Yikes! Home owners insurance scare

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with ADT Security

Hello all,

The other day a well respected associate shared this information with me so I will pass it on. A couple was robbed not only of all their valuables and appliances, but the robbers also took the copper wiring in the home!

To make matters much worse, the couple was told by their insurance company that their homeowners policy would not cover the loss because they had been away from the home for 3o days. I am asking my customers who have more than one home to recheck their homeowner's insurance to make sure they are covered when they are away for 3 months or more at a time.

One customer told me he is covered, however, his agent said if he puts a "For Sale" sign in front of the home, their is a "vacancy" clause which says he is not covered at that time and will need to purchase a special rider.

Have any of you heard of this before? It is better to be safe than sorry.

Have a great day,

Ann

 

 

Comments (4)

Sarasota & Manatee Counties FL
SaraMana Properties - QuickFreeMLS.com - Bradenton, FL
QuickFreeMLS.com - Listings In Paradise

I have never heard of this and I am interested to see what others have to say about this.

May 03, 2011 09:42 AM
Robin Dampier REALTORĀ®
Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

Here many insurance companies require a rider to cover vacate homes after so many months.  I had never heard that listing the property could make a difference as well!  Many folks haven't/can't vacate their property when they list it.  Sellers should surely check their policies.  It could be a hard lesson to learn first hand for the sake of a rider/higher rate.

Sue of Robin and Sue

May 03, 2011 09:51 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Ann yes I have heard of this especially since we've had so many of these same situations this past 3 + years.  It's good to get this information out so people are aware of this type of situation - and that they have a conversation with their insurance agent.

Featured in BananaTude

May 03, 2011 11:05 AM
Ann DeWolf
ADT Security - Sun City West, AZ

Thank you all for your responses. I am new to AR and although I don't know what my future posts will be, I felt this was especially important information to report.

Thank you,

Ann

May 04, 2011 02:16 AM