Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage?
Did you know that over 358,000 house fires are reported each year? These fires cost homeowners billions of dollars’ worth of property damage year after year. With the holiday season and colder weather upon us, people are bringing out their crockpots and portable heaters making homes even more susceptible to catching ablaze. Whether an accidental kitchen fire set your house on fire, or a portable heater was placed too close to furniture or a curtain, it is vital that you understand your insurance coverage in the event of an emergency.
At Staples & Associates, we understand that your home is likely the most valuable asset that you have. Staples Associates wants to be sure that your homeowner’s insurance will help to protect you and your house. Most homeowner’s insurance policies will help to cover your home and your belongings. Most insurances also help to pay for the repair or replacement of your home and its contents in the event that they are damaged by the fire.
What is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowner insurance will typically help to cover the structure of a home. As well as attached structures, such as a garage. If your home is uninhabitable during repairs or while it is being rebuilt, your homeowner’s insurance will typically help to pay for additional costs of having to live away from your home, this can include hotel costs and restaurant bills.
Most homeowner’s insurance will also help to pay for structures that are on your property but not attached to your home. This includes but is not limited to; sheds, detached garages, and fences. Your homeowner’s policy may help to cover lost landscaping as well, you may be reimbursed for some or all of the value of trees or shrubbery that’s on your property. Your homeowner’s insurance will typically extend to include your personal belongings as well. This can include appliances, furniture, and clothing.
When you chose your insurance limits, there is no one-size-fits-all formula. You can set coverage limits based on the value of your home and belongings. At Staples & Associates, we strongly suggest discussing the value of your property with an agent to be sure that you are selecting the best insurance options to protect your home.
Fire Prevention Tips
The most efficient way to keep your home safe from fire damage is to practice proper fire safety in your home. Follow these fire prevention tips to help keep your home protected from any potential damage.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside of sleeping areas.
- Test your smoke alarms every month, if they are not working properly it’s time to change the batteries!
- Have a family conversation discussing a fire escape plan, and practice this plan twice a year.
- If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out and call for help!
Contact an agent today if you have any additional questions, or would like to further discuss your homeowner’s insurance coverage and options!
Check out our blog for more Insurance Safety Tips and be sure that you’re covered no matter what the emergency.