Understanding insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. With over 30 years of experience serving the Lincolnshire community and clients across Illinois and Wisconsin, we’ve heard it all. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive at R Hobbs Insurance Agency to help you make informed decisions about your protection.
General Agency Questions
What are the advantages of using an independent agent like R Hobbs Insurance?
As an independent agency, we aren’t tied to just one insurance company. While “captive” agents can only offer products from a single brand, we represent a variety of top-rated carriers. This allows us to “shop” the market for you, ensuring you get the best coverage at the most competitive price. Plus, you get personalized service from a local team that knows your name—and the story behind our pug, Roy!
I’m moving between Illinois and Wisconsin. Can you still cover me?
Yes! We are licensed to write insurance in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Whether you are moving from a condo in Chicago to a home in Kenosha, or you’re a landlord with a portfolio spanning the state line, we can manage all your policies under one roof.
Auto Insurance FAQs
Why do insurers ask so many questions during a quote?
When you apply for an automobile policy, companies look at various factors to determine your risk level. This includes your age, driving record, previous claims, and the type of vehicle you drive. Because R Hobbs Insurance Agency is independent, these details help us determine which of our many programs is the best fit for your specific household or business needs.
Does my policy cover me if I hit a pothole?
Pothole damage is a common concern in the Chicagoland area! Generally, hitting a pothole is considered a collision claim. If you carry Collision coverage on your policy, the repairs to your tires, rims, or suspension are typically covered, minus your deductible. If you’re unsure if you have this coverage, give us a call at 847-680-0888.
Home & Property FAQs
What is the difference between “Actual Cash Value” and “Replacement Cost”?
This is one of the most important distinctions in insurance. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays you what your property was worth at the time of the loss (taking depreciation into account). Replacement Cost pays what it actually costs to buy new items or rebuild your home at today’s prices. At R Hobbs Insurance, we almost always recommend Replacement Cost to ensure you aren’t left with a huge out-of-pocket bill after a disaster.
Do I need a separate policy for my jewelry?
Standard homeowners policies often have very low limits for “special category” items like engagement rings, watches, or family heirlooms. If you have high-value pieces, we recommend “scheduling” them or getting a standalone jewelry policy. This ensures you are covered for the full appraised value, often with no deductible.
What is “Loss of Rental Income” for landlords?
If you own a rental property and a fire or burst pipe makes it uninhabitable, your tenants will move out and the rent checks will stop. Loss of Rental Income coverage (part of a Landlord or Dwelling Fire policy) replaces that lost income for 12–18 months while the property is being repaired, keeping your investment profitable.
Umbrella & Liability FAQs
What is a Personal Umbrella policy, and do I really need one?
An Umbrella policy acts as an extra layer of protection over your auto and home insurance. In our litigious society, a single serious accident can result in a lawsuit that exceeds your standard policy limits. An Umbrella policy is an affordable way to protect your savings, your home, and your future earnings from being seized in a legal judgment.
Does my homeowners insurance cover sewer backups?
Most standard policies actually exclude water backup unless you add a specific endorsement. Given the heavy rains and spring thaws in Illinois and Wisconsin, we highly recommend adding Sewer and Drain Backup coverage to protect your basement and mechanicals.