Homeowners insurance is critical for anyone who has purchased a house; after all, your home is your biggest investment. Just as wouldn’t drive without car insurance, you shouldn’t buy a home without protecting it from robberies, weather, and accidents. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners still aren’t sure how insurance plans work.

Somers Agency in Lorain County hear lots of the same questions from different customers. They’ve compiled them below to help you get your own questions answered.

Frequently Asked Homeowners Insurance Questions

My Basement Was Flooded in a Storm. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover This?

Basement flooding from rainstorms is not usually covered unless you have additional flood insurance. However, some home insurance policies cover flooding caused by municipal sewer or drain backups, so check the details of your policy to be sure.

I Lost Power & All My Refrigerated Food Spoiled. Can I Be Reimbursed?

Generally, basic home insurance doesn’t cover spoiled food from power outages. Your insurance company may offer this as an extra, so see if the investment makes sense for you as an add-on. You can also buy a high-quality generator to provide a backup plan for your fridge and freezer when the power goes out.

My Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My House. Will My Homeowners Insurance Pay?

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover situations like this. Even though the tree that caused the damaged was on someone else’s property, most insurance companies still consider this type of event as an “act of God,” and, therefore, would cover the damages.

My House Contains Antiques That Are Covered by My Plan. How Is Their Value Determined if They Are Ruined?

The insurance company will use an antiques dealer to appraise the value of the damaged items and figure out how much to pay. If you disagree with their valuations, each home insurance plan has an appeals process allowing you to file a dispute. You can also get the items appraised yourself, and ask your agent if they’ll include your own appraisal value in the wording of the insurance policy.

Have a question that’s not covered here? Call Somers Agency at (440) 324-3447 to ask or to get a free home insurance quote. You can also visit them online to learn more about their agency’s 100-plus year history.