At the Kasmann Insurance Agency, we regularly take phone calls and answer our customer’s questions about their coverage. Sometimes, we’ll notice a trend in the questions asked, and while some questions are common for us, they are not common knowledge for the general public. As a follow-up to last month’s Frequently Asked Auto Questions, the agents in our office have compiled a list of homeowner’s coverage questions that we are often asked. Take a look at the list below to see if we can clear up any questions you may have!
Homeowner’s Questions
- Why is my home insured for so much more than I bought it for? Most homeowner’s policies are designed to provide “Replacement Cost” coverage. Every insurance company uses a calculation method to determine the replacement cost for each home it insures. Replacement cost is based on factors such as: year built, number of stories, living space square footage, number of bathrooms, exterior and interior design and finishes, and the cost of construction labor and materials in your particular area. You will almost always be able to purchase a home at a market, or appraised, value that is less than what it would cost to actually rebuild the exact same home. For additional information regarding this topic, please refer to our article on How Much Coverage is Enough.
- What is Water/Sewer back-up coverage? This is a specific endorsement that has to be added to your homeowner’s policy for coverage to apply. Water back-up coverage covers you when water backs up through sewers or drains and causes damage to your home.
- My wife lost her ring, is that covered? Please read our article To Schedule, or Not To Schedule
- Are my household contents covered while I move? While there are certain situations that only provide 10% contents coverage extension, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy will provide coverage at 100% of Coverage C – Personal Property while “in a newly acquired principal residence for 30 days from the time you begin to move the property there.”
- What if my neighbor’s tree fell on my house, shouldn’t I find out who his/her insurance is through? Unfortunately, unless you can prove that your neighbor’s tree was dead and he/she was aware of it and negligently let the tree fall on your property, they are not responsible. When a live tree falls on property, it is considered an “act of nature” and whoever’s property was damaged is responsible for repairing their damages, regardless of who owns the tree.
Insure With the People You Trust
We hope you found this list of Frequently Asked Homeowner’s Questions just as helpful as our list of auto questions last month. You can always refer back to our website and these articles the next time one of these situations arises in your life. As always, you are more than welcome to call our office with any questions you may have. We also encourage you to ask us if you are getting the best discounts and rate possible. We strive to review all of our customers’ policy renewals, but it never hurts to double check. The agents at Kasmann Insurance Agency appreciate our customers and strive to provide you with the best service possible.