Since buying a house is the largest financial commitment you’ll ever make, it’s crucial to give careful consideration to each step of the process, including purchasing home insurance. Once you’ve found the perfect property, secured financing, and settled on a price, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your investment. Shopping for the right coverage can be a daunting task if it’s something you’ve never done before, but following a few proven tips will help make it more straightforward. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while looking for a policy that meets your needs. 

Do: 

Work with an insurance agent.

Though it’s not required to work with an agent to buy home insurance, it will make the shopping experience smoother. With an experienced professional guiding you through all your options, you can be sure you will receive all the information necessary to make an educated decision on coverage. An agent can also make certain you have taken advantage of all the discounts you qualify for to cut down on premium costs. 

Take a thorough inventory of your possessions. 

The only way to make sure you buy enough protection for your possessions is to take a thorough inventory of what you own. Document your valuable items with photos and receipts so your agent can help you calculate how much coverage you will need to replace them in the event of a disaster. Keeping a detailed and updated inventory will also make it easier to collect on an insurance claim if the need arises. 

Don’t: 

Neglect to buy comprehensive coverage.

Often, homeowners are so concerned with making sure their insurance policy covers the costs to rebuild their home and replace their belongings that they forget it’s just as important to have liability coverage. This will protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket if someone is injured on your property and decides to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against you.

Forget to ask what a policy’s inclusions & exclusions are.

It’s imperative to understand exactly what events your home insurance policy does and doesn’t cover. You don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised if you experience a loss that isn’t included in your coverage. Standard policies will cover damages from fire, wind, hail, vandalism, and theft, but typically endorsements must be purchased for perils such as floods and earthquakes. 

The key to making sure your new home is adequately protected is to buy quality coverage from a reputable insurance agency. This is why residents in Batavia, OH, turn to Kramer-Myers & Werring-Dickerson Insurance for assistance with all their home insurance needs. After serving the community for more than five decades, they have an established reputation for providing superior products at the best rates possible. Contact them at (513) 732-1461 to request a quote, or visit their website for more information.