Home Insurance

Does Home Insurance Cover Lightning Strike?

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Home insurance can help repair or replace your belongings and your home’s structure when covered events occur. Understanding which covered events apply is essential when recovering from an unexpected disaster. The professionals at Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, are here to assist you.

We help our customers understand what their home insurance policy covers and answer questions when it’s time to file a claim. If your home has been struck by lightning and you need to file a home insurance claim, here’s what you need to know.

Does Home Insurance Cover Lightning Strikes?

Coverage under home insurance policies can vary, but in most cases, home insurance includes damage caused by lightning strikes. If your home is struck by lightning and you have a standard home insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim to repair or replace damaged items and parts of your home’s structure.

How to File a Claim If Your Home Is Struck by Lightning

Lightning strikes can cause damage to your home in various ways. You may find that your appliances have been damaged or that your home’s structure has sustained harm. If you need to file a claim, the first step is to contact your insurance agent to review your policy. If your policy covers lightning strikes, your agent can guide you through the claims process.

Need Help Filing a Home Insurance Claim? Call Today

The first step in filing a claim is to contact your insurance agent at Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR. We are here to answer your questions and help you navigate the home insurance claim process. Every insurance company is unique, but our team is experienced in assisting customers with their claims. Call us today for assistance.

Have You Reviewed Your Home Insurance Recently? Why You Should Do It Every Year

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Have you reviewed your home insurance recently? If not, you should. Reviewing your home insurance makes good sense for homeowners.

Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, can help you review your policy and know what to look for. 

Why Review Your Home Insurance?

Prices increase all the time, including the prices of goods and lumber. Additionally, home values can over time. When you make changes to your home, this can change the value of your home and how much you might have to spend to rebuild it if something happens. Reviewing your home insurance policy can help ensure that your home insurance is adequate to rebuild if a covered event occurs. 

What To Look for When You Review Your Home Insurance

To review your home insurance policy, start by reading through the policy document. If you don’t have a copy of the document, your home insurance agent can help.

Need Help Reviewing Your Home Insurance?

Sometimes it’s not clear whether your home insurance policy is adequate to cover your property and belongings. Working with your insurance agent can help you determine whether you have the right amount of coverage or need more. 

Call Us for a Coverage Review

The professionals at The Owens Agency LLC can help you learn more about your home insurance. We can help you review your policy and shop around for quotes. Call to speak with one of our insurance professionals. We’re currently serving Waldron, AR.

Why Wear and Tear Isn’t Covered by Home Insurance

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Home insurance is designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered in the event of unexpected issues like plumbing problems, fires, or other damage to your property. However, damage caused by wear and tear over time is not covered. While it may seem logical to expect all types of damage to be covered, the reality is that wear and tear falls outside the scope of home insurance. At The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR, we’re here to help you understand why certain limitations exist in your home insurance coverage.

Why Doesn’t Home Insurance Cover Wear and Tear?

Homeowners are expected to take responsibility for maintaining their properties once they purchase them. Insurance providers operate under the assumption that you’ll take the necessary steps to keep your property in good condition. In return, your insurance covers damage that is outside of your control, such as natural disasters or accidents. However, if you neglect your property and damage occurs due to wear and tear, you are responsible. Negligence in maintaining your home means the damage could have been prevented, which is why home insurance won’t cover it.

If you want to avoid costly repairs in the long run, regular maintenance is essential. Home insurance is designed to protect against unforeseen events, not damage caused by neglect.

Protect Your Home With The Owens Agency LLC

Do you need insurance coverage for your home? You can trust The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR to help you find the right policy. Compare quotes with us today!

Creating a Solid Foundation: Signs Your House May Need Foundation Repairs

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Your home’s foundation sets the stage for a sturdy structure that will withstand the test of time. When foundational problems arise, they can quickly escalate into serious issues. Detecting foundational issues early can save you from expensive repairs in the future. Here, we’ll explore warning signs to help you act before foundational minor problems become major structural safety concerns.

Cracks in Walls or Floors

Cracks in walls and floors often indicate foundational issues. While hairline cracks are usually harmless, wide or jagged cracks (especially around doorways or windows) often point to serious issues beneath the surface.

Sticking Doors and Windows

It may not be due to humidity if doors or windows become difficult to open or close. Foundational issues can cause shifts in the alignment of your home, which can make it harder to close doors and windows.

Uneven Floors

Floors that feel slanted or have visually noticeable dips can be a red flag for foundational issues. As you walk through your home (or a home you’re considering purchasing), note any uneven floors.

Gaps and Separation

Visible gaps between walls and ceilings, or between walls and floors, can indicate shifts in your foundation. You might also notice gaps between the home’s walls and exterior doors and garage doors, or you might notice gaps where the chimney seems to pull away from the house.

Contact The Owens Agency LLC for a Homeowner’s Insurance Quote

At The Owens Agency LLC, we’re proud to help Waldron, AR residents secure the homeowner’s insurance policies necessary to protect their investment fully. Reach out to us today to discuss our coverage options, or visit our office to chat with a team member.

How to Make a Claim With Home Insurance

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As a homeowner, you know you have the option to make a claim, but do you know what the actual process looks like when tragedy strikes? Below are the steps to filing a claim with your home insurance company that are most efficient for everyone involved.

1. Take Pictures

Before you make a claim, gather pictures and all information so that you can upload it to the claim. Also, collect a copy of any accident report related to the incident that might have been filed.

2. Submit Your Claim

You can either call the main number to speak to a representative about the claim or upload your information online for most companies and file the claim online. Depending on whether you call or submit the claim online, there will still be a link for you to post pictures and any other documentation, like an accident report, to upload with your claim.

3. Contact Your Agent and Adjuster

Once you make your claim, you should be in contact with an adjuster shortly to come out and look at the damage. If you haven’t heard from anyone within 48 business hours, call your agent back or contact the adjuster on file who may have been assigned to your case. You can find this information in your insurance portal, or by calling your agent back for a follow-up.

4. Get Notice of Your Claim

After the adjuster has visited the property and assessed the claim, you should have some resolution within five business days. Based on your claim’s approval, you can move forward with having your home repaired or follow up with the agent if they have a specific contractor in mind.

If you have more questions about home insurance or how to file a claim, we’re happy to help at The Owens Agency LLC. If you’re in the area surrounding Waldron, AR, contact us today for more information.

What is covered on a standard home insurance policy, and what’s not?

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At The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR, we understand that understanding what is and isn’t covered by a home insurance policy can be confusing. Our agency is staffed with licensed, experienced insurance agents who are well-versed in home insurance, and we’re here to share our knowledge with you.

What is covered in a standard home policy?

A standard homeowner insurance policy typically covers the structure of your home, other structures on your property (like a detached garage or shed), and your personal belongings inside your home.

You can also expect coverage for additional living expenses incurred while your home is uninhabitable and being repaired. These expenses may include extra mileage to work, transportation costs, rent, hotel, food, and pet boarding expenses. These are covered if a covered peril, such as fire, windstorm, lightning damage, explosion, hail, vehicle damage, vandalism, water damage from pipes, falling objects, or the weight of ice and snow on your roof, damages your home.

A standard home insurance policy also covers liability for others injured on your property and legal expenses needed to settle the dispute.

What isn’t covered by a standard home policy?

A standard home policy does not cover earthquakes and floods, but they can be added for an additional cost. Furthermore, standard home insurance policies don’t cover intentional damage, sewage backups, pest infestations, everyday wear and tear, and anything else specifically listed in your policy conditions. Lastly, high-value artwork and jewelry may be covered, but strict coverage limits may exist.

For more information on home insurance

At The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR, we understand you may have more questions about home insurance coverage. We’re here to answer all of them and help you make a well-informed decision about your policy. Call us today at (479) 637-2207.

Choosing Between a Carport or Garage for Your Home

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One of the best additions you can make to your home is a carport or garage. They will protect your vehicles and give you additional storage space. If you know you want to add one but aren’t sure which, use these differences to help you make a decision. 

1. Enclosed or Not

One of the biggest differences between a carport and a garage is the walls and doors. A carport is usually just a shelter attached to the house, or it can be freestanding, and you park your car beneath it. Some carports have a built-in room, but it’s open, and you can’t close it like a garage. A garage will have all sides enclosed with a door. 

2. Cost

Another significant difference between the two is the cost. Because the carport is smaller and doesn’t have walls on all sides, it is usually cheaper to build. A garage will be a more expensive project, but if you want a fully secure area, you’ll want to go with the garage. It’s important to note that a carport can be built much quicker and has fewer code regulations than a garage. 

3. Storage

If you’re looking for a place to store just your car and nothing else, you only need a carport. However, with a garage, you can take advantage of the walls in the space and use it for storage for your things that belong outside and recreational items that aren’t usually kept in the house. Garages can also be a part of your security system, whereas a carport can only be managed by a camera. 

If you’re in the Waldron, AR, area and looking for a new home insurance policy, contact us at The Owens Agency LLC today for more information on a personal quote. 

Insurance Adjustments for Your Finished Basement

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Deciding to have your basement finished may require purchasing more home insurance coverage. Review some adjustments that will protect your basement and its personal property. 

Liability Protection

If the basement project is going to take a while to complete, there is a risk of damage or injury occurring while the project is underway. Liability protection will cover you against mishaps that take place on your property.

For instance, if someone falls and gets injured, the liability protection will cover costs associated with the injury. If you are hiring a contractor to finish your basement, make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage before the project begins.

Personal Property

Finishing your basement will likely mean that you will be moving quite a bit of personal property into the modified living space. For this reason, you may want to insure the items that will be stored in the basement. Personal property protection will cover items that could potentially be damaged or stolen. 

Structural Components

It is wise to keep track of the structural materials you will acquire for the basement renovation. If the materials are susceptible to weather damage, they should be equipped with adequate insurance protection.

Keeping a list of each item you buy for the basement upgrade will help you determine the coverage needed for all the new materials. 

Additional Information About Insurance Products

At The Owens Agency LLC, our agents offer many home insurance products. Consult with one of our agents who serves the Waldron, AR, region. They will recommend upgraded insurance products that protect your basement during and after the renovation project.

Does Homeowner Insurance Cover My Expensive Jewelry?

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Understanding the Intricacies of Jewelry Coverage under Homeowners Insurance

If you have valuable jewelry at home, it’s natural to question whether your homeowner’s insurance covers it. At The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, we’re happy to answer your queries regarding coverage under your homeowner’s insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

Homeowners Insurance and Your Jewelry

Most homeowners insurance policies cover jewelry, but there’s usually a limit to the amount they’ll pay for it. If you own an expensive item of jewelry or several high-priced pieces, your regular homeowner’s insurance policy may not provide enough coverage for these items in case of a loss.

How to Maximize Your Coverage

If you own expensive pieces that need to be insured, you have several options:

  • Increase the coverage of your homeowner’s insurance policy: Speak with your insurance agent to see if you can add additional coverage specifically for your jewelry.
  • Get a personal articles floater: This is a separate policy that provides additional coverage for high-value items such as jewelry.
  • Get jewelry insurance: This is a specialized insurance providing coverage specifically for jewelry. If you have several expensive pieces, jewelry insurance may be the best way to safeguard them.

At The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, we’re happy to guide you on how your homeowner’s insurance policy protects your valuable items. Reach out today for more information.

How Home Insurance Makes it Easier Get a Mortgage

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Getting a mortgage is an arduous process. If it’s not one complication, it’s another. But did you know buying a home insurance policy from our agents at The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR before you start your home search can help? Here are three ways home insurance makes it easier for you to get a mortgage:

  • It helps you qualify for your mortgage. Lenders require borrowers to have home insurance before they approve the loan. Having home insurance already in place can avoid any delays in the approval process. 
  • It lowers your mortgage interest rate. Lenders think borrowers without home insurance are risky, so they charge higher interest rates to offset this risk. When you come into the process with home insurance in hand, it gives the lender the impression you’re a responsible borrower. Having home insurance in place also helps you avoid paying for lender-placed insurance. This is a type of insurance your lender gets for you when you don’t have a policy. Lender-placed insurance is more expensive and less comprehensive than home insurance.
  • Home insurance protects both your investment and your lender’s interest in the property. If your home is damaged by fire, wind, or theft, home insurance pays to repair or replace it and your belongings. This saves you from defaulting on your mortgage or owing more than your house is worth. It also protects the lender from losing money if they have to foreclose on your home.

Home insurance makes it easier to get a mortgage because it provides tangible proof of your dedication to the homebuying process. Contact our talented and knowledgeable agents at The Owens Agency LLC today for more information, or visit our website to learn more about what we can do for you.