Homeowner’s insurance is something we hope we’ll never have to make use of, but no one knows when disaster may strike. Buying a home in Orlando, or anywhere for that matter, is a major investment. So, it only makes sense to protect it and, if your home is mortgaged, your lender will require that it is insured.
Here are seven tips to consider when buying house insurance.
- Know the value of your home. It is very important to know your home’s replacement cost as a basic homeowner’s policy may not be enough to replace your entire home. Make sure.
- Choose an insurance company with a good reputation. Research a company’s claims service, as well as its financial stability. A low premium is no bargain if it takes an insurer forever to process your claim. On the other hand, the mortgage company through which you obtained your mortgage may offer you their own type of insurance policy. Often, this type of policy will cost three times a much, so it’s far better to look elsewhere for coverage.
- As with most other purchases, you should comparison shop to make sure you’re getting the best possible price. Be aware that the same or a similar product may be priced differently by different companies. It always pays to shop around. By comparing prices at several different insurers, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible coverage at the best possible price.
- Consider extra coverage. Depending on where you live, it may be advisable to add coverage for natural disasters such as lightning strikes, wind, hail or snowstorms. It is also worthwhile to have protection against smoke damage, theft, vandalism, explosions and plumbing disasters. This will undoubtedly add to your premiums but, depending on your circumstances, may be worth budgeting for.
- Make sure you fully understand the protection you’re getting. Read your policy carefully and speak to your insurance agent about any questions or concerns you may have.
- Ask for discounts. Many companies offer reduced rates for behaviors that diminish risk. An example would be if your household is non-smoking.
- Keep your policy updated and always reread it before you file a claim to avoid any surprises. Your idea of fair compensation may not be the same as that of your insurer. You need to be able to prove your losses so that you can get what you need to replace them.
