Buying a home is a major accomplishment and a significant investment. Choosing the right homeowners’ insurance can help protect that investment in case of a fire, theft, or covered natural disaster. It also protects you if someone were to become injured on your property. Learn more about home insurance and how it protects you.
Home Insurance Coverage Options
Most home policies include the following types of coverage:
- Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace the things in your home, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics.
- Dwelling coverage pays to repair or replace your home if it suffers a covered loss.
- Additional structures coverage pays for repairs to any additional buildings on the property.
- Liability insurance protects you if someone suffers an injury or property damage on your property.
- Medical payments protection pays for minor medical costs regardless of fault.
Keep in mind that you can customize your coverage to meet specific needs. For example, you might want to add an endorsement for high-value items or purchase a flood insurance policy. Work with a knowledgeable agent to explore coverage options and build a home insurance policy that fits your financial needs.
Factors That Affect Home Insurance Premiums
If you are shopping for affordable home insurance, it’s important to know the many factors that impact your premium. For example, a home’s location affects premiums in several ways. First, a geographic region could be more or less likely than others to experience natural disasters. Additionally, crime rates vary by location, making some properties more susceptible to theft and vandalism. Some other factors that can impact your premium include:
- Home size and replacement cost
- Personal property value
- Policy structure
- Your credit score and claims history
- Safety and security devices
Tips To Protect Your Property
Protecting your home can help limit risk. For example, using roofing materials rated for high wind and trimming trees can help reduce storm damage. Some other suggestions include installing deadbolts, connecting to a monitored alarm system, and installing sprinklers. Performing routine maintenance and keeping the property in order can also reduce the chance of someone getting hurt.
Steps To Take in Case of a Home Insurance Claim
You may never need to file a home insurance claim. However, if you do, the Insurance Information Institue offers some suggestions to make it go more smoothly, including:
- File a police report if necessary
- Take photos or videos of any damage
- Contact your insurance agent
- Make temporary repairs if needed
- Save all receipts
The knowledgeable staff at Wayne Peart Insurance Agencies can help you explore coverage options and customize an affordable home insurance policy that protects your home. Request a quote to get started.
