Mike Clauson Insurance Agency

03/29/2023

As a homeowner, it's important to understand when it's appropriate to file a homeowners insurance claim. Filing a claim can help you recover from losses that are covered by your policy, but it can also lead to higher premiums and potential insurance policy cancellation if you file too frequently. In this blog post, we'll discuss when it's appropriate to file a homeowners insurance claim and what you should consider before doing so.

Damage exceeds your deductible
The first thing to consider before filing a homeowners insurance claim is the cost of the damage. If the damage is minor and costs less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim. However, if the damage is extensive and the cost of repairs or replacement exceeds your deductible, it's worth filing a claim.

Damage is covered by your policy
Before filing a claim, it's important to review your policy to ensure that the damage is covered. Not all types of damage are covered by homeowners insurance policies. For example, flood damage and earthquakes are not typically covered by standard policies and require additional coverage. Additionally, some policies have limits on coverage for certain items, such as jewelry or electronics. Reviewing your policy before filing a claim can help you avoid a denied claim.

Timeframe for filing a claim
Most homeowners insurance policies have a timeframe for filing a claim. It's important to file a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs, as waiting too long could result in a denied claim. However, it's also important to take the time to assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs before filing a claim.

Consider the impact on your insurance premiums
Filing a homeowners insurance claim can result in an increase in premiums. Before filing a claim, consider the potential impact on your premiums and whether it's worth it. If the damage is minor and costs less than your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

Consult with your insurance agent
If you're unsure whether to file a claim, it's a good idea to consult with your insurance agent. They can help you understand the cost of the damage, the coverage provided by your policy, and the potential impact on your premiums.

In conclusion, filing a homeowners insurance claim should be done when the damage exceeds your deductible, is covered by your policy, and is filed within the appropriate timeframe. Before filing a claim, consider the potential impact on your insurance premiums and consult with your insurance agent to ensure that you're making the right decision.

03/22/2023

If you're renting an apartment or a house, you might think that your landlord's insurance policy will cover your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, that's not always the case, and that's why renters insurance can be a valuable investment for any renter.

What is renters insurance?

Renters insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if your rental property is damaged or destroyed due to a covered event such as fire, theft, or water damage. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers both the property and the personal belongings of the homeowner, renters insurance only covers the renter's personal belongings.

What does renters insurance cover?

Personal property coverage: Renters insurance covers your personal belongings such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and jewelry in case they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. This coverage also applies to your personal belongings that are outside of your rental property, such as your laptop or bicycle.

Liability coverage: Renters insurance also provides liability coverage, which can help protect you if you're found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property. This coverage can also help cover legal fees if you're sued for liability.

Additional living expenses: If your rental property is damaged and you can't stay there, renters insurance can help cover the cost of temporary housing and other expenses you incur while you're displaced.

What doesn't renters insurance cover?

While renters insurance covers a lot, there are some things it doesn't cover. For example, renters insurance typically doesn't cover damage caused by floods or earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to these natural disasters, you may need to purchase separate insurance policies to protect yourself.

How much does renters insurance cost?

The cost of renters insurance varies depending on the level of coverage you need, your location, and other factors. On average, renters insurance costs around $15 to $20 per month. However, it's important to note that the cost of renters insurance is relatively low compared to the cost of replacing your personal belongings if they're lost or damaged.

How do I purchase renters insurance?

To purchase renters insurance, you can call us! When you're shopping for renters insurance, be sure to consider the coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions of each policy.

In conclusion, renters insurance can be a valuable investment for any renter, as it provides peace of mind and protection for your personal belongings and liability. If you're a renter, consider purchasing renters insurance to protect yourself and your belongings in case of unexpected events.

03/15/2023

Homeownership is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is protecting your investment with homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home and personal belongings from unexpected events such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. In this blog post, we will discuss what homeowners insurance covers, why it's important to have, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Homeowners insurance typically covers three main areas: the structure of your home, your personal belongings, and liability protection. The structure of your home includes the physical structure of your home, as well as any attached structures such as a garage or deck. Personal belongings include your furniture, clothing, and other personal items. Liability protection covers you in the event that someone is injured on your property.

Homeowners insurance policies can vary, so it's important to carefully review what is covered in your specific policy. Some policies may exclude certain events, such as floods or earthquakes, and may require additional coverage.

Why is homeowners insurance important?

Homeowners insurance is important because it provides financial protection for your home and personal belongings. If your home is damaged or destroyed by an unexpected event, such as a fire, your insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding. If your personal belongings are stolen or damaged, your policy can help cover the cost of replacing them. Additionally, liability protection can help protect you from financial loss if someone is injured on your property and sues you.

How to choose the right policy

When choosing a homeowners insurance policy, it's important to consider the level of coverage you need and the cost of the policy. Here are some factors to consider:

Coverage limits: Make sure the policy provides enough coverage to rebuild your home and replace your personal belongings in the event of a total loss.

Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. Consider choosing a deductible that is affordable for you.

Additional coverage: Consider whether you need additional coverage for events such as floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters.

Reputation of the insurance company: Choose an insurance company with a good reputation for customer service and timely claims processing.

Cost: Compare policies from multiple insurance companies to find the best balance of coverage and cost.

In conclusion, homeowners insurance is an important investment that provides financial protection for your home and personal belongings. By carefully considering your coverage needs and choosing a reputable insurance company, you can ensure that your investment is well-protected.

02/24/2023

Wildfires are a growing concern for homeowners, especially those living in high-risk areas. These devastating fires can cause significant damage to homes and personal property, making homeowners insurance a critical aspect of financial planning. In this post, we'll discuss the importance of having homeowners insurance in high wildfire areas and what to look for when selecting a policy.

Why is Homeowners Insurance Important in High Wildfire Areas?

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against losses from events such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. This coverage can help homeowners recover from the devastating effects of a wildfire by covering the cost of repairs, rebuilding, and replacing lost personal property. In high wildfire areas, this coverage is especially important because the risk of fire is significantly higher.

What to Look for When Selecting a Policy

When selecting a homeowners insurance policy for homes in high wildfire areas, it is important to consider the following factors:

Coverage for Fire Damage: A policy should provide coverage for damage from wildfires, including rebuilding costs, repairs, and replacement of lost personal property.

Additional Living Expenses: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, additional living expenses coverage can help cover the cost of temporary housing, food, and other necessities.

High Deductibles: Homes in high wildfire areas may have higher insurance premiums and deductibles to reflect the increased risk of fire. It's important to consider the cost of the policy and your ability to pay the deductible in the event of a loss.

Wildfire Mitigation Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have taken steps to reduce the risk of fire, such as clearing brush, installing fire-resistant roofing, or using fire-resistant landscaping.

Flood Insurance: In high wildfire areas, it is also important to consider purchasing flood insurance, as wildfires can cause flash flooding and other forms of water damage.

In conclusion, homeowners insurance is a critical aspect of financial planning for homes in high wildfire areas. When selecting a policy, it's important to consider the coverage for fire damage, additional living expenses, high deductibles, wildfire mitigation discounts, and flood insurance. With the right coverage in place, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that they are protected from the financial impacts of a wildfire.

02/10/2023

As a homeowner, it is important to understand when it is necessary to file a claim with your insurance company. Homeowners insurance is meant to provide financial protection in case of damage or loss to your home or personal property. However, not every instance of damage or loss requires a claim.

Here are some situations when you should consider filing a claim:

Natural Disasters: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes can cause significant damage to your home. If your home is damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible to start the repair or replacement process.

Fire Damage: A fire can cause substantial damage to your home and personal property. If you experience a fire, contact your insurance company immediately to file a claim.

Theft or Burglary: If your home or personal property is stolen, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company. They can help you recover your losses and pay for any repairs or replacements necessary.

Major Home Repairs: If your home requires major repairs due to damage from a storm, flood, or another type of event, you should file a claim with your insurance company. This will help you get the necessary repairs completed and protect your investment in your home.

Liability Claims: If someone is injured on your property, you may be held liable for their medical expenses and other costs associated with the injury. In these situations, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company to ensure that you are covered.

It is important to keep in mind that not every small repair or issue with your home requires a claim. In some cases, making a claim may result in higher insurance premiums or even a denial of coverage in the future. Before filing a claim, consider the cost of repairs and whether it is worth the potential impact on your insurance coverage.

In conclusion, understanding when to file a claim with your homeowners insurance is important in protecting your home and personal property. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always a good idea to speak with your insurance company directly.

02/03/2023

Owning a home is one of the largest investments most people make in their lifetime. But, with that investment comes the risk of potential damage, theft, and other unexpected events. This is where homeowners insurance comes in. It is a type of insurance policy that protects your home and its contents against a variety of perils.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically includes coverage for the following:

The structure of your home: This includes the walls, roof, floors, and any other permanent fixtures.
Personal property: This includes your furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items inside your home.
Liability: This covers any damage or injury you may cause to others while on your property. It also covers medical expenses for anyone who is injured on your property.
Loss of use: If your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss, this coverage will pay for temporary housing and other related expenses.
It's important to note that not all perils are covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Some common exclusions include damage caused by floods, earthquakes, and routine wear and tear. If you live in an area prone to these types of risks, you may need to purchase additional insurance coverage.

How much does homeowners insurance cost?

The cost of homeowners insurance varies depending on a variety of factors such as the location of your home, its age and construction, and the amount of coverage you need. On average, the cost of homeowners insurance is around $1,000 per year. However, it's important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rate for your specific needs.

How to choose the right homeowners insurance policy?

When choosing a homeowners insurance policy, there are several important factors to consider:

Coverage limits: Make sure the policy provides adequate coverage for the value of your home and its contents.
Deductible: The higher the deductible, the lower your premium. However, it's important to choose a deductible that you can afford in the event of a loss.
Discounts: Ask your insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for, such as a discount for a security system or a newer home.
Claims process: Research the claims process and make sure it's easy and straightforward.
Reputation: Choose an insurance company with a good reputation for paying claims quickly and fairly.
In conclusion, homeowners insurance is an essential part of protecting your most valuable asset. Make sure to choose the right policy for your needs and budget to ensure you and your home are fully protected.

10/08/2016

The figure will most likely increase in the second half of the year.

09/14/2016

A pumpkin spice latte paired with candy corn may be over the top, but bundling your home + auto policies with Farmers is just the right amount of sweet this season.

08/15/2016

Did you know that teachers spend an average of $2,000 out of their own pocket to buy classroom supplies each year? Join me in thanking America’s teachers by donating school supplies at my office throughout August!

05/06/2016

This is for the people that think yelp is no longer useful.

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