Let’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about them when service is interrupted. And when that happens, you may be surprised by what your basic homeowners policy covers, and what it doesn’t.
Did you know that, as a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of service lines connecting to your house? Energy companies and other service providers are only responsible for the infrastructure up to where it connects to your property. That means that if one of your pipes freezes or your sewer line backs up into your house, you have to pay to fix it.
Consider this common scenario. You have a mature tree on the parking strip in front of your house and its roots have penetrated into your main water line. What began as a small, unnoticed crack eventually expands and causes your pipe to rupture. To fix it, you’ll have to dig up your yard and replace the pipe. That could be a big mess — and an even bigger bill. This type of job can easily run to $5,000 or more.
However, if you have service line coverage, it would pay for the excavation, the new pipe, labor, and even the costs of any outdoor property damaged as a result of the leak. Doesn’t that sound better than paying the full cost out of pocket?
How Service Line Coverage Protects Your Home
Service line coverage protects you from damages that occur to your service lines running from the point of connection to the main service or utility line up to your home. The types of lines covered include:
- Water
- Waste disposal
- Electrical power
- Drainage
- Compressed air
- Communications
- Heating
Covered losses include, but are not limited to such issues as:
- Wear and tear
- Rust and corrosion
- Mechanical breakdown
- Freezing
- Tree or other root invasion
Best of all, this coverage — and the peace of mind it brings — is available for just a few dollars per month. To learn more about service line coverage, or homeowners insurance in general, contact us today.
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.
Top image by Flickr user nachans used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
I Just Bought a New Car. What Insurance Coverage Do I Need?
/in BlogCongratulations! After weeks of research, comparing makes and models, and taking test drives you finally bought that brand-new car you wanted. But before you take that well-deserved road trip, check one more item off your list: the right car insurance.
While some auto coverage options are essential whatever the age of your car, new vehicles may carry some additional risks you should know about. So before leaving the lot, give us a quick call to discuss the possible coverage options:
New vehicle replacement. Here’s how this coverage works: If you’re the original owner of a new car that is totaled or stolen within one year of purchase, you’ll be paid the full value of the car you lost or a comparable model. Without this policy, you may have to settle for something less than new. Please note that this coverage is included with certain Safeco auto policies.
Loan and lease coverage. Consider what could happen if you financed your new car and then it was totaled or stolen soon after buying it. Not only would you lose your new ride, you’d still be on the hook for your entire loan balance — which would be more than the car was worth. With loan and lease coverage, you’d get a check to cover the gap between what’s left on your loan and the depreciated value of your car.
Audio-visual and custom equipment coverage. If you’re an avid music fan who enjoys a custom sound system or DVD player, this coverage protects you for the full value of any A/V equipment not installed at the factory or dealership. It also covers such modifications as roll bars, certain custom engine parts, lift kits, special wheels, artwork, decals, and other personal touches.
OEM parts replacement. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are often preferable to other aftermarket parts because they are made specifically for your make and model of vehicle. So if you want your Honda repaired with Honda parts, or your Mercedes to only have official Mercedes parts, this coverage is for you. When you buy this optional coverage, it’s added to your existing Comprehensive and Collision coverage so that all repairs or replacements made to your damaged car will include new OEM parts where available.
You invested in a new car. So be sure your investment extends to the right auto policy as well. To learn more protecting your new vehicle, give us a call today!
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.
Top image by Flickr user OakleyOriginals used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
Keep Your Pets Safe in a Disaster
/in BlogA safe home, a regular routine, a soft bed – the things that bring you comfort bring your pet comfort, too. It’s so important to give some advance thought to how you’d handle your pet responsibilities during and after a disastrous storm or other event.
Your family emergency plan should include considerations for Fluffy or Fido. Not just so they’re comfortable, but so they’re safe, too. Here are some emergency planning tips for families with pets:
Prepare Now so You and Your Pet Are Ready Later
See to Your Pet’s Needs During a Disaster
Continue to Be Cautious Once It’s Over
If you’re like most people, you consider your pets part of the family. Including them in your plans, and taking steps before a disaster strikes, will make it easier to keep the whole family together.
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®
Top image by Flickr user Lottie under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Image cropped and modified from original.
Why You Need Service Line Coverage
/in BlogLet’s spare a moment for something most of us use every day yet probably take for granted: our service lines. We rely on them for access to water, electricity, gas, Internet connection, and more, but only think about them when service is interrupted. And when that happens, you may be surprised by what your basic homeowners policy covers, and what it doesn’t.
Did you know that, as a homeowner, you are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of service lines connecting to your house? Energy companies and other service providers are only responsible for the infrastructure up to where it connects to your property. That means that if one of your pipes freezes or your sewer line backs up into your house, you have to pay to fix it.
Consider this common scenario. You have a mature tree on the parking strip in front of your house and its roots have penetrated into your main water line. What began as a small, unnoticed crack eventually expands and causes your pipe to rupture. To fix it, you’ll have to dig up your yard and replace the pipe. That could be a big mess — and an even bigger bill. This type of job can easily run to $5,000 or more.
However, if you have service line coverage, it would pay for the excavation, the new pipe, labor, and even the costs of any outdoor property damaged as a result of the leak. Doesn’t that sound better than paying the full cost out of pocket?
How Service Line Coverage Protects Your Home
Service line coverage protects you from damages that occur to your service lines running from the point of connection to the main service or utility line up to your home. The types of lines covered include:
Covered losses include, but are not limited to such issues as:
Best of all, this coverage — and the peace of mind it brings — is available for just a few dollars per month. To learn more about service line coverage, or homeowners insurance in general, contact us today.
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.
Top image by Flickr user nachans used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.