Knowledge Base

Answers to your questions

Everything you need to know about home insurance coverage, claims, and policies. Find clarity on your protection.

01

Coverage Basics

What does standard home insurance cover?

Standard home insurance typically covers your dwelling structure, other structures on your property like garages and fences, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable.

Coverage extends to damage from fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, theft, vandalism, and certain water damage. However, floods and earthquakes usually require separate policies.

What is the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?

Actual cash value (ACV) pays what your damaged items are worth today, accounting for depreciation. If your five-year-old television is damaged, you receive its current market value, not what you paid for it.

Replacement cost coverage pays the amount needed to replace damaged items with new ones of similar quality, without deducting for depreciation. This provides more comprehensive protection but typically costs more.

Are my valuables like jewelry and art covered?

Standard policies include coverage for personal belongings, but high-value items like jewelry, art, collectibles, and expensive electronics often have sub-limits. For example, jewelry might be limited to a few thousand dollars regardless of actual value.

If you own valuable items that exceed these limits, we recommend adding scheduled personal property coverage or a floater policy to ensure full protection.

02

Premiums & Payments

How is my home insurance premium calculated?

Premiums depend on multiple factors including your home's age, construction materials, location, proximity to fire stations, claims history, coverage limits, and chosen deductible. The rebuild cost of your home is the primary factor.

Safety features like smoke detectors, security systems, fire extinguishers, and updated electrical and plumbing systems may qualify you for discounts.

What payment options are available?

We offer flexible payment options including annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly payment plans. Paying annually typically saves money as it avoids installment fees.

We accept various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and automatic payments. Setting up automatic payments can help ensure you never miss a payment.

How can I lower my premium?

Several strategies can help reduce your premium. Increasing your deductible lowers the premium, though you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim. Bundling home and auto insurance often provides significant discounts.

Installing safety and security features, maintaining a claims-free history, and reviewing your coverage annually to remove unnecessary extras can also reduce costs without sacrificing essential protection.

03

Claims Process

How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim by calling our claims hotline, through your online account portal, or by contacting your agent directly. We recommend filing as soon as possible after discovering damage.

When filing, have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe the damage, when it occurred, and any immediate steps you've taken to prevent further damage.

What should I do immediately after damage occurs?

First, ensure everyone's safety. Then take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp or turning off water if pipes burst. Document everything with photos and videos before making repairs.

Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary living expenses. Don't dispose of damaged items until an adjuster has assessed them, but do separate damaged from undamaged belongings if possible.

How long does the claims process take?

Simple claims can often be resolved within a few days to a couple of weeks. More complex claims involving significant damage may take longer, especially if they require multiple inspections or contractor estimates.

We assign a dedicated claims adjuster to each case and provide regular updates throughout the process. Our goal is to process claims as quickly as possible while ensuring fair and accurate settlements.

04

Policy Management

How often should I review my policy?

We recommend reviewing your policy annually at renewal time and whenever significant changes occur. Major renovations, valuable purchases, home-based business activities, or changes in occupancy should all prompt a review.

Regular reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with your home's value and your belongings. Underinsurance can leave you with significant gaps when you need protection most.

Can I cancel my policy at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your policy at any time. If you've paid in advance, you'll receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your premium.

Before canceling, make sure you have replacement coverage in place, especially if you have a mortgage. Most lenders require continuous home insurance coverage as a condition of your loan.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a payment, we'll send a notice giving you time to pay before any action is taken. Policies typically have a grace period during which coverage remains in effect.

If payment isn't received within the grace period, your policy may be canceled. We strongly recommend setting up automatic payments or contacting us immediately if you're having difficulty making a payment to discuss options.

Need More Help?

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help you understand your coverage options and find the right policy for your home.

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