Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or owner of multiple properties, it's important to protect your investment, its contents and liability related to the property. But homeowners insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. Having coverage that guards against the risks associated with your home requires working with an insurance professional who understands your property and your exposures.
Sylvia Group has been providing clients throughout Massachusetts' SouthCoast, New England and beyond with homeowners insurance for close to 70 years. Our personal insurance professionals know the right questions to ask in helping you determine what coverage is best for you.
Begin the process of protecting your home and possessions with the right insurance coverage,
Here are some factors to consider when buying homeowners insurance.
What determines cost?
Credit Score: Insurance carriers will run a credit score check to determine whether you qualify for their
program and if you do, which program tier you are eligible for. The credit score check is a soft hit, so it will
not impact your score.
Territory: Where your home is located will impact the price of your insurance. The territory determination
is primarily impacted by the type of fire department your town has and how close you are to fire hydrants
and fire stations.
Condition of Home: The age of your home, its roof and electrical system, whether there is central heating,
aggressive dogs, in-ground oil tanks, swimming pools, wood stoves, and if you have a business in the home
all impact the rate.
Limits: How much insurance coverage for your dwelling, contents, and liability you purchase will impact
the rate. There are minimum requirements as part of your insurance contract, but you should work with
your agent to determine the right amount of coverage for you.
Discounts: Discounts vary from carrier to carrier. One of the discounts that may be available include a
discount if your home and auto insurance are with the same carrier. Others include discounts for alarm
systems, renovated homes, and for being a non-smoker.
Bank Requirements
If you're taking out a mortgage to buy your home, your bank will require you to produce proof of insurance
coverage at or before the closing. Some banks insist on escrowing insurance premiums as part of your
mortgage and may require you to pay the first year of your insurance policy in full. If your bank escrows
your insurance premium, you are still responsible for making sure they pay your insurance bill, so you may
want to set up a reminder for yourself.
Replacement Cost
When determining the amount of coverage you need for the dwelling limit on your insurance policy, talk to
your agent about Replacement Cost coverage. Your agent should be able to determine the amount it would
cost to replace the dwelling, which could be substantially lower or higher than the amount you are paying
to buy the home. If your location drives the market value higher than what it would cost to build the dwelling,
the amount of insurance you need may be lower than your mortgage.
Your bank cannot require you to buy dwelling coverage as high as the mortgage. Even if the building is gone, there is still value in the land. If you are buying a dwelling that would be very expensive to replace but is in a location that drives down
the market value, you may need to insure the dwelling for more than the mortgage.
Deductibles
Deductibles are the amount an insured must pay for a claim before the insurance carrier pays the remainder
of the loss, up to the policy limit. As an insured, you may have some choices in regard to the amount of the
deductible. Other deductibles may be required by the insurance carrier, such as a wind or named storm
deductible.
Flood Zone Concerns
Before you sign a purchase-and-sale agreement on a home, make sure you have your real estate or insurance agent check
the flood zone for the property. Banks will require flood insurance in a high hazard zone (Zone A or V) and
the cost for the insurance could be substantial.
Multi-Family Homes
If you are buying a multi-family home, make sure your insurance policy includes Personal Injury coverage.
You may also want to require your tenants to buy an HO4 (Tenants) insurance policy and provide you proof
of coverage. The insurance policy for your multi-family dwelling will not cover the contents or personal
liability of your tenants.
Condominiums
If you are buying a condominium, make sure you review the condo documents to understand what the
master policy for the building covers so you know how much insurance you need to buy as a unit owner.
Other Considerations
If you will be renovating the home you are buying and will not be occupying it while under renovation,
make sure you discuss this with your insurance agent. After your policy is in place, any time you make any
substantial changes to your dwelling, notify your insurance agent so your coverage keeps pace with the
changes.
Homeowners insurance does not cover maintenance issues or wear and tear. Deterioration of a home’s condition could
also make it diffcult to find an insurance carrier to insure it and could also drive up the cost of your
insurance. Make sure you protect your investment by taking care of your property.
You may also want to protect your investment in the case of the death or disability of anyone contributing
to the payment of your mortgage. This can be done through the purchase of life insurance and disability
insurance. A Sylvia Group agent can help you determine how much coverage you may need.