • We help you download the carrier app.
  • We send policy documents.
  • Through the carrier mobile app.
  • Through the online carrier portal.
  • Or directly from us anytime.

Claims:

Claims are filed directly with the carrier. We walk you through the process, provide claim contacts, and stay involved if issues arise.

Renewals & Re-Shopping:

We do not automatically re-shop every year. Our priority is keeping you properly protected, not constantly switching carriers.

  • When premium is your top concern.
  • When your needs change.
  • When a carrier makes major increases.
  • When coverage is no longer competitive.

How can I get the best price?

  • Bank draft (ACH)
  • Annual pay-in-full
  • Bundling auto, home, and life
  • Good student
  • Defensive driving
  • Military
  • Safe driving history
  • Optional telematics programs
  • New or updated roof
  • Tankless water heater
  • Updated plumbing or electrical
  • Security systems

Auto Insurance frequently asked questions:

Injuries and property damage you cause to others.

Liability plus comprehensive and collision.

Protection if you are hit by someone without insurance.

In most cases, yes. State minimum limits rarely protect real assets.

Recommended if you finance or lease your vehicle.

  • Medical payments or PIP
  • Rental reimbursement
  • Towing and roadside assistance

Home Insurance frequently asked questions:

The cost to rebuild your home today, not its market value.

No. Flood insurance requires a separate policy.

HO3 policy
Standard homeowners policy
Good baseline protection

HE7 policy
Broader open-peril coverage
Higher sub-limits
Fewer exclusions
Better claims outcomes
Recommended for higher-value or custom homes

  • Water backup coverage
  • Ordinance and law coverage
  • Scheduled personal property for jewelry, electronics, or firearms

Umbrella Insurance frequently asked questions:

Extra liability coverage that sits on top of auto and home insurance.

Because lawsuits often exceed standard policy limits.

  • Homeowners
  • Households with teen drivers
  • High income or significant assets
  • Pools, dogs, or rental properties

Typically $150 to $300 per year for one million dollars in coverage.

Life Insurance frequently asked questions:

It protects your family’s financial future if something happens to you.

  • Parents
  • Married couples
  • Anyone with dependents or outstanding debts

Term life insurance

  • Most affordable option
  • Coverage for 10 to 30 years
  • Designed for income replacement

 

Whole life insurance

  • Lifetime coverage
  • Builds cash value
  • Higher cost

Typically 10 to 15 times annual income. We personalize every quote.

Our Philosophy

We don’t aim to be the cheapest agency.
We aim to be the agency whose clients never say, “I wish I had known this before my claim.”

We build protection strategies, not just policies.

Want a simple, straight-forward quote?