When you own a home, you likely want all the protection you can afford. While a policy could feel like more than enough when you’re paying the bills, only when disaster actually strikes does its value hit home––you never want to be left wishing for more.
If you’re struggling to meet the costs of owning a home, finding an affordable insurance policy may seem daunting. So we did the research for you. Read on to learn what affects the price of homeowners insurance and how you can save.
Yards are teeming with spring blossoms, and torrential rain showers are just a normal part of the year’s cycle. But our modern, non-porous living spaces—think cemented or paved driveways, walkways and patios—can’t handle the downpours. When these and other factors collide, we can see flash floods, sewer drain backup, or sump pump overflow.
Wild, unpredictable weather patterns call for preparation and forethought. Especially now, as abundant spring showers spur on summer growth, damage from hail—rain’s favorite cousin—crops up as a real threat. In fact, flooding and hail are the top two of five common dangers that regularly damage homes nationwide.
You’re a savvy homeowner—you likely realize the serious flood threat that spring rains can pose. And you may even be aware of hail’s sneaky tricks. Since those two are the top annual sources of damage to homes across the U.S., we’d say you’re up on things. Clearly, there’s a lot at stake. So let’s shift from possible dangers to ways you can prevent damage to your home should flooding or hail storms strike. As always, protection and prevention go hand in hand.
Whether a distant memory or yesterday's ordeal, ultimately, buying your home was worth it. You have a place that's truly your own. And while, over the years, your home's intrinsic value compounds, you can't always say the same for its market value. So when your homeowner's policy comes time to renew, and your provider's valuation outstrips your home's current market value, questions could surface—and then linger. Why doesn't my insurance provider have it right? Where's the discrepancy? Am I getting a fair shake? Good questions -- Let's get those answered.
Not just for businesses. In the event of natural disaster, fire or theft, a comprehensive accounting of personal property is priceless. Yet who of us can itemize by rote what's stashed in the living room, let alone the attic, hall closets, basement, etc.? Especially when it comes to determining replacement value on damaged, destroyed or "irreplaceable" items, your annually-updated inventory could save you.
Here's a tool you might want to keep handy—for when we grow, risk grows correspondingly. So we present to you our Field Guide to Business Insurance. Easy knowledge, right at your fingertips. While this is no replacement for the expertise of a trusted insurance agent, this overview will do well to familiarize you with the defenses available to fend off the Jurassic giants of our era.
