Monday, March 23, 2020

What To Look For When You Buy Homeowners Insurance

Your home, one of your most valued assets, needs financial protection. Knowing what to look for when you buy homeowners insurance is invaluable information that will help you determine the right amount of coverage.

Structure Coverage

Before you begin looking for insurance for your home, you need to know the home’s value.  How much will it cost to replace your home if it is damaged or destroyed?  Instead of estimating the cost, seek a professional estimate from a licensed real estate appraiser.  Not only will the appraiser look at the exterior structure of your home, he will also look at the interior features.  A residential real estate appraiser specializes in assessing the value of homes.  A residential real estate appraiser will consider the age of the home and the condition of the home.  Inspections may include plumbing and roofing, as well as the structural foundation.  If any repairs are required, the real estate appraiser will provide an estimate of the cost in addition to an estimate of the property if repairs are made.


Content Coverage

As you consider what to look for when you buy homeowners insurance, you need to know what the value is of your personal belongings.  You may not think some items in your home are valuable, but consider the cost should you need to replace them.  Again, you do not want to take a guess of the value of your belongings. Take inventory of your belongings, by recording and taking pictures of them, and save any receipts, you may have.  If your home is destroyed by fire, it will be very difficult for you to remember all of the things that were in the home.  You definitely want to keep a record of the value of expensive jewelry, artwork, or clothing.  Protect your record of your belongings by storing them in an area that is fireproof and waterproof.

Liability Coverage

If someone is hurt on your property, you can reduce your out-of-pocket cost with liability coverage.  Liability coverage includes medical bills, loss wages, pain and suffering, your legal expenses if the injured person decides to sue you, and even death.  The coverage will pay up to a certain amount, but some homeowners insurances have umbrella policies, which will pay once you have exceeded the amount of the liability coverage.

Unless you have extensive knowledge about homeowners insurance, you should be prepared to ask your insurance agent questions that will help you determine your insurance needs.  You will want to know about the available plans and the cost.  Shop around for insurance coverage to get the best coverage for the best price.  Be sure that you read and understand your policy before you sign a binding contract.  You will feel comfortable with the plan you choose if you have a clear understanding of the coverage, the deductibles, and the premiums you are expected to pay. 

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