More and more people are choosing solar for their home’s electricity needs. Many homeowners also hope to save money over time by reducing their energy bills and taking advantage of tax incentives. While solar panels come with many benefits, they’re not a fit for every home. To decide whether solar power is a good decision for your home’s energy needs, consider the factors.
Read MoreIn Illinois, nearly 80% of all tornadoes occur from April 1st through June 30th. Adverse weather, such as high winds, heavy rain, hail and tornadoes, can cause extensive damage to homes and vehicles. Therefore, homeowners and drivers like you need appropriate insurance coverage, including policies and endorsements designed to provide financial protection against storm damage.
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If your home is used solely for your personal residence, then your homeowners insurance is not tax deductible. However, there are exceptions. Here are some instances to consider that could, in fact, make your homeowners insurance tax deductible.
Read MorePart of the benefit of being a homeowner is being able to entertain friends, family and other guests. But what happens when something goes wrong and a guest causes damage?
Read MoreYour home is somewhere you expect to feel safe. Yet more injuries and deaths from fire occur in the home than in any other place. Don’t underestimate the danger of fire. Use this home fire safety guide to help you prepare and learn what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.
Read MoreWhen it comes to being a homeowner, it’s natural to focus on the house itself — the structure, interior, yard, etc. But underneath your home are essential components that are easy to overlook yet crucial for daily life: service lines. Let’s go over what service lines are, who’s responsible for their maintenance, and the coverage you can get to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements.
Read MoreHome insurance endorsements work like add-ons. If you’re looking for ways to customize your home insurance coverage to your unique needs and goals, endorsements can be a great option. Learn about three popular home endorsements.
Read MoreYou don’t have to live in a disaster-prone place for your homeowners insurance bill to make you feel like disaster has struck. Homeowners insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly this year throughout the U.S. What’s behind these scary numbers? Read on for answers—and for solutions to help you save money.
Read MoreHome warranty and home insurance — i.e., homeowners insurance — may seem like interchangeable terms. In reality, they’re two separate policies, each providing critical benefits to homeowners. Let’s examine the differences between these two coverages and how they can protect you as a homeowner.
Read MoreYour roof is your home's primary protection against hail, wind, fire, and other hazards. That's why insurance companies consider the age, condition, material, and shape of your roof when determining your insurance coverage and costs.
Read MorePersonal property coverage — also known as contents coverage on a home policy — helps cover the cost of your personal items if they are destroyed, damaged, or stolen due to a covered loss or peril. Personal property includes things like furniture, clothing, electronics, and kitchenware.
Read MoreIf you lost your home in a fire, how much would it cost to rebuild it? The answer may be different than you think. And if your home isn’t insured to its full replacement cost, your homeowners policy may not cover the full cost for you to rebuild it in the event of a covered loss.
Read MoreWith several storms hitting the country in the past few weeks there might be quite a bit of snow on your roof. The question: Can your roof handle it? The answer: It depends. According to Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, your roof should be able to support 20 pounds per square foot of snow. Of course, we don’t expect you to climb up and weigh it. Instead, we’ve created a guide to help you determine how much snow is actually on your roof.
Read MorePreventing roof damage to keep your family comfortable and secure all winter long is easier than it looks. Today’s homeowners don’t even need to get on their roofs to take necessary precautions. Here are ten timely tips to prevent roof damage as temperatures drop.
Read MoreLeaky pipes, burst water heaters and soaked carpets are common home disasters that can stem from the same culprit: plumbing. You might think that you don’t need to worry about plumbing-related problems because you carry a homeowners policy. You’re partially right. However, most homeowners policies exclude coverage for some of the most serious and damaging plumbing disasters.
Read MoreAs the seasons start to change, it’s the perfect time to prep your home for the colder months by getting ahead on your home maintenance. Tackling a few tasks now can help you reduce energy costs and avoid property damage during winter, allowing you and your family to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Read our home maintenance checklist and learn tips on cleaning gutters, prepping your lawn, sealing cracks, and more.
Read MoreSometimes, a basic homeowners policy just isn’t enough. So as your career advances and your income increases, it’s important to keep your insurance protection up to date. This helps you avoid expensive gaps in coverage and prevents you from paying too much out of pocket in case of a claim.
Read MoreIf you’re thinking of buying a home, the current housing market is less than desirable for potential homeowners. Housing inventory is low, home interest rates are rising, and buyer competition is as intense as ever. All of these factors beg the question: Should I rent or buy a house?
Read MoreDeductibles have been an essential part of the insurance contract for many years. Understanding the role deductibles play when insuring a vehicle or home is integral to getting the most out of your insurance policy. Know how your deductibles work to prevent surprise costs—and save money.
Like any residence, your vacation home needs to be insured—but because the risks are different, the coverage might cost more than your primary homeowners policy. Before you leap into second-home ownership, consider the factors that will likely affect the price you’ll need to pay for insuring it.
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