Insurance Blog

Insurance Blog

Tag: home insurance

Will Home Insurance Increase If You Add An Outdoor Kitchen?

Posted on by admin

Adding amenities to your home is a great way to create a gathering spot for the entire family to spend quality time together. An outdoor kitchen can encourage everyone to spend more time outside, rather than being indoors in front of a screen. However, it’s important to understand how this upgrade may impact your insurance premiums and coverage limits.

Increased Coverage

An outdoor kitchen often results in a slight increase in your monthly premiums because it requires higher coverage limits. Home insurance policies, such as those offered by The Hansen Agency LLC, are designed to replace damaged property, which includes your outdoor kitchen. To ensure you have enough coverage to replace this new amenity, your policy limits may need to be adjusted.

Fire Risk

Many outdoor kitchens in Washington, PA include features like pizza ovens, which can increase the risk of fire. However, standard BBQ grills are generally not considered additional fire hazards since they are common and widely used. Speak with an insurance agent to review the specific features of your outdoor kitchen and determine whether they will impact your premiums due to increased risk.

Several factors are considered when determining whether an outdoor kitchen will increase your premiums. Replacement cost is one of the most significant factors. For example, an outdoor kitchen with elaborate stonework and permanent fixtures will be more expensive to replace. Fire hazards are another key consideration for insurance companies.

Get Expert Advice

Because outdoor kitchens vary widely in design and features, it’s difficult to provide a definitive answer about how they will affect your insurance. Instead, it’s best to consult with one of our professional agents at The Hansen Agency LLC. We’ll discuss your outdoor kitchen and help you determine whether your upgrade will impact your insurance coverage. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Washington, PA area.

Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home and How Insurance Helps

Posted on by admin

As your insurance representative, The Hansen Agency LLC, serving Washington, PA, wants you not only to have adequate home insurance protection but also to know how to prevent damage in the first place. Water damage can be costly and disruptive. By taking steps to prevent it from occurring, you’ll be ahead of the game!

1. Detect Leaks Early

Water damage sometimes happens gradually, giving you a chance to catch problems early on. If you notice drips or water spots around your home, don’t ignore them. Investigate further to see if there might be a leak.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to overflow and seep into your home’s foundation, resulting in water damage to the basement or walls. Clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to keep them free from debris. Make sure downspouts are directed away from the house.

3. Consider a Sump Pump

If you live in an area known for frequent rain or a high water table, installing a sump pump can help prevent water from accumulating in your basement.

4. Insulate Your Pipes

In colder climates, such as Pennsylvania, frozen pipes are a common cause of water damage. Insulate your pipes, especially those in unheated areas like the attic, basement, or crawl spaces.

While prevention is key, accidents still happen. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers water damage caused by sudden and accidental incidents. Note that most policies do not cover damage from flooding caused by external water sources, such as heavy rains or natural disasters. For protection against flooding, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, available from your insurance representative at The Hansen Agency LLC, serving Washington, PA. Contact us to learn more!

How Do You Switch Home Insurance Companies?

Posted on by admin

Switching home insurance companies can potentially provide you with better coverage or lower rates, and the process of changing home insurance companies is not complicated. Here at The Hansen Agency LLC, we can guide you through each step if you’re in Washington, PA. Here’s the general process.

1. Find a New Home Insurance Policy

The first step is to find a new and better insurance policy. At The Hansen Agency LLC, we can help you check policy options from several insurers since we’re an independent agency. Our agents are well-versed in home insurance and will work with you to compare coverages and rates.

2. Purchase the Policy

Once you’ve selected a new policy, complete the required paperwork to purchase it. Be prepared to make the first year’s payment in full. Our agents will help you complete all the necessary paperwork.

3. Notify Your Mortgage Lender

If you have a mortgage on your Washington, PA property, your lender needs to be sent your policy details. Namely, they’ll want to see the declarations page. This page details coverages and limits.

Lenders commonly require that the homes they finance are insured, so their financial equity in the house is protected. Not sending them the declarations page could cause the lender to purchase expensive force-placed home insurance. Our agents can ensure your lender gets the declarations page of your new policy, along with any other documentation they want.

4. Get a Refund (Maybe)

If you’ve paid your current policy’s premium in full and are switching before the policy terminates, you may be eligible for a refund of the unused premium. This is usually sent to you.

Contact Your Local Agent Today!

For more information about home insurance and how to switch policies, call The Hansen Agency LLC in Washington, PA, at (407) 982-3266.

Archives

Categories