Home Insurance Review

Home Insurance Review

Life can be messy. Consider making a review of your home insurance part of your spring cleaning ritual.

Home Insurance Review: some questions to consider asking:

1. Is my home covered if we need to rebuild?

Have us complete an updated Replacement Cost Survey. Upgrades to a kitchen or bathroom, new kitchen appliances, or updates to a basement can all affect the cost to repair or rebuild your home.

2. Do I have enough coverage for my expensive items?

Your homeowner coverage includes “special limits of liability” which, for example, the most the insurance company will pay:  $1,000 for loss by theft of jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semiprecious stones; $2,500 for loss by theft of silverware, silver-plated ware, goldware, etc.; $2,000 for loss by theft of firearms. If you have any special items consider scheduling the item by appraisal.

3. Do I have enough liability coverage to protect my assets?

Home and auto policies carry liability limits that help protect you from judgments against you and legal fees, up to policy limits. Do you know your policy limits? In our litigious society, you may want to have us help you review your limits. If you don’t have one already, consider purchasing additional coverage in the form of a personal liability umbrella policy. Umbrella coverage starts at $1M and “sits-over” your auto and home liability limits.

4. Do I qualify for additional discounts?

An annual insurance review is a great time to ensure you’re receiving all applicable discount. For example, have you installed a security system? If so, additional protective device discounts may be available. Are you getting the proper account discounts? What would be the savings/cost if you were to increase/lower your deductible?

5. Does my newly finished basement affect my coverage?

Finishing your basement increases the cost to rebuild your home, in addition you may want to make sure you’ve added an additional, optional sump pump failure/ water backup endorsement.

6. Does my policy provide enough coverage for landscaping equipment or outdoor appliances?

When you install a new sprinkler system, larger shed, new pool or hot tub, or if you’ve purchased a fancy, backyard grill or riding mower, you might want to upgrade your insurance coverage. Significant investments require a review of your Dwelling and Personal Property Coverage.
Like home maintenance, an annual insurance review is an important part of protecting your biggest investment.

Give us a call, click or visit and we’ll be happy to review your insurance coverage with you.

Homeowner Insurance Review

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The standard homeowner (HO-3, Special Form) policy provides broad protection for your home however, there are limitations to coverage.

Section 1, Property Coverage, excludes coverage for loss resulting directly or indirectly from:  Ordinance or Law, Earth Movement, Water Damage, Power Failure, Neglect, War, Nuclear Hazard, and Intentional Loss.

The home insurance policy does not include property coverage for: Animals, Birds or Fish, Motorized Land Vehicles, Aircraft and Aircraft parts.

The policy has “special limits of liability” which in the event of a loss, the most the insurance company will pay: $200 on money, bank notes, bullion, gold, silver, platinum, coins and medals; $1,000 on securities, accounts, deeds, evidences of debt, letters of credit; $1,000 on watercraft; $1,000 on trailers not used with watercraft; $1,000 for loss by theft of jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semiprecious stones; $2,500 for loss by theft of silverware, silver-plated ware, goldware, etc.; $2,000 for loss by theft of firearms; $2,500 on property, on the residence premises used at any time or in any manner for any business purpose; $250 on property away from the residence premises used at any time in any manner for any business purpose.

With every home insurance renewal we include our Homeowner Renewal Checklist. We recommend you review and call us with any “yes” answers.

Homeowner Insurance Renewal Checklist:

  • Do you own jewelry, furs or watches with values over $1,000?
  • Do you own silverware with a total value of over $2,500?
  • Do you have a collection of valuables, including: coins, stamps or other?
  • Do you own any of the following: Musical Instruments, Fine Arts or Antiques, Camera Equipment, Sports Equipment, Personal Computer?
  • Do you own a boat?
  • Is there a trampoline on your property?
  • Do you have any tools, equipment or other property used in your business or occupation?
  • Would you like your insurance to provide: Replacement Cost Protection on your Dwelling, on your Personal Property, Credit Card/forgery protection, Ordinance or Law coverage, Earthquake coverage?
  • Flood is not a covered loss on a homeowner policy. Would you like to obtain rates for flood insurance? Also excluded from coverage are such things such as: rot, mold, mildew or animal/vermin/insect damage.
  • Are you interested in receiving information on:  Auto, Life, Excess Liability (Umbrella), Boat or Business Insurance?