Frequently Asked Questions

An independent agency like Ativa Insurance works with multiple insurance carriers — not just one. That means we shop around on your behalf to find the best coverage at the best price. We're not tied to any single company, so our loyalty is always to you. If you'd like us to compare your current coverage, we're happy to help.

In most states, the terms are used interchangeably, but the distinction matters: an agent can bind coverage on behalf of a carrier, while a broker shops coverage but may not bind it directly. As an independent agency, we act as agents for multiple carriers — giving you broker-level choice with agent-level service. Want to see what we can find for your situation? Get a free quote in under 2 minutes.

Liability coverage pays for damages or injuries you cause to other people or their property. For example, if you're at fault in a car accident, your auto liability coverage pays for the other driver's repairs and medical bills. Without it, you'd pay those costs out of pocket. Not sure if your liability limits are adequate? Our agents can review your coverage at no cost.

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and file a $5,000 claim, your insurer pays $4,000 and you pay $1,000. Higher deductibles generally mean lower premiums — and lower deductibles mean less out-of-pocket when something happens. We can help you find the right balance for your budget.

Your premium is the amount you pay for your insurance policy — monthly, quarterly, or annually. Premiums are calculated based on your risk profile: your location, claims history, coverage amount, and many other factors depending on the type of insurance. As an independent agency, we compare rates across multiple carriers to find the lowest premium for your coverage needs.

Coverage needs vary based on what you're protecting — your assets, your income, your risk tolerance, and your state's requirements. A simple rule: insure for enough to replace what you'd lose and protect what you'd owe. Our agents will walk through your specific situation and recommend coverage that fits without overcharging. No pressure — just an honest conversation.

Yes — and it's one of the easiest ways to save money. Bundling your home and auto (or multiple commercial policies) with the same carrier typically saves 10–25% on both. We'll look at what you currently have and find bundling options that make sense for your needs.

First, make sure everyone is safe and document the damage with photos. Then contact your insurance carrier's claims line directly — the number is on your policy documents. Your agent can also help guide you through the process. At Ativa, we stay available to answer questions even after you've purchased your policy — that's part of the service.

Yes. Florida requires all registered vehicles to carry at least Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own PIP coverage pays for your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. We can help you meet the state minimum and also make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself beyond the basics.

Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). These minimums are low — a single accident can easily exceed them. We strongly recommend higher limits and uninsured motorist coverage, especially in Florida where the rate of uninsured drivers is among the highest in the nation.

PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. In Florida, it pays up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to your policy limit. PIP is mandatory in Florida and applies to you, your household members, and any passengers who don't have their own PIP coverage. Want to make sure your PIP limits are right? We can review your options.

Collision covers damage to your vehicle when you hit another car or object. Comprehensive covers everything else — theft, vandalism, weather damage, hitting an animal, falling objects, and more. Together they're called 'full coverage.' Whether you need both depends on your vehicle's value, your loan or lease requirements, and your budget. Our agents can help you decide what makes sense.

In most states — including Florida — insurers use a credit-based insurance score as one factor when calculating your premium. A higher credit score typically results in lower premiums. This is different from your credit score for loans; it's a separate model specifically tied to insurance risk prediction. If your credit has improved, it may be worth shopping for new rates. We can run quotes across multiple carriers at once.

Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe location if possible, then exchange information with the other driver: name, phone, license number, insurance company and policy number. Take photos of both vehicles and the scene. File a police report when possible. Then notify your insurance company. If you're not sure who to call first, your Ativa agent can help you navigate the process.

Generally, auto insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. If you regularly drive a car you don't own, you can be added as a listed driver on the owner's policy — or you may be covered as a permissive driver. Non-owner auto insurance is also an option for people who frequently drive rental or borrowed vehicles. We can help you figure out which setup makes sense for your situation.

It depends on the claim type, your carrier, and your history. At-fault accidents typically cause a rate increase at renewal. Not-at-fault claims and comprehensive claims (like weather damage) may not affect your rate as much, depending on your carrier. Some policies include accident forgiveness. Shopping for a new policy before your renewal is often worth it — we compare rates for you at no charge.

A standard HO-3 homeowners policy covers your dwelling (the structure), other structures on your property (like a garage or fence), your personal belongings, liability if someone is injured on your property, and loss of use (living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable). It does NOT cover flood or earthquake damage by default. If you're wondering whether your current policy has the right coverage, we're happy to review it with you.

No — standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy, available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers. In Florida, even properties not in a designated flood zone are at risk. The 30-day waiting period on most NFIP policies means you shouldn't wait until storm season to think about it. We can quote flood insurance quickly — get a quote in under 2 minutes.

Replacement cost pays to rebuild or replace your property at today's prices — no depreciation. Actual cash value pays only what your property is worth today, accounting for age and wear. For most homeowners, replacement cost coverage is worth the small premium difference. After a major loss, the difference between the two can mean tens of thousands of dollars. We'll make sure you have the right option.

You need enough coverage to fully rebuild your home at current construction costs — not its market value. Many homeowners are underinsured because they base coverage on what they paid for the house, which includes land (which can't burn down). Our free Replacement Cost Estimator can help you find the right number in under 2 minutes. An Ativa agent will follow up with a personalized quote.

A home inventory is a documented list of everything you own — furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, and more — along with their estimated values. If you ever file a claim for stolen or destroyed belongings, a home inventory makes the process faster and ensures you get properly reimbursed. You can use a smartphone video walkthrough as your inventory. Don't wait for a loss to discover you weren't adequately covered.

Standard homeowners policies typically cover wind damage from hurricanes. However, flood damage from storm surge is NOT covered — that requires separate flood insurance. Many Florida policies also carry a hurricane deductible (separate from your regular deductible) that applies specifically to named storms. It's important to know exactly what your policy covers before hurricane season. Our agents can walk you through your coverage in plain language.

Other structures coverage protects detached structures on your property that aren't the main dwelling — like a detached garage, fence, shed, pool enclosure, or pergola. Standard policies typically cover other structures at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. If you have significant structures, you may want to increase this. It's an easy thing to miss until you need it.

An HO-3 is a standard homeowners policy for single-family homes. It covers the structure on an open-perils basis (covers everything except what's specifically excluded). An HO-6 is a condo unit policy — it covers only the interior of your unit (walls, floors, fixtures, appliances, personal belongings) since your HOA's master policy covers the building exterior and common areas. Condo owners typically need significantly less coverage than homeowners. Want to see what the right amount looks like for your unit?

Your landlord's insurance covers the building — not your belongings. If there's a fire, theft, or water damage, your landlord's policy won't pay to replace your furniture, electronics, clothing, or other personal property. Renters insurance covers your stuff, your liability, and your temporary housing if your unit becomes uninhabitable. Most policies cost less than $20/month. Want to see what it would cost? Get a free quote in under 2 minutes.

Renters insurance covers three main things: personal property (your belongings, even when you're traveling), personal liability (if someone is injured in your apartment or you accidentally damage someone else's property), and loss of use (hotel and living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss). Some policies also cover identity theft and high-value items like jewelry or electronics. Our agents can help you find the right level of coverage for what you own.

Renters insurance is one of the most affordable insurance products available. Most policies run $15–$30 per month depending on your location, the amount of coverage, and your deductible. In Florida, rates can vary — but it's almost always worth the cost. As an independent agency, we compare multiple carriers to find the best rate for you.

Not automatically. A standard renters insurance policy covers the named insured and their family members living in the unit. A roommate is NOT covered under your policy unless they are specifically listed as an additional insured. Your roommate should get their own renters policy — it's inexpensive and protects them separately. We can quote both of you at the same time.

Loss of use (also called additional living expenses) pays for your hotel, meals, and other living costs if a covered loss — like a fire or severe water damage — forces you out of your apartment. Coverage typically applies until your unit is repaired or until the policy limit is exhausted. This is one of the most valuable features of renters insurance that most people don't think about until they need it.

Renters insurance covers personal property stolen from your car — like a laptop or bag left on the seat — but it does NOT cover the car itself. Theft of the vehicle is covered by your auto insurance under the comprehensive portion of your policy. If you have both auto and renters insurance, we can often bundle them for a discount. Want to check your rates?

Most small businesses need at minimum: general liability (to protect against third-party injury and property damage claims), commercial property (if you have a physical space or equipment), and workers' compensation (if you have employees). Depending on your industry, you may also need professional liability, commercial auto, or cyber coverage. We specialize in small business insurance — tell us about your business and we'll build the right package.

A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into a single, affordable policy designed for small to mid-size businesses. It's typically less expensive than buying the coverages separately. Some BOPs can also include business interruption coverage. A BOP is a great starting point for most service businesses, retail stores, and offices. Want to see if your business qualifies and what it would cost?

General liability (GL) covers your business against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by your operations, products, or employees. For example: a customer slips in your store, a contractor damages a client's property, or someone sues you for advertising injury. Without GL, you'd pay defense costs and any settlement out of pocket. Many clients, landlords, and contracts require proof of GL before they'll work with you.

In Florida, most businesses with 4 or more employees (full or part-time) are required to carry workers' compensation. Construction companies must carry it with even 1 employee. Workers' comp covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job — and it protects the employer from employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries. We can get you compliant quickly and affordably.

Professional liability, also called Errors & Omissions (E&O), protects service businesses from claims that their professional advice, services, or work caused a client financial harm. It's essential for consultants, accountants, lawyers, real estate agents, IT professionals, and many others. Even if you didn't make a mistake, defending a lawsuit is expensive. E&O covers legal defense even if the claim is groundless.

Cyber liability insurance covers your business if it experiences a data breach, ransomware attack, or cyber theft. It pays for notifying affected customers, credit monitoring services, legal fees, regulatory fines, and business interruption losses. If your business stores customer data — emails, payment info, health records — you have cyber exposure. Even small businesses are targeted. Our agents can explain your risk and find affordable coverage.

A BOP is a pre-packaged policy designed for small businesses with limited customization. A Commercial Package Policy (CPP) is more flexible and can be tailored for larger, more complex businesses with specialized needs. If you're a small business with straightforward operations, a BOP is usually the right fit. If you have unique exposures or higher revenue, a CPP may be better. We'll help you decide which makes sense for your operation.

Adding employees can affect your workers' compensation premium (it's often calculated per $100 of payroll), your general liability rates, and possibly your BOP. You're generally required to notify your insurer of significant changes in operations. The good news: adding staff shows your business is growing, and we can update your coverage quickly to stay compliant and properly protected.

Commercial trucks typically require primary liability (covering damage to others), physical damage coverage (collision and comprehensive for your truck), motor truck cargo insurance (covering the goods you haul), and, if you operate across state lines, you'll need to meet FMCSA filing requirements. Owner-operators may also need non-trucking liability for when the truck is off-duty. We specialize in trucking insurance — tell us what you haul and where, and we'll put together the right coverage.

Motor carrier insurance provides the primary liability coverage required for commercial vehicles operating under a carrier authority (USDOT and MC number). It protects against claims when your truck causes injury or property damage to others. The minimum FMCSA requirement is $750,000 for most freight and $1 million for hazardous materials. Our agents work with carriers who specialize in trucking — we'll get you the right coverage to stay compliant.

Not necessarily. A fleet policy covers multiple vehicles under a single policy, which is typically more cost-effective and easier to manage than individual policies for each truck. Rates are based on the size and type of vehicles, driver history, cargo type, and operating territory. Even if you only have two or three trucks, a fleet policy may offer better rates and simplified management. Let's compare your options.

Cargo insurance (motor truck cargo) covers the freight you're hauling if it's damaged, stolen, or lost while in your custody. It's not always legally required, but many shippers and brokers require it as a condition of contracting. Coverage limits and exclusions vary — some policies exclude certain commodities. We'll make sure your cargo coverage matches what you actually haul, so there are no surprises at claim time.

Non-trucking liability (NTL), also called bobtail insurance, covers an owner-operator when driving their truck for personal use — not under dispatch or on behalf of the motor carrier. Your primary motor carrier policy may not cover you when you're off-duty. NTL fills that gap. It's an inexpensive but critical coverage for owner-operators. If you're not sure whether your current setup has this gap, our agents can check.

Rates depend on several factors: the type and size of the vehicle, what you haul (commodity type), how far you operate (local, regional, or long-haul), your driving record and years of CDL experience, your loss history (prior claims), and the coverage limits you choose. Owner-operators with clean records and consistent experience generally get the best rates. We work with multiple trucking-specialized carriers to find the most competitive pricing for your profile.

Our office is located at 2412 Irwin St, Suite 372, Melbourne, FL 32901. We serve clients in-person, by phone, by email, and via WhatsApp — so no matter where you are in our licensed states, we can help. Call us at 561-946-8261 or message us on WhatsApp anytime.

We are currently licensed and operating in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Florida is our primary and most active market, where we specialize in home, auto, flood, and commercial insurance. If you're in one of those states and looking for coverage, we'd love to help.

We serve clients in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Our founder has deep roots in the Brazilian community in Florida, and our team is equipped to assist clients who are more comfortable in Portuguese or Spanish. Insurance documents and explanations can be confusing enough in your first language — we want to remove that barrier entirely.

The fastest way is to click any product card on our homepage and complete the short intake form — it takes under 2 minutes. You can also call us at 561-946-8261, send us a message on WhatsApp, or chat with our AI assistant on the site. We'll get back to you with personalized options, usually within one business day.

It depends on the product. Auto insurance can often be bound same-day. Homeowners, renters, and condo coverage is typically 1–2 business days. Commercial policies may take 2–5 business days depending on complexity. We move as fast as the carriers allow — and we'll always keep you informed of your status. If you have a deadline, tell us and we'll prioritize your file.

Three things: we're independent (we shop multiple carriers, not just one), we're bilingual (English, Portuguese, and Spanish), and we're built for communities that are often underserved by traditional agencies — particularly Florida's Brazilian and Hispanic families and small business owners. We're not here to sell you the most expensive policy. We're here to find you the right one. That's it.