Home Insurance
Home insurance (also called homeowners insurance) is a policy that provides financial protection against damage to a home and its contents due to events like fire, theft, storms, or vandalism. It also includes liability coverage, which protects homeowners if someone is injured on their property. Standard policies cover dwelling (structure), personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable. Mortgage lenders typically require home insurance, and coverage can be customized with add-ons like flood or earthquake insurance. Here at our agency, we also can provide coverage for Renters, Condo, Mobile Homes, townhouse and more.
Find the Right Coverage:
We compare the rates between companies to find policies that best fit you. Here’s a list of our companies:
- Littiz
- NCJUA
- Colonial Group
- Auto Owner
- Penn National
- Foremost
- NC Grange
- American Strategic Insurance
How to understand your coverage;
1. Dwelling Coverage (Structure of the Home)
What it covers: Repairs or rebuilds your home if it's damaged by covered events like fire, storms, or vandalism.
Scenario: A lightning strike causes a fire that destroys part of your house. Your dwelling coverage pays for repairs or rebuilding the damaged sections.
2. Personal Property Coverage (Belongings)
What it covers: Replaces or repairs personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) if damaged or stolen.
Scenario: A burglar breaks in and steals your TV, laptop, and jewelry. Your personal property coverage reimburses you for the stolen items.
3. Liability Coverage (Injury or Property Damage to Others)
What it covers: Pays for medical bills, legal fees, and damages if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
Scenario: The mailman trip on your steps that was missing a step, and they require medical treatment. Your liability coverage pays for their medical bills and any legal expenses if they sue.
4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE) / Loss of Use
What it covers: Pays for hotel stays, meals, and other temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered event.
Scenario: A fire severely damages your home, making it unsafe to live in. Your ALE coverage covers your hotel costs and food expenses while your home is being repaired.
5. Other Structures Coverage
What it covers: Pays for damages to detached structures like garages, sheds, and fences.
Scenario: A heavy storm knocks down a tree, destroying your backyard fence and detached garage. Your other structures' coverage helps pay for repairs.
6. Medical Payments Coverage
What it covers: Pays for minor medical expenses if a guest is injured on your property, regardless of fault.
Scenario: A delivery person slips on your icy driveway and sprains their ankle. Your medical payments coverage helps cover their medical bills without needing a lawsuit.
7. Flood & Earthquake Insurance (Optional Add-Ons)
What it covers: Standard home insurance does NOT cover floods or earthquakes; separate policies are required.
Scenario: A nearby river overflows and floods your home. Since flood damage isn’t covered under standard home insurance, you would need a flood insurance policy to cover repairs.
Requirements to quote:
1. Personal Information
- ✔ Full Name & Date of Birth – Used for identity verification and policy records.
- ✔ Address of the Property – Determines location-based risks (e.g., weather, crime rates).
- ✔ Marital Status – May impact policy pricing and eligibility for discounts.
- ✔ Social Security Number (SSN) (Optional) – Some insurers check credit history to determine premiums.
2. Property Details
- ✔ Type of Home – Single-family house, condo, townhouse, manufactured home, etc.
- ✔ Year Built – Older homes may require higher premiums due to maintenance risks.
- ✔ Construction Type – Brick, wood, or concrete; affects durability and risk of damage.
- ✔ Roof Type & Age – Newer roofs often lower insurance costs due to reduced risk of damage.
- ✔ Square Footage – Helps estimate reconstruction costs if the home is damaged.
- ✔ Number of Bedrooms & Bathrooms – Provides a more accurate home valuation.
- ✔ Security Features – Security systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms may qualify for discounts.
- ✔ Garage Type – Attached or detached, since garages can pose additional risks.
3. Coverage Preferences
- ✔ Dwelling Coverage – The amount needed to rebuild your home if destroyed.
- ✔ Personal Property Coverage – Protection for belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.).
- ✔ Liability Coverage – Covers injury claims if someone gets hurt on your property.
- ✔ Deductible Preference – Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs in a claim.
4. Additional Risk Factors
- ✔ Claims History – Any past home insurance claims may impact pricing.
- ✔ Pets Owned – Some breeds of dogs (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers) may increase liability costs.
- ✔ Swimming Pool or Trampoline – Higher liability risks may require additional coverage.
- ✔ Fire Protection Class – Distance to fire stations and hydrants can affect rates.
- ✔ Flood Zone & Natural Disaster Risk – Flood and earthquake insurance may be required in high-risk areas.
5. Additional Coverage Options (Optional)
- ✔ Flood Insurance – Not included in standard policies, required in flood-prone areas.
- ✔ Earthquake Insurance – Needed in seismic zones.
- ✔ Jewelry, Art, & High-Value Items – Additional coverage for expensive personal property.
- ✔ Home Business Coverage – If you operate a business from home, extra protection may be needed.