If you are a first-time homebuyer, you are about to face a set of unfamiliar challenges. Homeowners insurance is a critical step in the process of buying a home. This insurance protects one of the biggest purchases in a lifetime. With homeowners insurance, you can protect not only the equity, but also the potential growing value of your property over time. It is worth taking some time to really understand your options. In some cases, you may want to add a supplemental policy for an additional layer of protection.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

It is crucial to understand what your homeowners insurance covers – and what types of perils are excluded. The homeowners insurance you purchase would likely be an HO-3 if you purchased a single-family home. It is the most common type of insurance policy for homeowners, delivering a comprehensive level of protection, including personal liability. Here are some other protections homeowners insurance typically provides:

• Personal property coverage: Your personal possessions are valuable, so most homeowners insurance provides coverage if your property is damaged by a covered peril.
• Dwelling coverage: The dwelling portion in your homeowners insurance can protect the actual structure of your home.
• Other structures coverage: Other structures include fences or detached fences, which are typically covered by an HO-3.
• Medical payments coverage: Accidents happen and if someone has an accident and gets injured on your property, your homeowners insurance will likely cover their medical bills.
• Liability coverage: If someone sues you for being injured on your property, your homeowners insurance can cover legal fees and judgments, up to the policy limits. For higher levels of coverage, consider an umbrella policy.

As effective as your homeowners insurance is, however, it is not without some exclusions. For example, damage caused by some natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, is not covered. You can purchase flood insurance or earthquake insurance to protect against either of these damaging events. Our insurance agents will consult with you to assess which supplemental policies make the most sense for you, your home, and your budget.

When Should I Buy Homeowners Insurance?

As soon as you close on your home, you will be required to have homeowners insurance in place. Although you might not be required by state law to purchase homeowners insurance, your lender will make it a condition in a mortgage loan agreement. Without it, closing might be delayed, so be sure to prioritize homeowners insurance and ensure that it is effective by the closing date. Your mortgage company may recommend a homeowner insurance policy, but it is advised that you speak with one of our local agents to find the best policy at the most affordable rates, customized to match your individual situation.

Find the Right Homeowners Insurance Coverage for You

Shopping for homeowners insurance can be frustrating and confusing, especially in a first-time home purchase. Let our experienced insurance agents help you find the right policy for you and advise you regarding additional policies that can keep your home, property, and financial health safe.

Your homeowners insurance premiums can be reduced with eco-friendly changes to your home environment. Any way to reduce monthly costs is valuable, and it is worth considering whether making changes could help you save. Some of the incentives offered by several insurance providers include:

LEED certification for a home: LEED, or “Leadership in Energy in and Environmental Design,” is a green building rating, which most people consider is for commercial, industrial, or educational facilities. However, implementing these standards when building or remodeling a home can help reduce energy costs significantly, and may allow you to enjoy discounts on your homeowners insurance policy. If you are looking for a home insurance company that offers these discounts, speak to one of our local agents.

• Eco-friendly material replacements: When a home requires work, replacing existing materials with sustainable materials and products may allow for endorsements on your homeowners’ insurance policy. Installing Energy Star appliances can benefit homeowners by reducing energy costs, and gain an energy saving rating issued by the EPA and Department of Energy.
• Solar and geothermal energy: Homeowners who have invested in solar or geothermal energy sources, or deliver surplus energy to the grid, not only enjoy dramatically reduced energy bills, but may cover the cost of utility inspections and reconnection costs.
• Paperless discounts: If you choose to go “paperless,” you can expect many home insurance providers to offer a discount. All bills and policy information are submitted to you electronically, no paper involved.
• Smart home technology: When a home is equipped with “smart” technology, including home monitoring systems, a homeowner may be eligible for a discount on home insurance policies.

How to secure homeowners’ insurance discounts?

To gain the benefits of lower monthly premiums, you must provide the homeowners insurance company with documentation, such as the LEED certification document. If you have installed Energy Star appliances in your home, you still need to achieve LEED certification, which may require some added changes to the home. Once the standards for LEED certification are met, a discount of 5% is available from several homeowners insurance providers.

Green home discounts

Some insurance companies offer a “green home” discount. If your home is damaged by fire, for example, the homeowners insurance policy pays to replace damaged appliances with Energy Star appliances, VOC-free material replacements and pay towards the cost of recycling debris.

Other discounts

Homeowners can also enjoy discounts for owning several types of policies through one provider, for never filing a claim, first-time home buyer discounts, or when building a home, using contractors a specific insurance company has approved, or an “accredited builder discount.” Other discounts can be offered for installing home protection devices, such as smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or home security systems to make a home safer, and less likely to suffer a loss. Installing impact-resistant glass can allow a discount. Some types of roof installations that are better suited to withstand serious weather events can allow for a discount on premiums.

Choosing the right homeowners insurance company

As a homeowner, you deserve to gain every possible discount or improved coverage available. If you are considering a more affordable homeowners insurance policy with better coverage, we invite you to speak with one of our local agents about the programs now available on the market. Every year, new options are offered, including discounts for eco-friendly homes.

Winter storms can do serious damage to your home. In 2021, storms during the winter months caused a record $15 billion in insured losses in the U.S., as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III). Some of the costliest winter events by insured losses from 1950 to 2021 include:

• Polar vortex
• Freezes
• Blizzards
• Winter storms
• Winter damage
• Cold waves
• Ice storms

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage to My Home from Winter Storms?

Fortunately, many homeowners insurance policies cover different types of winter storm damage, including:

• Frozen pipes (not caused by maintenance failure)
• Hail and wind damage (if there is no exclusion)
• Snow and ice damage (which may not include damage from water seeping into your home)
• Fire caused by space heaters, fireplaces and chimneys, or central heating systems
• Slip and fall injuries to visitors because of icy sidewalks up to policy limits

How Can I Avoid Costly Claims from Winter Storms?

Homeowners insurance is a must, particularly in the winter months. However, filing a claim might not be your best option for every winter occurrence, as it could cause your insurance rates to go up. For the greatest cost savings, take steps to prevent winter weather events before they occur.

To Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Drain sprinkler supply lines.
• Drain and disconnect hoses.
• Protect the most vulnerable pipes with pipe sleeves or heat tape.
• Insulate pipes located in unheated areas, such as attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
• Keep your home heated. If you go out of town, set the thermostat at 65°F or higher.
• Keep your garage doors closed.
• In extremely cold temperatures, let cold water drip from the faucet.

To Help Minimize Snow Melt and Prevent Ice Dams on Your Roof

• Install adequate insulation so heat remains in your home instead of escaping through the ceiling.
• Ensure your attic is ventilated so cold air from outside can enter. If the attic becomes too warm, it can cause snow on the roof to melt, which can refreeze at the eaves, forming an ice dam.
• Seal any gaps to prevent heat in the home from escaping into the attic.

To Help Prevent Winter Fires

• Keep any heating device at least three feet away from any item that could catch fire.
• Do not leave heaters unattended.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using heating equipment.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before the start of the winter season.

To Help Prevent Windstorm Damage

• Inspect the exterior of your home for anything that may be loose, including shutters and gutters.
• Bring in or remove anything outside that is not firmly attached, such as outdoor furniture, shade umbrellas, garden ornaments, and children’s play items or equipment.
• Prune the trees around your home to help prevent flying branches in high winds.

In case of major winter storm damage, it is important to have the right homeowners insurance to cover your losses. Our friendly agent can help you find the coverage you need at the most affordable rates.

We all want to save money on home expenses and have more to spend on the finer things in life. When the seasons change, so do the money-saving strategies. The following are some tips on how to save money during the hot summer months.

Replace AC Filters Regularly

Filters for air conditioning units are inexpensive, and it makes sense to replace them frequently. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of your AC. This translates into more AC running time and higher cooling costs.

Turn Off the AC in the Cooler Hours

When temperatures are cooler in the evening and early morning, turn off the air conditioning and open some windows. Use a fan to pull warmer air out of the house and cooler air in.

Dry Your Laundry on a Line Outside

If you have the option to put up a clothes line outside, hang your clothes and bedding instead of using the dryer. This prevents you from adding extra heat to the house from the dryer and saves on your electric or gas bill to run the dryer. It also gives your clothes, towels, and bedding a delightful, fresh smell when they are dried by sun and summer breezes.

Get Outdoors in the Long Summer Evenings

Extended daylight hours in the summertime give you more time to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you are out playing softball or tennis or simply walking around the neighborhood, you are saving on your electric bill if you are not indoors using the lights and running electronics. As a bonus, the exercise is good for your health and state of mind.

Cook Outside in Hot Weather

Using the oven or the range can heat up your house and make the AC work harder. The hot summer months are a great time to use the barbecue grill outside. This has the added advantage of turning summer meals into an outdoor picnic or party. Millions of Americans grill outdoors with no mishaps, but accidents do happen occasionally. Most grill fires on residential properties are caused by malfunctioning gas grills. In the rare occurrence of a grill fire, homeowners insurance can provide protection against damage to the house, personal possessions, and insured structures on the property, as well as injuries to guests as a result of the fire. Our agency can help you save money on homeowners insurance by finding the coverage you need at the best available rates. Many different factors can affect the cost of homeowners insurance, including:

• Amount of coverage
• Location
• Neighborhood crime
• Condition, materials, and age of home
• Fire safeguards
• Bundling with other policies, such as auto insurance

Shop for Summer Projects at the End of the Season

The best time to buy tools, outdoor plants, and summer project materials is at the end of the season. These items tend to go on sale when the summer is winding down and people are spending less time outdoors.

Summer is here, and with hot weather comes rising electric bills and other costly household expenses. None of these money-saving tips are particularly costly, but each of them can contribute to turning your home into a more comfortable place to escape the blazing summer sun.

• Replace your air filters in your air conditioner and vents. Accumulated dust, dirt, and other allergens can all cause your system to work less efficiently.
• Clean out debris from your outside air conditioning unit and water heating unit.
• Inspect and make repairs to any leaking ducts. In many cases, your homeowners insurance policy will cover this type of repair.
• If you do not have one already, get a programmable thermostat and set it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home and higher when you are away.
• Check for sources of phantom power, as these can drive up electrical costs. Disconnect electronics, appliances, and tools when they are not in use. Leaving these plugged in will continue to cause a drain in power.
• Clean your ceiling fans and window fans, then make sure they are operational. Using a fan to circulate air can significantly cut down costs during the summer months.
• Check windows and doors for leaks. Make necessary adjustments so that hot air does not seep in and cooler air stays inside.
• Turn your water heater down to the warm setting. There is no reason to heat up your water as much over the summer months as the water will have time to warm up on its own while sitting in the tank and pipes.
• Set a schedule so that you only run your dishwasher, washing machine, and other key appliances during off peak hours and when you have a full load. Use cold water settings. Let the sun dry your laundry if possible, as this will not only save money, but also make your items smell fresh and clean.

Having the right insurance policy can also prevent you from having to incur costly repair expenses during the hottest time of the year. One of the final steps you should take to prepare your home for hot weather is to review your homeowners insurance policy, renters insurance policy, health insurance policy, and any other personal insurance policy to ensure that you are covered in the event of a breakdown, accident, injury, or natural disaster. Heat-related injuries and deaths increase substantially during the hot summer months.

We will be more than happy to review your existing personal insurance policy or present you with options you can afford. As each of our agents are local to the community, we are able to offer a level of service and convenience not regularly found in the insurance industry. Appointments can be scheduled at a time most convenient to you.

We hope that you will never find reason to use your personal insurance, but it is important to plan for the unexpected. Having inadequate or no personal insurance coverage can lead to paying thousands out-of-pocket. Our agents are committed to doing everything we can to help you obtain the highest level of coverage at the lowest possible price. Contact us and schedule an appointment to discuss your needs today.

A garage helps protect your vehicles from exposure to the elements. It can also be a convenient location for storing items you don’t want to keep in the house. Keeping some items in the garage can create a health and safety risk for you and your family. Never store these six things in your garage:

Propane Tanks
If you barbecue outdoors, you may keep propane on hand to fuel the grill. Leave propane tanks outside – not stored in the garage. Propane tanks can leak gas, which can lead to deadly explosions. They are best kept away from the house and garage in an enclosed, secure location without sparks, for example, a garden shed.

Paper Products
Your garage is not a good place to store important papers, such as passports and birth certificates.

They can be damaged by excess moisture in the air. In fact, it is not a good place to store any paper products, including recycling. Insects and vermin can find their way into a garage and storage containers. Paper products and other edible items can attract them.

Pet Food
If you store pet food in your garage, it’s like inviting pests into your home for a delicious meal. Pet food is highly nutritious and attractive to both rodents and insects. Pests can detect food even in a storage container. Rodents can chew through paper or cardboard, and ants can get into virtually anything.

Oily Rags
Oily rags are often used in woodworking and other projects. You should never store rags soaked with oil in the garage. They can generate internal heat as they begin to dry. Oxygen can be trapped underneath a pile of oily rags. With the combination of heat and oxygen, spontaneous combustion can occur and start a fire in your home. Store oily rags in an airtight, metal, non-combustible container. It should be filled with water and a detergent that breaks down oil.

Wine or Canned Foods
Exposure to heat and temperature fluctuations can alter the composition and color of wine, making it unpalatable. Wine should be stored in a dark, dry place at a consistent temperature and humidity. Canned vegetables are likely to freeze in the wintertime and have a shorter shelf life if stored in the garage.

Refrigerators
Some people like to have an additional refrigerator for extra cold storage space. If you have a spare fridge, the garage is not the best place to keep it. When the temperature rises in the garage on warmer days, your refrigerator will have to work harder to keep the contents cold. Plugging in a refrigerator in the garage could significantly increase your energy bills.

Make Sure You Have the Right Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Your home is a significant investment. Knowing you are fully covered in case something goes wrong can give you peace of mind. Our experienced agent can advise you on the homeowners’ insurance coverage you need and help you find the best rates.

Understanding your home insurance policy and what it covers is essential but easier said than done. Insurance contracts are written in a legal language unfamiliar to most of us. To understand your coverage, you may want to get help from a local insurance agent. You need to know what is covered – hopefully long before you need to file a claim.

You likely have homeowners’ insurance if you own a home, as it is a requirement when taking on a mortgage. You may have put it in place but are unsure what is and isn’t covered. For example, if you live in a high flood risk area, you must purchase separate flood insurance – your homeowners’ insurance does not likely cover that peril. Earthquake damage also requires added coverage.

Home Insurance Basics

Home insurance policies cover damage (or destruction) of the interior and exterior of your home, loss from theft, and cover you for personal liability if a person is injured on your property, up to the policy limits. These policies are available in three basic types:

• Cash value of your home
• Cost to replace your home
• Extended home replacement

Covered Perils

Homeowners’ policies vary but generally cover damage to a home from fire, storms, lightning, vandalism damage, and property loss due to theft. You may have a homeowners insurance policy with limits far lower than you actually need. The modern home is equipped with many expensive items, from electronics to appliances, to jewelry, clothing, and other items. Replacing your home and possessions is costly – ensure you have the level of coverage you need if the worst should happen. While we can’t control the weather, we protect our homes and possessions and avoid the extreme financial losses associated with a natural disaster.
Insurance companies limit what they pay out in reimbursements for lost or stolen possessions to 50 to 70 percent of the insurance you have put on the structure itself.

Liability Coverage

You may not consider the importance of liability coverage. However, if another person is injured on your property, they may file a lawsuit to attempt to collect damages. Your home insurance policy protects you should an unfortunate incident occur on your property. The amount of liability coverage can be critical to your financial future. If the policy limits are too low to cover an injured person’s losses, you may be subject to a lawsuit to access your other assets. Many people choose to increase their liability coverage above the minimum required.

When You Need a New Place to Live

When a home has been seriously damaged, it may be uninhabitable. When this occurs, you may discover that your home insurance may be the best purchase you have ever made. Your policy may reimburse you for the cost associated with a hotel, renting another home, and other expenses while your house is under repair. Each home insurance policy has specific daily limits for families in this situation, and you should be aware of what they are.

If you need help with your home insurance, speak with one of our friendly local agents. We can help you understand your policy and ensure you have the coverage you need to protect your biggest asset – your home.

Renovating your home can enhance your living environment and increase the value of your property. Home renovations can be chaotic at first, with debris from demolitions piling up. While looking forward to an improved home environment, you need to be aware of some types of home renovations that could affect your insurance coverage.

Pools

A pool can significantly enhance the value of your home and provide months of enjoyment to friends and family – but the construction process can pose a risk to others visiting your property. While a standard homeowner’s policy provides some liability coverage, you may need to increase your liability protection with a personal insurance policy when you install a pool.

Additions

It may be time to add an office, a “granny flat,” or increase the size of the interior of your home. In addition, when complete, can enhance your home’s value but poses various risks to others visiting your property. The interior can be a construction zone, littered with nails, screws, wood, and walking hazards. Should another person trip and fall or suffer any type of injury on your property, the last thing you need is to deal with the financial losses of an injury claim. Ensure you have adequate coverage if you plan to add on to your home, and a personal insurance policy adds another layer of protection you need most.

Kitchen Remodels

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and if you choose to remodel it, the value of your property is increased. The process of remodeling a kitchen includes upgrading plumbing, electrical, fixtures, and installing new appliances, along with updating floors, counters, lighting, and cupboards. During the remodel, the kitchen area is a danger zone. Ensure you have sufficient liability insurance coverage during the remodel, and a personal insurance policy is often the ideal option.

New Roof

A standard roof has a lifespan of about 25 years. Eventually, it must be replaced. The roofing process is noisy, disruptive, and depending on the condition of the roof and the size of your home, could take days or weeks to complete. While a professional roofer will be as careful as possible, the risk of falling wood, tools, or tiles can put visitors to your property at risk of injury, and you need to ensure you have coverage to protect you from the financial losses associated with a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Home Renovations and Insurance Coverage

When planning to renovate your home, whether a major or minor project, speak with a local insurance agent to make sure you are covered during construction. Whether you have purchased a new property and are upgrading it or improving your home by renovating or adding on, don’t forget to meet with an insurance agent to ensure you have enough liability coverage to protect you if an accident occurs on your property – without the right insurance, you could face serious financial losses.

When spring arrives, it is time to get ready for the warmer months. These five spring maintenance tips can help you maintain and protect your home.

Roof Inspection

Your roof has been subjected to harsh winter weather and should be inspected yearly. You can inspect the roof yourself, but it is not recommended. It is advised that you contact a professional roofing company to inspect your roof, perform any minor repairs, and remove any moss or lichen that has gained a foothold. A qualified inspector will also check for any leaks, check attic ventilation, the condition of the roof decking, and any loose, buckled, missing, or cracked shingles that could lead to a leak. If you have skylights, they need to be checked, along with the flashing and mortar around the chimney and the chimney cap.

Gutter Cleanup

After a long winter, your gutters can be filled with debris that must be removed. The downspouts should be cleaned out to ensure the water flows freely in a rainstorm. If you have leafy trees or evergreens, the gutters have accumulated debris that must be removed. If any seams or end caps in the gutters are damaged, they should be repaired. If the gutter system is clogged or needs repair, the water can affect the walls and foundation of your home. Ensure the gutters are in good working order to protect the integrity of your home.

Change HVAC Filters

Your heating system has been working day and night to keep your home warm, and the filters have collected the dust and dirt in the air. With new, clean filters, your air conditioning and heating system function much better, saving you on your energy bills – and you will enjoy cleaner, fresher, indoor air.

Window Screen Cleaning and Repair

Your window screens will last longer with regular maintenance. Remove the screens and clean them with vinegar and a scrub brush, or a commercial cleaning product to restore them to a sparkling, fresh appearance. If you are unable to remove the screens, pressure washing or vacuuming with a shop vacuum can remove excess dust, pollen, spider webs, and dirt. Check the seals around your windows and repair any cracks or missing seals.

HVAC Service

We look forward to the warmth of summer and rely on our air conditioning systems to keep our homes comfortably cool. Your A/C system should be serviced before summer arrives. Any minor repairs can be performed by an HVAC technician, which helps keep your system at peak performance. If the A/C system is 15 to 20 years old, spring may be the right time to invest in an energy-efficient system that will work better, and cost less to run.

What Can Personal Insurance Do for Me?

Personal insurance policies serve an essential purpose, covering an individual against losses associated with a death, injury, or property damage to another person on your property. As part of preparing for spring, have your coverage evaluated to ensure you have the right protections in place. With personal liability insurance, you could avoid the serious financial losses associated with a claim or lawsuit, up to your policy limits. If a guest or visitor to your home is injured and you are held liable, personal insurance is a lifesaver. You can find out more about personal insurance from one of our local agents. We can review your current insurance policies and help you find the best rates and the best coverage available.

After a disaster, such as a fire, theft, or a storm, filing a personal insurance claim is a priority. Your insurance company will require you to present a full inventory of your lost or damaged items. A home inventory makes the insurance claims process far more efficient and faster. Any homeowner or renter should take the time to create an inventory of their possessions. The more thorough your inventory, the more likely your insurance company will provide you with the funds you need to get your life back on track. The process of creating a home inventory involves several hours but is well worth the time spent. To do so, use this checklist:

• Start in one room in your home. For example, if you begin the process in the kitchen, use your cellphone to take images of your dishes, pots and pans, and all other items, including stove, fridge, appliances, etc. Make a list of all the items, and the value of each. Describe the items, where they were purchased, the cost, and the make and model of each. Find invoices if you can. For appliances, note down the serial numbers found on the item.
• Move to the next room in your home and continue the process. In the living room, take images of your furniture, any valuable works of art and other items, make a written list of where the items were purchased and the cost, and find any existing invoices for the purchase.
• Move to the bedrooms. For clothing and shoes, make a count of each type of garment, such as “15 shirts, 12 pairs of shoes, 5 pairs of boots,” etc. If you own expensive designerwear, ensure your list notes the purchase cost, where and when purchased, and the value of the garments. Take images of your bedroom furniture and other items, find invoices if possible, and list the value of each item.
• Create a list of your jewelry, with images of each piece. Check the value of each piece online so your items are given the current value, which in many cases, is higher than when the piece was purchased.
• Inventory your electronics. Make a list of all your electronic equipment, along with serial numbers, where purchased, and what you paid. TVs, gaming systems, laptops, phones, and all other electronics should be fully documented as these items are expensive to replace.
• Value your sports equipment. If you own expensive sporting equipment, follow the same procedure, taking images or video, and listing each item by cost, where purchased, and other pertinent information.
• Receipts. If you have not already done so, create a file of receipts. You can search for receipts online if you do not have hard copies. Make a digital and physical file and save receipts for all new purchases.

How to Store Your Home Inventory

After creating your inventory, you need to do all you can to protect it from being lost in a fire or storm. Purchase a fireproof safe for your most important family documents, including passports, birth certificates, jewelry, cash, and your home inventory. Create a digital file to ensure your inventory survives should the safe be lost or damaged in a disaster. Create a digital image of every page and all receipts so you have a backup copy.

Ensure your personal insurance policy reflects what it would actually cost to replace your possessions. These costs, in most cases, are far more than you think. Creating an inventory, although time-consuming, can help you and your family get back on the road to recovery. For assistance with personal insurance, our friendly local agents can help you choose the best personal insurance policy at the lowest rates and are here to help you when you need it most.