Homeowners insurance provides financial security to an individual in case of unforeseen situations such as theft, fire, water damage, etc. Before applying for homeowner’s insurance, it is essential to enlighten yourself regarding the coverages you require and if the selected insurance agency provide them. For this, you may make a list of questions that would be asking your insurance agent.
Listed below are some questions that can help you choose the right insurance company and make sure your hard earned is properly utilized.
Is the Company Financially Stable?
The insurance company you are opting for must be renowned, licensed and offer extensive coverage options. Hence, you must ask your insurance agent about the firm, its reputation, experience and other related information. You may also consider visiting the website to read the customer reviews and also research thoroughly on the services provided. The financial stability and soundness of an insurance company can be checked via NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners).
What are my monthly premiums?
Premium is the amount paid each month after purchasing the insurance. You need to have a clear idea of the amount you need to pay as monthly premiums. Note that the amount should not make a hole in your pocket. You can ask the insurance agent about various insurance companies in your state and how much premiums they require you to pay. Another way is to visit an online insurance agency and request quotes of various insurance plans. This helps you to choose an affordable as well as an up to date insurance plan.
What about the rebuilding cost?
Your homeowner’s policy should cover the cost of rebuilding your home in the event of a total loss. This includes the construction materials used at the time of construction. Partial or total damages caused by fire, hurricane, lightning or any other disaster listed in your policy can be recovered. Flood and earthquake damages are covered separately as these are excluded in standard homeowner’s insurance policies. You should ask your insurance agent whether the company would cover these costs.
Personal property loss?
The insurance should not only recover the building cost but also the cost of replacing all personal possessions (furniture, appliances, clothing etc.) in the event of a theft or any other insured disaster. Most companies provide personal property coverage equal to about 50 to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your building. Your agent would screen the different companies and help you decide the best.
Are combined packages available?
Many companies offer discount rates if you carry auto, home and life insurance policies with them. If you have a car, then you need an auto insurance anyway. Similarly, life insurance is a must for people today. Grouping these policies will give you the added advantage of securing insurance plans at a reasonable cost. You can ask your agent to let you know about the ongoing discount rates in different companies (if any) and then decide the plan.
Does my policy cover market value or replacement value?
Before deciding the insurance plan, you need to know whether the policy covers the full value of your house in event of full destruction or just the replacement cost. There is a difference between the market and the replacement value. Market value means you are paid the market price of your house if the home is completely destroyed. Replacement value means you are paid whatever it costs to replace it. If it costs more to rebuild your exact home than it is currently worth, then the market value is usually a better buy.
What Is the Procedure for Filing a Claim?
Filing the claim is a very cumbersome process in an insurance plan. It requires notifying the company and filing up the necessary claim forms sent to you. You need to fill up the form timely in order to avoid any delays. Just be patient and cooperate with the company to get back your money. Talk to your agent and understand all the essential rules and regulations to enjoy a hassle-free claim filing experience.
So these are some important questions you certainly must put up to your agent and whose answers you must know before you think about providing protection to your house.
