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I read an article in today's Los Angeles Times, by Lew Sichelman in which he talks about the need to make sure, as a homeowner, you have adequate insurance coverage.

Mortgage lenders require a basic homeowner policy to cover the property and are likely to foreclose on the borrower if they refuse to carry the insurance.

Some recommended additional insurance coverage is:

Flood.  Even if you don't live in a flood area, just a few inches of water in a heavy rain season can lead to damage.  Apparently the No. 1 natural disaster in the country is flooding.  The National Flood Insurance Program offers insurance up to $250,000, and it is not that expensive. 
Disaster

Umbrella.  If you are ever sued, for whatever reason, your homeowner policy may not cover a unsuccessful outcome. To avoid losing your home there are umbrella policies that can provide you with a $1-5 million in protection over and above the limit of your other coverage.

Valuable. These can be covered with a rider on your homeowner policy.  But there are limits to that.  So if the value of your possessions exceeds the coverage ceiling you might consider adding a valuable-items or personal-articles floater.

Home Office. If you work out of your home, your homeowner policy may not cover your business property.  What if someone injures themselves in your home.  Tell your agent the details of your business to see what needs additional insurance.

Vacant Property.  If you are leaving your home empty, make sure that your insurance company knows and that your coverage does not lapse. 

Rental Property
.  If you are renting your property a homeowner's policy will not cover the it.  You need landlord's coverage.

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14 Comments on Do You Have Enough Insurance Coverage?

DEC
10
2009
204,707 Points 2 Featured Posts

Jane, Just out of curiousity, are you able to purchase a combo policy for mud and fire out there? You know in Florida, it is becoming just about impossible to get any protection on hurricanes. What you should have, and what you can get, can sometimes be a bit tricky, now, can't it?

4:54pm • #1
562,559 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good question.  But certainly every homeowner should get what they can.  I am sure it depends on your zip code.  Where I am the chance of flood and fire is remote. 

5:00pm • #2
204,707 Points 2 Featured Posts

Jane, So, you don't cook or wash clothes or wash anything?

5:09pm • #3
Outside Blog

I had insurance on one of the rental properties I had. The premium I had to pay on was over  $200,000 more than what I paid for the building for replacement cost - go figure. I never understand insurance, I just know the wife will be happy if anything happens to me :-)

5:14pm • #4
562,559 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jane,  oh, that's right.  I think it was you I told that I usually burn the house down when I cook.  I guess I am uninsurable.

Al,  I am sure your wife won't be happy at all :(

5:16pm • #5
1,034,718 Points 165 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jane.....most people are overinsured.....there are additional riders needed for jewelry(with an appraisal) and computers.....remember, if you ever have to file a claim, hire a public adjuster to represent you and negotiate with the insurance company.....the insurance adjuster represents the insurance company's interests, not yours....that's my two cents worth for today.

5:29pm • #6
562,559 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thank you, Barbara.   That's valuable information.  I agree, people can be over insured.  But in the event something happens and you are not covered.....

5:39pm • #7
433,524 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Jane - Fortunately we use our grill a lot. I am a grill man. But your topic is very serious. Insurance is a live wire on home ownership. Good post

5:42pm • #8
3 Featured Posts

I know here in Northwest Indiana with so many homes that have basements, one overlooked rider to their homeowner's insurance policy is back-up sewer coverage. I have known many homeowners shocked when their insurance company refuses to pay on claims for flooded basements.

5:59pm • #9
562,559 Points 54 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Claude,  thanks for your input.

James, I can imagine, that must be a shock.

6:59pm • #10
214,138 Points Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jane, thanks for the informative, post.  I was curious why they didn't mention earthquake insurance-especially out in California.  Many people in Indiana are starting to add it as they become more informed about the New Madrid fault which has the potential to be every bit as devastating as anything California has experienced.  We felt the aftershock of an earthquake over in Illinois about 200 miles away and for someone in Indiana it was very scary.  We have a basement and I could feel the floor shaking very noticeably.  I know that is pretty tame by California standards, but I  double checked our policy for its coverage for earthquakes.  Just a thought.  Maybe earthquake coverage is standard out in CA.  Thanks!

7:16pm • #11
DEC
11
2009
1,400,647 Points 109 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jane,


This is a great "wake up" post.  I tell clients that the most important thing they can do is find a good insurance agent, make an appointment and take with them all of the information and a list of their belongings... visit with them about the kinds of insurance that are available, what they need, the limits that will work with them etc.

I am blessed with good agents in my area that I feel confident will treat my clients right.

8:01am • #12
781,899 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jane no doubt about it...you can never be too careful when it comes to insurance. Nice job with your thoughts.

8:23am • #13
DEC
27
2009
576,978 Points 3 Featured Posts

Insurance the worser of two evils but don't get caught without it. Timely post Jane, the folks need to shop around, there is a difference.

11:06pm • #14

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Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate (310-473-6919)

Los Angeles, CA

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Address: Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

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A Los Angeles Realtor specializing in absentee owners, out-of-town buyers and those needing extra assistance with one of the most important transactions of their lives. Just sit back and relax! You are in capable hands.
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