If you live in the eastern states, you recognize the former concept—mortgage. If you live in the western states, where there is a different legal usage, you recognize that the lender on your home is a holder of your mortgages trust deed as the security interest on your home loan. Either way, the fundamental concept is the same. You, the named insured under your homeowners policy, have a home loan. You want to insure your interest in your home. Your home loan lender, which holds a security interest in your home to the extent of the unpaid loan balance, wants you to assure that you insure your home so as to protect its security interest. Not only that, your lender requires that you do so and that you cause it to be named an additional insured in the loan documents of your home loan. (more…)

You may choose to insure your property with a dwelling policy (the three major dwelling policies are commonly known as DP-1, DP-2, and DP-3). The major problem with a dwelling policy is that it does not automatically provide liability coverage, as homeowners insurance does. If you are trimming a tree on the property and a branch falls and damages a neighbor’s house, (more…)

The condominium form provides a limited type of dwelling coverage for owned structures which are not part of the residence, property that is the unit owner’s responsibility under a property owners agreement, real property items exclusive to the unit (such as awnings, patios, and exterior glass), and alterations, appliances, fixtures, and improvements which are part of the residence building. (more…)

Sometimes older people transfer their homes, in full or in part, to their children as gifts, for tax purposes or in preparation for becoming eligible for some state-funded health care programs. While your accountant or financial adviser might have solid reasons for recommending you do this, he or she may be unaware of the insurance implications. (more…)

Special mobile home owners policies are available that cover personal property and liability coverage exposures as well as offering coverage similar to automobile insurance: collision and comprehensive. Mobile home policies are not standardized, so they might include coverage for awnings, porches, air conditioners, and other equipment you add after purchase, or these might be considered additional coverages for which you will be charged a higher premium. (more…)

Perhaps you already chose homeowners insurance coverage to protect your home from damage or even a financial loss in case of injury. Remember that insurance is a service and service only. And as with any other service out there, you should always analyze the insurance market value for money they spend. (more…)

A certified appraisal, made by a commercial appraisal company, is undoubtedly the roost accurate and reliable. These companies employ trained specialists whose factual detailed reports eliminate guesswork from the determination of value. Their appraisals are usually supported by detailed descriptions of the buildings, and by lists of equipment and other contents which can lie valuable in providing a Proof of Loss to the insurance company. (more…)

Actual Cash Value (also known as Sound Insurable Value) is the cost of replacing, restoring or reproducing the property, brand new, less depreciation due to use and obsolescence.

Your house and property are protected Actual Cash Value (ACV) covered if they do not covered by the replacement cost coverage on your insurance policy. (more…)

Pay particular attention to issues involving liability. This coverage protects your assets against lawsuits. Review the liability limits of your insurance policies. In the past most of the personal liability risks you faced probably came in some degree from your business or work. For most people, homeowners insurance coverage offers their main protection from non-work related personal liability. As you spend more time away from work, (more…)

Replacement Value is the cost of replacing, reproducing or restoring the property, brand now, without deduction of depreciation. In other words, a school district insuring on the basis of Replacement Value is paid for the full value of the damaged property, brand now, at the time of loss. However, to collect the full replacement value, the Insured must actually repair or replace the property. Otherwise, the settlement will on an Actual Cash Value basis. (more…)