Thing that aren’t covered by home insurance

When you own a home it doesn’t take you long to realize you are not nearly as knowledgeable about homeownership as you thought. Problems arise you never dreamed of until they actually happen. So many things can go wrong that end up making you consider your home insurance and whether or not you are covered. Matthews, NC has a very convenient location as a Charlotte suburb. When it comes to finding a trusted independent insurance agency, JC Demo Insurance Group has over 20 years of experience. 

Floods

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters causing millions of dollars in damage every year. Unfortunately, your home insurance isn’t going to protect your biggest investment. Traditional home insurance doesn’t cover surface water flooding. Luckily, the federal government offers flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. It is sold in two-parts, structure, and contents. 

Earth Movement

Several different types of earth movement are excluded from home insurance. It will not cover earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes. If you live in an area where any of these are a potential danger, you can purchase a rider or an additional insurance policy to protect yourself. 

Sewer Backup

Having a sewer line back up into your home is a disgusting thought. The only thing more disgusting is you will have to pay for the damage yourself since it isn’t covered by your home insurance. You can purchase a rider to provide this protection. 

Expensive items

The content coverage that comes with your home insurance has very conservative limits on the amount it pays for luxury items. If you own expensive electronics, jewelry, art, furs, or antiques you should talk to your insurance agent about additional coverage. You should be prepared to provide an appraisal. 

Contact JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC for your home insurance needs. 

Who needs to get home insurance in North Carolina?

People that live in the Matthews, NC area are going to have a variety of housing options that they can consider. For a lot of people, a great option is to purchase a home. If you do decide to become a property owner, you will need to make sure that you are protecting your investment. There are many situations in which someone will need to have a home insurance plan. 

Those that Want to Protect Asset

A situation in which people need to get a home insurance plan is when you want to protect their assets. Those that are going to purchase a property will be making one of the biggest purchases of their life. To ensure that your asset is covered, you need to have home insurance. With a home insurance plan, you are going to get the coverage that will repair or replace your property if it is severely damaged.

Those With a Mortgage

You will also want to get a home insurance plan when you want to get a mortgage. With historically low-interest rates, now is a great time to take out a mortgage. If you have a mortgage out against your home, you need to meet your lender’s requirements. This will include making sure that you have a full home insurance plan that will cover your asset. 

As you are going to look for a new home insurance plan in the Matthews, NC area, it would be a good option to call JC Demo Insurance Group. As you are looking for a new insurance plan, you will need to make many different important decisions along the way. The team with JC Demo Insurance Group can help to answer and address your questions and ensure you remain properly covered. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Rental Property?

When you decide to earn extra money from renting out some space on your property, you’re becoming a landlord in Matthews, NC. As a result, you’ll face some risks associated with a rental property, such as loss of income. While you may have a homeowner’s policy to cover your personal belongings and other valuable assets, it may not serve your needs as a landlord.

Home insurance can adequately provide coverage for your whole property and your private assets. But when it comes to landlord insurance to offer protection from other risks, it’d be advisable to have a separate cover. It’s because you’re now running a business, and as such, the risks you’ll cover cannot be the same as those of a homeowner’s policy. It’s essential to treat them differently.

A rental dwelling policy will kick in if, say, a tenant or a guest on your property is injured. For this reason, standard home insurance may not be useful in this situation.

Another issue to consider is the length of time you’ll rent out part of your property. The longer it’ll be on rental, the more important you should have a landlord policy. Although you may have rental dwelling insurance, your tenant’s private possessions may not be covered. In this case, it’d be a good idea for them to have a renter’s insurance though it may not be state mandatory.

The last consideration is that a landlord policy would be suitable if you rent out a permanent property. You may not use the standard homeowner’s policy.  But if you’re unsure whether your space can be considered as a rental, JC Demo Insurance Group can help you in this regard.

Still, have more questions in connection with homeowner’s insurance? Contact JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC.

Is Flooding Covered Under Home insurance?

Standard homeowners’ insurance does not provide coverage for damages related to flooding. It’s also imperative to understand the risk involved with flooding and weigh your insurance options to ensure that your home in Matthews, NC is fully protected.

Many residents of Matthews, NC assume that all-natural perils get covered by insurance, but this is not applicable when dealing with floods. Homeowners require to purchase separate flood insurance to cushion them from flood water damage. If you are designated in a flood-prone area or suspect that you live in a flood zone, it’s vital to buy insurance as early as possible because most flood covers come with 30 days waiting period. At JC Demo Insurance Group, we highly recommend homeowners in Matthews NC to purchase an additional separate flood insurance policy to cushion them when this natural disaster strikes.

What is covered by floods insurance?

The National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP) is responsible for providing flood insurance to many US residents. Though (NFIP) is owned and controlled by the federal government; you can buy a flood insurance cover through our JC Demo Insurance Group agents. Flood insurance covers the following damages according to NFIP:

  • Water heater, heat pumps, and central air conditioners.
  • Permanently installed carpets.
  • Staircases, anchorage systems, and foundation walls.
  • Permanently installed paneling, wallboard, bookcases, and cabinets.
  • Detached garage.
  • Solar energy equipment, fuel tanks, and well water tanks.
  • Appliances like refrigerators, inbuilt appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines.
  • Personal property like clothing, furniture, and electronics.

What is not covered by flood insurance?

Flood insurance covers damages that are primarily caused by flooding water. It is also crucial to put into account that the cause of flooding determines coverage. For instance, damages resulting from a sewer backup get covered if only the insurance company establishes that the back up resulted from direct flooding. According to NFIP, the following kinds of damages are not covered by flood insurance:

  • Damages resulting from moisture, mold, and mildew.
  • Damages as a result of earth movement.
  • Additional living expenses like temporary housing, building undergoing repairs, and an unoccupied house.
  • Property and possession outside an insured building like fences, hot tubs, patios, swimming pools, and septic systems.
  • Valuable papers, currency, and precious metals.

Are you a homeowner suspecting to be living in a flood-prone area in Matthews, NC? Feel free to call or visit our JC Demo Insurance Group offices for all your insurance requirements.

The dos and don’ts during a home insurance claim

Making a home insurance claim today is a straightforward process, particularly if you are making minor claims. However, larger claims can be a lengthy and complicated process if not handled the correct way. That is why we at JC Demo Insurance Group advise our Matthews, NC residents to learn the dos and don’ts when dealing with a home insurance claim.

Here is what you can and cannot do.

Do call your insurance immediately: In the event of a major accident like a fire or burglary, call your insurance company immediately, when the ordeal is still fresh in your mind. Of Course, you also want to make sure that your family is safe and that you save what can be saved to minimize damage or injuries. No matter how busy and dramatic the moment could be, make sure to inform your insurer.

Don’t touch anything until the agents get to you: If your insurer has advised that you stay away from the scene, do so to avoid mishaps with the investigations.

Do take pictures and videos: Take some evidence just in case it will be needed by the police. However, if the situation is too dangerous, you don’t want to expose yourself to harm. If it is safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the scene as well as the root cause.

Don’t throw receipts: If you used your money to buy several things needed to save the damage or prevent it from spreading, or rented an apartment to stay because your home was too damaged, you will need to prove these things with receipts when filing a claim. So, never throw a receipt during home insurance claims.

Do have your details with you: Your insurance provider will require you to provide your personal information when you call them. Make sure you have them near you.

At JC Demo Insurance Group, we help customers find policies that best fit their style, budget, and needs. If you are looking for home insurance around Matthews, NC,  JC Demo insurance is here for you. Try us today!

Three Questions You must ask about Home Insurance in North Carolina

When looking for adequate home insurance, it’s natural for us all to have questions. North Carolina residents are no different from the next person. Our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are here for you in getting those questions answered. If you live in the North Carolina area, here are three important questions you must ask about home insurance.

When is windstorm and hail coverage necessary?

North Carolina normally has mild weather compared to other American states. However, some of its residents do live in the beach and coastal areas. That’s when a separate windstorm and hail policy is good to have, assuming it is excluded from your primary home insurance policy. If this coverage is offered to you separately, it is written by a tax-exempt association of insurance companies called The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA).

How does deductible work in a home policy?

Your deductible is a portion of a covered claim you are responsible for paying. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage of your total dwelling coverage amount. There are various deductible options. That’s why you must review any deductibles you have on the declaration page of your policy.

What is excluded from my policy?

When deciding on a policy, you must ask your agent what is excluded from it. Depending on your home’s location, age, and other factors, you must decide whether it’s necessary to request a separate policy. Talk to your agent to discuss whether or not this is right for you.

Contact our agents today

Our agents at JC Demo Insurance Group are here for you in giving you the answers to your puzzling home insurance questions. Don’t delay. Contact us to get a quote today. 

What exactly does home insurance cover?

Moving into a new house without proper home insurance is a risky decision – whether it is located in Matthews, NC or anywhere else. You need insurance to protect your home and assets against unpredictable damages. However, before getting a certain policy, it is good to know what exactly your insurance covers. Here is the list of things typically covered by standard homeowners insurance: 

The Structure of The Building 

A standard insurance policy will pay for the repairs and rebuilding of the house if it was damaged by such cataclysms as hurricane, lightning, fire, hail, or anything else listed in the policy. Most policies also cover detached constructions, including a gazebo, garage, or a tool shed. However, it is important to know that insurance will not pay for the damages caused by floods and earthquakes, and it will not cover routine repairs of the building. 

Personal Belongings

All your belongings will be covered by insurance if they were stolen or damaged by fire, hurricane, or other natural disasters stated in the policy. In most cases, the coverage of personal belongings is between 50 and 70% of the insurance for the house’s structure. If you have extremely expensive and valuable things you want to insure, it is recommended to purchase a special property endorsement because standard home insurance does not cover valuable items for their full value. 

Liability Protection

Liability coverage means that in case of property damage or bodily injury caused by you or your family members to other people, you will be protected. Liability protection will also pay for any damage caused by your pets. If someone is injured in your house, their medical bills will also be covered by the insurance company. 

If you are shopping for insurance and you are not sure what exactly it covers, our independent agency JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC is ready to answer your questions and help you to make an informed decision. Call JC Demo Insurance Group today to find what the options are available to you. 

Does my home insurance policy change after paying off my mortgage?

Congratulations on finalizing your mortgage payment and welcome to the rank of homeowners in Matthews, NC. While paying off your mortgage comes with innumerable benefits, there is a lot of confusion and uncertainty regarding home insurance. Your mortgage must have come with mandatory home insurance from the lender. However, with the mortgage gone, you have a choice to either keep your home insurance or get rid of it. If you ask us at JC Demo Insurance Group, the latter is always a bad idea. So, what happens after you pay off your mortgage?

Does it change? 

A big yes. When you pay off your mortgage, a lot of changes with regards to your insurance. You are likely to receive several documents; one from your lender stating that your loan is fully paid, canceled promissory note, your canceled deed of trust or mortgage, and a certificate of satisfaction. A promissory note is what you signed when you took out a mortgage, which required you to pay your lender based on the agreed timeframe and interest. The mortgage is the agreement that grants your lender the title of your home.

What about your home insurance?

By now, you know the importance of home insurance and that you need it now more than ever. You don’t want to start dealing with fire damages or burglaries in your home just when you have owned it. An important step here is to inform your insurance company that you are the sole owner of the property so that they can remove your lender’s name. Failure to take this step can cost you penalties. If you keep your home insurance, you might also need to update your payment options and have your bills sent straight to your home.

Now that the challenging parts are over, it’s time to review your home insurance policy and update it accordingly. Speak to any insurance agent at  JC Demo Insurance Group serving Matthews, NC, and they will help you get some value for your money. 

Home Insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina is blessed with milder weather compared to other states in the US. Overall, the milder weather does contribute to lesser average home insurance premiums in the state of North Carolina. However, this average can be misleading because the actual premiums for home insurance will depend on several factors such as your exact location, age of the house, which provider you choose and more. A home inspection is typically required before you get home insurance rates finalized. In the inspection, they check several things such as foundation problems.

For most people, their home is the most expensive investment. Home insurance policies protect you financially in case of any damage caused by wind, storms, vandalism, fire and more. Keep in mind flood insurance and earthquake insurance are not included in home insurance policies and if your home is a high-risk region for floods or earthquakes, you must consider getting an additional policy to get coverage for them. Most mortgage lenders require you to have home insurance as they want to not protect the asset they are lending money on. Whether required by lenders or not,  it is highly recommended you get adequate home insurance as the benefits of home insurance outweigh the relative cost of premium payments. You don’t want to be in a situation where a single storm ends up costing you your entire life savings to repair the house.

JC Demo Insurance Group, a licensed and independent insurance agency serving Matthews, NC, has the resources to assist you with home insurance. Not only can they navigate you to the best home insurance policy for your needs, but they also guide you on common pitfalls to avoid and educate you on the policies so you can make an informed decision.  The contact details for JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are available on their website.

Three things you should know before you buy home insurance

Your home is a valuable and important asset in your life. That’s why it’s so important to protect it with an appropriate home insurance policy. It’s important to do your homework before you purchase a home insurance policy and find a policy that best suits your needs and protects your assets. 

At the JC Demo Insurance Group, we’re devoted to helping our clients find the best home insurance coverage in Matthews, NC. We recommend that clients know the following three things before they purchase a home insurance policy.

What your lender is requiring

Mortgage lenders require that a borrower have home insurance. This protects the lender’s investment in the property. You need to meet your lender’s requirements when you’re purchasing home insurance.

Discuss insurance requirements with your lender and make sure you understand them. You’re going to need to provide proof of insurance to your lender, so make sure you discuss this need with a representative from the insurance company. 

What discounts are available

Home insurance is a significant expense that is going to stick with you long term. Therefore, anything you can do to save money on it and lower your premiums is going to help you out big time financially.

Look into any discounts you can enjoy on your home insurance before committing to a policy. You could enjoy discounts for bundling numerous insurance policies with the same provider or making home safety upgrades, for example. 

What cash value is in comparison to replacement cost

Usually, home insurance policies are designed to be either cash value or replacement cost policies. A cash value policy will cover all repairs or replacement costs necessary on a home minus any depreciation the home has experienced up to the policy limits. On the other hand, replacement coverage does not take depreciation into consideration and therefore compensates the policyholder more.

Although cash value is less expensive than replacement cost home insurance, it generally will not compensate for claims with as much money as a replacement cost policy would. 

If you’d like to explore home insurance policies available in Matthews, NC from the JC Demo Insurance Group, we’re here to help. Contact us with your questions and inquiries to learn more.