Practical tips to protect your Atlanta home against burglary and prevent break-ins

Protect your home from burglary.

No one wants to think about what would happen if their home got burglarized. But it does happen. Your home is supposed to be a safe place, a haven for your family, and that peace of mind would be shattered if you came home to find that someone had broken into your home. Yes, your home insurance might help you replace your belongings, but nothing can replace your sense of security. However, there are things you can do to help prevent a burglary. Check out these tips to keep your Atlanta home safe.

1. Keep doors and windows locked tight while you’re at work.

Most burglaries don’t happen in the dead of night. They happen in the middle of the day (8 am – 4 pm) when people are at work. Burglars go for homes that are going to be empty. You should always keep your doors and windows secure, but especially when you’re at work.

2. Set up some automatic timers for lights.

Set some timers to turn on some lights in different rooms in your home. You can even set the timers so that the lights go on and off and move from room to room to make it look like someone’s home. By switching the lights from room to room you can keep it from looking like a pattern.

3. Have motion-sensor lighting around your home and garage.

Lighting is a great deterrent to burglary. Motion-detected lighting will brighten the exterior of your home and hopefully keep the thieves away. Plus, it’s handy for you when you get home late at night! But even if you don’t have motion-detected lighting, you can turn on exterior lighting around your home at night to protect it.

4. Amp up the defenses on your doors to protect them against burglary.

Your doors can be strengthened by adding deadbolts and chain locks, and you can also think about having a peephole put in to add extra security. You should also make sure that your doors are made of solid wood or wood-wrapped steel. These doors are harder to break in, and they’ll provide more security. Another way to protect doors is to reinforce the windows next to them with Plexiglass. That’ll make it harder to break them and unlock the door through the opening.

5. Get a security system.

A security system is another deterrent to burglary. A home that has security monitoring is not an easy target. And an added bonus is that you might get a discount on your homeowners’ insurance if you have a security system.

A home security system can deter burglars.

6. Stash your valuables.

Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight of the windows. That’s just asking for trouble. You can even come up with creative hiding spots to stash things that you want to keep safe – just don’t forget where your hiding spots are! You should also keep the blinds or curtains drawn on your windows. You don’t want to advertise the contents of your home.

Speaking of the contents of your home, it’s important to take a home inventory so that you know exactly what’s in your house. If you have a fire or burglary, having a list of your belongings will help make the claims process easier when you work with your insurance company.

7. Maintain your bushes and trees.

Having a clear view outside will help you to keep tabs on anything suspicious happening near your home. It also means there are less hiding places for potential burglars.

8. Be smart when you go on vacation.

If you’re planning to be on vacation, make plans to have your home looked lived-in. Remember, burglars go for homes that look empty. If you’re planning to be away, you can ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. They can also pick up newspapers from the driveway since papers piling up are a sure sign that no one’s home. You might also want to have someone cut the grass – if the lawn looks shaggy, that’s a sign that no one’s there to take care of it.

9. Be technology-smart when you’re on vacation.

Don’t mention anything about being away on your voicemail. Also, don’t post anything about your vacation plans on social media, and wait to post pictures until after you’ve returned.

10. Consider a “Beware of Dog” sign.

Sure, you know that your Jack Russel terrier couldn’t scare a fly, but a burglar doesn’t know that it’s not a pony-sized Doberman on the other side of the door. Even if you don’t have a dog, a “Beware of Dog” sign deters burglars from breaking into your home. Dogs are very protective of their territory, and burglars know it.

11. Get to know your neighbors.

You should be familiar with the people who live in your neighborhood. Once you get to know people, you’ll be able to notice things that are suspicious or out of the norm more easily. It’s important that you know who should be hanging around on your street and who shouldn’t.

12. Don’t dump boxes for fancy new purchases on the curb next to the trash.

This tells any potential burglars exactly what’s in your home. If you have a box for a brand new computer sitting outside your home, the burglar will know there’s something there that they want. Break down all boxes and stuff them securely in the trash.

The middle of the day is the most common time for burglary.

It’s scary to think about your home being burglarized. Take steps to make your home look occupied when you’re not there – remember, burglars tend to avoid striking when someone’s home. And don’t forget to secure your home when you leave for work in the morning. The middle of the day is the most common time for a burglary to occur. By bolstering your home’s defenses, you can lower your chances of being burgled.

Looking for home insurance or renters insurance? Great! We’d be happy to help you out with any of your insurance needs. We’ll get you a free quote for your home insurance, and we can help you create an insurance plan to protect your home and your family. You can fill out our quote form or give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you with all your insurance needs.

Why a security system can help you save on your Atlanta home insurance premiums

A home security system can help you save on your home insurance.

A home security system can help you save on your home insurance.

If you’ve ever gotten a quote for your home insurance, you’ve probably been asked the question, “Do you have a monitored burglar alarm?” At the time, you might have wondered why that’s any of the agent’s business. Why should they care if you do or don’t have a security system in your home? Well, it all comes back to risk. The thing is, having a home security system lowers your risk of burglary, and a lower risk means that you have a reduced chance of having a loss that the insurance company would then have to cover.

Okay, having a security system isn’t a guarantee that your home won’t be broken into. There’s a chance that you could still face a burglary by an intrepid and fearless thief who just has to have your 60” flat screen (which is why you should take steps to prevent a burglary.) Insurance companies know that. Plus, the police are alerted that much quicker.

So, insurance companies like monitored burglar alarms. They like them so much that they just might give you a discount on your home insurance if you have one. If your agent hasn’t ever asked if you have a security system or you have one installed to protect your family, give them a shout and let them know. It never hurts to ask if there’s any kind of discount on your premiums because of your snazzy security system!

Et voila – your security system gains an added bonus. It protects your family, helps you feel more secure, and saves you money! It’s a win-win-win.

Pro tip: While you’re thinking about your security system, you should also consider taking a home inventory. This can help you with filing a home insurance claim if you do ever have a burglary or fire.

Now, if you’re thinking that getting a security system sounds like a great plan, we’ve got some tips to help you pick one that will suit your needs.

It's important to choose a reputable home security system company.

1. Choose a company that has a strong reputation of quality products and trustworthy service.

2. Find out if their products are listed with Underwriter’s Laboratories, a consumer testing service, and check out their Better Business Bureau rating.

3. Ask to see references and contact them about their experience with the company.

4. Make sure that you have a good monitoring service for your system.

5. Check and see if the monitoring service has backup plans if the power lines go down. Do they have a cellular or radio way to monitor your home if you lose power?

6. Find out how the monitoring service tests their system, how often they run tests, and how they handle problems if they find them.

7. See if they offer annual maintenance as part of their cost.

8. Ask if there’s a way to turn your security system turned into a fire alarm system. This will help the fire department respond faster if a fire starts when you’re not home. Extra protection for your home!

A home security system can also be turned into a fire alarm system.

A home security system can grant you peace of mind. It can help you protect your family and your home, making you feel more secure and safe. Those are some pretty big benefits right there. But that’s not where the perks stop. You might qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance if you have a monitored security system. You can also consider turning your system into a fire alarm that will alert the fire department. So, even though it might seem expensive to have that security system installed, there are plenty of reasons to do so. And one final thought – don’t forget to make sure that you have enough home insurance for your house.

If you would like to get a free quote for your home insurance, we can help you out with that! All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our quote form or give us a call today and we would be more than happy to get you a free quote – taking your home security system into account.

Fiery secrets: Did you know your clothes dryer is a fire hazard?

Clothes dryers can be fire hazards.

Clothes dryers can be fire hazards.

Modern appliances are wonderful. They’re convenient. They’re fast. And they spare us from a lot of hard work. One of the appliances that we’ve grown accustomed to in daily life is clothes dryers. We throw laundry into the dryer without even thinking about it, but did you know that your dryer, your innocent, wonderful, convenient little dryer, is a major fire hazard?

According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, there were 15,970 fires started due to washers and dryers each year between 2010 and 2014, and 92% (about 14,700) of those were started by dryers.

That’s nothing to sneeze at. Yes, you have home insurance to help you if you do ever have a fire, but why not do everything you can to prevent one in the first place? To help you keep your dryer as non-combustible as possible, we’ve got 11 safety tips. With these tips, you can help your appliance decide not to catch on fire.

1. Clean the lint filter.

Cleaning the lint filter before and after each load of laundry can help avoid lint buildup that could cause a fire. In the aforementioned NFPA report, it was noted that the most common cause of dryer fires is the failure to properly clean the machine. Fires are usually started when something being dried or a byproduct of drying (such as lint or dust) ignites.

You should also clean the area behind the appliance, too. Lots of dust, lint, and other nasty stuff can build up back there.

Make sure to clean the lint filter before and after each use.

2. Don’t overload the dryer.

Take it easy on your dryer. Don’t cram clothes in there, as this could cause the machine to break and just give up.

3. Clean up the laundry room.

Don’t keep flammable items near the dryer. It can get pretty hot, and you don’t want that heat to cause something in your laundry room to go up in flames.

4. Be outlet-smart.

Check and make sure that the right kind of plug and outlet are being used for your dryer. It’s important to always use outlets and electricity the way that they were intended to be used (this doesn’t just go for dryers.)

Speaking of electricity, make sure that your dryer is properly grounded. It’s always important to choose a reputable electrician to help you.

5. Enlist the help of professionals.

When you’re having your dryer installed, make sure that you have a qualified professional come out to do the job. That also goes for having your dryer serviced or cleaned. You should have a technician clean the interior and ventilation system to remove lint buildup from time to time. Once a year is a good idea, but you might need to have it cleaned more frequently if you notice it’s taking forever for your clothes to dry.

You can ask the person who comes to clean your dryer to make sure that the air exhaust pipe isn’t blocked at all, and you should also ask them to make sure that the outdoor vent flap is opening properly when the machine is in use.

6. Don’t use your dryer without a lint filter.

There’s a reason that thing’s there. Don’t use the dryer without it. Bad plan.

Never run the dryer without the lint filter.

7. Keep your dryer in good working order.

If you have a gas appliance, make sure to have it checked over by a professional to make sure the gas line and connection are good to go and there are no gas leaks anywhere.

8. Ditch plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses.

Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with metal venting.

9. Be careful what you dry.

If any of your clothes have come in contact with anything flammable, like alcohol, cooking oil, gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or the like, don’t toss them in the dryer. Instead, lay them outside and wait until they are completely dry before washing them and drying them as usual.

10. Dry while you’re at home and awake.

Turn the machine off if you’re going to be out. As tempting as it might be, don’t throw in a load of laundry and take off. Only run the dryer while you’re home, and don’t run it if you’re going to go to bed.

11. If a fire starts inside the dryer…

If a fire starts, don’t open the door to try to extinguish it. This might be your first reaction and gut instinct, but you’ll only let in more oxygen, possibly making the fire worse.

Make sure to maintain your dryer to reduce the risk of fire.

Yes, you love your dryer. It makes laundry so much easier. The rumbling growl means fresh, warm clothes that smell amazing. But you also have to take care of it so that it doesn’t catch fire. Maintain your dryer so that your faithful friend doesn’t turn into a fiery one and protect your family by making sure that you have enough home insurance.

Source:

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/safety-in-the-home/dryers-and-washing-machines 

Need a quote for your home insurance or renters insurance? Great! We’d love to help you out with that. We’ll get you free quotes for your insurance, and we’ll also help you design an insurance plan that’s just for you. We know that insurance can be bewildering, so we encourage any questions you might have! All you have to do is fill out our quote form or give us a call today. We’re happy to help.

8 tips to help you avoid a flooding catastrophe from heavy rains

Flooding from heavy rain can cause lots of damage to your home.

Flooding is a major problem, especially when you live in Atlanta and get deluges of heavy rain in the summer. Many an Atlantan has encountered a soggy basement due to summer storms (or any-time-of-the-year storms), and it’s very important to go over thunderstorm safety with your family. Lots of floods are caused by poor or blocked drainage, where the water has nowhere to go and just continues to build and build.

But remember that flooding due to heavy rain isn’t covered by homeowners insurance. You’d need a separate flood insurance policy for that. Anyways, we’ve got some tips to help you avoid flooding from surface water in your home.

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Why some dog breeds are blacklisted by home insurance companies

Having a breed of dog that's considered dangerous can affect your home insurance.

You might have heard that insurance companies will deny coverage for homeowners who have “dangerous” dogs – dog breeds that are on the insurance doggie blacklist. That can leave people in the dilemma of choosing their pet or their home insurance, which is a position that no one wants to be in. Your four-legged pal is a member of your family! We’ll tell you what you need to know about why insurance and dogs don’t always get along and what it means for you.

What breeds are considered “dangerous”?

You’ll have to check with your insurance company to see which specific breeds they classify as dangerous, but the most common ones are…

  • Pitbulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Dobermans
  • Huskies (Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies)
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Chow Chows
  • St. Bernards
  • Great Danes
  • Akitas
  • American Staffordshire Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Perro de Presa Canarios

Pitbulls are often included on dangerous dog lists.

Why do the insurance companies not like dogs?

It’s not that insurance companies don’t like dogs, and you may never have had any problems with your pet. It’s not personal against your four-legged friend, or against you. It’s the fact that dogs with tendencies of aggressive behavior are a major risk – they could bite and seriously hurt someone. Many of those bites require medical attention. Bites could mean lawsuits, which insurance companies don’t love.

What happens if I have a dog on the dangerous dog list?

If you have a dangerous dog, you might have a hard time finding home insurance, and if you do it might be more expensive than if you didn’t have the dog.

Of course, it all depends on your insurance company. If you’re shopping around for insurance, be sure to ask about your dog and what that means for your home insurance. Keep in mind that if you don’t tell the insurance company about your pet when you’re applying for insurance or if you get a canine friend without informing your current insurance company, they could deny future claims.

(You may also want to consider getting additional liability insurance – just in case.)

Your insurance company will likely have its own dangerous dog list.

What if I really want to get one of the “dangerous” breeds?

You might be a dog lover and experienced trainer who can handle one of the above breeds. You need to do your research by calling your insurance company and telling them what kind of canine you’re planning on bringing into your home. You need to ask about any consequences of adopting your new best friend. If they say that they won’t cover you anymore if you get the dog, you’ll need to research how expensive it will be to insure your home and canine elsewhere. The cost may be significantly higher.

Reduce your risk by being a responsible dog owner.

Regardless of your pet’s breed, it’s important to be a responsible doggie parent. You need to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior, even if your buddy has never been mean in his or her life. There are a few things you can do to lower your risk.

1. Use a leash and have tags on the collar.

When you’re walking your dog, use a leash that’s strong enough for your dog. Make sure that you’re always focused on your pup and their behavior. Also, put tags on the dog’s collar – you can even consider microchipping them.

2. Have a fence for your yard.

The fence has to be tall enough to keep your dog in. It should be six to eight feet depending on how big your pooch is. Make sure that the fence is in good repair and that there aren’t any ways for your dog to stage a great escape – i.e. holes in the fence or ways they can burrow under. Just be sure that you choose a reputable fencing company to install or repair your fence.

3. Socialize puppies properly.

Make sure that your puppy gets familiar with both people and other dogs. Take them to puppy obedience school to ensure that they’re trained properly – the point of the classes is to train the owner, too!

4. Spay or neuter your dog.

Getting your pet fixed can curb their territorial and aggressive instincts. Plus, it’s just being responsible.

5. Train your dog not to nip, bite, or chew on hands or furniture.

If your dog starts growling or chewing, distract them by clapping your hands. Present them with a toy that’s appropriate for them to play with and chew on. You need to redirect their attention. Praise your dog’s good behavior and don’t reward bad behavior.

6. Give your dog lots of positive attention

Show your canine friend love and kindness while also being a leader for them.

7. Contact your vet if your dog seems off.

If your dog seems anti-social or unusually aggressive, talk to your vet. They can refer you to behavior professionals that can help you work through the problem. Take extra care when taking your dog out.

Being a responsible pet owner is crucial.

If you have a “dangerous” dog breed, you might have a harder time finding insurance. You might face higher premiums. It’s not that insurance companies have anything against dogs or pets. It’s just that they see certain breeds as coming with more risk than others. That’s why the “dangerous dog” list exists.

Need a quote for your home insurance or renters insurance? We’d love to help you out with that. All you have to do to get your free quote is fill out our quote form or give us a call today. We’d be happy to help you with any of your insurance needs and answer any questions you might have. 

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/cateyhill/2012/05/30/11-riskiest-dog-breeds-for-homeowners-and-renters/#104c7ad36d9a

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html 

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in Atlanta

Low exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms.

You know it’s your job to protect your family and your children from household threats. You do everything you can to keep your loved ones safe, but there’s a threat that you might not have considered because it’s completely invisible. It’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless. We’re talking about carbon monoxide (kind of like carbon dioxide, but with one less oxygen atom.) Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can cause serious illness and even death. Saying “carbon monoxide is bad” is a severe understatement. Carbon monoxide is dangerous, but there are things that you can do to help reduce your family’s risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. We’ll go over what you need to look out for and how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

Carbon monoxide poisoning often produces “flu-like” symptoms. These can include…

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue/weakness
  • Upset stomach
  • Throwing up
  • Confusion

Exposure to CO in high levels can lead to death. CO might not be as fearsome as a tornado, but it’s scary stuff. If you and your family feel these symptoms frequently while you’re at home, do a little test. Leave the house for a few hours and see if your symptoms get better. If they do and you suspect carbon monoxide, you need to do some further investigating to figure out what the source is and how to resolve the problem.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide forms when fuels don’t burn completely. The fuel can be in solid, liquid, or gas form. Many household appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces, burn these fuels, so one of the most common reasons for CO in the home is when these appliances are used or installed improperly.

What can I do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

1. Check your appliances.

The flame burning on your appliances should be blue, not orange. If the flame is orange, you need to turn off the appliance and enlist the help of professionals ASAP.

2. Get your appliances professionally inspected.

It’s a good idea to have a professional come out to check all of your appliances – plus your chimney and grill – once a year to make sure they’re all functioning as they should.

3. Be careful what you turn on in the home.

Things like grills should not be turned on in an enclosed space. They give off carbon monoxide, and that could turn dangerous if you bring them inside.

A general rule is don’t use things that burn fuel in a closed space. That could include space heaters if you have a fuel-burning one.

4. Don’t leave the car running in the garage.

Cars burn fuel, too. Leaving the car running in an attached garage, even if the garage door is open, isn’t a good idea. You’re trapping the carbon monoxide inside.

5. Don’t use ranges, ovens, grills, or clothes dryers for heating.

These things shouldn’t be used to heat the home. They give off carbon monoxide, and by running them for heat you increase your exposure. Make sure that you brush up on your grilling safety.

You can protect against carbon monoxide poisoning with a detector.

6. Install CO detectors.

Since carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, it’s pretty much undetectable – unless you have a detector. Some tips for CO detectors…

  • Make sure that you install CO detectors on every level of your home. Place them somewhere that you’ll hear them even if you’re sleeping – outside the bedroom is a good idea. Carbon monoxide can kill someone who’s sleeping before they even realize they’ve been poisoned.
  • Follow the instructions on the box when it’s installed.
  • Try to keep the detector away from furniture and curtains so that you get the most accurate reading possible. (You can even find detectors that will give you digital readings, which is helpful so that you can keep an eye on the level of CO.)
  • Maintain your carbon monoxide detectors. The batteries should be changed twice a year and the detectors should be replaced every five years.

Invest in some CO detectors and outsmart the carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches.

Carbon monoxide is often called the “invisible killer” because of how sneaky an undetectable it can be. Make sure that you take steps to protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning.

If you need a quote for your home insurance, renters insurance, or auto insurance, let us know! We’ll get you a free quote and help you find the insurance that’s right for you. All you have to do is give us a call or fill out our quote form today.

How to make sure your college student is properly insured

Make sure that your college student is properly insured.

Make sure that your college student is properly insured.

The moment has arrived. Your baby is headed off to college. They’re all grown up and ready to venture into the world. You know that it’s time for them to spread their wings. And you’ve got a lot on your mind, too, with your student heading off to college – dorm room decor, last-minute shopping, making sure that your student has all of their textbooks. The last thing you might want to think about is insurance, but it’s essential that your student is covered. We’ll give you some things to think about insurance-wise before your grown-up child starts their first semester and answer some of the questions you might have.

1. Will your home insurance cover your student’s belongings if they live on-campus?

That depends on your policy. Most policies will cover your students’ belongings if they’re in a dorm, so you might have coverage for disasters like theft and fire. You’ll need to do a review of your home insurance policy and think about the particulars of where your student will be living. Make sure that you know what is covered and what the limits of coverage will be for your students’ belongings.

2. What if my student lives off-campus? Will my home insurance still cover them?

If your student lives off campus in an apartment, your policy will most likely not cover their belongings. You may need to consider getting a renters’ insurance policy to make sure your student has the coverage they need. Make sure to spend some time talking about apartment safety before your student moves out.

If your student is living off-campus, you might have to consider renters insurance.

This will protect them from disasters like theft and fire, but it will also add liability coverage in case anyone gets hurt at their place. Renters insurance is not terribly expensive, so it might be worthwhile to look in to.

3. Do I need to keep my student on my auto policy?

Yes. Let’s be real – when your student comes home for winter and summer break, they’re going to want to borrow the car. And they’ll be able to access the car, so it’s probably a good idea to keep them on the policy.

However, if your student goes to school over 100 miles away and does not take a car with them, you might qualify for a discount on your premiums. Discounts are always nice!

4. What if my student takes a car with them to college? How will that affect my auto insurance?

You’ll have to talk to your agent and tell them that your child is taking a car to school with them. It could impact your rates and the coverages that you need. It depends on your particular auto policy.

Your auto insurance might change if your student takes a car with them to school.

5. What about health insurance?

There are a few things to consider here. Your child can stay on your health insurance until they’re 26, so chances are you can keep them on your plan if that works for you. But if there aren’t in-network providers nearby, you might want to consider alternatives for getting health insurance for your student. It could get tricky if your student is going to college out-of-state, too.

Many colleges offer their own health insurance plans, so you can explore that option. You can also think about getting an individual health insurance plan. There are also college student plans that are specifically for students. It all depends on the coverages that are offered, the cost, what you need, and the network of providers. Do some research on your options and figure out what makes the most sense for you.

Before your child goes off to college, make sure that they have the health insurance they need for if they get sick or hurt, especially if they’re going to be playing sports.

There are different options for health insurance for college students.

This is an exciting time in your child’s life, but it can also get stressful with all of the insurance details to consider. But just take it one day at a time. Check on your home insurance, auto insurance, and health insurance and figure out what’s best for your family, and you’ll breathe easier knowing that your student is covered while they’re at school. You’re about to be the proud parent of a college student, but they still need your help to make sure that they’re properly insured while they’re studying.

We can help you review your options for covering your student, and we can help you make sure that they have the coverage they need. All you have to do is give us a call or fill out our quote form – we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have and help you find some great rates on your insurance. Our goal is to help you protect your family.

The childproofing jackpot: 17 helpful tips for parents to keep kids safe

Childproofing the home is essential for keeping kids safe.

Childproofing your home is essential to keep your baby safe.

As a parent, you know it’s your responsibility to keep your child safe and making your home a happy, loving place. They count on you to chase away the monsters under the bed, but they also need you to protect them from very real dangers around the house. Sure, you have home insurance to protect your family, but it’s up to you to head off possible dangers before they hurt your little ones. Kids are so naturally curious that they get into everything. To help you make your home safe for your kids, we’ve got some childproofing tips.

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You need to know these 10 surprising Atlanta home insurance exclusions

Do you know what exclusions your home insurance has?

How well do you know your home insurance policy? Are you best buddies, or casual acquaintances that only talk when they need something from each other? The reason that we ask is that it’s important that you’re familiar with your policy. See, there are these things called exclusions, meaning things that aren’t covered by the policy. We encourage you to reach best-buddy status with your policy so that you aren’t surprised by any losses that aren’t covered. It’s better to know what isn’t covered before one of those not-covered things strikes.

We’ve come up with a list of ten things that aren’t usually covered in your home insurance policy. You might be surprised at some of them!

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