Home Insurance Details

Home Insurance - What is covered and what is not?

There is a reason your quote from one agency or another is lower; Coverage! (in most cases)

While the dwelling coverage (A) and contents coverage (B) may be the same across several "quotes", we provide a proposal of insurance that explains what your are paying for and what is or is not covered.  After all, you are paying a premium for coverage that you expect to pay your claim. Why not be certain? Lower premiums usually mean less coverage and in some cases, important exclusions.
Replacement Cost Coverage

If your roof is 10 years old you expect it to be replaced for the cost of a new roof, not the depreciated value. If your 5 year old Italian leather couch is destroyed, you want to be able to buy a new one not one that is 5 years old. RCV for contents (important option) can change your premium by several hundred dollars. Compare carefully.
Law or Ordinance Coverage

If your home is 20 years old chances are it does not meet the current wind and many other new building codes and safeguards. Law and ordinance coverage pays for the increased cost to bring the damaged home up to code and to replace undamaged portions of the dwelling that must also be updated. You might need more than 10% or 25% coverage and this  important option can change your premium by several hundred dollars. Compare Carefully
Wind Driven Rain

If your roof, walls and windows are not damaged but wind drives water into your home through cracks or other ventilation openings, you want your damaged drywall, floor coverings and cabinets to be replaced. Many policies EXCLUDE wind driven rain unless there is physical damage caused by the storm. Very few insurance companies include this coverage. Compare carefully
Miscellaneous - It Matters 

Back up of sewers and drains. Mold and Fungi coverage. Sinkhole coverage. Personal Injury (libel, slander, advertising injury). Screens and Screen enclosure. Utility service lines. Cyber liability. Flood insurance (now available as part of your home insurance policy with some carriers) Compare Carefully 

FLOOD IS NOT COVERED
YOU NEED A FLOOD POLICY!
We ask the right questions and understand your needs and your lifestyle. All the factors that determine the best coverage and the right premium. Be certain that your policy is rated for the type of use and occupancy of the dwelling. If it really is your primary dwelling and you don't rent it out, you will have the lowest rated premiums. If or when those facts change, you are not saving money by not updating to the properly rated coverage. You are jeopardizing all of your coverage. Note this exclusion in one homeowner's policy if the dwelling usage facts change:

“12. Change in Occupancy or Usage of “Residence Premises.”

If we have not been notified by you within sixty (60) days of any change of ownership, title, and use or owner occupancy of the “residence premises,” including: 
a. The rental of the “residence premises”;
b. Vacancy or abandonment of the “residence premises”;
c. The use of the “residence premises” for any purpose other than a residential unit;

Any loss occurring from the 61st day after such change to the date proper notice is given will be excluded from coverage. If this occurs, premium would be refunded for the period during which the
coverage is suspended.”

An agent  that does not properly rate your policy or guesses at the important occupancy facts, could leave you without valuable coverage. Don't take a chance. Be certain you have a proposal and dialog about the important coverages and exclusions.

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