Your home is one of your most valuable investments, which is why having reliable homeowners insurance is a must. This coverage protects against a myriad of risks and ensures that your property and belongings are adequately protected. As you review your policy, knowing what is and is not protected will help should you ever need to make a claim.

A Guide to Homeowners Insurance Claims

1. Third-Party Injuries

If a person is injured on your property, you could be to blame if they were to take legal action. Slipping on an icy surface, getting bitten by a pet, or sustaining an injury from a fallen tree limb are all your responsibility if they happen on your property. Even if you’re not at fault, the resulting legal costs can be expensive. Home insurance covers these costs and possible damages that might be requested by the injured party.

2. Fire

Fires can cause significant structural damage to your home and destroy various belongings. Along with damage caused by the flames themselves, there is also a risk of smoke and water damage as the fire is extinguished. The right policy will offset these expenses, which is crucial if your home is a total loss or you lose important or expensive items. 

3. Water Damage

Policyholders need to understand what is and isn’t covered when it comes to water damage. Problems caused by a burst pipe are usually covered, but common leaks may not be if it’s determined that the issue stemmed from homeowner neglect. Water from outside sources, such as flooding, usually requires a separate flood policy. 

4. Wind & Hail

Along with hurricanes and tornadoes, high winds during storms can also cause damage to the exterior of your home, especially the roof. Wind and hail can remove shingles and creates holes in the roof’s surface, and they can also damage siding and any additional structures on your properties, like gazebos or sheds. 

5. Theft 

Theft can result in the loss of valuable belongings, as well as damage to windows and doors. However, most homeowners insurance policies have a limit to the amount they will pay out for personal belongings. If you have highly valuable items at your home, such as jewelry and electronics, you probably need an additional policy that will ensure these items are covered for their full value. 

When working with an insurance agency to protect your home, experience counts. In Winston-Salem, NC, Mountcastle Insurance has more than 128 years of experience protecting the things that matter most to their clients. Their home policies cover a wide range of perils and can protect your home and the belongings kept inside. They also pride themselves on providing quality customer service, whether you’re shopping for a policy or filing a claim. Visit them online for more information on home insurance policies. You can also call (336) 777-8500 to request a quote today.