Category: Home Insurance

Is Your Home Insured to its True Value?

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One of the biggest investments you make is purchasing your home. Did you know there is a difference between market value and replacement cost of your home and belongings?

Your home’s market value is the value determined by an appraisal and will include the status of the overall economy, your neighborhood’s property values, the condition of your home, the materials used to construct your home, and how much it’s worth in the current market. This is different from how much it would cost to rebuild the home if there were damage. Replacement cost is the estimated cost to construct a building with equal utility to the building being appraised, at current prices.

In the case of disaster, you’ll want enough homeowners insurance to rebuild your home, help replace belongings, to be used as support if you’re unable to live in your home and to protect your financial assets in the case of liability to others.

What are some of the factors that affect the rebuilding of a home?

  • Construction costs in your area
  • Structure square footage
  • The type of frame, masonry or veneer used for exterior wall construction
  • The style of the structure
  • The number of bathrooms and other rooms
  • The roofing materials used
  • Garages, sheds and other structures on the land
  • Fireplaces, exterior trim, arched windows and other special features
  • Whether the house was custom built, even if only in part
  • Improvements you’ve made that have added value to your home

Do you know if your home is insured to its value? My name is Sarah and I can help make sure it is…give me a call at 951 600 5751

When Should You File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim?

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

When you’re a homeowner there are things that may break or damage you may come across, these things happen. There is a difference between regular maintenance and needing to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. Filing a homeowner’s insurance claim can negatively affect you and may even lead to a non-renewal of your insurance policy.

Some possible consequences for filing unnecessary or multiple claims can be:

  • rising premiums,
  • policy cancellations,
  • or difficulty finding coverage with another company.

 

Reaching out to your agent first provides you with knowledge and resources to ensure you’re making the right choices. As your local Independent Insurance Agency, our team works for YOU, not the insurance company.

Some situations where it’s in your best interest to avoid filing a claim are:

  • repairs that cost less than your deductible,
  • damages that are relatively minor,
  • and claims caused by poor maintenance on the homeowner’s part.

 

Thank YOU for the opportunity to serve and protect you, your loved ones and everything you worked so hard for. What more can we do for YOU?

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877.994.6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: agency.thebutlerweb.com

PS Here’s a few words from people that trust Stromsoe Insurance Agency:
“SIA has helped my husband and I find the lowest rates for our car, home and business insurance. We are very happy with the service that SIA provides us. We would like to thank Cherie Wachel, but specially Shauna Smith who is always very helpful and very nice, she always has the perfect answer for all of our questions. Thanks.”
Luz Ma Silver – Silver Cleaning – Client since 2005

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

Key Things to Know About Your Homeowners Insurance

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Make sure you know these essential things about your home coverage.

Many homeowners make the mistake of only reviewing their insurance policies when disaster strikes.  However, this is the worst time to realize that you have coverage gaps or cannot afford your deductibles.  Rather than leaving yourself in this perilous situation, it’s important to review your policy for key pieces of information.  Here are some of the things that you should know about your homeowners insurance at all times.

  • Your Deductibles

Much like your policy includes different forms of coverage, it will also have different types of deductibles.  While it’s important to know the main deductible amount that your insurer will collect when you go to file a claim, you should also know if your policy requires additional deductibles for specific types of claims.  Additionally, if you have supplemental home insurance policies to cover things like earthquake, flood, or windstorm damage, then these policies might not impose a dollar deductible amount.  Instead, they may require that a percentage of the claim amount be covered as the deductible.  In the event of some losses, you may not need to pay a deductible at all.  Make sure you know all about your various deductible requirements, so you are prepared in the event that you have to file a claim.

  • Your Covered Perils

Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that their homeowners insurance protects them from every threat that comes their way.  However, there are certain perils and damage events that will not be covered by your standard home insurance policy.  For instance, regular home insurance will specifically exclude coverage for floods, earthquakes, sewer backups, pest infestations, and issues related to a home business.  To ensure that you are not caught off guard by a coverage gap, make sure you read through your policy and speak to your home insurer to discover exactly what your policy will cover.  Keep in mind that there are various insurance endorsements and specialty policies that can fill your coverage gaps.

These are some of the essential things that you should know about your homeowners insurance at all times.  Do you have further questions regarding your home coverage?  Then give our knowledgeable Total Protection Team a call at 951-600-5751, send an email to [email protected], or stop by our Murrieta, California office today.  We are always happy to help!

Use Spring Cleaning to Prevent Home Insurance Claims

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How routine cleaning and maintenance can reduce your risk for damage and other issues.

As a homeowner, you know that you are subject to a considerable amount of risk.  Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to address the various threats that you face.  For instance, completing routine cleaning and maintenance tasks this spring will reduce the chances of you having to file an insurance claim.  Here are some of the tasks that you should take care of this season.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Over winter, leaves, dirt, and other debris is sure to have accumulated in your gutters.  Should you experience spring showers, then your gutters might get clogged and begin to overflow.  This could lead to water seeping through your roof or into your home’s foundations.  To prevent this type of damage, make sure that you completely clear out your gutters as you spring clean.

Clean Out Your Vents and Filters

During your spring cleaning, you should make sure to pay particular attention to your home’s vents, filters, and ducts.  You should be particularly careful of the vents leading to and from your dryer and your furnace filter.  You should carefully remove lint and dust from these filters to ensure that it does not catch fire when it is exposed to the extreme heat that your dryer and furnace produce.

Fix Up Your Lawn

Now that spring weather is here to stay, you should clear away the dead leaves, twigs, and other debris that has accumulated in your yard.  At this time, you should also fill in any holes that may have formed in your lawn.  Taking these steps will reduce the chances of someone falling and injuring themselves on your property.

Take these steps to prevent homeowners insurance claims.  Make sure you have the right home insurance protection at the best price by giving our knowledgeable Total Protection Team a call at 951-600-5751, sending an email to [email protected], or stopping by our Murrieta, California office today.  We are always happy to help!

When to Give Your Home Insurer a Call

Posted on by butlervetinsurance

Instances when you should file a home insurance claim.

If you have homeowners insurance in place, then you probably know to use your coverage in the event of major property damage.  However, many homeowners do not know the other situations in which they should access their insurance coverage.  If you ever find yourself in these situations, then it’s time to give your home insurer a call.

You’ve Been Robbed or Vandalized

If your home has been broken into or vandalized, then the first call that you should make is to the police.  After you’ve reported the incident and the police are on the way, you should call your home insurer.  The property portion of your coverage will help you address any damages to your home, and your personal property coverage will help you replace the belongings that were stolen during the incident.

A Guest Injures Themselves in Your Home

While you don’t need to call your insurance provider for every stubbed toe and paper cut that takes place in your home, you should get in touch with your agent if a guest sustains a more serious injury.  This is because your homeowners insurance offers coverage for medical expenses.  By calling your insurer, you can access this coverage, ensure that your guest gets the immediate medical attention that they need, and make your claims process proceed more smoothly.

These are some of the situations in which you should contact your home insurer as soon as possible.  Do you have more questions about your homeowners insurance coverage?  If so, then contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta, California.  Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.

How Your Home Insurance Will Protect You from Mold

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Here’s what your home insurance will cover when it comes to mold damage.

As a homeowner, mold growth on your property is a serious problem.  Not only can mold result in damages to your home, but it can also create unsafe living conditions for your loved ones.  Fortunately, most homeowners insurance policies will offer some coverage to deal with mold remediation and damages.  Here’s what you need to know about your coverage.

  • Insurance Coverage for Mold

First things first, it’s important to remember that every home insurance policy is different.  To find out exactly what your policy covers, you need to review your policy and speak to your insurer.  That being said, most standard homeowners insurance policies will offer coverage for mold remediation and repair.

  • Coverage Exclusions

There are some caveats to this coverage.  To start, some policies will only offer coverage for mold damage if the mold is a result of a covered peril.  For instance, if your policy protects against broken pipes, then you would have coverage for the mold growth that results from a broken and leaky pipe.

It’s also important to note that your insurance will likely not offer coverage for the mold that develops as a result of your negligence.  Finally, your policy will not offer coverage for the mold that that was already in your home before you purchased your home insurance policy.

This is what your home insurance will cover when it comes to mold damage.  Do you have additional questions regarding the coverage included in your home insurance?  If so, then contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta, California.  Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.

Here are the Natural Disasters Your Home Insurance Will Protect Against

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Will your home policy offer you the protection that you need in the face of a disaster?

When you purchase homeowners insurance, it is on the assumption that your policy will have your back, no matter what comes your way. However, when it comes to natural disasters, this isn’t always the case. Read on to learn exactly what your homeowners insurance will cover when it comes to major damage events.

What is covered?

When you purchase homeowners insurance, your policy will include protection against certain hazards or perils. While your individual policy will specify exactly what you are covered for, if you have the HO-2 or broad policy form of homeowners insurance, you are covered for the following 16 disasters:

  1. Lightning or Fire
  2. Hail or Windstorm
  3. Explosions
  4. Damage caused by an aircraft
  5. Theft
  6. Riots or civil disturbances
  7. Smoke damage
  8. Damage caused by vehicles
  9. Vandalism
  10. Falling objects
  11. Volcanic eruption
  12. Pipe freezing
  13. Damage from the weight of snow and ice
  14. Water damage from plumbing, heating, or air conditioning
  15. Water heater cracking, tearing, and burning
  16. Damage from electrical currents

If you have the more common HO-3 or special policy form of home insurance, then you have extended coverage. In fact, you will have protection against every peril unless they are specifically named and excluded in your policy.

What isn’t covered?

While homeowners insurance will offer you pretty comprehensive coverage when it comes to natural disasters, your policy will not offer you coverage for earthquake or flooding damage. To secure coverage for these specific perils, you will need to get a specialty earthquake or flood insurance policy.

This is what your home insurance will and will not cover when it comes to natural disasters. Are you interested in learning more about your home insurance coverages? If so, contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta, California. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.

Do You Need to Increase Your Personal Liability Coverage Limits?

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Is your homeowners insurance offering you the liability protection you need?

While most people associate homeowners insurance with protection against physical damages, your policy actually offers you four main coverages: property, personal property, loss of use, and personal liability. Your personal liability insurance is what protects you if you accidentally cause third-party injuries or damage, or if third-party losses take place on your property. Because personal liability claims are some of the most expensive, it’s important to ensure that you have the comprehensive coverage you need. However, there is a chance that the coverage offered by your existing home insurance is not enough. Here’s what you need to know about determining your personal liability coverage needs and how you can secure additional protection if necessary.

  • How much personal liability coverage do you need?

When it comes down to it, there is no set amount of personal liability coverage that every homeowner needs to carry. Instead, your coverage needs are dependent on a series of individual factors. For instance, your liability coverage limits need to be high enough to account for your income, investments, and the property value of your home, as these are the main assets you are protecting. Additionally, the amount of coverage you need will be dependent on your actual risk. Homeowners that have pets, a swimming pool, or a trampoline on their property will automatically be subject to higher liability risks, and therefore require higher coverage limits. To determine exactly how much personal liability coverage is right for you, speak to an experienced insurance professional today.

  • How can I secure additional coverage?

If you do need to secure more liability coverage, you have some options. You can speak to your insurance agent and have them increase the personal liability coverage limits on your existing homeowners policy. This is convenient if you only need to make a small adjustment to your coverage. However, if you need to secure a more significant amount of extra coverage, you may want to invest in a personal umbrella insurance policy. These policies are designed to provide liability coverage for claims that are not covered by your other policies or for claims that exceed your coverage limits. Securing a personal umbrella policy is a great way to get the comprehensive insurance protection you need.

This is what you need to know about your personal liability coverage limits. Do you have additional questions regarding your liability or homeowners insurance? If so, contact the team at Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta, California. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.

Learning from the California Wildfires

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Learn from the devastation of this year’s wildfire season.

This year, the state of California experienced some of the worst wildfires in its history. The flames engulfed acres of land, leaving many homeless or with extensive damages to their properties. However, amidst all the tragedy, we can all learn something from the devastation of this year’s wildfire season. Here are some of the main takeaways.

Update Your Coverage

Many California homeowners who attempted to file insurance claims for their damages found out that they did not have enough coverage to address all their repairs. Without the necessary coverage, the cost of rebuilding or repairing their homes came out of their own pockets. If you do not want to find yourself in this awful situation, make sure you regularly review your policy’s coverage limits. Look over your policy on an annual basis and adjust your coverage to account for inflation, higher property values, and increasing building and labor costs. By updating your coverage, you can ensure that you are covered for whatever comes your way.

Be Ready for Emergency Evacuations

Aided by high winds and dry weather conditions, this year’s fires traveled very quickly. Oftentimes, homeowners suddenly found themselves in a fire’s path and were forced to evacuate their homes with very little warning. This reminds us how important it is to be ready for any emergency situation. If a fire or another natural disaster is predicted to hit your area, you should be prepared for the worst. To prepare for an evacuation situation, pack an emergency kit that contains your important documents, cash, first aid supplies, food, water, essential pet supplies, easy-to-carry valuables, and so on. Prepping your kit now will help you feel calmer and more in control if you are forced to evacuate your home.

These are some of the things that homeowners can learn from this year’s wildfire season. Are you looking for the right insurance to protect your home from fire and the other risks that you face? If so, contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance in Murrieta, California to get started today.

Why Basic Homeowners Insurance is More Comprehensive Than You Think

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Here are some of the surprisingly comprehensive insurance coverages that come standard with your homeowners policy.

While you might assume that your standard homeowners insurance policy only offers minimal coverage, this assumption is far from the truth.   In actuality, even the most basic homeowners policies include coverage that extends beyond protecting your property from physical damages. Here are some of the unexpectedly comprehensive coverages included in your policy.

  • Personal Property Coverage

The coverage that addresses physical damages to your home also extends to your personal possessions. This means that the belongings that are damaged, stolen, or lost during a break-in, act of vandalism, fire, extreme weather event, or other claims event will be covered up to your policy’s coverage limits.

  • Personal Liability Coverage

Your homeowners insurance also offers personal liability coverage. This coverage offers financial protection in the event that you or another covered member of your household is legally responsible for another party’s injuries, property damage, or other losses. This coverage is useful because it travels with you and your family to ensure that they are protected, even if liability issues arise away from your home.

  • Loss of Use Coverage

Loss of use coverage helps you pay for the costs associated with living away from your home. Generally, loss of use coverage kicks in when your home sustains such serious damages that it is temporarily uninhabitable. This portion of your homeowners insurance will help you cover things like hotel stays, restaurant bills, and even gas for your car if your commute is longer than what it usually is from your home.

These are some of the coverages that are included in your standard homeowners insurance policy. Want to learn more about the wide array of coverages you can expect from your home insurance? If so, contact the experts at Stromsoe Insurance Agency in Murrieta, California. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.