Many people make the mistake of assuming that their Roselle home insurance policy only covers their home and the items that are found within it. The fact is, a homeowner’s policy covers the entire property that the home is on and just about everything that is found within its boundaries. Below is a list of five things that you may not know you can claim on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Sheds
If your shed is damaged during a storm or someone breaks into it and ruins the door, your insurance policy can cover the repair costs. When you purchase the policy, the agent will ask you about the structures that are found on your property. He may ask about specifics such as the size, the year it was built, and the material that was used in its construction. There are some sheds that have a brick façade, which would cost more to replace than vinyl siding, and some that are larger than others and would require more money to replace.
Decks
If your deck collapses or a railing breaks off, your insurance policy could cover the repairs. An insurance adjuster may need to come to your home to look at the damage and assess the cost to have the repairs done. You will then need to contact a few contractors to get estimates. If the estimates are higher than the adjuster’s assessment, you can contact your insurance company and ask them to have the damage reassessed.
Pools
If your pool is damaged, your policy may cover the costs to have it repaired. Simple maintenance issues such as a hole in a pool liner or having the water refilled may not be covered, but large problems typically will be. The company may require you to have the pool inspected every few years to establish that it is still in good condition. If you are not aware of all the specific requirements, you may want to contact your insurance company and find out.
Landscaping
Many people invest a lot of time, effort, and money into their lawn and gardens. If someone damages your landscaping, an accident occurs, or a natural disaster destroys your plants, your policy may cover the costs to have it restored to its original splendor. Shrubbery, walkways, and even flowers can be replaced. It is important to take pictures of the damage to submit as evidence to the company, before you start any cleanup efforts.
Carports
During the cold winter months, ice and snow can often accumulate on carports and cause them to collapse. When this happens, anything that is being stored inside the carport can also become damaged or even ruined. If your carport collapses, you can make a claim with your insurance company to have it repaired or replaced. You may need to submit a few estimates to help the company establish if the carport is worth repairing or if a replacement would be more suitable.
When you are trying to understand just what your homeowner's policy does and does not cover, give Prime Insurance Agency a call at 630-442-0282, and we will be pleased to answer any questions.