Compare Home Insurance Quotes from Regional and National Companies
As a homeowner or renter, do you have the insurance you need to replace your house and personal property after a fire or flood? Not all policies are alike. At United Insurance, we are independent agents, with access to top regional and national insurance companies. When writing your home insurance policy, our agent will help you evaluate your options and compare quotes. We want you to get the right protection at the best rate.
Coverage for Your House, Personal Property and Personal Liability
You homeowners insurance policy will include, in addition to coverage for your house, coverage for outbuildings, personal property and personal liability. A renter’s policy will include personal property insurance and personal liability insurance. Depending on various factors, your agent may suggest additional coverage. The agent will also look for discounts that will lower your total premium. Questions to consider include the following:
Is your location at risk for flooding? A separate flood insurance policy is essential. This must be purchased 30 days before the flood occurs, so don’t wait to make a decision about this purchase.
Do you own valuable guns, artwork or other personal property? Has your jewelry been appraised since the recent rise in the price of gold? Do you use your musical instrument in paid performances? Some items may require property insurance beyond that included in your homeowners insurance policy.
Are you willing to purchase a personal liability umbrella policy? This additional coverage applies to claims of negligence for injuries suffered on your property, at your workplace (some teachers are required to carry $1 million umbrella) and when you are driving.
Will you be purchasing home insurance from the company that provides your auto insurance? If so, your quote may reflect multi-policy discounts on both premiums.
Do you have a security system? Is your house near a fire hydrant? What is your credit rating? Are you a smoker? These and other factors will affect the rate you pay for insurance. Your agent will help you find a carrier suited to your specific situation.
Understanding the Fine Print
All risks and named perils—do you know the difference? Value or replacement coverage? Does the policy cover losses from fire, windstorm and hail? Are there any exclusions? Your agent will be happy to explain the fine print, so you can make an informed decision about coverage. Here are some of the items included in most New York homeowners insurance packages:
- Dwellings: Protection is usually provided on an all-risks basis up to the policy limits, which are determined by the policy owner at the time the insurance is purchased. You can insure your home and belongings for replacement cost or cash value.
- Unattached structures: This includes tool sheds, detached garages and other similar structures not directly attached to your home.
- Personal property: Many personal items are covered, including furniture, electronics and clothing. Specialty items such as jewelry, guns and furs will require scheduled property insurance, also known as an endorsement.
- Additional living expenses: If your home suffers such damage that it becomes uninhabitable, this ensures that your typical living expenses incurred while you were away from the home during repair work, such as limited motel expenses, restaurant bills and warehouse storage costs.
- Medical payments to others: This pays the medical bills for anyone accidentally injured on your property, regardless of whose fault it was.
Determine Your Home’s Value, Identify Discounts and Credits
One of the most mystifying facets of homeowners insurance for many first-time home buyers is how insurance companies calculate the value of a house. Value of your house is not the price you paid for it. It may be calculated as the estimated replacement cost if the structure is completely destroyed. Your agent will compare quotes across the home insurance industry to make sure you are not paying too much for your coverage.
Request a Homeowners Insurance Quote
Request a free quote online, or call our Amherst, N.Y., office at 716-632-6118 with any questions or for claims assistance. We are committed to providing excellent service to all clients and callers.
