6 Items NOT included on most Homeowners Insurance Policies

We know that insurance is hard to understand, even the word itself a mouthful. That is why we try to make things a little easier. Below are 6 things that are not included on most South Carolina Insurance Policies:

1. FLOODING :  Flood is not covered by your homeowner’s policy. You must have a separate policy in order to be covered from a loss caused from rising surface water occurring outside your home. You should strongly consider purchasing flood insurance if you live next you any type of body of water, even if it’s an empty creek. Make sure to check with your insurance agent if you are in a flood zone or not. If you are in a flood zone with a high risk, you will be required to purchase flood insurance. No matter where you’re at, it’s a good idea to purchase a flood insurance policy.

2. TERMITES/RODENTS :  None of these pesky little bothers are covered. This also includes damage done by squirrels, mice, rats, and you get the picture. Many insurance carriers believe it is the owner of the homes’ responsibility to maintain these little problems.

3. YOUR PETS :  Many companies provide liability coverage in case your dog causes injury to another person and you happen to get sued. However, if he/she decides to turn every pair of shoes into a chew toy as well as the couch and dining room chair, your policy will not pay to have these items replaced.

4. FOUNDATION SETTLING/CRACKS :   If there is any cracking, settling, earth movement or shift, your dwelling and foundation are not covered and this is a homeowner’s policy exclusion.

5. POWER SURGE :  Fire, lightening and wind losses are covered, but if there is a power surge and all your appliances get fried, power surge is excluded from your policy. However, if lightning is the cause, you’re safe!

6. GENERAL WEAR/TEAR OR MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS :  When your 7 year old refrigerator stops working, insurance companies think that this is something you should notice needs looked after or replaced. Cracks in your entry-way tile and bowed wood flooring are general wear and tear insurance companies think you should keep an eye out for and are responsible for replacing.

Ken’s Interview with SouthCarolinaHomes: What Influences Your Home Insurance Policy?

South Carolina Homes reached out to us requesting an interview to discuss what concepts influence your South Carolina home insurance policy. Check out Ken’s quick interview here:

Check out my interview, What Influences Your Home Insurance Policy on South Carolina Homes For Sale, one of the top sites for South Carolina real estate, including Johns Island, SC homes for sale. South Carolina Homes For Sale also services North Carolina real estate and Georgia real estate.

Beacon Insurance Group Expands Coastal Homeowner’s Insurance Offerings

The coastal insurance marketplace for consumers just improved in South Carolina.  Beacon Insurance Group recently finalized contracting with three additional carriers who will be offering choices for South Carolina homeowners insurance.

The new homeowners insurance companies are all rated A or better by either A.M. Best or Demotech rating agencies.  The insurance and financial marketplace, along with decreasing reinsurance costs have allowed companies to expand into coastal homeowners insurance writings in South Carolina areas such as Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach.  This most recent influx in companies and capacity should put pressure for more competitive rates.  Homeowners will still find that newer, better constructed homes and higher credit scores will obtain them the best possible rates.

Not every coastal homeowners insurance carrier targets the same types of homes or distance from coastal waters. A thorough review of each homeowner’s situation needs to performed and evaluated. When choosing a carrier, a homeowner should consider the claim paying ability of the insurance carrier. Not all insurance carriers have the manpower or capacity to offer swift claims responses in a catastrophic situation.  During testimony before a Senate hearing on Superstorm Sandy, it was claimed the lack of available catastrophic adjusters was an issue in delaying the payment of claims.

Most of the newer companies just began writing business in August 2014.  “We have been comparing rates on the new companies with existing companies we represent and we are quite pleased with the competitive options they provide our clients and prospects”, stated Ken Groff, partner at Beacon Insurance Group.

About Beacon Insurance Group:

Beacon Insurance Group is an independent insurance broker located in Bluffton, South Carolina. Beacon is a compilation of experienced insurance professionals who develop innovative solutions for South Carolina Insurance and risk management needs. The South Carolina agency utilizes both innovative and alternative risk methods in strategic planning for their clients. Beacon Insurance Group works hard to understand needs and problems which assist them in providing solutions that are designed specifically for their clients. Beacon’s forward looking approach helps protect their clients from seen and unseen risk factors.

Beacon Insurance Group – the right people can make a difference in your insurance program.

 

Beacon Insurance Group Expands Coastal Homeowner’s Insurance Offerings

Insurance Mobile Apps

We live in a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, so why not take advantage of it and make life a little easier? Many people are constantly on the go and away from home. Below are a list of carriers who offer apps for your Android and iPhone that are great resources to help you file a claim, receive tips on what to do in the event of a disaster, get roadside assistant information and more. For questions and servicing your insurance needs, these mobile Apps are great ways to help you.

Car Insurance Carriers and Mobile Apps

Travelers Insurance

With the Travelers App, you can download it to both your iPhone & Android. This App’s purpose is to guide you through the necessary steps needed to be taken in the event of an accident. It helps you document what is needed, and remind you how to stay calm. The App detects the date and time accident took place, allows you to photograph the damage as well as record a description. Traveler’s mobile tool also helps collect information from other drivers, witnesses, passengers and police. You may then send all the information you recorded to your email address and begin your claim immediately. Any questions regarding a claim you may have can also be answered. Click HERE to read more about the app and download to your phone!

The Hartford

If you are insured with The Hartford, this App is also available to download on both your iPhone and Android. With this tool, you are able to view the auto accident checklist Hartford provides, collect information about the accident, locate an auto repair facility, save and view accident history, and find a replacement vehicle at a great price. For situations not so major, Hartford provides help on getting a cracked windshield fixed fast and convenient. They also provide the number for roadside assistance if you happen to get stranded. To learn more about the app and download to your phone, please visit HERE.

Progressive Insurance

Progressive has various apps available to download. The general Progressive app allows you to get insurance quotes, bill pay, and provides tips and how-to’s. Other apps progressive provides includes Insure My Truck for iPhone, Progressive Art App for iPhone, Rocket Cat Adventures, Route-rageious for IPhone, Flo-isms and Superstore Shuffle. To learn more about the tools Progressive has, check them out HERE.

Auto, Home, Natural Disaster Carriers and Mobile Apps

Safeco

Safeco’s mobile tools assists you with home, auto as well as natural disaster claims and how to go about filing for one. Their app also gives information and number if you are in need of roadside assistance. You may also report a stolen car, get glass and windshield repair information and find a local Safeco agent near you to receive a quote. For more information about Safeco’s mobile tools, please click HERE.

USLI

The United States Liability Insurance App allows you to gain access to an unpaid bill, make payments, and manage your existing policy. You will be able to view your online profile and view contact information for USLI. The help section also contains a FAQ page that answers questions you may have.

To download the iPhone app, click here.

To download the Android app, click here!

Simplify your life and have one of these apps on hand! Incase any of the events above occur, having the guidance from these apps will help tremendously!

“Know Your Stuff” Home Inventory Mobile App

In lieu of a large or even small disaster, knowing exactly what was lost is extremely important. With the ‘Know Your Stuff’ mobile app by Insurance Information Institute, it is as simple as 1-2-3 to keep an up-to-date record of your belongings. All you have to do is take photos of your belongings and fill in some information and details. The app is available for iPhone or Android.

“Know Your Plan” Disaster App

Do you know the proper steps to take when disaster strikes? Not many people do, so educate yourself with this great app by Insurance Information Institute called “Know Your Plan.” Whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, tornado, freezing temperatures or evacuations, this app will help you take the needed steps to protect you and your loved ones, your belongings, and even your furry friends.

The app includes preloaded checklists that make it easy to learn about the necessary steps that need to be taken to avoid disaster. Please visit here to read reviews and to learn more about the app and other apps made by Insurance Information Institute. Be protected!

South Carolina Home Insurance Quote Part 1 of What is Needed and Why

Part 1: Why do we ask for personal information for “just a quote”?

We often get asked this question when we have prospective clients call looking for an insurance quote. There may be instances when we can tell you a general amount of what we are seeing in a certain area, but for the most part, the companies need to identify you to give you an exact, or even estimated, rate. We really want to assist you and get an understanding of all of your South Carolina home insurance needs, and the following information will help us with that.

Real Name and Birth Date: Companies need to verify who you are by your real name and birth date. Not only does this verify who you are, but certain ages could get certain credits and so on.

Occupation: You wouldn’t think it would have an effect on rates, but your occupation is important. It is always a question on the applications we submit to our carriers. For example, there are discounts available for retired individuals and insurance agents are less likely to get preferred rates.

Social Security Number: It is important to understand that insurance is listed under the financial catagory, which means yes, in most cases, a part of the rate is going to be based of the insured financial credibility. Many carriers need to know the social security number for the named insured. This is used to identify the insured as well as research possible claims history. We always ask if it is ok to use this information.

Previous Address: If you have lived at your home less than two years or if the quote is for a new purchase, the carrier requires your previous address. Again, this is used to identify you.

Email Address: We know this is a tough one, even in the digital age because there is so many pointless emails floating around out there. Carriers require and email address in many cases because that is the way they may deliver important documents, including renewal information in policies. We ask for your email address so that we can deliver the quotes to you this way as well as a second means for correspondence.

We know there have been many cases of identity theft across the United States, but we want you to know that you can trust our South Carolina Insurance agency with your personal information. We take all of the necessary precautions to keep all client information confidential.

Check out the 2^nd of this two part series next week!

Tips for Filing a South Carolina Insurance Claim – Be Prepared!

We’ve heard the sentence many times, “I think I have an insurance claim, what do I do?” It is a situation of panic, and we understand that. Here are some tips to ease your mind and help you prepare for that unfortunate time when a claim needs to be filed:

1. Let company know as soon as possible that you have damage. Be upfront with all information pertaining to the loss.
2. Let the company know the extent of the damage, let them know if it is completely destroyed or just a little damaged. If you have to find a place to stay, they will need to know that.
3. Document your loss and make a list of damaged property – be as detailed as possible. Something may not seem important to you, but could be the key piece in getting a payout for your claim.
4. Take photographs – it is the easiest way to document.
5. Take out your home inventory list. Many people will run into a wall here since they haven’t completed their inventory list. Is this you? Try using this website: www.knowyourstuff.org
6. Keep receipts for additional living expenses. Is your kitchen damaged and need to go out to eat? Keep the receipt. Need to purchase something to control the damage? Keep the receipt. Get the hint? Keep your receipts!
7. Make inexpensive temporary repairs, but stay safe. If your home was struck by lightening from a thunderstorm and it put a hole in your roof (true story) get a tarp to make sure there isn’t more damage to the area from the rain. Even the smallest attempt at controlling damage is appreciated.
8. Get organized, keep great records of receipts and contact info for every person you have talked to. If you had someone come out and look at the damage before making a claim, document it and maybe get a firm signed document of a quote or what they told you. You will also want to have every contact person document just incase something is wrong or if you become a product of the last tip:
9. Don’t be a victim of a scam! These days, people are searching for more ways to make money. Do yourself a favor and research contractors and companies before you use them.

Whether you are in Bluffton, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach or Charleston, it is important that you know the way your specific South Carolina Home Insurance carrier would like for you to do in the event of a claim. All carriers have a claim phone number and many times you can call your agent and they can help you out. In the event of a hurricane or major storm, your agent may not be available, so knowing your carrier’s claim hotline is incredibly important.