Question 1

How fast can I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Most quotes are returned within 24–48 hours. We review your contracts and requirements before quoting to ensure compliance on the first try.

Question 2

How do you ensure my coverage matches my contract requirements?

Accepted Answer

Before we quote anything, we review your contracts, GC requirements, leases, and governing documents. This means your policy is built to pass compliance the first time — no back-and-forth, no rejected COIs. See our step-by-step process for details.

Question 3

Do you compare multiple carriers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with 30+ A-rated carriers including Progressive, CNA, Chubb, Travelers, Nationwide, and others to find the best coverage and pricing for your business.

Question 4

What is a video quote review?

Accepted Answer

After we prepare your quote options, we walk you through them on a short video call. We screen-share your actual policy documents and explain the limits, exclusions, deductibles, and endorsements in plain English. This way you know exactly what you are buying, what is not covered, and why we recommend specific options before you commit. The call typically lasts 15-30 minutes and is included at no extra charge.

Question 5

Can you help with COI and endorsement requirements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We review your contracts, leases, and lender requirements before quoting so your policy is built to meet them. Certificates of insurance (COIs) are issued immediately upon binding, and we confirm endorsement language matches your contract requirements before you sign. This is critical for contractors who need contract-verified COIs for job sites.

Question 6

Do I have to do everything online?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start with our online quote form. Either way, you will work with a real person who specializes in your industry.

Question 7

What industries do you specialize in?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in five areas: contractors (our largest focus), HOA and condo associations, restaurants and food service businesses, commercial landlords (lessors risk), and cyber insurance for healthcare, e-commerce, and tech. This specialization means we understand the unique risks, contract requirements, and carrier markets for each industry.

Question 8

Can you insure high-risk businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with specialty carriers that handle higher-risk classes like roofing contractors, bars with late-night hours, and mixed-use commercial properties. Having prior claims or a lapse in coverage does not mean you are uninsurable.

Question 9

How does the quoting process work step by step?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Start your quote online. Step 2: We review your contracts, leases, and COI requirements so we understand what your policy needs to include. Step 3: We shop your risk across 30+ A-rated carriers. Step 4: We walk you through your options on a video call, explaining limits, exclusions, and pricing. Step 5: Once you choose, we bind coverage (often same-day for contractors) and issue your certificate of insurance immediately. Step 6: We provide ongoing support for COIs, endorsements, policy changes, and renewals. See our How It Works page for more detail on each step.

Question 10

How does COI confirmation work?

Accepted Answer

Before we bind your policy, we cross-reference every certificate of insurance requirement in your contracts, leases, and lender agreements against the proposed policy terms. We verify that limits, additional insured endorsements, waiver of subrogation language, and any special requirements are met. Once bound, your COI is issued immediately and sent directly to the parties that need it. Most COI requests after binding are turned around within a few hours.

Question 11

What states are you licensed in?

Accepted Answer

We are licensed and actively writing policies in 29 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Question 12

How do I switch insurance agents to Direct Insurance Services?

Accepted Answer

Switching is straightforward and does not require cancelling your current policy mid-term. You can appoint us as your agent of record at any time, or we can start working on your account before your renewal date. We review your current policies, identify coverage gaps, and shop your risk across our carrier network. If we find better coverage or pricing, we place the new policy at your renewal. There is no cost or obligation to get a comparison quote.

Question 13

What happens at policy renewal?

Accepted Answer

We begin the renewal process 60-90 days before your policy expires. We review any changes to your business (new vehicles, employees, revenue, locations), re-shop your risk across carriers if pricing has increased, and present renewal options on a video call. If your carrier is still the best fit, we renew in place. If not, we move you to a better option with no lapse in coverage.

Question 14

How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?

Accepted Answer

Certificates of insurance are issued immediately upon binding. After that, additional COI requests are typically completed within a few hours. If you need a rush COI for a job that starts tomorrow or a closing that is this week, let us know and we will prioritize it.

Question 15

How do I file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Contact us and we will guide you through the process with your carrier. Each insurance company has its own claims department, but we act as your advocate throughout. We help you report the claim, provide the carrier with the necessary documentation, and follow up to make sure it is handled promptly. For emergencies, most carriers also have 24/7 claims hotlines that we will provide to you at binding.

Question 16

What payment plan options are available?

Accepted Answer

Most carriers offer flexible payment options including pay-in-full (which often includes a discount), monthly installments, quarterly payments, and premium financing for larger accounts. The specific options depend on the carrier and policy type. We present all available payment plans during your video quote review so you can choose what works best for your cash flow.

Question 17

Do you charge fees for your services?

Accepted Answer

We are compensated by the insurance carriers through standard commissions built into the premium. There are no additional broker fees or consulting charges for our quoting, video review, COI management, or ongoing support services.

Question 18

Is contractor insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. State licensing boards, general contractors, property owners, and lenders all typically require proof of insurance before work begins. Requirements vary by state and contract type. We help you understand exactly what is required before you start.

Question 19

How fast can I get contractor insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most policies are quoted within 24-48 hours. We review your contracts and GC requirements before quoting so your COI clears on the first submission. A certificate of insurance is issued immediately upon binding.

Question 20

How much does contractor insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

Contractor insurance pricing depends on your trade classification, revenue, payroll, claims history, and contract requirements. The biggest factor is the type of work you do — a roofer pays dramatically differently than a painter or handyman. Our Risk Calculator walks you through the factors, and we'll quote your specific operation against 30+ carriers.

Question 21

Do subcontractors need their own insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most general contractors require subcontractors to carry their own general liability and workers' compensation insurance. A GC's policy typically does not extend to cover subcontractors. We help subs get the right coverage to satisfy GC requirements.

Question 22

What is completed operations coverage?

Accepted Answer

Completed operations covers claims that arise after a job is finished — for example, if a structure you built causes injury or property damage weeks or months after project completion. This is one of the most critical and most overlooked contractor coverages.

Question 23

Can I get contractor insurance with no employees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solo contractors and owner-operators can get general liability, commercial auto, and tools & equipment coverage. Workers' compensation is only required when you have employees, though some states have specific rules for sole proprietors.

Question 24

What is an additional insured endorsement?

Accepted Answer

An additional insured endorsement adds another party (like a GC or property owner) to your policy so they are protected from claims arising from your work. This is commonly required in construction contracts. We confirm the exact endorsement language required before you bind.

Question 25

What is the difference between general liability and professional liability?

Accepted Answer

General liability covers physical damage and bodily injury claims. Professional liability (E&O) covers financial losses due to design errors, faulty workmanship claims, or professional mistakes. Design-build contractors and those offering consulting services typically need both.

Question 26

What are monopolistic state fund states for workers comp?

Accepted Answer

Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming operate monopolistic state funds for workers' compensation, meaning employers must purchase coverage through the state fund rather than private carriers. We help contractors in these states navigate the state fund application process and secure all other coverages (general liability, commercial auto, etc.) through our private carrier network.

Question 27

Does every HOA need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most state statutes and virtually all CC&Rs require homeowners associations to carry a master insurance policy. Even if not legally required, operating without coverage exposes board members to personal liability and leaves the association vulnerable to catastrophic losses from property damage, lawsuits, or employee dishonesty.

Question 28

What does D&O insurance cover for HOA board members?

Accepted Answer

Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance protects HOA board members from personal financial liability when they are sued for decisions made in their role. This includes allegations of mismanagement, failure to enforce CC&Rs, discrimination claims, breach of fiduciary duty, and wrongful termination of vendors or employees. Without D&O coverage, board members could be held personally responsible for legal defense costs and settlements.

Question 29

What is the difference between an HOA master policy and a unit owner policy?

Accepted Answer

The HOA master policy covers shared structures, common areas, and association-level liabilities. A unit owner (HO-6) policy covers the interior of an individual unit, personal belongings, and personal liability. The master policy typically insures from the studs out, while the unit owner policy covers from the studs in. Unit owners should review the master policy to understand exactly where association coverage ends and personal coverage needs to begin.

Question 30

Can HOA board members be personally sued?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Board members can be personally named in lawsuits related to their governance decisions. Common claims include breach of fiduciary duty, failure to maintain common areas, discrimination, and misuse of association funds. D&O insurance is specifically designed to protect board members from these claims by covering legal defense costs and any resulting settlements or judgments.

Question 31

What is a fidelity bond and why does our HOA need one?

Accepted Answer

A fidelity bond (also called crime coverage) protects the association against theft or dishonest acts by board members, employees, property managers, or volunteers who handle HOA funds. Many state statutes and governing documents require fidelity bond coverage equal to at least the association's total annual assessments plus reserves. Given that HOAs routinely handle significant reserve funds, this coverage is essential.

Question 32

How often should an HOA review its insurance coverage?

Accepted Answer

Associations should review their master policy annually, ideally 90 to 120 days before renewal. Key triggers for a mid-term review include major capital improvements, changes in replacement cost values, new state legislation, large claims, or changes in the number of units. An outdated appraisal is one of the most common reasons HOAs are underinsured at the time of a loss.

Question 33

What factors affect HOA insurance premiums?

Accepted Answer

Major factors include the number of units, total insured replacement cost, building construction type (frame vs. masonry), location and catastrophe exposure (wind, hail, earthquake), claims history, age of the buildings, presence of amenities like pools or gyms, and the deductible structure. Associations with recent large claims or older roofs will typically see higher premiums.

Question 34

Does an HOA need umbrella liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage above the limits of the general liability and D&O policies. For associations with pools, playgrounds, fitness centers, or high foot traffic in common areas, the risk of a large liability claim can easily exceed the underlying policy limits. Umbrella coverage is relatively affordable compared to the protection it provides.

Question 35

Do I need liquor liability insurance if I serve alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your restaurant, bar, or food truck serves, sells, or allows the consumption of alcohol on premises, you need liquor liability insurance. Most states require it by law, and landlords almost always require it in commercial leases. Liquor liability covers claims arising from injuries or damages caused by intoxicated patrons, including assault, property damage, and drunk driving accidents. Without it, a single alcohol-related incident could result in a lawsuit that shuts your business down.

Question 36

Does restaurant insurance cover foodborne illness claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your commercial general liability (CGL) policy covers third-party bodily injury claims, which includes food poisoning and foodborne illness. If a customer gets sick from food served at your establishment and files a claim, your CGL policy would cover legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments up to your policy limits. We recommend carrying at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for most restaurants.

Question 37

Are delivery drivers covered under my restaurant insurance?

Accepted Answer

Personal auto policies do not cover commercial delivery activities. If your restaurant offers delivery using company vehicles, you need a commercial auto policy. If employees use their own vehicles for deliveries, you need hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage added to your policy. Without proper coverage, an accident during a delivery could leave your business exposed to significant liability.

Question 38

How much does restaurant insurance cost per year?

Accepted Answer

Restaurant insurance pricing depends on cuisine type, liquor sales percentage, seating capacity, delivery operations, and lease requirements. A fast-casual spot without alcohol pays dramatically differently than a full-service restaurant with a bar. Our Risk Calculator walks you through the factors, and we'll quote your specific restaurant against 30+ carriers.

Question 39

What insurance do I need for a food truck?

Accepted Answer

Food trucks need a unique combination of coverages: commercial general liability, commercial auto insurance (for the truck itself), inland marine or equipment coverage for cooking equipment, workers compensation if you have employees, and potentially liquor liability if you serve alcohol. You may also need event-specific certificates of insurance depending on where you operate. We specialize in building food truck programs that cover all of these needs.

Question 40

Does business interruption insurance cover a kitchen fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business interruption insurance covers lost income and ongoing expenses (rent, payroll, loan payments) when your restaurant is forced to close due to a covered peril like a fire, storm damage, or equipment failure. It typically kicks in after a waiting period (usually 48 to 72 hours) and continues until you can reopen or for the policy period, whichever comes first. This coverage is critical because the average restaurant closure after a fire lasts several months.

Question 41

Why do restaurants need cyber liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants process credit card payments and store customer data, making them targets for data breaches and cyberattacks. Cyber liability insurance covers the cost of notifying affected customers, credit monitoring, forensic investigation, legal defense, and regulatory fines. POS system breaches at restaurants have increased significantly in recent years, and the average cost of a data breach for a small business is over $100,000.

Question 42

Can you insure a restaurant with prior claims or losses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with specialty carriers that underwrite restaurants with prior claims, losses, or lapsed coverage. While your options may be more limited and premiums higher, we can still find coverage. Having prior claims does not mean you are uninsurable. We review your loss history, identify what has changed, and present your risk to carriers that specialize in harder-to-place restaurant accounts.

Question 43

What is the difference between a landlord's LRO policy and a tenant's commercial policy?

Accepted Answer

A lessors risk only (LRO) policy covers the building owner for liability and property damage related to the structure, common areas, and landlord operations. The tenant's commercial policy covers the tenant's business operations, inventory, equipment, and liability arising from their specific trade. Both policies are necessary because neither one replaces the other. If a customer slips in a shared hallway, the landlord's LRO policy responds. If the same customer slips inside the tenant's store due to a spill, the tenant's policy responds.

Question 44

What does "additional insured" mean on a tenant's policy, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

When you are listed as an additional insured on a tenant's commercial general liability policy, you gain direct rights under that policy if a claim arises from the tenant's operations. This means the tenant's insurance company must defend and indemnify you alongside the tenant. Without this endorsement, you would need to file a separate claim or lawsuit against the tenant to recover costs. Every commercial lease should require tenants to name the landlord as additional insured and provide a certificate of insurance (COI) as proof.

Question 45

How does loss of rents coverage work under an LRO policy?

Accepted Answer

Loss of rents coverage (also called business income or rental value coverage) reimburses you for rental income you lose when a covered peril, such as a fire or storm, makes your property uninhabitable or unusable. The coverage typically pays the rent you would have collected during the repair period, up to 12 months. Some policies also cover expenses you incur to expedite repairs. The limit should match at least 12 months of gross rental income across all occupied units.

Question 46

Do I need LRO insurance if my tenants have NNN (triple net) leases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A triple net lease shifts operating costs like property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance to the tenant, but it does not transfer the legal liability of building ownership. If someone is injured in a common area, or if the building suffers structural damage, the landlord is still the responsible party. An LRO policy protects the building owner's interest regardless of the lease structure. In fact, NNN leases often include language requiring the landlord to maintain property and liability coverage.

Question 47

How much liability coverage should a commercial landlord carry?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial landlords should carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate in general liability. However, many lenders, lease agreements, and property management contracts require higher limits. An umbrella or excess liability policy can extend your base limits to $2 million, $5 million, or $10 million at a relatively low incremental cost. We recommend reviewing your lease requirements, lender covenants, and the tenant mix to determine the right limit for your portfolio.

Question 48

Can I insure multiple commercial properties under one LRO policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many carriers offer portfolio or blanket LRO programs that cover multiple locations under a single policy. This approach often provides lower per-property costs, simplified administration, one renewal date, and blanket coverage limits that can shift between properties. Portfolio programs are especially common for landlords with five or more locations and work well for retail strip centers, office parks, and industrial portfolios.

Question 49

What happens if a tenant does not carry insurance or lets their policy lapse?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant operates without insurance, the landlord faces significantly increased exposure. Any claim arising from the tenant's operations could flow up to the landlord through a lawsuit. Your LRO policy will still protect you for covered claims, but you may face higher deductibles, policy exclusions, or subrogation issues. Best practice is to require certificates of insurance at lease signing, set up automatic renewal tracking, and include lease language that allows you to purchase coverage on the tenant's behalf and charge it back if they lapse.

Question 50

Does LRO insurance cover tenant improvements or build-outs?

Accepted Answer

Standard LRO policies cover the building structure and landlord-owned improvements. Tenant improvements and betterments, meaning upgrades the tenant installs at their own expense, are typically covered under the tenant's commercial property policy. However, if the landlord funded the build-out or if the lease specifies that improvements revert to the landlord, those improvements should be scheduled on the LRO policy. We review each lease to make sure the correct party is insuring every component of the property.

Question 51

Do I need cyber insurance if I already have general liability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. General liability covers bodily injury and property damage from your operations — it doesn't cover data breaches, ransomware, privacy violations, or regulatory fines. Cyber is its own line of coverage with its own carrier panel, its own underwriting, and its own claims process. For tech companies, e-commerce operators, healthcare practices, and any business storing customer data, cyber sits alongside GL — not inside it.

Question 52

What's the difference between first-party and third-party cyber coverage?

Accepted Answer

First-party covers what happens to your business: incident response, forensic investigation, breach notification, credit monitoring for affected customers, business interruption losses, and ransomware response. Third-party covers what you owe others: lawsuits from customers whose data was exposed, regulatory fines, defense costs, and settlements. A complete cyber policy includes both — most carriers structure them as separate insuring agreements with separate limits.

Question 53

Does cyber insurance cover ransomware payments?

Accepted Answer

Most current cyber policies cover ransomware response — forensics, negotiation, payment if negotiated, and recovery costs. Coverage limits and sublimits vary significantly by carrier. Some markets require security controls (MFA, EDR, offline backups) as conditions of coverage. We review your security posture against carrier requirements before placing the policy so the ransomware coverage actually responds when needed.

Question 54

What is a social engineering sublimit and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Social engineering coverage handles losses from someone tricking an employee into transferring funds or sharing credentials — wire fraud from a fake CEO email, vendor impersonation, fake invoice scams. Most cyber policies sublimit this coverage (often $100K or $250K) even when the main policy limit is $1M+. For businesses with frequent wire transfers or vendor payments, the sublimit is what actually pays — not the headline limit. We surface the sublimit at quote review so you understand what's actually covered.

Question 55

Do I need cyber insurance if I'm HIPAA-covered?

Accepted Answer

Yes — more so. HIPAA imposes specific breach notification, security, and patient privacy requirements; violations carry six-figure fines per incident category. Cyber insurance covers the regulatory defense costs, the patient notification expenses, the credit monitoring obligations, and the third-party suits that follow a breach. Healthcare practices without cyber are exposed to fines and notification costs that often exceed the cost of the policy itself in a single incident.

Question 56

What does the carrier ask for when underwriting a cyber policy?

Accepted Answer

Standard underwriting asks about: multi-factor authentication coverage, endpoint detection and response (EDR) deployment, backup architecture (frequency, immutability, offline copies), incident response plan, employee security training, third-party data access controls, and prior incidents. Markets have tightened significantly — most carriers won't quote without MFA on email and remote access. We walk you through the application before submission so the answers match what the carrier needs to see.

Question 57

Does cyber insurance cover business interruption from a ransomware attack?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but coverage depends on policy structure. Business interruption (BI) coverage typically includes lost revenue and ongoing expenses during the period your systems are down or being restored after a covered cyber event. There's usually a waiting period (8-12 hours typical) before BI kicks in, and BI limits are often separate from the main policy aggregate. For operations where downtime costs add up fast — e-commerce, SaaS platforms, healthcare practices — BI limits matter as much as the main policy limit.

Question 58

What's the difference between privacy liability and security liability?

Accepted Answer

Security liability covers third-party claims arising from a failure of your security — someone breached your systems, customer data was exposed, you're being sued. Privacy liability is broader: it covers claims arising from how you handle data even when there's no breach — improper data collection, retention beyond consent, unauthorized data sharing with third parties, CCPA/GDPR violations. Modern cyber policies typically bundle both, but the limits and definitions vary — we read the policy language at quote review.

Answers to the Questions Operators Actually Ask

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