Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance can shield you from life's unexpected curveballs. If your home sustains damage, your possessions are stolen, or someone gets injured on your property, your policy can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements, temporary housing, medical bills, legal fees, and more. 

A homeowners policy is widely recommended for any homeowner or condo owner and may even be required by your mortgage lender. Depending on your location, you may need separate coverage to protect your home and belongings against damage from floods, earthquakes, windstorms, or hail. 

A typical homeowners policy has three key components: the premium (the amount you pay for coverage), deductibles (your out-of-pocket responsibility for a covered claim), and limits (the maximum your insurer will pay per claim). While home insurance is coverage you hope to never need, it can be a lifeline if the unexpected happens, helping you get your life back on track.

Beyond your physical buildings, a typical homeowners policy will also protect your personal belongings - from furniture and electronics to clothing and family heirlooms - in the event they are lost, stolen, or damaged. If a covered incident forces you out of your home temporarily, your policy will additionally cover your additional living expenses, so you don't have to shoulder the full burden of hotel stays, restaurant meals, and other costs associated with being displaced. Homeowners insurance also provides valuable personal liability protection, shielding you from financial responsibility if someone is injured on your property or by your actions. And for those with particularly valuable possessions like jewelry, fine art, or antiques, optional riders can be added to your plan to ensure those prized items are fully covered. 

First, establish the estimated cost to fully replace, rebuild, or repair your home in the event of a total loss - this is the "replacement cost." This figure should account for current local construction materials and labor rates, which can fluctuate over time. Also assess any other structures on your property, like a garage, shed, fence, or detached buildings, to ensure adequate coverage.

Another important consideration is your financial situation and ability to pay a deductible if needed. A higher deductible can lower monthly premiums, but you'll need sufficient funds available if you file a claim. Take inventory of your valuable personal belongings, from jewelry to electronics, to determine the right coverage limits.

If you frequently host guests or operate a home business, those factors may impact your coverage requirements. Renting out part of your property is another variable your insurer will need to account for. Lastly, inquire about available discounts, such as bundling policies or maintaining a claims-free history.

For individuals operating a business, even a small enterprise run from a corner of their living space, a specialized business owner's policy is typically necessary to ensure adequate protection. These commercial insurance products are tailored to the unique risks and liabilities of running a for-profit venture, covering everything from general liability to property damage to interruption of operations. Without this dedicated coverage, homeowners using their residence for business could find themselves financially exposed in the event of accidents, lawsuits, or other unforeseen circumstances related to the commercial aspects of their property. While homeowners insurance provides a baseline level of protection, a business owner's policy is generally required to fully safeguard one's commercial interests when operating out of a private home.

Homeowners insurance policies typically renew on an annual basis, requiring policyholders to go through the renewal process each year. However, this renewal is contingent on several factors - the homeowner must maintain their policy eligibility and stay current on premium payments. Failing to meet these requirements could result in the insurer declining to renew the policy. That's why it's strongly recommended that homeowners review their coverage with an insurance representative annually. This review allows them to ensure their policy still meets their needs, make any necessary adjustments, and confirm they are meeting the insurer's renewal criteria. The annual review is a crucial step in maintaining proper protection and avoiding coverage lapses. By proactively managing their policy renewals, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their home and assets are safeguarded, even as their insurance needs evolve over time. 

Bundling your car and home insurance policies is the key to significant savings. By insuring both your vehicle and residence, you'll automatically qualify for a multi-policy discount, resulting in lower overall premiums. But the savings don't stop there - we encourage customers to explore our full suite of insurance products, from boat and umbrella liability to personal articles floaters. Consolidating all your coverage needs allows you to stack discounts and enjoy even greater financial benefits. It's a win-win scenario - you get comprehensive protection while keeping more of your hard-earned money each month. Why settle for disjointed, higher-cost insurance when you can bundle and maximize your savings? It's a simple way to spend less and get more value from your policies.

A basic car insurance policy typically excludes coverage for maintenance, mechanical failures, wear and tear, unlisted drivers, and ridesharing activities. However, you can often add supplemental coverage or purchase separate policies to insure against these exclusions. For instance, you can add rideshare coverage to your auto policy if you drive for a ridesharing service.

When purchasing auto insurance, you must, at minimum, obtain the coverage required by your state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to others. Your state may also mandate uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) and personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. Additionally, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender will likely require comprehensive and collision coverage to protect the vehicle.

Insurers evaluate numerous factors when setting your auto insurance premium, such as your age, driving record, and geographic location. Additionally, the make and model of your vehicle can significantly affect your coverage costs, particularly if you have comprehensive and collision policies. To help you save, be sure to explore our available car insurance discounts and money-saving tips.

Your auto insurance premium is the recurring payment you make to your car insurance provider in exchange for coverage. This premium serves as the cost of your insurance policy, allowing you to enjoy the protection and peace of mind that comes with being insured on the road. The amount of your premium is determined by a variety of factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, your driving history, your age and location, and the level of coverage you select. Opting for a higher deductible, or the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in, can help lower your monthly or annual premium. 

Your car insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurer will cover the rest of a claim. For example, if you have a $500 collision deductible and your repairs cost $2,000, you would pay the first $500 and your insurer would cover the remaining $1,500. You can typically choose your deductible amount from options provided by your insurer. A higher deductible means you'll pay more upfront for a claim, but you'll have a lower premium. Conversely, a lower deductible results in a higher premium but less out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim.

Filing a car insurance claim can be a straightforward process, but it's important to approach it with care and attention to detail. The first step is to promptly report the incident to your insurance provider, whether it's an accident, theft, or damage to your vehicle. Your insurer will typically have a dedicated claims department that can guide you through the necessary paperwork and documentation. Be prepared to provide a clear and concise account of what happened, including the date, time, location, and any other relevant details. You'll also need to supply information about the other parties involved, such as their contact details and insurance information, if applicable.