What Homeowners’ Insurance Actually Covers

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If you think that homeowners’ insurance only protects your Georgetown, TX house itself, StraightEdge Insurance Agency is happy to tell you that you have much more protection than you ever imagined. Read this blog to learn what homeowner’s insurance really covers – home damage, natural and man-made hazards, liability and the other structures on your property.

Yes, this insurance type covers your house itself from damage from named perils in your policy. A named-peril simply refers to reason damage could occur. Examples include fire, tornado, lightning strikes, hail, etc. If hail pummels your roof and causes damage – a hole perhaps – your homeowners’ insurance pays for the repairs.

If water gets inside from the hole in the roof, damaging the items inside the room, your homeowners’ policy covers the damage. You will be paid a flat amount for the items in the home that were damaged. You’ll normally be covered for about 10 percent of the policy’s home coverage.

You are also covered if your mother-in-law falls down the stairs while trying to escape the hail slamming into the home. She breaks her leg, but the HOA policy covers all of her medical costs. If also provides you with liability coverage in case she gets really angry and sues you.

Let’s say the same storm has copious amounts of lightning. Lightning strikes your detached garage, setting it on fire. Your HOA insurance covers that damage, too. The "other structures" clause covers the fences, driveway and other buildings on your property. Your barn gets coverage, too.

Call us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency of Georgetown, TX to learn more about your homeowners’ policy and when you might want to add coverage to it.

Does Flood Insurance Cover Mold Removal?

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Flood insurance is something that not all property owners need or are even going to benefit from. There are some property owners that will never see a flood in the time that they own their property and therefore may not even need this type of coverage. There are other property owners that do need flood coverage and knowing what this type of insurance covers is a must. For those in the Georgetown, TX area, the agents with StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help you find the policy that works best for you.

Flood insurance covers many things, including mold mitigation and clean up after a flood. You can get more or less coverage depending on what you need and want and can also get specific coverage for specific cleanup. Most flood insurance will help cover the cost of cleaning up mold after a flood for the express purpose that you have to clean up the mold in order for the home to be livable again. Mold mitigation is a part of getting a home back in livable condition and your flood insurance will help cover the costs associated with this type of clean up. They may have a preferred mitigation or restoration team that they like to work within order to get your home back in a good state.

For those that do not live anywhere near flood zones or that have a property that is not in any danger of being flooded, you do not need to worry about taking out flood insurance or any other type of insurance that is going to cover flood and flood damages. For those that live in the Georgetown, TX area, the agents with StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help you get the coverage you need.

Why People Who Have Valuable Collections Need Umbrella Insurance

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If you are one of the many people who enjoy collecting items, especially items with a substantial value such as art, jewelry, and even memorabilia, then you may need extra insurance coverage. Home insurance coverage may be able to include some contents, but is usually limited and may leave you vulnerable to loss from a variety of hazards. So, how can you protect yourself if your home insurance won’t completely cover your valuables?

Umbrella Insurance Offers Additional Security

If you want to increase your level of protection and prevent the potential for losses, then you should get more information about umbrella insurance and how it can give you an additional blanket of protection. Umbrella insurance is an additional separate policy that is designed to give you coverage above and beyond what your current policy can provide. In order to secure your coverage, you should document all of the items in your collection and consult with your insurance agent.

Working With A Top Agency

One of the keys to securing adequate insurance coverage through the use of an umbrella policy is to work closely with a reputable agency with licensed and experienced agents who can give you the coverage you need without gaps. If you live in the Georgetown, TX area, you are encouraged to seek the insurance services of StraightEdge Insurance Agency. We are dedicated to helping discover umbrella insurance coverage options that will give you the peace of mind you need. 

Don’t risk losing valuable pieces of your collection to any of the hazards that you may face. Get solid umbrella insurance coverage from an agency that can give you the quality policy you need. Residents of Georgetown, TX can call or stop by StraightEdge Insurance Agency for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

Agents vs Online Auto Insurance

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Automobile insurance agents and the ability to buy online insurance often battle one another in the field of optimal coverage. The choice comes down to personal preferences and what a family or auto-owner feels is best for them.

Observations of Online Auto Insurance Brokers

Online Auto Insurance is normal in today’s Internet hustle and bustle. However, settling for the cheapest does not always mean better coverage. 

A car owner Googles an insurance company, the top websites pop up, and an insurance quote follows within mere moments. The upside people flock to is the ability to purchase coverage without having to speak to an agent. The twenty-four seven, seven days a week advantage is why many people go with an online insurance company.

The downside to online auto insurance is car owners are on their own. Additional savings, surprise fees, and no personal relationship are often at the detriment of the insured.

An Auto Insurance Agent is Always Aware

Auto insurance agents are available for a personal relationship with auto owners. The maximizing of discounts and explanations of policies are priceless.           

Experts from StraightEdge Insurance Agency serves Georgetown, TX establishes a long-term relationship and keeps confusion down with professional advice.

The preference of one on one interaction and personal attention is different from person to person. However, the extra hand in knowing an automobile insurance policy in and out ensures that an insurance claim does not fall into the rejection file because of a misunderstanding from an online insurance company.

The bottom line of a budget’s bottom line is understanding every aspect of an auto insurance policy. Simple does not equal savings.

Serving Georgetown, TX, StraightEdge Insurance Agency is available for questions and concerns about auto insurance policies and what sort of coverage best fits a person and budget.

 

Why You Need Flood Insurance

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Flood insurance protects your property in a number of ways beyond what traditional home owner’s insurance is able to do. Flooding inside of your home can set you back tens of thousands of dollars in repairs if you do not have the right coverage. So before you go another day without the right protection, if you live around Georgetown, TX you need to contact the StraightEdge Insurance Agency with all of your flood insurance questions. 

Repair Flood Damage Can Cost Thousands 

Repairing flood damage is far more costly than you might believe. It is more than just removing the water from the property. You’ll need to repair and replace everything the water remained in contact for longer than a few hours (and even then there might be certain objects you’ll need to replace). Water deteriorates just about everything it comes in contact. Plus, when areas become waterlogged it increases the chance of mold development. Once mold grows in your home it can spread throughout the entire property. Failure to remove the mold early on will cost even later on down the road (while also putting your family at a health risk). 

Varying Kinds of Flooding

Flooding can come from a storm, but this is not the only way flooding may strike your property. If a water main bursts or a water line leaks into your property and cracks the foundation it will still set you back, even without the heavy rain. 

Flood insurance will protect your home in ways traditional coverage is unable to. Flooding can happen at any time over the course of the year. From a burst pipe to a heavy rainstorm, flooding will set you back financially. That is why if you don’t have flood insurance coverage or you have questions about what the coverage does, you need to contact StraightEdge Insurance Agency for your Georgetown, TX property. 

What Time Of The Year Is The Best Time To Review Your Home Insurance?

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Reviewing your home insurance is of the utmost importance. Every year, your insurance renews automatically, ensuring that you maintain coverage. At StraightEdge Insurance Agency, we recommend making sure that you review your policy at least one month before your policy is set to renew.

When you’re in Georgetown, TX, a lot might be going on with your home. You may decide to build a shed, a pool, a deck, or something else. Whatever it is that you do, it will impact your home insurance. If you don’t specifically add the new addition to your policy, it isn’t going to be covered.

If you experience some kind of loss, such as a fire, the new additions wouldn’t be included. This could cost you thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses. However, when you go to renew your insurance, you can be sure to make mention of what you have done around the house.

It’s not just to add to your policy, however. The cost of insurance can vary from year to year as well as from company to company. There’s no need to pay more for coverage than what is absolutely necessary. Working with an insurance agent will ensure that you get quotes from multiple insurance companies. This way, you can potentially change insurance companies before your existing policy gets renewed.

The good news is that you don’t have to review your home insurance in Georgetown, TX on your own. You can work with an insurance agent who will ask you questions about your home. This includes asking about additions, situations that could earn you discounts, and more.

Contact us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency today so that we can help you with a review of your home insurance. It will ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on your policy.

 

3 Benefits of Umbrella Insurance

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Business owners in Georgetown, TX can turn to the agents of StraightEdge Insurance Agency if they have any questions concerning umbrella insurance for their companies. An umbrella policy offers many benefits to those who choose to purchase them. Not only do they extend coverage in many aspects, but they offer a level of protection that other policies can’t match.

Higher Liability Limits

An umbrella policy covers liability payouts that exceed the limitations of other insurance policies. If a liability claim is $1.3 million and the limit for the liability policy is $1 million, the umbrella coverage will pay for the overage. This extension protects business owners from incurring additional losses.

Provide Coverage Not Offered by Other Policies

In some cases, umbrella coverage can be used to cover claims for things that aren’t covered under other policies. By filling in the gaps and covering less common claims, umbrella insurance offers a level of financial security that other types of policies can’t or won’t. This can include personal injury claims and punitive damages as well.

Relatively Affordable

Even with the increased coverage for extending liability limits and covering various gaps, the cost of an umbrella policy is relatively affordable. By picking up where other policies leave off, umbrella insurance provides well-rounded coverage at a reasonable price.

At StraightEdge Insurance Agency, business owners in Georgetown, TX can have all of their questions answered by agents who understand their needs. Call and schedule an appointment today to have your commercial insurance policies reviewed. This will ensure that you have the protection you need at all times and that your risk of financial loss remains low.

Your Auto Is Like Home Away From Home

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Many people use their vehicles for more than just driving to work. They have to shuttle kids from one activity to another. While doing that, they’re eating a quick dinner, helping with homework, and asking about the school day. Their car has become part of their parenting, a tool where parents can reach out to their kids despite the busy schedule.

Why not double check your auto insurance? Make sure you have the coverage you need since you depend on your car for so much. Here in the Georgetown, TX area, we have representatives who are experienced with auto insurance. They’re ready to explain your policy’s details and research other options in case you feel the need to change policies. Contact us at StraightEdge Insurance Agency, and we’ll discuss your options with you.

Levels of Coverage

There are different levels of auto insurance coverage, and you may have forgotten which level of coverage your current policy represents. While getting a new car certainly brings this matter to your attention, that’s not the only situation that can affect your insurance. Here at StraightEdge Insurance Agency, we’ve encountered customers who had purchased a lower level of coverage long before. They just kept paying it without considering how their lives had changed. It may be that you could use more specific coverage that allows you to recover quickly from an unfortunate accident around the Georgetown, TX region.

You take the time to schedule and attend medical appointments, and this is similar to what we do for you. When you sit down with us and discuss your insurance needs, it’s like a check-up for your insurance. You’ll learn what great shape your policy is in, or where it needs special attention. Contact us for an insurance review.

What to Do Now that the Flood is Over

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The damage a flood can do to your Georgetown, TX home can be catastrophic. When a widespread area is affected by a natural disaster like a hurricane, it might be up to you to get your life back on track. The folks at StraightEdge Insurance Agency have this quick checklist to help you to decide what must be tackled first once the storm has passed.

File a Claim with both Your Flood Insurance and Your Home Insurance

When water has entered your home from a flood, there will be damage that is covered by your flood policy and other damage that may be picked up by your home insurance. The sooner you talk to an agent, the faster you can receive a check to help pay for the cleanup and repairs.

Find a Safe Place to Stay

Flood waters bring mildew, mold, and bacteria into your house. Protect the health of your family and head out to a friend’s home or rent a hotel room while the damage is removed.  

Rent a Dumpster and Start Throwing Out the Damage

Once the water recedes from your home, the battle is on to prevent mold and disease from taking over the house. Any carpeting, upholstered furniture, and drywall that was submerged should be thrown out. Wood flooring and trim may also need to be tossed. Clothing and toys may be able to be cleaned using hot water and bleach.

Have Your HVAC and Appliances Inspected before Turning them On

Water can corrode the wires and seals on electronics, stoves, fridges, and air conditioning systems. Mold could grow in ducting if it were flooded. They might need to go to the dumpster, too.

Remember, in dire times, your Georgetown, TX agents at StraightEdge Insurance Agency are here to help you navigate the stormy waters of recovery after catastrophic damage to your home. Give us a call today and ask about how flood insurance can better protect you.

 

Starting a Home Child Care Business or Preschool

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It’s a common play to add to the household finance for a home-bound partner to think about starting a child care business. After all, moms have a natural experience and knowledge of toddler care, especially if they already raised multiple kids of their own through the first five years. In some cases, some Austin, TX moms are teachers and miss the classroom feel, which the child care business or home preschool replaces to some extent. Either way, however, doing so changes the nature of the home as well as the risk covered by a homeowner insurance policy on the property. 

Remember, consumer insurance assumes the client is acting as a private party, not a business. So, it’s necessary for the homeowner to review a home policy and change it accordingly for the new business about to be started.

Aside from making sure the coverage still applies, it’s also good protection. Many liabilities and risks associated with child care or preschool business are not covered at all by a homeowners insurance policy. And that means the homeowner is entirely exposed to liability as well as losses if sued for injury and damages associated with the business and child’s welfare. 

Further, many jurisdictions have very specific requirements for child care programs and preschools, including insurance and bond requirements specific to a commercial entity. A private homeowners policy is not going to meet these requirements in any fashion.

If you’re in Austin, TX and thinking about using your home to launch a new early child care business, give the folks at StraightEdge Insurance Agency a call first. They will be more than willing to go over your current policy and explain where it won’t meet your business needs. Then they can show you what’s available and how to fit into your coverage package to protect your new venture. Email or call, StraightEdge Insurance Agency can help you get started right!