Homeowners Insurance

Whether you’re buying your first home or your 10th, the situation is very similar. You fill out mounds of paperwork, schedule home inspections, negotiate over pricing and then consider the ways to protect your largest investment for years to come.

Two key ways to keep your home – and your wallet – protected are with homeowners insurance and a home warranty. What is the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty?

On the surface, they may seem similar, but in fact, each offers different services and levels of protection. An insurance policy on your home is a requirement if you’re purchasing your home with a mortgage loan while a warranty on your home is optional.

The basic difference is that with homeowners insurance, you’re largely protecting the structure of your house and your belongings in the event of a natural disaster or other calamity, such as a house fire. But a warranty covers major appliances as well as plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs.

A standard home warranty typically costs anywhere from $300 to $500 a year. Homeowners can add on additional coverage for items like a swimming pool or spa. Also you can transfer the warranty to the new owner should you sell your house. That can make for a nice perk when you’ve put your home on the market.

When it comes to purchasing a warranty on your home, do your research. A number of companies offer warranties and policies can vary widely in terms of coverage, price and customer service. Take the time to shop around, get quotes and read other customers’ reviews of the companies.

Because warranties on the home aren’t required, many homeowners may opt to forgo this added coverage, especially if their home is just a few years old or brand new. Homeowners purchasing an older home with older appliances and older heating and air conditioning units, may find the home warranty is a valuable purchase. A new HVAC unit can cost thousands, especially if your home happens to have two units.

The warranty on your home purchase comes down to individual preference. If you’re purchasing your house with a mortgage loan – as most people do – then you’re required to have insurance on your home to protect your house against a major disaster.

Insurance policy on your home varies from state to state, but typically covers the physical structure as well as the contents of your home, including personal property like TVs, computer and furniture.

It also covers the damage from situations like fire, theft, vandalism and certain natural disasters, such as lightning, hail or wind damage. Homeowners insurance includes liability protection in the event someone is injured at your home and it covers your living expenses if your house is uninhabitable because of damage.

The cost of insurance for your home varies from company to company and also is based on the value of your home and where you live. Check the policy to see if it covers damage from flooding; many insurance policies do not and you may want to invest in an additional flood policy, or coastal insurance especially if you live in hurricane-prone areas.

As with all insurance policies, it’s important to shop around and request quotes from a variety of companies. Certainly you’ll be looking for an affordable insurance policy for your home, but you’ll also want to make sure it covers as many situations as possible.

Now that you understand the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty, you can make an informed decision about the best ways to protect your home and family.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner’s Insurance Policies.

Remodeling or updating your home is a great way to add value to your house now and in the future should you decide to sell. Whether it’s granite counter tops, wood floors or an addition to create more living space, remodeling is a true investment in your home.

As you’re browsing paint colors and floor samples, you may not be thinking about your homeowners insurance in Charleston, SC, and how it’s impacted by a remodel. Put homeowners insurance on the remodeling checklist because it plays an important role in the success of your home makeover.

Make insurance part of the design

If you’re planning for an addition or extra room, contact your insurance company before you start construction. You’ll need to add the new space into the home’s total square footage to ensure it’s covered. Should something happen to the addition before it’s added to your home insurance policy in Charleston, SC, you’ll likely be on the hook for the cost of repairs or even rebuilding the room you just added.

Be prepared for your rate to rise if you’re adding more square footage. If you’re concerned about the cost, contact your insurance company before you get started for an estimate of your new rate. Then you can factor that information into your remodeling budget.

While most additions or improvements are seen as favorable, adding a swimming pool is one change insurance companies don’t like. Pools dramatically increase the risk someone will get injured on your property. Make sure you’ve contacted your insurance company to find out about a rate increase and whether safety features such as a fence are required.

If your home improvement is more than cosmetic, there’s a chance you could quality for a discount. Using high-quality roofing materials or sustainable materials and fixtures could count in your favor. Be sure to inquire in advance.

Insuring a fixer-upper

It can be tempting to buy a house in pretty rough shape at a deeply discounted price and then turn it into your dream home. It happens on HGTV all the time, right? It is a good way to snag a real estate bargain but beware that it can be tough to get homeowners insurance for your fixer-upper.

Homes that have been foreclosed on or abandoned are a higher risk for insurance providers, according to U.S. News & World Report. The renovation process is more risky, plus there are potential problems that can arise when no one is living in the home.

It’s not impossible to secure coverage, but you’ll need to consult with your homeowners insurance company or shop around to find a company willing to provide conventional coverage or temporary special coverage for the renovation process. Once the renovation is complete, it should be much easier to secure traditional insurance coverage.

Covering the contractor

If you’re outsourcing the remodeling work to a general contractor, only hire one that is both licensed and bonded. Be sure to ask for proof, don’t simply trust the sticker on his construction truck. You’ll also want to ask for proof of insurance along with workers’ compensation and whether the general contractor’s policy covers any hired subcontractors.

At the end of the day, you’ll be happy you embarked on a remodel. Your living space is larger, modernized or improved. Plus, you’ve added to the home’s resale value. Just be sure you put “call insurance agent” on your remodel to-do list. It’s important to make sure you’ve adjusted your coverage if needed. With that detail out of the way, you can turn your attention to more important things like granite vs. marble and eggshell vs. ivory.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services in Homeowner’s Insurance Polices.

Once you purchase that first house, you quickly realize why a home is your largest investment. Aside from the cost of the house itself, there’s upkeep, maintenance and repairs, plus the expense of cosmetic upgrades like new carpet, paint or the addition of a deck or patio. An important piece of those home-related expenses is homeowners insurance.

Despite being a requirement if you purchase your house with a mortgage loan, it’s also smart home ownership. The average cost of homeowners insurance in South Carolina is $1,100 a year, although that varies depending on the value and location of your house and other factors.

Should your home be damaged in a natural disaster, fire or other calamity, you’ll be glad you paid for the homeowners insurance. But as with any expense, you’re eager to save a few bucks and may be thinking, “How can I save money on homeowners insurance in South Carolina?”

Shop around. Get quotes from several insurance companies. Compare the policies to determine which company offers the most value for the best price. Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if you know they’ve had to cash in on their policy. Don’t just rely on the Internet for generating quotes. Call the insurance companies and speak to a representative. This way you’ll be able to gauge their level of customer service. In the event your home is damaged and you need their assistance, you’ll want to feel comfortable they are competent and quick to respond. We recommend seeking out an independent Insurance agent for your insurance needs. For more information check out How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Save You Money? 

Combine insurance policies. If possible, use the same insurance company for your home insurance and car insurance. You may be able to get an umbrella policy and qualify for cheaper homeowners insurance.

Ask about discounts. Companies may not always volunteer information about discounts so don’t hesitate to ask about available savings opportunities. They may offer discounts to those over the age of 55 or you may qualify for a discount if you’ve installed energy-efficient products in your home.

Add a home security system. Even having smoke detectors and dead-bolt locks may save you 5 percent. A more sophisticated fire and burglar alarm system could save you 15 percent or more on your homeowners insurance. Before you spring for a system – some of which can be quite costly – check first with your insurance company. You’ll want to be sure you’re using a system that qualifies for the company discount.

Raise your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance company begins to pay a claim. So, the higher your deductible the cheaper your annual homeowners insurance premium. Opt for a deductible of at least $500 and go for $1,000 if you can – that just might save you as much as 25 percent.

Think about the insurance cost when buying a new home. Most people are focused on the neighborhood, size and layout of the house and nearby amenities when house hunting. But don’t forget to put the cost of homeowners insurance on your list. If your house is close to a fire hydrant or a professional fire department (rather than volunteer one), it may lower your insurance rates in South Carolina. If you’re buying a new house or one with new electrical and heating systems, you may find cheaper insurance.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services’ Homeowners Insurance Policies.

With the start of a new year coming very soon, the one topic that will be top of mind is taxes. And everyone’s No. 1 question is how they can save on the amount of taxes they’ll be paying in 2022. As a homeowner, you’re already ahead of the game and can take advantage of tax deductions specific to homeownership.

Here are five tax breaks for homeowners:

1. Simply by owning a home, you’ll qualify for a tax break. Homeowners can deduct the interest they paid on their mortgage, their mortgage insurance premiums and state/local real estate taxes on their property. By itemizing these deductions on your tax returns, you could save an average of $500 on your annual tax bill.

Also, if you happened to sell a home this year, don’t forget to deduct the real estate taxes you paid on the close of that sale.

2. Depending on the size and location of your home, you may be paying out a great deal in property taxes. Reclaim some of your expenses by deducting your property taxes on your income tax return. Tip: make sure you claim the deduction in the same year that you made the actual payment.
3. If you have a designated home office, you can deduct that on your taxes. This is especially great for people who have their own home-based business. Many people worry that writing off a home office will raise red flags and trigger an IRS audit. But if you make the deductions properly and everything is above board, you’ll be in good shape.

Also, don’t forget to deduct other expenses associated with keeping that home office running, such as electricity, Internet service, trash pickup, water and even your homeowners insurance.

As this article highlighting major tax breaks for homeowners explains, you simply need to determine these annual costs and then prorate them based on the size of your home office relative to the overall size of your house. For example, if you have a 2,000-square foot house and the home office is 200 square feet, you can deduct 10 percent of your total expenses on your tax returns.

4. Making significant home improvements can save you money on taxes when you sell your house. You can deduct major improvements (adding a deck or a complete kitchen redo) but not everyday repairs such as fixing a busted water pipe. Don’t forget to save all your receipts so you get the full tax breaks for homeowners.
5. Have an extra house? Maybe this year you inherited your parents’ home after they passed away. But it’s in another state and you’re not interested in keeping it. Depending on your financial situation, it may be better to take advantage of the tax benefitsby donating your house to charity rather than selling it outright.

There are a lot of ways to take advantage of tax breaks for homeowners when it comes to itemizing deductions. You home is most likely your biggest investment and your biggest expense, so make it work for you by helping you save money on your annual tax bill. Work closely with your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you’re getting all the deductions you can and also that your deductions comply with state and federal tax laws.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner Insurance Policies.

Have you ever wondered why your homeowner’s insurance premium rate is the number it is? Have you ever wondered how can I save money on homeowners Insurance in South Carolina While there’s a lot of algorithms and research involved in calculating the amount your provider bills you each month, that number can be dissected by looking at a few main factors.

    1. Age of the Home

A large part of your homeowners insurance premium rate has to do with the age of your home and the materials used to build it. Older homes tend to have more problems with the electric wiring and plumbing systems and often their  foundations have weakened over time.

Older homes made with wood typically carry a higher risk than homes built with other materials as water and fire damage are more likely to occur. If your home was built before 1978, it might have been painted with lead paint–another high-risk factor that could affect your premium.

2. The Upgrades You’ve Made

Those living in the older parts of Charleston, take note: the upgrades you make to your home could affect your homeowner’s insurance premium coverage, so you might want to do a little research or get in touch with your provider before you hit the hardware store.

Some upgrades might actually lower your premium rate, such as installing a wind- resistant roof, adding protection to doors and windows, installing an alarm system, and putting up a security fence.

Others could lead to a higher premium. Swimming pools, hot tubs, trampolines, and home offices all add to the risk of insuring your home and may affect your monthly bill.

3. Your Pets 

Did you know that certain dog breeds and other high-risk pets can affect your monthly rate?

High-risk dog breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers could hike up your homeowners insurance premium, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping for pets and reach out to your provider to see how it’ll affect your insurance plan.

4. Your Location

We all love the coastal life, but unfortunately it’s common practice for providers to charge higher insurance premiums for those living close to water. Yet it’s usually a fair trade-off–all this fickle coastal weather means we need all the protection we can get.

Location factors like weather history, distance from the nearest fire/police station, and neighborhood crime rates are all taken into account when calculating your premium. While there’s not much you can do about these factors now, it’s a good idea to keep them in mind next time you’re shopping for a new home.

5. Your Previous Claims and Credit History

All the crazy weather we’ve been having here in Charleston lately has undoubtedly led to the filing of lots of insurance claims.

Your claim history can affect your monthly premium, as can your credit history. Mitigate these two factors by educating yourself on when it makes the most sense to file a claim and by being mindful of your credit score.

While it’s not wise to select a plan solely based on a monthly premium, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on how your premium rate is calculated. Awareness of your premium rate and overall homeowner’s insurance plan will have you using your policy to its fullest potential.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner’s Insurance Policies.

Owning a home provides stability and a sense of security. Plus, it’s typically a solid financial investment. But there’s much more to the cost of owning a home than the real estate price tag. Homeowners have upkeep and maintenance costs, annual homeowner’s association dues, and the cost of insurance.

Those expenses can add up fast, so most homeowners are eager to find ways to save on the cost of homeownership. One way is to reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium. You may think insurance costs are set with no room for negotiation or discounts. In fact, there are ways you can save on homeowners insurance.

1. Choose a higher deductible. Typically you’ll only file an insurance claim if there’s a major disaster, such as a fire or damage from high winds. So don’t worry about having a deductible that’s less than $1,000 – especially if you can afford to pay for any cheaper claims out of pocket. The higher the deducible the cheaper your homeowners insurance premium.
2. Bundle your insurance. Many companies will offer discounts to customers who have multiple insurance products. If possible, bundle your home and auto insurance with the same company. And if you’re planning to purchase an additional flood insurance policy, bundle it in as well if your company offers it.
3. Ask for security and home improvement discounts. Insurance companies certainly prefer when fewer people file claims, so another good way to lower your homeowners’ insurance premium is to do everything you can to keep from filing a claim. Adding a home security system, hard-wired smoke detectors and deadbolts can all result in a cheaper premium. Also if you’ve recently upgraded your plumbing and electrical systems, ask for a discount. New plumbing, for example, means less risk of filing a claim for busted pipes and water damage.
4. Be a good customer. Sometimes it seems companies only offer the best deals to new customers, and loyalty is overlooked. But there are some insurance companies that reward customer loyalty. Ask if your company has such a policy and reap the rewards.
5. Eliminate unnecessary coverage. Is your policy too big, too small or just right? Make sure you understand the ins and outs of your policy. It should be enough to replace your home and its contents. If you have an older house or don’t own a lot of fine jewelry and expensive artwork, you might need less coverage. It’s best to sit down with an agent to discuss your individual situation.
6. Improve your credit score. Similar to how auto insurers will use your credit score when setting premiums, companies will do the same for homeowners insurance. Customers with low credit scores are seen as high-risk and therefore pay higher premiums. Take steps toward increasing your credit score so you can decrease your homeowners insurance premium.
7. Consider the added costs of items like pools and trampolines. Having risky backyard toys like trampolines, tree houses and swimming pools can increase your insurance premiums as they are seen as big liabilities. You also need to ensure your policy covers incidents related to items like this. If your kids have outgrown the trampoline or your family rarely uses the pool, you might want to get rid of them and lower your insurance costs.
8. Shop around. There’s nothing wrong with looking around for a better deal. Periodically get quotes from other companies and see if a cheaper policy exists. Just make sure you’re comparing the same policy and factoring in any current discounts. You want to compare apples to apples when it comes to coverage and pricing.

Don’t assume your homeowners’ insurance premiums are set in stone. Ask for discounts and look for ways to reduce your costs. You can always put that extra money toward the never-ending list of home improvements.

Fill out the form below if you would like a Manning Insurance representative to review your homeowners’ insurance policy.

 Learn More about Homeowners Insurance

Have you ever wondered why your homeowner’s insurance premium rate is the number it is? Have you ever wondered how can I save money on homeowners Insurance in South Carolina While there’s a lot of algorithms and research involved in calculating the amount your provider bills you each month, that number can be dissected by looking at a few main factors.

A large part of your homeowner’s insurance premium rate has to do with the age of your home and the materials used to build it. Older homes tend to have more problems with the electric wiring and plumbing systems and often their foundations have weakened over time.

Older homes made with wood typically carry a higher risk than homes built with other materials as water and fire damage are more likely to occur. If your home was built before 1978, it might have been painted with lead paint–another high-risk factor that could affect your premium.

2. The Upgrades You’ve Made

Those living in the older parts of Charleston, take note: the upgrades you make to your home could affect your homeowner’s insurance premium coverage, so you might want to do a little research or get in touch with your provider before you hit the hardware store.

Some upgrades might actually lower your premium rate, such as installing a wind-resistant roof, adding protection to doors and windows, installing an alarm system, and putting up a security fence.

Others could lead to a higher premium. Swimming pools, hot tubs, trampolines, and home offices all add to the risk of insuring your home and may affect your monthly bill.

3. Your Pets 

Did you know that certain dog breeds and other high-risk pets can affect your monthly rate?

High-risk dog breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers could hike up your homeowners insurance premium, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping for pets and reach out to your provider to see how it’ll affect your insurance plan.

4. Your Location

We all love the coastal life, but unfortunately it’s common practice for providers to charge higher insurance premiums for those living close to water. Yet it’s usually a fair trade-off–all this fickle coastal weather means we need all the protection we can get.

Location factors like weather history, distance from the nearest fire/police station, and neighborhood crime rates are all taken into account when calculating your premium. While there’s not much you can do about these factors now, it’s a good idea to keep them in mind next time you’re shopping for a new home.

5. Your Previous Claims and Credit History

All the crazy weather we’ve been having here in Charleston lately has undoubtedly led to the filing of lots of insurance claims.

Your claim history can affect your monthly premium, as can your credit history. Mitigate these two factors by educating yourself on when it makes the most sense to file a claim and by being mindful of your credit score.

While it’s not wise to select a plan solely based on a monthly premium, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on how your premium rate is calculated. Awareness of your premium rate and overall homeowner’s insurance plan will have you using your policy to its fullest potential.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner Insurance.

Shopping for homeowner’s insurance can be a confusing process, so it’s only natural that many people rush through it without paying much attention to what they’re signing up for. Even if you made a few hasty decisions when buying homeowners insurance, it’s not too late to revisit your policy and educate yourself on your coverage. Learning from these common mistakes and adjusting your policy as needed could make all the difference should disaster ever strike.

1. Confusing replacement cost with value

Because the value of your home is susceptible to fluctuating property values and the cost of rebuilding your home is susceptible to fluctuating construction prices, you can’t assume that insuring your home for its current value will keep you covered–especially if you’ve upgraded your home in any way.

Shoot for a policy that covers the replacement cost of your home, not just the value of your home.

2. Not taking an inventory of personal items

Most standard policies also cover the personal possessions inside your home. But the amount you receive from your insurance company to replace these possessions in case of an accident largely depends on your thoroughness in taking an inventory of them.

Take an inventory of all your valuable personal items, such as electronics, appliances, jewelry, expensive apparel, collectibles, and artwork. Take pictures of all these items and collect any relevant receipts or appraisals. It could mean the difference between using your homeowner’s insurance policy to its full potential and paying to replace your valuables out of pocket.

3. Overestimating or underestimating the extent of coverage

You may think you’re covered for damage caused by certain kinds of natural disasters, but have you read the fine print? Often you’ll need extra coverage for damage caused by earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires.

On the flip side, some people underutilize their insurance policy by not filing for certain types of loss. Plenty of policies cover certain types of property loss even when it doesn’t occur on your property.

Both of these scenarios can be remedied by asking your insurance agent to break down the specifics of your policy for you.

4. Setting deductibles too high

It’s nice to have low monthly premiums, but what about when the time comes to file a claim and you’re stuck with a painfully high deductible?

The deductible is the amount you have to pay before your coverage kicks in. Opt for a higher premium and lower deductible to stay on the safe side; otherwise, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency fund just in case.

5. Choosing a provider based on price

Just as with anything else in life, when it comes to shopping for homeowner’s insurance, you get what you pay for. It’s not wise to choose the cheapest coverage on the market. It’s cheap for a reason–it won’t keep you covered when you need it most. But it’s not too late for an upgrade.

When buying homeowner’s insurance, look for an insurance company that’s been around for a while and that has a positive A.M. Best Company rating. Take your time researching several providers and see what others are saying about them online. With a bit of due diligence and a phone call or two, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

If you are in Mt. Pleasant, SC we highly recommend for all your family business consultant needs to contact Positively People. Click here for more details.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner Insurance.

A homeowners insurance policy in SC is a homeowners insurance policy, right? Not exactly. Insurance policies can be as varied as houses themselves. Depending on your budget and the value of your home, policies can vary.

1. Shop around and get comparison quotes. A good rule of thumb is to get three quotes from three separate companies. Make sure you request the same kind of information and the same policy, so you can truly compare what they have to offer and the pricing. Don’t assume all insurance companies offer the same thing. Pricing can vary considerably and you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the very best insurance policy at the very best price.If you have an existing insurance company, include it as a fourth quote. Some companies offer discounts for loyal customers or for bundling home and auto insurance policies. You may qualify for some discounts that bring your existing insurance pricing in line with what other companies are offering. If you’re happy with the coverage, you could save yourself the hassle of switching insurance companies while getting some money-saving discounts.

2. Understand whether you need a separate flood insurance policy. Homeowners in Charleston, SC, are certainly at risk for flooding whether from a hurricane, tropical storm, or simply heavy rains mixed with high tides. Even homeowners who don’t live in a designated flood zone could find themselves in high water in certain situations. This is why it’s critical to consider a separate flood insurance policy.The majority of policies do not cover damage caused by flooding so if your first floor is 6 inches underwater and you don’t have flood insurance, you’re faced with paying for the repairs yourself. And even a small amount of water can do some serious damage.The average flood insurance policy is about $700 a year so it’s not a terribly expensive policy to add. You may find it’s worth the peace of mind knowing you’re covered the next time a hurricane is headed for the South Carolina coast.

3. Ask questions about what’s included in the policy.Homeowners insurance policies vary in the amount of coverage. You need to find out if you have a more basic plan or if yours covers things like high-value personal property (art and jewelry). Does your policy cover personal liability in the event someone is injured on your property?
4. Know the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value. Don’t assume your homeowners insurance company will give you the full value of your home in the event your house is damaged beyond repair. Again, this is why it’s important to fully understand your policy. If your insurance pays a replacement cost, this means you get the full cost of replacing your home – up to a maximum amount. Make sure that the maximum is high enough. You’ll want to be able to purchase a new home that’s comparable to the one you lost.Actual cash value, on the other hand, gives you the current cash value of your personal property or home – with depreciation. Understand the difference and talk with your insurance agent to get a sense of how much money you would receive should your house and its content be destroyed in something like a fire or tornado. By taking the time to understand homeowners insurance in SC, the specifics of different policies, and what happens in the event of a disaster, you’ll be informed and able to make a smart choice about the right policy for you.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services’ Homeowners Insurance.

Just like the people who live inside it, your home is happiest when it’s healthy, which means it needs a good checkup now and again. Some parts of your home need to be examined throughout the year while others need seasonal maintenance. Consider some of these helpful hints when diagnosing your home’s health any time of year.

• Roof: Starting at the top and working your way to the bottom is one way to ensure your home is problem-free. Always be sure your roof is free of leaks by giving vents, skylights and chimneys a once over. Don’t let issues go untreated. The longer you wait, the more costly repairs can be.
• Gutters: Keep your gutters clog-free and remember to drain pipes away from the house. This chore is common on many checklists just as fall sets in, especially in colder climates.
• Refrigerator: Get your wallet or purse out before you check out your fridge. Take a dollar bill and shut it in your refrigerator door. If it slips out easily, it may be time to readjust the latch. You don’t want precious cool air to leak out, causing your food to spoil more rapidly and your wallet to grow increasingly slim as you replace pricey grocery items. When you are stocking up, remember a full fridge uses less energy than an empty one.
• Safety Equipment: There is no excuse for allowing safety equipment like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers to go unchecked. These devices might save your family and your home from a terrible tragedy. Be sure to test and replace batteries at least twice a year.

Check out these and other time-saving tips for keeping your home in tip-top shape.

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services’ Homeowner Insurance.

Did you know that just one malfunction in your home’s sewer or septic system could cost thousands of dollars? And, did you know that damage from sewer backup is not automatically covered by your homeowner’s insurance? In fact, many policies exclude sewer line backup repairs from coverage.

Who needs sewer line coverage?

It doesn’t matter where you live or if your home does or does not have a basement, any homeowner can potentially have sewer line damage from simple wear and tear on aging pipes, tree roots damaging pipes or just from the ground settling and shifting. Unless sewer line coverage is listed as an “additional coverage” endorsement in your homeowner’s policy’s declarations page, you do not have coverage and will be responsible for your own sewer line repairs. Consider whether your budget could handle such an expense, and if not, consider adding this endorsement (rider) to your coverage.

What is covered?

Coverage may vary based on your homeowner’s insurance company, but adding an endorsement to your homeowner’s policy for sewer line coverage generally provides coverage for repair and replacement of property damage caused back ups through sewers or drains. This endorsement will help pay for things like replacing furniture or paying for water removal services and additional living expenses if you have to move out of your home while repairs are made.

Adding sewer line coverage to your homeowner’s insurance

You can request to add sewer line coverage to your homeowner’s insurance. It’s generally not an inexpensive, although the price varies, depending on what is covered. You can choose limits of coverage that match your specific needs.

If you are not prepared to spend thousands of dollars on a sewer line replacement or repair, let us talk to you about adding this coverage to your homeowner’s insurance. If you would like us to review your coverage, we can go over all of the options available to you, whether they involve sewer lines or other aspects of your home. We are here to help you!

Learn more about Manning Insurance Services‘ Homeowner Insurance Policies.

If you are like most people, you may think that your homeowner’s insurance protects you against all personal property losses. However, most homeowner’s policies have limits to the amount of coverage for valuable items such as jewelry, furs, electronics, coin collections and other valuable items. These may not be covered unless you add an endorsement to your homeowner’s policy.

Do you need a personal article floater?

If you own inexpensive personal jewelry or electronic items, then you probably have enough coverage available through your regular homeowner’s insurance policy. Whether or not you need to add a personal article floater endorsement to your homeowner’s coverage will depend on the value of personal items you own. An expensive coin collection that comes up missing or a valuable gun that you drop off a cliff will probably not be covered by your regular homeowner’s insurance policy. A personal articles floater endorsement or separate policy for these items typically does not carry a high premium compared to the coverage you receive.

How much coverage is enough?

The amount of coverage you have for valuable items through your homeowner’s policy will depend on the company and your policy’s language. A standard homeowner’s policy typically provides up to $5,000 for valuable items that are not scheduled. You can give yourself peace of mind and make sure you do not lose your most valuable items by protecting them with a personal articles floater.

We’ll be glad to discuss coverage with you for expensive personal items you may have. Learn more about Manning Insurance Services.