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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…
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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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Can I Buy Title Insurance After Closing?
When purchasing a home, title insurance is often recommended or required to protect against potential ownership disputes, liens, or claims against the property. However, what happens if you don’t purchase title insurance at closing? Can you still get it afterward? The short answer is yes, but there are essential considerations to remember. Understanding Title Insurance Title-insurance protects homeowners and lenders from financial losses related to title defects, such as fraud, undisclosed heirs, unpaid liens, or recording errors. There are two types of these insurance policies: Lender’s Title-Insurance: Most mortgage lenders require this policy to protect the lender’s interest in the property. Owner’s Title Ins: This optional policy protects the homeowner’s…
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What is equipment breakdown coverage? How does that work?
What is equipment breakdown coverage? Homeowners insurance protects your home and belongings against unexpected events like fire, theft, and natural disasters. However, standard policies often do not cover household appliances’ and home systems’ mechanical or electrical failures. This is where Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) comes in. What Is Equipment Breakdown Coverage? Equipment Breakdown Coverage is an optional add-on (endorsement) to homeowners insurance that covers sudden and accidental mechanical, electrical, and pressure system failures of appliances and home systems. It helps homeowners repair or replace essential equipment that stops working due to internal malfunctions rather than external perils like fire or water damage. Unlike a home warranty, which typically covers wear…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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What information is required for a homeowners insurance quote?
Getting a homeowners insurance quote requires detailed information to ensure accurate coverage and pricing. Insurers use this information to assess the risk of insuring a property, influencing the premium amount and coverage options. Here’s a breakdown of the critical information you should be ready to share, along with some examples of how these details can impact your coverage and pricing: Property Details Location: The property address is critical. Insurers assess risks like crime rates, natural disaster zones (flood, wildfire, earthquake), and proximity to emergency services (fire stations, hydrants). Home Structure: You’ll need to specify the year the home was built, the total square footage, and the number of floors. This…
