Look, you never know when something’s going to happen, whether it’s a major disaster or just one of those things that makes you say “really?”, so you’ve got to be ready!
The key is finding the right company, the right price, and the right coverage that actually fits your situation.
Here’s the thing, homeowners insurance isn’t just one thing. It’s actually a bunch of different coverages like fire, theft, liability, and windstorm all bundled together in one policy.
Whether you’re already a homeowner thinking you might need better coverage, or you’re about to buy your first place and need to figure this whole insurance thing out, here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re actually covered:
How Do You Determine How Much Coverage is Needed?
Your coverage should be based on your home’s square footage, but you’ve also got to think about how much it’ll cost per square foot to rebuild if something happens.
Rebuilding costs in the Atlanta area are higher than the national average, so honestly? Go a little higher than what your insurance company suggests.
Most insurance companies will want you to get coverage for at least 80% of your home’s replacement value.
And don’t forget about everything inside your home , all that stuff will need to be replaced too if disaster strikes.
Do You Actually Have Sufficient Coverage?
Find out what your home is worth today and what it would cost to rebuild it. Again, you might want to bump that up to reflect Atlanta’s actual rebuilding costs.
Make sure your deductible is set at an amount you can actually afford if you need to rebuild or do major repairs.
Got a special art collection? A home office full of equipment? Let your agent know! You might need additional riders for that stuff.
What About Flood Insurance?
In the Atlanta area, flood insurance might not seem like a big deal, but you should definitely talk to your agent about it, especially if you have a basement or live in certain neighborhoods.
Here’s something important: coverage for water damage in your basement is different from actual flood insurance. Make sure you understand the difference and that you’re covered if water decides to show up where it shouldn’t.
Time for an Upgrade?
If you already own your home, schedule a chat with your insurance agent to go over what you’ve got now. Let them know about any renovations, upgrades, or new expensive stuff you’ve bought.
They’ll come out, document everything, take some photos, and let you know if you need to bump up your coverage.
If you’d like, I can connect you with a trusted Atlanta insurance pro to review what you currently have, or help you shop for coverage if you’re in the buying process.
Just let me know!
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