4 Things to Know When Buying
Home Insurance
Home Insurance 101
Common Claims Covered:
Fire
Tornadoes/Wind
Hail/Lightning
Theft/Vandalism
Pipe Break/Freezing
Common Claims Not Covered:
Flood
Insects (Carpenter Ants, Termites)
Wear and Tear
Rodentia and Varmints
Cracking/Settling of Foundation
Standard Coverages
Structure
This covers the house itself. Things like the roof, walls, flooring, kitchen cabinets, bathrooms, etc.
Contents
This covers your stuff inside. Things like your furniture, clothes, appliances, TV, golf clubs, etc.
Detached Buildings
Most commonly this would be a detached garage, but could also be garden shed, gazebo, boat house, fence, etc.
Liability
This covers you if someone is injured on your property and sues you. For example slip in fall or a dog bite, etc.
Must-Have Extra Coverages
Replacement Cost Structure
This coverage usually provides an additional 25% cushion to rebuild after a total loss, like a fire or tornado.
Replacement Cost Contents
If something happens to your contents, this coverage buys you brand new stuff, no depreciation factored in.
Water & Sewer Backup
This covers damage resulting from sump pump failing or sewer backing up in your basement.
Identity Theft Protection
If your identity is stolen, this will pay for a lawyer to go in and clean up your credit report. Need we say more?
Other Coverages to Consider
Jewelry
Replaces jewelry (wedding rings, earrings, necklaces, etc) if stolen, lost, or diamond falls out.
Service Line
Covers the lateral pipe from your house to the sewer or septic if something happens to it and needs to be replaced.
Loss Assessment
If you are in a homeowners or condo association, this gives you extra liability for that exposure.
Rec Vehicles
Snowmobile, boats, ATV, golf cart, etc. These toys usually can be added on the home policy as a rider.
3 Ways to Lower Home Insurance Costs
Combining all your insurance together gets you the best rate. Insurance companies give up to 40% savings on both policies.
You can save considerable costs by raising your deductible. This is the portion you pay out of pocket when you have a claim. Typical home deductible is $1,000. This will help you avoid filing small claims as well.
Independent agents work for YOU, not an insurance company. We are on your side! We look for 3 things, proper coverage’s, competitive premiums and claim service a company provides.
Factors that could
HURT your price:
Pool with slide or diving board
Trampoline
High risk dog breeds
Roofs that are older than 20 years
Galvanized Plumbing
Factors that could
HELP your price:
Having smoke detectors
Security systems
Smart home devices
Roof that is new
Have fire hydrants’ near by
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