Before you sign off on your homeowners policy, make sure you know what’s being covered. Many policies fail to cover basic disasters, while other may offer extras that you didn’t know about. Here are six key questions to ask an agent to make sure a policy is right for you.
Which disasters are covered?
The number one reason people have insurance is to ensure that their homes are protected against major catastrophes. Not all disasters are created equally. Many people find out too late that they weren’t covered for earthquake damage, hurricanes or floods, which are rarely covered by a standard policy. Before you sign up for a policy, make sure you know what’s going to be covered.
Does it cover pests?
Termites are one of the biggest threats for homeowners, which can secretly hollow out the home from within. Bed bugs, mice and other infestations also aren’t usually covered — insurance companies categorize these as “preventable problems” and say it’s a homeowner’s job to keep critters at bay. But if you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can usually buy extra coverage to protect yourself against pests.
Does it cover mold?
Most homeowner’s policies don’t cover mold. But there are some instances where you may be covered with a standard policy. If a sewage backup causes you basement to flood, your insurance might pick up the bill for the water damage and subsequent mold removal.
Does the policy include liability insurance?
A good insurance policy doesn’t just cover your home, it also protects your if someone gets injured while on your property. If a tree limb comes crashing down onto a neighbor’s roof, you can be held liable. That’s why it’s important to ask about liability insurance when deciding on a policy.
What’s my rebuilding cost?
When buying homeowners insurance, many people make the mistake of getting too little insurance to cover the home. There can be a big difference between what your home is currently worth, and what it would cost to completely rebuild it. To start with, you need to know what your rebuilding cost will be, and most insurance agents will help you do the calculations to figure that out.
Posted Monday, February 09 2015 10:09 AM
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