Buying your first house can be an overwhelming but exciting process, which can make homeowners insurance seem like a minor detail. However, choosing a policy can be almost as important as finding the right house, as it protects your financial future and your most valuable asset. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about home insurance.

Answers to Common Homeowners Insurance Questions

What does home insurance cover?

The standard homeowners insurance policy protects you from a broad array of perils, including fire and serious storms. If your kids break a neighbor’s window or someone slips and falls on your walkway, home insurance will also cover liability claims. However, because policies vary from one insurer to the next, read the policy closely to know exactly what yours covers.

Does home insurance cover everything?

While homeowners insurance does shield you from a wide range of perils, some threats are usually excluded. If you need protection against flood damage or earthquakes, you’ll usually have to purchase an amendment. Exceptionally valuable property, such as artwork or fine jewelry, can exceed the personal property limits on your policy, so you might need to purchase additional coverage for those items.

Should I get home insurance through my lender?

Lenders will generally buy home insurance policies if the mortgage holder doesn’t do so, but remember that they’re only trying to protect their investment. In general, they’ll only purchase enough coverage to protect their investment in the property, not the equity you’ve built up or especially valuable items. To ensure you get coverage tailored to your needs at the best rate possible, it’s always best to choose your own policy.

Do I need to talk to an agent?

Websites and quote tools make buying insurance policies seem easier, but talking to an experienced professional is the best way to ensure your policy meets your needs. Independent agents work with a variety of carriers, giving you a wide selection of policies to choose from to help you get the coverage and the price you want.

Are you shopping for home insurance for a new house? For over 30 years, the independent agents at Northwoods Insurance Agency have helped homeowners throughout the Forest County, WI, area protect the things they value most. Working with some of the industry’s top carriers gives them a large selection of policies to choose from, with coverage that can be tailored to your unique situation. Visit their website to learn more about the benefits of homeowners insurance, follow their Facebook for more tips, or call (715) 478-2215 to speak to an agent and request a quote.