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Can I Get Home Insurance for Free?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance

April 30th, 2010
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There’s nothing like getting a freebie, right? Whether you’re getting the free cup of cup or ice cream cone, it’s always nice to get something that you didn’t have to pay for.

But what if you were able to get free home insurance? For some, it seems that it may be possible. But is if for you?

Home Insurance Requirements

While home insurance is required for most homes that have an outstanding mortgage, on occasion, a homeowner may be rejected by private home insurance companies on their home or condo because of one of the following reasons:

• Excessive home insurance claims
• The property is in a high-risk area

If this occurs to a homeowner who is required to have coverage on their home, the government may step in to help under what is known as The Fair Plan.

The Fair Plan

The Fair Plan (also known as the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan) is a set of state programs that are usually subsidized by private insurance companies. While the plans usually charge more than the private insurer would for coverage, the homeowner may be available for government subsidies that could help lower the coverage cost or make it available for free.

In order to determine if the home is uninsurable due to living in a high-risk area, an inspector may have to visit the house. If you can’t afford to get this done, it is usually offered for free. Each state decides the rules for their Fair Plan, however, so it’s difficult to determine whether you qualify. The best way to know for sure is to contact your state insurance commissioner.

How to Get Home Insurance

If you have yet to get a home insurance policy, now’s the time to search for home insurance policies. It is easy to get a free online home insurance quote by simply visiting Go Insurance Rates’ home insurance section then following the steps.

By taking these steps, you get acquire a home insurance policy that, if not is free, could at least be very affordable.

What in My Home is Covered by Home Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance

April 28th, 2010
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Home is not only where the heart is, but also where we store our most valuable and precious items. Our walls and mantles are covered with family portraits, children’s art and sentimental knick-knacks. Additionally valuable items that are expensive to replace abound. Stereos, TVs, computer equipment, jewelry and designer clothing are all under your roof and making sure your home contents insurance policy is up to par is a necessity to ensure that you get the money to replace these items if tragedy ensues.

What is Covered?

When it comes to home insurance policies, there are standard provisions home contents. Typical home insurance policies will provide financial assistance for dwelling, liability and loss of use. Additionally, there is some degree of coverage for items that are either stolen or damaged beyond repair.

However, everyone has a different range and value to the possessions they own, so making sure your home contents insurance is in-line with your standard of living is essential.

Types of Home Insurance for Contents

Home contents insurance is broken down to three levels of protection based on the amount of assets a person has.

Consumers can choose from low, average or high value coverage. To prevent fraud, proof of purchase will be required to prove the items that you are trying to secure an insure claim for are of a particular category (for instance, you need to prove that you have that $10,000 flat screen HDTV to get your claim money.) The items covered by the home contents insurance include unfixed household goods like appliances, shutters, countertops, carpet, furniture, electrical appliances and even some jewelry. However the amounts are capped based on the level of insurance protection purchased.

That is why extra riders may be required for extra value items such as jewelry, arts, antiques, oriental rugs, computers and electronics. These items are some of the most expensive in the market and there is a good chance that the original purchase price and value of these items will far exceed the standard insurance limit. Although it may cost a bit extra for riders of any type, imagine only receiving a total of $1,000 for all your jewelry, including your pricey and treasured engagement ring.

While it is on your mind, take the time to research your current home insurance policy. By reading all the fine print you will determine your exact level of protection provided by your level of home content insurance. If you find your current caps are a bit too limited, don’t worry, as there are plenty of options for cheap contents home insurance available.

Why Do I Need a Jewelry Rider on my Home Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance

March 24th, 2010
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There is nothing like the beauty of a diamond engagement ring to get a girl’s heart racing. Not only does the jewelry symbolize the love, those little baubles cost big bucks. That is why purchasing a separate jewelry rider (aka “scheduled personal property endorsement“) in addition to your home insurance policy is a must.

Diamond producers encourage shoppers to spend the equivalent of two months salary on the symbolic sparklers, making the average cost close to $5,500 (2009). Although many home insurance policies do include some type of compensation for jewelry loss, that amount is capped. Once an engagement ring, or any other precious trinket becomes yours, chances are the total value will exceed the standard insurance limit and securing a separate jewelry rider is the only way to protect that treasured item.

How to Get a Jewelry Rider

Getting a jewelry rider is simple and the first step includes securing an appraisal from a qualified jeweler. Prior to stopping by, make a call to your selected jeweler and confirm that they can produce an insurance appraisal. Plus, it is smart to get a price quote for the work so you are not taken by surprise.

If this is your very first experience with the jeweler, then it is recommended that you first photograph the jewelry for documentations and then watch the experts conduct their work.

Both these steps are essential step in protecting your assets and theft prevention. Leaving your uninsured diamond, gold or other precious jewelry with anyone is incredibly risky. One couple in New Mexico recently felt the pain after a Kay Jewelers in New Mexico “misplaced” their family heirlooms and is now entering a legal battle with the retailer.

While looking at the jewelry, the professional will make specific notes for the insurance company. Cut, carat, clarity, gold type and weight are all specific information that will be documented. The jeweler will then produce a document acceptable for insurance purposes.

At that point, you need to contact your insurance provider and tell them your need for a jewelry rider. They will ask that you either fax or e-mail them a copy of that written appraisal and may request photographs as well. Regardless of the jewelry value the insurance underwriters will develop a rider just for you and that cost is determined by the value of the jewelry.

Do I Need Home Owners Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Quotes

May 5th, 2009
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If you’re thinking of purchasing a home and want to know what items should be added to your “to-do” list, one is definitely the purchase of home owners insurance. As one of the many ways to protect your property and finances in the event of unforeseen damage, it’s a good idea to learn as much about this type of coverage as you can.

What is Home Owners Insurance?

The definition of home owners insurance is coverage that provides financial protection against disasters that cause damage to your property, as well as any injuries to other people. In general, a policy of this type will insure the actual structure of the home, as well as the items that are kept within the structure.

Why Home Owners Insurance is Necessary

When purchasing a home, it is necessary to also purchase home owners insurance because of the level of liability that you can suffer if something happens to or in your home. For example, a fire can cause insurmountable damage to your property and also hurt individuals in the house. To have to pay for these damages out of pocket are next to impossible for most homeowners, which is why they purchase coverage that can finance the expenses for them.

Does Home Owners Insurance Cover Everything?

While home owners insurance offers a great deal of protection, some instances are not covered in these policies. For instance, flood damage is covered in a standard policy; however, it is usually available in its own policy. The same goes for earthquake damage. And for any expenses incurred from poor maintenance, you’ll have to cover those on your own.

The process of purchasing a home and maintaining it can be daunting enough without additional expenses finding their way into your life. So the sooner you get your hands on a good home owners insurance policy, the faster you can take your sigh of relief.

Are you looking for home insurance? If so, fill out our online home insurance form and within minutes you’ll be supplied with quotes that you can use to compare home insurance rates across several leading insurers. Best of all, the process is fast, secure and absolutely free!

What Does Home Insurance Cover Besides Property?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Claims

April 27th, 2009
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If you’re a home owner then you need home insurance. A home is just far too important and expensive an asset to let go unprotected. When you get home insurance, however, you’re not just protecting the actual structure of your home, you’re protecting everything in it as well. While some things are priceless – photo albums, mementos and other items you’ve got strong sentimental attachments to – the worth of others can be quantified. The objects within your home are covered by home insurance, as are other scenarios. Read on to learn more about what home insurance covers besides property.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance covers damage to the fundamental structure of your home. It also covers objects inside it that are also damaged in the event of a disaster. In order to ensure that these objects are properly covered, do an inventory of them and keep that inventory somewhere safe. A bank safety deposit box is a good idea.

Home Liability Coverage

Home insurance also covers liability. This is clearly one of home insurance’s most important aspects because if you’re like most people, you will have plenty of company over to visit. If this is the case, and something happens to a guest and it turns out you’re responsible for what happened to them — e.g., they fall and are injured, and the injuries require expensive medical treatment — then home insurance will cover these costs (minus your deductible).

You can also look forward to getting reimbursed by your home insurance provider for expenses incurred while repairing your damaged home. If your home is damaged by a hurricane, for example, and you need to find alternate lodging while it’s being repaired, your home insurance policy will cover these costs.

Modifying Home Insurance Coverage

Home insurance can also be modified with all kinds of different supplemental policies. Older homes may require special coverage, and not all policies will cover earthquake damage. If you live in Southern California, for example, you’ll need to get separate earthquake insurance separate from your basic home insurance policy.

To learn more about what home insurance covers besides property, home insurance, liability, and other insurance topics, be sure to consult with an industry professional and compare home insurance types.

Why Do I Need Home Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Quotes

April 24th, 2009
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If you’ve recently bought a house and keep thinking I need home insurance, it might be time to take action. But before you go out and spend your money, it’s good to know exactly why this type of purchase is necessary. So to help you out, let’s take a look at a few reasons that home insurance is necessary.

Full Protection of Your Home

One reason that thinking I need home insurance is accurate is because you need coverage that can financially protect you and your property after you’ve bought a house. What’s great about this type of coverage is that it does just that. Whether a windstorm blows through, your house catches fire, or thieves make off with your valuable possessions, you can make sure to have your property repaired and the value of your items returned to you.

People and Pets are Covered Too

It’s always comforting to know that your property is protected in the event of a tragedy, but did you know that this type of coverage protects people and pets too? It’s true! So, if anyone is injured in your property while one of these events occurs, your policy will protect them as well. This even goes for your household pets.

When you think about everything that needs to be financially protected after you’ve bought a house, it’s no wonder that buying this type of coverage is necessary. So the next time you’re thinking about getting home insurance, start searching immediately for the best policy for you and your family. If you already have home insurance, you can still fill out our home insurance form to receive free rate quotes and compare home insurance types across various leading insurers. It doesn’t hurt to check, and rates change daily.

What Does Home Insurance Generally Cover?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Quotes , Save on Home Insurance

April 22nd, 2009
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Buying a home insurance policy and determining just what it covers is something that every homebuyer is faced with at some point. This is a valid concern for anyone who has to spend their hard-earned money. Of course, you dont want to waste money on a policy that doesnt truly protect your assets. But you dont want to lose your home and belongings because you didn’t acquire the appropriate homeowners coverage.

Prior to Purchasing Home Insurance

Before going out and shopping for a policy, it’s a good idea to first find out just what a home insurance policy will cover. This way, you can determine how much coverage you need and also estimate whether you need to purchase extra coverage.

Here is a brief list of what the basic home insurance policy covers:

• Your structure, including attachments to the house like a garage.
• Your lawn and landscaping.
• Vacant land that you own.
• You and your familys possessions, including items that you have borrowed but are keeping in the house.

Extra Home Insurance Coverage

In addition to the basics that a home insurance policy covers, here are some extra coverage options:

• Liability coverage. This addition to your policy can protect you in the event that damage to your home results in someone else being injured. It can also include injuries caused by a household pet (ex. dog bites).
• Dwelling coverage. This coverage pays for damage to a detached structure like a garage, shed, storage area, or fence.
• Loss of use coverage. If your home is no longer suitable to live in as a result of damage, a storm, or some other disaster, this coverage will pay your expenses until your home is livable again.

Home Insurance Exclusions

Be aware when seeking homeowners coverage that damage caused by earthquakes and fires is not covered. If you need this type of coverage, you will need to buy separate policies.

Obtaining the right home insurance policy is important to the security of your property and family. Call an industry expert or do your own extensive research before, but make sure you’re protected with a good policy. Also, be sure to compare home insurance policies to save money and know exactly what you’re getting.

What is Home Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Claims , Home Insurance Companies , Home Insurance Quotes

April 21st, 2009
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Purchasing a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, one of which is to make sure you buy home insurance. What is home insurance, you ask? In short, it is a form of protection for your property. But before you go out and buy some, lets take a closer look at just what it is and why you need it.

Understanding Home Insurance

When purchasing a home, the need to also buy home insurance is rather prevalent. But not just because your mortgage company may require it; instead, its a way to make sure that you and your property are protected in the event that a tragedy beyond your control occurs.

Home insurance is also known in the insurance world as a package policy. This means that not only is your property and your belongings protected, but also, you are not financially liable for any injuries caused to others in your house. It even covers your household pets.

What Does Home Insurance Not Cover?

While buying home insurance after purchasing a home can protect your property if it is damaged, there are some exceptions to what is covered in your policy. For instance, if there is an earthquake that damages your property, or a flood sweeps through and causes damage to your basement, your coverage will not protect your property. So if you live on a fault, or your house sits at the bottom of a hill where you know flooding may occur, you will need to purchase separate policies to make sure your property is financially protected.

Also, its good to remember that home insurance doesnt cover basic maintenance needs. So if your outer deck needs repairs as a result of everyday wear and tear, it will be your responsibility to pay out of pocket.

So now that you know a little bit about it, its time to start shopping for a home insurance policy. It doesnt hurt to do so even before purchasing a home to have an idea of just how much you can afford in overall monthly payments.

What is Perpetual Home Insurance?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Save on Home Insurance

April 16th, 2009
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If you’re a home owner, then you know how critical it is for you to get home insurance. If you didn’t have it, and your house burned down, you would see one of your life’s biggest investments go up in flames and be left with nothing but bills and heartache. One type of policy that many home owner’s find cost-effective is perpetual home insurance. Perpetual home insurance is coverage that is paid for by the home owner all at once, in a single lump sum. The insurance company will then invest that money, and any and all funds needed to pay for the repairs to a home would come from that investment fund.

Perpetual Home Insurance

Perpetual home insurance has been around for a very long time, but most people are unaware of it, and simply pay their yearly premium. Granted, the initial deposit for a perpetual home insurance policy is rather steep, so most people can’t afford it. But if you have $5,000 that you can put towards it, a perpetual home insurance policy will make financial sense because it will invariably save you money in the long run. Insurance premiums go up, and after several years you’ve spent more on your home insurance than if you had gotten perpetual home insurance in the first place.

Perpetual Home Insurance Gives Options

Another big selling point for perpetual home insurance is that you can get it back whenever you want it. If you put down $5,000 when you first buy your home, then add on a few thousand dollars here and there as the value of your home appreciates over the years, you can get it all back when you and your husband sell the home, and decide to move into a rental apartment. The money you get back from your perpetual home insurance policy will most likely come in very handy. Compare perpetual home insurance with conventional home insurance premiums – that’s money you’ll never see again.

To learn more about perpetual home insurance, be sure to check in with a home insurance specialist. He or she can walk you through the pros and cons of perpetual home insurance to determine whether it’s the right policy choice for you.

Does Home Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

Posted in Compare Home Insurance , Home Insurance , Home Insurance Claims , Home Insurance Companies

April 15th, 2009
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Home insurance is a critical aspect of owning a home. With it, you’re protected in the event of major damages. Without it you’re responsible for repairing or rebuilding your home yourself if any damages occur. If you can’t afford that – and most people can’t – you’re still responsible for the demolition of your home. So home insurance makes perfect sense, especially if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters. If that’s you, you’ll probably have to pay extra for protection from natural disasters.

Home Insurance Insures Against Natural Disasters

Let’s say you buy a home in Homestead, Florida. It’s a wonderful community, and like the rest of Florida, it’s known for its wonderful climate and easy-going way of life. But it’s also known for the damage it has suffered from major hurricanes. Hurricane Andrew, for example, resulted in billions of dollars in storm-related damage. Because of this regional propensity for damaging hurricanes, home insurance providers will charge you more for hurricane and storm protection. It will most likely not be a part of your basic, comprehensive home insurance. Conversely, Homestead is not known for its earthquakes. Due to the low risk of earthquake damage, most home insurance providers won’t have a problem offering earthquake insurance as part of their basic home insurance coverage. Not so if you are a home owner in Los Angeles, California. This is an area that has a well-known record of earthquake activity, and insurance companies will cover their financial bottom line by charging more for earthquake insurance. The real estate saying “location, location, location” is equally applicable to the home insurance industry.

Consult with a Home Insurance Expert

If you’re wondering whether your home insurance covers natural disasters, be sure to consult with a representative of your insurance provider. Additionally, a very smart resource for home insurance coverage in your area is your state’s department of insurance website. There you can learn all about the various guidelines specific to your state’s home insurance rules and regulations.