Frequently Asked Questions

Home insurance typically covers damage to your dwelling structure caused by fire, wind, hail, and other covered perils. It also protects your personal belongings inside the home, provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your property, and may include additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event.

The amount of coverage you need depends on your home's replacement cost, not its market value. We recommend insuring your home for enough to completely rebuild it at today's construction costs. Your personal property and liability limits should reflect the value of your belongings and your potential risk exposure.

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, foundation, and built-in appliances. Personal property coverage protects your belongings inside the home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and other movable items. Both are important parts of a complete home insurance policy.

Standard home insurance covers many natural disasters like wind, hail, and fire damage. However, floods and earthquakes typically require separate policies. We can help you assess your risk based on your location and recommend additional coverage if needed to ensure you are fully protected.

Filing a claim is simple. Contact us as soon as possible after the damage occurs. Document the damage with photos, make temporary repairs to prevent further loss, and keep receipts for any expenses. Our claims team will guide you through every step and work quickly to get your claim processed and paid.

Yes, you can cancel your home insurance policy at any time. We do not charge cancellation fees or penalties. If you cancel mid-term, you will receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your premium. However, we recommend having a new policy in place before canceling to avoid gaps in coverage.

Your premium is based on several factors including your home's location, age, construction type, coverage limits, deductible amount, and claims history. Additional factors like security systems, smoke detectors, and bundling policies can help lower your premium. We review all available discounts to give you the best rate possible.

If you rent out part of your home, you may need additional coverage beyond a standard homeowners policy. Short-term rentals and long-term tenants can create unique liability risks. We can help you find the right policy or endorsement to protect both your property and rental income.

Home insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes or appliance malfunctions. However, damage from flooding, poor maintenance, or gradual leaks is usually not covered. Flood insurance is a separate policy, and we recommend it for homes in flood-prone areas.

Filing a claim can potentially affect your premium at renewal, depending on the type and number of claims. However, this varies by situation and insurer. We believe in fair pricing and will work with you to find the best coverage options even if you have had past claims.

Replacement cost coverage pays to replace your damaged property with new items of similar quality, without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value coverage factors in depreciation, paying you what the item was worth at the time of loss. Replacement cost coverage typically costs more but provides better protection for your belongings.

Standard home insurance policies usually have limited coverage for business equipment and liability. If you run a business from home, you may need a home-based business endorsement or a separate business policy to fully protect your equipment, inventory, and business liability. Contact us to discuss your specific business needs.

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and file a $5,000 claim, you pay $1,000 and your insurance pays $4,000. Choosing a higher deductible typically lowers your premium, while a lower deductible means higher monthly costs but less out-of-pocket expense when you file a claim.

Standard home insurance policies have sub-limits for high-value items like jewelry, watches, art, and collectibles. This means there's a maximum amount the policy will pay for these items, typically between $1,000 and $2,500. If you own valuable items, you can purchase a scheduled personal property endorsement to insure them for their full appraised value.

First, ensure everyone's safety and contact emergency services if needed. Then, document the damage with photos and videos. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but don't make permanent repairs until an adjuster inspects the damage. Contact us immediately to file your claim. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs and additional living expenses, as these may be covered.

Mold coverage depends on the cause of the mold. If mold results from a covered peril like a sudden pipe burst, it's usually covered. However, mold from neglect, poor maintenance, or long-term moisture issues is typically not covered. Some policies offer limited mold coverage or require a separate endorsement for full protection.

Yes! We offer various discounts including multi-policy bundling, security system installation, smoke and fire alarm discounts, claims-free discounts, new home discounts, and more. Some insurers also offer discounts for being a non-smoker, having impact-resistant roofing, or completing home safety courses. Ask us about all available discounts to maximize your savings.

Additional living expense (ALE) coverage, also called loss of use coverage, pays for your extra costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This includes hotel stays, restaurant meals, laundry services, and other necessary expenses above your normal living costs. Coverage typically lasts until your home is repaired or rebuilt, up to your policy limits.

Yes, standard home insurance policies exclude earthquake and flood damage. These require separate policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Earthquake insurance is typically offered as an endorsement or separate policy. If you live in a high-risk area for either, we strongly recommend purchasing this additional coverage.

We recommend reviewing your home insurance policy annually and whenever you make significant changes to your home, such as renovations, additions, or major purchases. Life changes like marriage, divorce, retirement, or starting a home business also warrant a policy review. Regular reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with your home's value and your changing needs.

If your home is underinsured, you may not receive enough money to fully repair or rebuild after a major loss. Some policies include a co-insurance clause, which means if you're insured for less than the required percentage of your home's value, you'll only receive a proportional payout even for partial losses. It's crucial to ensure your coverage limit reflects your home's current replacement cost, not just its market value.

Yes, most home insurance policies include coverage for detached structures like garages, sheds, fences, and gazebos. This coverage is typically 10% of your dwelling coverage amount. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, you'd have $30,000 in coverage for other structures. If you have expensive detached structures, you can increase this coverage for an additional premium.

Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. It covers medical bills, legal fees, and settlements if you're sued. Standard policies typically include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, but we often recommend higher limits. For additional protection, consider an umbrella policy that extends your liability coverage beyond your home insurance limits.