homeowners insurance: How to protect yourself in a homeowner claim. - 06/23/13 09:19 PM
The burden of proof in a homeowner claim is always on the insured - the homeowner. Since that is the case, I am suggesting you take your smartphone and record what you have inside your home. This then becomes your proof at the time of a claim.
No claims adjuster could deny using this for proof. A picture or video is way better than any receipts you may (but probably don't) have. Keeping this proof on your laptop or a thumb drive would be a good idea.
So use your smartphone in a smart way - capture what you own inside … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Beware claims following the home, not the seller! - 03/11/13 09:34 PM
We recently had a situation where the new home buyer was having a hard time finding homeowners insurance...until she called us. The previous owner had 5 claims over a 5 year period and 3 of those were for thefts (not good). Where a lot of insurance companies were denying her, we have one (actually more than one), who looks at the owner's history and not the homes history.
C.L.U.E. reports (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is where all insurance companies report their losses. It is a record of all reported losses, even if not paid out. We have a client who was … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Squirrels, Vermin and Your Homeowners Insurance Policy - 12/02/12 10:50 PM
Squirrels, Vermin and Your Homeowners Insurance Policy My next door neighbor feeds squirrels on a regular basis. I personally do NOT like squirrels and hate that they climb on my fence between our homes. Luckily, my dog (Major Mo) keeps them out of my yard with his barking and chasing after them.
Well, squirrels & vermin are NOT covered on your homeowner insurance policy if they get into your home. The damage they cause could be quite extensive but it is an EXCLUSION in your homeowner insurance policy.
While my neighbor may think it is cute to feed these vermin, I have told her that if … (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: Who do you take advice from? - 11/15/12 11:51 PM
Lots of small business owner's, self employed people (like Realtors) and real estate investors use professional people for advice.
Have a tax problem? You are calling your CPA or accountant to ask how to handle the situation.
Have a legal problem? I know you know attorney's that will take your call and answer your question (many times with a fee). Your legal issues can be helped by that phone call.
Have a home inspection needed done? Same thing, calling your people of expertise you know to help.
So why when it comes to insurance that people will go online to get … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Don't take NO for an answer on insurance issues! - 07/25/11 03:25 AM
I just left a comment on Stephanie Jacques blog because she was having a problem with a buyer due to a roof issue. Never, never, never let an insurance company tell you NO, it cannot be done! Guess what? Because THEY cannot do it doesn't mean it cannot be done!
There are insurance companies out there for every type of risk - vacant, needs a new roof, residential, commercial, whatever the real estate risk is.
Using an independent insurance broker is usually your best source. They know where to go, what insurance companies to talk to, which underwriter will be more … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: What changes have you made since you bought your home? - 05/18/11 02:53 AM
Changes occur over the years since you bought your home (or sold one) and what insurance changes have you made? Probably very little, as a majority of insuraqnce agents out there do a poor job of reviewing current clients accounts. Like many of you real estate professionals out there, us insurance brokers are always looking for that new sale, that new client to make a commission off of.
But what about your past client? Where is the good information/help/advice you can share with them? Don't ignore your past clients, they could be your best source for future sales.
 
Check out … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: Third Homeowner in 2 Weeks with Minimum Auto Liability Coverage! - 04/09/11 12:57 AM
Don't they know they are putting their house at risk to leins and judgements if causing an accident? Third time a homeowner client has allowed us to review their auto insurance coverage and we found the bare minimum coverage allowed in NY State - $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident/$10,000 property damage.
How many auto's are on the road worth more than $10,000? Don't you think that other driver won't come after you for the damages you caused in an at-fault accident?
Some consumers shop their auto insurance as if price matters (like those cheap auto insurance companies will have you believe) … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: 12 Typical Underwriting Guidelines of Homeowner's Insurance. - 03/14/11 02:31 AM
This is a typical underwriting guide, written by an insurance company that insures homes in NY State. While this is pretty normal, there are exceptions to every rule and an underwriter's interpretation.
1.Risks with prior losses in the last 5 years need prior approval.2.For dwellings under renovation, contact your Underwriter for approval.3.Occupancy 1 & 2 family dwellings.4.Risk must pass physical inspection.5.Photo inspection required for all locations (dwelling front and rear and all other structures).NYC HO 70A, Additional Location(s) Section II Liability must submit photo.NOTE: If photo inspection is not submitted we will need specific driving directions forlocating the risk for inspection … (3 comments)

homeowners insurance: The REAL truth about insurance companies, agents and brokers. - 02/15/11 09:09 AM
  We all get bombarded every day, from TV ads, to radio ads, to the newspaper inserts, to inserts in my utility bills!
                              Save here! We always have the lowest rate! Nobody beats us! Save 15%!
The REAL Truth: Whether we are talking auto insurance or home insurance there are ONLY 3 ways consumers can buy insurance.
1) From a direct writing company (direct to consumer) from their employees using their own rates (Think Cavemen, a gecko or Flo here, they are direct-to-consumer companies), they represent themselves only.
2) From direct writers, agents who's pen only write for one specific … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Kodak Video Challenge - An Act of God! - 01/23/11 11:36 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRg4dbYNhWw
Falling trees and falling limbs, who's claim is it on your damaged property?
This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain Kodak Video Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Pocket Video Camera, great for realtors looking to
create wide angle home tours and real estate marketing videos!"
… (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: When you upload a video to YouTube, what's next? - 09/27/10 02:43 AM
I have made many video's on YouTube, some related to insurance issues, some not. My question to those who use video, where else do you post them? I have placed some on landing pages I have but where else should I be posting them?
Thanks for your input!
… (2 comments)

homeowners insurance: Property Insurance rates in NY State - 03/11/10 10:50 PM
Most states are like NY State, where they don't sur-charge you (like auto insurance) for a claim. Watch this short video to find out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRTNKJpQjPk
Tom Larsen, Larsen Insurance
… (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Don't get fooled by the "do-it-yourself" insurance ads! - 12/02/09 02:12 AM
There are certain companies out there say "do-it-yourself" or "name your price" insurance is now available!
We guess what, it is available but at reduced protection for you & your family. When the only thing they focus on is price, something has to give and that is protection for you.
I just quoted one of your fellow Realtors, who had this do-it-yourself insurance company and my price was 1/2 the cost of theirs. Plus, I gave him 5X the Protection on his auto insurance policy. From only $50,000 of coverage to $250,000 of auto insurance coverage!
It may be time for … (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Property Insurance Rates in New York. - 03/31/09 02:37 AM
 I've had 3 clients in the last week ask the same question - "Will my home/rental property/commercial property rate go up if I have a claim?"
Don't confuse property rates with auto insurance rates! Unlike auto insurance, where your rates can get "sur- charged" based on tickets and accidents, property insurance rates cannot be sur-charged.
Property Insurance rates are "filed" rates with the NY State insurance dept. and are usually based on a per $1,000 of value rate. This "flat" rate must be used for all properties of similar usage.
Meaning, a 1 or 2 family home will be rated similar, … (0 comments)

homeowners insurance: Does an insurance broker make your job easier? - 03/09/09 12:35 PM
Just curious the positive relationships you've created but also the negative one's too.
Do they make you look even more valuable in the eye of the buyer?
or have they reduced your value due to poor performance?
Trying to survey the good & the bad.
Thanks.
Tom Larsen
… (1 comments)

homeowners insurance: Daylight Savings Time - 11/04/08 06:34 AM
Daylight Savings Time Nov. 4th, 7:19 am. Getting ready to take Major for a walk. I know by now, you've set your clocks back 1 hour (except if your like me, not in the car - where's the manual?). But have you changed the batteries yet in your smoke detectors? That is something people often forget about, they put them up and then forget them. Do me a favor and replace them today or tomorrow. And while you are at it, if you do not have one, please buy a carbon monoxide detector! With winter on its way (except today, almost … (0 comments)