Category: Home Insurance

Things You May Not Be Aware Aren’t Covered by Home Insurance

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Home insurance provides peace of mind. It is comforting to know that your major investment is being protected. That protection is not, however, complete. There are some things that home insurance excludes from coverage. In Iowa, our dedicated team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help make sure you know exactly what your home insurance covers and what it doesn’t. 

Flooding

Floods cause more damage in the US than any other natural disaster and, perhaps surprisingly, they are not covered by your home insurance policy. The good news is that flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live in an area prone to floods, it is a worthwhile investment.  

Earth Movement

Earthquakes, sinkholes, mud and landslides are also all excluded from your home insurance policy. Again, you can purchase an additional insurance policy to cover these risks. 

Owner Neglect

Owner neglect is not quite as straightforward. Your insurance company expects you to maintain your home in good repair. What exactly does that mean? Is a little peeling pain considered owner neglect? It could be. Your insurer decides what you need to do to maintain your home.

Basically, if your roof needs to be replaced, you need to replace it, and if there is damage to your home due to a faulty roof, it likely will not be covered unless that roof was damaged by weather recently. If you have termites, the damage is your responsibility, since you should get your home treated if you live in an area where termites are present. 

Sewer Backup

Unlike flooding caused by a storm, sewer backups are caused by the obstruction or malfunction of pipes in your home. Sewer backup is ugly and not covered unless you add an endorsement for it. 

If you live in Iowa, our independent insurance agents at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can help you to get the most from your home insurance. Give our office a call or reach out through our website. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Floods?

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Floods can be devastating, causing extensive damage to homes and personal belongings. If you have home insurance, you may wonder whether it includes flood coverage. The professionals at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Iowa, are here to help you understand your home insurance policy and answer your questions.

Are Floods Covered by Home Insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood protection is typically provided through a separate policy offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and made available to the public through a network of insurance agents.

What Is Covered by Home Insurance?

Standard home insurance policies cover a variety of disasters, including:

  • Fire
  • Wind
  • Lightning
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Riot
  • Explosion
  • Hail
  • Damage caused by vehicles

To understand the specific coverage provided by your home insurance policy, request a copy of your policy from your insurance agent or ask them directly for clarification.

Why Choose Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency for Your Home Insurance Policy?

The professionals at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., servicing Iowa, are dedicated to helping you find the best insurance policy for your needs. We work with multiple insurance carriers to ensure you receive a policy that offers the right level of coverage for your situation.

By partnering with various carriers, we can compare policies to find one that fits your budget, provides comprehensive coverage, and gives you peace of mind. Contact us today to speak with one of our trained professionals and get started with your home insurance policy.

Does Home Insurance Cover a Boat?

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Purchasing a boat insurance policy is the most comprehensive way to insure a watercraft, but sometimes a homeowners insurance policy will provide sufficient coverage for your boat. There are three main aspects to review when checking whether your home insurance policy covers your boat.

1. Review Home Insurance Policy Terms

Home insurance policies that provide coverage for boats often limit their protections to small watercraft. It’s not uncommon for a policy to only cover non-motor boats or maybe also powerboats up to a certain horsepower (e.g., 50 hp). The boat can also have a length requirement.

These terms vary from one policy to the next, so you’ll need to check your specific home insurance policy. If you’re located in Iowa, our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. agents can review your policy’s specifics.

2. Consider Potential Boat Damage

You’ll want the boat insured for its full value in case it is destroyed or stolen.

If your boat meets your home insurance policy’s stipulations, it would most likely be covered as personal property. Ensure the personal property coverage limit isn’t lower than the boat’s value. The total personal property limit probably isn’t too low, but a specific lower limit might apply to boats.

3. Consider Potential Liability Risk

Even if you have a small boat that’s wind- or paddle-powered, you should still consider potential liability risks. A friend could fall off a dingy and drown, for example. Your home insurance policy almost certainly offers liability protection for accidents, but double-check that the coverage applies to potential boating accidents.

Find Insurance For Your Boat in Iowa

If your home insurance policy provides sufficient coverage for your boat, then there’s no need to purchase additional protection. If you need more coverage, boat insurance policies are highly customizable and affordable. We here at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. can help you with each type of policy if you’re located in Iowa. Contact us today.

Making your home a safer place during the holidays

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During the holiday season, families tend to gather together in homes. Making sure that everyone is safe is your job as the host. Family can run the gamut from newborns to the elderly. Making sure everyone has a great day and a safe holiday is a big order. In Iowa, you can count on our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. to make sure that one thing you won’t have to worry about is your home insurance.

Make sure the exterior of your home is well-lit and clear

People will be coming in and out of your home, and it needs to be a safe walk. Make sure everything is clear and well-lit. There may be weather to worry about depending on where you live, so be prepared.

Food safety

Food poisoning is one of the biggest dangers in your home during the holidays. It is tempting to thaw your turkey on the counter and then stuff it, which is risky at best. After serving food, it needs to be kept at temperature or refrigerated as soon as you are done eating. Avoid leaving it out to let everyone pick at the leftovers. If you are having eggnog, buy it pasteurized or buy eggs that are safe to eat raw.

Protect the pets

Poinsettias are beautiful, colorful, seasonal, and poisonous if your pets ingest them. If you must have them, they should be placed where no pets can get to them.

Protect the kids

What would the holidays be without the kids? Ensure that any medications or poisonous chemicals are under lock and key or high above the reach of adventurous little ones.

Iowa residents can count on our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team to provide the personalized service you deserve.

Things every new homeowner needs to know about home insurance

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Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., Servicing Iowa Home Insurance

In the state of Iowa, when you need the services of an independent insurance agent, you can count on our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. to provide the personalized service you require. Buying a new home can be stressful, and learning all the things you need to know can be challenging. Our agents are here to help you decide what type of coverage you need.

Home Insurance Deductibles

When you file a claim on your home insurance, there will be a deductible. This amount is determined by you when you choose your policy. The higher the deductible, the lower the rate. However, keep in mind that you will pay the deductible on every claim; it is not a yearly deductible.

Limits on Home Insurance Coverage

It may feel safe to have home insurance, but while it does offer a lot of protection, there are quite a few exclusions. Traditional home insurance does not cover flooding, a major concern in many areas. It also does not cover any type of earth movement, including earthquakes, sinkholes, mud, and landslides. Additionally, homeowner neglect, such as infestations from termites and rodents, isn’t covered.

Choosing Your Personal Property Coverage

When it comes to personal property coverage, you have options. You can choose to cover your belongings for what they are worth today (current cash value) or what it would cost to replace them (replacement cost). It is less expensive to choose the current cash value, which accounts for depreciation.

Things That Increase Your Liability

Property features such as a dog, a trampoline, or a pool can increase your liability. Be sure to adjust your coverage amounts accordingly.

Contact the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team in Iowa to discuss your home insurance needs with one of our insurance agents.

How Do Home and Condo Insurance Differ?

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Home and condo insurance have many more similarities than differences. Both protect against unfortunate events such as damage to your living space or injuries to others that might occur there. Since a home or condo is generally among your most significant investments, it is critical to have insurance coverage that protects your assets financially. Our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team, serving the State of Iowa, will work with you to structure a policy meeting your needs.

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Home and condo insurance have several common elements. Both protect your belongings and liabilities due to the following:

  • accidental injuries and property damages caused by you or household members
  • medical expenses when you or household members are responsible for injuries to others

The difference between home and condo insurance is how they cover the dwelling or building. Home insurance covers freestanding buildings, so home policies cover all parts of the building and grounds. Since condos are shared properties, the association’s insurance covers the common areas and some portions of the building.

Condo associations have master policies that are either "bare walls-in" or "all-in." "Bare walls-in" policies cover the building exterior and common areas, while your condo policy covers everything inside the walls of your condo. 

An "all-in" policy covers the building exterior and common areas as well as your interior walls, appliances, flooring, and lighting. Your condo insurance covers everything the condo master policy doesn’t handle, including all your belongings, so you must be aware of your association’s master policy coverage when acquiring condo insurance.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving Iowa, has deep experience providing home and condo insurance. Call or stop by today to structure a policy to meet your needs.

How does remodeling affect home insurance?

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Remodeling or renovating can be an exciting opportunity to make a house become the home of your dreams. However, the home of your dreams is often among your most significant investments, so it is critical that you adequately protect that investment during and after a remodeling project. The Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team will happily work with you to properly structure home insurance coverage that meets your needs in Iowa.

The Impact of Remodeling and Renovating

A home insurance policy generally offers some protection during the remodeling process. Still, it is a good recommendation (and sometimes a requirement) that you advise your insurance agent of your plan before starting work to confirm your coverage. Consider acquiring an umbrella policy or extending your liability and medical coverage for damages, theft, or injuries during the project. 

A remodeled or renovated home often increases your home’s square footage and furnishings, adds higher-quality countertops or cabinets, or brings more valuable artwork or collectibles into your home, leading to the need to enhance your coverage.

Meanwhile, additions such as new pools or hot tubs make your home more enjoyable but are considered "attractive nuisances" that increase your risk. On the other hand, some renovations reduce your risk. Sprinkler and security systems, improved roofing, and updated heating, plumbing, and electrical systems can lessen your risk, decreasing premiums.

So, regardless of your planned changes, please consult with your agent to see how they may affect your home insurance coverage.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Each client has unique home insurance needs. Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., proudly serving the residents of Iowa, can help you avoid mistakes and protect your home and family against unforeseen events. Call or stop by today to discuss your condo insurance options.