Creating and storing a home inventory-Why is it so important?

Creating a home inventory can seem daunting due to the time and effort involved. However, should a severe damage event occur to your home, necessitating a list of lost items for the insurance company, you’ll be thankful you invested the time. At Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, we are an independent insurance agency committed to ensuring our customers have the comprehensive home insurance they need.

Creating a Home Inventory

Armed with a pad, pen, and a camera or smartphone, begin the process in one room. In case of severe home damage, you may have to do this without the ability to visually inspect your rooms. Document every item in the room, including opening closets and drawers, and provide as much detailed information as possible for high-value items. Where available, attach invoices or receipts. Take pictures of the room from various angles.

Follow the same process for every room in your home; remember, it doesn’t need to be completed in one day. Take the time to do a thorough job, and ensure you include basements and attics.

Storing Your Home Inventory

It’s crucial to store your inventory in a safe location. It’s not advisable to keep it within your home. If you have a safety deposit box, use that. Alternatively, retain it in a waterproof and fire-resistant box. Create a digital copy and store it in a cloud service for added security.

Contact us at Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, to find out more about how we can serve your home insurance needs.

How Home Insurance Financially Protects You

Your home is a large investment. It’s likely to be the largest one that you have. That’s why you need to have the financial protection of a home insurance policy. Your lender requires you to have this coverage to protect their investment in the home. Local covenants and HOAs also require it. Even if it isn’t required for you, it’s vital that you have this insurance. To get started with a policy, call us at Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY.

Home Protection

If something serious were to happen to your home that damaged it, your home insurance policy can pay for the repairs you’ll need as long as the event was a covered type. These policies cover many calamities and disasters, and paying for the damages yourself could be costly. Always have this kind of insurance in case of damaging events. 

Belongings Protection

It isn’t just the house that needs protection—it’s also everything inside it. You’ve invested quite a bit into your belongings and must protect that investment. An event that causes serious damage to your possessions can be very expensive to fix. Without home insurance, you’d need to pay for all replacement items from your pocket. 

Liability Protection

If someone comes to your home and gets any injury there, you’re generally liable for the costs of that injury. This can include high medical bills even if the injuries are mild. With home insurance, those costs get paid by the policy to save you from financial problems after an accident. 

Get Home Insurance

If you need a home insurance policy, we’re here to help. Call Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY, to get started. 

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

At the Acme Insurance Brokerage serving the Amityville, NY area, our agents want to ensure you have enough insurance to protect your home adequately. The purchase of your house may very well be the most expensive one you will make during your life, which means you will want to properly protect your investment through the right amount of home insurance, also known as homeowners insurance.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

Home insurance covers damage to your home, property, personal belongings, and other items in your home. Some policies will also cover other things on your property, such as sheds, decks, and garages. If you owe a mortgage on your home, you will be required to have a home insurance policy, but even if you do not owe money for your home, you will want to ensure it is protected with an adequate amount of home insurance.

A home insurance policy comes into effect when your home is damaged or destroyed by a tragic event, such as a natural disaster. This can include snow, tornados, hailstorm, or other weather-related events. Your policy will also help you out if your home is damaged or destroyed by a fire or even an act of vandalism. It can also kick in to help you replace items lost due to a burglary or theft. Your policy will not only cover your house but its contents as well. This means you know that you can replace your personal belongings, household items, appliances, furniture, electronics, or other items if one of these horrible events occurs.

Get Your Policy Started

Our agents at the Acme Insurance Brokerage serving the Amityville, NY area are ready to assist you with your home insurance needs. Call today to get your policy started!

How To Protect Your Home From Burglary

Your top priority is your family’s safety; the last thing you ever want to imagine is a home invasion or burglary. However, the best way to prevent this type of tragedy from happening is actually to give it some thought and intention to make sure you are doing all you can to protect your home. At Acme Insurance Brokerage, serving Amityville, NY, we want to share a few ways to protect your home from burglary. Keep reading to learn more. 

Invest In A Quality Security System 

Even if you have never considered having a security system, this is truly one of the best ways to protect your home. The very presence of a security system will often deter home invaders. Systems that are programmed to notify authorities in the event of an emergency can also cut response time down significantly. This can mean the difference between a potential tragedy and an actual tragedy. Although you might not want to invest in a quality security system, this is better for your family in the long run. 

Ditch Outdated Safety Practices 

Many families are still engaging in outdated practices that could potentially make your home a target for invasion. For instance, hiding keys outside your home, sharing lock codes, or leaving windows unlocked. Although families may have done these things in the past with little worry, today, these practices should be avoided. 

If you want to learn about homeowners insurance to protect your home better, please contact us at Acme Insurance Brokerage, serving Amityville, NY. We will be happy to answer your questions. 

 

 

Purchasing Your First Home? Everything You Need to Know About Purchasing Home Insurance

Ready to purchase your first home? Congratulations! This is an exciting time. There are many things to consider as you make this huge life decision. One of the most critical things you should consider is purchasing home insurance. This blog post will give you everything you need to know about buying home insurance.

We’ve got you covered, from understanding what it is and why you need it to finding the right policy for your needs. So sit back, relax, and we will help you take one step closer to owning your dream home. Thank us later!

Why Should You Purchase Home Insurance?

Many people believe that home insurance is a waste of money. After all, why pay for something that you may never use? However, it can provide financial protection in case of a natural disaster or another catastrophic event. Your insurance policy can help cover repairs or replacement costs if your home is damaged or destroyed.

If an individual is injured or hurt in your home, your home insurance can also provide liability coverage. This is essential if you have guests in your home regularly. Finally, most mortgage lenders require borrowers to maintain active home insurance policies. As a result, failing to purchase home insurance could put your homeownership status at risk. For all of these reasons, it’s clear that home insurance is well worth the investment.

How to Purchase the Best Home Insurance for Your Needs

You’ve just signed the contract for your first home. Congratulations! But now it’s time to purchase home insurance. Where do you start? Below are three tips to help you:

1. Assess Your Needs

The first step is to assess your needs. How much coverage do you need? What type of home are you insuring? Is it a condo, a townhouse, or a single-family home? The answers to these questions will help you decide the best insurance policy for your needs. Once you know how much coverage you require, it’s time to start shopping around.

2. Shop Around for the Best Rates

Home insurance rates can significantly differ from one insurer to the next. That’s why it’s essential to check around and compare different rates before you settle on a policy. Use an online comparison tool to get quotes from a variety of insurers. This will help you find the most affordable option for your needs.

When comparing insurance rates, remember to pay attention to more than just the bottom line. It’s also important to consider the coverage limits, deductibles, and other factors impacting your overall costs. By considering all of these factors, you’ll be able to find the best value for your home insurance policy.

3. Read Online Reviews

It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews before you purchase a policy. This will give you an idea of the level of customer service you should expect from the insurer. Reviews are also a great way to learn about the claims process and how easy it is to file a claim.

Keep these tips in mind as you shop for home insurance. By taking the time to find the right policy, you can protect your home and your finances in the event of a covered loss.

Purchase The Right Home Insurance Today

Now that you know everything about purchasing home insurance, it’s time to start. Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY can help. We offer a variety of home insurance policies to meet your needs. Contact us today for more information, and our team of experts will be happy to help you find the right policy for your home.

Home Insurance Options in Amityville, NY

Home insurance is something that you should never take lightly. In a disaster, you will be glad you have it. But what are your options for home insurance? There are three levels of homeowner’s coverage—actual cash value, replacement cost, and guaranteed value. Here’s a breakdown of your options.

Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value is the most common type of home insurance. It pays to repair or replace your residence with what it was worth, minus depreciation. For example, if your home was worth $200,000 when you bought it, but it’s only worth $150,000 now, your policy would only pay $150,000 to repair or rebuild it.

The actual cash value coverage also includes lost and damaged belongings. Check the individual policy for limits on certain items, such as jewelry, collectibles, and electronics.

Replacement Cost

This type of policy pays to rebuild your home with new materials, no matter the current market value. So, if a fire destroys your home and it would cost $225,000 to rebuild, that’s what your policy would cover.

Replacement cost policies also include lost and damaged belongings, but with a higher limit than actual cash value policies. Your Acme Insurance brokerage agent in Amityville, NY can help you find the right replacement cost policy and advise you of any limitations to the coverage.

Guaranteed Value

Guaranteed value is a long-term policy that ensures coverage includes reconstructing your house to its original specs, regardless of the current market price. So, if a fire destroys your home and it would cost $225,000 to rebuild, that’s what your policy would cover.

The coverage includes your belongings, too. However, it’s also essential to know that these policies often have a maximum payout limit.

Talk to your Acme Insurance brokerage agent about your options if you’re looking for home insurance in Amityville, NY.

Swimming Pools and Home Insurance: What You Should Know

Many people grow up dreaming of having a pool in their backyards. However, as many Amityville, NY homeowners learn, having a pool increases personal risk and may cause a spike in home insurance premiums. So, before you have a pool installed on your property, here are a few things you may want to take into consideration.

Why Does a Swimming Pool Result in a Higher Insurance Premium?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect your house and personal property, as well as protect you from costly liability lawsuits. In the event that a guest is injured while at your home, an insurance company will take care of the medical expenses, cover their lost wages, and even pay for non-economic damages.

Swimming pools increase the chances of a slip and fall or a drowning incident, which your insurance company could be held responsible for. To cover these risks, your insurer is likely to charge a higher premium on a monthly basis.

Does It Matter What Type of Swimming Pool You Have?

Your homeowner’s insurance will likely cover any damage that occurs to the pool, but the level of the protection could vary depending on the exact kind of pool you have. For instance, above-ground pools are portable and typically considered personal property. If it suffers damage by lightning, in a fire, or by another covered event, repairs or a replacement is likely to be paid for by your insurer.

However, in-ground swimming pools may be considered personal property, part of your swelling, or a completely separate structure. The coverage limit for this will be based on the home value. Of course, an additional rider can always be purchased for additional protection. For more clarification on this, speak to one of our agents at Acme Insurance Brokerage.

Is It Possible to Reduce Your Premiums?

You should be able to reduce your insurance premiums by taking steps to protect others. For instance, you can reduce the risk of young children coming onto your property and entering your pool without your permission by building a fence with a locking gate around your pool. You can also help prevent nighttime slips and falls by installing lights around the swimming pool. A mesh or solid cover can be used to cover the pool and reduce the risk of someone accidentally falling into the water and drowning.

If you have questions about how a swimming pool can affect the premiums of your homeowner’s insurance in Amityville, NY, reach out to our insurance agency at Acme Insurance Brokerage.

Liability Coverage in Homeowner’s Insurance

You might not think too often about your home insurance, but that little policy quietly protects your Amityville, NY home from so much. Most people know that if a storm or falling tree limb damages their home, their policy pays for repairs. Did you know though, that your home policy from Acme Insurance Brokerage also protects you from financial ruin when someone has an accident on your property?

It is true!

The liability portion of your policy pays for an individual’s medical bills if they sustain injuries while visiting your property. Let’s say your slightly non-graceful cousin visits you and falls down the steps, spraining his ankle and skinning up his legs. You give him a ride to the minor emergency and he gets treated. Your homeowner’s insurance covers that medical bill when he files a claim.

The same portion of the insurance policy protects you for bigger things, too, such as if someone dies while attending a pool party you throw, or some other event. The liability coverage would pay for the medical bills of the person and their funeral. If their family sued you, the policy would also cover the attorney fees, court costs, and the settlement costs up to a certain amount.

Typically, your liability coverage comprises a small portion of your policy. A standard homeowner’s policy provides about $100,000 in liability coverage. That might not be enough to cover everything though if multiple people get hurt.

Come by and talk with an agent at Acme Insurance Brokerage serving Amityville, NY or call us. We can help you determine the right amount of liability coverage to add to your home insurance based upon the entertaining you typically do at home and if you conduct business there.

Purchasing Beneficial Home Insurance in New York

One of the most important financial investments that we make in life is our house. Our home is the place where we go to every day and night after work. It is the place that we raise our families in. Making sure that your home is exactly what you worked hard for takes time and dedication. Having home insurance that is beneficial to you is key to protecting and preserving your home. 

At Acme Insurance Brokerage, we strive to make sure that our clients’ expectations are always exceeded and satisfied. It is vital for homeowners to protect their investment in the most appropriate way with home insurance. We believe that with the proper assistance, owning a home will be an enjoyable experience that many people dream of their entire lives. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are shopping for your home insurance. 

Find the policy that is beneficial for you and protects your assets inside. With homeowners insurance, you should look for policies that have coverage in the case of weather damage, theft, and routine maintenance that you will need to do. Your home is where you sleep, which is where you should feel safe and secure at all times. When you have a family, it is also vital to make sure that in the worst-case scenario, if you were to pass away, that they will be well taken care of. 

Would you like to schedule a consultation meeting with one of our agents to discuss your home insurance options? Contact our office in Amityville, NY to speak with a member of our team. Acme Insurance Brokerage is proud to serve the state of New York with reliable home insurance protection.

First-time Homeowners: What You Need to Know

One of the toughest decisions for first-time homeowners is choosing the right home insurance policy. The ultimate goal is protecting their investment in the property, but for some, it may become their long-term home. Thus, it becomes a major priority for first-time homeowners to secure an insurance policy that adequately protects them from financial ruin. Acme Insurance Brokerage can help you choose the appropriate policy and find coverage that meets your needs.

The Importance of Home Insurance 

After you have chosen your dream home, now comes the time to evaluate your options for home insurance. Some homeowners believe this will be the easiest decision ever made, but don’t rush through the selection process. You must make sure the policy is as comprehensive as possible. The policy’s coverage needs to protect your new purchase from damage caused by severe weather conditions found around Amityville, NY. 

What Can Make Home Insurance More Expensive

For first-time homeowners, you can fully expect to have very little chance of getting a discount on the initial home insurance policy. Loyalty is a two-way street, so you will have to put some time and effort with an insurance agency before seeing some benefits from the working relationship. It may help to bundle your home and car insurance to gain a lower premium price. It’s crucial for you to evaluate whether the cost of the packaged deal is a better option than shopping your home and car insurance separately on the market. 

Understanding Policy’s Coverage Limits

When determining the type of coverage needed in your home insurance policy, you better keep in mind that the agreement doesn’t need to include default coverage limits in the wording of the deal. It’s the homeowner’s choice to increase or decrease the coverage limits on certain portions of the policy. In plain English, you’re increasing the dollar amount to protect certain areas of the home.

Here are some examples: dwelling protection covers the structure of the home as well as attached (garage or patio) items. You want the coverage to pay the cost of rebuilding the house in case of a disaster. Personal property coverage takes care of all personal belongings found inside the home. Liability protection covers all medical and legal expenses if a guest is injured inside the house or on the grounds of your property. 

Contact Acme Insurance Brokerage in Amityville, NY to speak with an agent about a home insurance policy and how you can get a quote.