After weeks or even months of searching for that perfect house, the day has arrived; you’re about to become a first-time homeowner. You’ll want to protect this significant financial investment with the proper insurance. But, with so much information out there, knowing where and how to start can be intimidating. The following is a helpful guide for new house dwellers on homeowners’ insurance.

What Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover

Most standard policies cover the home’s physical structure, including garages, driveways, and other surroundings. Coverage also extends to your personal possessions such as furniture, computers, and televisions. If a guest is injured in your house or on the property, the liability feature of homeowners’ insurance will pay for their medical expenses and any legal claims filed against you. Also, should your home sustain damage that makes it uninhabitable until the repairs are completed, many plans will pay for temporary relocation expenses such as hotel stays.

Why You Need Coverage

Consider the amount of funds you invested in your home. Now, think about all the expensive items inside. Should a fire, destructive storm, or burglary cause substantial damage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to recover without homeowners’ insurance. If you’re financing your house through a bank or other lender, they will require you to secure coverage. The home still belongs to the lender until the mortgage is completely paid off. Ultimately, having insurance in place provides financial peace of mind against the unexpected.

How to Select a Plan

Speaking with an experienced insurance agent is a good starting point. The best ones will listen to your needs, answer questions, and offer you several policy options so that you can make an informed decision. Homeowners’ insurance agents are also familiar with other factors to help determine the best coverage choice such as home type and size, whether the property is in a flood zone and what discounts are available to lower premiums.

Wilson Insurance Agency in Dalton, GA, will be celebrating 50 years, in July,  of providing individuals and business owners with customized and affordable coverage. As an independent firm, you can count on the locally owned agency for policy options from the nation’s leading carriers. If you’re a first-time homeowner and are unsure about securing a plan, call (706) 278-0549 to meet with a friendly agent. You can also request a homeowners’ insurance quote online.