The Bulger Insurance Agency

04/02/2026

I’m throwing this out there for those who bought vehicles with your tax returns and have a loan.
(Or for anyone that is required to keep full coverage on a vehicle)
I don’t mean to offend any with this FYI! 😇😇😇😇

Most people’s 1st response when they get in a bind with money or think insurance is too high is to just drop insurance. 🙄🙄

Remember the state is notified every time a company cancels insurance-no matter the reason.
Even if you are insured with another company, the old company notifies the state that you canceled.

This becomes a problem at tag time when you have to prove you didn’t have a lapse in insurance coverage.
It is a $200 fine per vehicle. 😳😳😳and no new tag until ALL fines are paid.
The state can go back YEARS to verify coverage.

The state will be looking for:
1. a specific date for proof you had insurance (and it is always a date after you canceled with your old company)
2. proof comes direct from the company-not the agent
3. there is a specific company code each company is assigned by the state used to verify coverage.

There is no getting out of fines if you dropped insurance completely and still own the vehicle. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

So now that I have went over those laws 😊😊😊😊
My suggestion instead of dropping insurance altogether is at least keep state minimum liability insurance limits on the vehicle.
Do NOT drop coverage completely.

Yes! I know a lien holder/bank requires full coverage but at least with liability you are keeping the state happy, avoiding the fines and any problems renewing tags and avoiding a possible ticket.
Liability insurance should not be much.
(Unless - you have under 25’s, crappy driving records, claims, or honestly credit issues can raise rates-sorry) 🫣🫣🫣

Many of the bigger finance companies/banks will not even verify full coverage. I know this from experience. You may get away with liability for a while if not the entire time of the loan.

So that is my wisdom for now. Hope it helps! 😊😊😊

01/21/2026

Here is an FYI to keep in mind when shopping for insurance-remember, I am a 25 year insurance agent/agency owner, so when I say this next part-BELIEVE IT! 😎😎😎

Insurance Agents/Representatives are like used car salesmen. We work off commission so the more they sell or the more you pay, the more we make. 😳😳😳

Also, many times at “captive” companies like State Farm, Allstate, Alfa, etc. agents have to meet quotas to get higher commissions, bonuses or even keep their jobs.
Hence the used car salesman vibe. Whether the agent is desperate to keep their job, greedy or really just an idiot and doesn’t know any better-

My point is DO NOT believe everything an agent might tell you (or not tell you)to sell a policy.

I have 2 long time clients leaving my agency based on rates and information given (or left out) from agents selling them insurance.
The 1st was a home quote (from Allstate) the agent didn’t mention all their policies have a 2% hurricane deductible making his deducible close to $8000.
The insured only knew about the 1% deductible for wind and hail.

The second insured is working with an agent who lied telling the client their rates should go down on renewal based on the current economy. Really? What a line of 💩💩 As if this weren’t bad enough, the agent also told them the driving app the company wants him to download on his phone will NOT affect his rates 🙄🙄🙄. Why do you think ALL insurance companies have these apps if they didn’t effect rates 😳😳😳

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in shopping insurance. It does not hurt my feelings and it gives people peace of mind. Heck, I shop my own and currently I have my mom insured with a different agent and a company I can’t write with. It’s better for her. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Just be careful when shopping, make sure you are comparing apples for apples, no other agent can see your coverage. Period-you have to give them the coverage. They can see liability limits but that is it (just ran into that lie from an agent as well).

Make sure a final quote includes all reports ran including a loss history and driving record on all drivers.

If you switch companies make sure to ask for a printed copy of the paymet schedule before you leave the agency along with a copy of the declaration page with all the discounts, drivers, violations, vehicles, coverages, etc. they should be able to print one if they have issued a final policy-even if it is just a screen shot.

This should be proof of final reports ran so there Is no bait and switch with rates changing after you leave because they “found” something on your record after you left.

Good luck shopping! Hope my FYI helps!

01/16/2026

Time for another FYI 😊😊
Recognize this letter?
The DMV has been busy! We verify insurance 4-5 times a week for our customers because they got one these letters.
DO NOT ignore the letter or you will be fined $200, the current registration revoked and you will not be able to tag any vehicles until the fine is paid and registration cleared up. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

If you have a vehicle with a current tag/registration, you can be pulled at random from the DMV for one of these letters asking to verify insurance on a certain date.

This letter has NOTHING to do with the insurance company. It is strictly the state and your cars registration triggering the letter.

If your car breaks down, you sell it (and don’t transfer the tag), it’s wrecked or any other reason you may drop insurance - you MUST turn the tag into the DMV within 30 days or you will be fine $200.
You do not keep a tag for any reason unless you transfer it to another vehicle.

And NO this is NOT a new law. It’s been in effect since 2000, they just finally started enforcing it and got smarter on how to do it.

If you have a personal insurance agent, they can usually fill the questionnaire out and make things eaiser.

Hope my FYI helps! 🥰🥰

09/17/2025

For non-believers.

This is part of a Progressive Auto Insurance application that insureds are required to complete and sign before a policy is issued.

These same questions (or similar ones) are asked by ALL insurance companies when new policies/vehicles are written.

The questions do NOT differentiate between people and packages/goods. They want to know if you deliver anything period.

Thought I would share.

09/03/2025

I am going to STRESS something I feel is very important to know one more time.
😡😡😡
And sorry- but I am irritated at the reason behind the need for this reminder so please excuse, if you find a little “smart a**” in the post 🤬🤬🤬

Do NOT listen to your accountant who has worked for 25 years in the field when Bob down the street who raises pigs and donkeys tells you the accountant is clueless and wrong. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
The IRS will NOT care that you won $20,000 at the casino. Don’t pay taxes on it! Listen to Bob-he’s the man!

It’s even dumber to listen to the person with 25 years experience as a doctor when your auto mechanic can tell you exactly what is wrong with you.
Definitely go with the mechanics diagnosis-forget the doctor! 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

But the worst thing-is when there are 2 different opinions from the same field and someone blows off the one they don’t like without even a google search.
Thats just ignorant and can get you in trouble.

Of course, the above observatons are just my opinions, everyone has them! 😊😊

Anyway, to the point of my rant and what I want to STRESS today-again.

Personal Auto Insurance will NOT cover an accident if you are using your vehicle to deliver ANYTHING and getting paid by a company.
Doing a favor for a friend - no problem.
Delivering Amazon or Door Dash no coverage.

There is a question an ALL insurance applications-for all companies that asks specifically if any vehicle on the policy will be used to deliver-goods, food, people. If you answer no then get in an accident while getting paid to deliver something does NOT matter if it is people or items-you lied on the applicaton and the company will deny all claims.
Think you can just say-“I was going to Wally World”, it’s not as easy as you think.

People also need to remember that Agents are NOT an adjustor. They do NOT decide if a claim is covered.

If you have 2 agents that completely disagree on coverage, you might want to get out the google! 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ just saying! One of them has to be wrong! 😎😎😎

I stress this last one because there is an agent in town-I do NOT know who-that told a client their insurance would cover a claim as long as they were not delivering “people” like Uber. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ but could deliver packages. 🙄🙄🙄

I would love for this agent to share what company allows this on a normal personal auto policy.

There are reasons delivery vehicles need special coverage. Liability is a bigger risk.
Think about it. They are on the road more than an average vehicle, they are distracted drivers, looking for addresses, depending on the job-some are on a time limit.
Just a few examples why “delivery” vehicles need to be identified to insurance companies and rated differently.

So, this is the end of the sermon for this FYI.
If you did not get it-it is irritating when people listen to the drunk at the bar, the mechanic down the road or newbie agent across town when I have been doing this for 25 years.
Irritating 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

08/08/2025

If you get a text like this-IT IS A SCAM
Please delete it. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

1st warning: # it’s sent from
2nd warning: how would the DMV have your phone #
3rd warning: DO YOU remember going through a toll booth or getting a ticket

If so, did you already pay the toll or ticket and was it in the state you are getting this text from.
All fines, tickets and penalties come from the state the toll was or tickets is received. This a big deal in Alabama because most tolls are made in Florida. 🏖️🏖️🏖️
(Notice this text is from Alabama, Personally I paid some tolls in Florida recently going to Destin-but it was cash 💰💰 at the booth)

Please don’t fall for this. I have an Aunt that sent money twice before she mentioned the texts and I could stop it. 😢😢

My own 85 year old mom got a text several months ago. She would have paid if she had not asked me first.

Any “Final Notice” or threatening message you get by text is usually going to be a scam - period. 😡😡
Ask yourself:
1. How would they get my cell phone # (there is no phone book)
2. Is it a place I would have given my #
3. What # are they texting from
4. Why are they not putting it in writing and mailing a letter if it’s threatening any kind of legal action or consequences.

This is my current FYI! Hope it helps. 😊😊😊

07/24/2025

This is a good article to read. Things you should know because they are all TRUE!

You’d expect car insurance to cover you across the United States—but some car insurance plans won’t protect you when you cross state lines. Whether you’re

07/09/2025

If you have Progressive Insurance but not a local agent only a 1-800 number our office would be happy to transfer your policy to our agency. 🎉🎉🎉
You can have the same friendly local agent whenever you need them 🙂🙂 instead of someone different every time you call.🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ (I have been in business 25 years)

We write Progressive Insurance (among others companies) and can transfer any policy easily with just your policy number and signed request.

If you have questions please give me or Jordan Lynn Childers a call at 334-222-8223
or come by our new office at:
864 S Three Notch St, Andalusia
Down from Andalusia Hospital

06/01/2025

This is an FYI I have mentioned before but it has been a while. 😊😊

First and most important thing-
REMEMBER your insurance agent is NOT a claims adjustor and neither is the person you speak to when you report a claim to the 1-800 # on your insurance card.

This is VERY important because these people (yes, I include myself 🥰🥰) do NOT decide fault, what amount is paid, if there is coverage or anything else regarding claims. Only an actual insurance adjustor makes these decisions.

Agents are there to help navigte claims when needed but are generally not involved in the claims process with trained claims adjustors handling all claims related issues.
I am never be contacted regarding a claim. I tell insureds to call if there is a problem so but if they dont call, I will never know.

The reason I bring this up is because it has been brought to my attention several agencies in the area are of the belief when someone passes away it is OK to leave the existing homeowners policy on the home. Some policies stay in the deceased persons name and never change.

This is OK for a month or two but not much longer and any agent that tells you otherwise is taking a risk the home not being covered if there is a claim. I don’t care what they tell you. 😡😡

For one thing, if the house is vacant-the policy voids after 30 days no matter what. That’s standard in all home policies, doesn’t matter what company.

If someone has moved in, it’s no longer the PRIMARY insured living in the home. The policy was written based on the deceased person, if someone else is living in the home primarily and the person the company insured is no longer living there, it voids the policy. They don’t have to pay a claim.
No agent can guarantee they will. I don’t care what they tell you.

This frustrates me because these agents are not adjustors and cannot predict what will happen if there is a claim. Sure the company may pay a weather related claim that a person has no control over but if there is a kitchen fire and it’s some person the company did not insure living in the home because the person they did insure died 8 months prior - NO, they don’t have to pay a claim, it’s written in the policy.

So this is my FYI, get your own home policy or just drop the home insurance altogether if you inherit a home. Do NOT keep the current policy on the home. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

05/20/2025

It’s been a while! I just wanted to post a reminder on the Mandatory Liability Insurance Law in Alabama.

Multiple insured every month have brought in notices from the state requiring proof of liability insurance on specific dates.

These are pulled at random from any vehicle with a current registration. It has NOTHING to with insurance when you get these.

If you do not respond within 30 days with valid proof that is verified, your tags will be suspended, then your license.

I highly recommend even if your vehicle is financed and you are required full coverage by the bank, and can’t pay for full coverage-you at least keep liability and not let your insurance cancel altogether.

If your insurance does cancel for ANY reason, remember you have to turn the tag into the courthouse within 30 days or you will get a fine.

If you are ever fined for no insurance on one vehicle-you cannot tag any until the fines are paid.

And remember, Most Insurance companies electronically notify the state when a policy cancels so when tags renew - even though you never got a questionnaire in the mail, they still ask for proof of insurance during those lapse dates before you can renew without a fine.

Many times its easier for your insurance agent to fill the questionnaire out - I always have my customers bring me thiers and I do it for them 😊😊

Just a friendly reminder!

02/23/2025

You know car insurance renews every 6 months (some policies 12 months).

This means the only time you should have a change in your bill should be the renewal date.

For example:
Your monthly bill has been $100 for 6 months.
You renew 3/1 and it goes to $110
It should be $110 until 9/1 as long as no changes are made.

If your bill is fluctuating during a policy period and no changes have been made-there is problem.
You need to ask questions and get answers other than “it’s the companies fault.”
There is no reason a monthly bill should change mid-term unless there is a change on a policy-period.

I am stressing this point because I have had at least 10-12 people from one agency come in with the same issue.
They all have the same story, their bill changes every month and it keeps going up. When they ask questions-it’s always the companies fault🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

So this is a friendly FYI reminder for those that pay monthly. Just something to watch for! 😊😊

01/29/2025

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven’t posted in a while-honestly life has gotten in the way!

Just wanted to touch base and let everyone know we have moved! After 24 years I bought a building and put down roots! 😊😊😊
Our new location is:
864 S Three Notch St, Andalusia 36420

It’s located down from the hospital in Andalusia.
We are still renovating but it’s getting done and we are very excited to be in a new location moving from the square!

Come visit us and check it out!

I will get back to posting FYI’s soon. Hopefully things will settle down and we can take a breather!

We wish you all the best New Year!