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How to Approach Buying Home Insurance for the First Time
Buying your first home is an exciting yet daunting process. There are many steps to take before the keys are finally in your hands, and purchasing homeowners insurance is one of them. Here’s what you need to know to feel confident with your chosen policy. What home insurance is — and isn’t Homeowners insurance, sometimes called hazard insurance, pays for damage from specific “perils” such as fires, windstorms, explosions, theft and vandalism. A standard home insurance policy typically covers: Your home. Other structures (such as a garage, shed or fence). Personal property (such as furniture and electronics). Additional living expenses. For example, if you need to leave your home temporarily while it’s being…
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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 –…
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What does homeowners insurance cover?
Homeowners insurance is known as a “multi-peril” policy, meaning it contains a variety of coverages in one package. A peril, in the insurance industry, is something that causes damage to a house or property. Your homeowners insurance policy may specifically list the perils you’re protected against, or cover you against all perils except ones specifically excluded. Common perils that homeowners insurance usually covers include: Fire Lightning Explosions Civil unrest Smoke Vandalism Theft Volcanic eruption Falling objects Ice, snow, or sleet Sudden, accidental outflows of water from the plumbing system or appliances, including burst pipes Your policy may also cover the cost of debris removal after a disaster, replacing plants and shrubs, and…
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Solved! How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?
Q: I’ve heard homeowners insurance is important o make sure your assets are covered in the event of a loss. But how much homeowners insurance do I really need, and how do I determine the right amount? A: The question of how much homeowners insurance you really need is a detailed one to answer. There are different coverage types that handle different assets. Someone might need to take out additional insurance, such as flood insurance, for certain types of disasters. And how much insurance a homeowner needs can also depend on how much their home and possessions are worth. These points are just for starters. Homeowners insurance comprises several different types of coverage,…