When someone visiting your property gets injured, does your homeowners insurance cover their medical and other expenses? What if they sue you? What should you do if a person is injured on your property? Accidents happen When someone is injured on your property, the liability portion of your homeowner’s policy compensates the victim for all… Read more »
Nearly five million cats and dogs are covered by their owners with pet health care insurance, almost double the number of pets five years ago. Pet insurance is a godsend when your pet unexpectedly has an expensive ailment or accident, but the coverage isn’t cheap. So, is it worth it? Pet insurance by the numbers… Read more »
When your home’s roof is damaged, one of your first calls will likely be to your insurance company. But the best time to get acquainted with the ins and outs of your policy is before disaster strikes. Here’s what you need to know. Read your policy about roof damage Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof… Read more »
Many Americans tune out coverage of climate change, thinking the risks it poses will affect them “someday.” But with dangerous storms, excessive heat and droughts becoming more frequent and extreme, consumers are already feeling the pinch from climate change when it comes time to pay their homeowners insurance premiums. From one extreme to the other… Read more »
Insurance provides financial protection against the possibility of loss. Over your lifetime, your obligations shift, and the types of losses you could suffer change. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your insurance continues to meet your needs. Here’s our guide to your changing insurance needs. Life insurance Life insurance protects a surviving spouse, family… Read more »
We welcome clean fresh water in our kitchens and bathrooms, but sometimes water arrives uninvited and causes damage. Will your homeowners insurance pay for damage from unwanted water in your home? Like many things in life, the answer is: It depends. What insurance covers In general, homeowners insurance covers water damage that is “sudden and… Read more »
No one wants a sewage backup in their home or yard. Sewage line problems are destructive, expensive health hazards. How can you spot a problem in the making? And will homeowners insurance cover a broken sewer line and the damage it causes? Signs of a sewer line problem Watch for these telltale signs that you… Read more »
Homeowners insurance protects a home’s entire structure and the contents within. Condo insurance works differently. Here’s how to be adequately protected no matter which you own. Comparing policies When you own a freestanding home, you must insure all your property. That includes the entire structure of the house, its contents and the other buildings and… Read more »
When choosing homeowners insurance, you have the option to insure your home at either market value or replacement cost. If your home is destroyed, the difference in these two types of coverage is crucial and can be expensive. Here’s why you need to insure your home at replacement cost. Defining market value and replacement cost… Read more »
Your property insurance agent may have recommended you add an umbrella policy to your homeowners or auto insurance policy. What is an umbrella policy, and how can it protect you? What is an umbrella policy? Umbrella insurance is a secondary policy providing an additional layer of liability coverage above what your homeowners or auto insurance… Read more »
Homeowners insurance companies paid out more than $800 million in dog bite and injury claims last year. Animal-related claims like these are among the most common homeowners claims. That’s why some homeowners insurers refuse to insure certain dog breeds. Check the list below, and if you own one of these 12 breeds, consult with your… Read more »
To paraphrase an ancient riddle, if a tree falls on your house or car, it definitely makes a sound. But whose insurance pays for the damage? When your neighbor’s tree falls If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, your homeowner’s insurance policy should cover the damage just as if it were your tree, subject… Read more »
People who live with an animal that helps them with a disability or special need have certain rights under federal housing laws as well as other laws. Here’s an explanation of your rights regarding service or assistance animals. What federal housing laws provide The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make “reasonable… Read more »
The daily mail bombards us with warranty solicitations warning of dire costs for breakdowns in our homes and cars. Now there are warranties offered to cover the cost of repairing the water and sewer lines between your house and your utility provider’s main service line. These warranties are usually offered as an insurance policy with… Read more »
When figuring how much house they can afford, homebuyers with little or no experience may focus solely on the principal and interest portion of their monthly payment. But house payments also include the cost of homeowners insurance. It’s important to research the cost of insuring your home early in the process to avoid unpleasant surprises… Read more »
It’s an unpleasant surprise when you find out your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover something you thought it did. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with a policy’s coverage before you sign on the dotted line. Let’s get out the magnifying glass and read the fine print. Property damage that is not covered The typical… Read more »
You may barely glance at your homeowner’s insurance renewal each year, but that’s a mistake. Changes in your home or life may mean you need a boost in coverage or that you’re eligible for fresh discounts. Let’s review before you renew. Read your homeowner’s insurance policy renewal You should receive the policy renewal about 45… Read more »
No one can forget the horrible pictures of flooding along the Texas Gulf Coast after Hurricane Harvey, where tens of thousands of homes flooded and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced. Now the Carolinas are faced with the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Do you know what to do if your home floods? Here’s how… Read more »
Pictures of hurricane damage in coastal communities remind us that disaster can strike suddenly, destroying all our worldly goods. To prepare for the unthinkable, insurance companies strongly urge you to keep a current inventory of your possessions in a safe place to make claims filing easier. Here’s what to do. What to inventory. Your homeowners… Read more »
Having homeowners insurance is a necessity, but there’s no reason to pay more in premiums than you must. Here are multiple ways to save money while still staying safe. Insurance rates are calculated by the insurable risk you pose to the company. Most of the savings listed here reduce risk. Don’t forget: The insurance amount… Read more »
