One of the largest investments we make in our lifetime is our home. At our Agency, we like to help our homebuyers understand the many options available with their homeowner’s policy. Especially this time of year there are hurricanes, hail storms, all sorts of weather that can affect our homes in many ways. In addition, we are outside much more and enjoying outdoor activities. These are some questions that we answer for our clients on a daily basis.
This time of year, we receive many questions about wind and hail coverage and flood coverage. Many homeowner’s policies have separate wind and hail deductibles. This means that in the event of a wind or hail claim the deductible is higher than it would be for another type of claim. For example, a $200,000 policy with 1% wind hail deductible is a $2,000 deductible in the event of a wind claim, whereas a fire claim would have the lower deductible. This is a way for policy holders to save money on the homeowner premium because they incur a larger out of pocket expense in the event of a wind or hail claim.
As you make improvements to your home, make a file and save your receipts. The most common upgrades that can impact your insurance premium are your roof, heating and cooling, plumbing upgrades, and electrical upgrades. These improvements can help lower your cost as they mean that you are caring for and maintaining your home. Many times, carriers look for evidence of pride of ownership. A well-maintained home is much easier to cover than one that has been neglected. One thing that clients forget to provide their agent is the proof of upgrade even after a claim. So, for example there is a wind claim and the roof is replaced. The claim is paid and closed. Take the next step and send the receipt to your agent. Then you will be assured that your premium is rating correctly for that improvement.
We always get questions about pools. These are acceptable by most carriers. They do require a four-foot-high fence with a locking gate. This is as much for your protection as the carrier. A pool is attractive in so many ways, but you need to protect yourself against uninvited guests (both the two legged and the four-legged kind). The liability of an unfenced pool is unacceptable for almost all homeowner’s carriers. Accidental drownings peak during summer months and fencing doesn’t protect you from that but it certainly provides more security and peace of mind for you the owner.
As we get closer to the wonderful fall weather, trees begin to shed and leaves and pine straw collect on our roofs and gutters. The additional weight can contribute to many issues. The weight of leaves and pine straw on your roof increases with each rain storm. As debris collects on the roof and becomes wet, the pine straw and leaves adhere to the roof and can cause possible leaking and damage. Make sure to clean your gutters properly and blow any debris from your roof. This can prevent unnecessary roof damage and keeps your home well maintained.
As you travel this fall, remember that making your home appear to be occupied is a wonderful deterrent for crime. Have your neighbor collect your mail and newspapers. Set your lights up on a timer. Outside lighting that illuminates your property is a clever upgrade to security. These are some of the items that can help keep you and your home safe this fall.
2405 2nd Loop Rd, Florence 843.665.7992
220 W Home Ave, Hartsville 843.332.9802
305 E Broad St, Hemmingway 843.558.7761
505 N Longstreet St, Kingstree 843.355.6673
www.hodgeethridgeagency.com