Homeowners Insurance

Owning a home is a significant milestone, but it can also create significant risks and exposures for your finances. After all, purchasing a home is likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make. With that in mind, you should take time to assess and address your homeowners insurance needs.

What Homeowners Insurance Covers

A homeowners insurance policy can provide a broad safety net for you, your property and your family. Although the specific details of coverage may vary, in most cases, a homeowners policy can provide financial protection from many common perils, including the following:

·        Fire

·        Smoke

·        Lightning

·        Explosions

·        Damage caused by vehicles or aircraft

·        Criminal activity (e.g., theft, vandalism, riots)

·        Windstorms and hail

·        Falling objects (e.g., tree limbs, rocks)

If one of the aforementioned hazards causes damage to your home, a good policy can generally cover the following:

·        Structures—Your homeowners insurance can help pay for damage sustained by your primary dwelling and other detached structures, such as garages, guest houses and sheds.

·        Possessions—This coverage may provide financial assistance to repair or replace your belongings, including electronics, clothing, furniture, jewelry and other valuables.

·        Temporary living expenses—If you are forced to vacate your residence temporarily, your policy may help pay for additional costs, such as hotel lodging and dining at restaurants.

·        Liability—This coverage can insulate you from losses if a third party, such as a guest or neighbor, is involved in an incident on your property.

Standard homeowners policies may not cover all potential perils. You should take time to assess any potential gaps in your coverage, such as for hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost?

Even among homeowners who live in the same neighborhood or have similar residences, the cost of homeowners insurance can vary significantly. Insurance companies must consider many factors, including the following:

·        Location

·        Type of home

·        Building materials

·        Value

·        Property details (e.g., attractive nuisances, security systems, valuable possessions)

·        Policy details (e.g., coverage limits, endorsements, deductibles)

·        Prior claims history

How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?

When building your homeowners insurance policy, you must consider all details of your home and property to ensure that your coverage is sufficient. When conducting this analysis, consider the following criteria:

·        Cost of fully rebuilding your home

·        Valuable possessions you would need to replace

·        Liability risk (e.g., presence of attractive nuisances, pets, etc.)

·        Cost of temporary living expenses if forced to vacate your residence

Where Can I Get Homeowners Insurance?

With over 50 years of experience serving Genesee County and the surrounding area, the agents at Eaton Insurance Services are well-equipped to make sure you, your family and your home are protected with optimal insurance solutions. Contact us today to learn more.