Frequently Asked Questions

Independent agents often possess deeper, more specific industry knowledge than many online company representatives, giving you access to a trusted professional who will not only answer your questions, they will do so in a way that is easy to understand. We represent multiple insurance companies, not just one, which means you have more options without sacrificing your agent. We shop for you, explain the differences, and give you personal service that big call centers and websites can’t. In the long run, policies issued by independent agencies often cost less than those of online companies, are more personalized, and help support our local economies. One last thing: independent agents do not cost you anything, so you can choose to run some online DIY policies or work with a licensed professional at no extra cost. 

That is a difficult question to answer because of how much actually goes into creating the correct coverage. We can use the asset evaluation method, which is just a fancy way of saying we will help you review what you have; however, that is only half the story since it creates a snapshot of where you are at a fixed point in time. Another method is the liability evaluation, which takes into account the value of those you may come into contact with in your day-to-day life. If you live in the deepest rural parts of the state and often drive for more than 40 minutes without seeing another driver, your needs may be lower than those of someone who cannot drive two minutes without seeing a Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, etc. Our process lets us quickly walk you through both evaluations to help assess your assets, risks, and goals to build a personalized plan—so you’re not over- or under-insured.

Often, yes! Because we work with many carriers, we can compare rates and discounts. But it’s not just about the lowest price—it’s about getting the right coverage so a claim doesn’t cost you more later.

Yes. Most carriers provide savings when you bundle home and auto, or combine other policies like renters, life, or umbrella insurance. It may also be helpful to know that bundling does not mean you are forced to use only one insurance company. We are independent, which means we have access to many companies, and most of them offer a bundle discount for insuring all your policies with the same agency, even when we place them with different companies. We’ll explore the options with you.

Call us first! We’ll guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you have. The last thing anyone wants is to file a claim without some information about what will happen after everything has been repaired.

Many people and websites will say at least once a year. That sounds like good advice, but most insurance companies today rate based on prior policy longevity, so by conducting a full review every year and bouncing from one company to the next, policyholders often fail to realize the full credits and long-term savings available. It is recommended that a full review be conducted every 3 to 5 years, depending on changes in the economy and the insurance market. While conducting a full review each year may not be the most helpful, it is important to review for any policy changes year to year. These changes are often communicated in the renewal policy documents. Beyond using a timeline, you should review your coverage whenever you have a major life change, such as buying a home, getting married, having a child, or starting a business. We offer free reviews to keep your coverage up to date.

Yes! We write policies for small businesses, contractors, restaurants, trucking companies, and more. Our goal is to protect your livelihood and keep you compliant, and we will do so in a way that is easy to understand. You have your own business to manage and operate; there is no need to ask you to learn the foreign language of insurance. We will work together to ensure you are covered and understand what you’ve purchased.

Things like your driving history, vehicle type, location, coverage limits, and more all play a role. We’ll explain your options and help you find ways to save.

The easiest way is to submit a request through our website at www.dmia.com or by emailing info@dmia.com. We’ll connect for a quick call to gather the necessary information and explain what you can expect during our process. Then we will email you your proposal so you can take your time and ask your questions without the pressure of a salesperson breathing down your neck.