Home Insurance

A homeowners insurance policy protects your home and belongings against damage caused by theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Do you want to know what types of natural disasters are covered by home insurance? Continue reading to learn more.

Natural Disasters Generally Covered by Homeowners Insurance

A basic homeowners policy covers natural disasters, such as:

Hurricanes

• Covers your personal property, dwelling, or additional living expenses against wind damage from hurricanes
• Doesn’t cover flooding-related water damage.

Tornadoes

• Covers your personal belongings and home from wind and rain damage and resulting debris
• Excludes flood damage caused by a tornado

Lightning

• Covers your personal property or home against lightning strikes, including direct strikes, ground surges, and indirect strikes (near miss)
• Reimburses for fire damages resulting from lightning strikes

Fire

• Provides liability, personal property, dwelling, and additional living expenses coverages for damage caused by accidental fires and fires from natural disasters
• Excludes coverage for intentional fires or those caused by negligence

Volcanoes

• Covers fire and ash damage, debris, lava flow, shockwaves
• Volcano-triggered earthquakes and mudslides won’t be covered

Explosion

• Covers your additional living expenses, personal property, and home against damage caused by a gas leak near your home, business, or other structure
• Won’t cover damages from illegal explosions

Extreme Cold

• Covers your personal property and dwelling against damages resulting from ice accumulation on your roof, frozen pipes, and liability claims involving injured visitors
• Excludes flood damage caused by snow and ice

Remember that if your pipes freeze or ice builds up on your roof due to poor maintenance, coverage may be denied.

Natural Disasters That Typically Require Additional Coverage

A basic homeowners insurance policy will not cover the following natural disasters:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Landslides and mudslides
• Tsunamis

However, you can buy additional endorsements to stay covered against damages and related losses resulting from these perils.

How to Stay Adequately Prepared for Natural Disasters

While natural disasters are unavoidable, staying prepared can help mitigate resulting losses and damages, especially if you live in high-risk areas.

As a first precautionary measure, learn about the most common hazards in your state here and be prepared accordingly.

Next, ensure to:

Have an Emergency Kit

During natural disasters, an emergency pack should have everything you’ll need to survive for several days, including:

• Water (one gallon per person for a day)
• First-aid kit
• Dust mask
• Cell Phone and backup charger
• Personal medications
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Can opener
• Batteries
• Plastic sheet and duct tape (to make shelters)
• Wrench or pliers
• Local map
• Non-perishable food
• Personal sanitation (garbage bags, moist towels, etc.)

Devise a Disaster Plan

Creating a disaster plan will help protect you and your family when a disaster strikes.

Your disaster plan should include:

• A source for emergency alerts
• Safe locations list
• Evacuation plans
• Important contact information
• Emergency kit details (access location)

If you are looking for comprehensive home insurance coverage at an affordable rate, contact us today at Abatelli Insurance Group. We will tailor coverage for your property based on your vulnerability to natural disasters and other risk exposures, ensuring that you are adequately protected.

In the U.S., the average rate of auto and homeowners insurance depends on various factors- some of which are expected while others might be a surprise for you. Understanding these factors with which the insurers calculate your rates will aid you in navigating the different insurance providers and coverage alternatives available to you. Learn more about the various factors affecting your auto and homeowners insurance rates in this infographic presented by Travelers.

Distinctive Factors Which Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Rates

Unique Factors That Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

Securing property insurance for your home should be a top priority to avoid potential financial loss. Every home is vulnerable to some type of disaster, from severe storms to theft to vandalism. Purchasing the right insurance policy for your home will help mitigate worst-case scenarios. Here are important points to know about property insurance.

Why Homeowners Need Property Insurance

As a homeowner who has worked hard to buy property, you don’t want to see a sudden event destroy your home and its value. Choosing the right property insurance will protect the value of your home’s structure and its contents. So if it burns down in a fire or gets destroyed by a flood, your insurance agency will be there to pay for a new one based on its reconstruction value. In other words, the insurer pays what it would cost to rebuild your home.

Property insurance doesn’t just cover damage to your home but also provides liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. One of the most common cases of visitors getting hurt at a friend’s home is slipping and falling, especially in winter when walkways can be slippery. Therefore, you must know what your property insurance covers.

Different Types of Property Coverage

Before signing up for a homeowners’ insurance policy, make sure you know what it covers. Not all policies have the same features, as it comes down to the insurance company and how it crafts specific plans. It helps to review the policy with an experienced insurance professional.

Your basic homeowner’s policy covers two broad areas: property damage and liability. Property damage includes when a tree falls on your roof, and you need new roofing. It also includes certain types of flooding, although areas prone to flooding may require special coverage and typically cost more. Standard plans also typically cover losses from theft and vandalism.

If you need a specific type of coverage that isn’t listed in your basic plan, you can add coverage extensions known as endorsements. There are numerous endorsements to consider based on various factors. Earthquake coverage, for example, typically isn’t part of a basic plan, but you can add it as an endorsement. In fact, the best homeowners’ policies are customized to cover specific risks that apply to the home.

Property Coverage Insurance Costs

The average cost of homeowners’ insurance in the United States is about $1,400 per year, according to 2022 Bankrate estimates. Rates vary depending on factors such as location, age of the home, size, and the number of occupants.

You can lower monthly costs either by lowering risks or raising your deductible, which is the amount you pay upfront for damage when you file a claim. The deductible is a small portion of the total costs, in which your insurance company pays the balance.

Cover Your Property with Abatelli

When you buy a new home, one of your first considerations to protect it should be enrolling inappropriate property insurance. Contact us at Abatelli Insurance Group for more information on providing your home with solid financial protection so you can sleep better at night.

Purchasing home insurance is an important decision. Whether you have just bought your home or are looking for a policy that better suits your needs, there are many pertinent things to consider. Check your policy at least once a year, and you will have a better idea of when you might need to change it.

It’s Common Sense

Having a good homeowners insurance policy is simply common sense. Without insurance, you would be responsible for paying for any damages caused by storms, fire, or other perils out of pocket. With the right coverage, most types of loss or damage will be covered aside from your deductible.

Know What You Need

Before you buy a policy, you will need to know how much insurance your home requires. Make a list of your possessions and know the value of your home. Then, consider what it will take to replace your items or rebuild your home, and purchase sufficient coverage to take care of everything if an unfortunate event occurs.

Take a Good Look at Deductibles

A lower deductible will result in higher monthly premiums. If you want lower monthly premiums, you will want to increase your deductible. Your agent will be able to break things down so you can make a better decision.

Replacement Cost or Cash Value

When it comes to your home, it will normally cost more to replace your home than when you first built it. You can opt to buy coverage that will cover the cash value of your home right now, or you can cover it for what it would cost to replace it. Replacement costs will be more expensive, but it ensures you will have enough to rebuild your home.

Look for Discounts

You may be eligible for discounts. Bundling your home and auto policies will qualify you for a discount, as will installing a home security system or outdoor lighting.

Know Your Coverage

Know what perils your policy covers. If you live in an area prone to flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes, you may not be sufficiently covered if you don’t have additional coverage for each of those perils.

Before you buy your next homeowners insurance policy, call the agents at Abatelli Insurance Group, Inc. We can help you get the right coverage for your needs.

Homeowners insurance is something every homeowner should have, especially since it helps to provide adequate coverage for your home and belongings in the event of an unfortunate incident such as a fire outbreak.

In order to be more prepared for fire damage to your home or belongings, it is important that you are well-informed about the coverage provided by your insurance policy and how much protection it provides. You should also know that if your policy will help pay for repairs or replacement of your home and its contents in the event of a fire outbreak.

Coverage Limit for Fire Damage

Your coverage limit is simply the maximum amount your insurance policy is liable to pay you after a loss that is qualified for coverage, and it can be based on the worth of your property and its contents. There are a lot of things to consider before choosing a coverage limit offered by your insurance policy, and they are:

• Personal Property:

  Most times, personal properties are damaged alongside the building during a fire outbreak, so it is important that your policy provides adequate coverage for them by increasing the limits for personal property. For things like pieces of jewelry, expensive arts, etc., you might need to purchase additional coverage for their protection. Also, before making your decision, be sure to inquire if your policy offers actual cash value coverage, which pays for the depreciated value of your damaged items, or replacement cost coverage which pays for the purchase of a new item at the recent price.

• Dwelling Coverage:

  This is a very important thing to consider when choosing a coverage limit as construction costs and home values are known to vary from time to time, so the cost of rebuilding your home after a fire might not be the same as the price you initially paid for it.

Fire Damage Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance

Although homeowners insurance has coverage for fire damage, there are certain types that it might not provide coverage for. For example, homeowners insurance does not offer coverage for a fire that has been intentionally started in your home for whatsoever reason, which is why you should pay close attention to toddlers if you have any in your home. Also, homeowners insurance will not pay for repairs or replacement of fire-damaged properties in your home if the fire is caused by an act of war.

Safety Measures

Although you might have purchased homeowners insurance coverage for fire damage, there’s no harm in engaging safety measures against a fire outbreak in your home, especially since losing one’s belongings is a sad occurrence. You can also install smoke detectors and place fire extinguishers at strategic places in your home to protect it and its content in the event of a fire. If possible, also educate those who live with you about the proper ways to kill a fire once it starts.

Be sure to contact your insurance agent or company for more knowledge on the risks covered by your insurance policy and those that aren’t. Purchase the right insurance policy with suitable coverage for your situation and needs today. We provide a comprehensive choice of homeowners insurance policies at Abatelli Insurance that will undoubtedly meet your needs. To learn more, please get in touch with us immediately.

Just like for any other type of policy, your homeowners insurance costs can increase over time. However, there are several ways to keep your premiums manageable and still have the level of coverage you need to feel secure and protected. Something as little as improving your credit score can keep your premiums low.

The following tips will not only lower your home insurance premiums but will also give you peace of mind.

1. Install a Home Security System

Install a home security system with surveillance cameras that gives you the option of having a third-party monitor your home or allows you to monitor it on your own. Many home security systems also have environmental sensors that inform you if temperatures rise or fall unexpectedly in your home. Home automation is also helpful in getting the lights turned on and off on schedule. A quality home security system can be purchased for less than $300.

2. Increase Your Deductible

Increasing the amount of your deductibles will help lower your premiums and keep them more affordable. The more you are willing to pay out of pocket when you file a claim, the lower your monthly premium will be. You will also be able to save money if you choose to pay your premiums semi-annually or annually. Managing your premiums is much easier when you understand how your deductibles work and the many options you have when it comes to paying them. Moreover, you can adjust your deductibles at any time.

3. Comparison Shop

Your homeowners insurance is an investment that will protect your financial security. Before purchasing your homeowners insurance policy, make sure to check out several different ones. Talk to different insurance providers to find out what each one has to offer. You may be surprised at what each one has to offer for the same price. Most of them will give you the option of adding specialty policies for events like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. When you talk to an insurance provider, make sure to tell them about all of the different coverages you will need as part of your homeowners policy.

4. Bundle Your Policies

Bundling your home, auto, boat, or other policies together not only minimizes the amount of administrative work but also helps manage multiple policies in one place. Talk to your insurer to learn which policies can be bundled, the premium to be paid, etc.

Lowering your homeowners insurance costs is easy if you know where your risks are and how you can best prevent them. Contact us at Abatelli Insurance to set up a review of your existing policy or to get a quote for a new one. Each of our agents has special training to help you find the right home insurance policy to meet all of your needs at an affordable price.

Fire damage makes up a huge portion of homeowners insurance claims every year. Having a fire disaster is bad enough on its own, not to mention not having the right coverage for it. As a homeowner, you may wonder if your homeowners insurance will cover any fire damage. First, you need to understand the different types of coverage available, what they cover, and which one you should buy.

A standard homeowners insurance policy offers five different kinds of coverage, namely:

• Home structure coverage
• Personal property coverage
• Medical expenses, if someone gets injured at your home
• Liability coverage
• Additional living expense

Types of Homeowners Insurance Policy & What They Cover

HO-1 policy

The HO-1 policy is the most basic type of homeowners policy, and it offers limited coverage. It covers your home and belongings at actual cash value against named perils, such as

• lightning
• fire
• windstorm
• hailstorm
• explosion
• riot or war
• aircraft damage
• vandalism or theft
• falling objects

HO-2 policy

The HO-2 policy is also known as the broad form policy because of the additional perils covered by it.  It covers the home structure at replacement cost and the personal belongings at actual cash value. A few additional perils covered by it include:

• weight of snow or ice
• volcanic eruption
• freezing
• accidental damage from electric current

HO-3 policy

The HO-3 policy is also known as the special form policy. It is the most common policy among policyholders. It covers all risks for the home and property and is therefore known as open coverage. It protects against the risks specified in both HO-1 and HO-2 policies unless otherwise stated. Some commonly excluded perils are government actions and intentional damage.

Ho-4 policy

This is a content broad form or a renters insurance policy. It only covers the policyholder’s belongings, additional living expense, and liability.

HO-5 policy

The HO-5 policy is the comprehensive form. It provides coverage for both belongings and home structure at replacement cost. It also provides open risk coverage but at a very high price. It is suitable for expensive structures and belongings.

HO-8 policy

It is a modified policy for homes that do not meet the conventional requirement for insurance. It covers old houses with outdated structures that are almost falling apart. It provides coverage from named perils at actual cash value.

Thus, most homeowners insurance policies will provide coverage from fire damage, but not all fire incidences will be covered. Some policies may cover damage resulting from arson, accidental fire, explosion, and lightning. However, they may not cover fire damage due to war or intentional acts.

As a homeowner, you need the right home insurance policy with adequate coverage to ensure your home is entirely covered in case of an unfortunate event. At Abatelli Insurance, we have a wide range of homeowners policies that will surely cater to your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

The importance of purchasing a homeowners insurance policy becomes obvious when you consider the magnitude of the financial burden you would have to bear if a tragedy occurs. There are different plans available on the market which can offer partial to full coverage for specific situations. A basic understanding of the major types will help you find a perfect

fit for you.

Types of Homeowners Insurance

They are usually designated with the code HO-X, where X is their allocated number as in the list. They include:

1. Basic Form – HO-1
2. Broad Form – HO-2
3. Special Form – HO-3
4. Contents Broad Form – HO-4
5. Comprehensive Form – HO-5
6. Unit-owners form – HO-6
7. Mobile Home Form – HO-7
8. Modified Coverage Form – HO-8

What Are the Features of a Standard Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Here are a few features that characterize the various kinds of homeowners insurance available.

Coverage

This shows what part(s) of the home is covered in the policy, and the extent of coverage varies with the type. Common kinds of coverages to expect include:

• Dwelling Coverage protects the home structure, including everything attached to the building; for example, HO-5 protects only single-family homes, and it is one of the most commonly used policies. On the other hand, HO-6 is for those who live in a condo or co-op.
• Contents Coverage protects the belongings in your home; For example, HO-3 covers personal belongings like furniture and appliances.
• Personal Liability covers for injuries to self or guests.

Named Peril

This refers to the list of casualties that are covered by the policy. They are specifically named in the agreement, and while some policies cover more than others, there are those that cover all. HO-1 covers ten events, including damage caused by:

• Theft
• Smoke
• Vehicles
• Fire/Lightning
• Explosion
• Volcanic Eruptions
• Aircraft
• Riot/Civil commotion
• Windstorm/Hail
• Vandalism and Mischief

Any damage caused by a factor that is not on the list will not be covered for this kind of policy. The special form (HO-3) usually lists perils that are not covered, which may include:

• Neglect
• Sinkhole
• Act of War or Government Action
• Nuclear Accident
• Flood
• Earthquake

Applicable Reimbursement

The terms of the policy agreement state the quality of the reimbursement, whether your home or belongings are covered at actual money value or replacement cost. Replacement cost is higher than actual cash value. It covers claims of damages at current prices. For example, while your personal belongings are covered at the actual value under an HO-3 policy, HO-5 policies cover them at replacement value.

Endorsements

The basic policies listed above will only cover specific structures and items as listed in the agreement. However, you may need to extend coverage to an ancillary structure, for example. You will need to add more coverage in the form of riders to cover specific events.

At Abatelli Insurance, we have a wide range of homeowners policies that will surely cater to your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Every homeowner needs homeowners insurance. The reason for this is that it guarantees the financial protection of their home and personal belongings.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of the standard homeowners insurance policy and what it covers.

1. What Is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance is a policy that protects your home and belongings from damages or losses caused by covered perils, including theft and fire. It may also cover the costs you incur if a guest sustains an injury at your home or you accidentally cause damage to another person’s property.

2. How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost?

A standard homeowners insurance policy does not have a specific cost. Instead, you can determine how much coverage you want to purchase and at what price. The cost of coverage will depend on several factors, including the features of your home and the value of your personal belongings. You also have to consider the type of insurance coverage you want.

3. What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A typical homeowners insurance covers the following:

• Your home’s structure
• Your personal belongings
• Other structures on your property
• Liabilities arising from injuries to guests or damages to someone else’s property

A typical homeowners insurance covers a wide range of perils such as fire, theft, lightning strikes, hails, windstorm, etc. However, it does not cover floods and earthquakes. Consequently, you need to purchase special insurance policies to protect your home from these disasters.

• Your home’s structure

This is one of the most important coverages offered by a typical homeowners insurance policy. It covers the repair or replacement of the damages to your housing structure due to some of the aforementioned perils.

• Your personal belongings

Apart from damages to the structures on your property, the typical homeowners insurance also covers all the personal belongings within your home. These include your clothing, jewelry, and electronics. In short, homeowners insurance offers protection from thefts or damages to your personal items upto a certain limit. You can also buy extended coverage for items such as jewelry, fur, and watches with values above your personal property coverage limits.

• Other structures on your property

Homeowners insurance also covers damages to other structures on your property not attached to your house. For example, a detached garage, fence, and tool shed.

• Liability coverage

Finally, a homeowners insurance policy covers you when a guest is injured on your property and sues you for their injuries. It covers your legal expenses as well as the related medical bills of the guest if you are found guilty.

In conclusion, homeowners insurance is an effective safety net for the unexpected perils your home and personal belongings may face. Therefore, purchase one today if you don’t already have it. At Abatelli Insurance, we can provide you with customized coverage for your homeowners insurance needs. Contact us today to get started!

Hurricane insurance is a safety net for people who reside in an area with a high hurricane risk. Hurricane deductibles (an amount that you need to pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in) are based on a percentage of your home’s value.

Therefore, if in case a hurricane destroys your home, hurricane insurance will ensure that you have adequate protection to alleviate the financial burden of repairing your home.

Hurricane deductibles are calculated based on damage classified by the National Hurricane Center or National Weather Service. Without the appropriate classification, a windstorm deductible is applied to the damages. In addition, your insurance company has a trigger for utilizing the hurricane’s deductible. Generally, the trigger is invoked if the National Weather Service declares a hurricane watch.

Origin of Hurricane Insurance

After analyzing Hurricane Andrew, insurance companies saw that total losses from hurricanes could be higher than originally anticipated. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina cost insurance companies almost $50 billion. The substantial losses caused reinsurance companies to declare that they would be unable to assume so much risk moving forward.

During the Atlantic hurricane season, every coastal state is at risk. To reduce exposure to huge losses as a result of natural disasters, insurance companies are including hurricane deductibles in home insurance policies. The percentage deductibles are influenced by the level of hurricane or windstorm. Every year, more homes are at risk of severe weather windstorm damage. Once insurance companies develop deductible plans, they are reviewed by the state insurance department to ensure that it adheres to local laws and regulations.

Hurricane Deductibles Explained

Hurricane deductibles are applicable for damages resulting solely from hurricanes. There are also windstorm deductibles that apply based on any type of wind damage. Percentage deductibles are anywhere from 2-5 percent of a home’s insured value. You will be responsible for the amount of deductible before your insurer handles the rest of the claim. In some coastal areas that are prone to severe wind damage, the deductible may be higher. Your deductible will be based on your home’s insured value and your insurer’s trigger that determines when the deductible applies.

New York Deductibles

The New York State Insurance Department outlines that the common deductibles are between 1-5 percent of the insured amount. Some insurers use category 1 hurricanes as the trigger, while others use category 2. The State Insurance Department also requires insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners who installed hurricane-resistant storm shutters, windows, or doors on their property. The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association offers windstorm coverage if you are unable to find it elsewhere. The Coastal Market Assistance Plan will help you find coverage if you stay in Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Long Island.

Be prepared for the hurricane season with the right insurance coverage. Want another great way to protect your home? Secure reliable homeowners insurance that protects you through disasters. Call one of our trusted advisors at Abatelli Group, Inc. We are ready to get you the protection and peace of mind you need.