How Do You Find the Best Homeowners Insurance For You?
Selecting the best homeowner’s insurance can be extremely beneficial for you, although, it’s easy for this task to feel daunting. How can you feel sure you’ve made the right decision and feel confident your home is fully protected? We’re here to give you some pointers!
Find a reputable insurer
When the time comes to use your insurance benefits, you’ll want a policy and agent you can trust. To accomplish this, you’ll want to do a little research before selecting. According to Consumer Reports, the best predictor of customer satisfaction is an insurance company’s damage estimates. But, what if you see an insurer with lower premiums than the competition? Do your research and read customer reviews. You’ll want to ensure their damage estimates and settlements have satisfied past customers. Spending a little more on the premium may end up being very much worth it down the road!
Look over the fine print
Did you know there are no state-mandated requirements for homeowner’s insurance coverage? Being under insured could leave you unpleasantly surprised, to say the least. You also don’t want to pay more than necessary and insure your home over market value. So, how do you make sure you’ve got the right plan for you? The best way is to read over all of the details. The rule of thumb is to buy enough coverage to completely rebuild your home, not just a percentage of it. Make sure every feature and update in your home is accounted for before signing the dotted line.
Remember to include necessary options and add-ons
Sometimes a run of the mill policy isn’t enough to insure your specific set of circumstances. Make sure you have full knowledge of all extra options and add-ons. They’re there to give you peace of mind. When comparing rates, always factor in this very important piece of the puzzle. Did you know in 2019 over 80% of homeowner’s insurance claims were weather related? If you’re in an area that experiences earthquakes or hurricanes, this needs to be part of your policy. Don’t forget home contents such as valuables or home business property. With a few extra dollars per month, you could double your coverage.
Give your liability coverage a boost
Liability is often an overlooked component in the homeowner’s insurance policies. State by the state, laws mandate liability differently. Without proper liability protection, you could find yourself being sued for investments and real estate. Homeowner’s insurance will cover things such as the cost of the lawsuit itself, but the baseline policy is not your safest bet. Ask your agent how to best suit your needs when it comes to liability. You’ll be glad you inquired!
Compare Policies
Everyone knows the best way to do business is to shop around. You’ll need a policy that gives you peace of mind, not one that leaves you anxious not all your bases are covered. Have your agent do the research for you! They’ll be able to show you policies and prices of leading insurers. That way, you can make an educated decision before committing. Be sure to compare premiums, deductibles and everything in between so you have a full understanding of your benefits.
