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What Your Homeowners Insurance WON’T Cover

You expect your homeowners insurance to protect you if your home is damaged or destroyed by a disaster like a hurricane, if you’re burglarized, even if your home is hit by a car (or an aircraft)! But there are a few things that aren’t covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, and you can save yourself a lot of frustration and heartache if you know what they are. Here are four of the most commonly misunderstood things a standard homeowners insurance policy won’t cover:

  • Floods. Many people are surprised to find there is no coverage for flood damage under a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you want flood coverage, you’ll need to buy a separate flood insurance policy. L & M Insurance Group represents several private insurers that write flood insurance policies at a more competitive rate than the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  These private companies also provide higher limits, and often there is no waiting period, unlike with the NFIP policies. 
  • Sewer backup. A sewer backup can do a lot of damage, aside from the “Ick” factor. Anything from tree roots disrupting pipes to storm waters, to an outdated sewage system can cause a sewer backup, and it’s one peril that most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover automatically. The good news is, it’s usually not that expensive to add sewer backup coverage to your homeowners insurance policy. Ask your L & M Insurance Group agent how you can get this coverage.
  • Maintenance issues. Homeowners insurance is not intended to pay for maintenance issues, such as mold or water damage due to a leaking roof, insect or rodent damage, or general wear and tear. For example, if your roof is getting old and needs to be replaced, that is a maintenance issue, not an insurance claim. As a homeowner, you’re expected to maintain your home and keep it in good repair. Neglect or failure to maintain property is not a cause for a homeowner’s insurance claim.
  • High value personal property. Since certain personal property, like jewelry, is easily stolen, most homeowners insurance policies limit personal property coverage to around $1,500. This may not be enough coverage if you have valuable family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, furs, or an art or firearms collection. If you need more coverage, ask your agent for higher policy limits or a special endorsement to cover your valuable property.

Is it time for a homeowners insurance review?

Things change—so it’s a good idea to review your homeowners insurance coverage from time to time to be sure it still meets your financial needs. Please call us at 813-672-4100 if you have questions about your homeowners insurance, or you’d like to compare rates. (Click here if you prefer to contact us online.) As an independent insurance agency, L & M Insurance Group works for you, not for any individual insurance company. Our agents are experts in finding the best coverage for the most competitive rates—so give us a call and let us help you!

3 Things to Know When Buying Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Tips for Florida Residents

Including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa

Buying a home can be so overwhelming that it’s easy for first-time buyers, especially, to give minimal thought to the homeowner’s insurance process. Yet, if something happens to your home, homeowners insurance can make or break you. Before you just sign on the dotted line, here are three tips to guide you:Homeowners Insurance Brandon, Florida

1. Contact at least three companies to compare coverage.

Your mortgage lender can, and probably will, require you to have homeowners insurance. You may be required to purchase additional insurance – like flood insurance. You aren’t required to buy from a particular insurance company. Instead, compare coverage, price and customer reviews. Be sure you get the right type and amount of coverage. Shop for value, not necessarily rock-bottom price. Since you’ll mainly deal with insurance companies during times of disaster, make sure the company you choose has great customer service reviews.

2. Escrow your insurance payments with your mortgage payments.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll tack monthly insurance payments onto your mortgage check. The lender will pay your insurance premiums (usually your property taxes, too) out of your escrow account. Lenders prefer this option because it lets them know your insurance premiums are being paid, and their investment is well protected. Most likely, you’ll need to pay for one year of insurance at closing. Bring information about the insurance policy you have chosen and the money to cover the first year’s premium.

3. Make sure you’re getting adequate coverage.

Brandon homeowners insurance

The most important part of homeowners insurance is the level of coverage. Avoid paying for more than you need.
Here are the most common levels of coverage:

    • HO-3 – Broader policy that protects against all perils except those specifically excluded by the policy.
    • HO-6 – Insurance for co-ops/condominiums, which includes personal property coverage, liability coverage and coverage of improvements to the owner’s unit. Insurance for the actual structure usually comes through the association.

Call 813-672-4100 or visit  www.landminsurancegroup.com\homequote to get started on your free no-obligation home insurance quote.