Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a full range of insurance products for families and individuals across Alabama and Georgia, including auto, home, renters, condo, life, motorcycle, powersports, boat, and mobile home insurance. Whether you are protecting a vehicle in Birmingham, insuring a home in Marietta, or renting an apartment in Rome, our licensed agents will help you find the right coverage. Many of our clients save money by bundling multiple policies together — combining auto and home insurance, for example, can save up to $600 per year. We also offer specialty coverage for powersports vehicles like ATVs and side-by-sides, which is popular across rural Alabama and Georgia. Our team speaks both English and Spanish, so we can serve you in the language you are most comfortable with. Contact us at our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office for a free personalized quote on any coverage type.

No office visit is required. We offer full service by phone, email, and online — you can get a quote, make policy changes, add vehicles, update your address, or ask questions without ever leaving your home. That said, our doors are always open if you prefer face-to-face service. Our Centre, Alabama office at 1913 W Main Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and our Rome, Georgia office at 1703 Turner McCall Blvd SE is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We serve customers statewide in both Alabama and Georgia, so even if you live hours from either office, we handle everything remotely. Our bilingual team is available in both English and Spanish to help you with any policy needs.

In most cases, we can have you covered the same day you contact us. Our quote process typically takes about 15 minutes by phone, and once you have reviewed your options and chosen a policy, coverage can begin immediately. If you need proof of insurance for a vehicle purchase at a dealership, an apartment lease, or a mortgage closing, we can provide documentation right away — usually within minutes. We serve customers across Alabama and Georgia, from Huntsville to Macon, and our licensed agents are available during business hours at both our Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices. If you need coverage urgently, just call us and let us know your timeline. We understand that life does not always wait for business hours, and we will do everything we can to get you protected quickly.

A dedicated local agency like Coffey Agencies focuses on one carrier's full product lineup and knows every discount, every coverage option, and every bundling opportunity available to you. That focused expertise means our licensed agents can match coverage to your specific situation faster and more accurately than a call center reading from a script. We also build direct relationships with claims adjusters, which makes a real difference when you need an advocate after an accident or storm. At Coffey Agencies, we have been serving Alabama and Georgia families since 2009 from our Centre, AL office and since 2012 from our Rome, GA location. We focus on finding you the best coverage within our carrier's options, explaining exactly what you are getting, and making sure you are not paying for coverage you do not need. Our goal is to be your trusted local insurance advisor for the long term.

If you need to file a claim, call us first at our Centre, AL office at (256) 927-6287 or our Rome, GA office at (706) 784-6511. We will walk you through the process, help you gather the necessary information like photos and police reports, and make sure your claim is submitted correctly from the start. For after-hours emergencies, you can also file directly with your carrier, but we recommend following up with us the next business day so we can track your claim and advocate on your behalf throughout the process. Having a local agent in your corner makes a difference — we know the adjusters, understand the process, and can help resolve issues faster. Whether you are dealing with an auto accident in Atlanta, storm damage to your home in Gadsden, or a theft in Columbus, we are here to support you through every step of the claims process.

Auto insurance typically includes several types of coverage working together to protect you on the road. Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others — both their vehicle and medical bills. Collision coverage pays to repair your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage, falling objects, and animal strikes — all common in Alabama and Georgia. Medical payments or personal injury protection covers your medical expenses after an accident. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by someone without adequate insurance, which happens more often than you would think in our region. You can also add roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and gap coverage for newer vehicles. Our licensed agents at both our Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will help you understand each component and choose limits that make sense for your driving habits, your vehicle, and your budget.

Both Alabama and Georgia require minimum liability limits of 25/50/25 — that is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These are the legal minimums to drive, but they often are not enough to fully protect you in a serious accident. A single trip to the emergency room can exceed $25,000, and a totaled newer vehicle can easily cost more than the $25,000 property damage limit. We typically recommend higher liability limits, especially if you own a home or have assets to protect. Adding uninsured motorist coverage is also critical since an estimated 15 to 20 percent of drivers in our region carry no insurance at all. Our agents will help you find the right balance between adequate protection and a premium that fits your budget. Call our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office for a free coverage review.

Alabama and Georgia both have some of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country — estimates put it at 15 to 20 percent of drivers on the road without any coverage. If one of those drivers hits you, your own uninsured motorist coverage steps in to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Without it, you would be responsible for all of those costs yourself, even though the accident was not your fault. We have seen clients in towns like Gadsden, Cedartown, and Dalton face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses after being hit by uninsured drivers. We strongly recommend carrying uninsured motorist limits equal to your liability limits — it is one of the most affordable and valuable protections you can add to your auto policy. Our agents at both the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices can add this coverage to your policy quickly.

It depends on the type of claim and your overall claims history. At-fault accidents typically affect your rates more than not-at-fault accidents or comprehensive claims like hail damage or theft. Your driving record, how long you have been insured with your carrier, and whether you have accident forgiveness on your policy all factor into the impact. In Alabama and Georgia, weather-related comprehensive claims — like hail storms, falling trees, or flooding — generally have less impact on your rates than an at-fault collision. Before you file any claim, call our Centre, AL office at (256) 927-6287 or our Rome, GA office at (706) 784-6511. We will give you honest guidance about what to expect and whether filing makes sense based on your deductible and the estimated cost of repairs. That is the kind of personalized advice you get from a local agency that knows your policy.

Several strategies can help reduce your auto insurance premium. Bundling auto with home or renters insurance often provides the biggest savings — up to $600 per year for many families in Alabama and Georgia. Maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, and keeping good credit are all factors that can lower your rate. Ask us about available discounts for safe drivers, good students, military members, multi-vehicle households, and anti-theft devices. Choosing a higher deductible — say $1,000 instead of $500 — can also reduce your monthly payment significantly, as long as you can comfortably afford the deductible if you need to file a claim. Our licensed agents at both the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will review your current policy and make sure you are getting every discount you qualify for. We also offer service in Spanish for customers who prefer it.

Standard home insurance covers your dwelling — the structure itself including walls, roof, and built-in appliances — along with other structures like detached garages, sheds, or fences. It also covers your personal property inside the home, provides liability protection if someone is injured on your property, and pays additional living expenses if you are displaced by a covered loss like a fire or severe storm. However, policies have limits, exclusions, and deductibles that vary. Flood damage and earthquake damage typically require separate policies. In Alabama and Georgia, where severe weather is a regular concern, it is especially important to understand what your policy does and does not cover. Our licensed agents at our Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will review your policy with you, explain the fine print, and identify any gaps in your protection so you are not caught off guard when you need your coverage most.

Both Alabama and Georgia face significant weather risks that drive up insurance claims costs across the region. Tornadoes, hail, severe thunderstorms, wind damage, and hurricanes along the Gulf Coast are all common in our area. Cherokee County, Floyd County, and communities across north Georgia and central Alabama see multiple severe weather events every year. Insurance carriers price policies based on risk, and our region consistently sees more weather-related claims than many other parts of the country. On top of that, building material costs and labor rates have increased substantially, making it more expensive to repair or rebuild homes after a loss. We help you balance adequate coverage with affordability by reviewing all your options, finding available discounts, and bundling your home with auto or other policies. Contact our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office and we will make sure you are getting the best value for your premium.

Replacement cost pays to repair or replace your damaged property with new items of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value pays the depreciated value — what your property was worth at the time of the loss, accounting for age and wear. The difference can be significant. For example, if your 10-year-old roof is damaged by a storm in Centre, Alabama, replacement cost would pay for a brand new roof, while actual cash value would factor in a decade of wear and pay considerably less. The same applies to personal property — a five-year-old television under actual cash value might only be worth a fraction of what a new one costs. We typically recommend replacement cost coverage for both your dwelling and personal property whenever the budget allows. Our agents at both the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices can explain how each option affects your premium and your out-of-pocket costs after a claim.

Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage — this surprises many homeowners in Alabama and Georgia. If your property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, your mortgage lender will require flood insurance. But floods can happen anywhere — over 20 percent of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk zones. Given our region's heavy rainfall, river systems like the Coosa and Etowah, and the flash flooding that follows severe thunderstorms, we recommend considering flood insurance even if it is not required by your lender. Communities across Cherokee County, Floyd County, and surrounding areas have experienced unexpected flooding in recent years. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers, and we can help you get a quote at either our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office. Policies typically have a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait until storm season to get covered.

Your dwelling coverage should be based on the cost to rebuild your home at today's prices — not the market value or what you originally paid for it. Construction costs across Alabama and Georgia have risen significantly in recent years, so a policy written even a few years ago may no longer provide enough coverage to fully rebuild. We recommend reviewing your home insurance policy annually and updating your coverage if you have made improvements like adding a deck, finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen, or adding square footage. You should also account for rising material and labor costs in your area. Our agents at the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will help you evaluate your current coverage limits, review them against current rebuild estimates, and make specific recommendations so you are not underinsured when it matters most. A free annual policy review takes about 15 minutes and can save you thousands.

Yes, absolutely. Your landlord's insurance covers the building structure, but it does not cover your personal belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, and everything else you own. If there is a fire, theft, or water damage in your apartment, you would have to replace everything out of pocket without renters insurance. Beyond protecting your belongings, renters insurance also provides liability protection if someone is injured in your apartment and covers additional living expenses if you are temporarily displaced and need a hotel or short-term rental. Whether you are renting in Rome, GA, Auburn, AL, or anywhere else across both states, renters insurance is surprisingly affordable — often just $15 to $30 per month. Many landlords in Alabama and Georgia now require it as part of your lease agreement. Contact our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office for a quick quote, and we can often bundle it with your auto policy to save even more.

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings and provides liability protection, but it does not cover the building structure since your landlord owns that. Condo insurance, often called an HO-6 policy, covers your personal belongings and liability but also protects the interior of your unit — including walls, floors, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and any improvements or upgrades you have made. Your condo association's master policy typically covers common areas and the building exterior, but there is often a gap between where their coverage ends and yours begins. That gap can leave you exposed for interior damage from water leaks, fires, or storms. In Alabama and Georgia, we see condo owners caught off guard by this gap regularly. Our licensed agents at the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will help you review your HOA's master policy and make sure your condo insurance fills all the gaps so nothing falls through the cracks.

Start by estimating the total value of everything you own — furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, jewelry, sporting equipment, and other personal items. Most people significantly underestimate this number. A typical apartment in Alabama or Georgia can easily contain $20,000 to $50,000 worth of belongings once you add it all up. For liability coverage, we typically recommend at least $100,000, though higher limits are available and very affordable — often just a few dollars more per month. If you own a condo, you will also need dwelling coverage for interior walls, floors, fixtures, and any improvements you have made, plus coverage for any deductible your HOA might pass through to you after a building-wide claim. Our agents at the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices can walk you through a simple inventory process and help you choose coverage limits that protect you fully without overpaying. We also offer bilingual service in English and Spanish.

Yes, in most cases your renters insurance covers personal property theft even when it happens away from your apartment. If someone breaks into your car and steals a laptop, camera, or other personal items, your renters policy typically covers the loss under the off-premises personal property provision. This coverage usually extends to about 10 percent of your total personal property limit — so if you carry $30,000 in coverage, you would have roughly $3,000 for off-premises theft. Keep in mind that your deductible still applies, so smaller thefts may not be worth filing a claim. We always recommend documenting your valuables with photos and serial numbers so you can prove ownership if you need to file. Whether you are renting in Rome, Auburn, or anywhere else across Alabama and Georgia, this off-premises protection is one of the most underappreciated benefits of renters insurance. Contact our Centre or Rome office to verify your specific policy details.

A common guideline is 10 to 12 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your specific family situation. Consider your mortgage balance, outstanding debts like car loans or credit cards, future expenses like college tuition for your kids, and how many years of income replacement your family would need to maintain their current lifestyle. If your spouse does not work or you are a single parent, the coverage need may be even higher. Many families in Alabama and Georgia also factor in final expenses, which can easily reach $10,000 to $15,000. Our licensed agents at the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices will help you calculate a number that makes sense based on your family's needs, existing savings and assets, and your monthly budget. Having some life insurance coverage is almost always better than having none, and quotes are always free.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period — typically 10, 20, or 30 years — and is significantly more affordable than permanent options. It offers pure financial protection with no cash value component, making it ideal for covering specific obligations like a mortgage or raising children. Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire lifetime and builds cash value over time that you can borrow against, but the premiums are substantially higher — often five to ten times more than term for the same death benefit. Most families in Alabama and Georgia find that term insurance gives them the most protection per dollar in their budget, especially during the years when financial obligations are highest. Our agents at the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices can walk you through both options, walk you through your coverage options, and help you decide which type makes the most sense for your situation, goals, and family's needs.

It depends on your situation, but there are several good reasons to consider it. If someone would be responsible for your debts — a co-signer on student loans or a car note, for example — life insurance could protect them from inheriting that financial burden. If you want to leave money to a parent, sibling, niece, nephew, or a charity you care about, life insurance is a straightforward way to do that. There is also a significant financial benefit to buying life insurance while you are young and healthy: you lock in lower rates that stay level for the entire term of the policy. Health issues or lifestyle changes later in life can make coverage more expensive or even unavailable. Many of our younger clients across Alabama and Georgia start with an affordable term policy now, knowing they will likely need more coverage when they get married, buy a home, or start a family. Our agents can provide a free quote in minutes.

The short answer is as soon as possible, because life insurance premiums are based primarily on your age and health at the time you apply. A healthy 25-year-old can lock in a 20-year term policy for as little as $15 to $20 per month, while the same coverage at age 40 might cost $35 to $50 per month — and at age 50, premiums can be two to three times higher. Beyond cost, qualifying for coverage becomes harder as you age. Health conditions that develop over time — high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol — can result in higher rates or even denial of coverage. Many families in Alabama and Georgia wait until they have a mortgage or children before thinking about life insurance, but buying earlier locks in the lowest possible rate for the entire policy term. Our licensed agents at both the Centre, AL and Rome, GA offices can run free quotes at any age so you can see exactly what coverage costs today versus waiting.

You have several convenient options for making your insurance payment. You can pay online through your carrier's customer portal any time of day, call in your payment by phone during business hours, mail a check to your carrier, or set up automatic bank draft for hands-free payments every month. Many of our clients across Alabama and Georgia prefer automatic payments because it ensures you never miss a due date, eliminates the hassle of remembering payment deadlines, and may even qualify you for an additional discount on your premium. If you need help setting up online access, downloading your carrier's mobile app, or enrolling in automatic payments, contact our Centre, AL office at (256) 927-6287 or our Rome, GA office at (706) 784-6511 and we will walk you through the setup process step by step. Our bilingual team can assist you in both English and Spanish.

Yes, absolutely — and we encourage it whenever your life circumstances change. You buy a new car, move to a new address, add a teenage driver, get married, finish paying off your mortgage, start a home-based business — all of these are reasons to update your coverage so it matches your current situation. Contact us anytime at our Centre, AL office at (256) 927-6287 or our Rome, GA office at (706) 784-6511 to make adjustments. Some changes take effect immediately, while others may apply at your next renewal date depending on the type of change. Adjusting your coverage mid-policy can sometimes save you money — for instance, if you have paid off your car loan, you might choose to adjust your collision and comprehensive coverage. We serve families across all of Alabama and Georgia, and our agents will make sure your coverage stays current with your life so you are never paying for protection you do not need or going without coverage you do.

If you miss a payment, you will typically receive a written notice and have a grace period to pay before your policy lapses. The length of the grace period depends on your carrier and state regulations in Alabama or Georgia, but it is usually 10 to 30 days. During the grace period, your coverage generally remains active as long as you pay the past-due amount. If your policy does lapse, you may need to go through underwriting again to reinstate coverage, which could result in higher rates or a gap in your insurance history that future carriers will see. A lapse can also affect your driving privileges since both Alabama and Georgia require continuous auto insurance. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact our Centre, AL or Rome, GA office before the due date. We may be able to help you explore payment plan options or adjust your coverage to bring your premium down to a more manageable amount.

Updating your address or adding a vehicle is quick and easy. Call our Centre, AL office at (256) 927-6287 or our Rome, GA office at (706) 784-6511 and we can process most changes while you are on the phone. For an address change, we will update your policy and verify that your new location does not require any coverage adjustments — moving from a rural area to a city, for example, can affect your auto and home insurance rates in both Alabama and Georgia. When adding a vehicle, have the VIN number, year, make, model, and your current mileage ready so we can provide an accurate quote immediately. If you are financing or leasing, your lender will require full coverage, and we can confirm the right limits before you drive off the lot. New vehicles can typically be added and covered the same day. We also handle adding drivers, removing old vehicles, and adjusting coverage limits for life changes like a teenager getting their license or a spouse joining the household.