678-717-0344 | info@yourcarriageinsurance.com
How much coverage is right for you?
No two homes are alike, so why should your insurance be? We offer customizable coverage to fit your unique needs and lifestyle. Let's explore what could be included in your standard homeowners policy.
Dwelling Coverage
This covers the structure of your home and is typically included in standard homeowners' insurance. It will pay to rebuild or repair your home if it is damaged by fire, hurricane, hail, lightening, or other disasters that are listed in your policies.
Liability Coverage
Liability will cover you against any lawsuits for bodily harm or property damage that you or a family member cause to other people. The policy helps pay for the cost of court fees up to the limit stated in your policy documents. For example: Your dog bites someone/your child hits a baseball through the neighbor’s window.
Personal Property Coverage
This coverage will help to replace personal belongings after a problem occurs that is covered by the policy, such as hurricane or a fire. This amount is usually a percentage (70% on average) of your Dwelling Coverage Limit.
Additional Living Expenses
This coverage will pay for additional living costs if you're unable to live there due to damage from an insured disaster. It will cover hotel bills, food, etc. Additional living expense coverage in your policy can have some limitations.
We believe you can never be too careful. That's why there are optional additional coverages to help you and your home feel even more secure
Service Lines Coverage
Covers underground piping and wiring going to and from your home. Including electrical, natural gas, waste disposal, water, internet, etc. For example: a tree root grows through your waterline and the line needs to be dug up and replaced
Ordinance or Law Coverage
If your home is partially or fully destroyed by a covered loss this coverage will help to bring your home up to current building codes. (Whether upgraded, repaired, or replaced)
Backup of Water and Sewer
Water is the 3rd most costly home insurance claim behind fire and lawsuits (liability) and it is often not covered on a standard insurance policy. This coverage protects against water damage caused by backed up drains and failed sump pumps. If you have a sump pump this coverage is an essential add-on!
Home Systems Coverage
This optional coverage can cover a variety of critical systems and appliances within your home. If things like your refrigerator, air conditioner, or water heater experience a mechanical or electrical failure, they will be covered.
Purchasing a new home?
Here are some things to look into while searching for a home and before submitting an offer on a home as it relates to homeowners' insurance.
While searching for a new home:
Quality and location of fire department
When a home is located near a fire department that is highly rated, it can usually cost less to insure. This can also be true if the home is located by a fire hydrant.
Roof condition
A new roof is important to insurers to keep your home safer. Be sure to check the condition of the roof. If the roof is made of fire and/or hail resistant material you may even be able to qualify for an insurance discount.
Flooding Risk
Damage from flooding is NOT covered by standard home insurance policies. If your home is in an area at risk from flooding, it is a good idea to purchase separate flood insurance.
Age of home
Older homes tend to have features on the interior that can cost more to replace – which can raise the cost of insurance. Also, plumbing and electrical systems that lacked maintenance can become unsafe.
Home construction quality
Find out if the construction of the home has been recently updated to comply with current building codes. Homes that are constructed carefully and meet modern building codes are more likely to withstand natural disasters.
Home special features
If the home as a swimming pool or hot tub or other special feature, you will likely need more liability insurance.
Before submitting an offer on a home
Check the loss history report
Get a copy of the loss history report from the current homeowner – these reports provide a record of the type of loss on the home and can provide really valuable information on the home.
Home construction quality
Find out if the construction of the home has been recently updated to comply with current building codes. Homes that are constructed carefully and meet modern building codes are more likely to withstand natural disasters.
Flooding Risk
Don’t wait until the last minute to think about homeowners insurance and don’t be afraid to ask for estimates on more than one house. Give us a call at (678) 717-0344, we're here to help!
Get home inspection
You’ll need to get the house inspected by a home inspector – make sure they look for water damage, review electrical and plumbing system, let you know of potential problems that could develop, suggest important upgrades or replacements, and double check that past problems have been repaired.
Estimate maintenance costs
Routine maintenance is your responsibility as a homeowner so its important to factor these costs into the overall price of owning the home.
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