The Importance of Updating Your Home Insurance Policy: Why and When

Updating Your Home Insurance Policy: Why and How

Home insurance is important, but most people forget to regularly update it. A change in your lifestyle, a property improvement, and market conditions can all affect your insurance coverage. Stay proactive and keep your policy updated if you want to ensure that your home and belongings are well-protected.

Why You Should Update Your Home Insurance Policy

1. Renovations and improvements to your home

Home insurance policies should be updated after renovations or improvements have been made. You may need more insurance coverage if you add walls, remodel your kitchen, or add a pool to your home.

Renovations can increase your home's market value significantly. Loss or damage can lead to underinsurance without adjusting your coverage limits.

With added exposures such as adding a pool, a deck, or maybe a home office additional liability coverage maybe warrantied.

2. Changes in personal life

Life changes can directly affect your insurance needs.

Marriage and divorce: Getting married or getting divorced can affect your insurance coverage. It is important to keep your policy up to date as ownership and coverage requirements change.

Purchases: Items such as jewelry, artwork, and electronics may require additional coverage.

3. Market fluctuations

Property values fluctuate in real estate markets, affecting your insurance needs.

With the significant increases in-home value and inflation without reviewing and updating your coverage, you may find yourself underinsured in the event of a loss.

4.Natural disasters

With certain weather events, your typical homeowner's insurance policies may not sufficiently cover or not cover you at all for a loss in event of certain natural disaster,

Home insurance policies often do not cover floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. The best way to protect against flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes is to purchase separate policies or endorsements.

Risk of location: It's important to review your policy regularly if you live in a natural disaster-prone area.

Home Insurance: When to Update

1. Each year

Set a reminder for you to review your home insurance policy every year. During this process, you can adjust your policy as your coverage needs change. During a home or lifestyle review, talk to your agent about any changes you would like to make.

2. After major life events

Life events such as getting married, having a child, or retiring can affect your insurance needs. Whenever you undergo a significant life change, you should update your policy.

3. Major purchases and renovations

Be sure to update your policy whenever you make substantial renovations or acquire valuable possessions. The insurance coverage you choose will accurately reflect the value of your home and belongings, ensuring adequate protection.

4. Regulations change locally

Building codes and regulations can change, affecting the cost of rebuilding your home. Compliance and adequate coverage are ensured by keeping your policy up to date.

5. Policy renewal prior to expiration

As your renewal date approaches, ensure that you maintain your policy. The best way to find the policies and coverages that fits you and your family is to compare quotes from different insurance companies.

Insurance for Your Home: How to Update It

The following steps will guide you through updating your home insurance policy:

1. Assess your current insurance coverage

Be familiar with your policy's exclusions, limits, and endorsements. Ensure that your coverage meets your needs.

2. Assess your needs

If you have recently made changes to your home, lifestyle, or local market, an update may be needed. Assess your needs to determine whether additional coverage or endorsements are required.

3. Consult an insurance agent

In case you need assistance with your findings, you should contact your insurance agent or provider. By following their advice, you can ensure your policy covers you comprehensively.

4. Maintain up-to-date policies

Working with your insurance agent, ensure that your policy is updated as needed. Different approaches are available, such as adjusting coverage limits, adding endorsements, or switching policies entirely.

5. Document everything

When updating your policy, make sure all the required documents are available, including the new details and any endorsements. Keep these records in a safe place where you can access them whenever necessary.

Conclusion

A home insurance policy should be kept up to date at all times. Our goal is to keep you protected by being proactive and making sure you get the coverage you need as your house, lifestyle, and market changes.

The policy should be kept up-to-date whether you recently completed a renovation, had a major life event, or just want peace of mind.

A home is more than a place to live, it's a place where treasured memories are made and cherished. Stay up to date with your insurance policy to protect your home's value.

Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Insurance laws and regulations can vary significantly from state to state, and it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and coverages that apply to your location. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed insurance agent in your state to discuss your unique needs and ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your circumstances.

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Oklahoma Contractors' Guide to Compliance and Protection: Essential Insurance and Bonds

By Steven Conway • December 29, 2024

Oklahoma contractors must be insured and bonded in order to maintain legal compliance, financial protection, and client trust. Oklahoma Industry Board requires licensed contractors to carry certain insurance policies and bonds. Besides these essentials, you can also protect your business and reputation with additional types of coverage. Contractors in Oklahoma are required to carry insurance For contractors to operate legally and protect their clients, employees, and business assets, Oklahoma law requires them to carry specific types of insurance. Oklahoma Industry Board mandates the following insurance policies: 1 . Liability insurance All contractors in Oklahoma must carry general liability insurance. The policy covers injuries, property damage, and legal expenses resulting from accidents on the job. In the event that contractors cause harm to someone or damage property during the course of their work, this policy covers them. 2. Compensation insurance for workers Workers' compensation insurance must be carried by contractors with employees. If an employee is injured or ill at work, this insurance will cover medical benefits and wage replacement. Fines and legal consequences can result from failing to carry workers' compensation insurance. 3. Insurance for vehicles Automobile insurance is required if you or your employees use vehicles for business purposes, such as transporting materials. You must have this coverage to protect your vehicles from accidents and to ensure that any third-party property damage or injury is covered. Contractors may wish to carry additional insurance To ensure comprehensive coverage, licensed contractors should consider several additional types of insurance policies in addition to those mandated by the Oklahoma Industry Board. Included are: 1. Professional Liability Insurance Consultants, engineers, and designers need errors and omissions insurance to protect themselves. In the event of errors, omissions, or professional negligence, your work is protected. 2. Insurance for commercial property In order to protect your business assets, such as office space, tools, equipment, and inventory, you must purchase commercial property insurance. If your property is damaged by fire, theft, or natural disaster, you will be covered. 3. Insurance for builders' risks Builder's risk insurance covers construction projects in progress. Damage to the structure during construction caused by fire, vandalism, or weather-related events is covered by this policy. 4. Insurance for equipment and tools Contractors need coverage in case their tools and equipment are damaged, lost, or stolen. In the event of an unexpected event, equipment and tool insurance will minimize downtime and financial loss. Oklahoma Contractors' Mandatory Bonds Oklahoma contractors are often required to have bonds in addition to insurance. These bonds may either be mandatory by the State of Oklahoma or contractor’s client and contract, or both. Bonds ensure compliance with state regulations and contractual obligations by the contractor and compliance. Type of Bonds: 1. Contractor's license bond A contractor's license bond is required by the state as part of the licensing process. The bond ensures that contractors abide by Oklahoma's building codes, regulations, and laws. When a contractor fails to meet their obligations or causes harm in the course of their work, it provides a safeguard for clients. 2. Bond for performance Performance bonds are often required from contractors for large and public projects. In addition, it ensures the contractor will complete the work on time and in accordance with the contract. As a result of this bond, the client is guaranteed compensation if the contractor fails to meet these requirements. 3. Payment Bond A payment bond ensures that subcontractors and suppliers are paid for their work on public projects. This prevents contractors from being held liable for any unpaid bills or liens placed against the project due to unpaid debts. 4. Supply Bond A supply bond ensures that contractors will provide all necessary materials for a project. In the event that the contractor fails to deliver the necessary supplies or fails to meet their contractual obligations, this bond protects owners and developers. 5. Local Bonds Ensure the contractor abides by local regulations and obtains all necessary permits. 6. Bid Bonds A bid bond is issued as part of a supply bidding process by the contractor to the project owner, to provide guarantee, that the winning bidder will undertake the contract under the terms at which they bid. The bond penalty is subject to full or partial forfeiture if the winning contractor fails to either execute the contract or provide the required performance and/or payment bonds. Contractors in Oklahoma must not only comply with state-mandated insurance and bonding requirements to operate legally but also contractually. For additional protection, contractors should also consider additional policies and bonds in addition to those recommended by the Oklahoma Industry Board and/or by contract. The right insurance and bonding are crucial to minimizing risk, regardless of how long you've been in business. Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Insurance laws and regulations can vary significantly from state to state, and it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and coverages that apply to your location. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed insurance agent in your state to discuss your unique needs and ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your circumstances.

Feel the Wind and Freedom of owning a Motorcycle

By Steven Conway • December 15, 2024

A motorcycle insured in Oklahoma must be kept in good working order to avoid accidents Oklahoma motorcycle riding can be thrilling and rewarding, but it is not without risk. It is easy to get caught up in the state's wide-open roads and scenic routes when you take a ride along them. A good motorcycle insurance policy, proper maintenance, and safe riding can reduce your chances of getting into accidents and financial burdens. Safety and insurance for motorcycles The ability to protect you in the event of an accident is an important feature of motorcycle insurance. According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, nearly 60% of motorcycle crashes resulted in injury or death. A motorcycle accident is 29 times more likely to result in death than a road accident involving a passenger vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is imperative that proper safety precautions be taken considering statistics like these. One should always wear a helmet. It is not just a good idea for safety but is also required by law in Oklahoma and most States of the United State if not all of them. It is always a good idea to choose one with a good safety rating. Other safety apparel should not be neglected either. A motorcycle rider should consider clothing and gear that reduces road rash, impact protection to minimize broken bones and internal injuries, increases visibility, and weather protection. Don't speed or drive recklessly: Speeding and reckless driving increases your chances of getting into an accident. To stay safe, follow all road rules. Motorcycle Maintenance: Preventing Mechanical Failures Maintaining your motorcycle properly is essential to avoiding mechanical failure-related accidents. Focus on these things: • Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and treaded to prevent slipping and blowouts. The front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear. A brake pad should be replaced when it begins to thin. • Check that your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are working properly, especially at night. • Ensure smooth and safe operation by regularly checking oil levels, engine coolant, and brake fluid. Maintenance, especially before and after long trips, can prevent accidents caused by avoidable breakdowns and mechanical failures. How Motorcycle Insurance Protects You Just like an automobile owner, motorcycle owners are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, but this is often insufficient to cover the costs associated with motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle accident can cause a great deal of damage and if you have just state minimum liability insurance, you may be covering damage not just to your motorcycle out of your own pocket but also any injuries you sustain. It is estimated that a motorcycle accident can result in a significant amount of bodily injury. U.S. motorcycle bodily injury claims average more than $25,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Damages to your motorcycle or property are not included in this calculation. Having adequate insurance can protect you financially if the unexpected happens. Here are some types of motorcycle insurance you should consider : • Liability Insurance: Covers you if you damage property or cause injury to someone else. • Comprehensive and Collision Insurance: These cover damages to your motorcycle in event of an accident (regardless of fault), theft, hail damage, and other perils. • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance: Covers injuries and other bodily injury damages you incur if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and the other driver is at fault. • Medical Payment: Covers medical payments in event of an accident regardless of fault. Invest in the right coverage Motorcycle accidents are more common than many people realize, and their consequences can be severe. Maintaining your bike, having the right insurance coverage, and practicing safe riding habits are all key steps in protecting yourself on the road. Invest in comprehensive coverage today to enjoy peace of mind on every ride. Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to your specific situation. Insurance laws and regulations can vary significantly from state to state, and it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and coverages that apply to your location. We strongly recommend consulting with a licensed insurance agent in your state to discuss your unique needs and ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your circumstances.