Homeowners Insurance
What is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners policies combine property and liability coverages in a single policy. Your policy will insure your home as well as your possessions. Coverage is offered on standard forms, but it can be broadened with endorsements to include almost any property or personal liability exposure.
Some perils, for example, floods, are not covered. However, a separate flood policy can be purchased to cover this risk.
What Does It Cover?
Homeowners policies are divided by property and liability coverage.
The property portion covers:
- Dwelling – This coverage applies to the dwelling and attached structures. The limit of insurance for your dwelling is based on the value of your home and what it would cost to replace it.
- Other Structures – This coverage applies to detached structures, for example, a garage or storage shed. The limit of coverage is typically 10 percent of the dwelling coverage, but you can purchase higher limits.
- Personal Property – This coverage provides worldwide coverage for your personal property. Special limits apply to some types of property, for example, jewelry and firearms. Some property is excluded from coverage. The overall limit for personal property 50 percent of the dwelling limit, although additional coverage can be purchased.
- Loss of Use – This coverage applies when you have a loss to your home. It pays your expenses if you have to live elsewhere, perhaps after a fire.
The liability part of your homeowners policy covers:
- Personal Liability – This coverage kicks in if someone files a claim against your policy or a lawsuit against you because of bodily injury or property damage where you are liable.
- Medical Payments to others – This coverage pays the necessary medical expenses for bodily injury of others, regardless of your liability. This part would pay if, after a rain, someone fell down slippery steps and were injured.
Where Can I Buy Homeowners Insurance?
You can buy homeowners insurance here! Your home is probably your biggest investment. Let us help make sure you protect it wisely.
Our purpose is to provide you with the highest level of guidance and protection found in the insurance industry. We strive daily to provide you with the highest level of service while protecting your family against the financial perils of one of life’s worst case scenarios (i.e. loss of home, loss of income or protection against a financially debilitating lawsuit).
Currently due to recent wildfires the residential homeowner market is rapidly changing, and at times it is difficult to insure in certain areas. Our agency specializes in finding a market for every home, regardless of being declined or non-renewed by prior carriers.
We can help you obtain coverage through the California Fair Plan if you’ve been declined or non-renewed. Our agency has been working with the California Fair Plan since 2014 and can help you navigate this challenging resource. Our agency also has access to multiple DIC carriers to supplement and cover the gap the California Fair Plan policies create.
If you have been declined or turned down for home insurance don’t give up, contact us.
Policies / Rates / Discounts
Named vs. Open Perils Policies
A basic difference among homeowners policies is the way that the perils are covered. Some policies provide coverage on a named perils basis, and others provide coverage on an open perils basis. A named perils policy protects property only against the perils listed in the policy, for example, wind, hail, fire, or explosion. An open perils policy protects against perils not specifically excluded.
Can My Pet Affect My Rate?
Yes. If you have an aggressive breed dog, your premiums may be higher than if you have a docile breed. Many companies consider you a higher risk since a dog bite or attack can trigger a claim against your policy.
How Can I Keep My Rates Down?
Multi-Policy Discount
You are eligible for a multi-policy discount when you insure your home and car with the same company.
Raise Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount of money you pay toward a loss before your insurance company pays a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums. Increasing your deductible from, say, $500 to $1,000 or $2,000 can save you money.
Update Roof, Electricity, Heating, and Plumbing
Let’s talk about some steps you can take to make your home more resistant to windstorms and other natural disasters and ways to modernize your electrical, heating, or plumbing systems. Installing storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, or purchasing stronger roofing materials can reduce your risk and lower your premium. If you have an older home with an outdated electrical, heating, or plumbing system, these can be retrofitted to reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
Where Can I Buy Homeowners Insurance?
Request a quote HERE
