Home Insurance

Getting adequate insurance is a good first step to protecting your home. But ultimately, the best protection is prevention. There are steps you can take to help you avoid ever having to make an insurance claim - the following tips can get you started.

Safeguard your home
Take action to make your home theft-resistant. "Case" your home as if you were a burglar.
Burglars look for easy targets - make sure your home isn't one of them.
Install exterior lights that are out of reach and triggered by motion.
Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows.
Don't hide house keys outside - burglars know where to look.
Consider investing in a security system. Not only does this make your home safer, it can lower your home insurance premiums.

When you're on vacation:
Have mail and newspapers picked up.
Leave blinds in normal positions.
Arrange to have your lawn mowed or your driveway shoveled.
Tell police and neighbors that you will be away and ask them to watch your home.

Be a responsible dog owner
The numbers speak for themselves: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of Americans homes have a dog. There are 4 million dog bites per year, and dog bites create 33% of all homeowner liability claims - resulting in more than $1 billion in claims per year.

Consider these tips to avoid having a claim brought against you:
Pick a dog breed that's covered by your homeowners insurance. Ask your insurance agent for details.
Have your dog spayed or neutered.
Train your dog.
Keep your dog on a leash when walking.

Protect your home business
Home businesses are generally not covered under your homeowners insurance policy. You may have only limited property coverage and no liability coverage for your business under your homeowners policy. Research coverage for property and equipment damage or theft, loss of income, and general liability for customer and supplier injuries.

Cover your domestic help
Check with your state's Department of Insurance regarding whether you need a workers' compensation policy for your housekeeper, gardener, nanny, cook, or other domestic employees.

In addition, if someone occasionally runs errands for you and drives your car, have that driver listed on your auto insurance. Confirm that you have adequate liability and medical coverage on your homeowners insurance policy. Consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy.

Review your coverage annually
Your homeowners insurance should accurately reflect your home's current value, condition and improvements. Check your policy annually and review your specific coverages so you'll be able to make the necessary adjustments to fully protect your home. You can get a personalized homeowners insurance quote online now by clicking the button below.