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How is Flood Insurance Different From Homeowner’s Insurance

According to the National Flood Insurance Program or (NFIP), floods threaten 20% of Americans, and cause billions of dollars in damage each year. While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from pipes bursting or water dAccording to the National Flood Insurance Program or (NFIP), floods threaten 20% of Americans, and cause billions of dollars in damage each year. While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage from pipes bursting or water damage due to a broken window caused by a storm, they almost never cover damage from flooding. That’s why if you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to have both homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Generally, flood insurance will cover damage to the structure and contents of your home or business caused by flooding. This can include damage caused by:
– Rising waters that enter your home through doors, windows, or other openings
– Water that overflows onto your property from nearby rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
– Water seeping into your home through cracks or holes in its foundation
– Mudflow; a type of landslide that includes mud, water, rock, and debris
– Sewer backup; when water from overloaded sewers or drains backs up into your home
And of course, there are some things that flood insurance doesn’t cover, including:
-Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that occurs before or after the flooding event
-Losses incurred if you fail to maintain your policy or allow it to lapse
-Economic losses such as lost business income or revenue

Flood insurance is often an optional coverage, but depending on your home’s flood location, some lenders may require it. Always work with a trusted insurance agent who can help you find the right coverages for your situation. amage due to a broken window caused by a storm, they almost never cover damage from flooding. That’s why if you live in a high-risk area, it’s important to have both homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Generally, flood insurance will cover damage to the structure and contents of your home or business caused by flooding. This can include damage caused by:
– Rising waters that enter your home through doors, windows, or other openings
– Water that overflows onto your property from nearby rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
– Water seeping into your home through cracks or holes in its foundation
– Mudflow; a type of landslide that includes mud, water, rock, and debris
– Sewer backup; when water from overloaded sewers or drains backs up into your home

And of course, there are some things that flood insurance doesn’t cover, including:
-Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold that occurs before or after the flooding event
-Losses incurred if you fail to maintain your policy or allow it to lapse
-Economic losses such as lost business income or revenue
Flood insurance is often an optional coverage, but depending on your home’s flood location, some lenders may require it. Always work with a trusted insurance agent who can help you find the right coverages for your situation.

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Home & Auto Insurance Have Increased & We Explain Why.

Home and Auto Insurance Agent Gilbert, AZInsurance premiums are calculated based on how much it will cost to replace or repair your home or vehicle as well as your overall risk. Your overall risk is broken up by several factors that can impact your auto insurance such as your driving record, claim history, your age, credit score, zip code, the make and model of your car and the type of insurance coverage limits & deductible you choose. Your home insurance premium factors can be based on the age of your home & condition, your zip code, credit score, home safety features, the coverage limits & deductible you choose, claim history and more.

We are seeing a trend that many customers continue seeing an increase in auto and home insurance premiums at renewal, even if their overall risk has not changed.

Home insurance has increased because construction costs have gone up due to a shortage in building materials and labor. Not only has there been a shortage in materials and labor, but the cost of materials and labor wages have also increased. Lastly, there has been an increase in home insurance claims due to natural disasters. Anytime an insurance carrier experiences an increase in insurance claims, they will increase their future premiums for customers. This can even extend across state lines.

Car insurance has also gone up for several reasons such as more accidents occurring, a shortage of skilled labor and car parts have increased in price. All these factors make insurance premiums more expensive.

If your home or auto insurance policy premium increased significantly at renewal, don’t panic & give us a call. We represent the top insurance carriers, which means we work for you. We have the ability to shop your current coverage with all of our carriers & provide you with several quotes. This gives you the option to have competitive prices, as well as several choices.

We can also provide you with professional insurance advice. We always want you to have plenty of insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in the event you have to file a claim.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to lowering your premium:

1.) Bundle your home or renters insurance policy with your car insurance.

2.) Stay on top of home maintenance to lower your risk of a claim. A few areas to assess are your roof, plumbing and electrical. Insurance claims can impact your future insurance premium so if there is a way to prevent a claim, this is crucial.

3.) Talk to your agent about an insurance review. When you increase your deductible, your premium gets lowered. Please note if you do experience a home insurance claim, out of pocket expenses would be increased due to a higher deductible.

4.) Ask for a re-quote with other carriers. This is a big advantage of working with a local, independent insurance agency. We have many choices for insurance!

Contact our agency today with any questions or concerns you have about your insurance policy.

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Three Things to Consider for Halloween This Year

Halloween safety tips for your home in Gilbert, AZHalloween is a great holiday in many ways. Whether it is dressing up, decorating your home, watching a scary movie or simply enjoying some fun size candy, Halloween brings joy to all ages. Here are a few things to consider making the most out of your holiday.

  • Be aware of tripping hazards around your home

If your plan is to stay home and pass out candy, it is important you prep your home first. Whenever strangers step foot onto your property, you do have a liability risk. To lower your liability risk, be sure to check your driveway or stairway for tripping hazards. This can include hoses, extension cords, debris, loose decking boards, decorations or outdoor toys.

If someone were to trip or fall on your property, there could be a chance you are liable. Walk your property to make sure you do not have anything someone could trip on. If you live in a cold environment, you should also evaluate if there are any areas that are slick that someone could slip. While most people think of icy stairs, wet leaves and algae growth can also be something to think about.

Lastly, if you own a dog, have a plan. Some dogs do not like having strangers walk up to the door or may be disturbed when the doorbell rings. If your dog falls in this category, make a plan for what you can do to keep your dog calm. The last thing you want is to have your dog bite someone, as you could be liable.

  • Have a plan if trick or treating

Whether you are going trick or treating with your child or if your teenager wants to go trick or treating with friends make sure you have a plan for the night. What neighborhood provides good sidewalks? What are safety tips you can share with your teenager about walking in the dark or talking with strangers?

  • Pack safety gear & be extra cautious when driving

Whenever you are walking or driving at nighttime, you want to be extra cautious of your surroundings. If you plan to be walking around & trick or treating, be sure you pack safety gear such as a flashlight or a bright vest or reflective clothing. You want to be visible to drivers on the road and those two items can help. Glow sticks are also fun for kids to hold at nighttime.

If you will be out & about, be aware of trick or treaters. Drive slowly when entering your neighborhood. Some individuals may not be visible with flashlights or bright vests, so it never hurts to drive cautiously.

We hope you enjoy your Halloween. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, reach out to our agency. We are happy to do an insurance review or provide you with multiple quotes.

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