Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners Insurance
Being a homeowner is a wonderful thing; however, how do you ensure that you aren’t paying too much for home insurance? There are certain reasons other insurance agencies might be overcharging you for your homeowners insurance. At Atlantic Insurance, to help you save money, we evaluate all your policies (and advise on changing certain behaviors) to ensure you avoid being overcharged for the curable reasons below.
You don't bundle or compare policies
Combining home and
auto insurance is a great way to save money. If you are not doing so already, we will look into bundling the two together for savings for you.
You haven't had an inspection in a while
Regular home inspections are recommended because then you can fix issues that arise and that will result in lowering your payments. If something goes wrong, then you would have to file a claim (something that you want to avoid since that will raise your premium).
We advise that you try to fix small problems before they become more significant issues.
You don’t have good credit
Since your credit score is taken into account when you are applying for home insurance, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it. Poor credit can result in your insurance costing more since you may be seen as a risk.
A few easy ways to keep your credit score up:
- Don’t max out your credit cards
- Always make on-time payments
- Don’t default on loans
You aren’t working with an independent insurance agency
Working with an
independent insurance agency has its perks. Independent agents tend to be more personal, and they (unlike the big box companies) have your best interest at heart when it comes to your home insurance. Because Atlantic Insurance is an independent agency, we work on YOUR behalf and take you seriously and make every effort to build a trustworthy relationship with you.
Having the proper home insurance is not only an option, it’s a must. And there is a lot that you can do to ensure that not only are you getting the best coverage, but you are also getting the best pricing along with it.
Contact us today to help you!
Want to see how much you can save on your homeowners insurance?
Posts from our Blog about homes and insurance
When was the last time you reviewed your homeowners and auto insurance policies? If it’s been more than a year, it may be time to check-in. Both large and small life changes can affect your coverage needs, but it’s easy to forget in the bustle of everyday life. January is a perfect time to sit down with your policy documents or reach out so we can discuss the state of your coverage. Not sure if a check-in would benefit you? Benefits of Reviewing Your Policies Savings: Checking in can make you aware of certain discounts you may qualify for. Maybe you’ve maintained a record of safe driving or installed a home security system, which could both lower your premiums in some cases. Information Gathering: Do you have an up-and-coming teen driver or a large home renovation in the works? Let’s talk about these life changes before they happen, and look at how they may impact your coverage and premiums. New Asset Protection: Purchasing a new car or other large asset, such as luxury jewelry, artwork or antiques, may require updates to your insurance policy. When to Update Your Coverage Home Renovations: Finishing your basement, building an addition to your house or adding outdoor structures will likely require changes to your coverage. It’s important to have enough coverage for the updated replacement cost of your home. Life Changes: Getting married or divorced, having a baby, moving or having a child reach driving age are all life events that should prompt a discussion about your coverage needs. Car Finances: Buying a new car, getting a new auto loan or paying off your current loan can have implications for your car insurance. Reach out to make sure you have the right policies. Homebuying: A home purchase usually requires a new or updated homeowners insurance policy. You may be able to bundle your home and auto coverage for potential savings. A new year can be a great time to check in about your insurance coverage. Get in touch to review your current policies and discuss whether changes are needed.
Working remotely can offer many benefits, but have you thought about the safety of your home office? Whether you work from home every day or on a hybrid schedule, it’s important to make sure your workspace is safe and secure. From pets and children who may wander into your home office to cybersecurity threats, take these five steps to protect yourself, your equipment and your household. Be careful about cord-related hazards. Cords can create a tripping hazard, and the more you have, the more dangerous it may be. You can purchase cord organizers to keep them organized and out of sight. To prevent electrical hazards, check for and replace frayed wires, and unplug equipment when it’s not in use. Practice fire safety. Make sure your home office is equipped with a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. Always blow out candles and turn off space heaters and other electronics before you leave the room. Childproof your workspace. Remember that viral clip of “BBC Dad” getting interrupted in his home office? Kids love to explore, so consider keeping your home office locked or childproofing it by securing tall shelves to the wall and keeping sharp objects and cleaning supplies out of reach. Take care of your physical health. Sitting at a desk all day isn’t the best for your body. Keep a water bottle on your desk to stay hydrated, and take breaks to stretch several times a day. You may also want to get a standing or treadmill desk. Follow cybersecurity tips. I t’s important to protect yourself and your company from phishing scams and malware. Do so by using strong, unique passwords for every account, opting for multifactor authentication where possible, installing a firewall and keeping your antivirus software updated. Be careful with email: Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails you weren’t expecting. These tips can keep your home office safe, secure, and comfortable. Do you have questions about your homeowner's insurance? Reach out for help.
In the past few years, credit card balances have trended upward nationally. While debt may be an unfortunate fact of life, there are steps you can take to improve your finances. Paying down debt takes time, but you’ll feel less stressed if you can maintain control over your budget and build your savings instead of making debt payments. Whether you’re struggling with credit card balances, medical debt or loans, these tips could help you create a solid foundation for your financial life and find an approach to managing debt that works for you. 1. Start budgeting. Making a budget is the first step towards getting — and staying — out of debt. Sticking to a budget will help you track the money coming in and going out of your accounts so you can avoid overspending. You can categorize your expenses and identify what to cut back on. You can also use your budget to determine how much debt you can pay off each month. 2. Choose a debt payoff method. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by debt. If you don’t know where to start, consider using one of these two popular payment approaches: The Snowball Method : Start with your lowest balance and throw everything you can at it while making the minimum payment on everything else. This approach helps you reach your first “win” faster, which can motivate you to keep going. The Avalanche Method : Start with the loan or credit card that has the highest interest rate. This method may take longer to clinch your first victory, but it will help you save on interest in the long run. 3. Get help from a professional. If you can’t or don’t want to do it alone, consult a professional for help. Credit Counseling : You may find this through a nonprofit organization with certified counselors. You can discuss your finances, then they can help you make a plan for paying off debt and gaining control of your money. Debt Consolidation Services : Also known as debt relief, these companies could help you consolidate multiple balances into a single payment. They may also negotiate with your creditors to pay off your debt for less than you owe, but be sure to use a reputable company. Financial Planners : If you’re looking for a long-term guide, financial planners can help you manage your budget, savings and debt to support your goals. Managing debt takes time, but it’s worth it. If you have questions about your homeowners, renters or auto insurance (financial or otherwise), reach out today.
Were you part of the decluttering craze ushered in by Marie Kondo in the 2010s? You might remember people trying to decide what sparked joy and getting rid of everything else. Minimalism may be losing steam, but it’s still good to reduce clutter. Messes can be stressful and distracting to look at, but they can also be dangerous. Overstuffed shelves can tip over or items can fall off and hit someone, while floor clutter can be a tripping hazard. The following steps can help you find a decluttering routine that works for you. Start small. Clutter can feel overwhelming. Consider starting with just a single shelf or drawer. You can also start small by setting a timer for 15 to 20 minutes and working until that time is up. Set achievable goals. Let’s face it; you’re not going to declutter your entire house on one Sunday afternoon. Set a realistic goal, such as making it through one room a week, so you will feel motivated by the win and keep going. Use the "four-box method." Making decisions about what to get rid of can be the hardest part of decluttering. Try to go with your gut, placing items in boxes labeled "keep," "donate" "sell," and "trash" to make it easier to get everything to its destination. Follow the “one-in, one-out” rule. Buying something and bringing it home is easier than sorting through your stuff later. Give your household a rule: If they want to bring something new home, they have to give away a similar item. Find storage solutions. Once you’ve decluttered a room, make it easier to find and put away the things you’re keeping. Shelves, bins, baskets and other organizing tools can help you store your belongings in an attractive and functional manner. Set a schedule. Make decluttering a regular habit and get your whole household involved. Figure out where you tend to gather clutter and pick a time each week to deal with these areas. Tackle digital clutter. Photos, videos and other files may not be a tripping hazard, but they can clutter up your devices, making it harder to find the things you want to keep. And if you’re paying for cloud storage, you could save money by getting rid of things you don’t want or need. Do you have questions about keeping your property safe with homeowners insurance? Please reach out so we can talk about your policy.
Fire safety is important all year round, but it should be on the top of your mind throughout the fall and winter months. Between more indoor cooking, earlier sunsets, and colder weather, there’s a higher risk of danger from fires and electricity. Good habits are important so you can enjoy this time of year safely. Whether using fireplaces, space heaters, candles, or kitchen appliances, keep reading for some essential tips to protect yourself and your property. Fireplaces and Space Heaters The most important tip is to never leave fires or heaters unattended. Before you leave a room, turn off the space heater and extinguish any embers from a wood-burning fireplace. You should also keep any combustible materials at least 3 feet away from a space heater or fireplace, and place space heaters on level surfaces to prevent tipping. Finally, when purchasing a new space heater, look for automatic shut-off and other safety features. Candles Consider flameless candles if you’re just looking for ambiance. As mentioned above, when using real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room. Keep candles, matches, and lighters away from kids and pets. Cooking and Kitchen Appliances Always stay nearby and watch over the stove, oven, and other appliances when cooking. Keep flammable towels and curtains away from heat sources, too. If a grease fire erupts, don’t use water. Cover the pan with a lid and use a compatible fire extinguisher . Regular maintenance and cleaning can remove grease buildup and help prevent fires. It’s also good to inspect appliances and cords for damage to avoid electrical issues. Make repairs or replacements as soon as possible; don’t continue to use damaged appliances. Be sure to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home monthly, and replace batteries or unresponsive devices as needed. Get in touch if you have questions about your homeowners' insurance policy and protecting your property.
Replacing your roof may not seem like the most exciting home project, but it is a necessity if you’ve been in your home for a while. When choosing your roofing materials, you may have more options than you know. Some of the most popular materials include asphalt, metal, wooden shakes and clay tiles. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision based on your aesthetic preferences and practical concerns around cost, durability, life span and maintenance. Asphalt Shingles This is the most popular type of roofing material. The advantages of asphalt shingles include affordability, ease of installation, fire resistance and multiple color options and styles. On the other hand, asphalt shingles have a shorter life span than other roofing materials. They need regular maintenance and can be damaged by wind or hail. They’re also less eco-friendly than other options. Metal Roofing Metal roofing adds a sleek, contemporary look to your home. These materials can include steel, aluminum and copper. Metal roofs are known for their durability in the face of extreme weather. They also reflect heat, helping to keep your house cool in the summer. A low-maintenance option, metal roofs also last longer than other types. The primary downside to metal roofing is its higher cost, plus they can be noisy during rain and hail unless you add insulation. Wood Shakes This type of roofing material is handmade and a little rough-looking compared to machine-cut wood shingles. Wood shakes can add a classic, charming look to your home. This material is eco-friendly, has aesthetic appeal, insulates well and is fairly durable. Unfortunately, wood shakes are not very fire resistant unless specially treated. Additionally, they can be expensive and require more maintenance than other roofing options. Clay Tiles This type of roof often appears on stucco homes and is associated with Spanish or Mediterranean design. The benefits of choosing clay tiles for your roof include curb appeal, energy efficiency, fire resistance and a long life span. However, clay tiles can be broken in a severe storm, they are expensive to install and their heavy weight requires reinforcement. Choosing the right roofing material can help protect your home and increase its value. Whether or not it’s time to replace your roof, we can discuss any questions you may have about your homeowners' insurance coverage, so reach out today.
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