Insurance is more than just a quote!
Insurance is more than just a quote!
1236 E King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: 717-397-1171
Toll Free: 888-544-6729
Fax: 717-397-0947
Email: nti@ntigroup.net
    Home   |    Directions   |    Agents   |    Carriers   |    Career Opportunities   |    FAQs 
   

FAQs

General Questions for NTI Group:

Q. Is NTI an insurance carrier?

No, NTI is an insurance broker offering coverage through many different carriers for individual and group health, commercial liability, workers compensation, and auto and homeowners. We also have access to coverage for life, disability, 401K, Executive Carve-Out, etc. Call our office at 717-397-1171 for specific information regarding your needs.

Q. Why do I have to answer so many questions to get a quote? Most other agents don't ask me all the questions you do.
NTI takes your needs very seriously, and those needs vary from person to person, group to group. We ask you the questions necessary to make sure you are properly covered. Often times we uncover gaps and areas where you may be over or under insured on the questions we ask. In addition, our carriers need certain information in order to provide a quote. Your information is kept confidential and will be used to secure a quote for you or to market NTI products to you that may suit your needs.

Q. When you say that "NTI is where insurance is more than just a quote!" – what "MORE" do I receive when I am just calling to get a quote?
NTI looks at the big picture for you, not just what you currently have. Many changes occur over the years in your personal life or business situation, and we strive to make sure we are looking at what you need now, as well as coming up with a plan long-term to make sure you are covered properly and to minimize costs.

Q. How long does it take to get a quote?
This depends on the line of coverage, the product, and the carrier. While some plans can be quoted immediately in our office, others require underwriting approval/involvement and may take a few days to a week. We are diligent in our follow up and will do our best to get a quote to you in a timely fashion.

 
Individual Health Inquiries:
Q. Do you provide maternity coverage?
Yes. We have access to many different carriers and some who provide maternity coverage.
Q. If on vacation outside of the PPO coverage and an emergency occurs - does the insurance cover the emergency at “in-network” costs?
This varies from carrier to carrier, but many carriers do provide in-network coverage for emergencies. Check with your carrier or agent for specific information regarding your policy.
Q. Who do I contact with questions about my coverage, claims reimbursements, if I need a new ID card, etc?
Your first point of contact regarding claims reimbursements should be the carrier. Typically their number is located on the back of your ID card. If you still have questions please feel free to contact our office at 717-397-1171.
 
Group Health Questions:
Q. What can I possibly do to control the rising costs of our group health plan?
NTI specializes in long-term plans to ensure that you are getting the best plan for the best price. Creativity goes a long way in minimizing costs, and our agents are experts in various ways to do this. HSA’s are just one way to provide excellent coverage while saving money on your premiums. Call our office at 717-397-1171 for more information.
Q. Will you coordinate the enrollment process with my employees and be available to answer questions?
Yes! Our agents will take care of all of this for you. We will set up a time to have an enrollment meeting and be available to the employees to answer any questions they may have about the plan.
Q. Where do I direct my employees when they have questions about coverage, claims reimbursement, need a new ID card, etc?
The quickest avenue is to call the number on the back of their ID card to reach the carrier directly. Most times, due to HIPAA laws, the carrier will not discuss an employee’s situation with an agent.
 
Commercial Liability / Workers' Compensation:
Q. If I experience a loss that includes closing my business for a period of time, will I be reimbursed for the loss of business?
Loss of Income / Business Interruption coverage may be added to your policy to protect you in the event of a loss such as this.
Q. As a consultant I offer recommendations to my clients – will this be covered under my general liability in the event of a lawsuit?
General Liability typically does not cover judgements or recommendations based on professional consulting. This coverage would be provided by a Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions Policy. Call our office for a quote on these products.
Q. How can I lower my workers’ compensation premium?
Most carriers offer a credit if you have a Safety Program in place. Our agents can put you in touch with a Loss Risk Specialist in the carrier’s office if this applies.

If you have a Safety Program but have not filed for the 5% credit with the state you should still inform your insurance company. Include information such as requiring employees to have steel toed boots, use of hard hats and safety glasses, posting of a physicians panel, and any other relevant information. This will help insurance companies to justify giving you preferred pricing.

Q. If I add employee’s during the year, must I adjust the salary on my worker’s compensation plan?
No. An audit will be performed to determine the salary throughout the policy year. This may result in additional premium being due, or a credit being issued. If you add an employee early in the policy term it is usually in your best interest to notify your insurance carrier so that they can increase the payroll on your policy. This way your additional premium will be spread out over your remaining installments rather than being due all at one time when you get your audit.
Q. How can I save money on my insurance program?
The number one thing insurance companies will use to determine your cost for insurance is your loss history for the past 4 years. If you have been loss free you will get the best pricing.

Insurance companies will excuse one severe loss but have a far more difficult time excusing multiple small claims.

Show insurance companies you are working towards a safe work environment by having monthly safety meetings, having a written safety program, requiring employees to wear safety equipment, and having good hiring practices to name a few. Then, let your insurance carrier know all of this information.

Finally, get quotes from other insurance agents and insurance companies every 3 to 4 years. Obtaining quotes every year is time consuming and can actually be detrimental to obtaining the best quotes as insurance companies become less inclined to quote your insurance if they see your request for a quote every year.
 
Coverage for Homeowners
Q. What are the differences between ACV and replacement value?
Actual Cash Value (ACV) ACV is the difference between the replacement cost of the covered item less depreciation.

Replacement Cost (RC) The actual cost to replace a covered item with like kind.
Q. Why can’t I insure my home for market value?
Market value is normally determined by a professional real estate appraiser and is based on factors such as what similar homes are selling for in your area, interest rates, etc. This value is not necessarily even close to what you would need to rebuild your home in the event of a catastrophic loss such as a fire.

Insurance values on homes are based on the cost to rebuild and replace your home. These values are based on insurance appraisals which are based on the cost of labor and materials to rebuild your home with the same like kind and quality.
Q. What is inflation coverage and why do I need it?
The cost of replacing your home over the past years since you purchased it has risen significantly, so it’s important to make sure your coverage has kept pace. If you have a catastrophic loss, such as a fire, you may need to replace or rebuild your home. Building materials such as concrete, wood and steel have risen in price due to demand, inflation and tougher building codes. Wood used in construction has risen over 20% since 2003. It is important to have inflation coverage built in to your policy to ensure that the replacement cost is in line with rising building costs.
Q. Do you provide coverage for rental properties, vacation homes, etc.?
Yes. We have access to carriers who provide coverage for properties in addition to your main residence.
Q. If I am on vacation and my personal property (luggage, etc.) is stolen, do I have coverage?
Most carriers provide coverage for your personal property while away from home. Contact your agent for specific information regarding your policy coverage.
about Auto coverage
Q. Why does my neighbor pay a lot less for his/her auto insurance?
Many factors determine what an auto insurance premium will be. Location, youthful drivers, type of vehicle, distance to work, claims history, and coverage are just some of the factors. It is important that you are covered properly so there are no questions at claim time! Call our office for a review of your auto policy to determine if you are covered adequately.
Q. Why is insurance for certain vehicles so much higher than others?
The rate for vehicles is based on several factors, most importantly the replacement and repair costs associated with the vehicle. Higher end vehicles often cost more to repair, therefore, the premium may be higher. If you are thinking of purchasing a different vehicle, call our office at 717-397-1171 with the vehicle identification number for an estimate on what your premium may be.
Q. My teenager will turn 16 in a few months. When should I add him/her to our auto policy?
Your teen should be added to your auto policy as soon as they have their permit to drive. This will ensure that you have adequate coverage in the event of a claim. Failure to add a teen driver could result in claims being denied. If your teen has their own vehicle, in their name, it’s best to have them secure their own auto policy in their name so that any claims will not adversely affect your policy. Contact our office at 717-397-1171 for an estimate for your teen driver.
 
 
Privacy Policy    |     About Us