FAQ

Claims

  • Will my neighbor's insurance cover damage to my house from their fire?
    Generally, if your house is damaged due to a fire in your neighbor's house, your own homeowner's insurance policy will typically be the one to cover the damage. This includes personal belongings that might have been damaged or destroyed in the fire. Your insurance company may then choose to pursue a claim against your neighbor's insurance policy to recover the costs, a process known as subrogation . However, there could be exceptions. If the fire was caused by negligence on your neighbor's part (for example, they left a stove unattended), you might be able to file a liability claim against your neighbor's insurance policy.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover landscaping damage?
    Homeowners insurance does generally cover damage to landscaping, but the specifics can vary depending on your policy and the cause of the damage. Covered Perils: Homeowners insurance usually provides coverage for landscaping damage if the loss results from specific perils such as fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, or explosion. Plant Coverage: Your homeowners insurance policy should cover damage to your plants, trees, and shrubs. However, there might be a limit on how much an insurer will pay per plant and a total reimbursement cap. Exclusions: It's important to note that homeowners insurance typically does not cover landscaping damage related to weather, including damage caused by hail, wind, rain, etc. Damage from pests to landscaping is also unlikely to be covered. Remember, each policy is different, so it's crucial to read your policy documents carefully or speak with your insurance agent to understand what is and isn't covered.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover damage to my fence?
    Yes, most homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage to a fence, as it is considered part of your property's other structures. This coverage usually includes damage from events like storms, vandalism, and fires. However, the type and extent of the damage covered will depend on your specific policy and its terms. For example, if your fence is damaged due to lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear, it may not be covered. Similarly, while damage from a fallen tree might be covered, damage from pests such as termites may not be. As with all insurance matters, it's important to read your policy carefully or consult with your insurance agent to understand what is and isn't covered
  • Does homeowners insurance cover power surges?
    Yes, most standard homeowner's insurance policies do cover damage from power surges. However, it's important to note that not all power surges are covered. For example, if the power surge is caused by an issue within your home, like faulty wiring, it might not be covered. Additionally, the amount of coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your policy, so it's important to read your policy carefully or speak with your insurance agent to understand the extent of your coverage.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?
    Homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage, but the extent of the coverage can vary depending on the specific terms of your policy and the cause of the damage.
    1. Wind Damage: Wind damage, including that caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, is generally covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This means that if high winds damage your home's structure or belongings, your policy should cover the costs of repair or replacement.
    2. Water Damage: Water damage that originates inside your home or from a storm-created opening is typically covered. Examples might include an overflowing bathtub or a leaky roof. However, flood damage, including damage from a storm surge, is not usually covered by standard homeowners, condo owners, or renters insurance policies. For that, you'd need separate flood insurance.
    3. Fallen Trees: If a tree falls because of a storm and causes damage to your home, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover the damage, provided the fall was due to a problem covered by your policy, such as lightning.
    4. Siding Damage: Some insurance policies will replace siding damage from covered storms, but they only cover the parts of your home that are damaged.
  • Is ice damage covered by homeowners insurance?
    Yes, typically homeowners insurance does cover ice damage, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific policy and the nature of the damage. Here are some common types of ice damage that may be covered:
    1. Ice Dams: Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts, runs down, and refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can cause water to back up under your shingles and leak into your home. Many insurance policies cover this type of damage.
    2. Frozen Pipes: If freezing causes your pipes to burst, your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairing the pipes and any resulting water damage. However, they might not cover it if the damage was due to negligence, such as failing to maintain adequate heat in the home.
    3. Weight of Ice, Snow, or Sleet: Damage from the weight of ice, snow, or sleet is often explicitly mentioned in policies as a covered peril. This could include things like a roof collapse due to heavy snowfall.
    4. Hail Damage: Hail can cause significant damage to your roof and other parts of your home. This is usually covered by homeowners insurance.
    5. Slips and Falls: If someone slips and falls on icy steps or walkways on your property, the liability portion of your homeowners insurance may cover the medical bills or legal costs.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
    Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. This includes coverage for the structure of your home, your personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home due to fire damage Here's a breakdown of how different parts of a policy may cover fire damage:
    1. Dwelling Coverage: This part of your policy covers the cost to repair or rebuild your home if it's damaged by a fire. It typically includes attached structures like garages.
    2. Personal Property Coverage: This covers your personal belongings that are damaged or destroyed in a fire. This could include furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use: If your home is uninhabitable after a fire, ALE coverage can pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals, and other living expenses while your home is being repaired.
    3. Liability Coverage: If a fire that starts on your property damages a neighbor's home or injures someone, your liability coverage can help pay for repairs or medical bills.
  • Should I File an home insurance Claim or Pay for the Damage Out of Pocket?
    1. Extent of Damage: If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. This is because you'll need to pay the deductible amount before your insurance coverage begins.
    2. Claim Frequency: If you've filed other claims recently, filing another one could lead to higher premiums or even non-renewal by your insurer.
    3. Premium Increases: Filing a claim might increase your insurance premium, depending on the nature of the accident and your insurance company's policies.
    4. Your Financial Situation: You should consider filing an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages that your insurance policy will cover.
    5. Type of Damage: Certain types of damage, like water damage, may result in larger, more expensive problems down the line if not addressed properly. In these cases, filing a claim may be the best option.
  • Should I File an Auto Insurance Claim or Pay for the Damage Out of Pocket?
    Deciding whether to file an auto insurance claim or to pay for the damage out of pocket depends on several factors:
    1. The amount of damage: If the cost of repairs is less than or slightly above your deductible, it might make more sense to pay out of pocket. This is because you'll have to pay the deductible amount before your insurance coverage kicks in.
    2. Claim frequency: If you've recently filed other claims, filing another one could lead to higher premiums or even non-renewal by your insurer.
    3. Premium increases: Filing a claim might cause your insurance premium to go up, depending on the nature of the accident and your insurance company's policies.
    4. Your financial situation: You should consider filing an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages or medical bills that your insurance policy will cover.
    5. Accidents involving other drivers: If another driver is involved, particularly if they were injured, you should notify your insurance company regardless of the damage to your vehicle.
  • Should i a file a claim with my insurance company or go after theirs?
    • At-Fault vs. No-Fault States: If you live in a no-fault state, you're required to file a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident and their insurance company is typically responsible for damages.
    • Type of Insurance Coverage: If you only have liability coverage and you're not at fault, you'll need to file a claim with the other party's insurance company. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you can choose to file a claim with your own insurer.
    • Deductibles and Premiums: Filing a claim with your own insurer might mean paying your deductible up front, but your company may be able to recover it if the other driver was at fault. However, claims can potentially increase your future premiums, even if the accident wasn't your fault.
    • Disputes Over Liability: If there's a dispute over who was at fault, it might be easier to let your insurance company handle the claim. They will work with the other party's insurer to resolve the issue.
    • Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: If the other driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you'll need to file a claim with your own insurer, assuming you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
    Before making a decision, it can be helpful to discuss the situation with your insurance agent or a legal professional to understand all possible outcomes. And remember, each case is unique, so what worked for someone else might not be the best choice for you.
  • what is the process of subrogation?
    Subrogation is a legal right that allows one party (usually an insurance company) to make a payment that is actually owed by another party, and then collect this payment from the party that owes the debt after the fact. This is often used in insurance claims where the insurance company pays its insured for the damages, then seeks to recover these costs from the at-fault party or their insurance company
    1. Claim Payment: The insured files a claim with their own insurance company, and the insurer pays the claim.
    2. Subrogation Investigation: The insurance company investigates the incident to determine who was at fault. This investigation may involve reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and assessing damage.
    3. Recovery Process: If it's determined that another party is at fault, the insurer will initiate the subrogation process. They will contact the at-fault party or their insurance company to recover the money they paid on the claim.
    4. Negotiation and Settlement: The insurance companies will negotiate the amount to be recovered. If they can't agree, they may go to arbitration or court to resolve the dispute.
    5. Recovery: If successful, the insurer recovers the money it paid out on the claim, as well as the deductible paid by the policyholder. If the policyholder has already paid a deductible, they will usually be refunded this amount if the insurer successfully recovers the money.
  • What can i do if my insurance claim is denied?
    1. Understand Why: The first step is to understand why your claim was denied. Your insurer should provide a written explanation for the denial. Common reasons include not being covered for a specific event or circumstance, not meeting the policy's conditions, or not paying premiums on time.
    2. Review Your Policy: Go through your insurance policy thoroughly to ensure you understand its terms and conditions. Make sure the incident you're claiming is indeed covered by your policy.
    3. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, photos, and records that support your claim. This could include medical records, police reports, receipts, or correspondence with the insurer.
    4. Write a Letter: Write a formal appeal letter to your insurance company. Clearly explain why you believe your claim should be covered and include any supporting evidence.
    5. Contact Your State's Insurance Department: If your appeal is unsuccessful, consider contacting your state's insurance department. They may be able to provide guidance or intervene on your behalf.
    6. Seek Legal Advice: If all else fails, you might want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance law. They can review your case and advise you on your best course of action, which may include filing a lawsuit against the insurance company.
  • Does Home Insurance Cover My Foundation?
    Home insurance coverage for foundation repairs can vary widely depending on the cause of the damage. Generally, your home's foundation is covered under your policy's dwelling coverage, but only for certain types of damage. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover foundation damage that results from a sudden and accidental event, such as a burst pipe, fire, or a tree falling on your home. However, many causes of foundation damage are explicitly excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. For example, foundation cracks or settling often aren't covered because these are considered part of regular home maintenance and normal wear and tear. Similarly, foundation damage related to flooding, negligence, and construction mistakes typically isn't covered.
  • How Do I File a Business Insurance Claim?
    1. Document the Incident: As soon as an incident occurs, it's crucial to document what happened in detail, including how, when, who was involved, and where it took place. If necessary, gather evidence and file a police report.
    2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the loss as quickly as possible. You can typically do this by phone or online, depending on your provider.
    3. Provide Proof of Loss: Your insurance company will likely request a signed, sworn proof of loss. This document contains information needed to investigate the claim.
    4. Cooperate with the Claims Process: After reporting the claim, you may need to download, mail, or upload documents to an online portal, or fax them to your insurance company. An adjuster may also be sent to assess the damage.
    5. Work with Your Agent: Your agent can guide you through the claim process, help you understand your policy's terms, and advocate for you if there are any disputes.
    6. Review Settlement Offers: If your claim is approved, your insurance company will make a settlement offer. Review this carefully and consult with your attorney if necessary.

Commercial Insurance

  • Why Should I Consider Getting Insurance for My New Business Immediately?
    1. Risk Management: Every business, regardless of its size or industry, faces risks that could result in significant financial losses. Insurance provides a safety net that can help protect your business from these risks.
    2. Legal Requirements: Depending on where your business operates and the nature of your work, certain types of insurance may be legally required. For example, in many places, businesses with employees must have workers' compensation insurance.
    3. Contractual Obligations: If you rent or lease a physical location for your business, your landlord may require you to carry certain types of insurance. Similarly, clients may require proof of insurance before they'll do business with you.
    4. Asset Protection: Insurance can help protect your business's assets, such as property, equipment, and inventory, from damage or loss.
    5. Liability Coverage: Liability insurance can protect your business if it's sued for causing harm to a person or damaging property.
    6. Business Continuity: Certain types of insurance, such as business interruption insurance, can help your business continue to operate if a covered event disrupts your operations.
    7. Tax Deductions: The IRS considers commercial insurance policies that benefit your company a cost of doing business. That means you can deduct your premiums on your business taxes.
  • How Do I File a Business Insurance Claim?
    1. Document the Incident: As soon as an incident occurs, it's crucial to document what happened in detail, including how, when, who was involved, and where it took place. If necessary, gather evidence and file a police report.
    2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the loss as quickly as possible. You can typically do this by phone or online, depending on your provider.
    3. Provide Proof of Loss: Your insurance company will likely request a signed, sworn proof of loss. This document contains information needed to investigate the claim.
    4. Cooperate with the Claims Process: After reporting the claim, you may need to download, mail, or upload documents to an online portal, or fax them to your insurance company. An adjuster may also be sent to assess the damage.
    5. Work with Your Agent: Your agent can guide you through the claim process, help you understand your policy's terms, and advocate for you if there are any disputes.
    6. Review Settlement Offers: If your claim is approved, your insurance company will make a settlement offer. Review this carefully and consult with your attorney if necessary.
  • How do I get a quote for insurance?
    Reach out to us via Email ([email protected]), Phone (301-721-0508), or fill out quote form
  • What types of insurance do you offer?
    Types of Insurance Offered: See all of our services here

Auto Insurance

  • Should I File an Auto Insurance Claim or Pay for the Damage Out of Pocket?
    Deciding whether to file an auto insurance claim or to pay for the damage out of pocket depends on several factors:
    1. The amount of damage: If the cost of repairs is less than or slightly above your deductible, it might make more sense to pay out of pocket. This is because you'll have to pay the deductible amount before your insurance coverage kicks in.
    2. Claim frequency: If you've recently filed other claims, filing another one could lead to higher premiums or even non-renewal by your insurer.
    3. Premium increases: Filing a claim might cause your insurance premium to go up, depending on the nature of the accident and your insurance company's policies.
    4. Your financial situation: You should consider filing an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages or medical bills that your insurance policy will cover.
    5. Accidents involving other drivers: If another driver is involved, particularly if they were injured, you should notify your insurance company regardless of the damage to your vehicle.
  • Should i a file a claim with my insurance company or go after theirs?
    • At-Fault vs. No-Fault States: If you live in a no-fault state, you're required to file a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident and their insurance company is typically responsible for damages.
    • Type of Insurance Coverage: If you only have liability coverage and you're not at fault, you'll need to file a claim with the other party's insurance company. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you can choose to file a claim with your own insurer.
    • Deductibles and Premiums: Filing a claim with your own insurer might mean paying your deductible up front, but your company may be able to recover it if the other driver was at fault. However, claims can potentially increase your future premiums, even if the accident wasn't your fault.
    • Disputes Over Liability: If there's a dispute over who was at fault, it might be easier to let your insurance company handle the claim. They will work with the other party's insurer to resolve the issue.
    • Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: If the other driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your damages, you'll need to file a claim with your own insurer, assuming you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
    Before making a decision, it can be helpful to discuss the situation with your insurance agent or a legal professional to understand all possible outcomes. And remember, each case is unique, so what worked for someone else might not be the best choice for you.
  • Does My Credit Score Affect My Auto Insurance Premiums?
    Yes, your credit score can affect your auto insurance premiums. The majority of auto insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine the risk of future claims. Research has shown that these scores can accurately predict insurance loss potential. However, it's important to note that while your credit score can impact your auto insurance premiums, it's not the biggest factor in determining your rates. Other factors such as your driving history, age, and the type of vehicle you drive can also significantly affect your insurance premiums.
  • Can I Change My Auto Coverage Whenever I Want?
    You can change your auto insurance policy anytime, adjusting coverage or switching companies. It's wise to cancel current coverage when switching to avoid double payments. If you prepaid, you should get a refund for unused coverage. Maintaining continuous coverage is crucial for financial protection.
  • Does My Auto Insurance Cover Anyone Who Drives My Car?
    Auto insurance coverage for drivers depends on policy specifics. Typically, listed drivers like spouses are covered. Permission allows coverage for others, with your insurance as primary. Exceptions exist, such as household members or uninsured drivers. Check with your insurer for clarity on coverage rules.
  • How do I get a quote for insurance?
    Reach out to us via Email ([email protected]), Phone (301-721-0508), or fill out quote form
  • What types of insurance do you offer?
    Types of Insurance Offered: See all of our services here

General

  • How do I get a quote for insurance?
    Reach out to us via Email ([email protected]), Phone (301-721-0508), or fill out quote form
  • What types of insurance do you offer?
    Types of Insurance Offered: See all of our services here
  • What geographic areas does Gordon Insurance work in?
    Gordon Insurance is licensed through all of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C

Home Insurance

  • Will my neighbor's insurance cover damage to my house from their fire?
    Generally, if your house is damaged due to a fire in your neighbor's house, your own homeowner's insurance policy will typically be the one to cover the damage. This includes personal belongings that might have been damaged or destroyed in the fire. Your insurance company may then choose to pursue a claim against your neighbor's insurance policy to recover the costs, a process known as subrogation . However, there could be exceptions. If the fire was caused by negligence on your neighbor's part (for example, they left a stove unattended), you might be able to file a liability claim against your neighbor's insurance policy.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover landscaping damage?
    Homeowners insurance does generally cover damage to landscaping, but the specifics can vary depending on your policy and the cause of the damage. Covered Perils: Homeowners insurance usually provides coverage for landscaping damage if the loss results from specific perils such as fire, lightning, vandalism, theft, or explosion. Plant Coverage: Your homeowners insurance policy should cover damage to your plants, trees, and shrubs. However, there might be a limit on how much an insurer will pay per plant and a total reimbursement cap. Exclusions: It's important to note that homeowners insurance typically does not cover landscaping damage related to weather, including damage caused by hail, wind, rain, etc. Damage from pests to landscaping is also unlikely to be covered. Remember, each policy is different, so it's crucial to read your policy documents carefully or speak with your insurance agent to understand what is and isn't covered.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover damage to my fence?
    Yes, most homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage to a fence, as it is considered part of your property's other structures. This coverage usually includes damage from events like storms, vandalism, and fires. However, the type and extent of the damage covered will depend on your specific policy and its terms. For example, if your fence is damaged due to lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear, it may not be covered. Similarly, while damage from a fallen tree might be covered, damage from pests such as termites may not be. As with all insurance matters, it's important to read your policy carefully or consult with your insurance agent to understand what is and isn't covered
  • Does homeowners insurance cover power surges?
    Yes, most standard homeowner's insurance policies do cover damage from power surges. However, it's important to note that not all power surges are covered. For example, if the power surge is caused by an issue within your home, like faulty wiring, it might not be covered. Additionally, the amount of coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your policy, so it's important to read your policy carefully or speak with your insurance agent to understand the extent of your coverage.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage?
    Homeowners insurance typically covers storm damage, but the extent of the coverage can vary depending on the specific terms of your policy and the cause of the damage.
    1. Wind Damage: Wind damage, including that caused by tornadoes and hurricanes, is generally covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This means that if high winds damage your home's structure or belongings, your policy should cover the costs of repair or replacement.
    2. Water Damage: Water damage that originates inside your home or from a storm-created opening is typically covered. Examples might include an overflowing bathtub or a leaky roof. However, flood damage, including damage from a storm surge, is not usually covered by standard homeowners, condo owners, or renters insurance policies. For that, you'd need separate flood insurance.
    3. Fallen Trees: If a tree falls because of a storm and causes damage to your home, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover the damage, provided the fall was due to a problem covered by your policy, such as lightning.
    4. Siding Damage: Some insurance policies will replace siding damage from covered storms, but they only cover the parts of your home that are damaged.
  • Is ice damage covered by homeowners insurance?
    Yes, typically homeowners insurance does cover ice damage, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific policy and the nature of the damage. Here are some common types of ice damage that may be covered:
    1. Ice Dams: Ice dams form when snow on your roof melts, runs down, and refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can cause water to back up under your shingles and leak into your home. Many insurance policies cover this type of damage.
    2. Frozen Pipes: If freezing causes your pipes to burst, your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairing the pipes and any resulting water damage. However, they might not cover it if the damage was due to negligence, such as failing to maintain adequate heat in the home.
    3. Weight of Ice, Snow, or Sleet: Damage from the weight of ice, snow, or sleet is often explicitly mentioned in policies as a covered peril. This could include things like a roof collapse due to heavy snowfall.
    4. Hail Damage: Hail can cause significant damage to your roof and other parts of your home. This is usually covered by homeowners insurance.
    5. Slips and Falls: If someone slips and falls on icy steps or walkways on your property, the liability portion of your homeowners insurance may cover the medical bills or legal costs.
  • Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage?
    Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. This includes coverage for the structure of your home, your personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you are temporarily unable to live in your home due to fire damage Here's a breakdown of how different parts of a policy may cover fire damage:
    1. Dwelling Coverage: This part of your policy covers the cost to repair or rebuild your home if it's damaged by a fire. It typically includes attached structures like garages.
    2. Personal Property Coverage: This covers your personal belongings that are damaged or destroyed in a fire. This could include furniture, clothing, electronics, and more. Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use: If your home is uninhabitable after a fire, ALE coverage can pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals, and other living expenses while your home is being repaired.
    3. Liability Coverage: If a fire that starts on your property damages a neighbor's home or injures someone, your liability coverage can help pay for repairs or medical bills.
  • Should I File an home insurance Claim or Pay for the Damage Out of Pocket?
    1. Extent of Damage: If the repair cost is less than your deductible, it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket. This is because you'll need to pay the deductible amount before your insurance coverage begins.
    2. Claim Frequency: If you've filed other claims recently, filing another one could lead to higher premiums or even non-renewal by your insurer.
    3. Premium Increases: Filing a claim might increase your insurance premium, depending on the nature of the accident and your insurance company's policies.
    4. Your Financial Situation: You should consider filing an insurance claim when you can't afford to pay cash for damages that your insurance policy will cover.
    5. Type of Damage: Certain types of damage, like water damage, may result in larger, more expensive problems down the line if not addressed properly. In these cases, filing a claim may be the best option.
  • Does my home insurance policy cover airbnb
    If you're renting out your home occasionally through Airbnb, your current homeowners insurance policy may not provide adequate coverage. Many standard homeowners insurance policies don't cover commercial activities such as short-term rentals. Airbnb provides a Host Guarantee program which provides protection for up to $1 million in damages to covered property in the rare event of guest damages, but it's not a replacement for homeowners insurance. The company also offers Host Protection Insurance, which is liability insurance designed to protect hosts if a guest gets hurt or causes property damage. However, these programs have limitations and exclusions, so they should not be considered as a substitute for proper insurance coverage. Also, remember that these protections are specific to Airbnb; if you list your property on other platforms, you may not have the same level of coverage. To fully protect yourself and your property, you might want to consider purchasing a short-term rental insurance policy or adding an endorsement to your existing homeowners policy for "home-sharing" if your insurance company offers it. This type of coverage is specifically designed to cover the risks associated with renting out your home on platforms like Airbnb.
  • What Are Some Things I Should Consider When Buying Home Insurance?
    1. Dwelling Coverage: This is the part of your policy that covers the cost to repair or rebuild your home if it's damaged by a covered peril, such as fire or windstorm. The amount of dwelling coverage you need should be based on the replacement cost of your home, not its market value.
    2. Personal Property Coverage: This covers your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, and appliances. Make sure this coverage is sufficient to replace your possessions in case of damage or theft.
    3. Liability Protection: This part of your policy covers you if someone is injured on your property or if you, a family member, or a pet causes damage to someone else's property.
    4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home is damaged to the point where you can't live in it while repairs are being made, ALE covers the costs of living elsewhere, like hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other expenses.
    5. Coverage for Special Items: For certain valuable items like jewelry, art, or collectibles, standard homeowners policies typically have limited coverage. You might want to consider adding additional coverage for these items.
    6. Flood and Earthquake Insurance: Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood or earthquake damage. If you live in an area prone to these risks, you may want to consider purchasing separate flood or earthquake insurance.
    7. Policy Deductibles: Your deductible is the amount you're responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums, but make sure the deductible is an amount you can afford to pay if you need to file a claim.
    8. Insurance Company’s Reputation: Look for a company with good customer service, strong financial stability, and a reputation for handling claims well.
  • Does Home Insurance Cover Plumbing?
    Yes, home insurance typically covers plumbing-related issues, but only under certain circumstances. Most standard homeowners insurance policies will cover water damage that results from sudden, accidental plumbing problems like burst pipes
  • How Much Homeowners Liability Coverage Should I Consider?
    The amount of homeowners liability coverage you should consider depends on various factors, including the value of your assets, where you live, and your risk tolerance. However, it's generally recommended that most homeowners have at least $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage.
  • How Is Dwelling Coverage Different than Home Insurance?
    Dwelling coverage is a component of your overall home insurance policy. It specifically covers the structure of your home, including the foundation, frame, walls, and roof, as well as attached structures like a garage. It does not cover personal property inside your home or the land on which your home is built.  
  • Does Home Insurance Cover My Foundation?
    Home insurance coverage for foundation repairs can vary widely depending on the cause of the damage. Generally, your home's foundation is covered under your policy's dwelling coverage, but only for certain types of damage. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover foundation damage that results from a sudden and accidental event, such as a burst pipe, fire, or a tree falling on your home. However, many causes of foundation damage are explicitly excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. For example, foundation cracks or settling often aren't covered because these are considered part of regular home maintenance and normal wear and tear. Similarly, foundation damage related to flooding, negligence, and construction mistakes typically isn't covered.
  • How Is the Replacement Cost of My Home Determined?
    1. Local Construction Costs: The cost of labor and materials can vary significantly depending on your location. A home that costs $200 per square foot to build in one area could cost $250 per square foot in another.
    2. Home Size and Structure: Larger homes generally cost more to rebuild. The structure of your home, such as whether it's a single-story or multi-story building, can also affect the cost.
    3. Quality of Materials: Homes built with high-quality, expensive materials will cost more to replace than homes built with cheaper materials.
    4. Unique Features and Customizations: Features such as fireplaces, custom-built kitchens, or high-end bathrooms can increase the replacement cost.
    5. Age of the Home: Older homes may have features that are expensive or difficult to replace, such as plaster walls or custom woodworking.
    It's important to note that the replacement cost is not the same as your home's market value, which includes the value of the land your home is built on. Replacement cost only considers the cost to rebuild the structure itself.
  • What Does Homeowners “Replacement Cost” Mean?
    Replacement Cost in homeowners insurance refers to rebuilding your home with current prices and methods. It covers full replacement without depreciation, contrasting with Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies, which consider depreciation. Consider your home's value and affordability when choosing coverage.
  • How Can I Save Money on My Home Insurance?
    1. Increase Your Deductible: A higher deductible means you'll pay more out of pocket if an incident occurs, but it also lowers your premium.
    2. Make Your Home More Secure: Installing safety measures like burglar alarms, smoke detectors, or a sprinkler system can often lead to discounts.
    3. Skip Small Claims: If you make too many small claims, your insurer may increase your premium or even drop your coverage.
    4. Ask About Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for things like being a non-smoker, being retired, or having a newer home. Always ask your insurer what discounts might be available.
    5. Bundle Your Policies: If you have multiple types of insurance (like auto and home), you may be able to save by bundling these policies with the same company.
    6. Maintain a Good Credit Record: Insurers often use credit information to price homeowners policies. Those with good credit are often rewarded with lower premiums.
    7. Shop Around: Insurance rates can vary widely from one company to another, so it's a good idea to get quotes from several insurers to make sure you're getting the best rate.
    8. Understand Rebuilding Costs: Make sure you're not over-insuring your home. You want enough coverage to rebuild your house, not necessarily buy a new one.
    9. Review Your Policy: Remember to review your policy annually to see if there are additional savings to be had.
  • If a Tree Falls on My Home, What Do I Do?
    1. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and evacuate if necessary.
    2. Call 911: For immediate dangers like gas leaks.
    3. Contact insurer: Start claims process; document damage with photos.
    4. Emergency repairs: Prevent further damage and keep receipts.
    5. Arrange removal: Hire pros to safely remove the tree. Review insurance policy for coverage details and exclusions.
  • Why Did the Cost to Cover My Home Go Up This Year?
    Factors driving homeowners insurance costs:
    1. Construction & inflation: Rising materials prices increase rebuilding costs, raising premiums.
    2. Extreme weather: Higher rates in disaster-prone areas due to hurricanes, fires, floods.
    3. Replacement costs surge: Up 55% from 2019 to 2022, directly impacting premiums.
    4. Credit & claims: Poor credit or frequent claims raise risk perception, increasing rates.
    5. Property changes: Additions like pools increase property value, raising premiums.
    6. Location & age: Older homes and disaster-prone areas face higher rates.
    7. Labor costs: Rising labor expenses inflate repair and rebuilding costs, impacting premiums.
  • How do I get a quote for insurance?
    Reach out to us via Email ([email protected]), Phone (301-721-0508), or fill out quote form
  • What types of insurance do you offer?
    Types of Insurance Offered: See all of our services here
  • Differences between home insurance carriers?
    Every insurance carrier has a different risk profile and will charge varying premiums. Let us know what coverages you are looking for so we can best advise on the best carrier for you

Uncategorized FAQ

  • Does Anything in My Home Warrant a Separate Insurance Policy or Coverage?
    Certain items or situations in your home may indeed warrant separate insurance policy or coverage. Here's a list of some common examples:
    • Expensive Jewelry or Art: If you own valuable jewelry or art, you might consider purchasing additional coverage beyond the limits of your standard homeowners insurance policy.
    • Home Business: If you run a business from your home, your homeowners insurance may not cover business-related losses. You might need a separate home business insurance policy.
    • Natural Disasters: Standard homeowners insurance policies often do not cover damage caused by natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to these types of events, you may need to purchase separate flood or earthquake insurance.
    • High-Risk Items: Certain items, like trampolines and swimming pools, can increase your liability risk. You may need additional liability coverage for these items.
    • Rental Properties: If you rent out a property, your homeowners insurance might not provide sufficient coverage. You might need landlord insurance instead.
    • Major Appliances and Systems: Homeowners insurance typically does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances or systems due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty can provide this type of coverage.
  • What Impacts the Price of My Auto Insurance?
    1. State requirements: Each state has its own minimum insurance requirements, which can affect the base cost of your auto insurance.
    2. Age: Younger drivers typically pay more for auto insurance because they're considered higher risk.
    3. Driving history: If you have a history of accidents, traffic violations, or claims, you'll likely pay more for auto insurance.
    4. Credit score: Many insurers use credit-based insurance scores to help determine rates. A lower score can lead to higher premiums.
    5. Vehicle make and model: The type of vehicle you drive affects the cost of insurance. Cars that are expensive to repair or replace, or that are frequently targeted by thieves, may cost more to insure.
    6. Location: Where you live can also impact your auto insurance rates. Urban areas with higher rates of theft, vandalism, and accidents typically have higher auto insurance rates.
    7. Yearly mileage: The more you drive, the more exposure you have to risk, which can result in higher insurance premiums.
    8. Gender: In some cases, gender can also affect insurance rates, although this practice is banned in some states.
    9. Marital status: Married people are statistically less likely to get into car accidents, so some insurers offer lower rates to married drivers.

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