Coverage Spotlight: Service Line Coverage

 What is Service Line Coverage, and is it always included on a Homeowners Policy?

Service Line Coverage is an optional coverage that can be added to your Homeowner Policy with most of our insurance carriers.  It is sometimes called “Water and Wastewater Line Coverage” or “Buried Utility Lines Coverage”, but service line coverage helps cover the costs of repairing damaged service lines and pipes coming into homeowners’ properties that are damaged and that the homeowner is legally responsible for.  

An example of when this coverage might be used is when a tree root has grown through a sewer pipe that is on the homeowner’s property and is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix.  Service Line Coverage would pay to dig up the damaged sewer piping and replace it.  Another example would be if the water line between the house and street has a leak and it needs to be dug up to be repaired.

Service line coverage usually excludes coverage for septic systems, sprinkler systems, and well pumps.  

Each insurance company’s coverage has different policy limits, deductibles, and has different restrictions so it is important to read through what your insurance company will cover.  With some of our companies, this coverage can only be added when the policy is started or at the renewal. Contact your Absolute Insurance agent today at 515-279-2722 or service@insaia.com for a quote to add this coverage to your policy and the specific coverages offered by your insurance carrier. The average cost is $80/year for up to $10,000 of coverage.

You can find more about Homeowner Insurance policies on our website. Interested in a free quote or want to review your current Homeowner policy? Call us today at 515-279-2722 or email us at service@insaia.com!

Ask Your Absolute Insurance Agent: Do I have to tell my Homeowners Insurance Company that I have a Dog?

One question that is on every Homeowner/Condo Owner/Renters insurance application is whether you have any dogs or other animals in the household or on the property.  If you didn’t disclose the dog on your application or didn’t disclose the breed of your dog, your insurance policy could be voided due to misrepresentation.  This means that if your dog bit someone, and the dog wasn’t mentioned on your Homeowners insurance policy, the insurance company may refuse to pay the claim and cancel your policy.

 

Each company has different guidelines relating to dogs, but usually, the company will ask for the breed of the dog, the bite history, and sometimes how the dog is controlled (in the house, in a fenced-in yard, etc.)  We do not have any Homeowner Insurance Company that will write a policy where a dog has a prior bite history or is a pit bull.

 

Did you get a new dog or pet since your application was written?  Let your agent know what type of animal/breed of dog, how the dog is controlled, and whether it has a bite history so we can note your policy.

Creating a Home Inventory

Included in most Homeowners, Condo-Owners, and Renters policies is coverage for the contents of your home.  Do you know how much coverage you need if you had to replace everything in your house?  Would you know what you had in each room of your home in the event of a claim?

Keeping an inventory is helpful to know how much coverage you need, and to have a list of your contents in the event of a claim such as a break-in, a fire claim, or other claim.

There are several different ways to create an inventory – pick a method that works best for you.  Keep a copy of the inventory someplace other than your home.  It is recommended that your attorney or executor of your estate have a copy as well.  You can also leave a copy with a trusted family member or emergency contact.

Ways to keep an inventory:

• Written List  
• Digital List (Online with a Google Doc or Excel Spreadsheet) 
• Pictures/Videos - this is especially recommended for more valuable items.  If you are taking a video, audibly describe items as you move through your home. 
• Combination of above 

It is recommended that you take inventory by room within your house.  Make sure to take photos from different angles and in a well-lit room.  You can also use sticky notes to label certain items.  Keep receipts or appraisals of higher-priced items.  For electronics and appliances, it is recommended to also include the model number and serial numbers of each item.  Don’t forget to include your garage, shed, deck, and basement when you are completing your inventory. 

One example of how you could set-up your inventory digitally would be to use Google Docs.  Create a folder called “Home Inventory”.  Within the folder, you could upload photos/videos of each room.  An inventory would be created with either Google Docs or Google Sheets (similar to Excel); create a separate page for each room. If you are working on the inventory with another household member such as a spouse, you could share the folder and give them editing rights so that they can also modify the inventory.  You could also share the folder with your attorney, executor, or emergency contact with viewing rights so that they have a copy as well, or you could give them a hard copy to keep as a back-up for you.

A few times a year, review your inventory to add new items or remove items that you have gotten rid of.  Make it a habit to update your inventory when you add new purchases to your home.

As you are doing an inventory of your house and come across special or high-value items such as jewelry, art, cameras or coin collections, you might want to talk with your agent about insuring these items as Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) on your policy.  Here is a blog giving more information about SPP, but you can also reach out to your agent for more specific information.

Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value - What Does it Mean?

Have you ever looked at your homeowners, condo, or renters policy and saw that your property, belongings, and/or roof is listed as being insured for Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cost Value (ACV)?  Have you ever wondered what that means?

Replacement Cost (RCV) is the value to replace an item at today's cost.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the value for a similar item at today's cost minus depreciation (replacement cost minus depreciation).

What does this mean?  Let's use an example most people have in their house - a couch.  Four years ago when you moved into your house, you purchased a new sectional for $2500.  Last month, your sectional couch was damaged in a covered claim.  

• If you have actual cash value coverage, the insurance company would pay the value of the couch today (replacement cost minus depreciation).  In this example, they might determine that after 4 years of use, your sectional is only valued at $1800.
• If you have Replacement Cost coverage, the insurance company will pay what it could cost to buy a similar couch today.  The sectional you purchased 4 years ago might now be $2600 so they would pay that amount. (Some insurance companies will give you the actual cash value of an item and require a receipt for the new item before paying you the remainder)

What does it mean by depreciation?  Over time, your home, contents, and/or roof may lose value due to factors such as age and wear and tear.  This loss in value is commonly known as depreciation.  

RCV and ACV also affect how your roof is insured too.  Some companies only offer RCV coverage for roofs if they were installed within the last 15 years, otherwise, the roof is covered for ACV.  

Here are some important things you can do:

1. Look over your Homeowners, Condo, or Renter's Insurance policy to see what coverages are listed for your policy
2. On your Homeowners policy, make sure that we have the most recent roof year listed for your home
3. Take an inventory of your items in your home, and update annually.  It is recommended to take a video of each room, including in your closets and cupboards.  This will help in the event of a house claim.

If you have any questions regarding the coverage on your policy, please contact your Absolute Insurance agent today at 515-279-2722 or at service@insaia.com.

You can find more information about Homeowner's Insurance coverage at https://www.insaia.com/home_insurance.php


You can also click here for a quote on your Homeowners Insurance.

5 Alarms to Consider for your Home

What alarms and sensors do you need in your home? The answer is different for everyone. But, whatever your situation, today’s technology has you covered with options including online monitoring and more. Here are some common alarms, including two everyone needs to have, and three many people should at least consider:

1. Smoke alarms
   No matter where you live — house, condo, apartment — you need smoke alarms. Place one in every room where people sleep, and at least one on each level of your home. Consider alarms that work for both flaming and smoldering fires (they’re different), as well as an interconnected system so that all alarms sound when one detects smoke.
    
2. Carbon-monoxide (CO) detectors
   Here’s another must-have. CO — a deadly, odorless gas generated by the burning of fuels such as wood, natural gas or propane — kills hundreds of people a year in the U.S. You should have at least one CO detector on every level of your home, even if you only have electric appliances and heat sources. Your state may even require you to have one.
    
3. Natural gas detectors
   These alarms usually detect CO and propane leaks, so consider one if you have natural gas appliances in your home. You also need one for your RV or trailer if you use propane to fuel your cooking or heating.
    
4. Water alarms
   Leaks from appliances or pipes can do extensive — and expensive — damage to your home if they go undetected. Water alarm systems typically use sensors placed near appliances or other trouble spots to alert you when they sense moisture.
    
5. Security systems
   Whether you want a do-it-yourself system or one that is professionally monitored, you’ve got more options than ever before. You may even be able to check in on your home from wherever you are using your smartphone.
    

When you’re making these important decisions, here’s one more important thing to consider: Some of these alarms could qualify you to save on your homeowner's insurance!

You can find more information about Homeowner's Insurance coverage at https://www.insaia.com/home_insurance.php

You can also click here for a quote on your Homeowners Insurance.

Please give us a call at 515-279-2722 or email us at service@insaia.com.

Valentine's Gift Coverage

Each year, we usually have a few clients who get engaged over Valentine's Day.  If you are one of these lucky couples, make sure that calling your insurance company is at the top of your list of people you notify.  Why?  "While there is no way to insure the sentimental value of such a gift, having the right amount of insurance will provide financial protection", according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Jewelry losses are one of the most common losses for all homeowners content-related insurance claims.  So if you received a new piece of jewelry for Valentine's Day (or a nice new set of golf clubs, or artwork, or fancy new camera, etc), you want to make sure that it is insured correctly.

Does the item need special coverage?
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for contents, but there are limits to how much coverage there is for high-value items such as jewelry, furs, art, etc.  Usually, we add these types of items to a policy as "Scheduled Personal Property" or SPP.  This has specific coverage for individual items, offer broader coverage for loss (such as if your ring were to accidentally fall down a drain.)  There is usually no deductible applied to items that are scheduled as SPP on your policy.

Keep a copy of your Receipt or Appraisal
Insurance companies will usually ask for a recent appraisal of an item being specially insured as SPP.  This helps with a description of the item and the appraised value.  We also recommend that you keep a picture of items as well - this can help with identifying a lost item.

For more information regarding Scheduled Personal Property, check out this blog on our website.

If you have an item that you want to add as Scheduled Personal Property to your Homeowners or Renters Insurance Policy, please call your Absolute agent at 515-279-2722 or email us at service@insaia.com.

What gifts might you need to specially insure?

After the Christmas gifts are opened, the wrapping paper is picked up, and the Christmas dinner is over, you might want to take a minute to think about the different gifts that people in your household received.  Did anyone receive anything expensive that you might need to add specifically to your homeowners or renters insurance policy?  Did someone receive a nice necklace or ring?  That Gibson Guitar they have been talking about for a couple years?

We have had a few insureds share the great news that they are engaged this holiday season.  Engagement rings, and other jewelry, often has limited coverage on insurance plans unless it is added as "Scheduled Personal Property" to your home, renters, condo, or manufactured home insurance policy. 

We also typically get the question about who needs to insure the engagement ring - the person who gave the ring, or the person who is wearing the ring?  This depends on a few different factors such as whether the couple live together (and have a joint insurance plan) or if they live separately.  Generally, the person who is in possession of the ring needs to be insuring the ring.

Typically, we think about jewelry as an item that might be appraised and added to a homeowners or renters insurance policy as "Scheduled Personal Property", but there are other items that you might want to consider:

• Cameras, lenses, and equipment
• Golf Clubs
• Skis or snowboards
• Road bikes
• Art or antiques
• Firearms
• Computers
• Musical Instruments

If you, or someone in your household, received some of these items, you should consider adding them with special coverage to your homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policies.  Most Homeowner, Renters, and Condo Insurance policies place limits on high-value items.  These items should be added as Scheduled Personal Property to your policy.  You can insure jewelry, furs, fine art, expensive cameras, and other valuable items this way on your policy.  You can contact your Absolute Insurance agent at (515)279-2722 and discuss whether or not to add items to your policy.

What is the benefit of insuring an item as Scheduled Personal Property?

We often include reminders in our newsletter about adding jewelry and other items as Scheduled Personal Property, or SPP, to your Homeowners, Renters, Dwelling, or Condo Insurance Policy.  Have you ever wondered how SPP is different than the regular contents coverage included on your policy?

While your typical homeowners policy includes limited personal property coverage for the contents of the home, sometimes there are limits placed on certain categories of valuable covered items.  For example, a homeowner insurance policy might have a $1500 sub-limit on jewelry.  If you had a loss for a necklace valued at $400, you would probably be fine getting it covered under your homeowners insurance policy (assuming it was lost under a covered peril), but if you had a necklace worth $5700, you would most likely only be covered up to that $1500 policy sub-limit.  Many homeowners choose to seek additional coverage through a scheduled personal property endorsement to their policy.

Scheduled Personal Property also provides broader coverage for the scheduled items.  For example, if your wedding ring drops down the drain while you are washing dishes it may not be covered unless it is included as a Scheduled Personal Property item on your policy.  Also, if a loss were to happen to a SPP item, the policy deductible doesn't apply. 

What types of items can be added as SPP?
• Jewelry
• Musical Instruments
• Art
• Stamp or Coin Collections
• Cameras
• Furs
• Computers
• Silverware
• Golf Equipment
• Firearms
If I have an item I want to add as Scheduled Personal Property to my policy, what do I have to do?
Each item that is added as Scheduled Personal Property to a policy is listed individually and needs to be appraised before they are added.  If it is a recent purchase, the receipt might work in place of an appraisal.  Please contact your Absolute Insurance agent at 515-279-2722. 

Flood Map Changes- Now Is The Time To Act!!!

If you live in Clive and are affected by the recent flood map changes, then you should call Absolute Insurance at 515-279-2722 to help you understand your situation. If you'd prefer to read, then below is information for your consideration, and then call Absolute Insurance at 515-279-2722. There is also helpful information at FloodSmart.gov- the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Last Saturday, the City of Clive hosted an event at the Indian Hills Middle School auditorium to help address questions relating to flood map changes that have been completed by FEMA. There were FEMA representative on hand as well as city council members, the mayor, and representatives of our federally elected officials of Congressman Young and Congresswoman Joni Ernest plus Senator Chuck Grassley.

Absolute Insurance sent a representative (Dan Bell) to attend this meeting as well to better understand the changes that are forthcoming and to better assist clients and homeowners that are affected.

The mapping changes have changed the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for the area surrounding the Walnut Creek Watershed area which includes hundreds of homes and business in the Clive area. However, 2/3's of the entire state of Iowa have had remapping conducted as well meaning the impact of these changes will be widespread. With that said though, Clive and other areas of Polk county will begin the implementation of these changes with initial procedures beginning January 2016 and with a anticipated date of January 2017 for the maps to become effective.

The purpose of this meeting was to help homeowners understand that a flood risk is present and has increased since the last mapping that was at least 20 years ago. With that, the meeting was held to also help homeowners understand flood insurance and how they could purchase it and the impact it would have on a "going-forward" basis.

There are essentially 3 different situations that have occurred from the remapping:

1. Homeowner is currently in the high-risk flood zone of A or AE and currently has a flood insurance requirement if there is a loan with federal backing. These homeowners will not experience anything new from this change (other laws may impact them with regards to the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and in conjunction with the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014).
2. Homeowner was previously in the high-risk flood zone of A or AE and had a Letter Of Map Amendment (LOMA) done through the use of a hired engineer or land surveyor that has demonstrated to FEMA that the the Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG) of the property (as defined by FEMA based on the structure characteristics) is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This would have removed the property from flood insurance requirements on the previous maps. This homeowner that has a LOMA should contact the City to see what the new BFE is per the new maps to see if their LAG is still above BFE. If so, then they will NOT be required to purchase flood insurance. However, if the LAG is now below or at BFE, then this homeowner will now be required to purchase flood insurance for federally backed loans.
3. Homeowner was previously in the low risk zone of X and will now be in the high risk zone of A or AE. This homeowner will now be required to purchase flood insurance should they have or need to secure a federally backed loan.

This Is Your Call To Action: Here is what YOU can do to help mitigate the cost of the newly required flood insurance for federally backed loans:

• Should the homeowner be either the 2nd type with a LAG either at or below BFE or being mapped into the A or AE zone, there are things that be accomplished now to help with rates:They can purchase the coverage at the current low risk zone (X) in the Preferred Flood Insurance Program at a very reasonable cost and keep that rate for 1 year after the inception of the new flood maps. 
• After the expiration of that renewal, the insured will then keep the X zone classification but be moved from the Preferred Flood Insurance Program to the Standard Program. These rates will be capped at a maximum of 18% increases per year until the policy reaches the fully earned rate of "X" in the Standard Program. These rates will be considerably less than the alternative of having to purchase flood insurance at the A or AE zones in the Standard Program.

From what was disclosed at the meeting, these maps will take effect on January 1st 2017 with a few exceptions being made through an appeals process. However, if you are a homeowner that is being adversely affected by these changes, NOW is the time to act. Contact Absolute Insurance at 515-279-2722 or go to FloodSmart.gov for further information.

Mind the Gap

London, England: perhaps one of the better examples in this day and age of the fusion between rich culture and history with modern flair. From the Tower of London to the nearby Shard that dominates the cityscape today, there are beautiful and wonderful examples of the new and fresh intertwined with old and true. One of the most prevalent and important aspects of the new age London is by far the introduction and utilization of the Underground.Very simply, this is a highly efficient subway system that crisscrosses and connects the entire town and surrounding areas.

While I was visiting this marvelous and beautiful city, my lovely wife and I used the Underground for nearly all of our transportation needs and became quite familiar with it within a few days. One thing that sticks with me, besides for the cleanliness of the system (we were there just prior to the 2012 Olympics and perhaps that was why everything was so clean), was the voice on the speakers as the train stopped to unload and load passengers: "Mind the Gap". That, in addition to several signs, helped passengers be cognizant of the 6 inch gap between the loading platforms and the train itself. Surely, to get a foot stuck or to actually fall between this gap would be more than a mild inconvenience! It would be a complete disaster of life and limb with major financial consequences.

I took to heart the warning and have took to heart the implication beyond simply getting a free foot amputation. Just as another captive company mentions frequently, we all most be cognizant of and recognize the gaps in our insurance policies. Some of these gaps are standard issues that every company has implemented- such as Flood exclusions. Some of these gaps can be solved through the use of riders like water back-up coverage and earthquake coverage. Some of the gaps exist simply because your lifestyle has changed and you now use your vehicle for delivery verses simply driving to one location on a daily basis.

This is where your local, independent Absolute Agent is worth their weight in gold! We can help uncover gaps in coverage and help you understand the ones that will always exist and the ones that can be mitigated against. Keep in mind that the cheapest possible insurance may not be the best for your situation. Also keep in mind that there is value in being able to actually sit down with your agent in the office and not always call the 1-800- WHERE-THE-HECK-ARE-YOU??? and get a different person each time nor always go to the computer for internet quotes and guidance. Help us help you keep your financial livelihood from experiencing an amputation!

Mind the Gap, Friends.

Spring is Here! Time to Prep the Basement......

This past winter was certainly one to remember and one that brought with it a new vocabulary phrase: "Polar Vortex"! With Spring finally arriving, we have different concerns than frozen pipes and ice dams. Here at Absolute Insurance, we understand the risks associated with bad weather on your home and want to remind everyone to check your sump-pump to ensure it is still operational after this harsh winter. Also, check your home insurance to make sure you have Back-up coverage.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains is an optional endorsement on a standard home insurance policy. This endorsement provides coverage in the event of water or sewage backing up through the drains or in the event of sump pump failure. This is important as none of these are covered perils on a standard policy. Many companies will not allow a client to add this coverage during the policy term but it can be added at the time of renewal. Other companies will have a 30 day waiting period before the coverage takes effect.

The coverage provided is broad in nature and will cover contents, structural damage, and clean up. Some companies have different deductibles for this type of coverage other than the Named Perils deductible shown on the Declaration page of your Home Insurance Policy. There are some companies, however, that maintain the same deductible across the board.

Contact your Absolute Agent for further coverage questions and deductible options if you already have the Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains endorsement in place. As always though, it is far better to prevent these situations then dealing with them down the road.

Meet Dan

Meet Dan. Dan is not a "1-800" number. He is ready to assist you with all your personal lines insurance. Have you compared your coverage and rate lately? Let Dan help: 515-279-2722 or www.insaia.com. Serving the Des Moines Metro and surrounding areas.

Things Insurance Fans Love

As a Local Independent Agent, I often have the pleasure of discussing many facets of life with clients over the phone or in the office. Sometimes these jovial discussions remain just that: jovial and entertaining. However, other times, folks tell me things they don't necessarily care for about insurance. I understand many of these concerns, but when it comes down to the reality of what insurance actually does and how it responds when we are in our most desperate positions, I cannot help but to be a fan and advocate. Usually, upon reflection with the clients, we both end up feeling better about the situations.

Here are just a few items that insurance fans love:

• Risk Transference. This is the basic tenet of insurance. For a fee, we allow another entity to absorb our first dollars worth of liability. This is AWESOME! The insurance company gets behind us when we have momentary lapse of judgement and cause damage to another party up to our policy limits. Without this, our bank accounts, wages, homes, and retirements would all be subject to lawsuit that follows! Better yet, get yourself an umbrella policy and boost those limits even higher with broader ranges of coverage.
• Roadside Assistance. If you have ever broken down alongside the side of the road, then this is an awesome endorsement available via most companies auto policies (restrictions apply per company).
• Water Back-Up/Sump Pump Failure. This is another one of those special endorsements via the home insurance policy. What happens to your sump pump when the power goes out? You guessed it- it goes out as well. If you have a finished basement, these mild irritant just became a costly mess. However, if you this endorsement on the home insurance, it will pay to cover clean up and the cost to replace ruined building items and contents (subject to policy limit).
• Rental Car Reimbursement. You've just had the accident. Sure enough, you were at fault. You have great liability limits and the other party will be handled well through your carrier, but now your sole means of transportation will have to be in a shop for the next two weeks to get repaired. This is more than a mild annoyance. This is devastating! Thankfully you and your Absolute Agent added rental car reimbursement to the full coverage on your vehicle so that you can utilize a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Another day saved through a proper conversation with your Absolute Agent (limits apply to per day cost and coverage is only available if comprehensive and collision coverage is purchased on the vehicle).

These are but a few of the things insurance fans love. There are definitely more to review in detail and we will definitely touch on them in the future. Until then, contact your Absolute Agent today at 515-279-2722 for more information. www.insaia.com

What's Insurance Up To?

In a world where the only constant is change, it can be difficult to keep up on the little things (and big things) that affect us on a daily basis. Between our families, jobs, and pets; the essential daily grind of our lives; as we connect ourselves further and further into the macrocosm of society to free up our time to get involved in even more activities... as .... as... as... Full stop....

We are busy. The reasons for this are as varied as we are from person to person. Each of us has a particular skill set that make us valuable to, and within, society. However, for most folks, insurance is NOT that thing. But do not despair! There is hope! Like a shining beacon on a hill, there is hope for those lost in the dark landscape of insurance unknowns and that shining beacon on the hill is none other than YOUR ABSOLUTE INSURANCE AGENT! They have the knowledge and expertise to know what insurance is up to!

Contact your local, independent ABSOLUTE AGENT in order to help you weather the STORM of liability, deductible, and endorsement talk. They can help you through the confusing maze of insurance speak and set you on a path to smooth sailing. Call us today at 515-279-2722.

Spring has Sprung!

Finally Spring has come and with it comes the possibility of spring showers through April and May. With the rain will come the rejuvenation of the outdoor world. The lawns will turn to green and the tulips will begin to bloom. These are beautiful sights to behold after a winter of being held hostage in homes due to the frigid winds and temperatures. However, as these showers melt away the bits of snow and ice on the ground and as the ground thaws, there can be a lot of extra water coming towards the foundation of your home and ultimately being routed to you sump pump. This is an excellent time to head down to your basement and open the sump pump well do some your regular spring maintenance. No one wants to deal with the problems associated with a malfunctioning sump pump and there are a few steps to take to maintain your pump and keep it in the best working order. These tips are general guides and you should follow the manufactures recommendations first and foremost.
These tips were found at www.homerepair.about.com:
Plan on doing these items every 3-4 months:

• Clean pump inlet screen
• Check power cord and make sure the cord is connected to power
• Dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and make sure the pump turns on

Plan on doing these items every year:

• Remove the pump from the sump and clean it and inspect it
• Clean out the sump
• Check the owner manual to see if the pump bearing require grease or oil. If you do not have the manual look it up on the internet using the manufacturer and model number of your pump or contact the manufacturer
• Replace the pump in the sump
• Check power cord and make sure the cord is connected to power
• Dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and make sure the pump turns on, adjusting the float if necessary

We at Absolute Insurance also STRONGLY advocate that homes with sump pumps should also install a battery back-up pump that will assist your main pump in the event of a power loss. There is also a newer version of a pump that uses the home’s water lines to act as a pump rather than using electricity. This is highly beneficial if you are in area that losses electricity consistently during storms. Call your Absolute Agent today at 515-279-2722!

You've Got Some Q's: We've Got the A's

Q:  My wife lost her wedding ring while we were on vacation.  Is this covered under my house insurance?

A:  No.  It would have to be stolen in order to be covered UNLESS it was scheduled on the home policy as "Scheduled Personal Property"


Q:  A tree has landed on my house and has caused damage to my home.  Will insurance replace the tree?

A:  No.  Home insurance protects your home and detached structures.  Trees are not covered.


Q:  My vehicle was broken into and personal property was stolen, is this covered under my full coverage auto insurance?

A:  No.  Only items that were attached to the vehicle as stock items are covered.  Personal property losses would only be covered under a home, renters, condo/townhome, or mobile home policy.  Auto insurance never covers personal property.


Q:  Water came up through my sewer drain and destroyed my roommate's belongings.  Will my homeowners insurance cover this?

A:  No.  Your home insurance will cover only those things belonging to you or a family member.  Unless you have Water Back-up coverage, your home insurance would not even cover your belongings.  In this situation, your roommate would need to get a renters insurance policy to cover their belongings in an event of a loss, and in this situation, they would also need to have the renters insurance policy endorsed with the Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains coverage in order to be protected.

Claims: Q and A

Q:  I own a home and my girlfriend just moved in, is her stuff covered under my home insurance?

A:  No.  Since she is not a relative, there is no automatic coverage for her belongings or liability.  In most cases, there is an endorsement that can be added to the policy to cover her.  In other cases the best thing would be to establish a renters insurance policy.  Either way you go, these are relatively cheap fixes to a little known coverage gap for both property and liability.


Q:  My basement wall is bowing and I'm afraid that it will eventually fall in.  Will my home insurance cover this?

A:  No.  This is a matter of neglected upkeep on the home.  Just as your home insurance will not pay to replace a roof that is deteriorated from normal wear and tear, it will not pay for the repair to the normal pressure of the earth against the foundation walls.  Insurance is protection against sudden and accidental risks, not risks that persist over time and have been neglected.


Q:  If I have an accident that is my fault, will my full coverage pay for a rental car?

A:  No.  Comprehensive and Collision coverage do not pay for rental car reimbursement.  That coverage needs to be endorsed to the policy in order for the coverage to be in effect.  The same applied to Roadside assistance or towing & labor.  Full coverage merely covers physical damage.

Earthquake Coverage

While we don't live in California, with a constant barrage of information, warnings, and occurences, it is not unknown to the Midwest to have devastating earthquakes occur.

The fault line that we are most concerned with in this region of the US is the New Madrid fault line.  This fault line and Seismic Zone runs between St. Louis and Memphis.

According to some "Danger Zone" maps, most of Iowa would feel the seismic activity while indoors, while Southeastern Iowa could actually have unstable objects overturned.

While it may not lead to the same type of damage seen in California, a substantial amount of property damage could very well be evident in or around Iowa.  Unfortunately, earthquake coverage is not an automatic coverage on your homeowners policy.  It is an endorsement that can be added to your policy and normally functions with a percentage deductible.  By this, a person can have earthquake coverage at a 5% deductible, where the percent derived from your total dwelling coverage.  For example, if your home is insured to $100,000, your 5% deductible would be $5,000.

The cost of this endorsement ranges from company to company along with deductible options but is typically between $40 - $80 per year for this additional coverage being added to your existing homeowners policy.  Call your Absolute Agent for further coverage details.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains

As spring rolls in to an already saturated Iowa, make sure you know your risk for Water Back-up of Drains.

Water Back-up of Sewers and Drains is an optional endorsement on a standard home insurance policy that provides coverage in the event of water or sewage backing up through the drains or in the event of sump pump failure.  Neither of which are covered perils on a standard home insurance policy.

Typically, the cost for this coverage ranges between $40-$80 per year per $5,000 in coverage and some companies require that a sump pump be present in order to secure this type of coverage.  Also, many companies will not allow a current client to add the coverage during the term of the policy.  In these cases, it can be added at the time of renewal.  Other companies will have a 30 day waiting period before the coverage takes effect after the endorsement is issued.

The coverage provided is broad in nature and will cover contents, structural damage, and clean up.  Some companies have different deductibles for this type of coverage from the Named Perils deductible that shows on the Declaration page of your Home Insurance Policy.  There are some companies, however, that maintain the same deductible across the board.  Contact your Absolute Agent for further coverage questions and deductible options if you already have the endorsement in place.

Scheduled Personal Property Coverage

This blog post focuses on Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) and how to insure it properly for the full replacement value.

As most readers already know, your home insurance covers personal property at a certain percentage of your dwelling coverage.  This percent is usually set at 70%, so if you have a $100,000 policy on your home, then your contents are covered up to $70,000.  While this is good coverage, there are limitations placed on certain types of property.  These types of property include (but not limited to):

• Jewelry
• Guns
• Artwork
• Antiques
• Currency

Some of these limits are as low as $1,500 in total per class of items.  Also at stake when looking at these items is that they will fall under the total household deductible.  By this, if your $5,000 wedding ring was stolen, then the company would pay up to the $1,500 minus your deductible (nowadays, a standard home insurance deductible is $1,000).  By this, you would not be able to replace the ring with like kind and quality.  An easy way to get these to replacement value is to get an appraisal for each item that would exceed (or come close to) the limit and get it over to your Absolute Agent.  Not only will the pieces be insured to that value, but they would have a separate deductible of your choosing.  Give us a call today.