|
|
How do I choose a company? |
- Financial stability of an insurer.
- Fair and efficient service.
- Price of the policy.
- A comfortable feeling about contacting the agent or company to answer your questions or to obtain help in filing a claim.
|
Where can I buy homeowner's insurance? |
- Through an insurance agency.
- From a local agent or an insurance company.
- Purchase can be done in person, by phone, by mail, or over the internet.
|
|
|
|
What are some ways to save money? |
- Shop around, but do not shop for price alone.
- Raise your deductible.
- Buy your homeowner's and auto insurance from the same company.
- Stay with the same insurer.
- Seek out discounts.
- Make your home more resistant to disasters by modernizing it.
- Review policy limits and value of possessions annually.
|
What kinds of coverage do I need? |
- Homeowner's policies are fairly standard throughout the country, and usually are selected from one of four basic types.
- A limited coverage policy that covers 10 disasters is no longer available in most states.
- A “basic policy” provides protection against 16 common perils such as fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, riot or civil commotion, smoke, vandalism, theft, falling objects, weight of ice or snow, hot water heating system, freezing, and electrical currents.
- A “special policy” is most popular and protects your home from all perils that are specifically listed.
- A policy designed for older homes reimburses for damages on an actual cash basis of replacement costs less depreciation. Full replacement cost policies may not be available for some older homes.
|
|
|
How is the cost of my policy determined? |
- The square footage of your house and additional structures.
- Your home’s construction materials, features and costs.
- Building costs in your area.
- Condition of plumbing, heating, and electrical equipment.
- Proximity to a fire hydrant and fire station.
- The likelihood of damage from natural disasters.
- Your neighborhood crime rate.
|
What information do I need to get a policy? |
- The square footage of your home.
- The type of exterior wall construction.
- The style of the house.
- The number of rooms and number of bathrooms.
- The type of roof materials.
- The year of construction.
- Improvements.
|
Does my policy cover flood and earthquake damage? |
- Basic policies do not generally include flood and earthquake damage.These must be purchased separately.
- Flood insurance can be purchased directly from your agent, but it is provided by the Federal Flood Insurance Program. It is necessary if you live in a designated flood zone.
- Earthquake coverage can be a separate policy or an endorsement to your homeowner's or renter's policy. It is available from the California Earthquake Authority.
|
|
|
What if I cannot find coverage? |
- Contact your insurance professional that previously or currently insures your car, boat, or business.
- Ask your friends or neighbors which insurers they use.
- Contact the California Department of Insurance.
- Call the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans Office at (213) 487-0111.
|
