Homeowners Insurance

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Home insurance is essential as it typically covers a person's largest asset, and we want to help you protect it. Homeowners Insurance is required by mortgage companies, which often request coverage to match the loan amount. However, that amount may be too much or not enough insurance. For instance, your land won't burn, so we utilize a replacement cost estimator to determine the necessary coverage to rebuild your home with similar size and style finishes. You can choose to insure your dwelling at that amount, opt for an extra percentage above the replacement amount for potential cost overruns, or select a contract with guaranteed replacement. The options are yours.

Each homeowners insurance policy includes liability coverage to protect you if someone is injured on your property or if a neighbor experiences damage to their home due to a loss that occurred at your home for which you could be deemed liable. This liability coverage serves as your primary protection when lawsuits arise from incidents.

Personal property coverage within a home policy safeguards all your belongings inside your residence. If you were to flip your home upside down, anything that falls out would be considered personal property. In the event of a loss, it can be quite overwhelming, and you might forget some items you own. A valuable tip is to stand at the doorway of each room, take pictures around the room, and email them to yourself. Store those pictures in a separate email folder for safekeeping. If a loss occurs, you will have images to remind you of the items you had in that room.

We offer coverage for your home, rental home, mobile/manufactured home, seasonal/vacation home, renters, or flood insurance in Virginia and Maryland.

Questions about Homeowners Insurance

What causes homeowners insurance to go up? Each year, the dwelling coverage on a home policy increases due to an inflation guard that comes with a homeowners insurance policy. Some companies also consider a credit/risk score as an additional factor in their rates. An individual’s past claim history impacts the rate, along with the rating factors regarding your provider's losses and your geographic area. The distance to a fire hydrant or fire department can also influence pricing.

Why is my rate going up if I didn’t have any claims? Rates are determined by more than just your individual history; they take into account the claims in your zip code, your state, and the claims experienced by your provider as well.

Why do companies periodically inspect homes? Typically, companies check the property's maintenance. If your roof is worn out, it needs to be replaced. Failing to replace it (normal maintenance) could result in rain damage, leading to a denied claim.

What should I do if my dog has bitten someone and I’m not getting rid of her? Some companies may issue a policy that excludes liability coverage for a dog bite. Many claims have been filed for dog bites, and you assume financial responsibility for injuries caused by your dog. Companies may also cancel or non-renew a customer following a dog bite incident. If you acquire a new dog or get rid of one, always update your policy information with your agent.

What do I do if I pay my insurance through the mortgage and change companies? You must notify your mortgage company and cancel the coverage with your prior carrier. The former insurance company will send you a refund check; send that refund to your mortgage company as a payment to your escrow account, or your mortgage payments will increase.