News
The Importance of Home Insurance
Disasters and accidents are not instances we can plan for. The financial burden, coupled with the disruption to your home or business, can be extensive following damage from a flood, fire or other emergent events. Home insurance provides the security and safety net that may arise from the financial burden that follows an unexpected incident.
Most home insurance policies include four types of coverage:
Property – Damage or loss to a building/dwelling.
Contents – Damage or loss to the items or belongings inside your home. For example: appliances, furniture and personal effects.
Other Dwellings – Damage or loss to the structure and contents of smaller building on the property. For example: a garage or a shed.
Liability – The legal responsibility if someone was to be injured on your property.
Insurance companies do offer additional coverage beyond the above. There are coverage options that may provide allowances to cover living expenses, should your home become uninhabitable due to an emergent event. There is also coverage available should your home be engaged in a fire, which then spread to a neighbour’s home. Some insurance providers offer premiums that offer coverage for accidental damage to another person’s property.
The top three reasons for home insurance claims are for damages from wind, fire and water. However, different areas in the country have increased risks of natural disasters. Where you live may influence the type of home insurance and range of coverage you may require. If you live near a fault line and your area experiences earthquakes, you may choose to have additional premiums for earthquake coverage. Should you live on a coast, you may opt for a hurricane coverage add-on to your policy.
Home insurance does not extend to general wear and use of your home over time. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain your home and take the necessary measures to prevent exaggerated damages during unexpected events. If you have worn-out and damaged roofing materials which results in your roof leaking during a storm, such water damage may not be covered by your policy.
Always read and review your insurance policy and coverage, to fully understand what your responsibilities and obligations are to maintain coverage over time. When an incident or disaster happens that results in involving your insurance company, be aware of what is required on your part, in such situations for coverage to be granted.