4 Things First-Time Buyers Should Know About Home Insurance

There’s no doubt that buying a home can be overwhelming – which is why some buyers may underestimate the importance of homeowners insurance.

First-time buyers are especially prone to giving minimal thought to the insurance buying process and making sure they have adequate coverage to protect their new investment and its contents. That’s why – before you sign on the dotted line – you may want to heed the following 4 tips to guide you safely along…

1. Contact at least three companies to compare coverage.Because your home won’t actually be your home until the loan is paid off, your mortgage lender will in all likelihood require you to have homeowners insurance. It’s non-negotiable. You may even be required to purchase additional insurance – like flood insurance if the house is situated in a risk area.

2. Escrow your insurance payments with your mortgage payments.By opting for an escrow or impound account, your homeowners insurance payment and usually your property taxes will be included in your mortgage payments. Lenders often prefer this option because it lets them know your insurance premiums and taxes are being paid, and their investment is well protected.

Luckily, you aren’t forced to buy from a particular insurance company. The advantage is – you can compare coverage, price and customer reviews. But, be sure to buy

the right type and amount of coverage. While value is important – avoid rock-bottom premiums. Also, try to

choose an insurance company that is known for having an excellent customer service department. Since you’ll mainly

deal with your insurer during times of disaster, the last thing you want during those times is aggravation.

3. Make sure you’ve got adequate coverage.The most important part of homeowners insurance is the level of coverage. Of course, you want to avoid paying for more than you need – but always be sure you have enough. Know your property’s value and review it annually. Some insurance companies may undervalue your home, creating a situation that can be difficult to resolve in the event of a total loss.

4. Understand the details of your policy.Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at the number of homeowners who haven’t read their homeowners policy. After a disaster is not the time to pull out the reading glasses.

It’s not enough to just seek the right policy level. Before you make a decision, understanding the following homeowners insurance terms could be very helpful:• Deductible – This refers to the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in; the higher the deductible, the lower the annual premium. And, vice versa.• Liability Coverage – This is coverage that will pay medical or legal bills if someone is hurt on your property, usually due to negligence.• Personal Property – Sometimes called the contents of your home, this is tangible property such as furniture, electronics and clothing.• Premium – This is the price you pay for insurance, usually annually or monthly.• Replacement Cost – This is the kind of insurance that pays the full cost of replacing your dwelling or personal property, up to a maximum dollar amount. Most standard policies offer replacement cost, but you want to be sure the maximum amount is high enough.• Actual Cash Value – This type of policy gives you the current cash value (with depreciation) for personal property or your dwelling.

Remember, if something happens to your home, homeowners insurance can make or break you – and you don’t want to end up on the short end. Be sure you understand terms and conditions of your policy to avoid confusion later. If you’re unclear about something, ask questions to ensure you’ve got the right coverage and amount to fully protect your home and belongings.

To find the best homeowners insurance quote available you need to compare. So, why not get a free homeowners insurance quote today?

Are you comfortable with your current homeowners insurance coverage? When was the last

time you reviewed it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.