Archive for the ‘Home Insurance’ Category

How To Save Money And Get Discount Homeowner's Insurance In Tennessee

Friday, November 2nd, 2007

By Angela Farnsworth

One step to save money and get discount homeowner's insurance in Tennessee is to take home inventory. You may be wondering, "How will documenting all of my possessions help me get affordable homeowner coverage?" The answer is simple. If you don't have your belongings recorded, you run the risk of purchasing too little homeowner insurance. Of course, you won't notice the problem until disaster strikes (your home is robbed, a tornado demolishes your house) and you need compensation for your lost items. Without home inventory, how will you prove you owned that entire state-of-the-art entertainment center, much less receive coverage for it?

You won't, which means you'll have to pay for replacements or repairs out of your own pocket. This sort of takes the affordability out of affordable homeowner coverage. Help yourself get a cheap homeowner insurance policy in Tennessee by taking thorough and accurate home inventory.

Take these tips into consideration before you begin your search to save money and get discount homeowner's insurance in Tennessee.

* Make a list of all things in your home that you'll need covered by homeowner's insurance.

* On this list, make sure to include the serial numbers of all electronics.

* Video and photograph each room in your home, and pay close attention to pricier items.

* Gather up all your receipts, especially those for your expensive possessions. If you don't have them, now's a good time to start saving them.

As you're shopping for a cheap homeowner insurance policy in Tennessee, always talk with each insurance agent about further tips for documenting your home's contents. Different home insurers may have different requirements regarding home inventory. It's best to make sure you know exactly what's expected of you before you get started. Too, the homeowner insurance company you choose will have a method of keeping this information on record; however, you may want to keep copies for yourself somewhere outside your home.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance Free Homeowner's Insurance Quotes in Tennessee Instant Free Home Insurance Quotes Online

The Home Buying Process

Thursday, November 1st, 2007

By Lee Keadle

The information in this article will help you understand what to expect when buying a home. We have put the information in a step-by-step format and have included a time frame for each step so that you can mark it in a calendar.

1. Get pre-approved. Obtain pre-approval for a home loan before beginning your home search. Before writing a contract on a home, you will need to get a letter of pre-approval from your lender specific to the home you are buying to attach to the purchasing contract. This is free. (Time frame: before you begin the home search)

2. Choose a real estate agent. This is a free service for buyers. Your agent will write the contract for you and help you negotiate with the sellers. Your agent will also be able to give you recommendations on what lender, attorney, insurance agent, and home inspector to hire. Also, your agent will help you set up appointments with the attorney, home inspector, and any contractors you may need. (Time frame: approximately 1-2 months before move-in date)

3. Find a home and write a contract. It normally takes 30 to 45 days from the time you find a home to close on it and move in. When you find the home you want, you'll write a contract. If you have a real estate agent, he or she will write the contract for you and help you negotiate with the sellers. (Time frame: approximately 30-45 days before move-in date)

4. Give earnest money. After the purchasing contract has been ratified (meaning both parties have signed and agreed to the terms of the contract), you will write a check for earnest money showing the seller you are serious about purchasing. This money will be placed in an escrow account and will be credited to the buyer at closing. The amount of earnest money is determined by the buyer and the seller. There is no standard amount. (Time frame: within 48 hours of ratifying the purchase contract)

5. Choose a lender. There are many different kinds of loans. Although you can get a 0%25 down loan, it is good to shop around with 2 or 3 lenders to see what loans are available and to compare rates and closing costs. Make sure to get a "good faith estimate" of closing costs from the lender before committing to the loan. If you cannot get a loan before the specified date on the contract, then you are not obligated to purchase the home, and you will get your earnest money back in full.(Time frame: as soon as the contract to purchase is written)

6. Conduct a home inspection. Choosing a home inspector is optional. You do not have to conduct a home inspection. However, it is a good idea to make sure that the home is structurally sound and that all major systems in the home are running properly. (Time frame: within about 2 weeks of ratifying the purchase contract)

7. Write a repair list. Getting the home repaired is optional. If the buyer is dissatisfied with the home inspection, the buyer's real estate agent will make a list of items for the seller to repair. These items will be negotiated in contract form between the buyer and the seller. (Time frame: within 48 hours of the last day for inspection, which is specified in the purchase contract)

8. Get home insurance. Most homes will require purchasing hazard insurance (fire and dwelling insurance). If the home is in a flood plain, flood insurance will also be required. Some condos and townhomes collect the insurance through Home Owners Association dues or Regime fees. Ask your real estate agent or your insurance company what type of insurance your home requires. (Time frame: at least 2 weeks before closing)

9. Make a final walk-thru. This walk-thru allows buyers to inspect any last minute repairs the seller has made to the property. This walk-thru is the buyer's last chance before closing to examine the condition of the property. (Time frame: a day before the closing, but sometimes the day of closing)

10. Wire funds or get a certified check for the closing. About 24 hours before the closing date, you will receive a call telling you how much money you will need to bring to the closing. You will then need to get a certified check payable to the attorney's office. If you are from out of town, you may need to wire funds to the attorney's office a day or two before closing. In this case, ask the attorney's office for wiring instructions. Bring your checkbook and driver's license to the closing with you, just in case. Total closing costs (lender's fees, attorney's fees, title company's fees, and insurance, other closing costs) will be approximately 3%25 of the purchase price of the home. (Time frame: approximately 24-48 hrs. before closing)

Lee Keadle is a full-time real estate agent in Charleston, SC. He works with a team of three agents to give buyers and sellers the best services possible. You can search for homes and vacant land in Charleston, SC, by visiting our website at http://www.SearchForCharlestonRealEstate.com

Understanding Home Insurance

Saturday, September 29th, 2007

By Michael Colucci

Home insurance is a type of policy in which a number of protections are combined into one unit. Some of these protections may cover things which are stolen from the home, or it may cover accidents which occur while a person is in their home. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration when an insurance company is trying to determine the cost of home insurance. In most cases, the expense involved with replacing the home is estimated, and a number of other items may be included in the insurance policy as well. The agreements which are signed for home insurance are long and detailed.

These documents will often state what is covered and what is not. Some of the things which are not included in home insurance are floods, war, or earthquakes. If homeowners want their homes to be covered in the event these things happen, they will need to purchase separate insurance. In most cases, the policy for home insurance will be made for a set period of time. The payment which is made by the homeowner to the insurance company is named the premium. The payments for the insurance will need to be made based on the terms of the agreement. The amount of the payment is dependent on the risk of the home.

For example, a house that is near a fire department will have a low premium compared to a house that is a long distance away from a fire department. Another type of home insurance is called perpetual insurance, and is basically home insurance that does not have a term that is fixed. Whether or not this loan can be obtained is dependent on where the homeowner lives. In the US, most of the funds for home insurance is taken in a loan that is similar to a mortgage. Many banks will make it mandatory for their customers to purchase home insurance, as this will protect the company in the event that the home is heavily damaged.

The people that are listed on the home insurance policy should be those who have a vested interest in the home that is related to insurance. There are a number of different variations that are available for home insurance. Prior to the 1950s, homeowners in the United States had to buy separate insurance policies for each type of damage that may have been sustained by their home. For example, fires, flood, theft, and other disasters would all have to be purchased separately. By the end of the 1950s, many insurance companies begin allowing homeowners to purchase policies that would cover all these things. However, the documents were long and complicated.

This caused a large number of problems to occur in the insurance industry, but they were largely solved by the introduction of the Insurance Services Office. This organization was formed in 1971 to present a policy ot homeowners that was easier to understand. As of this writing, the ISO has created six homeowners insurance documents that can be used for homowners who wish to purchase home insurance.

Michael Colucci is a writer on Home Insurance which is part of the Knowledge Search network

Theft Prone Items: In And Around The Home

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

By Ian Anderson

Although many homeowners go about purchasing a Homeowners insurance policy to protect their home and their belongings inside the home, most don't give that insurance coverage another thought until something happens such as fire, hurricane damage, or theft.
While many homeowners like to believe that they live in safe neighborhoods that would never be affected by crime, it is tough to completely rule out whether or not the home will ever be affected by theft. For this reason it is essential to consider the theft prone items inside and outside of the home, so that you can ensure those items are properly insured, properly inventoried, and properly looked after as well.
Almost all good Homeowners insurance companies will recommend taking a careful inventory of household belongings and updating that list at least once a year to ensure that you are fully covered by the amount of insurance you have.
This also will help ensure that you will receive full replacement cost for those damaged or stolen possessions. In addition, some Homeowners insurance companies will even want to lump possessions into categories of theft prone and none theft prone. This is something many homeowners have never considered. What inside the home is theft prone?
One of the first categories that every insurance company will look for in the theft prone area of household goods is electronics. Unfortunately, many thieves know that electronics can easily be pawned or sold since they are a hot commodity in most parts of the world. Electronics can range from a television set, a DVD player, a personal computer or laptop, to an IPOD, or a CD player stereo system.
It is important to note to insurance agents any large or extremely expensive pieces of electronics equipment that may be in the home, and it is equally important to take adequate pictures and record dates of purchase, place of purchase and model numbers in case of theft. Manufacturers and model numbers can actually help in tracking down stolen goods as well.
Another major category for theft prone items is jewelry and furs. While some Homeowners insurance policies will cover the theft of jewelry or furs, many will require you to have a separate policy or a separate clause on the policy that will cost extra money, since furs and jewelry are special possessions.
Insurance policies will allow you to cover all jewelry in a lump sum, but often this means you will only be paid back a certain amount, like $2,500 for any one piece of jewelry. If you have any pieces of jewelry that cost over this amount, such as an engagement ring or diamond necklace, you may want to get a specific policy for that one item.
Note that this will require an appraiser's description of the item and cost assessment. Don't forget to always take pictures of the jewelry and furs, so that an insurance company can review the pictures for replacement value.
Many homeowners' completely forget about collector's items as a potential theft prone category, but many thieves will take notice of such a prized collection. Collector's items could include artwork, baseball cards, antiques, or even figurines and are unfortunately extremely popular in the home invasion category.
With the advent of online programs like EBay, thieves can easily market these collector's items to other collectors and make their money off of your prized possessions. It is important to inventory and take pictures of these household goods as well as report them to your insurance company.
Remember not to count out household items that thieves may consider taking from the exterior of your home. During the daytime or early evening hours, especially during the summertime, when families are out mowing the lawn and walking the dog many people leave the garage door open and this is an easy target for preying thieves.
Valuables in the garage can include tool sets, large power tools, sports equipment from scuba gear to summer or winter skis and even bicycles, workout equipment, a summertime grill, and electronics. When inventorying a home or speaking with an insurance agent, don't forget to include those items that are in the garage but can still be covered by your Homeowners insurance policy.

Credit: Ian W Anderson of homeownersinsurance.cc, the homeowners insurance information site. For more homeowners insurance information and articles like this one visit: Homeowners Insurance

Why You May Need Home Contents Insurance

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

By Mayoor Patel

You have worked hard since your graduation day for all of the belongings that you have amassed over the years. In fact, if you are like most people, you probably have more items in your home than you know what to do with - but they are good belongings that you really could not live without when you think about it. Because you know how valuable all of your possessions are, you have decided to get home owner insurance, as it seems like the best way to make sure that you can replace your items should they be damaged or destroyed or stolen. However, you may not have realized that your home insurance policy may not actually cover all of your items. If you want to be sure that your belongings are safe and sound, you may need extra home contents insurance.

Unlike traditional home insurance, home contents insurance is designed to protect your belongings and only your belongings. Most, if not all, policies will not cover you should something happen to your home, or should someone be injured on your property. Instead, this type of insurance only keeps your favorite items safe and sound, and should something happen to them; the insurance company will reimburse you for their value depending on the type of insurance you purchase.

But what if you do not currently own a home? What if you are renting out an apartment, but you still have quite a few valuable items that you do not want anything to happen to? You can still invest in home contents insurance, and it is really an excellent idea to do so, especially if you are living with roommates. Even if your residence is something as tiny as a dormitory room in your college or university, it makes sense to insure your belongings, as you just never know when something could happen to them - either as a result of an accident or a purposeful theft.

So, no matter what your current housing situation looks like, you should still take some time out of your hectic schedule to consider investing in some home contents insurance. After all, nobody likes to lose all of the items that they have accumulated over the years, even if you are a college student who has not had enough money to purchase major items, you still stand at a risk to lose such high priced products as your computer, your television, and any expensive clothes or video game consoles you may own.

Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://home-insurance.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Home Contents Insurance

Why Do We Need Home and Auto Insurance?

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

By Mayoor Patel

For a lot of us, it is exceedingly difficult to justify spending money on something that we will probably never use. But we all do it, and we do it more often than we would like. Yes, we all spend large amounts of money on insurance even though we all know that we will probably never use it for anything. While it is true that health insurance and dental insurance do indeed come in handy, it is much more difficult to see the reasoning behind dropping thousands of dollars each year on home and auto insurance.

So why do we spend so much money each year on home and auto insurance when we will probably never end up using it? The answer lies in a seemingly simple series of questions.

First, have you ever known anyone who has lost their home or car? They could have lost their home because of some natural disaster or because of a fire caused by their own foolishness. As for the car, it must have been totaled in an accident.

Second, of the people you know who lost their home or car, how many of them had more than enough money (without any insurance coverage) to replace it? If you did not know anyone who lost their property, then just skip down to the next paragraph.

Third, if you lost your home or car, would you have enough money to pay to replace it right away?

These questions, as simple as they may seem, actually provide a lot of insight into the whole desire to spend money on insurance for your home or your car. To start with, when you really start to think long and hard about it, there is a good chance that we have all known someone who has lost their home or their car as a result of an accident or natural disaster.

Next, when you think back about that person who lost their home or car, most of them were not able to replace it immediately after it was destroyed. They were left without a car, without a way to get to and from work, for several days or even months - certainly not a productive situation.

Finally, there is a good chance that you do not have enough money to replace your home or car should something terrible happen to it. Most people may only have a thousand dollars or so saved up for such emergencies - and that is why it is so important to own home and auto insurance.

Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website http://home-insurance.wares-are.us. Please visit for information on all things concerned with Home and Auto Insurance

What You Should Know About Home Flood Insurance

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

By Ginger Wade

What You Should Know About Home Flood Insurance

A large number of individuals have flood insurance coverage on their homes. These individuals are likely to live in an area of the United States that is prone to flooding. Individuals all over the United States, no matter how large or small the flooding risk, are encouraged to have home flood insurance coverage. Despite the fact that a large number of individuals do have flood insurance coverage, an even large number of residents are not protected.

There are a wide variety of different reasons why a homeowner may decide not to obtain home flood insurance coverage. Some individuals can spend their whole life living in a home and not have it flood once, but why take the risk? One day of a large amount rainfall or a large water leak can cause serious damage to a home. That is why homeowners are encouraged to obtain a flood insurance policy for their home.

Many homeowners do not obtain home flood insurance because they are not fully educated on what flood insurance does. Individuals who have been luckily enough not to experience flooding are not always aware of the risks and the cost of damages. That is why it is important for all homeowners to educate themselves on home flood insurance.

One of the most important things that a homeowner needs to understand about flood insurance is that every individual, no matter where they live, is able to obtain it. Whether you experience flooding on a yearly basis or on rare occasions, you should be able to obtain home flood insurance coverage. The development of the National Flood Insurance Program made this possible.

The National Flood Insurance Program offers federal flood insurance. The insurance is available to individuals who meet certain requirements put in place by the National Flood Insurance Program. Home flood insurance coverage can be purchased directly through the National Flood Insurance Program or it can be purchased from a licensed agent.

Obtaining home flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and a licensed agent are both great ways to get your home covered. If you are looking for helpful representatives who are willing to answer all of your flood insurance questions, you may want to work with a licensed agent. Most agents tend to have more time to spend assisting their clients with learning about flood insurance and then selecting the coverage plan that is best for them.

Another reason why homeowners tend to have more success with working with a licensed flood insurance agent is because agents are able to offer discounts that the National Flood Insurance Project may not be able to offer. These discounts, such as the one offered by AmeriFlood, may include a 12%25 upfront rebate on all flood insurance policies.

When to comes to flooding and home flood insurance, there are a lot of things that a homeowner should be aware of. Being aware of the damage that a flood can cause is the best way to be prepared. Educate yourself on protecting your home from flood damage and then use the information you learned to find the perfect, low-cost flood insurance coverage plan.

Ginger Wade is a writer for (Ameriflood) where you can find useful information about Home Flood Insurance and other related information.

A Quick Guide To Home Insurance Terms And Jargon

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

By Amanda Fain

Listening to an expert talk about anything can be incredibly daunting and baffling these days. There are specialist terms for everything in the financial industry, even for the most simple of things, and that routinely means that a consumer rarely understands exactly what he or she is signing or getting into. This is unfair because most jargon could easily be phrased in layman's terms for everybody to understand. However, help is now at hand with homeowners insurance explained below. With this jargon buster, you'll beat the home insurance companies by understanding every word they say:

1. Accidental damage - Visible or internal damage to property that home insurance companies deem to be created accidentally. For example, ripping sofa upholstery is covered, but pet damage is not.

2. Buildings - A policy offered by home insurance companies that covers the structure and fittings of your house, any outbuildings, swimming pools and so on.

3. Claim - A claim is made when you report lost, stolen or damaged items and seek a settlement in order to replace them.

4. Condition - The part of the policy printed by the home insurance companies that stipulates the rules that have to be adhered to in order for you to keep the policy in force.

5. Contents - A policy that covers your belongings and non-structural property against loss, theft and damage.

6. Excess - The amount of money that you will need to cover in order to make a successful claim from the home insurance companies.

7. Exclusion - All home insurance companies will specify property and occurrences that a policyholder cannot claim on. These are the exclusions.

8. High-risk items - Belongings that are of a high monetary value and are more likely to get stolen. This includes televisions, jewellery, art, computers and so on.

9. Household - Home insurance companies define household as everyone living under the one roof, from adults to children to pets.

10. Liability - Accepting liability is taking responsibility for damage to your or someone else's person or property.

11. Loss Adjuster - This is an individual employed on an independent basis by a home insurance company to assess a claim and determine the amount that will settle it. He or she will negotiate with both the home insurance company and the policyholder who has claimed.

12. Sum Insured - This is the figure or amount that your property is actually insured for. However, if there are limits imposed by the home insurance companies, it is also the maximum that will be paid out for each individual claim.

13. Underwriter - This is the individual or individuals within the home insurance companies that actively assess your application against the risk they would be taking by insuring you. That assessment is then how much your premium, or payment for cover, will be.

14. Unoccupied - This is a term used to describe your home if is left standing empty for more than 30 consecutive days out of the year.

I hope this is effectively home insurance explained! There is more jargon involved, but these are the main terms that home insurance companies will discuss with you. Now you will know exactly what they mean! For more info see http://www.homeowners-insurance-help.com/Home_Insurance_Adjusters/

You can also find more information at Home Insurance Quote Online and Home Owner Flood Insurance.

8 Easy Tips for Cheaper Home Insurance

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

By Nicholas Hunt

No one likes paying for home insurance, but it's a necessary evil for most of us. This doesn't mean you have to pay through the nose for it though - try these 8 easy tips for cheaper home insurance and see how much you could reduce your premiums by.

- Shop Around

By comparing prices from several insurance companies, you'll probably be able to reduce your premiums by a substantial amount. This may seem obvious, but research has shown that a surprisingly large proportion of people either just renew their current policy, or get only one or two quotes. Many insurance web sites will automatically compare dozens of policies for you, making this one of the easiest ways to reduce your insurance bill.

- Buy online

If you buy your policy online you can often get a discount of up to 20%25 on normal prices, because there are less administration costs involved and the savings can be passed on to you.

- Combine your buildings and contents policies

Many insurers will give you a discount if you take out both types of home insurance with them, and this usually works out cheaper than getting the two kinds of policies from different companies.

- Pay upfront

Although most insurers let you pay your premium in monthly instalments, many will charge interest for this. If you can afford to pay a full year's premium in advance, then this will work out cheaper in the long run.

- Don't claim for small amounts

Making many small claims can increase your insurance costs, as your insurer may see you as a greater risk and increase your premiums. You will also lose any no claims discount your policy has. Of course, you're entitled to claim for anything your policy covers, but ask yourself if making a small claim is really worth the hassle and possible future costs.

- Voluntary excess

This is related to the last point. Insurance policies feature something known as 'excess', which basically means that the policy won't pay out on claims below a certain value. On some policies, if you choose to raise your excess to a higher level, then your premiums will be lower.

- Increase your home security

Beefing up your home security with better door locks, window locks, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems can all result in lower premiums. Ask your insurer what you could do to get extra discounts.

- Reduce your cover

Many policies feature benefits that you might not need, such as cover for personal possessions while travelling, or 'free' legal advice. Look through your policy and see what parts of it you really need - by cutting your cover down to size you may be able to reduce your premium.

Nicholas Hunt is a financial writer for OneStop Finance. You can find a more detailed version of this article at Getting Cheaper Home Insurance, along with more information on home insurance providers.

Cheap Home Insurance Policy - Money Saving Tips!

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

By Michele Miller

Home insurance can be expensive. Premiums are based on many factors. There are thousands of insurance companies each offering different insurance policies at different prices. The best way to get the best insurance premiums is to get home owner insurance rate quotes from different sources. Here are some tips on how to get a good home owner insurance quote.

1. Make a thorough inventory of your house. Check the materials of the walls, roof, ceiling, etc. When was the house built? If you bought it, how much did you buy it for? How much would it cost to rebuild? Know the location and condition of your Lot - is it prone to natural calamities like hurricanes, typhoons or earthquakes? This information is vital for insurance companies to determine premiums and thereby give you, the home owner, an insurance quote to suit your needs. If possible, have a professional assess your house's condition.

2. Know what you want in your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies do not cover earthquake damage unless separately purchased. How much coverage do you want for stolen property? If you want coverage for stolen property, the best way to reduce premiums is by installing security devices on the home. Make sure the security devices purchased are those recommended by the insurance companies.

3. Make your insurance policy options clear: Actual cash value is when the insurance company replaces a damaged house or possession with depreciation deductions. Replacement cost is when the insurance company replaces the damaged house or possession and no amount is deducted for depreciation. Guaranteed replacement cost is when the insurance company pays the exact cost for rebuilding the house to its original shape.

4. Increasing the deductible can greatly reduce your premium costs. Many people have found their premiums can be reduced to as much as thirty percent because of increased deductibles.

5. Shop for quotes. The internet has thousands of resources. Make sure you choose a website that offers comparison shopping and will provide quotes from several different companies.

6. Hire a professional home insurance agent to gather home owner insurance quotes for you. The home insurance agent is expected to be thoroughly trained and know the ins and outs of home insurance. He is expected to have a vast network and can therefore recommend to you many related things like how to look for best deals in home security systems or who to look for when wanting a professional appraiser for the house.

7. Many people have a tendency to ignore smaller companies because of the common mindset that big is always powerful. Indeed, big multi-billion, multi-national insurance companies may have a good track record but they can be expensive too. Many smaller insurance companies give really good value to their customers. These companies need to keep themselves afloat against the giants so they have to come up with perks and good services to attract clients.

8. For lots more tips on how to save on your homeowners insurance please visit our site and download the free report.

Don't pay more than you have to for homeowners insurance! Start Saving On Homeowners Insurance Today! - Download my Free PDF report now and you will see how much you could be saving on your homeowners insurance policy premiums! www.best-insurance-quote.net/homeinsure.pdf or visit our site, www.best-insurance-quote.net

Cheap Home Insurance Basics

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

By Oliver Turner

Gradual increase of natural perils and environmental pollution in today's world have taken a toll on the longivity of houses and buildings. Under such circumstances the home insurance policy has got a lot of priority. However what is being noticed by the homeowner is the gradual price hike in buying house insurance policy. A need has been felt for cheap house insurance policy. Cheaper insurance offers discounted insurances and low premium of insurances. Just like other insurance policies shopping is necessary before buying the policy.

Shopping for cheap home insurance quote is easy. One can check different rates from the website. You only need to fill up a simple form and thus get connected to a number of homeowners' insurance quotes. Due to discounts offered, the policies are cheaper. One benefits a discount of 30%25 to 45%25 while buying insurance online. Some insurance companies provide a discount if you buy home and contents insurance together. Instead of buying online you can contact the agent. Insuring the car and the home can reduce the house insurance rate. Buying both auto and home insurance from same company can lead to discount. Getting at least three quotes is necessary to compare the terms. One should be aware of replacement values of items. No need to calculate the amount of buying or prevailing market value rather get replacement value insurance. You should be aware of the fact whether you can afford to replace all that you have lost with new items and policy ensures them as replacement value. Be well aware of the claims of process. You should also enquire whether floods or earthquakes are covered. In a state like California one can get earthquake insurance through The California Earthquake Authority.

Inflation rate should be kept in mind when home insurance policy is due for renewal.

Find more about Home Insurance on http://www.LeanderNet.com/Home_insurance/Homeowners_insurance.php . More useful content on LeanderNet - http://www.LeanderNet.com

Are Your Finances Strong Enough To Repair Earthquake Damages?

Wednesday, May 30th, 2007

By Elizabeth Newberry

Are your finances strong enough to repair damages to your home and possessions caused by earthquakes? Unless you're wealthy, repairing damages to your home and possessions caused by earthquakes might pose strain on your finances, and let's face it -damages caused by an earthquake are usually serious enough to need immediate repairing.

Unfortunately, most basic homeowner's insurance policies do not include the repair of damages caused to your home and your possessions due to an earthquake, nor do they compensate you for the damages and loss your valuables suffer due to an earthquake. And again, unless you're wealthy, your finances might not be able to stretch far enough to cover all of these costs yourself. Plus, some valuables just can't be replaced, such as family heirlooms.

So, how can you get earthquake insurance?

You can usually add additional coverage to your current homeowner's insurance policy; this should be seriously considered by those that live in areas that are highly susceptible to earthquakes such as California. This additional coverage can include a plethora of factors, such as the repair and replacement of your earthquake-damaged property; the repair and replacement of the contents of your earthquake-damaged home; and even the cost of temporary living expenses in the event that your home is completely destroyed due to an earthquake.

Additional insurance can also cover buildings adjacent to your home, such as a garage.

Your premium for adding additional insurance for earthquakes will depend on several factors. Older homes, homes made of brick, and homes located in earthquake prone areas will generally have higher premiums than newer homes, homes made of wood, and homes not located in earthquake prone areas.

When choosing additional insurance for earthquakes, you should choose to purchase enough coverage to pay for completely rebuilding your home and replacing or repairing your damages. This way, you'll rest assured that you, your home, and your possessions are completely covered, no matter what.

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Closing Your New Florida Home Doesn't Have To Be Stressful

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007

By Tom Beaty

Closing on a new home can produce anxiety in many home buyers. There is much to do in preparation of closing day, and sometimes this process can seem a bit overwhelming. But there are several things that a home buyer can do before it is time to close on their Florida home that will make the whole process a lot easier and less stressful.

Preparing for closing day

When you decide to have a new Florida home built, carefully select a builder that you are comfortable working with and one that will keep you informed throughout the process of purchasing your new home. Ask your builder for a firm completion date on the construction of your home. This way, you can complete your preparations and set an appropriate closing date.

Financing your new Florida home

Most banks have a mortgage specialist on staff to help you explore your finance options. If you have a good working relationship with your bank and plan to finance your home through that financial institution, then speaking with a mortgage specialist there is the best thing to do.

However, it is sometimes better to seek a mortgage specialist outside your bank. The reason for this is that a mortgage specialist looks at loan terms from several different lenders in order to find the best mortgage with the lowest points and interest rates. Sometimes this "shopping around" for the best loan can save you a great deal of money.

What you need to do once you find a lender

After deciding on a mortgage specialist, you will need to obtain a Good Faith Estimate of closing costs. This is important because you need to know how much money you will actually need from your lender on closing day. You will also want to get a rate lock guarantee from your lender so the interest rate you originally agree upon does not change by closing time.

Since there are many types of loans available to today's home buyer, you will want to carefully discuss each option with your mortgage specialist. Depending on your income and how long you plan to live in your home, you may be best served by a traditional, 30-year fixed rate loan. Or you may be better off with a variable rate or interest only loan. There is no one type of loan that is right for every buyer. You will need to carefully examine your individual situation before deciding on the loan type that is best for you.

Save time and reduce stress by gathering your documentation in advance

There are several documents that almost all mortgage specialists and lenders will request. If you have this documentation put together ahead of time, you will greatly increase the speed and ease of your loan approval.

The first thing a lender usually requests is verification of income. To do this, you will need the previous year's W-2 form, one month of bank statements, and your most recent pay-stub that shows a year-to-date income. A lender can verify income by contacting your present employer, but this often slows down your application process. You will also need to submit a copy of the signed sales contract between you and your builder.

Obtaining homeowner's insurance for your new Florida home

Before the close of any home loan, you will need to provide proof that your new property is insured. If your current automobile insurance carrier also offers homeowner's insurance, you should check with that company first. Many agencies offer multiple-policy discounts, and will write new policies for existing customers (even during the height of hurricane season) that they wouldn't write for new customers.

If you don't have an existing insurance provider that also offers homeowners insurance, give yourself plenty of time before your closing date to find an insurance company that will offer the best policy for you. This is not an area where you want to wait until the last minute. Finding insurance should be one of your top priorities because without it, you can't close on your new home loan.

Stay informed throughout the process

Keep in touch with your builder, lender and/or mortgage specialist, and your insurance company throughout the closing process. This way, there will be no surprises on closing day. Remember, the home buyer who is informed and well-prepared has the best chance of achieving a stress-free closing.

Our Concrete Florida Homes survive hurricanes - Tom Beaty a real estate broker and homebuilders in Palm Coast, Flagler and Volusia County. Visit: Florida real estate or Florida real estate

Choosing life insurance and home insurance can be daunting

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007

By Andrew Regan

As one of life's essential financial products for consumers, insurance - whether it's home insurance, travel insurance or life insurance - can be overwhelming. After all, in today's diverse financial market there is a vast variety of insurance products for consumers to choose from. However, before you make your choice, it's vital to be aware of the options that face you and to shop around for the insurance that best suits you.



Perhaps the two most essential types of insurance are life insurance and home insurance. Choosing life insurance can be a particularly overwhelming experience, so it's important to equip yourself with the available knowledge before making a decision. For instance, you need to choose whether you're going to invest in "protection-only" life insurance or "investment-type" life insurance.



Protection-only life insurance will cover you over a specified amount of time; however, if your death occurs after this designated period has passed, then your family won't receive any payment.



Conversely, investment-type life insurance - also known as whole of life policies or endowment policies - will not only pay out in the event of your death, but will also accumulate in value during your lifetime. Hence, the younger you are when you choose to take out investment-type life insurance, the greater the value it will accrue during your life. Many personal pension schemes, including stakeholder schemes, may come under the umbrella of investment-type life insurance.



Home insurance is another crucial part of making sure your life is adequately protected. Whether you choose to take out buildings insurance, contents insurance or both, home insurance can make a vital difference to your peace of mind. Over the winter months in particular, home insurance is especially important. For example, only last month, Halifax Home Insurance suggested that homeowners might be threatened by the possibility of burst pipes during the recent cold snap experiences across Britain.



According to Vicky Emmott, a spokesperson for Halifax Home insurance: "Water from a burst pipe within a loft space can very quickly cause damage to plaster ceilings, wall plaster, kitchen units, electrical wiring and decoration…"



With many home insurance companies and high street banks, including Barclays, offering a 24-hour claims helpline and add-ons, such as legal expenses and home emergency cover, there's no reason for consumers not to take out home insurance to cover any possible damage to their home or home contents.



But whatever type of insurance you're hoping to buy, make sure you consider all your options carefully before making your final decision. This way, you'll be sure that your insurance covers aspects of your life that need the most attention, and your long-term benefit will be maximised.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

Do NOT File a Home Insurance Claim

Saturday, May 12th, 2007

By Stephen Bucaro

———————————————————-
Permission is granted for the below article to forward,
reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website,
offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long
as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the
resource box below is included.
———————————————————-
Do NOT File a Home Insurance Claim

By Stephen Bucaro

You can PAY for home insurance, but don't try to actually
USE your home insurance or you may be blacklisted by the
insurance companies. The home insurance companies only
want to TAKE in money, not PAY OUT any money. On Jan. 2,
2003 CBS Evening News exposed a scheme by home insurance
companies to blacklist customers who file claims.

According to the CBS Evening News report, the insurance
industry uses a secret system called CLUE (Comprehensive
Loss Underwriting Exchange) to blacklist customers who
actually try to use their insurance. The system was
originally set up to help companies detect fraud, But now
it's being used in a scheme to blacklist customers who use
their home insurance.

Several home insurance companies say they are blacklisting
customers who file claims because "claim losses outweigh
premiums". But consumer advocates say a look at the
companies financial records shows they are in financial
trouble because of big Enron and Worldcom stock market
losses.

According to the CBS Evening News report, if you try to
make a claim on your home insurance, you could be placed
on the Insurance Industry Blacklist for five years. During
that period you will either be forced to pay outrageous
premiums, or you will be without insurance. If you try to
sell your house, you will find it is unsellable, because
it is uninsurable.

Your best option is to continue to pay your home insurance
premiums, but if something happens, like a pipe breaks or
a storm damages your home, pay to fix it yourself. Do NOT
make any claims against your homeowner insurance policy or
you may be blacklisted by the insurance industry. The home
insurance companies only want to TAKE your money, not PAY
OUT any money.
———————————————————-
Resource Box:
Copyright(C)2002 Bucaro TecHelp. To learn how to maintain
your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web
site and make money on the Web visit
http://bucarotechelp.com
To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter Send a blank
email to bucarotechelp-subscribe@topica.com
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None

Do I really need house contents insurance?

Saturday, May 12th, 2007

By Best Deal Insurance

Home contents insurance can be an expensive addition to your already over stretched budget, so you may ask yourself "Do I really need to insure my home?" While most mortgage lenders demand that you have buildings cover - for obvious reasons - contents insurance is not compulsory.

For those who have doubts then consider how you would manage if the worst should happen and your contents were stolen or destroyed? How would you make repairs or replace items that were destroyed?
The majority of people simply don't have unlimited funds which would enable them to replace their possessions and make repairs. So before you think of skimping on home insurance just ask yourself that question.

While no one likes to think that they could be a victim of fire or theft or similar, the unexpected does happen and while buying insurance won`t change the future, it can at least help you in your time of need. There are many types of policy and levels of cover which you can take out and if you shop around online you can get the best deal possible, with the cheapest premiums.

Buildings insurance covers the main structure of the home and any fittings and fixtures which are permanent in your home such as your fitted kitchen. Contents insurance covers the rest, protecting your possessions against loss, fire or damage.

Both of these insurance policies can be taken out separately or you can make savings by taking out a combined building and contents insurance policy. If you are considering taking out both then this is by far the best way to buy them.

Shop around online or get a specialist broker to do the hard work for you and get quotes from a wide range of insurer, as the premiums will vary from company to company, often by a couple of hundred pounds for the equivalent cover.

As with all policies you should always read the small print and make sure you understand what is and is not covered by your policy. Always make sure you understand what the exclusions are so you can ensure that you are adequately protected.

Launched in March 2003, BestDealInsurance are a completely independent specialist broker, offering a service which guarantees to find their clients the best deals on house insurance. They offer the full range of household insurance from buildings and / or contents insurance to buy to let cover, ensuring that their clients have the protection they need, without leaving a hole in their pocket.

Get A Great Louisiana Home Owner Insurance Quote

Friday, May 4th, 2007

By Elizabeth Newberry

Before you set out for your Louisiana home owner insurance quote, prepare yourself for the kinds of questions insurance companies that specialize in home owner insurance policies, especially Louisiana home owner insurance policies, will ask you.

First, you'll most likely be asked your address. The insurance company may require your full address at first, or it may only require your zip code; however, where in Louisiana you live is important when deciding your Louisiana home owner insurance code.

You'll also be asked if you want insurance for your home, your condo, a townhouse, a place you rent yourself, or a place you rent to others. This helps the insurance company determine what risks are on the table, as well as coverage you'll need and want. For example, if you own a home, you may want Louisiana home owner insurance to protect your home and your contents; whereas, if you rent an apartment, you may only want insurance to cover the contents.

Next, the insurance company will ask for information about the home itself, including its age, levels of floors, adjacent buildings such as garages, basement type, roof condition, as well as overall condition of electrical and plumbing systems. Further information will be requested upon the answers to these questions to help the insurance company determine the amount of coverage you'll need based on the strength and security of your home. Questions that follow may include questions about add-ons and perks such as deadbolts, fire extinguishers, nearby fire hydrants, saunas, hot tubs, and even pets.

The answers to some of these questions are unavoidable; if your home is made of brick, it's made of brick. If you have a certain number of floors, you have a certain number of floors. You get the idea. However, you can get a cheaper Louisiana home owner insurance quote by making changes such as security upgrades, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and even upgrading your roof.

Get a Great Louisiana Home Owner Insurance Quote Insurance tips and advice that will help you save money

FLOODS AND WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOME - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

Friday, May 4th, 2007

By Adam O'Connor

The distribution of human populations close to water is the chief cause of floods, not geology or the weather. Floods from the sea can cause overtopping of flood-defenses like dikes and flattening of dunes or buffs. The worst floods usually occur when a river overflows its banks. Periodic floods occur naturally on many rivers, forming an area known as the flood plain.

The most likely appliances to flood your home and cause water damage are the water heater and washing machine, according to a study released February 15, 2005. Carried out by Safeco Insurance, the study demonstrates that one out of every 10 water-damage claims can be traced back to a fault in one of these two appliances, which are more likely than Mother Nature to cause damage in the home.

In the winter, ice dams and bursting pipes can ruin your carpets and cause water damage to ceilings and walls. An ice dam is a buildup of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof, frequently at the gutter, blocking water from draining off your roof. As a precaution against roof leaks from an ice dam, you can install a water-repellent membrane under your roof covering.

You can begin restoration efforts on your own once you know how your home insurance company intends to handle your claim. Try opening windows to air out your home and start cleaning out any excess water that remains in your home by mopping or blotting water off surfaces. You will want to get as much water out of your home as quickly as possible before the items begin to mold or develop an unpleasant mildew odor.

You may need a professional water damage restoration company, which has skilled technicians, expert cleaners, biocides, extraction, drying and dehumidifying gear, and moisture gauging and monitoring tools. You can find a certified professional by calling the non-profit Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) toll free at (800) 835-4624 or by accessing www.certifiedcleaners.com.
Flood insurance covers damage from rising ground water, not things like a broken pipe or a leaky bathtub. Still, it's a good idea, since homeowners' insurance only covers damage from wind-driven rain - generally, rain that comes into your home through the roof, windows, doors or holes in the walls. Make sure you have enough homeowners' insurance before buying additional flood coverage - after all, a homeowners' policy covers a broader range of natural disasters and other causes of damage.

Article By Adam O'Connor, Options in Flood Insurance

Do You Know What The 7 Home Insurance Plans Are?

Thursday, May 3rd, 2007

By Tim Gorman

Most people don't realize that there are 7 different homeowners insurance plans that insurance companies can offer. Each plan is different from the other 6 based on the circumstances that it covers. Additionally if consumers are familiar with any of the plans it would be plans that involve parts of option 2 and option 3. You'll see why as I explain each plan in more detail below.
There are many different types of disasters that can affect your home but your standard homeowners insurance policy limits its coverage to 11 specific disaster events. They are damage from aircraft, wind and hail damage, damage suffered from explosions, riots and civil unrest, fire and lightning damage, vehicular damage, vandalism and theft damage, smoke damage and damage if your home decides to fall in on itself otherwise known as self-damaging instances. The final category is damage sustained when a volcano erupts.
This standard list can include 6 additional categories of damage protection. They include falling objects, weather related incidents from snow, sleet and ice, electrical surge damage and finally water damage, which can be further broken down into 3 sub-sections of coverage.
Home insurance policy 1 covers damage from the 11 different scenarios mentioned above. Policy 2 include plan 1 but goes into greater detail in certain sections. If a tree falls and lands on your house it is covered in this policy section. If your dishwasher overflows or your washing machine busts a hose that would be covered under this section for water related damage. You'll also find protection from a power surge or other damages as a result of electrical problems.
Policy 3 includes parts 1 and 2 but includes extended and specialty items. Unfortunately it doesn't cover damage as a result of flooding. Nor does it cover earthquakes, nuclear blasts and damage caused from a war.
For people renting section 4 provides coverage for them and includes the coverage outlined above in plans 1, 2 and 3. Policy 5 offers complete risk coverage for the building and property. Policy 6 centers on providing coverage for condominiums and policy 7 is strictly intended for older homes of historic value. The coverage includes all 11 disasters mentioned earlier however coverage is limited to repairs or the cash values of the items involved. Rebuilding and replacement costs are not covered under this policy since it's quite possible that those repairs could end up costing more then the current market allows.
This article was intended to be a quick overview of the 7 insurance plans available to homeowners. For more detailed information you should consult a reputable insurance agent or do additional research online.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Best-Free-Insurance-Quotes.com. He provides more insurance information and offers discount auto, life and home insurance%26lt;/a %26gt; that you can research in your pajamas on his website.<

How To Find The Best Rates On Homeowner's Insurance In Oregon

Monday, April 30th, 2007

By Angela Farnsworth

There is no law in Oregon requiring any homeowner to carry homeowner's insurance on their property, but if your home has a mortgage on it, your mortgage company will require at least enough homeowner's insurance to cover the financial institution's investment if your property were destroyed by fire or other disaster.

Also, for most people their home represents their biggest financial investment and most homeowners want to protect that investment.

Of course, while homeowners want to protect their homes with homeowner's insurance, they still demand to get the best rates on homeowner's insurance in Oregon.

Fortunately there are steps you can take to help keep the cost of homeowner's insurance within reach for most people.

First, if you can set aside some money each year that can be used to pay for some repairs to your home in case of an insurance claim then you might consider raising the deductible on your policy. The higher the deductible the lower your monthly premiums will be.

If possible, consider paying your premiums a year at a time rather than month to month. Virtually all insurance companies offer a premium discount for such prepayments.

Take whatever steps you can to improve your overall credit report or to keep it good. Many people aren't aware that your credit report has an effect on your homeowner's insurance premiums.

Install smoke and fire detectors and make sure they are working. Also, buy at least one fire extinguisher (at least one for the kitchen); doing so will also give you a break with most insurance companies.

Keep bushes and grasses cut back away from the house, especially away from windows and doors where burglars can use them as hiding places. Make sure each door has a good, working deadbolt lock and make certain all windows, even upper story windows can be locked.

Review your policy with your insurance agent every two years, or more often if you have made changes to your property or installed a burglar alarm system or anything else that would make your property safer.

Most property owners want to protect their greatest investment, and with a little planning and common sense you can do so while still getting the best rates possible on your homeowner's insurance.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance Lowest Rate Home Insurance Quotes in Oregon Instant Homeowner's Quotes

How To Find Affordable Homeowner's Insurance In Tennessee

Monday, April 30th, 2007

By Angela Farnsworth

Before you find affordable homeowner's insurance in Tennessee, you need to first find the homeowner insurance policy that covers each peril that is, or could potentially be, relevant to you, your family, and your home.

Most of Tennessee's cheap home coverage provides protection against the following ten disasters:

*Theft

*Vandalism

*Fire and lightening damage

*Windstorm and hail damage

*Aircraft-inflicted damage

*Vehicle-inflicted damage

*Damage caused by a riot or other civil commotion

*Damage caused by smoke

*Damage caused by volcanic eruptions

*Damage caused by an explosion

Since most low rate homeowners insurance in Tennessee covers these perils, you do not have to spend much - if any - time searching for them. Just ask the insurance agents of the companies you are considering if these damages are included, and move on.

So, if you need other kinds of home coverage you will need to be more specific in your quest for affordable homeowner's insurance in Tennessee. Other kinds of damages that may be included in Tennessee cheap home coverage include protection against:

*Damage caused by heavy ice, sleet, or snow

*Damage caused by artificially generated electrical current

*Damaged caused to plumbing, heating, air conditioning or automatic, fire-protective sprinkler system, and a household appliance due to freezing

*Damaged caused to a steam or hot water heating system, an air conditioning, and an automatic fire-protective system due to burning, bulging, cracking, or tearing apart

*Damage caused to plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or automatic fire-protective sprinkler system, and to a household appliance due to steam or water

Sure, it may be tiring and seem hopeless at times, but it actually is possible to find low rate homeowners insurance in Tennessee and still get all the coverage you want. Just make sure to talk with the insurance agents about each kind of protection covered by the various homeowners' insurance policies they offer.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance Free Homeowner's Insurance in Tennessee Instant Free Home Insurance Online

How to Request an Albany Home Insurance Quote

Saturday, April 21st, 2007

By Ashton Skylar

How to Request an Albany Home Insurance Quote

Each year, in the United States, thousands of homes are damaged. Almost all of that damage arises from something unexpected. That is why it is important to not only protect yourself, but to protect your home as well. As a homeowner, you can do that by purchasing home insurance.

If you live in or around the Albany area and you are looking to purchase home insurance, you will want to examine local home insurance companies. You can easily do this by using your local phone book, the internet, or recommendations from those that you know. Whichever search method you choose, it is important that you obtain the contact information of at least one Albany home insurance company.

Once you have obtained the information of at least one Albany home insurance company, you will want to further examine that company. Not only will you want to examine the home insurance policies that they have available, but you will also want to examine the level of service that they are able to provide you with. In the event that your home needs repairs, you will want to be doing business with a pleasant, helpful, and compassionate person.

Perhaps, the best way to determine the level of service that is offered by one of your local Albany home insurance companies is to perform a standard internet search. By searching for information on a local Albany home insurance company, you should be provided with a number of different results, these results are likely to include feedback from previous clients.

In addition to the level of service offered, you will also want to examine the available home insurance plans and the prices in which those plans are offered at. The best way to do this is to request an Albany home insurance quote. Most insurance companies will offer you free quotes. This means that you should not have to pay to request additional information, such as the cost of obtaining service.

When it comes to requesting a free Albany home insurance quote, you will find that different companies have different ways of handing out quotes. You may find that one company accepts online insurance quote requests, but another does not. Even if online insurance quote requests are not accepted, there should be a number of other ways that you can go about requesting an Albany home insurance quote.

Aside from using the internet, you can contact the insurance company directly. As previously mentioned, you should have already acquired the contact information of at least one home insurance company. You should use this information to call and speak to an insurance representative. In a matter of minutes, your Albany home insurance quote request may be processed.

Whether you make the decision to request an Albany home insurance quote by phone or over the internet, you should be provided with the same results. In addition to the same results, you will often find that both requests take about the same amount of time to process.

Ashton Skylar is a writer for Free Insurance Quotes 4 You.com where you will discover great information on Albany Home Insurance Quote and other related information.

How to lower the cost of your home insurance

Saturday, April 21st, 2007

By David Thomson

While home insurance is a necessity it can be expensive. However, there are certain factors you can take into account which could help you make savings on your home insurance premiums.

Perhaps one of the biggest savings you can make when your policy comes up for renewal is by shopping around or get a specialist broker to investigate. Complacency is the biggest reason why people pay more for their insurance than they need to.

Don't just automatically renew your policy without first looking to see if you can get a cheaper deal. While this is the easiest option, it can also be the costliest.

Secondly, if you have access to the internet you will probably be able to make bigger savings by shopping and buying your home insurance online. By shopping online and using a brokerage you are able to get access to many more companies than you otherwise would.

The easiest way to lower your premiums are to make sure you answer honestly any questions relating to your current health, if you are a smoker or not and if you have burglar alarms and smoke alarms installed. With the latter, this can also save you money on your premiums.

The amount of excess you are willing to pay will also have an effect on your premium. The more excess you pay, the lower your premium can be. Other small considerations which you can make include joining a neighbourhood watch scheme and having good quality locks installed on your doors and windows.

Never be tempted to go for what seems like a great deal solely on the premium however, remember that the amount you are covered for also counts as does the type of policy you choose.

Launched in March 2003, BestDealInsurance are a completely independent specialist broker. They offer the full range of household insurance from buildings and / or contents insurance to buy to let cover, ensuring that their clients have the protection they need, without leaving a hole in their pocket.

Learning the Benefits of Homeowners Insurance the Hard Way

Thursday, April 5th, 2007

By Terry Ross

Have you ever known such bad luck? Johnny B decided not renew his homeowners insurance because he thought that there were better things he could do with his money. The toss up was between homeowners insurance and a luxury weekend away and the homeowners insurance lost.

While Johnny B was on holiday an uninsured car ploughed into the side of his house (which was, by now, not covered by homeowners insurance) taking out the kitchen along the way. The car was left in place to prevent further damage to his home but this meant that it was causing an obstruction to the highway.

Johnny B returned home to find that because he took the risk of not renewing his homeowners insurance policy he not only had to find the money to rebuild part of his home but he also had to pay compensation for the obstruction to the highway.

Within a few minutes of arriving home a passer by decided to enter Johnny B's home to express their concern over the dangers of having a car protruding from the house. As he crossed the doorstep the passer by tripped and landed on his outstretched arm which broke immediately. Of course, if Johnny B had had homeowners insurance he would have been covered for the ensuing legal claim!

The damage to Johnny B's kitchen had resulted in a burst water pipe which had flooded the whole of the downstairs of his home. Unfortunately, the insurance for his personal possessions had lapsed as it had been part of his homeowners insurance policy.

Johnny B was not a rich man and had the maximum level of mortgage on his home. Without homeowners insurance he was unable to fund the cost of the repairs or cover the legal claims and had no option but to put his home up for sale. With such extensive damage, the value of Johnny B's home was greatly reduced and there were very few people interested in buying his home so he had to sell it for less than it was worth.

Because Johnny B's mortgage was so high the money he got from selling his home didn't pay off the mortgage so he had to house share in a horrible part of town to be able to afford to repay what he still owed. Johnny B learned a very hard lesson when he decided to risk not having homeowners insurance, one that wrecked a good part of his life.

I will confess that in this instance it's just a story although I have known someone who experienced a similar scenario. The moral of the story is too never under estimate the value of your homeowners insurance. You might go for years or even a lifetime without ever having to make a claim against your homeowners insurance policy but then again that accident waiting to happen might be just around the corner!

For more on homeowners insurance visit www.24-7-insurance.com

Insuring Your Overseas Home

Thursday, April 5th, 2007

By Joseph Kenny

The number of UK residents how now have overseas homes is steadily on the increase. In some cases these overseas homes are for holiday purposes, such as with Spain, in other cases they're bought for the purpose of spending at least part of the time of the owner's retirement, such as with Cyprus. Either way, more often than not the British owner of the home would prefer not to have the overseas home insured by an offshore insurance provider, but rather by an insurance provider closer to home.
So, if you have an overseas home and would like a UK home insurance company to provide you with insurance, what can you expect to get?
Home Contents and Home Buildings Insurance
A number of providers of overseas home insurance policies have merged the home contents and home insurance policies to be an amalgamated overseas home insurance policy. This mega policy should cover you for both circumstances.
Public Liability Insurance
Should be a must, especially if you are considering renting the overseas home out for the part of the year that you are not there.
Lost Earnings
If you think that renting your overseas home about is going to be a major money spinner for you, you may well want to consider insuring yourself against any lost earnings. Basically, this insurance will reimburse you if your holiday tenants suddenly have to cancel.
Theft
As with mainland UK home insurance policies, you need to make sure you are protected against theft. All the usual precautions about invoicing your possession needs to be taken into consideration with your holiday home. Also, you need to check the excess deductibles carefully, as in most cases this can range from