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A Guide to Vacant or Unoccupied Home Insurance

A Guide to Vacant or Unoccupied Home Insurance

What Is Vacant Home Insurance?

Vacant home insurance is an insurance policy for people who are temporarily vacating their homes. Usually, standard insurance doesn’t cover these unoccupied or vacant properties because of the risk attached. These properties are more prone to theft, vandalism, and slow emergency response time. This insurance policy picks up where your home insurance policy stops. It entails a number of coverages that protect your home from possible risks that can happen during the period when your house is unoccupied.

Can a Vacant Home Be Insured?

Yes, a vacant home can be insured. First, you need to scout for an insurance provider willing to offer you a vacant home insurance policy. Afterwards, compare rates and let the insurance provider know the risk evaluation of insuring your home. Discuss the property’s liability coverage and possible measures you have put in place to reduce the incidence of damage. For example, a home with a tight security system would be less prone to vandalism and theft.

What Does Vacant Home Insurance Cover?

Vacant home insurance covers a likely fire accident and other emergencies. It also covers home systems protection coverage, theft, vandalism, service line coverage, water/sewer backup protection, and weather events that put your building at risk, among others.

Vacant home insurance doesn’t cover damage that results from unforced entry, damage done by contractors you hired to work on your property, and other damage resulting from ongoing work in your home.

Do I Need Vacant Home Insurance?

It’s largely dependent on the prevailing risks around your vacant or unoccupied property. It would also help to not think of your vacant or unoccupied home as a vacation property. This insurance covers any reason your home is unoccupied for more than 30 days at a stretch, even if you’re recuperating in a hospital and will be away from home a long while or you bought a new home you haven’t moved into yet. Vacant home insurance is a necessity in all of these scenarios. You’re better off engaging a trusted insurance provider after evaluating your risk personally. From their expert advice and assessment of risks and coverage gaps you can know if you need vacant home insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure My Vacant or Unoccupied House?

Only your insurance provider can accurately determine how much it would cost to Insure your vacant or unoccupied property. Usually, vacant home insurance is tailored to the risks and needs of your property. This means that your premium is largely influenced by the prevailing risks, how frequently this risk could occur, the possible damage that could result from this risk, and the cost of indemnity. At the very least, you can expect to spend $500 annually.

Why take the risk of inciting damages on your vacant or unoccupied property when an insurance provider can bear the risk. To get vacant home insurance, you need a trusted and experienced agency that can evaluate your risks. Contact our experts at James Page Insurance today for all your insurance needs.

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Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Child at College?

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover My Child at College

Insuring your home is an important step in protecting your family. As your children grow up and move off to college, they may no longer be covered by this layer of protection.  These kids are living outside your property, and it can influence the coverage of your homeowners insurance.

Is your child on campus?

It all comes down to your insurance policy and what it covers. Usually, your homeowners insurance policy covers kids at college, provided they stay on campus. When their items or belongings are affected by any damage your insurance covers, you can make a claim on your insurance. Your child would also have access to paid legal fees for a covered liability lawsuit.

Despite the fact that your homeowners insurance covers your kid at the college’s campus, it is wise to check with your insurance company exactly what property coverage your insurance provides for your child while they are on campus. For example, a worldwide coverage in your policy means coverage for your property irrespective of where they are located in the world. Anything outside a worldwide coverage would only cover property in a dorm room.

How about children off-campus?

Home insurance rarely covers children off-campus. You’d need to find a better-suited insurance package for children who stay in a fraternity house, sorority house, or other off-campus apartments. You can get a renter’s insurance policy for your child if they choose to live off-campus. It is best to pick an insurance policy that covers your child only, rather than one that covers your child and roommates.

How much coverage is usually offered for your child at college?

Whether your child is living on or off-campus, your home insurance policy can be purchased on terms that provide coverage for the valuables of your children. Usually, items and valuables such as computers, electronics, firearms, jewelry, silverware, cash, and other expensive items have limits of protection from insurance companies. If the limit of your insurance doesn’t sufficiently cover your child’s valuables, you can increase the limit to enjoy more coverage.  If increasing the coverage doesn’t do the trick, seek special insurance for your child’s valuables.

Usually, for a child who lives on campus, your homeowners insurance extends 10% of your policy to your child. This means if you purchased the insurance at $300,000, your child enjoys coverage of $30,000. If the 10% is insufficient to cover your child and their valuables, you can always increase the limit or seek a separate insurance plan.

What are the available insurance options?

Although your homeowners insurance covers your child at college, it has a few lapses. You cannot make claims for any damage less than your deductible. Also, your insurance score can be negatively impacted when your child makes claims, which can lead to premium increases. What’s worth your concern is the fact that damages on your child’s property would most likely be less than your deductible. This means you’re as good as not having protection for your child’s property or valuables. A renter’s insurance has a much lower deductible and is way cheaper for your children. Nevertheless, if the deductible doesn’t cover probable damage, dorm insurance might be the route to take. This way your child can make claims for the smallest damages in college.

Yes, your homeowners insurance provides some coverage for your children in college. Nevertheless, there are better options to consider depending on the situation. Do you have more questions about the coverage offered by your homeowners insurance?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your home coverage needs today.

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Stay at Home Valentine’s Day Ideas

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Stay at Home Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day is a special celebration of love. We often think special days like this should be celebrated in special ways. Of course, it should, but our concept of special can become distorted. We want to make reservations in a restaurant like others or go through the hustle and bustle of pushing through crowds to see a movie. Here is a list of stay-at-home valentine ideas that could be more rewarding and special.

  1. Spend Valentine’s Day talking about love with your family.

Tell them what love means to you, how much you love them, and the remarkable ways they have brought joy into your life. Read books about love. You can always get suggestions of books to read for valentine’s Day from the librarian. Eat fancy or new home-cooked meals. Most importantly, show love to your partner, and family in unique ways. For meals with a love theme, you can try out: Apple heart sandwiches, strawberry heart French toast, heart-shaped pizza, peanut butter heart cookies, and more.

  1. Never underestimate the reward of Netflix and chill on Valentine’s Day.

Carefully handpick what movie you want to see at home and make special arrangements for movie night. Choose movies that have a history with you and your partner or helps you relax while making the moment special. You can also learn a few massage tricks and treat your partner to an in-house massage. Get the candles set, get the massage oil ready and turn on some calm mood music. A facial mask may help your partner relax. Surprising your partner with a foot spa alongside a few massage lessons always does the trick.

  1. Games can help you and your family members and relax in remarkable ways.

When was the last time you played a fun game with your family? The spark of friendly competition can be fun and exhilarating while adding a bit of spice to an evening.  You can try board games, never have I ever, truth or dare, hide and seek, whatever works for you and your loved ones. As long as it is fun, special, and helps you and your family spend quality time together, it is a good choice.

  1. Treat yourself to your favorite food.

Certain foods can improve or dampen your mood, but your favorite food always is a good choice for a nice treat. Its valentine’s Day, order or make your favorite food and give yourself a day to indulge.  Valentine’s Day isn’t one of the days you keep-up with your diet routine. Take a break and allow yourself the freedom to enjoy your favorite food without guilt.

Staying at home during valentine’s Day can be rewarding and special. You only need to see the possibility and allow yourself a chance to make this valentine’s Day a memorable one. If you need assistance with your health and life insurance coverage, contact the experts at James Page Insurance. We’re always available to answer all your insurance-related questions.

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4 Practical Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Homeowners

4 Practical Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Homeowners

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy with your friends and family, gathering around a feast of your favorite foods, making memories, and it is all about celebrating life. Enjoying these special times is your main priority, but you should also take precautions to protect your guests from accidents or injuries that could ruin your good times.

Keep Your Home Secure

During the holidays, many people travel to visit family and friends. If you plan on traveling this year, make sure to secure your home so that it is not an easy target for burglars. Install a home security system or add a few exterior lights that have motion detectors. Better yet, have a friend or family member stay at your home so that it isn’t empty while you are gone. Burglars will avoid a home if they believe someone is there.

Reduce Your Risk of Injury

Reduce your risk of accidental injury by clearing paths throughout your home. Eliminate any tripping hazards. Move flammable items away from the fireplace so they won’t be close enough to catch an ember if one escapes. Keep small children away from both the fireplace and the stove. If you serve alcohol to your guests, be aware of how much is being served and cut back if individuals start to consume too much. November is a time for cooler temperatures and a chance for ice and snow. Make sure your sidewalks and outside steps are free of moisture and swept clean before your guests start to arrive.

Practice Safe Habits in the Kitchen

When it comes to cooking, keep handles turned toward the center of the stove. Keep long sleeves and loose fabric tucked away so that it won’t get caught on pot handles or lids. All knives and sharp objects should be kept off the tables and far enough back on counters to prevent them from falling into the kids’ hands. Always be mindful of who is carving the turkey or slicing the pies and other goodies. If a spill occurs, wipe it up immediately to prevent slips and fall accidents.

Enjoy Your Holiday!

Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. Enjoy your holiday, and be thankful for your blessings. Share your joy with those you love. Encourage all of your guests to take their time travelling to and from your home. Being late is fine as long as your guests arrive safely. If a guest has had too much to drink, find them a ride home. As the holiday comes to a close, make sure all of the memories made are the good ones.

James Page Insurance agents look forward to serving their clients throughout the coming year and offering home insurance tips you can use. If you have questions, concerns, or are just looking to find an agent you enjoy working with, call the office today and schedule an appointment. We are looking forward to working with you!

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What is Additional Living Expenses Coverage

What is Additional Living Expenses Coverage

Here is what you need to know about additional living expenses coverage.

While homeowners know that their insurance policy offers dwelling, personal property, and personal liability coverage, they may be surprised to learn that it also offers additional living expenses.  Not sure what this coverage is and what it does for you?  Then read on to learn more about additional living expenses insurance coverage.

What is additional living expenses coverage?

Additional living expenses insurance coverage is coverage that you can use to pay for your living expenses in the event that your home is temporarily uninhabitable.  For instance, imagine that your home is severely damaged in a fire.  While the dwelling portion of your home insurance will cover the cost of repairing your home, it may not be safe for you and your family to stay in the home while it is undergoing repairs.  Fortunately, the additional living expenses portion of your home policy will cover the cost of living away from your home.  It can help you cover the cost of staying in a hotel, renting a temporary residence, eating at restaurants, storing your furniture, and so on.

How can you access additional living expenses insurance?

There are two major factors that affect whether you can file a claim for additional living expenses insurance coverage; the peril that has damaged your home and whether or not your home is truly uninhabitable.  You can only access your additional living expenses coverage if your home insurance provides coverage for the peril that has damaged your home.  For instance, if a tornado ripped the roof off of your home, then you could file a claim for additional living expenses because standard home policies cover wind damage.  However, if your home was damaged by flood, then you cannot access additional living expenses through your home insurer because homeowners policies exclude coverage for flood damages.

Additionally, your ability to access additional living expenses coverage depends on whether or not your home is actually uninhabitable.   For instance, if a tree crashes through your roof, your home would definitely sustain damage.  However, if your home still has running water, electricity, functioning bathrooms, and so on, then your insurer would not consider your home uninhabitable.  Naturally, they would not approve additional living expenses coverage.  Because every insurer has their own criteria for what makes a home uninhabitable, it can be difficult to know if you can access your additional living expenses insurance.  If your home sustains major damage, then contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.  They will have a claims adjuster come out and determine if your home is truly uninhabitable.

This is what you need to know about additional living expenses coverage.  Do you have more questions about the coverage offered by your homeowners insurance?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your home coverage needs today.

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