Fully Insured?

Are you working at home? Nearly half of all Americans operate a home-based business as their sole means of support or for extra income. Most standard homeowners policies provide very limited coverage for business property and no liability protection for business use of the home. You can get this coverage added to your homeowners policy or you can purchase a separate business policy.

Do you have recreational vehicles? Watercraft, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are not covered under the liability protection in your homeowners policy.  You can have this critical coverage against accidents by adding a policy endorsement.

Did you remodel or build an addition? Changes or upgrades to your house or grounds can increase your liability and coverage needs. If you do not update your homeowners policy, you risk significant out-of-pocket expenses. If you’ve added a pool or bedroom, new cabinets or windows, inform your insurance agent to be sure you are adequately protected.

Will your policy pay enough to rebuild your home? Increases in home prices can have corresponding increases in the cost of building materials. This means you might need more insurance in case you have to replace your home. An appraisal can help you determine how much insurance you need.

Are you living in an historic home Older houses usually do not meet today's ?stringent building codes. If there is a loss, your home will have to be rebuilt to the new code. A basic homeowners policy may not cover these increased construction costs and the true value of your property. This coverage can be added as an endorsement to your policy.

Do you own expensive items or a collection? Most homeowners policies limit coverage for expensive jewelry, art, antiques and other collectibles. Think about how valuable these items are to your family, monetarily and emotionally to decide if you need additional coverage.  You can add endorsements to a homeowners policy or buy a specialty policy.

Does your policy have medical payments coverage? Most homeowners don’t carry this “goodwill” protection. It provides payments for medical care if someone is injured on your property, regardless of fault. In today’s lawsuit-happy society, this affordable coverage could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Do you check for leaks regularly? To prevent a problem from growing, inspect your home regularly for discoloration in ceilings, floors, walls and tiles. Check for water in the basement, around appliances and near the foundation. Also check hose connections in the laundry room, bathrooms and kitchen. Repair these areas immediately, or your insurance company may refuse to cover any damages.

Is there an alarm system in your home? An alarm system is a great deterrent against break-ins and could save you money on your homeowners insurance. Test it regularly—at least monthly—to ensure it is operating properly. And, most importantly, use it.

Does your family have a pet? Even the friendliest pet bites if frightened or provoked. Pet bites and attacks are very common causes of homeowner liability claims. Insurance companies judge certain breeds to be more dangerous and some breeds are excluded from coverage. If you are adopting a pet, check with your insurance agent to be sure you will have coverage.