If you own your own home, then you likely already have a fairly comprehensive home insurance policy to keep your protected from fire, vandalism, and damage. But have you considered the threats that can happen outside of these relatively straightforward events? If you live in Cullman, AL, Insurance Solutions Inc. can tell you more about what umbrella insurance is and why you might want to have it if you own a home. 

Lawsuits and Liability 

Umbrella insurance is there for you when you reach the liability limits on your regular insurance policy. When it comes to home insurance, there’s an amount in your policy that represents how much you’ll be given in the event of a liability claim. Because claims can drag on for years, carriers have to cut off the support at some point. Every policy amount will be different, but most policies have at least one thing in common: it’s not always enough to cover a serious liability claim.

A Liability Scenario 

Let’s say that your mailman trips over a small hole that your child dug in the front yard. The mailman not only falls, but he falls in such a way that he needs multiple back surgeries and suffers from chronic pain after he’s released from the hospital. This extreme example is not as uncommon as you might think. When you’ve reached the limits on your home insurance, umbrella insurance picks up where it left off. 

Insurance Solutions Inc. can help homeowners understand how their policies can work together to give them the maximum amount of coverage. If you want to understand more about how property owners can protect their investments in Cullman, AL, give us a call today for a quote or just to review the coverage terms for our policies. 

If you are thinking about getting a second home, be sure to consult with your agent at Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL and the surrounding area, to make sure you have adequate insurance for your primary residence and your second home.

The things to discuss with your agent include the occupancy expected for both the second home and the original residence, whether either home will be rented out for part of the time, and what changes may need to be made to your existing home insurance coverage.

Occupancy

Insurance coverage may need to be adjusted if either home will be left vacant for an extended period. Vacant homes tend to attract more burglaries and vandalism. Talk this over with your agent because you can do things to reduce this risk, such as install an alarm system or have a caretaker watch the property when the home is vacant.

Renting Out the Home(s)

If either home will be rented out, this is considered a commercial activity. The type of insurance needed for a home that is rented out is different from standard home insurance for an owner-occupied home.

Personal Property

Be sure to take an inventory of all personal property that will be left in the home(s), especially if you plan to rent a home that is furnished or partially-furnished. Insurance coverage to protect against damage caused by a renter is different from the coverage needed for a homeowner’s personal property.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is a separate policy from home insurance. We are recommending considering it for all homes, due to the surprising changes in the weather patterns being caused by climate change.

Contact your agent at Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL for a home insurance review and to get a quote for home insurance for a second home.

The holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about home safety or the risk of accidents. The following safety tips from Insurance Solutions Inc. can take the stress out of your celebrations by making your Cullman, AL home a safer abode for the holidays.

Christmas Tree

Freshly cut trees are more resistant to fires, making them better choices if you’re going for a live tree. Before putting the tree in your stand, cut a groove at the bottom as this helps the tree absorb water and stay fresher longer. Secure your tree to a hook on the wall or curtain rod with fishing line to keep it from falling over. If you’re getting an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire-resistant.

Christmas Lights

Check all Christmas lights before putting them up to ensure they’re in good condition. Frayed strands or cracked sockets can be a fire hazard. If you’re going out for the evening, turn your lights off. Always turn off lights before retiring for the night. Avoid overloading your tree or house with excessive lights.

Cooking

Keep small children away from the kitchen during meal prep and make sure someone is watching the oven and stove whenever it’s in use. When cooking food on the stove, turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of accidents. Be careful when serving hot foods as splashes of gravy or hot drinks can easily cause burns. Supervise children around hot foods or drinks to avoid accidents.

Smoke Alarm

Put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they’re working properly. Keep a workable fire extinguisher in the home and know how to use it.

Don’t forget to review your home insurance policy to ensure you’re protected against holiday accidents. To learn more about home insurance coverage, call or visit Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL.

Liability coverage is an important part of your home insurance policy. Liability insurance protects you against accidents that may occur while people are visiting your home. If a visitor trips over your pet and sprains his ankle, you could be held responsible. Liability coverage protects you against being sued by covering your visitor’s x-rays and other medical costs. Here are a few ways personal liability insurance from Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL can protect your assets.

Covers Medical Costs and Lost Wages

If you’re constantly inviting friends over for dinner or hosting holiday parties, liability coverage is a must to protect yourself against accidental injuries that may occur on your property. Accidents happen all the time, leaving you at risk of being sued for damages. Liability insurance helps cover medical expenses, property damage and lost wages of people who have accidents on your property (if the accident leaves your visitor temporarily incapable of working) to protect your assets. 

Protects You against Lawsuits

Liability insurance also covers legal expenses if a visitor decides to sue you for damages after having an accident on your property. If you’re found liable for the accident due to negligence, your liability coverage will help cover settlement costs, up to the limits of your policy. A serious accident could deplete your savings if you had to pay for damages out-of-pocket. Smart homeowners will be prepared with adequate insurance coverage.

Provides “Away from Home” Protection

Liability insurance can even protect you when you’re traveling by paying for damage you cause to other people’s property. If, for example, your children accidentally damage the flat-screen TV in the hotel you’re staying in while on vacation, liability coverage can help cover repair or replacement costs. 

To learn more about personal liability coverage and the protection it has to offer, contact Insurance Solutions Inc. in Cullman, AL.

If you purchase a home, you are making one of the biggest investments of your life. Because of this, you need to make sure that you are properly protecting your asset through a home insurance policy. While some people may want to save money by not paying for home insurance, there are several reasons why you need to have home insurance in place at all times.

Required by Mortgage Lenders and Associations

One reason why you need to have home insurance in place at all times on your Cullman, AL area home is that it will be required by your mortgage lender and any home association that you are a part of. Your mortgage lender will likely verify your home insurance compliance on an annual basis and could also escrow your monthly payments as it will help to protect their collateral. Your association may also want to ensure that you have insurance to confirm that you can afford to repair your home and make restitution if you are found liable for damage to another owner’s asset.

Protects Equity

Even if you do not have a mortgage or are not part of an association, you will want to have home insurance as it will help to protect your equity. One of the advantages of having a home that you own is that you can build equity over a long period of time. When you have home insurance in place, it will help to ensure this equity is properly protected. 

When you are ready to start shopping for insurance for your Cullman, AL home, you should meet with the team at Insurance Solutions Inc. first. The Insurance Solutions Inc. professionals can help you find a home insurance policy that will provide you with the right level of coverage. 

 

 

 

 

Homeowner’s insurance is a tool and service, which helps you as the homeowner protect yourself against devastating loss. Should your home experience large-scale, expensive damages such as a fire, flood or natural disaster, the insurance policy would provide money to repair or even rebuild your home. So, what’s at risk when this insurance lapses?

Your Pocketbook

First of all your own pocketbook is at risk. Home repairs for large-scale damages are not usually something that most families simply have sitting around in the budget every month. The truth is most people are not prepared financially to handle large-scale emergency expenses. Should your home experience any large-scale damage during the time of the insurance lapse, then all repairs would come out of your own pocket. This would be devastating for most families.

Legal Vulnerability

Many people do not realize that as a homeowner you are legally responsible for injuries which take place on your property. If someone were to get injured and chose to sue you as the homeowner, you would be legally liable. Your homeowner’s insurance policy insures against this as well. So even in a worst case scenario, your policy would pay any expenses incurred by someone’s injury.

Forced Insurance

Many mortgage companies require that home have an active insurance policy in place. If you allow your insurance to lapse, then the mortgage company will force place insurance on the home. In most cases, this insurance premium will be very expensive and completely out of your control. You will not be able to choose the company or shop around for the best deals. You will also not be eligible for any discounts.

The best way to protect yourself from these risks is to always make your homeowner’s insurance a priority. If you would like to discuss homeowner’s insurance call one of our friendly representatives today at Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL.

Home insurance is not a one size fits all safety net. You can change your policy in order to better fit what you’re looking for. This may depend on your personal lifestyle, if you have children and where you live. At Insurance Solutions Inc. we want to make sure you have all the knowledge necessary to make an educated decision on your insurance policies. So whether you live in Cullman, AL or somewhere else in the neighborhood, look into these valuable home insurance upgrades. 

Flood Insurance Coverage

You never know when a flood might hit, and chances are your current home insurance policy does not cover flooding. Whether it is due to heavy rains or a pipe bursting in the basement, it is smart to go over your current policy and see exactly what is covered. 

Home Business

If you run a business from your home there are certain activities that may not be covered. Additionally, the loss of goods and products associated with your home business in the event of a break-in or fire may not receive the coverage you’re looking for either as is. 

Sewer and Drain Back Up Coverage

This depends more on the age of your home and the kind of septic system you use. With that said, it is a valuable addition to your home that can save you all sorts of money in the event of a backed up sewer system. 

If you are looking for additional coverage but do not know where to look, consider these valuable home insurance upgrades. No matter the kind of home you own or where in the city you live, there is a way to improve your home’s financial security. At Insurance solutions Inc. we are here to help educate you and provide insights into protecting your most valuable investment. 

As considerable weather events sweep the country more and more, stories of homeowners who have sadly discovered that their insurance policies didn’t cover as much as they needed come to surface. At Insurance Solutions Inc., serving the needs of homeowners in Cullman, AL, we aim to be sure that you don’t find yourself burdened with large unanticipated expenses when disaster strikes.

Be sure to be proactive by reviewing your policy with your agent at Insurance Solutions Inc. You can never be too careful; be sure to confirm that you are adequately covered. Before the acts of Mother Nature run their course, ascertain the quantity of insurance on your home, as underinsuring is a legitimate problem in Cullman, AL. Oftentimes, people only have enough coverage to offset their mortgage, not taking into account the cost of rebuilding the home, including labor and supplies. Consider an automatic inflation provision, which will most likely raise your premium, yet give you more piece of mind year-to-year. 

Another common mistake for homeowners is the assumption that they have flood insurance. Inland areas can endure serious damage as the result of ground water and hurricanes. Discuss your flood insurance options with an agent at Insurance Solutions Inc.

Further, be sure to inquire about whether or not your deductible changes, depending on the cause of destruction. Many policies are designed with the caveat that the deductible becomes a percentage of the coverage, rather than a flat-rate deductible, during certain storms.

Homeowners can also assume that they are covered for mold or sewage backup, which are often not covered in traditional policies. Ask your agent about sewage protection; not usually expensive. Mold coverage, if it is available, can be very costly, however. Determine your risks and speak with the agents at Insurance Solutions Inc., who are always happy to assist you.

Spring is coming in Cullman, AL and you are likely more than ready. However, there are many things you can do to prepare your home for the temperature change and season transition. You want your home to look its best. To accomplish this, be sure to use these tips from Insurance Solutions Inc.

De-Winterize

Not everyone takes the time to winterize their home, but if you did then you want to get it de-winterized as well. Now is the perfect time to do just that. Call a professional to assist you with this task to ensure it is done properly.

Decorate for Spring

There are a few fun holidays around the spring but even if you do not celebrate these holidays, then you can so some spring decorating. You can bring out bright colors to liven up your home and even consider getting some fresh flowers. There are many options and nothing says spring in your home more than having it look like spring inside.

Plant Outside

If you have some yard space, you can plant some spring flowers around your home now. It will look beautiful in just a few weeks and you will be happy you took care of it now. Thinks of getting some different colored flowers or maybe even some that will continue to bloom year after year. If you opt for this, it will be the gift that keeps on giving every year around the spring season.

If you want to be prepared for anything that can happen to your home, you need to have a great home insurance plan. Whether you are searching for a new policy or simply want to see if you can get a lower rate, be sure to contact Insurance Solutions Inc. serving Cullman, AL.