aerial view of massachussets coast with a lot of boats dartmouth ma

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an independent insurance agency?

    We can offer various carriers and insurance products as an independent insurance agency. By having multiple companies, we put the client’s best interest first by finding the best coverage at the best price.

  • What kind of insurance companies does an independent insurance agent write with?

    Independent insurance agencies work with multiple carriers or companies. Here are a few that Southcoast Insurance Group works with:

    • Travelers
    • Safety
    • Plymouth rock
    • Safeco
    • Hartford
    • Liberty Mutual
    • Progressive
  • Who does the independent insurance agent work for?

    We work for the client! Because we have multiple company relationships, we can find the best company for the client’s unique situation at the best price. By understanding your situation we are able to give you recommendations with the coverages you need. We aim to find you the most affordable insurance options year after year.

  • What insurance do you specialize in?

    Southcoast Insurance Group is a versatile agency specializing in personal insurance (auto, home, life, and umbrella) and business insurance (general liability, business owner policies, and workers’ compensation).

  • What is liability coverage?

    This type of coverage protects from damages to people and or property. The insurance companies will only pay to the limits of liability you carry, so ensuring you have sufficient coverage is a must. There are two types; personal and business liability.

  • How do I know how much my policy should cover?

    By working with a trusted insurance professional, they will review your unique situation and offer guidance to find the best coverage. Your life stage and assets are significant factors when evaluating your policy coverage. We always want to ensure we have enough coverage to protect someone adequately.

  • What kind of insurance do I need?

    Being based in Massachusetts requires anyone with a registered motor vehicle to carry auto insurance. The required limits are shallow, meaning we recommend better coverage than the state minimums. Most homeowners with a mortgage will need home insurance coverage in at least the loan amount. Many landlords will require their tenants have renters insurance.

  • Will you compare quotes from different providers?

    Yes! Due to having multiple carrier relationships, we can utilize competitive quoting software to help us find the best coverage at the best price.

  • What is the best way to contact you?

    You can send us an email at info@southcoastinaurancegroup.com or give us a call at (508) 858-0593. Or, fill out of online quote request by clicking here!

  • How will I be billed for my premiums?

    Most companies have multiple payment options, including; EFT, pay-by-mail, and monthly or quarterly options. The flexibility is there for you to decide which option best fits your needs.

  • What hours do you work?

    Our physical locations are open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but we are available by phone or email 24/7/365.

LIFE INSURANCE

  • Who needs life insurance?

    Life Insurance can be used in many ways and provide peace of mind to anyone. The majority of clients we see fall into one of three categories: 

    1. Young Families – for people with young children or a home with a mortgage, we use term insurance to provide affordable protection in the event of a tragedy. 
    2. Final Expense – on the opposite end, we have clients looking to plan for their future and protect their families so they do not leave behind a financial burden on their heirs. 
    3. Investment Vehicle – life insurance can be beneficial as an investment vehicle. We still get peace of mind from the policy’s death benefit, but these policies are designed to build cash value (think equity in your home) for later use. The concept here is becoming your bank.
  • Are there different types of life insurance?

    Yes, many different life insurance types and products exist in the marketplace. The most popular are term insurance and whole life insurance.

    Term Life insurance is for a predetermined set of times, such as 10, 20, or 30 years depending on how long you want the coverage (think of this as renting).

    Whole Life insurance is permanent coverage (think owning a home here). These policies build cash value as time passes, which can be used if needed.

    Another type of permanent coverage we use is Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policies. IUL policies tend to be more flexible in premium payments than whole life insurance policies and are linked to an index, such as the S&P 500. The cash value of an IUL policy is determined by the indexes used within the contract and can be credited interest; however, IULs cannot lose cash value due to a market downturn.  

    Another popular type of insurance is a Variable Life Insurance policy. These are similar to Indexed Universal Life, but these policies are linked directly to the market and, as such, are subject to the risk of loss in a down market.

  • How much life insurance do I need?

    Everyone’s needs are unique, and no “one size fits all” life insurance plans exist. Our team has developed a unique process in which we discuss your situation, obstacles, and goals to assemble the best, most cost-efficient method for YOU.

  • Who can start a life insurance policy for me?

    Be wary of the online “set your policy up in minutes” technique. We highly recommend a local professional who can help guide and assist in setup. Our team is always available to set up a no-hassle 15-minute strategy session to help navigate you through the process.

  • Do my life insurance beneficiaries need to have an insurable interest?

    No, the policy owner, if not the same person as the insured, has to have an insurable interest, but the policy owner can name beneficiaries as they see fit. Most times, there needs to be some sort of relationship or a reason to name a beneficiary. Still, insurable interest only becomes a factor when the owner and the insured are not the same individual or entity.

  • Will I need a physical exam to start a life insurance policy?

    We deal with carriers that offer a simple submission process in which 50% of our clients will not have to do a medical exam. Generally speaking, a physical exam will be needed. The amount of coverage determines the extent of the physical exam.

  • How does "term" life insurance work?

    Think of term insurance like renting an apartment. As long as the premium (rent) is paid, then your coverage (death benefit) will be there. There is no cash value build-up. Simply put, you’ll pay a set monthly premium for 10, 20, or 30 years; there is nothing to show at the end of that timeframe. On the flip side, if a death occurs to the insured, the beneficiaries will receive a significant death benefit. The monthly cost of a term policy is very affordable.

  • What's the significance of the cash value of my life insurance policy?

    Clients often use life insurance for both the death benefit and the benefits of creating cash value. The cash value of a life insurance policy can be used as a loan, and the income is tax-free. Cash value life insurance can be an excellent tool, as many policies offer significant loan provisions. Often, if a loan is not paid back, the loan amount is simply deducted from the death benefit. Permanent life insurance policies that build up cash value can create options for clients down the road while also providing peace of mind with the death benefit feature.

  • What happens when my permanent life insurance policy is fully paid up?

    A couple of things can happen here…

    1) You can stop making premium payments and let the policy remain in force at its current death benefit.

    2) You may be able to continue making payments where your policy/death benefit can grow.