Home insurance is not just a financial investment. It’s also a part of your everyday life. Whether you consider moving into a new home or renovating your existing house, you don’t want to deal with the overwhelming process of home insurance.

There are many reasons why people don’t have policies in place for their homes. The two main reasons are a lack of knowledge and online information overload.

Our insurance agents at Western Mass Auto Insurance have put together a guide to help you protect your assets against unforeseen accidents or losses.

What Is Home Insurance, And What Does It Cover?

Home insurance is a financial plan that protects your home and belongings in case of damage or loss. The kind of policy you buy should fit your needs, but there are some basic things you should know before choosing one.

It gets complicated when we talk about coverage. Because many different types of policies are available, they vary widely in terms of their coverage limits. For example, most standard homeowners’ policies only cover physical damage to the structure itself. They don’t cover replacement costs if you need to replace something like a roof after an earthquake hits.

However, if you want more protection than this might offer, consider adding additional features to your policy, such as flood mitigation services.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of home insurance depends on the value of your home and the coverage you choose.

The coverage cost is usually the value of your property. For example, if you own a house worth $300,000, it would be more expensive to insure than a $200,000 home.

The amount paid out in claims tends to be higher when there are more annual claims. Individual claim history may fluctuate significantly. That’s why premiums are based on an average loss amount.

What Factors Affect My Premium?

You can expect to pay more if your house is in an earthquake-prone area or if your area experiences more natural disasters, such as floods. Additionally, other factors may increase the cost of your insurance:

1. The age of your home. The older and more deteriorated it is, the more expensive it’ll be to repair it. That’s why it’s more likely that it will cost more for insurance coverage.
2. Type of construction: For example, homes built with wood could be at higher risk due to increased hazards from termites or rot than those made from concrete or steel.
3. The number of rooms: More rooms mean more places where things could break down, which means greater potential for damage. Therefore, higher premiums will result from having more rooms than necessary.

What Are My Options For Deductibles And Exclusions?

Your deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. For example, if your home insurance has a $1,000 deductible and it costs $500 to replace your roof after an earthquake, only $500 would be covered by your home insurance company.

Your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover exclusions. Usually, this includes incidents like flood damage or earthquake damage. They are typically expressed as a dollar amount per incident.

How much you pay for a deductible depends on what type of insurance you have:

• For comprehensive policies, also called “all-risk,” deductibles can range from 0-5% of the total value of your home or structure; for example, a $100,000 single-family house would have at least $5000-$50,000 worth of coverage with this kind of policy since its value represents close to 50% worth.
• For liability policies, known as property damage, deductibles can range between 0%-10%. Examples include motorcycles that may have a low value but still require high coverage, so they don’t get totaled because of someone else’s fault.

How To Know If The Coverage Is Right?

Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been one for years, it’s important to ensure that your coverage is adequate. A good place to start is by asking the agent who helped you with the application process. If something seems off, ask them about it. You may be able to get an upgrade. You can also inquire about any discounts or deals available at the time of purchase.

Home insurance agents sometimes offer free consultations if they think you need more information before making a decision.

Recommended Read: Renting/Purchasing Commercial Vehicles For Your Business: Things To Note

Homeowner’s Insurance Is Usually Required When Buying A Home With A Mortgage

Homeowner’s insurance is a must if you’re buying a home with a mortgage. At the time of approving or denying your loan application, your lender will want to know if you have a home insurance policy or not. Even if you don’t plan on buying another home anytime soon, it’s still a good idea to have homeowner’s coverage because:

It protects your belongings in case of fire or other disasters at your current residence.

It protects items like furniture and electronics against theft or damage during normal wear and tears over time.

Before You Buy Home Insurance, Check To See What Will Be Covered By Your Existing Policies.

1. Your auto insurance policy may cover your car, but not the house. If this happens, ask whether there is any gap in coverage between your current homeowner’s and renter’s insurance.
2. Your renter’s insurance policy may cover personal property in general, but not the home itself and vice versa. You will be vulnerable in this situation if someone decides to break into your house and steal your valuables.
3. Life insurance can help protect loved ones after they die. However, it doesn’t cover certain kinds of disasters, including fires caused by lightning, because these events are beyond anyone’s control.

Home Insurance Providers Can Help You Determine The Kind Of Insurance You Need

• Insurance agents are experts in their field, so they know what kind of insurance is right for you.
• They help you understand your options and ensure you have the right coverage needed to protect yourself from accidents, theft, and more.
• They’ll also be able to advise on how much coverage is affordable based on each person’s unique needs.

Recommended Read: Bundle Auto And Home Insurance For Savings

Speak To An Insurance Agent In Springfield If You Have More Questions!

Our excellent team of insurance providers at Western Mass Auto Insurance can help you buy the right insurance that will help you fulfill the legal requirements and make you financially secure. We offer discounts and deals if you bundle up auto insurance services with either home insurance or apartment insurance. 

Our insurance agents guarantee free quotes and low down payments for auto insurance. We also offer commercial vehicle insurance to businesses seeking to protect themselves against liability.

Request a free car insurance quote in Springfield today.