Beyond Bricks and Walls

The Ultimate Guide to Home Insurance

Your home is where cherished memories and loved ones reside. But if disaster strikes, is your Homeowners Insurance enough to protect your home, family, and belongings? These questions are vital, as insurance can't be obtained after a crisis, and unexpected events can happen anytime. The difference-maker? Our dedicated ISU Stephen B. Marvin Insurance agent ensures tailored protection for your unique needs, backed by a strong, financially A-rated carrier for unwavering support.

Smart Insurance Choices for Your Home

Homeowners insurance acts as your safety net, covering everyday risks like fire, theft, storm damage, and on-property accidents. When a loss occurs, you file a claim with your insurance carrier, who covers expenses minus any applicable deductibles. Coverage can also extend to personal liability protection, protecting you from potential lawsuits stemming from incidents on your property, like slips, falls, or injuries. You may also need additional insurance to protect against risks like dog bite liability, trampoline or swimming pool incidents, sinkholes, personal property away from home, or umbrella liability coverage.

Insurance At Its Best

Many homeowners are unaware of the complexities of home insurance. For instance, most policies won't cover sewer backups unless you request a special endorsement. Damages caused by surface water or underground flows are usually not covered, and standard policies often exclude flood insurance. Also, standard policies may have limits on covering jewelry. In some cases, policies default to actual cash value during claims, meaning possessions may be valued less than their market worth. In contrast, replacement cost insurance pays the full replacement value. Plus, bundling Home and Auto policies can lead to more savings.