Home Insurance

How Many Supplementary Policies can be Added to Your Home Insurance Policy?

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Home insurance is something that we all need to have in place to protect our homes. If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender likely requires that you have home insurance to help protect their investment as well. These policies help us in a wide range of incidents from fire to storm damage, but there are some instances in which a home policy is simply not going to pay out. In those cases, you can add supplementary policies to help cover anything that may happen. For those in the Mena or Waldron, AR area, the agents with The Owens Agency, LLC can help you determine which supplementary policies you need.

Each insurance company is different in regards to how much supplementary insurance can be added to your primary policy and how many extra policies you can have, but generally, each insurance company will allow you to buy the supplementary insurance that you need. There are supplementary policies for just about anything you can imagine including flood, earthquake, umbrella policies, and more. The most important thing is to take the time to figure out what policy is right for you and what coverage you need. In most cases, your agent or agency will help you to condense supplementary policies for easy management.

Also, many insurance companies have supplementary bundles that save you money while giving you the extra coverage that you need above and beyond your typical home policy. This type of insurance policy is entirely optional and is great for those that need a bit of extra coverage, but that might not want to buy an entirely new policy. You can buy specific additional coverage, or you can buy umbrella policies that cover just about anything. For those in the Waldron, AR area, the agents with The Owens Agency, LLC can help you find the perfect coverage.  

Can Home Insurance Companies Deny Claims Because a Home Is Not Maintained?

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At The Owens Agency, LLC, serving the greater Waldron, AR area, we are often asked questions about homeowners insurance. More specifically, people want to know why their home insurance claims may be denied and what role home maintenance plays in denials. We believe in informing and educating potential customers. Here is what every homeowner should know about home maintenance and home insurance claims.

Home Maintenance

It is critical that you properly care for and maintain all of the elements of your home, including things such as the roof, siding, your foundation, and plumbing. If you file a homeowners insurance claim, an adjuster may come out to evaluate the damage done to your home. One of the things that they will look for as they evaluate the damage is what condition the damaged part of your home is in and whether that element was adequately maintained. 

If the adjuster determines that the element of your home that is damaged was not adequately maintained or was damaged due to a lack of maintenance, they reserve the right to deny your claim. Always carefully read over your policy documents to learn more about the maintenance requirements for your home and what your rights are if you dispute the findings that the element that was damaged was not adequately cared for or maintained. 

When you are looking for a new home insurance policy, The Owens Agency, LLC, serving the greater Waldron, AR area, would love to help you find the right policy for your situation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to sit down with us and discuss your home insurance needs. 

Is Home Insurance On the Rise?

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If you own a home in Arkansas or Oklahoma and have insurance on it, you may notice a rise in your premium from time to time. What you need to realize, though, is that your insurance rate should not increase simply because the insurance provider wants to make more money. Instead, there usually has to be some justification and change as to why you are paying more. Let’s take a closer look at what could make your homeowner’s insurance increase with The Owens Agency, LLC in Waldron, AR. 

Dogs and Pets

Did you know that dog bites account for roughly 1/3 of all homeowner’s liability claims? If you have a dog and your insurance provider finds out and you have not previously listed the dog on your policy, this can cause your rate to increase. 

Trampoline and Outdoor Equipment

So, you’ve decided that the kids would love to have a trampoline. Sure, having one of these is going to keep the kids well-entertained, but it may also increase your homeowner’s insurance rate. Pools can have the same affect as well.

Wood-burning Fireplace

There’s nothing better than the cozy feeling of heat coming from a wood stove. However, with 36 percent of rural and residential fires starting from a wood fireplace or stove, this makes having one in your home high risk; therefore, meaning once you list it on your policy, you very well may see a jump in your insurance rate. 

Home Business

If you run a home business, there’s a good chance you may require a completely separate insurance policy for it. If you don’t, then the coverage of your homeowner’s policy is likely to increase because coverage will be needed to protect your business assets, including furniture, electronics, and more. 

To learn more about homeowner’s insurance, please contact The Owens Agency, LLC serving the Waldron, AR area. Also, try our online rating tool for quotes on home insurance from your computer.

Prepare Your Property to Defend Against Sudden Storm Damage

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We all know how crazy the weather can get around Mena, AR, especially in the summer time. Your friends at The Owens Agency, LLC are here to provide some timely tips to reduce the amount of damage those sudden thunderstorms and winds can cause in a concise amount of time.

Check for Loose Siding and Shingles

It only takes a hammer, a few nails, and a little bit of time. Walk around your house and property to check your siding for loose boards or shingles. A flapping piece of roofing can get caught in the wind, take flight, and smash a window. Don’t forget to secure fencing and your shed if you have one.

Lock Up the Bikes

You might think a bicycle is a relatively heavy object and couldn’t become airborne. When the winds are whipping over 40 mph, your child’s toy can easily become another piece of flotsam. It’s so tempting for you or your child to simply hop off and leave it in the middle of the yard. Make it a habit of leaving the bikes in the garage or locking them to a secure post when you are done with them for the day.

Use Your Shed

It’s not just bikes, but sprinklers, hoses, buckets, shovels, and wheelbarrows that can go airborne when a funnel cloud is spotted. There isn’t time to clean up the yard on a moments notice. Take the time to neaten up your shed and use it for its true purpose, providing a safe and secure spot for all your tools and yard implements. Your friendly agent at The Owens Agency, LLC has plenty of other suggestions to help you maintain your Mena, AR home and protect your most valuable asset against damage.

Types of Home Insurance Riders

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When basic home insurance doesn’t cover something or only partially insures it, a rider can provide a way to gain coverage without buying another type of policy. Riders are add-ons that enhance standard homeowner insurance policies in various ways. Here are a few to ask about:

Belongings

Waldron, AR, Poteau, OK, or Mena, AR homeowners with valuable jewelry, firearms, furs, antiques or computers may find that their insurers don’t fully cover such possessions. Personal property riders add coverage for these and other high-value items.

Flooding

Floods sometimes inflict considerable harm upon Arkansas and Oklahoma homes. Although they frequently cover storm-related damage, basic home policies normally don’t insure dwellings against flooding. Fortunately, it’s possible to gain financial protection by adding this type of insurance.

Earthquake

Most people in Arkansas seldom worry about seismic activity. Nevertheless, earthquakes have occurred in this state’s history and caused significant destruction. Property owners can gain a peace of mind by requesting earthquake riders when they obtain insurance.

Landslide

Standard homeowners insurance normally won’t pay to repair dwellings damaged by landslides. Both flooding and earthquakes can trigger these disasters. They have struck numerous parts of the Natural State. A landslide rider may cover your personal belongings and/or the entire house.

Back-Up

When sewage backs up through a home’s drains, this can badly damage the building and its contents. Rugs, flooring, appliances, and furniture often must be replaced in this situation. Homeowners may need special coverage to qualify for compensation from an insurer.

Business

Numerous Arkansas and Oklahoma residents run small businesses in their homes. However, basic insurance might not cover valuable equipment. Specialized riders add coverage for home businesses. They can also provide liability protection if customers visit the house.

Rider availability varies depending on your location and insurer. The Owens Agency, LLC can help you find a policy with the right coverage options. We compare policies from an assortment of dependable carriers. Please dial 479-637-2207 to reach The Owens Agency, LLC in Waldron, AR.