Metro Atlanta insurance is a virtual necessity for homeowners. Naturally, if you have a mortgage your lender will require you to have homeowner's insurance coverage to protect their interest in the event of a fire or other peril. For homeowners without a mortgage, insurance coverage is still one of the best investment asset protections available. It will give you peace of mind knowing you're covered in the event your home is partially or totally damaged as a result of a catastrophe.

Because protecting your home is so important, it's a good idea to know as much as you can about homeowner's insurance when you get ready to buy it, add to it, or shop around for the best coverage or lowest rate. Let's take a look at some helpful tips when shopping for Metro Atlanta insurance.

Metro Atlanta Insurance: Ins and Outs

Just the facts, ma'am. Once you find a home you want to buy, assemble as much information about the house as possible. The more facts you know about the property, the better idea you'll have of determining the cost of the insurance coverage. Insurance costs – or premiums – are affected rather dramatically by the age of the home and its components, specifically the plumbing, electrical, water, sewer, and heating and air-conditioning systems. In addition, the materials used in the construction of the home will have an impact on the insurance premiums. Brick homes, because they withstand fires better, are usually less expensive to insure than wood siding homes. Premiums for homes with less flammable roofing materials will be lower than homes with cedar-shake shingles. For more information on building codes and materials recommendations visit www.disastersafety.org/.

Know your geography. While materials used in the construction of a home is important, where the home is located in the U.S. can influence insurance availability, coverage, and cost. If your home is in areas known for severe weather events or natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, or mudslides you can expect higher costs for insurance coverage. Florida, Louisiana and Texas, for example, are three states which typically pay higher homeowner's insurance premiums due, in part, to the frequent claims for wind and water damage –– especially along their coastal areas.

The neighborhood in which your home is located may also affect your insurance premiums. A home in relatively close proximity to a fire station will probably cost less to insure than a home in a rural area, secluded from nearby towns and suburbs.

Know when to "say when." According to recent studies by construction cost estimating experts, over 60% of American homeowners are underinsured. They don't have enough coverage to replace their homes in the event of a total loss. Insuring a home for its "replacement value" means your coverage would pay for the cost to completely rebuild the home from the foundation up. Keep in mind, there's a vast difference between "replacement value" and "market value." One is the cost to rebuild your home in its entirety, the other is what a willing buyer would pay to purchase the home.

The cost of building materials has risen steadily in the past few years. As a result, it will likely cost more to rebuild an older home than its market value. For homeowners that have remodeled their homes, it's imperative to update your insurance coverage to take into consideration the home's replacement cost increase. Be careful to insure your home for its entire replacement value, but don't over-insure it. Paying for unnecessary coverage is wasting money. Know when to "say when."

Consider floating. Standard homeowner's policies cover the structure of your home and most of the contents, including some of your personal belongings. Unusually expensive or valuable possessions like jewelry, collectible art, or coin collections may not be completely covered against loss. If you own specific items whose value is higher than the limits of your policy coverage, you can add a "personal articles floater." While rates vary from state to state – and on the item(s) insured – a personal articles floater may be purchased for under $50 a year.

Full protection, including protecting your assets. A typical Metro Atlanta insurance policy covers the repair or replacement of your home in the event of a loss. However, that's only one part of the homeowner's insurance coverage. Consider protecting your financial future – and your other financial assets – by carrying personal liability coverage. If a guest in your home suffers a fall on your front steps and is severely injured, his or her insurance company could hold you liable since the accident took place on your property. If you have homeowner's liability coverage your policy would usually cover the incident up to specified limits.

While standard homeowner's policies typically offer $100,000 in liability coverage, insurance experts suggest carrying a minimum of $300,000 of coverage. The increased limits may be especially important for homeowners with properties having certain potential safety hazards. Examples would be swimming pools, steep stairs or steps, or walkways that may be slippery when wet or icy.

Be comfortable with your coverage. One good thing about homeowner's insurance is you can decide what you're willing to pay out of pocket in the event of a claim. Known as a deductible, it's the amount of money you elect to pay before your insurance company pays the claim. You can opt for a higher deductible and reduce your premiums.

Be safe and save money. You can probably save money on Metro Atlanta insurance premiums by taking safety precautions that may result in discounts by your insurance company. Items like security alarms, deadbolt locks, motion detectors and security cameras can thwart thieves and save you money. In addition, having handy fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in your home will likely save on insurance premiums.

Preventive maintenance. By practicing preventive maintenance and repairing small issues before they become bigger problems, you can avoid potential losses at a later date. Consider home warranty coverages for maintenance needs for appliances, plumbing or electrical systems.

Pay attention to your paperwork. Keep your home records up to date. Have an inventory of your possession and home contents. Many people take photos or videos of their belongings as evidence of ownership. Be sure to keep this and other information in a safe place – away from your home – so it won't be destroyed if disaster strikes.

Lastly, choose a reputable Metro Atlanta insurance company. Check the company's track record, including the Better Business Bureau's rating, their customer satisfaction, etc. The department of insurance in your state will likely have a website you can visit to do some research. In addition, industry analyst companies such as J.D. Power & Associates or the A.M. Best Company are good sources of information on insurance providers.

We have a lot more Metro Atlanta insurance tips and information in the section of articles to your right under Atlanta Real Estate Categories dealing with "Insurance Info". And we do post tips from time to time on Twitter and Facebook pertaining to Metro Atlanta insurance. Check us out there as well.

Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance on your home can be complex. Because homeowners' needs vary, so do coverages in a home insurance policy. You should take the time to read your policy. Know what's covered and what's not.

Metro Atlanta Homeowners Insurance: What You Should Know

Most people assume they're covered by most catastrophic events like fires or tornadoes. But what about a flood? That's a catastrophe, right? Yes, but you're probably not covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.

It's estimated nearly 32 million U.S. homes don't have appropriate homeowners insurance. Some have too much coverage, some not enough. Others don't have the proper type of coverage. That's where reading your policy comes in. You should review it at least once a year when it's time to renew. Let's look at a few helpful tips.

How much coverage should you have? Your home's protection can be summed up in three areas: the structure, its contents and your liability.

Structure
This type of coverage is the cost to replace or rebuild your home if it was declared a total loss as a result of a covered catastrophe. Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance adjustors factor in the current cost of materials when assessing a loss. You should have an idea, too, in the unlikely – but possible – event of a total loss.

Contents
Coverage limits for your home's contents are usually calculated between 50-70% of your home's value. Again, if you suffer a loss of your contents due to a covered peril, your policy will pay to repair or replace them. Figuring the amount of coverage is a little tricky. Many high-value items carry a cap limit of $1,000-$2,500. What that means is that if you had a rare painting that was destroyed it may not be completely covered without some sort of additional rider or specific policy.

Insurance experts suggest the best way to make sure you have the right amount of coverage is to make a home inventory list. Itemize your possessions and write an estimated value next to each one. Review the list with your insurance agent and get his opinion as to the best steps to take. You may elect to add what's known as a "floater policy" to cover your more expensive belongings.

Liability
If an accident occurs on your property injuring another person, you could be held liable for their medical bills. The best way to ensure that you have sufficient liability coverage is to discuss it with your agent. Be totally open and honest. For example, if you own a dog, tell your agent. If your dog bites a guest – and such incidents account for roughly a third of all home insurance claims – and your insurance company wasn't aware you owned a dog, they may deny the claim, placing the full responsibility on you.

Additional Coverages
There are several types of additional coverages you can add to your Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policy. They can cover detached buildings on your property, additional living expenses such as meals or hotel stays if you have to leave your house as a result of a covered peril.

When you review your insurance policy is up to you, but we recommend the sooner the better. Call your insurance agent today and ask questions, He can assist you in making sure you have the right coverages, the right amount of coverage and if you need to make any additions to your policy. The time is worth the added peace of mind — and financial protection.

Find more articles pertaining to your homeowners insurance under our Atlanta Insurance Info to your right under Atlanta Real Estate Categories.

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Most Metro Atlanta home insurance policies cover your home, its contents and personal liability. Specific types of coverage will vary and there are usually exclusions to your policy. Here are a few normal parts to all home insurance policies.

Parts of a Metro Atlanta Home Insurance Policy

Property coverage. The home and any attached structures are usually covered in your policy against most types of damage (see the exclusions listed.) Structures like unattached storage sheds may also be covered up to a percentage of your total insurance policy.

Exclusions to your insurance coverage are listed in your policy. Typical exclusions are:

• Earthquake damage
• Flood damage
• Standard or normal wear and tear
• Nuclear hazards
• Neglect or intentional loss

Personal property. Personal items including furniture, furnishings, electronics and other items are covered in your policy – usually up to a preset percentage of the total policy. The percentage ranges from 40-60%. Some belongings not on the insured premises may also be covered up to a certain percentage. Items located in a vacation home or secondary residence may be excluded – typically because they should be insured by a policy on that property.

There are also exclusions for personal property, however they are normally protected against loss from:

• Fire, lightning, wind, or hail
• Vehicles or aircraft
• Explosion
• Vandalism or theft
• Accumulated weight from snow, sleet, or ice
• Water or steam
• Artificial electrical surges
• Freezing of plumbing or appliances
• Riots or acts of civil disobedience

Personal possessions such as jewelry, artwork or other valuables may not be fully covered by your Metro Atlanta home insurance policy. You will need to add additional coverage with riders or umbrella policies to fully insure them.

Personal liability. Your policy provides coverage for bodily injury to others as a result of an accident on the premises. It also covers damage to their property for which you may be held liable. Further, coverage includes actions by family members both on and off your property. Typical coverage may also include medical payments to injured parties regardless of who was liable.

Loss of use. If you incurred damage to your home severe enough to prevent its usage, the expenses for loss of use are covered. Examples are the costs of hotel rooms, meals and required travel. The limits of coverage is usually a percentage of your policy, typically about 30%.

Expenses and other coverage. If you have expenses requested by your insurance company as a result of a lawsuit, they are covered. You may also be insured for other occurrences such as damage to landscaping, loss of rental income or other specific coverages.

If you're unsure of what's covered in your Metro Atlanta home insurance policy, review your policy carefully or call your agent.

You can find more tips and articles pertaining to Metro Atlanta home insurance in our Atlanta Insurance section of articles just below Atlanta Real Estate Categories to your right. And don't forget, we also post tips on Facebook and Twitter. Find us there as well.

Your Metro Atlanta home insurance should be among the items you review now that the new year is here. Since home maintenance is linked so closely to insurance it's probably a good idea to consider the following checklist to make sure your home is as safe as possible.

Maintenance and Metro Atlanta Home Insurance

Alarm testing. Home alarms such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, burglar alarms and fire alarms should be tested at least quarterly. Check the batteries and any other connections to make sure they are working properly. Use this time as an opportunity to review your household emergency evacuation plan. Make sure your family knows what to do and where to go in the event of a fire or weather-related emergency.

The roof and gutters. It's a good idea to check your home's gutters. Leaves, tree branches and other debris can accumulate in your gutters. When that happens rain won't travel down the spout from the gutters. That can cause problems with water leaking into your home's ceilings and walls. Water damage is a common, but preventable, Metro Atlanta home insurance claim. Don't forget the roof. Take a look at the shingles to make sure none are damaged or missing. Inspect your attic and ceilings for potential leaks that may have gone unnoticed.

Your home's foundation. One area many homeowners frequently ignore is their home's foundation. Take a walk around the outside of your home. Look for noticeable cracks or separations in the foundation. Small cracks are a normal occurence as homes settle over time. Still, it's best to use caulk to seal them to prevent further damage. Keep an eye on them in the future to see if any other separation occurs.

Sealing doors and windows. When air passes through gaps around doorframes and windows, it costs you money. That's because higher heating or cooling bills result from air escaping your home. Inspect the spaces around your doors and windows and seal them. Remember, keep warm air inside and cool air outside — and vice versa.

Heating and cooling systems. While you're at it, check your heating and air-conditioning systems. Having a licensed expert inspect your systems is recommended, but there are preliminary steps you can take. Make sure your vents are clean and unobstructed. Change your filters regularly to ensure proper air flow.

Create an inventory list for Metro Atlanta home insurance purposes. Write down everything in your home and the approximate value of each item. Many homeowners include a video checklist of their possessions in their home inventory. The more information you can give your insurance company the more likely your claim can be processed as smoothly as possible in the event of a fire or other disaster. Be sure to store the home inventory in a safe place like your office, a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe.

It's important to understand each aspect of your Metro Atlanta home insurance policy and the factors mentioned above. If you have questions or are unsure of what is covered, call your insurance agent. Take time to review your coverage amounts, too. With rising home values you may need to increase coverage. Plus, you may qualify for new discounts if you've made certain improvements to your home.

A Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policy is a must. Natural disasters, fires and other perils can cause us to lose everything. Claims adjustors and restoration contractors often hear people say, “I never thought this would happen to me.” And while we can only do so much to protect our homes and possessions against loss, there are steps we can take to make sure they are replaced. Few people know exactly what they own. Therefore, they can’t remember or don’t always list everything in the event of a loss. Without a home inventory, it’s almost impossible to prove your losses to the insurance company.

Your Metro Atlanta Homeowners Insurance Checklist

When a fire or a natural disaster occurs, often the event is so stressful people are preoccupied with so many other things they forget about some possessions or incidental items. Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance experts encourage you to create a complete home inventory. You can do this in a few different ways. There are free software programs available for download that will help. You can also take videos of your possessions and dictate the price and date of purchase. Take photos and store them in the “cloud” on the Web, in a safe deposit box, at the office, or at a friend’s or relative’s house.

List your possessions individually and keep the list organized and categorized with headings such as “Furnishings,” “Accessories,” “Clothing,” etc. Having an inventory and listing your possessions in checklist format will help you if you have a partial loss, theft or other claim.

Your Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policy provides coverage against most perils and damages. There are some, however, that are not covered. Unfortunately, those are usually the ones that catch you off guard — and they can be expensive. While every policy is different, you should peruse your Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance coverage to see if you're protected against termite infestation and mold damage.

Metro Atlanta Homeowners Insurance: Two Conditions That May Exist in Your Home

Mold.
Contrary to popular belief, mold can rear its ugly head in almost any household. It's not uncommon for even the best maintained home to have a little mold somewhere. The most dangerous thing about mold is that it doesn't go away on its own, and unchecked it can spread undetected. Because hazardous mold problems can affect the health of the home's occupants, mold infestation should be treated immediately.

Combatting mold damage can be an expensive undertaking. As such, homeowners often turn to their Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policy for coverage — only to find out they may or may not be covered. Here's why:

Mold is caused by excess moisture. Mold spores can thrive by coming into your home through windows and doors. A common cause of mold is a leak somewhere in your home. If the mold is a result of a leak that occurred due to a covered peril like a damaged roof or a water pipe that burst, it could be covered by your Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policy. However, most homeowner's insurance policies contain specific mold exclusions. If the mold is a result of poor room ventilation, excessive crawlspace moisture, unrepaired water leaks or lack of home maintenance your policy probably doesn't cover it.

One of the biggest causes of mold damage is flooding. Since most standard Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policies don't offer flood insurance, you'll find that unless you have a specific flood policy you won't be covered for mold damage caused as a result of flooding. To be absolutely sure about mold coverage, talk to your insurance company.

Termites.
Another common problem that can plague a homeowner is termite infestation. Untreated or ignored, termites can cause serious structural damage to your home. In addition, as a general rule termite damage isn't covered by most Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance policies.

It's estimated that termites are responsible for over $5 billion in home damages each year. There are several steps you can take to prevent termite infestation and damage. Soil treatment, termite barriers and other preventative measures can give you peace of mind and guard against damage. Because termite damage isn't covered by insurance, it may be a good idea to consider hiring a pest control company to make sure your home is termite-free and that it stays that way.

Again, consult your Metro Atlanta homeowners insurance professional to find out what your coverage includes. And, since mold and termites typically aren't covered, they are probably good reminders that good home maintenance can prevent potential damage from those sources.

The old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies when it comes to the value and condition of your home.

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Since having a good Metro Atlanta homeowner's insurance policy on your home is one of the most important things you can do, it's important to note these tips. They will assist you in understanding your policy and procedures.