When Should You Update Your Homeowners Insurance?
Having the correct, updated information connected to your home insurance policy is important for all homeowners. Whether you’re a relatively new homebuyer or have lived in your home for decades, it’s a good idea to review your homeowner’s insurance regularly and make changes when necessary. How do you know when to make changes? Let’s say you get a pet, purchase luxury items, install security features, make additions or updates to the home, add a swimming pool, rent out rooms, get married or divorced. All of the instances above are when you should consider making changes to your homeowner’s insurance and when in doubt, it never hurts to check if you’re covered properly.
Welcoming a New Furry Friend
Any time you get a new pet, you should always update your insurance agent. While your homeowner’s insurance policy can cover you if your dog bites someone on your property, you need to make sure that your insurance company knows and approves of the animal beforehand. Keeping your pet a secret could cost you greatly in the long run. You could potentially be faced with a lawsuit if something does happen and your animal isn’t approved by your insurance. As a result of non-compliance, your rates could rise and no one wants that! Keep in mind that animal liability isn’t just for bites, pets can cause various unforeseen accidents where you could ultimately be held liable. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Buying Luxury Items
You’ll definitely want to be insured if you’re purchasing luxury items such as expensive furniture or jewelry. A homeowners insurance policy will cover the loss of valuables inside your home if they’re stolen, but if you’ve recently bought a luxury item like a new car, jewelry, or electronics, it’s time to call your insurance agent. Your agent will make sure you have enough insurance to cover the replacement value of all of your luxury items. Avoid the risk by updating your homeowner’s insurance policy, you’ll be at peace knowing your valuables are covered in case of a loss.
Installing Security Features
Did you know that installing security features can bring down your insurance premiums? That’s right! Adding an alarm system is nothing but beneficial when it comes to protecting your home. In fact, alarm systems make break-ins less likely to occur. The safer your home is, the less your home insurance is going to cost you in the long run. If you’ve been on the fence about installing a security system, this is a sign to go for it because the peace of mind and increased safety is worth the price and the lower insurance premium could help make some of that up.
Making Additions or Updates
Have you updated your kitchen, added another bedroom, replaced an HVAC/water heater, or completed another remodeling job? You’ll want to notify your homeowner’s insurance agent to make sure everything is sufficiently covered. You may even qualify for a discount in premium when updates are reported accordingly!
Adding a Swimming Pool
Adding a swimming pool is among one of a few changes that can increase the cost of your homeowner’s insurance policy due to the liability you acquire if someone gets injured or drowns while using your swimming pool. This is because insurance companies take on more risk when they insure homeowners with swimming pools. As a result, premiums tend to be higher, but this financial protection will be well worth it if a tragedy occurs.
Renting
Renting out rooms in your home might require renters to provide their own coverage for the rented space. If you decide to start renting out rooms of your home, be sure to inform your insurance agent. Not including all roommates’ names on an insurance policy can be detrimental in the long run, so you’ll want to be sure to include everyone under your policy. Most premiums are altered only slightly for additional members and are well worth it to avoid an unlucky accident!
Getting Married, Having a Baby, or Getting a Divorce
You’ll want to let your insurance agent know when your family dynamics change. Getting married, having a baby, and getting a divorce is important to mention to your agent. If anyone in your family changes their name, you’ll need to update your insurance agent in this case as well. If you don’t, they won’t be listed as a covered member on your homeowner’s insurance policy and could end up in a complicated situation that could otherwise be avoided.
These are just a few of the things that can impact your homeowner’s insurance policy. Remember, by keeping your insurance agent updated, you are protecting the people you love!
Webb Insurance Group is here to help you find the best value and the best deal. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your homeowner’s insurance needs!
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