We've compiled answers to the most common questions about home insurance. Browse by category below or reach out if you need more help.
Standard home insurance typically covers damage to your home's structure from fire, wind, hail, lightning, and theft. It also protects your personal belongings inside the home and provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. Most policies also cover additional living expenses if you need temporary housing while your home is being repaired after a covered event.
Standard policies typically don't cover flood damage, earthquake damage, or routine maintenance issues. They also may not fully cover high-value items like expensive jewelry, art collections, or certain business equipment. Additionally, damage from pest infestations, mold resulting from long-term issues, or wear and tear usually isn't covered. You can add separate policies or endorsements for these situations.
You need enough coverage to rebuild your home completely at current construction costs, not just its market value. For personal property, calculate the replacement value of all your belongings. Most experts recommend at least 300,000 in liability coverage, though higher amounts may be better if you have significant assets. We help you determine the right coverage amounts based on your specific situation and home value.
Yes, if you own expensive jewelry, collectibles, art, or other high-value items. Standard policies usually limit coverage for these items to a few thousand dollars per category. A scheduled personal property endorsement or floater policy provides specific, higher coverage amounts for valuable items with fewer restrictions and sometimes even covers accidental loss.
Basic home office equipment like computers and furniture is usually covered under your personal property coverage, but with limitations. If you run a business from home or have expensive equipment, you may need a home business insurance endorsement or separate business policy. This provides higher limits and covers business liability, which standard home insurance doesn't include.
There are several ways to reduce your premium while maintaining good coverage. You can raise your deductible, bundle your home and auto insurance with the same company, install security systems or smoke detectors, improve your credit score, or ask about available discounts for being claim-free, having a newer home, or being a loyal customer. We help you identify all the discounts you qualify for.
Insurance companies consider your home's age, construction type, square footage, roof condition, and location. They also look at your claims history, credit score, and the coverage amounts you choose. Homes in areas prone to natural disasters or high crime typically cost more to insure. Distance to the nearest fire station and available water supply for firefighting can also impact your rate.
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. If you have a 1,000 deductible and file a 5,000 claim, you pay the first 1,000 and insurance covers the remaining 4,000. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but you need to be able to afford the deductible amount if you need to file a claim. We help you choose a deductible that balances affordability with manageable out-of-pocket costs.
It depends on the type and size of the claim. Small claims or those resulting from circumstances beyond your control may not affect your premium significantly. However, multiple claims or large claims can lead to rate increases at renewal. Some companies offer claim forgiveness programs that protect your rate after your first claim. It's sometimes better to pay for small repairs yourself rather than filing a claim.
Premiums can increase due to factors beyond your control, such as rising construction costs, increased natural disaster activity in your region, changes in local building codes, or inflation affecting replacement costs. Your home's value may have increased, requiring higher coverage limits. Insurance companies also adjust rates based on overall claim trends in your area, even if you personally haven't filed any claims.
First, ensure everyone's safety and prevent further damage if possible. Take photos and videos of all damage before making any repairs. Make a list of damaged or stolen items. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Save all receipts for temporary repairs or additional living expenses. Don't make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has assessed the damage, unless necessary to prevent further harm.
Simple claims can be resolved in a few days to a couple of weeks, while complex claims involving major damage may take several weeks or months. Most insurance companies have specific timeframes they must follow by law. The adjuster typically inspects your home within a few days of your claim. Once they complete their assessment, you should receive a decision and payment relatively quickly for approved claims.
You have the right to challenge the estimate. Get your own estimates from licensed contractors and provide them to your insurance company. Document everything with photos and detailed descriptions. You can request a re-inspection or ask to speak with a supervisor. If you still can't reach an agreement, you may have options like hiring a public adjuster, using your policy's appraisal clause, or filing a complaint with your state's insurance department.
This depends on your policy and the situation. Most insurance companies issue payment directly to you, though if you have a mortgage, the check may be made out to both you and your lender. Some insurers work with preferred contractors and may arrange repairs directly. You're usually free to choose your own contractor, but make sure they're licensed and insured. The insurance company pays based on the repair estimate, not necessarily what you actually spend.
Yes, claims can be denied if the damage isn't covered by your policy, you didn't maintain your home properly, you filed after the deadline, or you provided inaccurate information. If your claim is denied, carefully review the denial letter and your policy. You can provide additional documentation to support your claim, request a detailed explanation, or appeal the decision through your insurance company's process. If needed, you can also file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner or consult with an attorney.
Coverage typically starts at 12:01 AM on the effective date listed in your policy documents, which is usually the date you requested or the date your premium payment is processed. For new home purchases, we coordinate with your closing date to ensure continuous coverage from the moment you take ownership. It's important to have insurance in place before your closing to avoid any gaps in protection.
Yes, you can typically cancel your policy at any time, though you should have replacement coverage lined up first. If you cancel within the first 60 days, you usually receive a full refund minus any days you were covered. After that, you'll receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your premium. Keep in mind that if you have a mortgage, your lender requires you to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
Most insurance companies provide a grace period of 10 to 30 days after your payment due date. During this time, your coverage remains active, but you'll need to pay to avoid cancellation. If payment isn't received by the end of the grace period, your policy will be cancelled and you'll lose coverage. Some insurers charge a late fee or reinstatement fee. Always contact your insurance company immediately if you're having trouble making a payment.
Yes, definitely inform your insurance company about any major renovations or improvements. Adding a room, finishing a basement, updating a kitchen, or installing a pool increases your home's value and may require additional coverage. Failure to update your policy could result in being underinsured if something happens. Some improvements might also qualify you for discounts, like updating your roof, electrical system, or plumbing.
Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged items with new ones of similar quality, without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value pays the depreciated value of your items at the time of loss. For example, if your 10-year-old TV is damaged, replacement cost covers a new TV while actual cash value gives you what the old TV was worth. Replacement cost coverage costs more but provides significantly better protection.
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