If a Pipe Breaks In Your Home Due to Root Infiltration, What Will Your Home Insurance Polcy Cover?

Here at the Insurance Center of Green Valley, each independent agent on our staff takes pride in providing unbiased and expert advice for all of our customers throughout Green Valley, Arizona.

Our company can provide comprehensive coverage for your home. A homeowner policy from the Insurance Center of Green Valley could possibly provide coverage in the event that damage is caused to your home by Mother Nature.

For example, if you have pipes in your basement that are starting to show cracks or other signs of damage from a root infiltration, you’ll want to know what your options are. At the Insurance Center of Green Valley, we’ll have all of our customers from Sahuarita to Tucson and the rest of the surrounding area covered.

One possible solution to a root infiltration problem would be to get a perma liner installation completed on your home. If you didn’t know about the root problem when you bought the house, it’s possible your current homeowner policy does not provide you with the coverage that you need. A perma liner installation will take the steps necessary to ensure that the inside of your house is kept free from threats outside of the house.

Call an independent agent at the Insurance Center of Green Valley and we can discuss a specialized policy that will fit your unique needs. The right policy might cover everything from the perma liner installation to the repair of any cracked pipes and the removal of the roots or other foreign objects that have crept into your home. But you won’t know for sure unless you call today.

If my Boat gets Lit up in Green Valley, AZ, by Police Gun Fire to Catch a Fugitive, is that Covered by Home Owner’s Insurance?

During a fugitive chase, police may shoot at the suspect to attempt to prevent injuries to the public. Unfortunately, that may mean that your boat can be lit up by gun fire if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Depending on the situation and the location of you boat, your homeowner insurance policy may offer some protection for your vessel in Green Valley, Arizona.

The Location of the Boat

Depending on where the gun fire takes place, it may or may not be covered under your home policy. If your boat is damaged during a chase through your neighborhood and your ship is in the front yard, then you may be able to make a claim on your homeowner’s policy. On the other hand, if your ship was on the water at the time, then you may need to make a claim through your boat’s insurance policy.

Coverage Amount

If you make a claim through the policy on your home, then the amount that you have available may be limited. Insurers have limitations on how much you can claim for property based on the amount of coverage you have on your house.

In many cases, the coverage amount will be limited to a percentage of your home’s value. The exact percentage may vary, so review your policy to determine if you are covered and how much you can claim for your boat.

Damage to your ship can be stressful and expensive, but solutions are available if authorities hit your boat while chasing a fugitive. Contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley to talk to an independent agent for more information about protecting your boat.

If we are without power due to winter storm, will Green Valley, Arizona homeowners insurance cover a hotel for us to stay-in until the power is restored?

While it is not very likely that you will get a big snow storm in Sahuarita or Tucson, Arizona, it is not uncommon to get a winter storm with strong winds and rain in the Green Valley area of the state. If one of those winter storms should strike and knock out all your power, you may want to pack up the family and find temporary lodging in a nearby hotel.

Living without electricity is certainly an inconvenience, but in most circumstances, your Arizona home insurance policy will not cover the cost of your hotel room. Most homeowners policies do contain a provision, or you can add a rider, that will provide reimbursement for loss due to an extended power outage. You may be compensated for food spoilage and even for damage to your electronic equipment.

However, each home insurance policy and provider is different. While one insurance company might be more lenient and cover the costs of a hotel room after 24 hours without electricity, another might not honor a claim until 5 days have passed since you first were without power.

Personal circumstances, such as having a sick or elderly parent in the home may be taken into consideration by your home insurance provider. If you, or someone in your household relies on electricity to operate important medical equipment, your circumstances may be considered serious enough to get reimbursed for the cost of a hotel room.

It is important to review your insurance policy before a situation arises where you might need to temporarily move away from your home. If you have any questions about these matters, please give us a call. An independent agent will be able to answer your questions and possibly add a rider to your current home insurance policy to provide this extra protection.

My landlord claims that I have damaged the apartment and is keeping a part of my security deposit. Will the Green Valley, Arizona renters insurance cover this loss?

Buying renters insurance for your Green Valley, Arizona apartment is almost always a good idea. Renters insurance is very affordable and it will help cover damage or loss to your personal possessions.

If someone breaks into your apartment in Sahuarita and steals your television and laptop computer, you can file a claim with your insurance company. If you suffer a kitchen fire in the apartment you are renting in Tucson, renters insurance will compensate you for your burnt curtains and any other personal contents in your home. Appliances that came with the apartment are usually covered by the landlord’s insurance policy, but may also be covered by your renters insurance.

When your lease ends or you vacate your apartment for some other reason, you are entitled to get your security back from the landlord. As long as there is no damage to your apartment, beyond normal wear-and-tear, you usually will have your deposit returned within a week or two after vacating the apartment.

Your landlord is permitted to keep part or all of your security deposit if you damaged the apartment beyond the general definition of normal wear-and-tear. If, for instance, you put a bunch of holes in the wall, or your dog had a few accidents on the carpet, a part of your security deposit may be used by the landlord to make the repairs and clean the carpet.

Your renters insurance does not cover any damage you do to the apartment. You can not use it to pay for the damage so you get all of your security back. To find out more about renters insurance, please give us a call. An independent agent can answer any questions you may have and find you a very affordable policy.

Will my Insurer Provide a Cancellation of my Green Valley, Arizona Home Insurance Policy if my Dog Bites a Neighbor?

A dog bite is a serious concern for any pet owner, but it can also have potential consequences on your home insurance when an incident occurs. Although your home insurance provider may decide to cancel your coverage if a neighbor is bitten by your dog, the situation also plays a role in the decision to drop your coverage in Green Valley, Arizona.

Reason for the Bite

Although you are liable for the actions of your pet, it is possible that certain situations are not your fault. If your neighbor attacks your dog, then the bite is an act of defense and a court of law will not hold you responsible. Your neighbor has engaged in a criminal offense and you are not responsible for their injuries. The same is true of any action that is related to the defense of an owner, your personal property or the life of another individual.

The reason that your dog bit a neighbor can play a role in the appropriate solution, including the ability to retain your coverage.

Differences Between Providers

Although some insurance providers may refuse to maintain your coverage if your dog bites a neighbor, other insurers are willing to maintain coverage. In some cases, your premium may increase and dog bites may no longer be covered, but the company may be willing to maintain different plans based on your concerns and the reasons that your dog bit another individual.

Dog bites are potentially dangerous, which is the reason that certain breeds can make it hard to find home insurance coverage. Fortunately, different companies have a variety of policies available. To learn more about the options that are available for your needs, contact us to talk to an independent agent today.

In Green Valley, AZ, Is Pest Infestation Covered on My Home Insurance Policy?

A pest infestation is not usually covered on a Green Valley, AZ, home insurance policy. Here’s why: the state of Arizona considers pest infestations to be preventable and to fall under the category of regular home maintenance problems rather than disasters. So, as homeowners, it’s best to keep pests at bay from the very beginning – but expect to pay for pest control services without the assistance of your insurance provider. In some cases, you can obtain a sort of insurance through a pest control company. For termites, some companies offer a termite bond that covers you for termite damage if it occurs in spite of the regular home inspections and treatments you commit to.

Although pest infestation is normally excluded from the events covered by Arizona policies, there can be a grey area when it comes to some of the damage related to an infestation. For example, if a beam collapses and causes the roof of your house to cave in, it’s possible that some of the damage could be covered. If the beam’s wood was compromised by termites but the roof itself wasn’t, then the beam wouldn’t be covered but the roof may be. However, that depends on the details of the policy and how they’re interpreted.

It’s best to tackle the pest problem before it becomes severe, even though this often means doing so independently of your home insurance coverage. And a pest infestation doesn’t necessarily mean termites – birds, raccoons, rats, and bats are among the other pests that could invade your home and should be removed promptly. Red ants, scorpions, and spiders are also potential pests to be on high alert for in Green Valley. Do your best to prevent damage from pests, and ask your independent agent if you need information on your particular policy and its stipulations regarding pest infestation.

Do I Need my Ex-Wife’s Approval to Remove her as a Primary Policy Holder on my Home Insurance Policy?

Getting a divorce is complicated, particularly when property is involved. When the court gives you the right to live in the house in Green Valley, Arizona, it does not necessarily mean that it is the end of the battle.

Obtain Proof of the Divorce

The only way to remove your ex-wife from the home policy is with the appropriate documentation. If she is the primary policy holder on the house, then proof that you were awarded the house in the court is a necessity.

You will need to document that the divorce is finalized, you own the house and she is no longer making any mortgage payments on the home. If she is still paying on the house, then you may not be able to remove her as the primary policy holder until after the deed and loan is transferred into your name.

When Her Approval is Necessary

It is necessary to obtain your ex-wife’s approval to remove her as the primary holder of the policy if she is still part-owner of the house. Divorce does not necessarily mean that you take over the mortgage automatically. It may take time before the deed and loan is issued in your name.

When Permission is Not Necessary

The situation ultimately determines if you need prior permission to change the coverage plan to your name. If the court awarded the house to you, then you may not need permission to make changes to the policy. You will need to provide proof that the house is yours and that she no longer has a legal claim on the house.

Before you make changes on an insurance policy, contact us to talk to an independent agent about your specific situation and the options that are available for your needs.

What are the Advantages of Having a Home Emergency Insurance Policy in Green Valley, AZ?

If you’re lucky, the only one of the advantages you’ll experience from having a home emergency insurance policy on your Green Valley, Arizona, residence is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve protected your investment. However, you never know if an emergency will occur. If it does, your policy could help you recover from the damages to your house and personal property. An independent agent can help you determine if your regular homeowner’s policy provides enough coverage for your circumstances. Many policies cover some events but not others, so adding supplemental insurance to cover certain emergencies could be recommended for you.

Coverage varies between insurance providers and policies, so it’s necessary to discover one with offerings and supplements that make it a good fit for your home. The coverage that your Green Valley home needs will depend on the risks associated with your type of house and with the specific area it is located in. Even if you’re living in an area at ground level, flood coverage could be a practical addition to your policy. In this case, the advantage is that you’ll be better able to recover from water damage after an emergency.

In general, Arizona property damage coverage is likely to cover you when damages occur because of fire, lightning, windstorms, or hail. However, they most likely won’t cover damages caused by floods or earthquakes, so we’ll help you determine if adding coverage for these emergencies could be to your advantage. Because of Green Valley’s desert climate, it is possible that a range of weather conditions could cause damage to your home. Even if your policy offers some coverage for events such as wildfires, you may want to increase your coverage amounts. Historically, Arizona’s wildfires can also be problematic for homeowners because they may lead to flooding, so having both emergencies covered could come in handy. We hope you never experience a home emergency, but we’re here to help you consider your coverage so you can take advantage of your policy if one does occur.

What should I do if my ALE coverage runs out and my house in Green Valley, AZ, is still not built?

When a covered loss makes your residence uninhabitable or you are denied access to your home by an order from the government, some insurance companies will pay reasonable increases in your living expenses to uphold your normal standard of living. This coverage is termed ‘Additional Living Expense’ or ‘ALE.’ If your home insurance includes this coverage, this portion of your policy begins at the time of the loss. An independent agent can assist you in finding the best coverage for your home in Green Valley, Arizona.

ALE coverage is limited

However, under most homeowner policies ALE coverage is limited. Typically, there are three ways this limit is defined:

  1. Payment only continues for the least amount of time required to replace or repair the damage to your house.
  2. Until you permanently relocate.
  3. In Arizona, your policy will most likely stipulate a maximum number of 12 consecutive months or the least time it takes for your house to be repaired or re-built or the least amount of time it takes you’re household to settle somewhere else.

On average, the Additional Living Expense portion of a typical home insurance policy in Arizona pays up to 20 percent of your policy limit. Your insurance company usually continues paying these expenses until the time limit is reached, you permanently relocate or your home is repaired, re-built and habitable.

Disaster-related misplacement

If you receive the maximum ALE settlement allowed by your insurance company following a disaster-related temporary housing need and still require assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to help you. You need to write a letter to FEMA that indicates why you still need temporary housing. You must also provide them with documentation showing that you already used all of your Additional Living Expense benefits along with a plan for permanent housing.

If you are concerned about being misplaced, you may want to purchase a separate ‘loss-of-use’ policy. Some insurance companies offer a policy with an unlimited amount of expense coverage. However, there is still a time limit on these policies.

As your independent agent, we are happy to help you find the best coverage for your Green Valley, Arizona house. We can give you the details you need to ensure you choose the best coverage possible. Contact us today.

What Should I do if my Home Insurance Records are Lost Due to a Fire Accident in Green Valley, AZ?

If your Green Valley, Arizona home is damaged from a fire, then it is important to make a claim with an insurance provider as soon as the accident or problem occurs. Even if the home insurance records are lost as a result of burning in the fire, your insurance provider will have a copy of your policy and any other documentation that you provided before the incident occurred.

Call the Company

The first step of recovering from the fire is calling your insurance provider and talking about the situation. Explain that you’ve lost the records and need a copy of your current policy. The company will send you a copy so that you know what is covered and what is not.

If you sent any documents to the company when you are obtaining coverage, then ask for those records at the same time. Your insurer will be able to give you copies of any documentation that you provided in regards to expensive personal belongings that were insured separately.

Give Pictures of Belongings

Even if your records were ruined, you may still have pictures on your smartphone, digital camera or on a social networking website where you’ve posted images. Your belongings might be seen in the background of pictures you took in the house.

Get a copy of any images made so that you can show the company what was in the room. Without clear pictures or records of the belongings, you may be denied for expensive items that were also lost.

Keep Copies in a Separate Location

Ideally, any documentation related to your homeowner’s coverage should also be kept in a safe deposit box at the bank or a similar separate location. By having it kept separately, you will always have a copy available if a fire occurs in the future.

Damage to your home does not mean you have limited options. To learn more about keeping your belongings safe, contact us to talk to an independent agent.