Q: Are those goats photoshopped?
A: No! Those are Morocco’s famous tree-climbing goats. They can frequently be found perched in a thorny argan tree munching on its fruit because they’ve eaten all of it from the lower branches.
But now about insurance…
Home insurance is concerned with putting your home back the way it was – the cost of repairing or replacing the home. Depending upon your area, the market value may be higher or lower. If the market is low in your area, homes are likely selling for less than what they would cost to build. In such a situation, the insured value of your home will be higher than the market value. Why? Because if your home is destroyed, you still need to build it back. The opposite can also be true, depending upon where you live.
The main idea is to insure your home for what it would cost to replace your home, so replacement cost is your goal. If you don’t know, ask a qualified contractor for an estimate. We can certainly offer guidelines, but nothing beats a contractor’s expertise.
Reference our article on home insurance values.
The goal of insurance is to put your home back the way it was before the claim occurred. Insurance policies are built upon the assumption the coverage is adequate to do so. Thus, an underinsured penalty can occur if enough coverage was not purchased. There are allowances since most penalties do not kick in until you are underinsured by more than 20%. However, most policies will never pay more than the value stated on the policy. Read your policy to be sure or ask your agent for details. Reference these posts for more information:
Standard homeowners policies offer limited coverage for theft of jewelry (not misplacement). A typical amount we see is $1,500. Misplacing jewelry is not usually covered by basic homeowners insurance policies. However, one can purchase additional coverage for theft or misplacement through “valuable items” riders or policies. The coverage is easy to obtain, reasonable in cost, and involves providing an inventory of the valuable items. Appraisals are sometimes required.
As an aside, some homeowners policies offer “all risk” coverage that would cover misplacement of jewelry. Thus, the best answer is to check your policy or ask your agent regarding restrictions or limitations.
Things are easy to fix. People aren’t. Having your child knock over a shelf in a grocery store doesn’t pose much of a financial burden to repay, but what if your dog should bite someone or that falling shelf injure another shopper? The U.S. is a lawsuit-conscious society and personal liability exposure is higher than ever. Whether you have substantial assets or not, we are all at risk from damage settlements. Without adequate coverage, wages can be garnished, taking years to pay damages.
A homeowners insurance deductible is the amount you are willing to pay in the event of a loss to your home. It is a means for a client to share the initial cost of a claim and defines the line between what repairs are their responsibility versus those of the insurance company. A deductible also offers a monetary incentive to properly maintain and protect your property from damage. Thus, the higher the deductible, the lower the insurance premiums.
Policies will list a standard homeowners insurance deductible, often termed the All Other Perils (AOP) deductible. The most common AOP deductibles are $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000, though significantly larger ones are available for high-value homes or high-risk environments.
Many policies stipulate a separate deductible for damage by wind, usually larger than the standard AOP deductible. Since wind is the most common homeowners insurance claim, it is no wonder insurance companies handle this exposure carefully. Be sure to understand the wind and any other special deductibles on your policy and when they apply. Contact your agent with questions.
Learn more about your homeowners insurance deductible.
We often get this question from homeowners who are storing their children’s belongings while they move. Fair warning: the answer is not entirely straightforward.
Homeowners policies cover your contents and limit the coverage for property belonging to others. Just because something is located on your property does not automatically mean it is covered. There is a limit for property of others stated in the insurance policy. Be sure the limit is adequate, or request it be increased.
If you are using the property, most policies automatically include it under your own personal property protection. For example, if you borrow a friend’s laptop and it is damaged in a house fire, it would be covered since you were using it. But if you were simply storing it because they needed extra space, it is your friend’s responsibility to insure his own stuff, so your policy would not protect it.
If you negligently damage the property, coverage may be afforded under the personal liability portion of your policy.
If the contents belong to a family member or someone living with you, they may fall under the policy’s definition of an “insured party” (like it or not) and thus those contents may be covered automatically.
Notice the common use of the terms may, might, or most? That is because exceptions and limitations exist. If you will be storing property belonging to someone else for an extended period, the best idea is to have them cover it themselves.
Equipment breakdown coverage is a unique safeguard on certain homeowners’ insurance policies that protects against the cost to repair or replace a covered system or appliance in your home for an unexpected mechanical or electrical breakdown. This breakdown cannot be due to wear, tear, corrosion, or neglect. Some policies can be endorsed to include equipment breakdown coverage, while other insurance companies simply do not offer it.
Covered equipment is only what is permanent to the home, such as a furnace, water heater, central vacuum, whole house attic fans, pool equipment, sauna equipment, water softener systems, etc. It does not cover items that can be removed from the house when a homeowner moves, such as a freestanding range, microwave, window air conditioning units, portable dehumidifiers, or refrigerators (except permanently installed units). Keep in mind this coverage is subject to the policy deductible, though a separate deductible may be stipulated. Each policy is different, so review your policy and know what it covers.
Probably not, but most companies offer this coverage as an option for an additional charge. The optional coverage usually includes power outages as well as failure of the appliance. A typical coverage limit is $500 with no (or a small) deductible.
Many municipalities have building codes that require a structure be rebuilt to current codes when damaged beyond a certain percentage. Meeting these requirements can be costly. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies include a limited amount of ordinance or law coverage just for this purpose. This coverage pays for those additional expenses without taking away from the coverage on your dwelling. Policy limits are typically $1,500 or $2,500, but may be increased.
Generally, the answer is “No”, unless it falls on the home or another covered structure. The idea is that the insurance company insures the home, not the trees around it. Consider a home located on several acres of forest. We would not expect the homeowners policy to pay to remove downed trees in the surrounding woods after every storm. In the same way, if the tree falls in the yard and not on a covered building, only nominal coverage, if any, is offered.
However, if the tree falls directly on the home or other covered property, policies cover the reasonable cost to remove it from the structure (plus damage to the house itself, or course). Limits for removal of the tree are often $500 to $1,000 and the client is responsible for expenses in excess of that. If you need more, ask your agent if your insurance carrier offers higher limits. Note this protection covers the cost to remove the tree from the covered property, not necessarily the entire tree. Thus, if a large tree were to fall next to a home and a branch damage the roof, the policy would pay to remove the branch and repair the home. Removing the tree from the yard would be the client’s responsibility. Any exceptions are at the discretion of the insurance company.
Many homeowners policies offer a limited amount of coverage to replace trees, shrubs, and plants damaged by lightning. Crazy, right? They don’t even need to have fallen. Typical limits are $500 per tree/shrub/plant, with the total limit being 5% of the coverage carried on the dwelling. But keep in mind that any claim, even lightning claims, go against your policy and can mean higher premiums in the future.
If, as a result of the lightning strike, the tree fell on the dwelling or other covered property, the policy would pay to remove the tree and repair the home. If only a portion of the the tree fell on the home and the rest fell in the yard, coverage would likely be found under the dwelling and lightning portions of the policy. You can see that each scenario is different and there are situations where the limits of insurance would not be sufficient to cover the entire expense of removal.
Your policy only offers coverage for your neighbor’s damage if you were careless or negligent in some way. If a tree on your property creates a hazard because it is damaged or diseased, it is your responsibility to remove it. If you fail to remove the tree and it falls on your neighbor’s house, your homeowners liability insurance will cover the neighbor’s damage because you were negligent in maintaining your property. If a healthy tree falls on your neighbor’s home during a storm, your policy does not cover the damage. There was no negligence, therefore no liability. Such coverage is to be offered by your neighbor’s own homeowners insurance policy.
Fences are considered detached structures on a homeowners’ insurance policy. If a policy contains coverage for other structures, a fence will be covered there. Damage will be covered up to the limit of the other structures coverage specified in the policy, and subject to the deductible. Wear, tear, neglect, and maintenance are not covered.
Debris removal coverage is an additional safeguard for building or structure debris in the event of a claim. If you have a fire, this coverage will pay to remove the damaged structure up to the limit specified in your policy. Most policies limit this coverage to 10% or 25% of the dwelling coverage.
Often homeowners are responsible to repair damage to a service line (water, electrical, data communication, etc.) which runs between their home and a public connection. Such repairs can be burdensome. This expense is typically not covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy but can be endorsed (added) to it.
As long as you give the other person permission to drive your vehicle, they are covered by your policy while driving it. Your policy pays first. The other driver’s policy (if any) may offer secondary coverage.
However, just because they are covered does not mean you should loan your vehicle. Any accident claimed on your policy, even if caused by another driver to whom you lent your vehicle, will affect your claim history and therefore your cost of insurance.
The bodily injury limit on your auto insurance policy covers drivers and passengers in other vehicles, not your own. If you carry medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) on your policy, that coverage protects your passengers. PIP often protects you (the at-fault driver) as well.
No. Homeowners or renters policies typically cover such items. A limited amount of personal items coverage can be added to certain auto policies. However, if these personal belongings are permanently mounted, they are considered a part of the car and can be covered under the vehicle’s physical damage coverage as long as the insurance company is made aware of the modifications. Examples can include aftermarket stereo systems and permanently mounted TV’s.
If the car is rented in your personal name within the US or its territories, your auto policy offers the same coverage on the rented automobile that you carry on your own car, including deductibles. This means that full coverage for the rented vehicle would only apply if you have full coverage on your own vehicles.
However, there may be other expenses in the rental contract that your policy does not cover such as the loss of the rental fee or a service charge. For example, while the car is being repaired, the rental company is not able to rent it out, therefore losing rental fees. Most rental companies will require reimbursement of such expense per the contract. Some credit cards, should you rent the vehicle on that card, will cover this. Check with your credit card company directly. The lesson here is the only way to be sure that you have maximum coverage is to purchase the optional insurance offered by the rental agency.
Motor homes or commercial vehicles such as moving trucks are not covered by your personal policy. Contact your insurance agent.
Reference Should You Purchase Rental Car Insurance? | Coverage Advisor
For auto insurance, a deductible applies for comprehensive and collision coverage. Have your agent price various deductible options and choose the one that represents the greatest cost savings while not representing a financial burden should an accident occur.
Be careful to not select a low comprehensive deductible simply to avoid paying for a broken windshield out of pocket. Many insurance carriers now offer a separate glass deductible. A popular option is a $500 comprehensive deductible with a $0 glass deductible.
Common collision deductibles are $500 and $1,000.
Liability coverage is provided by the vehicle towing the trailer. The coverage of the tow vehicle is extended over the trailer in the event it injures someone or damages something. However, once the trailer is unhooked, no liability coverage exists. Physical damage to the trailer is not automatically included. If you need protection for the trailer in the event of theft, vandalism, hail, etc., ask your insurance agent. Solutions include adding the trailer to your policy as a separate vehicle, or obtaining a separate policy altogether.
Coverage for commercial trailers or trailers owned by a business is handled differently. Ask your insurance agent.
Great question! Your personal auto policy may protect you depending upon the circumstances. Let me explain: most personal auto policies do not cover liability for autos associated with a business you are engaged in. However, since you are not running this business yourself and are not being paid, you are not “engaged in the business” and therefore coverage applies. If you are paid or compensated by the organization, your personal auto policy could decline coverage since the vehicle was being used for business. Business autos are exposed to greater risks which is why personal auto policies exclude business use. This can be a gray area and each claim is different.
Most non-profits, churches, and schools carry ‘non-owned vehicle liability’ coverage which protects volunteers should their own policy not offer it. However, this coverage does not include physical damage to your vehicle. That coverage needs to come from your own policy.
The bottom line is that if you are volunteering, your personal auto policy should protect you. But coverage is at risk if the trip supports business purposes. Common business usage is food delivery, courier services, contractor pickups, Uber, Lyft, and other ride sharing services. Options exist, so speak with your insurance agent.
Only certain policies cover pet injury in an accident. Many do not. For instance, one of our auto insurance carriers covers pet injury when collision coverage is in place. They limit this protection to $1,000, and proof of ownership and residency of the animal is required.
Be certain to tell your insurance company what you have done to the vehicle and associated costs. Some policies include a limited amount (typically $500-$2,000) of unreported modifications, such as an upgraded stereo or custom wheels. If the modification is unreported, you will need to show proof of purchase in the event of a claim. Other policies will limit coverage even if reported. Some policies do not offer any such coverage at all. If the cost of vehicle modifications are a concern, seek the advice of your insurance agent.
State laws vary, but most require all automobile insurance policies include a certain level of uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage protects you against damage caused by uninsured vehicles, not the uninsured vehicles themselves. If you are injured or have damage to your auto which is caused by an uninsured driver, your own policy covers your vehicle repairs, medical costs, and other related expenses. Your insurance company will then take action to collect against the responsible driver.
Usually. Most insurance companies offer an account credit when they insure your home and automobiles. Check with your agent to see if your company provides this discount. However, there are situations when it is more beneficial to have coverages separate. This is a great question for your local insurance agent since they know the combinations in your area.
No. The rental reimbursement coverage on your auto policy does not cover mechanical breakdown. It will pay the cost to rent a comparable replacement vehicle, up to the policy limit, if your auto is undrivable because of damage covered under the comprehensive or collision sections of your policy. If you do not have comprehensive or collision coverage, no rental reimbursement will apply. Most policies do not offer rental reimbursement automatically. This coverage is an option, available for a small additional premium.
This policy is used to comply with the Workers’ Compensation coverage required by state law. Under this requirement, an employee can be compensated if an injury or occupational disease arises out of and in the course of employment. Benefits are payable for medical costs, temporary or permanent disability including lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, or death. Specific requirements and benefits vary from state to state.
This coverage protects against claims arising from bodily injury, personal injury, or property damage. It includes protection related to premises you own and/or occupy, your operations/services or those rendered on your behalf (such as by a subcontractor), and products you sell. In other words, it protects you should your operations or products injure someone or hurt something. Coverage payments can include judgments, attorney’s fees, court costs, or other related expenses.
“Occurrence” general liability coverage applies to a claim that occurs during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is made. This is the most common kind of general liability policy. “Claims-made” coverage applies only to claims reported during the policy period. This is commonly used for professional liability (errors and omissions) and similar liability coverages.
This question is like asking, “How high is up?” It has received considerable attention by insurance professionals without resulting in definite answers. Nevertheless, some perspectives may help determining the amount of liability insurance to purchase. These include:
All of this causes one to ask what a business owner can do to determine proper liability limits if the listed techniques are filled with uncertainty. There is no single acceptable method. It requires an examination of the legal climate, the type of exposures presented, and all of the previously suggested parameters.
Nevertheless, we suggest any business carry at least a minimum limit of $1,000,000 each occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage combined, preferably supplemented by an umbrella liability limit of at least $1,000,000 each occurrence.
Due to the new federal legislation, credit for previous coverage may be extended to group participants. For specific cases, check with your agent or refer to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for guidelines.
Within certain participation guidelines, two participants is the minimum number required to set up a group health policy.
Generally, 75% is the industry norm. Within populations under that amount, a higher participation level may be required.
An agent can prepare a life insurance quote with only a few questions. They will need to know your age, some lifestyle detail, current medical conditions, and where you reside. If you desire to put the coverage in place, a detailed application will be required along with a health records check and a medical exam.
To answer this question, consideration must be given to your assets, income, life expectancy, debts, and liabilities. Many of these are difficult to define, but there are ways to examine your current situation, make assumptions, and calculate an answer. To guide you through this process, we suggest consulting a qualified life insurance agent.
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