Southwestern Michigan, Michigan Homeowner's Insurance

Most Southwestern Michigan lenders require you to obtain some level of homeowner’s insurance coverage. However, you should ensure that the amount of coverage that you have will adequately protect you for all possible losses.

Homeowner's Insurance Introduction

Homeowner's policies in Southwestern Michigan set coverage limits for specific personal things (e.g., artwork, firearms, jewelry etc.), so you you may want to research purchasing a separate endorsement or a floater if you suspect that you need to increase your coverage. Many types of discounts are provided by insurance companies but they might not offer the same discount or the same amount of discount in every state.

There are also other insurance plans that are pertinent to Southwestern Michigan homeowners:

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance doesn't provide coverage for flood damage. Nearly all companies that sell homeowners insurance also sell flood insurance.

Auto insurance

If ever you were in an auto accident that is the result of your negligence, each and everyone of your assets (including your home) may possibly be subject to liability claims if the claims go beyond the liability limits of your automobile insurance policy. Evaluate your existing liability limits on your automobile insurance policy to make sure that you've adequate coverage to protect your home. It is also recommended that you buy your automobile and home insurance from the same company.

Disability insurance

A disability insurance policy will pay you a monthly benefit to replace a share of your income until you are competent to work again. A number of employers give disability insurance for their employees. If this is not true or if you are self-employed, you should consider purchasing an individual disability policy.

Life insurance

Life insurance can give your family the funds to pay off their debts, and restore a share of your income in the result of your death. Many Southwestern Michigan employers provide some level of life insurance coverage to their employees. If you are self-employed or feel that the amount given by your employer might not be enough to provide financial security to your family, you ought to think about assessing your family's life insurance needs.

Now is the time to prepare yourself for a future insurance claim

If you ever need to file a claim one day in the future, the following guidelines will assist you:

Create (and frequently update) a written inventory of the contents of your home.

Photograph or videotape the contents of your home.

Engrave your more expensive possessions (television, stereos, etc.) with identifying marks.

Photograph or videotape the exterior of your home from several viewpoints and angles.

Have unique valuables (jewelry, antiques, stamps, coins and other collectibles) appraised.

Keep your insurance policy, home inventory, appraisals, photos and videotape records in a secondary location (your office or with a trusted friend) or store them in a "fire-proof" safe.

Steps to follow in the event of a loss

If the loss is due to a criminal act, such as burglary or theft, notify the police

Immediately notify your agent or insurance company

Ask your agent or company which documents, forms, and other data you will need to process your claim.

Study your policy coverage and ask your agent or company for a clarification of the coverage available for the loss.

Shelter your property from further damage. Save the receipts for the temporary repairs, and submit them to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Do not initiate any large or permanent repairs until after the company has had a chance to inspect the damaged property.

If you are unable to live in the residence, give your insurance company your contact information

Itemize your contents loss (this is where your inventory list is the most helpful) as well as copies of the receipts for the larger items.

It is necessary that you prove your loss, and receipts are the best way to do it. If you don't have receipts, then photos of the damaged or missing items taken prior to the loss may help prove the loss. If your company requires a "proof of loss" form to be submitted, completing it and submitting it right away will help avoid delays in the claim process.