Homeowners Insurance
-
Tips to Make Sure Your Homeowners Insurance Covers Your Needs
Homeowners insurance is one of the most important protections you can have for your property—but not all policies are created equal. Too often, homeowners only realize the gaps in their coverage when it’s too late. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or revisiting your existing policy, here are some essential tips to ensure your home insurance meets your needs. 1. Understand What’s Covered Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover the structure of your home, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses if you’re temporarily displaced. However, within those broad categories, there are limitations. For example, expensive jewelry, fine art, or electronics might not be fully covered unless you’ve added a…
-
What Information Do You Need for a Homeowners Insurance Quote?
Getting a homeowners insurance quote is essential in protecting your property and assets. Still, you’ll need to provide a range of information to get an accurate and comprehensive quote. Insurance companies use these details to assess risk, estimate replacement costs, and determine your premium. Here’s a breakdown of the key information you must gather before requesting a quote. 1. Basic Personal Information Start with the basics: Name Date of birth Marital status Contact information (phone and email) Social Security number (sometimes requested for credit-based insurance scores) This information helps the insurer verify your identity and assess your insurance history. 2. Property Address and Type You’ll need to provide the full…
-
How to Choose the Best Homeowners Insurance Policy in Central Oregon
Searching for the best homeowners insurance policy in Central Oregon? This area offers a unique lifestyle, scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and tight-knit communities. But as a homeowner here, you also face various weather-related risks like wildfires, snowstorms, and wind events. That makes homeowners insurance not just a wise investment—but an essential one. Choosing the right policy can feel overwhelming, especially with many options and fine print. Whether buying your first home in Bend or upgrading your coverage in Redmond or Sisters, here are some practical tips to help you select the best homeowners insurance for your needs in Central Oregon. Tips For Choosing A Homeowners Insurance Policy in Central Oregon…
-
7 Things Nobody Tells You About Homeowners Insurance
When you buy a home, one of the first things you’ll need is homeowners insurance. You’ll probably hear the basics—what it covers, how much it costs, and why your lender requires it. But beyond the brochures and quotes, there’s a lot more to know. Some things only become obvious after you’ve filed a claim or had your policy for years. Here are seven things nobody tells you about homeowners insurance but definitely should: 1. Your Policy Probably Doesn’t Cover Everything You Assume It Does Many homeowners are surprised to find out their standard policy excludes certain disasters. For instance, floods and earthquakes are almost always excluded. If you live in…
-
Homeowners Insurance Deductible – What Does It Cover?
Understanding your home insurance deductible can help you decide how best to protect what may be the most expensive purchase you ever make. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to understand your policy’s fine print. Keep reading to learn how a homeowners deductible works, how it affects your premium, and how much of a deductible you may need. What Is a Home Insurance Deductible? Simply put, a home insurance deductible is the amount that a homeowner must pay before their insurance steps in to cover the remaining expenses on a claim. The deductible is expressed as a fixed dollar amount – usually $500 to $2,000, but it can be higher –…
-
Does homeowners insurance cover valuables?
Many people wonder if their valuables are fully covered when considering homeowners insurance. The answer isn’t straightforward, as coverage depends on several factors, including the policy type, the items’ value, and specific coverage limits or exclusions. Standard Coverage A typical homeowners insurance policy covers personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items. However, coverage is often limited for high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, collectibles, or expensive electronics. For instance, a standard policy might cover up to $1,500 for jewelry theft, which may fall short of replacing a valuable engagement ring or a family heirloom. Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value Understanding how your policy reimburses you is crucial.…
-
Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding?
Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding? When protecting your home, homeowners insurance is a crucial safeguard. However, many homeowners need clarification about whether their policy covers basement flooding. The answer depends on the source of the water and the specific terms of your insurance policy. Here’s an in-depth look at what homeowners insurance typically covers and what it doesn’t when it comes to basement flooding. Covered Causes of Basement Flooding Standard homeowners insurance policies are a comforting shield, generally covering water damage that results from sudden and accidental events inside the home. For instance, if a pipe bursts in your basement and floods the area, your policy will likely cover…
-
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Lines?
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines? Homeowners insurance is a crucial safety net for safeguarding your property and belongings from unforeseen damages. However, comprehending what your policy covers, especially in specific scenarios like sewer line issues, is key to feeling empowered and in control of your insurance coverage. In this article we will answer this important question about homeowners insurance coverage and provide you with insight into this issue. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Lines? Generally, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to sewer lines or their repair and replacement. This is because sewer lines are typically considered part of the homeowner’s regular maintenance responsibilities, and damage to…
-
Understanding Water Backup and Sump Overflow Coverage
Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face. Among the various types of coverage available, water backup and sump overflow insurance are crucial protections that are often overlooked until it’s too late. This coverage explicitly addresses damages from water backups and overflows in your home. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Water Backup and Sump Overflow Coverage? Water backup and sump overflow coverage is optional to a standard homeowners insurance policy. It provides financial protection against damage caused by water backing up through drains, sewer lines, or a malfunctioning sump pump. Unlike flood insurance, which covers rising external waters from natural disasters like…
-
How Soon Do You Need to Get Homeowners Insurance After Buying a Home?
Homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your most significant investment: your home. But how soon after buying a house do you need to get it? The answer depends on whether you are financing the purchase or buying the home outright, but the best practice is to have homeowners insurance in place before the transaction is finalized. When Financing a Home Purchase If you’re taking out a mortgage to buy your home, your lender typically requires proof of homeowners insurance before closing the deal. Lenders mandate this because the property serves as collateral for the loan. Without insurance, they would have no recourse in damage or destruction. Most lenders won’t let…
