Home Insurance

Your home is probably one of the largest investments you will ever make.  Whether you own your home, condo or live in a rental property, Howland & Sargent Insurance Agency will find the right company and coverages to protect you and your family in the place you care about most.

As a professional, independent insurance agency, Howland & Sargent Insurance represents carefully selected, financially sound insurance companies to place your most valuable assets with.  We work for you when you have a claim to see that your claim is settled fairly and quickly.

HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR WINTER DAMAGE

Homeowner’s insurance coverage varies, depending on policy and company. However, there are standard types of coverage sold by most companies. It is important for you to understand what is covered under the policy you own before your house suffers winter damage and you file an insurance claim.

Most insurers offer more than one level of coverage. Policies that are considered “standard” or “fire-only” will not cover as many types of damage as an “all-risk” policy. Most of what is described below is covered by an all-risk policy. If you are not sure what type of policy you have and what it covers, call your agent for an explanation.

• Ice Dams
  • Few companies pay for ice dam removal. However, interior or exterior damage caused by an ice dam on your roof is usually covered.
• Snow Removal
  • Homeowner’s insurance does not cover injuries sustained by the homeowner during snow removal. However, health insurance does pay for treatment of injuries. Snow removal professionals should be covered under their own liability or workers’ compensation policies. Like ice dams, snow and ice removal usually are notcovered. Accumulation of snow and extreme cold are considered “acts of God,” but not considered damage per se. Damage caused by snow and cold is covered. Damage to your yard and driveway is not covered.
• Frozen Pipes
  • Not all companies pay to have frozen pipes thawed by professionals. Most policies cover pipe replacement and water damage. The coverage may not apply if you turned the furnace off for the winter without winterizing the house and its contents.
• Interruption of Services
  • If you lose power during a storm, an all-risk homeowner’s policy usually pays for spoiled food, repairs to damage caused by loss of power, and appliances damaged by the outage. Many policies also will pay for shelter when you lose power for extended periods during the winter. If you lose heat and fail to take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, your policy may not cover the resulting damage.
• Condensation
  • Some homes suffer interior damage from freezing and thawing of the condensation caused by lack of insulation and poor venting in the attic. Some policies may not cover damage caused by condensation. Make sure your attic is adequately vented and insulated.
• Renters
  • Landlord’s insurance will pay for winter weather damage to the building, including the walls, ceilings and plumbing in your apartment. It will not pay for damage to your personal belongings. For the tenant’s possessions to be covered, the tenant must own renter’s insurance.
• Commercial Coverage
  • Commercial property insurance varies dramatically from policy to policy. Check with your agent to find out what kind of coverage you have before damage occurs.
  • The roofs of farm buildings sometimes collapse under the weight of snow. If the building is very old, your agent may have advised against covering it because the insurance would cost more than the building is worth. It is better to store expensive equipment in insured, rather than uninsured, buildings. Livestock is covered if a farmer adds a livestock endorsement to a farm policy.

INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM: http://www.winterweather.state.mn.us/WHAH_Home.asp

WHEN PURCHASING A NEW HOME

When buying a new home, Howland & Sargent Insurance has the answers you need to close.

Can you get a homeowners insurance policy on a house….

• With an inground oil tank?
• With a trampoline?
• With a specific dog breed?

When same day binder and paid receipt are needed?

• Can you get coverage on a rental property without a lead certificate?
• Can a house with previous claims affect your closing?  It may…call us!

These issues should not be obstacles for your closing.  We can help!

IMPORTANT TIP FOR HOMEOWNERS

Taking an inventory of all items in your home is important should you ever have an insurance loss.  Keeping the inventory up to date, and having photographs or a video tape, will save you a great deal of aggravation should you need to report a claim.  Keep a copy of the inventory and photos in a safe place away from the home.  Consider getting a safe deposit box or store them at a relative’s house.