5 Steps to Check That Your Insurance Has You Covered
Is your home insurance policy up-to-date?
If you haven't checked you coverage or property values lately, this may be a good time to see if your fully covered and protected. This content is courtesy of my AR associate, Orson Klender.
HOME INSURANCE: TOO MUCH? TOO LITTLE? CHECK IT OUT!
Here are five steps to take to get the right insurance at the right price:
Step 1. Determine how much coverage you need. Don't go by your home's appraised value, which includes the land. Ask your local homebuilders association for recent per-square-foot replacement costs. If your area is prone to natural disasters, price out extended or guaranteed replacement policies to protect you from inflated labor and material costs after such events. With your home replacement taken care of, look at coverage for possessions, living expenses, and liability.
Step 2. Find out what's NOT covered. Standard policies don't cover damage from flooding, mudslides, and earthquakes. If you're in a flood zone, you may have to buy supplemental flood insurance. Most standard policies exclude mold, broken water mains, and sewer backups, but you can buy extra coverage for them.
Step 3. Examine the deductible. Some insurers are changing their deductibles from dollar amounts to percentages, which may turn out to be higher deductibles. If that's the case, check that the premium has been lowered. To reduce your premiums, you want to take the highest deductible you can afford.
Step 4. Focus on the premium. When you get your renewal, compare the new premium to last year's. If it's up more than 5%, ask for an explanation. Did your risk profile change, or the market? Try to lower your premium by bundling in auto insurance, installing a security system, storm shutters, or a new roof. But first check with your insurer.
Step 5. Keep records. Do a home inventory of everything you own. Add receipts, photos, or videos and store with all paperwork, including your insurance policy, in a fireproof box. As a backup, scan and store that info on a flash drive and keep it off-site.
If you're thinking of buying a home, we can answer any questions you may have about financing that purchase. We can also help with refinancing your existing home or funding home improvements. Please call or email us any time – we're always here to help.... Have a great day!
P.S.: The housing market is in recovery, home pricesare extremely affordable – and mortgage rates remain near historical lows. But it's smart to get the process started early if you're thinking about buying or refinancing. Please call or email us to talk about the attractive options available now.
Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999
my websiteOrson B.Klender, Associate Broker
Equitas Realty
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866Connect with me.....
Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066
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