Common Home Insurance Coverage Questions Answered

Understanding your homeowners insurance.

Just because you have homeowners insurance, doesn’t mean that it will protect you from everything.  Unfortunately, many homeowners are not clear on the specifics of their coverage.  To ensure that you understand your policy, here are the answers to some of the most common home insurance coverage questions.

Does home insurance cover water damage?

When it comes to water damage, homeowners insurance covers certain types but not others.  For instance, if the cause of water damage is sudden and accidental, then it will be covered by your insurance.  For instance, if your washing machine suddenly breaks down or a pipe suddenly bursts, then your insurance will cover the water damage caused by this event, including the damage caused to your personal possessions.

However, your home insurance will not cover water damage if it is the result of your negligence.  For instance, if you have a pipe that is slowly leaking, and you do nothing to fix it, then your home insurance will not offer coverage for the resulting water damage.  Additionally, your home policy specifically excludes coverage for the water damage caused by water backup and floods.  You can secure coverage for these exclusions through policy endorsements and specialty flood policies, respectively.

Does home insurance cover roof damage and leaks?

Your home insurance will cover roof leaks depending on the cause of the leak.  If the leak is the result of sudden, accidental events, then you have coverage.  For instance, if your roof starts to leak due to falling trees, windstorms, hail, vandalism, or so on, then you will have coverage for repairs.

Damaged roofs are not covered when they are the result of gradual deterioration and lack of maintenance.  For instance, your home insurance will not offer coverage if roof damage is caused by the following:

  • Age
  • Mold, fungus, or wet rot
  • Deterioration, neglect, and/or inadequate maintenance
  • Birds, vermin, rodents, or insects

Please note that, while you will not have coverage for your roof, your policy may extend coverage for the other losses caused by a damaged or leaky roof.  For instance, water-damaged possessions may be covered by your homeowners insurance.

Does home insurance cover theft?

Homeowners insurance covers theft both inside and outside your home.  For instance, if someone broke into your home and stole your television, then you would have coverage to replace your television and repair the damages the burglars caused.  If your phone was stolen while you were traveling, then your home insurance would also cover the cost of replacing your phone.

Homeowners insurance will only cover your belongings up to a certain coverage limit.  So, if you have high-value items that exceed these limits, then they will not be covered by your policy.  You can secure additional coverage for high-value items through policy endorsements or by securing specialty policies for specific items.

This is what your policy will cover when it comes to these common types of home damage events.  Do you have more questions about 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.

Why You Need Renters Insurance Coverage

The importance of renters insurance.

If you are like many other renters, then you may consider insurance an unnecessary investment.  However, this simply isn’t the case.  Renters insurance actually offers policyholders several coverage options that they can benefit from.  Here’s why you need to secure a renters policy today.

  • Personal Property Coverage

While your landlord is responsible for the damages that your rental home or apartment sustains, they will not compensate you if your personal belongings are damaged or lost.  Fortunately, the personal property coverage included in your renters insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged possessions.

  • Loss of Use Coverage

What would happen to you if your rental was temporarily uninhabitable due to damages caused by a fire or another major disaster?  Well, in most cases you would have to foot the bill for finding a temporary living situation.  However, if you have renters insurance, then your policy offers loss of use coverage.  This coverage takes care of the costs associated with living elsewhere while your rental is undergoing necessary repairs.

  • Personal Liability Coverage

Stop for a moment and imagine what would happen if someone injured themselves while inside your rental.  If someone slips and falls, gets bitten by your pet, or experiences some other accident, then you might find yourself on the receiving end of a personal liability lawsuit.  Luckily, if you have renters insurance, then the personal liability coverage included in your policy will help you take care of the expenses associated with a lawsuit.

This is why you need the protection offered by renters insurance.  Are you looking for assistance with your renters coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.

Avoid Unnecessary Home Insurance Claims

Preventing common home insurance claim events.

If you are like most homeowners, then you want to save as much as possible when it comes to your home insurance.  The best way to keep your insurance costs down is by avoiding claims.  Here are some of the most common home insurance claims and what you can do to avoid them.

  • Theft and Vandalism

Many homeowners are forced to file insurance claims after their home is broken into or vandalized.  To prevent your home and belongings from being damaged or stolen, you should install a security system to deter criminals.  Installing bright outdoor lighting and surveillance cameras is another way to keep criminals away.  Finally, make sure you close and secure all points of entry, so burglars and vandals do not have an easy way to get into your home.

  • Roof Leak and Collapse

If your roof begins to leak or collapses completely, then this will be a pricey insurance claim.  To prevent this claim event, you should keep up with basic roof maintenance, such a routine gutter cleaning and shingle replacement.  You should also be sure to remove dead limbs and trim overgrown branches on the trees that overhang your home’s roof.  This will prevent your trees from causing roof damage during a windy or stormy day.

  • Fire

Home fires are one of the most common and devastating damage events that a homeowner can face.  In homes, cooking equipment is the leading cause of fire.  However, fires can also break out due to faulty lighting fixtures, malfunctioning appliances, overheated electronics, and so on.  Smoke detectors are one of the best fire prevention tools, and homeowners are advised to have a working detector installed in every room and floor of the home.  You should also keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home and, most importantly, in your kitchen.  This ensures that you can quickly put out a fire before it spreads.

This is how you can prevent these common claim events.  Do you have questions about 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.

How to Determine the Right Amount of Auto Insurance Coverage for You

What to think about when setting your car insurance coverage limits.

With all the auto insurance options out there, setting your car coverage limits can be challenging.  Because many drivers get overwhelmed by the process, they settle for their state’s insurance minimums.  Unfortunately, state minimums will do very little to protect you in an accident.  To ensure that you are securing an adequate amount of coverage, here are some of the things to consider.

Car insurance is designed to protect your finances in the event of an accident, particularly when you are found at fault.  However, carrying insufficient auto insurance defeats the whole purpose of the coverage.  While you might have enough coverage to be considered legal, state minimums, which are tied to bodily injury and property damage of others, are rarely enough to address the full cost of an auto accident.  Once your car coverage runs out, it will be up to you to cover remaining expenses out-of-pocket.  If you do not have enough money saved, then assets such as your home, retirement account, personal property and so on, are at risk. Rather than leaving yourself vulnerable to this threat, it’s much smarter and safer to secure adequate auto insurance coverage from the start.

Unfortunately, there is no universal standard for the amount of auto insurance coverage you should purchase.  Every driver has their own risk factors and needs, which affects the amount of coverage they need to carry.  The best way to determine your ideal coverage amount is by using a car insurance calculator tool or speaking with a trusted insurance professional.  By factoring in your risks, assets, and budget, you can find the right coverage to meet your needs.

This is why it’s so important to have the right amount of car insurance coverage.  Are you looking for further assistance with your auto insurance?  If so, then contact the experts at James Page Insurance.  We are ready to assist you with all your car coverage needs today.

 

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