Homeowners Insurance and Renters Insurance in the Carolinas

Whether you own or rent your home, one thing is for certain: You need dependable insurance protection. If you’re like many homeowners, your house represents one of your greatest investments. In addition, your home provides shelter for your family and is the place where many of life’s happiest moments occur. Make sure to give your home and your belongings the protection they deserve with affordable, comprehensive homeowners insurance from Correll Insurance Group.

For the past 85 years, countless Carolina families have relied on Correll Insurance Group for dependable home and renters insurance protection. As an independent agency, we are affiliated with most of the nation’s leading home insurance carriers. This often means better rates or more lenient underwriting than you might find from an agency that represents just one insurance product. With 20 offices across the region, you’ll find friendly neighborhood service along with unparalleled insurance expertise. Many of our associates have been protecting families with quality home owners insurance for 20 years or longer!

If you rent a home, apartment, or condo, renters insurance is a must. This coverage reimburses you if your belongings are stolen or damaged by a covered cause of loss such as fire. When you live in a multi-family structure like a condo or an apartment, you can be inadvertently impacted by your neighbors’ practices. For example, if the person next door forgets to extinguish a candle or accidentally drops a cigarette, your belongings can be harmed. For this reason, renters insurance is critical.

What kind of protection is included in homeowners insurance?

Most home owners policies include:

• Dwelling insurance pays to replace your home’s structure if it’s ever destroyed by fire, storm, or other causes of loss. When you purchase homeowners insurance coverage, make sure your policy’s limit is based on the replacement value of your home, which is often quite different than the market value. Also, inform your agent of any outbuildings. Your agent can tell you if the outbuildings are included with your policy or if you need additional protection. Also, alert your agent to any recent updates or remodeling. These can increase your home’s replacement value.
• Contents/personal property coverage pays to replace the belongings in your home such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, and electronics. It’s a good idea to take an inventory of your belongings to ensure that your contents limit is high enough. Inform your agent of any unique or unusual valuables such as firearms, fine art, collections, expensive jewelry, or antiques. These items may require an added level of protection. In some cases, small boats (such as a drift boat) or equipment such as a riding lawnmower or tractor may be covered by your homeowners policy. Alert your agent of every asset, so he or she can determine the smartest home insurance strategy.
• Liability insurance pays for damages if your negligence causes harm to someone else. Liability insurance is helpful to have in many unexpected situations, like when a visitor breaks an ankle tripping on your front step or if your dog bites a passerby. If you operate a home-based business or entertain extensively at your home, let your agent know so he or she can address any potential coverage gaps.

Two things that are not covered by your standard homeowners policy are the risks of flood and earthquake. If you would like flood or earthquake coverage, ask your agent to prepare a quote for these risks. Keep in mind that flood insurance usually has a 30-day waiting period, so don’t wait until a storm is forecasted to request protection.

How to Prepare a Home Inventory

When disaster strikes, it can be tough to remember everything that was destroyed or stolen. That’s why it’s a good idea to be prepared with an accurate home inventory.

One easy way to take a home insurance inventory is to take photos or a video of the items in your home. In addition, make a list of your belongings that includes key information such as serial numbers, brand names, model numbers, dates of purchase, and value. If possible, save receipts as additional documentation.

Make sure to include all expensive items in your home such as jewelry, firearms, home electronics, computer software, and antiques. And don’t forget the items stored in your garage, attic, and outbuildings.

Once your home insurance inventory is complete, update it every six months. Always keep a backup copy of your home inventory accessible outside of your house. Your insurance agent may be willing to keep a copy on file for you.

If you ever need to file a homeowners insurance claim, your home inventory will be an invaluable time-saving resource.

Whatever your home insurance need, Correll Insurance Group can help. We also offer coverage for condominiums, second homes, and vacation homes. Ask us for a free homeowners insurance or vacation home insurance quote today!

Correll Insurance Group offers homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and condominium insurance for all of the Carolinas. Find a location near you, or call one of our offices to receive a free home insurance quote.