Demystifying Popular Home Insurance Myths

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 You are probably at the stage of buying home insurance for your home, and you are confused. We understand the confusion. With lots of information about home insurance — some genuine others false — you definitely can’t separate the chaff from the grains. 

 Home insurance is a tricky topic, and if you are misinformed, you will be relying on the wrong myths when buying the insurance. Luckily, at ACU Insurance Services of League City, TX, we are here to debunk common home insurance going around. 

Home insurance policy covers flood damage

Your standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. While home insurance may cover water damage from damaged pipes, it won’t cover damage from overland flooding. In light of this, if you live in a flood-risk area, consider buying a stand-alone flood insurance policy. 

Home insurance only covers the house

The policy covers your house and the contents too. If your home has detached structures, they are covered as well at an additional premium. Moreover, home insurance provides liability protection and pays for additional living expenses when your house becomes uninhabitable.

Home insurance covers medical expenses

For your information, home insurance covers medical bills for guests that get hurt on your property. If you or your family member get injured, the policy does not cover the medical expenses.

Home insurance is not worth the expense

Imagine your entire home investment going down in just one event! Something you have worked so hard for years. How do you start saving for another home? If you hear someone saying that home insurance isn’t worth it, just think about the thousands of dollars you have put in your home. 

Home insurance at League City, TX

You cannot exhaust the myths of home insurance. Every day new ones are coming up. In case you encounter conflicting information about home insurance, seek advice from a trusted insurance agent. If you are in League City, TX, look no further than ACU Insurance Services. We got you covered for all the matters to do with your home insurance. 

What Should I Be Aware of When Buying Flood Insurance For My House?

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Flood insurance is a necessity for some homeowners, but what should you be aware of when buying it? Even if your house isn’t in an area that’s usually prone to flooding; there are still risks. Flooding can happen anywhere at any time, which is why it’s best to be prepared by purchasing flood insurance. Here are three things you should be aware of before you buy flood insurance:

You’ll need to know your home’s elevation and how close you are to any water source 

The elevation of your house will help determine your chances of flooding. If it is very low, then the chances for flooding are high. The proximity of your home to nearby lakes or rivers can put your house in flood zones which you should be aware of.

It can be a lifesaver in the event of an unexpected flood 

The act of flooding can be surprisingly common even though we don’t often hear about them–in fact, floods happen every year on average but most go unreported or unnoticed. With good preparation beforehand combined with a solid flood insurance plan you can protect your home and loved ones when disaster strikes.

The cost of flood insurance will vary depending on where you live

The cost of flood insurance can vary depending on where you live, so do your research before purchasing coverage for your home. Some factors to consider are the number of days a year that typically see flooding in the area and what type of construction is used near or around the property. The best way to find out how expensive it will be will depend on asking the right agent who specializes in this kind of coverage. If you are interested in getting help with flood insurance in League City, TX, contact ACU Insurance Services today.

What is windstorm insurance and how does it work?

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What is windstorm insurance, and how does it work?

Windstorms can cause severe damage to your home and personal belongings. Luckily, the coverage is included in your home insurance plan if you do not live in a high-risk area. However, the coverage limit may not be enough if you live in a high-risk wind area. ACU insurance services recommend buying additional coverage known as Windstorm insurance to protect your home and belongings.

What is windstorm insurance?

Windstorm insurance is a unique type of property-casualty insurance that protects your home and property from damage caused by winds, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, gales, and other gusty hazards. The policy covers physical damage to the dwelling and personal property.

How does windstorm insurance work?

Windstorm insurance covers the dwelling and your possessions. Some policies also include the detached garage and shed. Most policies cover repairs of the damaged parts and replace damaged items in the house. Some policies require the policyholder to report the incident as soon as it happens, as there is a time frame during which you are allowed to file a claim. If you take too long, you may not be lucky to get compensation.

Who needs this policy?

If you live in a high-risk windstorm area, you are more susceptible to this kind of peril, and your insurance company may request you to buy extra coverage aside from what you have in your home insurance policy. If you are in the coastal parts of League City, TX, where tornadoes and hurricanes are likely to attack, you need windstorm insurance.

What else should you know?

Sometimes, the windstorm is followed by flooding or storm surges, but this policy does not cover floods. It would be best if you bought flood insurance separately to cover the damage caused by water. This policy does not obscure or replace a vehicle that is damaged by a blown tree branch or debris.  Your comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance should cover this.

If you feel that you need to buy windstorm insurance in League City, TX, feel free to speak to us at ACU insurance services, and we will be happy to help.

Do I need flood insurance in Texas?

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When you are in the League City, TX area there continue to be a lot of great reasons to own a home. If you are interested in being a property owner in this area of Texas, getting the right insurance in place is very important. One responsibility that all people will have when they purchase a home here is to get flood insurance. There are a few reasons why you will need to get a flood insurance plan when you are here in Texas.

Insurance is Needed to Protect Home

A reason that people here will want to have flood insurance is that it is needed for them to protect their property. If you have a base home insurance plan, the flood coverage you receive can be limited. If you are concerned about the risk of flood in your area, getting a full flood policy can be a good option as it will ensure you are covered. 

Lender Requirement

You may also be obligated to get a flood insurance plan if your lender requires it. All lenders will run searches to see if your home is in a high-risk zone. If you are at a higher risk of flood damage your lender will want you to get proper insurance to mitigate the risk. This will usually include requiring you to get flood insurance. 

If you would like to get a flood insurance plan in the League City, TX area, it would be wise for you to call ACU Insurance Services. The team with ACU Insurance Services understands how valuable this coverage is and they can help you determine if you should get coverage. The team is able to do this by assessing your options and needs and giving guidance to build a policy that works for you. 

Do I need to get home insurance in Texas?

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Those that are looking for a new place to live and move to should consider the League City, TX area. When you are here, you will benefit from long-term price appreciation and a strong local economy. If you would like to buy a home in this area, you also need to get the right insurance for it. There are a few reasons why you need to get home insurance when you are in this area of the state.

Insurance is Required by Mortgage Lenders

A common reason that people here need to get home insurance is that it is required by their mortgage lender. If you have taken out a mortgage, your bank will have a vested interest in your property. Accordingly, they will want to ensure that it is properly covered by insurance at all times. Your lender will have specific insurance requirements and may require that you escrow for your payments each month.

Insurance Protects Against Liability Risk

You will also want to get home insurance because it can protect you against liability risk. Anyone that owns a home will be taking on some liability risk. If this is the case for you, it continues to be important that you mitigate this risk with insurance. With a home insurance plan, you can receive the liability insurance needed to offset the risk. 

When you are trying to purchase a home in the League City, TX area, it will continue to be very important that you get the right insurance for it. When you are searching for a policy, ACU Insurance Services can be a great resource for you. The insurance team with ACU Insurance Services understands the importance of this insurance coverage. They can help you better assess your needs and options and choose a policy that will protect your property. 

Renovate or Not? What it means for your home insurance

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When it comes to deciding how much homeowners insurance to purchase, much of it is dependent on the size of your house, how it is used, what features it has, and how much it would cost to rebuild it to the current state if disaster struck. What home insurance does not do, is take into account the impact a renovation can have on the value of the home and the insurability. For instance, adding an extra bedroom can increase the value of the home but now there is more square footage to insure and a more expensive house that must be rebuilt if the worst happens. On the flip side, while a pool may be a must-have luxury for your family it also puts you at greater risk of being sued if there is an injury or death because of the pool by a third party. Consequently, whenever you make a major change to your home it is a good idea to check your insurance to validate that it will cover the new additions. Generally speaking, you’ll want to do one of three things when renovating your home for insurance. First, increase the replacement dwelling coverage to the expected value of your home after the renovation is complete. Second, increase liability coverage when the construction is being done to protect yourself from being liable if a construction worker injures themselves on the job without insurance. Third, once the work is done, consider increasing your liability coverage – particularly if you are adding a potential safety concern like a pool.

At ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX, we are your local experts for everything home insurance. Whether you are buying your first home or planning a costly addition give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. 

What to do if Your Home is Damaged in a Flood

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Flooding is a disaster no one wants to experience in League City, TX. And it can come out of nowhere. Water is unpredictable, taking the path of least resistance, and it’s possible your home could one day be in that path. If you were to suffer a flood, chances are your home and its contents would be damaged. Don’t panic, however, just get everyone to safety, and then you can start the process of cleaning up. Here’s what to do.

1. File a Flood Claim

The very first thing you’ll want to do is submit a claim with your insurance agency. They typically get this done quickly so you can move onto the next step. It’s important you do this first so you have the funds to recover from the damage. 

2. Call a Water Damage Restoration Company

After submitting your claim and knowing your deductible, you’ll be able to start taking quotes from reputable water damage restoration companies. These professionals will empty your home of water and get to work repairing any water damage. It’s a good idea to start emptying your house out of those things that were destroyed and can not be replaced, but which your insurance may cover.

3. Replace Ruined Items

For those items that were destroyed in a flood and which your insurance does cover, it’s now time to go shopping to replace them. Chances are a flood would ruin couches, electronics, art, and more.

To learn more about securing a flood insurance policy in League City, TX, contact ACU Insurance Services, serving this area. Our reputable agents are standing by ready to take your call and answer all your questions.

Exploring The Benefits Of Windstorm Insurance

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Based in League City, TX, ACU Insurance Services offers insurance coverage to residents throughout the state. We recognize that each of our clients has different needs. That’s why we are committed to helping our clients find insurance policies to protect their individual interests.

Windstorm Insurance

The League City, TX area is known for its wild weather at times. If you have a property in the area, it’s important that you protect your investment. Consider the benefits of windstorm insurance. Windstorm insurance can help you protect your home.

The policy helps cover your home against the damage caused by strong winds, hail, and natural disasters such as hurricanes. The policy also covers any severe damage to your personal belongings. You can also amend your policy to cover other structures on your property such as garages and sheds in the event that they are damaged. Serious winds have the potential to damage windows and roofs while floating debris can cause additional damage.

Often times, windstorm also lead to an increase in rain, so make sure that you have coverage in the event that flooding damages your home. Also, be aware that severe windstorms may also cause damage to your vehicle. Inquire about protection in the event that a tree gets cracked and falls on your vehicle or breaks the windows.

Once the windstorm has ended and you are safe, take note of the damage that the windstorm caused. Take several pictures and videos of the damaged areas and objects. If necessary, have someone inspect your property to check for additional damage that you may have missed.

ACU Insurance Services Will Help You Find A Solution

To learn more information about the benefits of windstorm insurance, visit our website today!

Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Accidents That Occur on the Sidewalk?

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Your homeowners’ insurance includes different types of liability. In most cases, the general liability insurance that is included in your policy will cover accidents that occur on your property. The key is knowing what you are responsible for and what you are not. In League City, TX, the agents of ACU Insurance Services can help you sort things out so that you know your responsibilities as a homeowner are and what you need to do to protect your investment.

Personal and Public Property

The property you own normally extends to the street. If you have a sidewalk that runs through your property, you may not own it but the responsibility for keeping it clean and passible is up to you. In most communities, the sidewalks are the property of the town. While they are responsible for repairs and general maintenance, you are expected to make sure they are clean and passible at any given time.

Protect Your Home and Family

If a slip and fall accident occurs on a sidewalk in front of your home, you may be liable if something was left on the sidewalk. If the accident was the result of the sidewalk being damaged or broken, the liability may be transferred to the community. Protecting your family from financial hardship is essential so it is essential that you know and understand what your liability risks are.

At ACU Insurance Services in League City, TX, each agent has the knowledge and experience to help you understand what your liability risks are. Call and talk to a reputable agent and get the advice and answers you need so that you can get the insurance coverage you want to feel fully protected.

Can I benefit from flood insurance as a renter?

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Most people think that flood insurance is designed with homeowners in mind only. However, as a renter, you can still acquire flood insurance if you feel you need it, and it’s available in your state or area. As a renter, flood insurance can provide many practical benefits to you. 

What Is Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is insurance specifically designed to cover damage that results from water or flooding. This insurance covers property loss or damage. However, many flood insurance companies will study topographical maps to determine if a property might be prone to flooding based on their location as well as other factors. Insurers will look for areas in floodplains, lowlands, and floodways, to determine the possibility of flooding and damage in particular areas. 

How Can Renters Benefit from Flood Insurance?
First of all, for renters to obtain renters’ flood insurance, they must live in an area that participates in the national flood insurance program (NFIP).  If the community participates in the program, renters can purchase flood insurance that covers up to $100k for personal items damaged from flooding. They can receive money to replace furniture, electronics, and clothing, in addition to other things.
 
Is Flood Insurance a Practical Investment for Renters?
Flood insurance can be a practical investment for renters because most renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to invest in a flood insurance policy. However, it should be noted that most property owners located in high-risk flood areas must carry flood insurance. For renters, it’s just an option, not a requirement. ACU Insurance Services takes pride in educating League City, TX renters on the benefits of flood insurance. Our team of experienced agents is standing by to answer your questions.