Choose the Right Home Insurer to Financially Protect Your Precious Home

It is extremely important to choose the right home insurer for your precious home lest you end up only with the insurance policy in your hand and the clothes on your back in case of an untoward disaster. An insurer that fulfills all your insuring needs without compromising your security or your financial stability will help you to remain calm in the face of any calamity.

However, the key is to choose the right home insurer in the first place so that you get maximum cover at reasonable rates and more importantly receive your claim money as quickly as possible upon filing a claim. There are several factors that separate a genuine and efficient home insuring company from the competition and you should make sure that all your needs are covered by the company that you ultimately choose.

The first step that you need to take in searching for a dream insurer for your dream home is to make a list of your own requirements. In addition to your home, you can insure its contents and also insure your garden, etc. for added protection. Although each insurer will try to convince you to take maximum cover, it will reward you well if you know what you want to cover in the first place. An honest insurer will offer genuine advice and pay heed to your needs instead of simply trying to saddle you with unwanted cover that will result in inflated premiums.

You should certainly compare at least 3 to 4 quotes from various insurers to get a feel of the rates being offered as well as inclusions in each proposal. Although premium rates are very important they should not be the focal point of your final decision. You should opt for a home insurer that has a reputation for quick payments and wider cover instead of choosing one that offers very low premiums but harasses you when you file a claim.

You should however, look out for a home insurance company that offers these following services, at the very least. The insurer should offer a high discount in order to attract you towards their company, as well as a 'no claims bonus' if you do not make any claim. The company should also offer alternate accommodation in case your home is made uninhabitable due to a calamity that has been insured by them.

If possible, the insuring company should offer business and car insurance and a generous discount if you shift all your existing policies to their company as well. Not only that, but the insurer should spell out all exclusions clearly so that you do not get a nasty shock when you file for a claim. The insurer should also offer a discount if you have installed approved security alarm systems and lights in your home and property.

Insuring your home should free you from worries and not turn into a nightmare in case any calamity strikes your precious home. It is extremely important that you tie up with a reliable and competent home insurance company in the first place so as to get the maximum required cover, at reasonable rates. Your insurer should guide you with honest intentions and also step in to alleviate mental and financial pain in case of an unwanted disaster.

Ensure a Roof Over Your Head by Insuring Your Home

In these uncertain times you should not increase your risks by trying to save on a few pounds while keeping your home uninsured. Your home could be under threat from various natural forces that could attack without any warning. Burglars too might also have an evil eye over the contents of your home and could strike at the first available opportunity. In such a case, insuring your home along with its contents would be a small price to pay for total peace of mind.

Most people insure their selves, their loved ones, their cars, bikes, business and most other worldly possessions but simply forget that the humble abode in which they stay is not so humble in value. The value of their home itself could be in the hundreds of thousands of pounds, while various gadgets and contents inside could surely be worth a decent amount of money. Anyway, with or without any adequate insurance, your home could still be exposed to natural calamities such as fire, flood, storm and so on, while burglars too could threaten the precious contents within your home.

The good news is that now it is extremely easy to insure your home as well as its contents and you can expect extremely competitive rates due to increased competition. In addition to insuring your building and contents such as electronic equipment you can also insure your money, credit cards or even frozen foods inside your home or your garden outside your home, among other factors connected to your home. This move will ensure complete cover of your home, its contents and its material surroundings.

In addition to brick and mortar insurance providers there are several online insuring companies that claim to offer better rates due to lower overheads. You should make it a point to get referrals before asking for quotes or signing on any dotted line since you need a company that pays you quickly when you eventually do file for a claim. It is always better to get a few quotes so as to compare rates as well as cover offered. You should specifically make it a point to read the fine print as well as scrutinise exclusions in any proposed policy so that you are not left holding the policy in your hand when any untoward incident happens to your precious home or its contents.

If you go in for additional cover in your proposed home insurance policy then most service providers will offer additional discounts to steer your mind and your wallet towards their company. You can also reap extra benefits if you shift your business as well as your car insurance to a single company as this too will encourage insuring companies to throw in special rates that will benefit your home, office and car at the same time. However, you should thoroughly scrutinise the insuring company before you shift all your policies to a single source.

Your beloved home could be a target of nature as well as dishonest people. It is your duty to protect your home and its precious contents within by purchasing a home insurance policy that caters to your requirements while fitting in your budget too. By insuring your home you will not only get total protection but will also be rewarded with total peace of mind.

Insure Your Holiday Home Even When You Are Not on Holiday

If you have built or purchased an exclusive holiday home in the UK but do not visit it on a continuous basis then renting it out for the rest of the time makes good financial sense. However, you should make it a point to get specific cover for your holiday home whilst insuring your holiday home so that all your earnings are not snatched away from you in one unfortunate incident or accident.

A holiday home requires different types of cover as compared to a regular home insuring policy. You will require adequate building cover insurance to be included in your policy. This should include your holiday building as well as any outhouse or garage that you might have on your property. Your building should be specifically insured for fire, flood, earthquake, storm and various other types of natural and intentional damage by nature or by your tenants.

Another cover that your holiday home should have is property owner liability insurance. This aspect will cover you in case your tenants are injured or die on your property due to any accident. You could be sued in such a case and this protection is crucial if you plan to rent out your property. In addition you should also go in for employer's liability since your holiday dwelling will surely require regular maintenance. This could be provided by a plumber, an electrician, a gardener, etc. that will need to be insured in cased they suffer a mishap while tending to your property.

Again, along with your building insurance you should also go in for contents cover. This would include your refrigerator, TV, kitchen appliances, furniture, bathroom appliances, music systems, etc. that might need to be installed for your own and your tenants conveniences. Any contents in your garden shed or outhouse should also be included in your policy. You should opt for the old-for-new option when insuring the contents. Although the premium will be higher, you will receive a new product or equivalent value in case your old and used product is damaged beyond repair.

If you are seriously planning to rent out your holiday home then you should also include a rental loss clause in your policy. Thus in case your property is badly damaged by flood, earthquake or any other disaster then the insuring company can cover any rental loss until your property is restored back to its original state, which in some cases could take more than a year. In addition to these vital tips, you should also ensure that you get at least 4 quotes from reputed insurance providers to increase your options. You should carefully look at inclusions and even exclusions in the proposed holiday home insurance policy before making up your mind. You should ensure that you do not look only for cheap premiums but instead pay heed to the reputation of the insurer as well as choose one that offers better cover under one policy.

A holiday home in the UK could be a wonderful oasis of relaxation but could also turn into a painful mirage in case you do not have adequate cover. It is extremely important to cover all aspects in your holiday home insurance policy so that you can relax without any worries while relaxing in your holiday home and even relax when your tenants are doing the same.

Tips to Reduce Premiums When Insuring Your Home

If you want to insure your home but feel that the premiums are too high for financial comfort then you might only end up compromising on your insurance policy by canceling a few key features of your policy. This might leave both you and your home literally exposed in case any natural or man-made disaster strikes your home or its contents. Instead of trying to cut vital corners while insuring your home you should use these few tips to cut down on your premiums.

The first tip is to install adequate security equipment including alarm systems and CCTV cameras in your home. This will not only deter any thieves but also record the chain of events to some extent in case of any disaster or burglary. You can start by installing an anti-theft alarm system or a burglar alarm system along with fire detection and alarm system approved by the insurance company. This will allow you to get a discount in your premiums.

You should also install security lights in and around your property and can even become a member of your neighbourhood watch scheme. This too will qualify you for an additional discount in your premiums. If you live in a neighbourhood that has a very low crime rate then this feature could automatically earn you a hefty discount in your premiums.

You should also stick to an insurance company that offers a no claim discount since your premiums would certainly reduce over the years if you do not make any claim. You can make small repairs on your own without running to your insurer with a claim since this will allow you to increase your no claims bonus with each passing year.

You can also get additional discounts by trying to include as many features as you can in your home and contents policy. You can also engage the same insurance company to insure your business premises and if possible your car too. This move will surely compel your insurer to pass on a hefty discount to you. You can also try to raise the standard policy excess if you can. In case you are able to cover the majority of your claim then your premiums will definitely get reduced.

Instead of simply relying on one or two quotes from different companies, you should try to get at least three or four quotes from various insurers. This will provide you with a wider choice and also help in further negotiating the rates. You can also check on all inclusions and exclusions before making up your mind. However, do not let premium rates be the only deciding factor in choosing the right home insurance company. Instead, give equal importance to cover as well as the reputation of the chosen insurer since you need to quickly receive your policy amount in case you file a claim.

Insuring a home is a critical move that should not be avoided or compromised by you at any cost. If you are on a tight budget then you can still get adequate home insurance cover by following the above tips. These tips will help you to save money initially and also keep you saving more with each consecutive year. A little effort from your side will surely result in a noticeable reduction in your premium rates.

Form a Safety Cocoon by Examining Different Types of Home Insurance Options

Simply insuring your home building is not enough to save you in case of any natural or man-induced calamity. There are several home insuring options that offer specialised cover for your specific needs and you need to consider all such options before opting for a policy that forms a safety cocoon around you and your home.

There are several types of insurance covers that can help bail you out in case of any natural disaster like floods, fire, earthquake, etc. or any man-made problems such as burglary, intentional damage to property, etc. While you should surely insure your building for fire and flood damage, you should also insure the contents in your home. These could be furniture, valuable art pieces, money, credit cards and various electrical and electronic appliances including TVs, computers and kitchen appliances. You can also insure your home boiler and some insurers offer regular boiler inspections by qualified technicians. You can insure your garden as well around your home by paying an extra premium.

In addition to physically insuring your property and its contents you can also insure your mortgage payments so that you remain safely protected in case you are unable to make future mortgage payments due to an accident, sickness or due to unemployment. Some insurance providers also offer life insurance with such policies and if you get a decent discount on such plans then you can certainly opt for it. If you are a landlord that has rented out your property then you can still insure your home against damages caused to it by natural causes and by your tenants too. You can also get public liability cover in your landlord policy so as to avoid getting sued by your own tenant.

In case you plan to build your own home or renovate it then you can again opt for matching cover through an efficient insuring company. All your building equipment can be insured in such a policy along with public liability cover too. If your home is located in rural settings or if you reside in a farmhouse then you can opt for thatch cover. Such a policy will help you get the right cover for your thatched dwelling along with livestock and pet cover too. If you have purchased a holiday home in another European country then you can also get your holiday home insured so that you can rest in the UK without any worries.

Once you know about the various sub-sections available in home insurance cover then you should match them to your needs. There is no point in spending large amounts of money in buying cover that does not apply to you even though an over-zealous agent or insurer might try his or her level best to convince you to do so. You should also try to club together various categories of cover into a single policy if possible so as to get the maximum discount possible. In addition, you can also try to get your business and your cars insured with the same company if possible to get additional discounts.

Instead of only going in for basic home insurance cover or trying to cover all unwanted categories, you should opt for tailor-made cover of specific categories related to your type of home. There are several insuring companies that will understand your needs and offer a customised policy to form a safety cocoon around you and your home.

The Importance of Insuring Your Home Contents in Today's World

Gone are the days when a home used to be filled with age-old furniture and other knick-knacks that were not of much value. Today's average home consists of the latest electrical and electronic gismos, clothing, frozen foods, trendy furniture, heating and cooling equipment, mobile phones and even money and credit cards. It is important that you insure the contents of your home while insuring your building too.

Some insurance companies offer an additional discount when you buy building and contents cover together from them. However, it is still a good idea to also explore different policies in case you get a better discount. You should make a list of all the contents in your home that need to be insured so that you get complete cover as well as end up paying a premium only for those contents that actually need to be insured. In addition to your furniture, electronic appliances such as TVs, music systems, refrigerators and computers, you can also insure your garden and any contents in your garden shed too.

In case you opt for separate cover policies for your building and its contents from different insurers, you might need to be ready for a little confusion. If you do opt for a claim for damages to your building and its insured contents, both your insurers might argue on certain grey areas that fall between your building and contents claims. You might end up as an unfortunate loser in such a situation. Your contents cover should also include public liability cover in case someone else is injured on your property while using your equipment.

You should call for many separate quotes for your building as well as its contents. This will allow you to compare premium rates, range of cover and discounts in case you plan to buy a single policy. You should keep a keen eye out for inclusions and exclusions in these quotes otherwise you might simply be left holding a burnt plasma TV in your hands while your insurance company reads out an exclusion clause written in fine print. Certain insuring companies offer a valuation calculator that can help value the contents of your home so that you can buy a matching policy that covers the value of your contents in case of any problem.

You should certainly opt for the 'old for new' option while purchasing your contents policy. Although this is a costlier option with higher premiums, it will ensure that you get the value of a similar new product in case your older product is damaged. For example, if your eight year old refrigerator is damaged by floods then you can receive a brand new refrigerator of similar size or its equivalent value, which in turn will help you out tremendously as you will not have to shell out the balance of money.

Anyway, an eight year old refrigerator would be practically worthless and paying a lower premium for an 'old for old' option will certainly not help in the long run. If you get a decent discount while insuring your contents in your home insurance policy then the additional premium will certainly be worth it.

The contents of a modern home are high in value and ignoring to insure it sufficiently could result in large financial loss if a tragedy were to affect your home or its contents. You should certainly try to go in for a combined home insurance policy that also includes all the contents so as to get a hefty discount and ease of applying for a claim in case of any untoward incident.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Home

If you have fulfilled your life-long dream of finally owning your own home in the UK then one mistake whilst insuring your heavenly abode in the UK is to under insure or not fully understand the policy you purchase. You might not only be witness to your home being destroyed in a natural calamity such as a storm or fire but could also find your claim being rejected due to misreading the fine print or forgetting to include specific cover in your policy.

While insuring a home, most people make the basic mistake of undervaluing their homes in a bid to save on premiums. If you too make the same mistake then this move could force you to go in for a smaller home in case your original home is destroyed beyond repair as the funds would simply be insufficient to find or build the same home at current market prices. You should first calculate the current market rate of your home as well as foresee higher property rates in the future to arrive at the right rate of your home.

Another pitfall to avoid is opting for the old-for-old scheme while insuring the contents of your home, again in a bid to save on insurance premiums. In such a case if your 10 year old TV burns down to the ground then its value would anyway have sunk so low that you might not be able to afford a transistor radio for the money you receive against your claim. You should only opt for the new-for-old cover even if you need to pay more premiums. If you forget to include new items that you purchase after signing your policy then that could also turn out to be a costly mistake.

Rushing in to sign the cheapest policy too could land you in deep trouble in the future. Instead of only focusing on cheap premiums, you should make sure that you stick to an insuring company with a good record of paying their claims. You just might find yourself fighting with your insuring company after losing your home or its contents simply because you ended up buying your policy from the human equivalent of a leech that has simply sucked your premiums away.

If you concentrate on reading only about inclusions in your home insuring policy you just might find yourself in neck-deep flood water with your policy in your hand if you forget to read about the exclusions in that policy. You should make it a point to read about exclusions in your proposed policy as well as squint hard enough to read the fine print since your insuring company could be banking on these factors to bail them out of a tricky situation.

Another pitfall to avoid is getting swayed by a sweet talkinghome insurance agent or salesperson. You might end up paying a lot of premium for unwanted cover or could miss out on some vital cover. You should make it a point to call for 3 or 4 quotes to study the various types of covers available in the market. You should also try to get building and contents cover from a single insurance provider since this would reduce confusion while filing for a claim that involves damage to your building as well as its contents.

There are several pitfalls that await the unwary home owner after the purchase of a home insurance policy. The trick is to avoid such pitfalls and sign a policy that offers perfect cover as well as prompt passing of claims in case of any untoward calamity.

Home Insurance Coverages You Should Consider When Getting a Home Insurance Quote

You've finally made it!

You've waited a long time for this moment. You've sacrificed, saved, budgeted, and worked hard for it... but now you've managed to achieve the ultimate purchase: your new home!

There is a tremendous satisfaction in having your own home, because you can do what you want with your property. You can paint it in pink polka dots, tear down walls, have pets, build a swimming pool, put a drive-through in your kitchen... you name it.

You are the boss, this is YOUR crib, and you are king of the castle. This is THE home of the Whopper, and you will have it your way... after all, you paid for it!

But wouldn't it be disastrous if something were to happen to your prized home, that you worked for so hard and so long to buy? In some literal cases, you could see your home go up in smoke, and lose everything.

That is why home insurance is not just an option - it's an absolute necessity!

When shopping for the best home insurance, there are some fundamental considerations you will want to make. Most times, it will come down to exactly what you want to insure, and for how much. You will probably start with some form of home insurance on the structural elements of the property itself, but there are many supplementary and auxiliary options you may want to decide to incorporate into your home insurance quote.

One of these is insurance against natural calamity, and some home insurance companies will not be keen to stipulate a home insurance policy with you, if you ask for such a clause. The reason for this is simple, and it is due to the fact that natural calamity can come at any time, without warning.

There is no way to carry out a feasible assessment of the risk involved for the home insurance company, and this is something which can be costly for the insurer.

And this is because a natural calamity can quite easily wipe out everything you have insured. A tornado, a wild fire, a tsunami, an earthquake... they can literally leave you with nothing left. Typically, the costs to insure your home against natural calamity will be quite high. Although no monetary disbursal can compensate for the loss of prized possessions such as unique items, pictures, etc., with a natural calamity insurance policy you will at least you will get something out of it for your loss.

But expect to pay substantially for such coverage!

Another convenient insurance is a liability of injury insurance. It's a sad truth that some people will take advantage of anything, if there's a lump sum of money to be made form it. In the event someone should slip and fall in your house, injuring themselves, you will be usually more than safe with a liability of injury insurance policy, should they want to sue you for injuries.

It is also commonplace to insure the contents of the property against theft or vandalism. Although purchasing your items with a credit card will often entitle you to some form of consumer protection, it's generally a short-lived benefit. Ten years down the road, if someone breaks into your house and slashes your prized Italian leather sofa, or steals your Playstation, don't call your Mastercard rep for help - pray that you've ensured the contents of your home!

Be aware that in most cases, there is a limit to how much an insurance company will pay out on a claim. But this can often be negotiated to higher limits, depending on how much you are willing to invest financially in the insurance policy. You just need to ask the questions, and establish these specific points clearly during the course of stipulation for your home insurance quote.

Home insurance is a very important thing to have, always. It should be the second thing you do, after putting your "Home Sweet Home" welcome mat outside the door. Because of the value of what you are ensuring, and the incognito of anything happening at any time, your home insurance quote can vary sensibly. But it's smart to stipulate as comprehensive a situational coverage policy as your home insurance provider will offer, and insure as much of your property and its contents as your finances permit.

For a review of the best rated home insurance providers, please visit Credit Deal.

Joshua Harris is a free-lance writer, author, copywriter, and long-time online marketer. A former military officer, Joshua pursued a rewarding management career in the hospitality, then retail industries. After clashing with the inflexible mentality of the corporate world, he went his own way, launching a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality and catering sector. He eventually sold all his profitable businesses, and turned to the Internet for what he calls "a multi-full time income, for a mini-part time effort". After many years spent living between Italy, London, and Ireland, Joshua setup his base of operation in the sunny Algarve, in South Portugal, where he lives with his partner of 15 years, Tiziana, and his 5 year old son, Milton Alexandre. When not in Portugal, he divides his time between London (his second home), and Naples, Italy (where he was born and raised). Fluent in 5 European languages, Joshua writes on a variety of topics, one of them finance and credit at Credit Deal.

Switching Home Insurance - Make Sure You Do it Right!

Millions of people every year switch home insurance companies to save hundreds of dollars on their home insurance. Most of the time, the process is seamless and easy. However, there are a few things that can really cause you headache when you are trying to switch companies. If your home is deemed uninsurable by your new insurance company, you typically don't find out (unless your agent was very thorough and went over all the important questions with you) until a week or two after you've purchased the new policy and canceled the old policy.

How do you keep this from happening? The easiest way to ensure you are never in a situation where you try to switch insurance companies just to find out the new company won't insure you is to know the most common reasons homes are uninsurable. Not every company is the same; some accept certain risks while others don't. However, if you know the most common reasons why an insurance policy may get turned down, you are better prepared to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

Dog Breeds

Home insurance companies have done studies and found that certain dog breeds are consistently the cause of liability claims. These claims cost home insurance companies millions of dollars each year, and as a result there are many companies that will refuse to insure someone who owns these types of dogs. The most common uninsurable dogs are the Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Chow, Doberman Pincher, and Wolf hybrid. Some companies limit even more dogs.

Old Roof

If your roof is old (more than 10 years) or has any wind or hail damage on it whatsoever, most companies will either drop the policy or require you to fix the roof before their insurance coverage will apply to your roof. Damage dealing with the roof is by far the biggest issue for most insurance companies.

Trampoline

A trampoline is a potential liability claim waiting to happen, and as a result many companies today have opted not to insure people who own a trampoline.

Swimming Pool

Most home insurance companies have no problems insuring swimming pools. There is a problem with many insurance companies, however, when swimming pools are unfenced, have diving boards, and slides.

Toys

Although rare, there are a few companies that do not like you to have any riding toys on the property. Certain companies will not accept ATVs of any kind. Sometimes even riding a golf cart on your property can be a cause for concern for insurance companies.

Existing Damage

Finally, existing damage will always get you into trouble if you are trying to switch home insurance companies. Most companies would like you to fix all the problems with the property before you switch, because they are worried that you may file a claim for some damage that existed before you became insured through them.

Although there are many companies out there that will insure just about anything, before you commit to any new insurance policy, make sure you know your new companies stance on the above-mentioned items, so you can switch your insurance with the peace of mind of knowing that you are getting a better price and the policy won't be canceled.

Lincoln Stevens is Director of Marketing for Insurance Education Group, a web-based company aimed at helping people obtain the best home insurance rate possible. Are you looking for a better rate on your home insurance? We can help! In five minutes or less you can fill out our online quote form and receive multiple quotes from multiple companies. So whether you are searching for Los Angeles, New York, or Houston home insurance, we have an affordable solution for you. What are you waiting for? Start your quote with us today!

Affordable Homeowners Insurance - Find A Better Rate

If you are a homeowner, then finding affordable rates for a high quality policy must interest you. Depending on the value your home, your income and the location where your home stands, you could find just the right protection at the most affordable rate. Here are some of the ways of effectively lowering your homeowners insurance rates.

Get your home evaluated professionally. It is important you know the cash value of your home, this will guide you when customizing your coverage options. Knowing your property actually guides you when adding needed coverage and removing unwanted coverage. Also, make sure you use professional help when customizing your policy; you do not want to discover, at the point of filing a claim, that you are under-insured. You should know all about the replacement cost and actual cost coverage as it applies with your chosen insurance provider.

After knowing the value of your home, find and compare free homeowners insurance quotes. The fastest and most convenient way of doing this, is using online quotes comparison websites. These sites have a network of insurers from which they source their quotes. The more quotes you have to compare, the better your chances of finding the best insurance for your home at the most affordable rate. Take your time and research home insurance providers properly before buying a policy from any one of them. Having an affordable policy from an unreliable provider is just as bad as being uninsured or even worse. Find a better homeowners insurance rate now and enjoy massive savings.

Will Your Home Insurance Leave You High and Dry After a Flood?

The Environment Agency provides a flood map on its website for both the public and the Association of British Insurers. This works in two ways: the map itself shows both the areas which are at high risk from floods and those which could be affected by an extreme flood, while an accompanying guide lists current flood warnings.

Flood risk areas are classified in three categories: low risk (less than a 1 in 200 chance of a flood each year), moderate risk (between 1 in 75 and 1 in 200) and high risk (more than 1 in 75). The moderate and high risk categories are the two which are shown on the flood map.

Will insurers cover me if I am at risk?

The ABI agreed a statement of principles with the Government, last updated in 2008. Under this agreement, ABI members will not normally refuse to cover a property in a moderate risk area. They also agree to cover properties in high risk areas if the Environment Agency has already announce flood defence plans which are expected to reduce the risk to moderate levels within five years.

It's very important to note that although insurers are usually bound to cover such properties, they are perfectly at liberty to charge higher premiums or impose a higher excess. There is also an exception which means insurers can refuse to cover any property built after 1 January 2009 as it's assumed builders and buyers will have taken into account the flood risks before going ahead with construction and purchase on a particular site.

Will suffering a flood affect my future premiums or leave me without cover?

This is largely at the discretion of insurers, beyond their commitment to cover properties as detailed above. In theory you might expect an insurer to heavily raise premiums on a property after it has suffered a flood. In practice, the flood may prompt a homeowner to take better precautions to minimise the damage if a flood takes place again. The flood may also put more pressure on local authorities and government agencies to take steps to make sure flooding is less likely to happen again.

When assessing the impact of a flood on future cover, insurers may also distinguish between a flood which appears to be a genuine freak occurrence and once where the risk was more predictable.

With homes where insurers have discretion over cover (those in high risk areas with no plans for improved defences), it is common for the existing insurer to continue to offer cover after a flood but for other firms to refuse to take over cover. This avoid the householder being left without cover, but does mean they have little bargaining power over premiums.

Will I get the same deal as my neighbours?

One of the biggest complaints about home insurance in areas with a higher risk of flooding is that people in similar properties in the same location will be offered widely varying premiums and excesses, sometimes even from the same insurer. The ABI says this is because the risks and potential damages are affected by many factors which can vary even in fundamentally similar properties.

What Are Building and Content Insurance?

Taking a policy cover for your property is one of the most important decisions one can take. This is true, whether the property is your current residence or a rental property. There are two options available. You may opt to purchase a building insurance and a content insurance separately. Alternatively, you may decide to buy a combined insurance policy.

Building insurance covers the owner of a building for any damage that may occur on it. It mainly covers the permanent fixtures in your property, such as windows, doors, roof, walls, floor, and ceiling. In addition, it may also include structures outside of the building such as the fence and the garage. It may also include the permanent and temporary fixtures and fittings of the building including built-in cabinets, wardrobes, interior decorations, underground tanks, drainage pipes, and cables among others.

The building insurance policy must also cater for the costs of rebuilding such as demolition costs, architects fees, cost incurred to clear the building site, among other costs. The damage to the building or property could be due to a number of events such as fire, theft, destructive weather phenomena like floods, lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Other destructive events include earthquakes, explosions, damage by vehicles or airplanes, falling of a lamppost, pole, or tree, freezing or bursting of the plumbing system (part or whole). Making sure that you have Building and Content Insurance is the best way to ensure you are covered.

Content insurance, on the other hand, is insurance that covers damage to possessions inside a persons house or property. Here, possession refers to anything that is not permanently attached to the house or building. Some personal possessions may include clothing, furniture, carpets, entertainment systems, computers, and any other thing of value. The cover may at times extend to things stored or kept in outer buildings, or lawns.

Derek Meszaros has written many articles on the topics of home security and home insurance. In today's turbulent times, it is important to ensure that you are covered for all circumstances. Make sure you have Building and Content Insurance and protect yourself, your home and your belongings!

Finding the Best Condominium Insurance Quote

Homes can exist in many different appearances. A home may be a bungalow, a mansion, a two-storey house, or even a loft in a building. Nowadays, as compared to those who are traditional patriots of conventional houses, more hardworking earners opt to live in condominium units, where they may comfortably settle down without having to think of any house-related issues at all. As homes must be protected, so must condominiums, and getting a condominium insurance quote is the best way to go about this.

As condominium units are not your usual type of home, providing insurance for them is also presented in a different way. Condo insurance quote must therefore be committed in accordance with the ordinances and policies that must be followed within the condominium building, such as standard rules and regulations of the condominium association. A condo insurance quote also helps you scout and compare the offers of other insurance agents, allowing you to choose wisely and freely in accordance with your preferences.

In the process of getting a condominium insurance quote, always do your best to carefully scrutinize the offers insurance agents present you with; do not immediately jump at the first offer you get. Always make a follow-up on your condo insurance quote with the agent, and keep yourself aware of all the updates and details on the insurance policy to ensure a smooth-sailing insurance transaction for the protection of your own home.

It is important for you to make a good investment. It is equally important that you take care of such investment with vigor, knowing that it will be a property that you may make use of for as long as you can. Getting insurance quotes is not limited to your health alone; it ay - and should -- also apply to your properties. Condominium units are commercial establishments, true. But they are also home to many people. If you live in a condominium unit, get a condominium insurance quote and protect your investment - your home. Search the web for a list of insurance companies that offer policies for homes, particularly condominium units. Good luck!

Purchasing Building and Content Insurance

Purchasing building and content insurance separately can turn out to be quite expensive. However, it is possible to get a combined insurance at affordable costs. It saves you the time of having to look for quotes for each insurance policy on its own and the costs of paying for each policy separately. You are able to pay for both covers, all under one package.

Today, it is possible to find cheap building and content insurance online. By seeking the help of an online specialist, you will be able to get the best quotes available in the market. You may also seek assistance from price comparison websites. These sites will provide rates for different types of insurance cover. Your will only need to choose the cover that suits you best. Besides that, there are other ways to obtain cheaper insurance for your property.

One such way is by choosing to pay more on the excess. You end up saving more on the total you would pay on the premiums. In addition, if there are security installations in your house or building such as CCTV, you will be able to get cheaper premium rates on the building and content insurance. This is because the insurance considers such properties less vulnerable to the risk of theft or burglary.

When taking out building and content insurance for your property, define fully the sum assured (the amount of money that the insurance company would have to pay out in the event of a claim). Take a precise estimate of all inventories in the house or building. Purchasing a building and content insurance would work in your favor in the long run.

What Newlyweds Need to Know About Insurance

Marriage means you will need to update your insurance to reflect your new marital status.

Once you have said "I Do" you will need to re-evaluate your insurance coverage.

One of you may move into the other's current home, or the newlywed couple may move into a new home together, households and finances get merged. Assessing and addressing your insurance needs early on will help you make the right choices when combining 2 single households into one married package. It can also save you a lot of money in the future and will help carry you over the threshold toward financial stability. Be sure if one of you is changing their name that it is reflected on your policy.

If only one of you have a health insurance plan you might want to put it all under one plan to get. So you don't pay duplicate coverage on health insurance, compare coverages and costs if you or your spouse each has health insurance through your employers'.

Be sure to take out a homeowners or renters policy to protect you in the event of fire or theft. One of your most valuable assets is your home and its belongings. For your new life together, you have bought new furniture and have opened all of your wedding gifts, they need to be protected. Be sure to inventory all of your belongings, go through the entire house together since most couples have lived on their own before marriage. Take pictures/videotape while you are taking an inventory. Write the brand, make, models, serial numbers, and dates of purchase on the back of the picture and store this information in a safe place.

Combining your auto policies into one household can often save you money. Most companies offer discounts for insuring multiple vehicles on one policy. Rates for married drivers are usually lower than for single policyholders.

Also, most insurance companies will give you additional discounts when you package homeowners and auto policies together Though not a topic most newlyweds want to spend a lot of time thinking about, the chance of leaving behind a loved one is a risk that no married person should ignore. Purchasing life insurance is important because you want your new family to be financially prepared in the event of the loss of either spouse. Would your surviving spouse be able to manage the mortgage or rent payments on one salary? How much debt do you currently have including credit card bills, student loans and car loans? If you don't already own a home, are you planning to purchase one soon? Are you planning to have children any time soon?

These are just a few questions newlyweds need to answer. Also, if you already had a life insurance policy before you were married, be sure to change the beneficiary. You may want to add your expensive wedding ring to your policy because most homeowner's policies place a limit on jewelry coverage; this is called a rider or endorsement.

Preparing Your Household Records

Earthquakes, fires, floods, and tornadoes can happen anytime, anywhere without warning and can require evacuation. Your number one priority in any of these situations is to be sure your family is safe, not finding your most recent copies of insurance policies or bank statements. In case the unexpected happens to you it is best to be prepared BEFORE it happens.

What Documents Should You Have Ready?

• Identification for all family members such as birth, marriage, death certificates, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, insurance cards, and passports.

• Proof of ownership or lease of your residence. (This is needed when applying for disaster assistance after a disaster.

• Photocopy the front and back sides of your credit cards, ATM and debit cards. Be sure to have copies of your PIN numbers (it is best to memorize your PIN numbers). DO NOT store your PIN numbers near your cards in case of theft.

• Checkbook with blank checks and deposit slips; it is advisable to have at least one check so you have a record of your checking account number and financial institution's routing number.

• A small amount of cash

• Contact information for your financial service providers and important account numbers. Safe deposit box key

• Medical records, list of prescription medications, including dosage, treatment and allergy information. Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available. List style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers.

• Tax information, copies of your wills and deeds

• Military ID cards, Military discharge documents

• Copy of your naturalization papers

• Copy of pink slips for your automobiles

• Copies of secret passwords

Keep these documents in a tightly sealed water proof container with your emergency supplies. Send a copy to an out of area contact and store another copy in a safety deposit box. Be sure to update this information as needed.

Remember that these documents contain personal information like social security numbers and bank account information that could be used for identity theft if it fell into the wrong hands. Make sure that your emergency financial records kit is stored in a secure location in your home so it is easy for you to carry away in a disaster not for a thief to carry away in a robbery.

Affordable Home Insurance - Why Your Mortgage Provider Requires Full Coverage

Anyone who has tried to get mortgage for a home would know that every mortgage provider requires that you have a home insurance coverage which they approve of. The reason for this should be obvious - They need to be sure that their investment on your home is fully secured. We would here look at this coverage in a little more detail and also see how we can satisfy the the mortgage provider whilst still enjoying affordable home insurance.

To get a mortgage loan, you would likely be required to make a less than %10 deposit meaning that the mortgage provider has to be the one to cough up almost the entire money needed for the purchase of the home. If you were in their shoes, would you want to risk having this huge investment be open to total loss? Of course not.

Your mortgage provider would require what is commonly called hazard insurance. This basically homeowner insurance which covers the home especially the dwelling. The dwelling often refers to the main structure because it can exclude other structures like shed's etc.

One way people save cost is increasing their deductible so they can pay much lower monthly premiums. (A deductible is the amount you would pay when you make a claim before your insurance company steps in) However, your mortgage provider would not allow you choose just any amount as deductible because they would want you to be able to pay your deductible should there be a need for a claim to be made. If the deductible is too high, it could jeopardize their investment so many mortgage lenders would not allow deductibles above $2500.

Secondly, the higher the deductible, the less likely you are to call in your insurance company if there are repairs that need to be done on the building mainly because of the high deductible you would pay. Your mortgage provider does not want this as it would increase the likelihood of the house loosing value due to damages that get worse because they are not repaired on time.

You can satisfy your lender and still have affordable home insurance. One good way is to get free home insurance quotes for comparison. Visit independent quotes comparison sites and get these quotes. It is an easy way to find cheap policies. You can also save by qualifying for discounts. Ask you agent about the discounts possible.

Protecting Your House Inside and Out

If you own a house or are planning to purchase one at some point, then you are probably well aware that you need to start protecting your home contents. There are many parts of a home that need to be protected from the items in the home to the roof itself. You can of course insure everything in the house, but many people believe that insuring the contents is one of the most important things that you can do.

That being said now would be a great time for you to begin your search for an insurance company that can guarantee those home contents. You will of course want to make sure you find one which can insure several different items in your home. For instance there will be items which actually sit outside the home and there will be items that you have temporarily removed from the home.

By definition, contents are items that are in your house but they are not a permanent part of it and with that being the case you may be able to insure items that have been temporarily removed from your home, though this will not always be the case. It would be a good idea to check with your cover provider and see exactly what you can have included with your plan.

You will need to choose carefully and only take the parts you really need. For instance you will most certainly need accident cover on your plan due to the fact that accidents occur on a daily basis. Perhaps your treasured vase is sitting in the hallway and you just happen to bump into it. Maybe someone will run into the side of your home with a bulldozer and knock a precious paining off the wall and cause a serious problem. These are all realistic scenarios and for this reason it is important to make sure that you have cover for each and every item in your house.

Always and we do mean always check to see what your policy covers. There is a small chance that the policy will not cover any type of storm damage and it may rule out acts of God altogether. This does not seem realistic but it is still quite true and with that being the case you will want to make sure that you actually ask.

If you are planning to take out a mortgage of any type then chances are you will need to make sure your home is insured with either standard insurance or contents insurance. Most lenders will require you to have cover as this will protect both their investment and yours. It will make the process more expensive of course, but it will be even more expensive if you lose everything and still have to pay off the mortgage.

These are just a few of the things that you need to know about contents insurance. As you can see, having it will be both beneficial to you as well as to any lender you choose to go through.

Home Insurance Coverage, Price, and Service - The Three Most Important Elements

When evaluating home insurance companies, there are three extremely important criteria you need to consider: price, coverage, and service. These three criteria can be referred to as the "three-legged insurance stool," because the stool (or your insurance policy) can't stand unless all three elements are present in your policy. A complete home insurance policy is one that has a great price, excellent coverage, and fantastic service.

Price. Price is extremely important when evaluating your home insurance. In today's economic climate, everyone is looking to save a buck or two. Many companies will use their reputable name and catchy slogans to make people feel like they have the best prices. The best way to know for certain you are getting a reasonable price is to shop your insurance coverage around. Get quotes from at least three different companies to ensure that the prices you are getting quoted are reasonable and comparable to other insurance companies in the area.

Coverage. Home insurance coverage comes in many shapes and sizes. From extremely poor coverage (an HO1 policy) to excellent, near bullet-proof coverage (an HO5 policy), you have many options. One mistake you need to make sure not to make is to assume that all home insurance policies are one and the same. If you don't know the different policy types available, you might end up with a policy that doesn't cover important perils like water damage or falling objects. This could ultimately end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars! In this case, knowledge truly is power. If you don't know too much about the different home insurance policy types, at the very least ask your agent what is and isn't covered with the policy he's giving you.

Service. The final leg of the "three-legged insurance stool" is service. You can have the best price and excellent coverage, but if you don't have quality service to go along with it, you will probably end up disappointed with your insurance provider. If you need to file a claim, how important is it to have your claim taken care of quickly and efficiently? If you answered "very important," then service should be an important element that you evaluate before you switch insurance companies. The best way to evaluate service quality is to talk to family and friends (who have preferably filed a claim) that have the same insurance carrier and love it. If you don't know anyone who has your potential insurance provider, checking the AM Best rating, the Better Business Bureau, JD Power ratings, and your state's insurance site are great ways to do your due diligence.

Good luck!

Lincoln Stevens is Director of Marketing for Insurance Education Group, a web-based company aimed at helping people obtain the best house insurance they possibly can. Are you looking for a better rate on your home insurance? We can help! In five minutes or less you can fill out our online quote form and receive multiple quotes from multiple companies. Insurance Education Group not only has the best and quickest online quote forms on the web, but also a library of insurance information free to all those who visit the site! Become a well-informed consumer and field multiple free insurance quotes all at Insurance Education Group!

Proposed Cuts in Housing Benefit - Why They Could Prompt a Tenant Exodus in England

It was the film 28 Days Later that gave viewers the iconic view of an abandoned London; eerily empty streets, landmarks standing isolated and alone, and a desolate silence broken only by an occasional gust of wind propelling plastic bag tumbleweed about an empty Trafalgar square.

Some commentators are predicting that the situation may not get quite this bad in our major towns and cities, but we could see a good number of tenants leaving more expensive areas as a result of the expected change in legislation.

Change is coming...

Much debate has been stimulated by the Coalition Government's announcement of plans to make changes to the Housing Benefits system. Under the new plans, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has confirmed that from April 2011, the amount of funding available to Housing Benefits recipients will be reduced to one third of the average rent for the area in which the claimant resides.

The overhaul of the system and reduction in funding has sent ripples through the housing and rental sectors as some industry experts anticipate mass movement by tenants to more affordable housing. With an estimated 750,000 people likely to be affected by the benefits cut (including 15,000 families), towns and cities could be the places most liable to lose residents as affected tenants look to relocate to cheaper areas.

Bad news for landlords?

Landlords renting to tenants claiming Housing Benefits may well become nervous as April 2011 draws closer. But by taking a few simple steps over the coming months, landlords can adequately prepare for the times ahead. The following suggestions could help:

1) Protect yourself and your property The first step should be to protect yourself and your property (if you haven't done so already).

One of the benefits of some landlord insurance policies is Legal and Professional Fees Cover. This could prove essential as it provides cover for a variety of risks including; protection against the costs associated with the pursuit of rent arrears or if a tenant is in breach of any of their obligations under the tenancy agreement.

2) Talk to your local authority or district council

• Do they have a helpline for concerned landlords? • Are they holding open meetings on the subject? • Have they produced a leaflet or websites giving advice?

As one of the bodies involved in implementing the change at grass roots level, they should be able to advise you as to the best course of action over the coming months.

3) Talk to other landlords and lettings agents

Other landlords will be going through the same concerns at the moment. Sharing your thoughts with them may help you all to develop a better understanding and devise a course of action for coping with the change. If you use a letting agent to rent your property, then ask if they can put you in touch with other landlords in a similar situation.

4) Consider re-pricing your rent in the short term

Although this isn't always ideal, it may be that reducing your rental costs in the short term allows your tenants to continue renting your property and avoid defaulting. It may be more cost effective to do this than loose your existing tenants and have the property stand empty while you advertise for new occupants.

5) Talk to your tenants

Don't forget to talk to your tenants! It may be that they already have a plan for coping with the reduction in Housing Benefits. Whatever the case; working together could prove the most effective way to prepare for April 2011.

Be open to ideas and be proactive

Above all else, being open to ideas and proactive could be the key to having a successful strategy in place well in advance of April 2011. Try to stay positive and address the issue now rather than putting off the important decisions.

GuardStone is a forward thinking insurance provider that makes customer experience and security a priority. We provide cost-saving insurance and make it quick and easy to buy and manage your policy online. To find out more about our range of policies including Legal and Professional Fees Cover please visit us.

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