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Home Insurance Terms To Understand

Home Insurance terms for your policy in Gilbert, AZIf you are a homeowner, you have purchased your home insurance through a local insurance agent or directly through an insurance carrier. Home insurance cost and coverage vary due to where you live, how much your home is worth, your credit score and many other insurance factors.

Home insurance can be confusing so we recommend speaking with one of our agents and going through a home insurance review. Even if you have had a home insurance policy with us for years, it is still best practice to review it to ensure you still have adequate coverage. We can break down your insurance coverage details and make sure you have the best protection for your insurance needs.

Here are a few terms we can discuss with you:

Named perils: this part of your home insurance coverage protects your home from named perils that can include damage from wind, hail, fire, fallen objects, lightning, theft, vandalism and more. Home insurance named perils vary so our agents can discuss what’s covered if you have questions.

Actual Cash Value (ACV): this is the cost to replace the damaged item minus depreciation. If you have damage to your home, the insurance carrier would determine how much it was valued before the damage occurred. For example, if your roof was damaged but it was 10 years old, your insurance carrier may factor in how much a 10-year-old roof is worth today. You would receive the valued dollar amount to put towards a new roof.

Replacement cost value insurance: this represents the cost to replace an item of similar quality without factoring depreciation. Replacement cost policies are more expensive than ACV because you are essentially getting a brand new item. After asking you questions, we can help determine if this coverage makes sense for you.

Deductible: if you have to file a claim, your deductible plays a role in how much you have to pay before your insurance carrier pays towards your claim. Deductibles can vary in price and typically the higher your deductible, the lower your home insurance premium. Our agents can help explain your deductible options.

Liability insurance: your home insurance coverage can provide you with liability coverage. For example, if your dog bit someone or if someone slipped and fell on your property, liability coverage could provide you with coverage. Talk to us about liability limits.

Additional insurance policies to consider:

Flood insurance: home insurance typically does not cover you if your home experiences water entering your home. This is typically a separate policy many individuals buy. If your home is susceptible of floods, talk to an agent.

Earthquake insurance: just like flood insurance, earthquake insurance is also a separate policy. If your home is damaged from an earthquake, you would most likely need an earthquake insurance policy to have coverage for any damage.

Other structure coverage: if you have a detached garage, barn, swimming pool, greenhouse, or other structure, be sure to tell your agent. This needs to be included in your policy and may require additional coverage.

Water sewer coverage: claims occur when heavy rain or floodwaters overrun your sewer system or your sump pump. Debris from rainstorms or natural disasters can also clog your system causing damage to your home when the water backs up into your house’s plumbing. Many home insurance policies do not cover this and water sewer coverage is needed to pay for the damage. Talk to us about this coverage.

Umbrella insurance: if you file a home or auto insurance claim and the damage exceeds your policy limits, an umbrella insurance policy can give you thousands of additional dollars in protection. There are limitations on what umbrella insurance covers so discuss this with an agent in our office.

Vacant home insurance: if you own a home that is vacant, you still want to protect it. Talk to us about your situation and we can explain your coverage options.

Ready to shop home insurance? Give our agency a call or email us for a quote. We can help you find great coverage.

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Insurance Coverage for Your Swimming Pool & Safety Tips

Insurance for your swimming pool in Gilbert, AZIf you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, you may be curious how it impacts your home insurance policy.

First of all, you will need to alert your agent of the swimming pool addition. If you do not alert your insurance carrier of your pool addition, you may not be covered for any claims. Your homeowners insurance can provide coverage for any damage that occurs to the pool such as a fallen object or fire. Our agents can help you determine what type of coverage you need for your pool. It can be considered personal property coverage or other structure coverage on your home insurance policy.

Swimming pools also increase your liability risk. If a guest had an injury at your pool, liability coverage can provide you with coverage for bodily injury, medical bills, or even legal fees. Talk to your agent about your current liability insurance coverage and if it is beneficial to increase your limits. We can review your personal umbrella policy with you.

It is important to note that many insurance carriers will require you to build a fence around your pool in order to provide coverage. We are here to help provide coverage details so you fully understand your policy.

Pool Safety Tips –

Swimming pools bring several exposures to injury. To limit your exposure, setting strict guidelines around the swimming pool for security can considerably lower the chances of injury occurring. Adhere to these safety tips when in and around a pool:

  • Supervision– kids should never be left unattended around a swimming pool. If your children or friends intend to make use of the pool always call for grown-up supervision. If your children’s pals are wanting to use the swimming pool and you’re unable to supervise, ask another parent to supervise.
  • Call for walking– Water and concrete are unsafe. Lower the opportunities of a slip and fall injury by making certain everyone around the swimming pool walks and does not run.
  • No Glass Around Pool Policy– Glass can fall into the pool or around the deck and create an unsafe situation.
  • Routinely Examine– check the items used around a pool like the diving board, slide or flotation equipment.
  • Fencing & Lock the Pool– Most insurance providers will certainly need fencing of at the very least 4 feet to exist around a swimming pool.
  • Mount an alarm– You can set up an alarm that spots when somebody enters the swimming pool.
  • Safeguard your pet dogs– Animals are attracted to water, specifically on a warm day. Keep your pool area secured from animals when you’re not using it to ensure they don’t fall in.

By following appropriate safety precautions you can have plenty of terrific memories and also your kids can have a lot of fun! Enjoy your swimming pools properly. If you have inquiries on swimming pool requirements for insurance purposes, we have answers. Our qualified representatives can help ensure your residential property is insurable and that you are effectively covered in case you have a claim.

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5 Things to Consider Doing This Spring

Spring Activities to Consider in Gilbert, ArizonaSpring is in the air! Plants are starting to bloom, days are feeling longer and the weather is getting warmer. There are many things to be excited about when it comes to a new season. Our agency shares five things to consider doing this spring.

Plan a fun, local spring activity

Spring can be known for beautiful flowers. One of the best spring activities to do is to visit a tulip garden or your local arboretum. Visiting a tulip festival could be a family outing or a great date night with your partner. Your local arboretum can also allow out to see the season’s change. Plan a picnic or just enjoy a stroll in the park.

Change Out Your Wiper Blades on Your Car

Spring is a great time to change out your wiper blades. Your wiper blades have worked hard to keep your windshield clear of grit and grime on the roadways. If you need help changing out your blades many locally-owned auto parts stores can help. Changing them out usually only takes a minute and can keep you safe on the road if inclement weather strikes.

Consider Growing a Vegetable or Flower Garden

Growing a vegetable garden not only helps you save on groceries, but it gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food. Many people feel like vegetables from their garden taste better too. Flowers also provide many gardeners with joy. As a bonus, maintaining a garden can be relaxing and a great hobby to add to your lifestyle.

Choose a Day to Spring Clean Your Home

We all have heard about spring cleaning. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Spring cleaning doesn’t necessarily mean you have to commit a whole weekend to cleaning. You could start by doing one task only.

Consider one below:

  • Clean out your closet & donate clothes you haven’t worn in over 12 months.
  • Organize your pantry.
  • Vacuum out your car and wipe down the interior.
  • Dust your house including your blinds if you have them.
  • Clean out your fridge. Not only discarding bottles that may have expired, but actually wipe down drawers and shelves. Make it sparkle again!
  • Change your smoke detector batteries.
  • Organize your garage.

Are You Considering Buying a Used RV?

RVs are great for outdoor enthusiasts. If you are shopping for a used RV, be sure to look for water damage before making the purchase. RV’s are very susceptible to water damage. Truth is many manufacturers in the US don’t build the RVs with as much quality as they could.

Water damage is usually easy to spot or smell. If the RV smells musty or feels damp, this is a big indicator. Look for mineral stains or water stains on wood towards the floor, around skylights, and air conditioners or vents located on the roof. Also, go around the RV or trailer and push in on all the sides all the way around. If water has gotten into the walls, it could quickly rot the structural portions of the RV and will feel spongy. Pushing on the sides will identify any areas that may be compromised. An RV should be stiff and hard, if it flexes, it is possible there is water damage. This quick inspection could save you thousands in repairs.

We hope you enjoy your spring! If you ever have questions regarding your auto, home, boat, RV, or motorcycle insurance, be sure to reach out to us.

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