Top Ways to Save on Your Homeowner’s Insurance Premium
- Consider raising your deductible
- Invest in a home security system
- Update exterior locks to dead bolts
- Install smoke alarms
- Select an automatic payment method
- Monitor your credit rating
- Ask about our multi-policy discounts
Insuring the Real Value of Your Home
Experts estimate that one-fourth of remodeling projects add at least 25 percent to the value of a home, yet often most homeowners forget to increase their coverage to protect their investment. Most homeowners insurance policies require 100 percent of the home’s replacement cost, so it’s important to raise your home’s policy limit before your project begins.
The Basics
When undertaking a remodeling project, people often forget to review their insurance needs, too. Whether your addition budget is large or small, you are adding both the value of your home and your exposure to risk. To ensure that your project goes smoothly and that you have the coverage you need, here’s what you need to know.
Working with General Contractors
The best way to minimize your renovation risk is to hire a reputable general contractor for the job. As part of the bidding process, ask the general contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance and/or copies of the policies. Specifically, check for coverage for the following:
- Workers’ compensation: Verify that he or she has workers’ compensation coverage in the event that an employee or subcontractor gets hurt on the job.
- General liability: Ask if the contractor has liability insurance, which covers losses due to negligence and errors or omission, which results in property damage. Also, ask that you are added as an “additional insured.” (Continued)
- Builders risk: This policy is designed to cover damage to your home and materials, including those not installed yet. We can help you verify whether you should require this from your contractor, based on your renovation project. If they don’t carry the proper coverage, they are not the right contractor for the job!
Your Insurance Partner
Adding to your home is exciting but poses financial risks. Contact Midwest Insurance Group, LLC at 262.646.5777 to learn more about all of our home, auto, and life personal risk management solutions.
Midwest Insurance Group provides comprehensive Wisconsin homeowner’s insurance in Brookfield, Jefferson, Pewaukee, Watertown, Mukwonago, Delafield, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, and Hartland.