Home Insurance woes
Are you shopping for a new Home and receiving quotes for Home Insurance? Or, maybe you’re premium on your current Home Insurance policy is rising and now you’re exploring your options.
Don’t stress, though![Tweet “Home Insurance doesn’t have to be hard!”]Whether you’re new to the Home Insurance market or just shopping for better rates, I’m going to help you figure out how to make Home Insurance shopping easy.
Know how to shop
When you begin your search for Home Insurance quotes, you might call multiple agencies to try to find the best price.
But, did you know, when you call a bunch of different agencies, they can block other agents from quoting you?
Your best bet is to call an independent agent. Normally, independent agents have access to multiple carriers so they can truly find you the best price. At American Heritage Insurance Group, we have connections with over 30 different carriers and our specialized personal lines team knows most of their programs like the back of their hand. By quoting with us, you can receive multiple quotes, coverage options, and select various programs.
If you aren’t receiving the price you desire, ask us to quote your autos and other insured items to see how much you can save.
Know what you need
By being prepared to quote your home for insurance, you can ease a lot of back and forth and answer questions the first time around. There are four major areas that you will be asked questions for. These areas will help your agent understand what types of coverages you might need.
Area 1: Resident Information
Gather the following information for your agent:
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Contact information (Include your email. Most carriers will only communicate via phone and email.)
- Marital status
- Job information
Details about other residents
- Do you have current coverage or any claims?
- What is the estimated cost to rebuild your home?
- How long have you lived in this home?
- Does anyone in the home smoke?
- Do you run a business from your home? If so, what type of business?
- Will anyone live with you who isn’t related to you?
- Do you have dogs? If so, how many and what breeds?
- Do you have exotic pets?
Area 2: Past Insurance Information
Answer the following questions:
- Do you currently have Home or Renters Insurance?
- Have you had Home Insurance in the past? If so, what company were you with, what was your policy number and expiration date, and how many years have you been uninsured?
- Do you have Auto Insurance? If so, what company are you insured with?
Area 3: Home information
Answer the following questions:
- What year was it built?
- What year did you buy it?
- Do you have a mortgage? If so, who is the lender?
- Do you have a second mortgage? If so, who is the lender?
- What is the square footage of living area?
- What is the roof type? What is the approximate age of the roof?
- What is the style of the home (ranch, two story, etc.)?
- What is the flooring (carpet, hardwood, tile, etc.)?
- What is the exterior material (brick, stucco, siding, etc.)?
- Do you have kitchen finishes (custom cabinets, granite counters, etc.)?
- Do you have bath finishes (marble, Jacuzzi tub, heated floor, etc.)?
- Are there any swimming pools, trampolines, or playhouses on the property?
- List your home systems and approximate age for each:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
- Septic System
- Well
- Sump Pump
- Do you have supplemental heating sources (fireplace, heating stove, etc.)? If so, what is the number and fuel source for each?
- Distance to the nearest fire department?
- Distance to the nearest fire hydrant or another water source?
- Do you have any of the following protective devices? If so, state the age or service provider of each:
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Deadbolt locks
- Alarm system
- Security system
Area 4: Personal property information
Answer the following questions:
- Do you have any of the following valuable? If so, state the approximate value and if it has been appraised (if it has, please provide a copy of the appraisal):
- Jewelry
- Guns/Firearms
- Furs
- Antiques
- Music Instruments
- Photography Equipment
- Sports/Leisure Equipment
- Other Valuable Collections
By filling out these items in a word doc, you can help your agent answer all coverage questions they might ask before they ask it. While a specific carrier might have a few extra questions, this is a general basis for receiving a quote.
Questions to ask your agent
During the quoting process, your agent should be very communicative with you, especially when it comes to answering questions you have. Check with your agent on the following most common questions about Home Insurance:
- Are there discounts available?
- What are the deductibles?
- Is mold covered under certain situations and is there a limit for mold damage?
- What exactly is covered?
- What is excluded in the policy?
- Are there limitations to my coverage?
- What other coverages can I purchase?
- Is umbrella coverage available?
- Do I need any specialty policies for potential natural disasters?
- How does the claims process work?
If your agent seems to be avoiding answering your questions or doesn’t seem knowledgeable, double check his license. While it’s uncommon, there have been known cases of fraud.
Find a reputable agent by visiting TrustedChoice.com. You’ll find all three of our office locations listed on Trusted Choice.
Next steps to take
If you’ve come across our blog and are ready to start gathering all your information, I think our helpful guides might be useful. All the information from this blog and more is included in our Home Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Hard: Getting Started guide. Inside you will find helpful tips, an inventory checklist, and Home Insurance worksheet.
Do you have any questions about Home Insurance? Give us a call at 513.984.5255 and we’ll be happy to answer them for you!
Sources:
Cover Hound, Insurance Information Institute, Safeco
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