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Is Your Home Insured Against Flood Damage?

Posted on by AgentInsure

It is important to note that a standard home insurance policy does not cover against flood damage. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, generally through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The typical homeowners and rental insurance policy excludes damage caused by flooding, such as mud flow, rising water or storm surge. Fortunately, whether you live in a high risk flood zone or not, flood insurance is available. If you do live in a high-risk flood area, many lenders will require you to have flood insurance to get a mortgage. 

Getting Coverage

North Carolina is a high-risk state for flooding with high rip currents and coastal flooding. Tropical depressions can lead to coastal hazards such as ocean overwash and beach erosion, according to the National Weather Service. You may want to contact your insurance agent to see if they offer NFIP or private flood insurance policies. Keep in mind that there will generally be a thirty-day waiting period for a new policy to take effect, so don’t wait until the last minute. You may also want to remember that federal disaster assistance is only available in the event that a Presidential Disaster Declaration is made. Plus, it typically comes in the form of a low-interest loan. Thus, it is not planned to restore your home to the condition it was in before the disaster. 

JC Demo Insurance Group Serving Matthews, NC

If you are in the Matthews, NC area and are in the market for home insurance, we at JC Demo Insurance are happy to help you. Give us a call today for more information. 

Do You Need Additional Home Insurance Coverage If You Remodel Your Bathroom?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Remodeling your home in Matthews, NC, can be a great way to breathe new life into your space, and potentially give your property value a little boost. What you might not think about, especially if you’re remodeling a smaller space, is how the changes might impact your home insurance policy. At JC Demo Insurance Group, we can fill you in on the details, so you aren’t left holding the bag. 

Home Insurance Coverage: What To Know

The general rule is to update your home insurance policy if you make any major changes to your property. The catch is that what counts as "major" can differ from homeowner to homeowner (and from insurance company to insurance company).

If you want a way to simplify matters, just consider that your carrier prefers to know exactly what they’re covering when they set the terms and conditions for your policy. So, if you spend $50,000 on a bathroom remodel and don’t update your policy, the insurance carrier might not cover the updates if they’re damaged by vandalism or weather. 

How To Update Your Policy 

If you’ve just made a few minor cosmetic improvements to your bathroom, like paint touch-ups or new fixtures, there’s no need to make a call or fill out a form. However, if you’ve put some serious work into the project, whether installing a rain shower or tiling the whole room in pure marble, contact your agent for more information.

Or, if you’re shopping around for new coverage in Matthews, NC, the staff at JC Demo Insurance Group is here to review your options, so you can find coverage that works. Contact us to get the ball rolling. 

Reasons to Review Your Home Insurance Policy Annually

Posted on by AgentInsure

Life changes quickly. One year, you’re remodeling your kitchen, the next, you’re adding a new roof, or finally turning that spare room into a home office. While these updates improve your home’s value and functionality, they can also impact your insurance needs. At JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC, we often remind homeowners of the importance of reviewing their home insurance policy annually.

Your Coverage Should Grow With Your Home

If you’ve made upgrades or renovations, your current policy might not reflect the true value of your home. This means that if something were to happen, you could be underinsured. Reviewing your policy allows you to adjust your coverage to protect your home’s current value, not what it was worth last year.

Life Events Can Shift Your Needs

Maybe you’ve welcomed a new pet, added a backyard pool, or started renting out a room. These types of changes can impact your liability coverage. Even if you haven’t made major updates, your personal belongings may have increased in value. Annual reviews ensure that everything important is still protected.

Rates and Options Change Too

Regularly reviewing your policy can reveal opportunities to save money or take advantage of new coverage options. You don’t want to miss out on better protection simply because you didn’t take the time to check.

Taking a little time once a year can make a big difference in how well your home is protected. If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your policy, JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC, is here to help. Let’s make sure your coverage still fits your life.