Buying a home? Make sure you have it fully covered.
If you're a homeowner, your house may be your most valuable asset. Homeowner's insurance will protect this asset whether you are just taking out your first mortgage, refinancing, making your final payments, moving from one home to another, or retiring to your dream home. Homeowner's insurance protects the personal property and liability of you and your household family members. You will need to reevaluate your homeowner's insurance as your lifestyle changes, and our agents can help you and your family understand which life events to plan for, and how your homeowner's insurance should respond.
Homeowners insurance will protect your house from:
Fire, Lightning, Riot, Vehicle and Aircraft Collision, Vandalism, Theft, Falling Objects, Weight of Ice, Snow or Sleet, Accidental Overflow of Water, Accidental Cracking, Burning or Bulging, Freezing, Artificially Generated Current
Some policies can be tailored with optional coverage for Sump Pump Back-Up, Identity Fraud, and higher limits if your home is in a city or town that will require you to reconstruct up to current building codes. You may have certain items of personal property that require specific disclosure on your policy, as well as a regular appraisal for proper valuation. Items that typically require 'scheduling' include business property, computers, guns, furs, artwork, jewelry, money and precious metals, silverware, watercraft, trailers, and computers. If these items have not been specifically scheduled on your current policy, they will have a limited value when you have a loss.
Do you plan on renovating to achieve your dream home?
You will probably make changes to your home over time, whether it be to remodel a bathroom or kitchen, build a deck or small addition, put on a new roof, or perhaps add a swimming pool, trampoline, or outdoor shed. You may buy a dog or other pet, purchase a rental property or summer home, or have a baby on the way. All of these life changes will affect you and your need for a review of your homeowner's insurance. Homeowner's policies have certain limitations and conditions that can reduce your insurance for high risks or specific types of property. Your agent should be someone who you speak with as life changes and as you prepare for the future. As you acquire more wealth and assets, and take on new hobbies or daily activities, you will become more exposed to today's litigious society, and your liability to others can weigh on your mind. Buying a quality homeowners policy is an important first step to protecting yourself and your household family members.