Insurance is essential, but many people don’t realize how important homeowners insurance can be. You might think you don’t need insurance when buying your first home or that you can get it later, but the truth is that you should buy this type of insurance long before you move into your first home.
Homeowners’ insurance is an incredibly important part of owning a home. Without it, you could face financial disaster in the event of an accident or natural disaster that damages your property or someone else’s. Here are five reasons why homeowners insurance is crucial and why you should consider getting it right away.
1. Assistance If Disaster Strikes
Most homeowners insurance policies offer coverage if disaster strikes your home. Most insurance companies will reimburse you for repairs up to your policy’s limits if a fire damages your house. The same is true of other natural disasters like earthquakes or floods. It can also provide additional living expenses if you temporarily live elsewhere while repairs are made.
2. Protection Against Larceny & Vandalism
Although you should maintain an alarm system, it’s not guaranteed that your home is safe from theft and vandalism. If your homeowners ‘ insurance policy doesn’t cover them, you’ll have to replace broken windows, holes in your walls, or stolen personal belongings. When tragedy strikes and something is stolen or vandalized, your homeowners’ insurance will kick in and replace it—up to your policy limits. Just be sure that the right policy adequately covers your belongings.
3. Protection Of Other Detached Structures
While your primary home is often insured for its full replacement value, your detached structures and add-ons might also be protected depending on the policy you choose. That means that if you have a garage, carport, shed, or pool house in your backyard, it’s likely to be covered under your homeowners’ insurance. To ensure you’re protected on all fronts, consider adding a floater to your policy so that these outbuildings are included in the coverage and receive proper compensation should they be damaged or destroyed by fire, weather or theft.
4. Protection Against Lawsuits
You can also get additional liability coverage for protection against lawsuits if someone gets hurt on your property and decides to sue you for damages. If a child slips and falls in your home, for example, their parents could bring a lawsuit against you for medical expenses. Homeowners insurance typically covers legal cases related to injuries suffered on your property. Homeowners insurance will help cover legal costs and damages; be sure to opt for coverage that offers liability protection.
5. Easy To Obtain
It’s quick and easy to get homeowners insurance. You can sign up for a policy online, over the phone, or through your local agent. Just visit an insurance agency or broker and provide basic information about yourself and your home, then wait for a rate quote. If you’re satisfied with what you hear, buy your policy right there on the spot.
Endnote
Homeowners insurance goes hand-in-hand with investment and can protect you from financial ruin by helping rebuild your home after catastrophe strikes, but only if you get it. Whether you’re moving into your first or tenth home, you should understand why it’s essential to get homeowners insurance if you want to protect your home and possessions.
