Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about insurance in Florida — coverage, carriers, claims, and how working with an independent agency actually works.

Independent Agency

We work for you, not the carriers.

Multiple Carriers

30+ top-rated carriers compared side by side.

Florida Expertise

Local knowledge of hurricane, flood, and coastal coverage.

Clear Guidance

Plain language and honest answers from real agents.

General

As an independent agency, we are not tied to a single insurance carrier. We work with multiple trusted carriers to compare rates and coverage options, so we can find the best policy for your unique needs and budget.
Independent agencies like Anchor & Atlas represent multiple insurance carriers, not just one. That means we can shop your coverage across 30+ top-rated companies and recommend the policy that actually fits your situation, rather than steering you toward whatever a single carrier happens to sell. Our job is to work for you, not for an insurance company.
Yes! Anchor & Atlas Insurance serves all 67 Florida counties. Whether you are in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, or anywhere else in the state, we can help you find the right coverage.
We have access to more than 30 top-rated insurance carriers covering home, auto, flood, life, umbrella, business, and specialty lines. We compare rates and coverage across them to find the best combination of price and protection for your needs - often quoting multiple carriers side by side so you can see real options before deciding.
If you need to file a claim, contact our office and we will walk you through the process. We can help you file directly with your carrier and advocate on your behalf to ensure a smooth claims experience.
Florida is one of the most complex insurance markets in the country. Hurricane risk, flood zones, sinkhole exposure, coastal construction rules, the state's no-fault auto laws, and rapidly changing carrier appetites all affect what you can buy and what it costs. Based in Palm Bay and serving all 67 counties, we live and work in this market every day - which means we know which carriers write what, where, and on what terms.
In most cases, we can provide a quote within one business day. Some complex policies may take a bit longer as we shop multiple carriers to find you the best rate. Fill out our online form or call us to get started.
We start by listening - understanding your home, vehicles, family, business, and what you're trying to protect. Then we explain your options in plain language, walk through what each policy covers (and what it doesn't), answer questions honestly, and make a recommendation built around your situation. No pressure, no jargon, no surprises at claim time.
A national carrier sells you their products. A call center reads from a script. We're a local Florida independent agency - which means we shop multiple carriers on your behalf, you talk to the same licensed people every time, and we stay involved through renewals, life changes, and claims. No call routing, no transfers, no rotating reps.

Home Insurance

A standard Florida homeowners policy typically covers your dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments to others. Coverage details vary by carrier and policy, so we help you understand exactly what is and is not included.
Most Florida homeowners policies include wind coverage, but they typically have a separate hurricane deductible (usually 2% to 5% of your dwelling coverage). Flood damage is NOT covered by standard homeowners insurance and requires a separate flood policy.
Key factors include the age and condition of your roof, your home's construction type, proximity to the coast, claims history, credit score, the coverage amount, and your deductible choices. We can help you identify discounts and the best coverage-to-price ratio.
There are several ways to reduce your premium: upgrading your roof, installing hurricane shutters or impact windows, bundling home and auto policies, raising your deductible, and maintaining a claims-free history. We shop multiple carriers to find the most competitive rate for your situation.

Auto Insurance

Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). However, we strongly recommend additional coverage including Bodily Injury Liability, Uninsured Motorist, and Collision/Comprehensive coverage.
Your rate is influenced by your driving record, age, vehicle type, credit history, annual mileage, where you live, and the coverage levels you choose. We compare rates from multiple carriers to find you the best deal.
Yes! Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier often qualifies you for a multi-policy discount. We can shop bundle options across our carriers to maximize your savings.

Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender will require it. Even if you are not in a high-risk zone, we recommend flood insurance - over 25% of flood claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the federal program with standardized coverage and pricing. Private flood insurance is offered by private carriers and can sometimes provide broader coverage, higher limits, or lower premiums. We can compare both options for you.
NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Some private flood policies may have shorter waiting periods. This is why it is important not to wait until a storm is approaching to purchase coverage.

Life Insurance

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is generally more affordable. Whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time but has higher premiums. We can help you determine which option fits your needs.
A common guideline is 10 to 12 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your debts, dependents, future expenses like college tuition, and your family's financial goals. We can help you calculate an appropriate coverage amount.

Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your home, auto, and other policies. It helps protect your assets if you are found liable for damages in a lawsuit. It can cover bodily injury, property damage, and certain lawsuits that other policies may not.
Umbrella insurance is surprisingly affordable. A $1 million policy typically costs between $150 and $300 per year. Additional million-dollar increments are usually even less. It is one of the best values in insurance for the protection it provides.

Business Insurance

We offer general liability, commercial property, business owner's policies (BOP), workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability, and more. We tailor coverage to your specific industry and business needs.
Yes. Your homeowners policy typically does not cover business-related claims. If a client visits your home office and gets injured, or if business equipment is damaged, you would need a separate business policy or a home business endorsement for coverage.

Have a Question We Didn't Answer?

Reach out and a licensed Florida agent will get back to you with a clear, no-pressure answer.