Homeowners Insurance

Your home is a significant investment. Homes bear not only monetary value, but emotional significance as well. Furthermore, your home will likely be used to house and protect valuable property and treasured possessions. With all of this in mind, you must acquire an adequate home insurance policy. 

The agents at Churchill Insurance make it their duty to help homeowners in Yreka and the Siskiyou County area assess the coverage needs of their homes and acquire suitable policies.  

What is Homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.

Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.

Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility.

Why do you need homeowners insurance?
It is really all about protecting yourself financially if something unexpected happens to your home or possessions. That's important because chances are your home is likely one of your largest investments.

• If your home was destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you'd need money to repair or replace it.
• If a guest in your home is injured, liability protection and medical coverage help pay expenses.
• If you are a victim of theft and vandalism, it can reimburse you for your loss or pay for repairs.
• If you are still paying for your home, your lender will require insurance.

It is important to know that homeowners insurance is meant to cover unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. Ask your agent to talk about what is covered and be sure to read your policy so you know exactly what's included and what is not.

What Does a Home Insurance Policy Cover? 
As its name suggests, home insurance, also known as homeowners insurance, provides financial assistance for losses and damages arising from certain events, such as fires, theft, vandalism, falling objects (e.g., tree limbs) and severe weather. In general, most policies will provide coverage for the following: 

• Structures—If a covered event causes damage to your dwelling, garage or other structures on your property, home insurance will be imperative for managing repair costs.
• Possessions—If your belongings, such as clothing, jewelry and electronics, are damaged or destroyed, the right policy can help recoup your losses.
• Living expenses—If your home becomes inhabitable due to a covered event, home insurance may be able to assist with the resulting expenses, such as temporary lodging, transportation and meals.
• Liability—If you or your family are found to be liable for an incident that results in bodily injury or property damage, your policy may be able to provide financial assistance for resulting expenses, such as medical treatment or repairs. 

• Where is your home located?
• What is your home’s assessed value?
• Who lives in your home?
• Does your property contain valuable possessions or attractive nuisances (e.g., swimming pools)
• Is your home in good structural condition? 

• How much will it cost to rebuild my house and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed? (Ask your agent to talk you through your home's features and the things you own so you can make an informed decision about coverage.)
• Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
• What discounts are available? (Ask about multiple policy, security system and fire resistance discounts.)
• What's the process for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)