Homeowners Insurance

If you have tangible assets, you need the protection of a homeowners insurance policy. These policies cover you in a home or an apartment, whether you are an owner or a renter. A well-written homeowners policy will pay to replace any of your personal property that is destroyed in a fire or other disaster. The policy will also be your first line of defense against a lawsuit from someone injured at your home.

The cost of this coverage is determined by many rating factors. The quality of the coverage, however, is determined by the quality of the insurer and whether the policy is written on a named perils or all-risk basis. A named-perils policy covers only those losses specifically cited in the contract. The all-risk policy works the opposite way – unless a peril is specifically excluded, coverage is provided. The all-risk policy is broader and the burden of proof is on the carrier, not you, in the event of a loss.

Homeowners Insurance – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions related to homeowners insurance.

Is homeowner’s insurance paid in advance?

Yes, homeowner’s insurance can be paid in advance also. It happens quite often that the client receives a discount for paying-in-full. Paying the premium upfront and allows you to exclude premium from your closing cost. If a mortgagee pays a homeowner’s insurance policy, the policy is always paid in advance.

Do I have to pay homeowners insurance through escrow?

The bank determines who should pay for the policy. Typically, the escrow payment covers part of your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance. Most often, when your taxes and homeowner’s insurance fall due, your mortgage lender pays for those bills on your behalf.

Is a homeowner’s insurance paid monthly or yearly?

If a homeowner has a mortgage, the policy is often paid annually. Most companies calculate premiums on an annual or semiannual basis. But to make it easier for the customers, they let you pay your premium in monthly installments as well. Moreover, the monthly option has a small installment charge on them also.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover AC unit (AC leaks or replacement)?

The homeowner’s policy offers coverage for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems if they are damaged by gas or fire, for example. But if the cause of the malfunction is normal wear and tear, insurer probably won’t pay for it. Basically, the repair depends on whether or not the equipment breakdown is endorsed on the client’s homeowner’s policy.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover sewer line replacement?

A homeowner’s policy does not cover sewer line replacement if the line has collapsed due to age because it’s a wear and tear issue that is not covered by insurance. However, if any major accident or fire causes the damage, then you can have your insurance coverage pay for it.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover polybutylene pipe?

A homeowner’s policy may cover plumbing damages if they are sudden or accidental. It will cover replacing the dwelling or other structures with the kind and quality that will replace the old home and/or building. It’s just that the replacement cost endorsement needs to be on the homeowner’s policy.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover furnace?

The homeowner’s policy provides coverage for furnaces as long as the loss is not a minor issue or normal wear and tear issue. In order to get this type of coverage, the equipment breakdown endorsement must be written on the policy.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover siding damage (cover siding replacement, wind damage, melted, rotted, vinyl, new, wood)?

A homeowner’s policy covers replacement siding, wind damage, vinyl windows, and new wood. Regarding the melted or rotted materials, it depends on what happened to the materials. If it is mold or fungi, the mold, fungi, and bacteria, the endorsement must be on the homeowner’s policy.

Can I get homeowners’ insurance with knob and tube wiring?

It is difficult to get insurance for a home with knob and tube wiring lying in safety concerns. Typically, a preferred homeowner’s policy requires newer copper wiring. Secondly, GFCIs are required at all costs. If the older style of the electrical system is in the building, it will need to be upgraded before your insurance coverage is procured.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover asbestos removal?

On homeowner’s insurance, the asbestos removal stand-alone is not covered. If a covered cause of loss occurs (like a tornado or fire), then an asbestos removal could possibly be covered.