FAQ | Nextway Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

What exactly does Nextway do?

We're an independent insurance agency. That means we don't work for any single insurance company — we work for you. We shop 150+ carriers to find the best coverage at the best price for your specific situation. Think of us as a personal shopper for insurance.

Is it really free to get a quote?

Yes — completely free, no strings attached. We earn a commission from the carrier when you purchase a policy. That commission is already built into the premium — you don't pay extra for using an independent agent vs going directly to a carrier.

What states do you write policies in?

We currently write policies in Tennessee, Arizona, California, and Nevada. We're actively expanding — reach out if you're in a different state and we'll let you know when we're available there.

How quickly can I get covered?

We typically get back to you within 24 hours of submitting your form — often faster. Once you choose a policy, coverage can usually be bound the same day.

Can I bundle multiple types of insurance?

Absolutely — and it often saves you money. Bundling home and auto with the same carrier typically unlocks a multi-policy discount. We quote bundled options automatically when it makes sense for your situation.

Home Insurance

What does homeowners insurance actually cover?

A standard homeowners policy covers six things: dwelling (the structure), personal property (your belongings), liability (if someone is injured on your property), loss of use (temporary housing if uninhabitable), medical payments (minor injuries to guests), and other structures (garages, fences, sheds).

Does home insurance cover flooding?

No — standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy. If you're in a flood zone or want the protection, we can find you a private flood policy or NFIP coverage to add alongside your homeowners policy.

How much homeowners coverage do I need?

Your dwelling coverage should be enough to rebuild your home at current construction costs — not the market value or what you paid for it. These numbers can be very different. We walk you through the right amounts during the quoting process.

I rent — does any of this apply to me?

Yes — renters insurance covers your personal belongings and your personal liability. Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your stuff. Renters insurance is often $15–$20 per month and provides more protection than most people expect.

Can I get coverage if I've had prior claims?

Yes. Prior claims may affect your rate and limit which carriers will offer coverage, but there are almost always options. Writing through 150+ carriers, we have a much better chance of finding coverage for homes with prior claims than an agent tied to a single company.

Auto Insurance

What's the difference between liability only and full coverage?

Liability only covers damage or injury you cause to others — it does not cover your own vehicle. Full coverage adds collision (damage from an accident) and comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism). If you're financing or leasing, your lender will almost certainly require full coverage.

What factors affect my auto insurance rate?

The main factors are your driving record, your vehicle (make, model, age), your location, your annual mileage, your credit score (in most states), and any discounts you qualify for — including military and veteran status.

Can I insure multiple vehicles on one policy?

Yes — and most carriers offer a multi-vehicle discount when you insure more than one vehicle on the same policy. Tell us all the vehicles you need covered and we'll quote them together to get you the best combined rate.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends on the type of claim. At-fault accidents typically raise rates at renewal. Comprehensive claims like theft or weather damage often have less impact. If you're unsure whether to file on a borderline situation, reach out and we can help you think through it first.

Small Business

Do I need business insurance if I work from home?

Almost certainly yes. Your homeowners or renters policy provides very limited coverage for business equipment and no coverage for business liability. If you have clients, provide professional services, or have any business equipment — a basic general liability policy is worth considering.

When does workers' compensation become required?

It varies by state. In Tennessee, most employers need it at 5+ employees. In California and Nevada, it's required from your very first employee. In Arizona, it's required for all employers with any employees. We'll tell you exactly what's required when you get a quote.

What's a certificate of insurance and when do I need one?

A COI is a document proving you have active coverage. Many clients, landlords, and contracts require one before work can begin. Once you have a policy through Nextway, we can issue COIs quickly whenever you need them — usually within the same business day.

Does my personal auto cover me when I drive for work?

Generally no. If you have an accident while driving for a business purpose, your personal auto policy may deny the claim. Commercial auto covers vehicles and drivers during business use. If anyone in your business drives for any business reason, this gap is worth closing.

Military & Veterans

Who qualifies for military insurance discounts?

Active duty service members, retired military, and veterans all qualify. All branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. There is no service date cutoff — veterans from any era qualify. Surviving spouses may also be eligible at certain carriers.

I'm getting PCS orders — what do I need to do with my insurance?

Reach out as soon as you have orders. For home insurance, if you're moving states we'll get a new policy in place. For auto, some carriers allow PCS transfers without penalty. The earlier you contact us, the smoother the transition.

Can I reduce my auto coverage while deployed?

Potentially yes. Some carriers offer storage or reduced rates for vehicles not being driven during deployment — typically dropping to comprehensive-only coverage. This is carrier and state specific. Let us know your situation and we'll check what's available.

Do I need to show proof of service to get the discount?

Carriers typically verify military status before applying discounts. For veterans, a DD-214 is the standard. For active duty, military orders or a valid military ID. For retired military, retirement orders or a retiree ID. We'll tell you exactly what each carrier requires.

Claims

If I need to file a claim, do I call Nextway or my carrier?

Contact your carrier directly — they have 24/7 claims lines. We're always available to help you understand what to expect, review how a claim is being handled, or advocate on your behalf if things aren't going smoothly.

What's a deductible and how do I choose the right one?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. Higher deductible = lower premium. Lower deductible = higher premium. The right choice depends on your savings and risk tolerance. We help you find the right balance during the quoting process.

What should I do immediately after an accident or loss?

Auto accident: make sure everyone is safe, call 911 if needed, document the scene with photos, exchange info with the other driver, then contact your carrier.

Home loss: secure the property if safe, document damage with photos before cleanup, contact your carrier, keep receipts for emergency expenses, and don't make permanent repairs until an adjuster has assessed the damage. Not sure what to do? Reach out and we'll walk you through it.

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