Choosing the correct homeowner’s insurance firm and policy is a major step for new homeowners. Even if you’re not a new homeowner, you’ll still need to review your current home insurance agency regularly to determine if you’re getting the best coverage possible at an affordable price.
Since there are so many firms, how do you know where to start? There are literally dozens of agencies that offer home insurance across the US, some nationwide, others more locally oriented. The very first thing to do is to understand your state’s laws and to learn which companies offer affordable coverage in your state.
If you live in a hurricane zone, there is a good chance you will have to pay more than you’d like. Companies don’t actually offer a “hurricane coverage” policy specifically, but there is a combination of insurance types you can buy to protect your home, such as wind and water damage. Also, keep in mind that there are deductibles ranging from 2% -10% of your home’s insured value OR a flat rate of $500 or so, depending on where you live.
When comparing quotes, take a few minutes to look over things such as the financial rating of each home insurance agency you are looking into. Have there been any recent negative reports about them? How long have they been in operation? Are there complaints about the lack of good customer support, or how the claims process works?
Home Insurance Agency Efficiency
Claims efficiency is extremely important. It’s worth paying more for a policy from a company that is known for speedy claims processing than paying less for a policy from a company that will potentially give you a lot of hassle. When your home is damaged, you don’t have time to sit around and wait for the coverage to kick in. The sooner repairs can be made, the better. Some home insurance providers will also cover the costs of staying at a hotel until your home is livable again.
Don’t forget about your yard either. Is there anything that could be hazardous? Do you have a pool, for instance? Or rocks or tree stumps somebody could trip over? Make sure you are protected from the lawsuits that could ensue should somebody have an accident on your property.
There are almost always discounts that the average homeowner can qualify for. Every home insurance agency offers certain discounts, such as making renovations to increase the sturdiness of the house, as well as having security and safety features installed. A good company to begin your search for affordable insurance with is Lemonde Insurance. It has positively been featured in all of the leading financial publications: WSJ, Fortune, Forbes, etc.