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Personal Insurance : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Home Insurance Questions

Frequently asked Auto Insurance Questions

 

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Home Coverage Terms


Coverage A - Dwelling

Dwelling on “residence premises” AND structures attached. Also, includes construction materials--to be used for this dwelling.

Coverage B - Other Structures

Covers other structures on the residence premises set apart from the dwelling by a clear space.(ie. detached garage, in ground pool, etc.) This includes structures connected to the dwelling by only a fence, utility line, or similar connection.

Coverage C - Personal Property

Covers personal property owned or used by an insured anywhere in the world

Coverage D - Loss of Use

  1. If a covered loss makes the residence premises uninhabitable, we will pay for necessary increases in living expenses incurred so that your household can maintain its normal standard of living.
  2. If the loss makes that part of the residence premises rented to others or held by rental by you uninhabitable, we will pay you for its fair rental value for the shortest time required to repair or replace that part of the premises.
  3. If civil authority prohibits use of your residence premises, we will pay you for any additional living expense and fair rental value loss for a period not exceeding two weeks.

Coverage E - Personal Liability

Coverage for a claim  made or suit is brought against any insured for damages because of bodily injury, personal injury, or property damage where the insured is legally liable.

Coverage F - Medical Payments to Others

Pays for the medical expenses incurred or medically ascertained within 3 years from the date of the accident causing bodily injury. Medical expenses mean reasonable charges for medical, surgical, x-ray, dental, ambulance, hospital, professional nursing, prosthetic devices, and funeral services.

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Frequently asked Home Insurance Questions


What does a home policy cover?

About 900 insurance companies write home insurance policies in the United States. However, a majority of homeowners policies are based on a standard form, and all homeowners policies cover two important areas: property and liability. In addition, most policies cover you for additional living expenses should your home not be habitable for a period of time due to a loss by a covered peril.

What is my mortgage company going to need from me before the closing?

About 5-7 days before your closing, the mortgage company will need what is called a binder (proof of home insurance coverage) and a paid receipt.

What deductible should I choose?

To keep your premiums to a minimum, we recommend that you carry a minimum $500 deductible. Turning in a number of small claims may result in an increase in premium or even a non-renewal. Your home insurance should be used for the large catastrophic losses.

How is the value of the dwelling determined? Should the value of the lot be included?

The agent should complete what we call “A Replacement Cost Estimator”. This computer program takes into account the year your home was built, what type of home you have, how may square feet, how many bathrooms, etc. Once all the data is entered, the program will give us an approximate value that we should insure your home. Please keep in mind that what you purchased or what the home is assessed at has nothing to do with what it may cost to totally rebuild your home with today’s cost of construction.

Since that land will still be there at the time of the loss, the value of the lot is not included in the total value of the dwelling.

Since many companies now have a cap on Guaranteed Replacement Cost on the dwelling, it is very critical that both the agent and insured go over the replacement cost estimator.

Are floods covered under my home insurance policy?

Most catastrophic losses are covered. However, floods are not covered. A separate policy would be required to cover floods.

Will having a trampoline affect my rates?

Some companies will not even write a home insurance policy for a home that has a trampoline. If you do have a trampoline, please make sure your agent is aware of that exposure.

Will having a wood-burning stove affect my rates?

Most companies do have a surcharge for wood-burning stoves.

What exactly is a personal umbrella and how much does it cost?

A personal umbrella gives you additional liability coverage that goes over your underlying liability limits. The minimum umbrella is 1 million. The costs of an umbrella do vary but the average cost is about $150 a year. Our agency highly recommends that every homeowner carry at least a one million dollar personal umbrella.

If I work out of my home, is my inventory and business property covered?

Yes, within certain limits. Both inventory and business property is covered as personal property used for business purposes. However, like all personal property, there are monetary limits on reimbursement. Also, keep in mind that personal liability protection in your homeowners policy does not extend to business liability. Check with your agent concerning your business insurance needs.

Our child is going to college. Are his contents covered while away at school?

Yes, to a percentage. Contents that are stored away from home in a temporary location normally have up to 10% of your personal property limit on your homeowners policy.

I own one half and rent the other half of my duplex. Are the tenants contents and liability also covered by my homeowners policy?

No. You should advise the tenant that he should have a renters policy.

I am going to temporarily store some of our contents in storage shed that is not on our property. Are these contents still covered under my homeowners policy?

Yes. You have up to 10% of your personal property limit for contents that are stored off the premises. Be sure though to call your agent and let them know an address of where the contents are being stored along with more specifics about the building where the contents are being stored.

I have a lot of jewelry, a few guns, and some furs. Do these items need to be listed separately?

You most likely will have special limits on these items. You should talk to your agent about the advantages of adding a rider on your homeowners policy for these items.

Will making this claim affect my rates?

Making claims do affect your rates. Even more importantly, making two or three claims within a three-year period could possibly end up in a cancellation of your homeowners policy. A homeowners policy should be looked at for catastrophic losses. Having your deductible at least at $500 will eliminate you from filing small claims that could hurt you in the future.

Always talk to your agent before filing a claim to see if it is to your best interest to file a possible claim

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Auto Coverage Terms


Bodily Injury Liability

Liability protects you against damages for which you may be held legally liable if your car injures or kills someone.                 

Property Damage Liability

protects you against damages for which you may be held legally liable if your car damages the property of others.

Medical Payments

pays for medical expenses for you and others injured while riding in your car regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

pays for damages caused by bodily injury to you and your family when the damages are the fault of another driver who has no bodily injury liability insurance.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

protects you and your family against the driver who has bodily injury liability limits coverage, but at inadequate limits.

Comprehensive Coverage

pays or the loss to your car caused by accidents other than collision or upset. (ie. windshield replacement, deer claims, vandalism, fire, or theft)

Collision Coverage

pays for the loss to your car caused by upset or collision with another vehicle or object.


Additional Coverages


Towing & Labor Coverage

Pays for towing of your car and any labor required at the scene when your car becomes disabled.

Rental Reimbursement

pays for the car rental when your car is damaged and you have made a comprehensive or collision claim.

Gap Coverage

This endorsement will pay the difference between the unpaid balance on your lease or loan agreement in the event of a loss. Annual cost for this endorsement is $15-$25 a year.

Sound Reproducing Equipment

You may need to purchase separate insurance to cover theft of a special stereo, CB radio or telephone in your car.

Customizing

Even if they are factory installed, you need to buy separate insurance for special furnishings, carpeting, paint, murals, or other customizing of your car, truck, or van

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Frequently asked Auto Insurance Questions


When do we add a youthful driver?

The youthful driver is added at the time they receive their driver’s license. At that time you should contact you agent. Your agent will need their driver’s license number, date of birth and the vehicle they will be driving.

What do I need from my agent to drive my vehicle to Canada?

Your agent can provide you with an insurance card for Canada showing proof of insurance.

Does my auto insurance cover me when renting a car?

Your coverages on your auto policy apply to the rental car within Continental United States.

What is GAP Coverage?

GAP coverage provides coverage in the event of a total loss for an amount due under the terms of a loan/lease contract.

What is the requirement for the Good Student Discount?

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average. Proof of grades is required.

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100 Wilburn Rd., Suite 103 • Sun Prairie, WI 53590 • 608.837.2484 • info@harmsinsurancegroup.com