Just image that your home was badly damaged or destroyed – would you be able to provide a complete inventory? Do not feel bad, as the vast majority of homeowners could not do it either.
Did you know that all insurance policies require the policyholder to provide an inventory of items lost or damaged after a loss? This only makes sense as the purpose of the insurance policy is to make the policyholder whole after a covered cause of loss. An inventory is the only way to determine the value of the claim.
Fortunately there is an Internet app to get this done quickly and painlessly. Debbie and I recommend using MyInsuranceInventory.com to store your inventory in a secure on-line account. This is an inexpensive app that is simple to use. Better yet there is a link below to MyInsuranceInventory.com and a promo code for a $20 discount. Let us know how this app works for you!
Document your insured possessions with easy-to-use home inventory software from MyInsuranceInventory.com
Use code SAVE20 for an instant $20 savings!
Safeco Insurance
We are pleased to announce that Conroy Insurance Services, LLC now represents Safeco Insurance.
Safeco Insurance is a member of Liberty Mutual Group. In business for more than 95 years, Liberty Mutual Group is a Fortune 100 company and the fifth-largest property and casualty insurance company in the country. Liberty Mutual is also rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.
Safeco offers a wide variety of personal insurance products for you and your entire family, including auto, home, umbrella, watercraft and more. The Safeco Package – which bundles your auto and home coverage together – offers the best combination of savings, convenience and coverage available.
Let us know how we can help!
Flood Insurance
I am ready for spring to “sprung” but it, of course, brings the risk of flooding. I cannot image the heartache of the many people in Fort Dodge with several feet of the Des Moines River in their homes caused by a February thaw. Then a return to seasonable temperatures froze the river again so the water will remain in their now ruined homes for weeks to come.
Floods are a part of living in Iowa. As an Iowan since 1979, living in Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale and West Des Moines, I have seen numerous 500, 250 and 100 year floods! When I lived in Carlisle during the 1980’s Lake Red Rock would occasionally back up to the city limits – giving us a lake view! Red Rock was built to control flooding downstream but it also backs up the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River. The rivers backed up in 1993 and greatly impacted Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Johnston, West Des Moines and, with the loss of the water plant, everyone in the Des Moines Metro area. In the years since 1993 flooding has occured here and the threat of a great disaster was ever present.
It is critical that you educate yourself about flood risks. There are on-line resources available that can help address your concerns and help you to be prepared:
- www.BeReadyIowa.org - tips about creating emergency supply kits and evacuation plans.
- www.FloodSmart.gov – information defining flood and instructions on how to read a flood map. Find out if you are in a flood zone and get some idea of the cost of flood insurance.
- www.rio.iowa.gov – information about the Rebuild Iowa Office.
Now is a good time to start thinking about Flood insurance since there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage goes into effect. Flood insurance is not provided in your standard homeowners or business owners’ policy. Flood insurance is a separate policy that is backed by the Federal government on a “Preferred Risk” policy. This coverage is sometimes confused with water back-up coverage. Although most standard policies provide for a limited amount of coverage for water back up and/or sump pump failure, it is not the same as flood insurance.
If you are concerned about flooding issues, or want to know if you should be, give us a call. As your Trusted Choice independent agent we can help you get the coverage you may need.
Homeowners 101
Reading a homeowners policy may not be on your “Bucket List” but it is important to understand what is covered, what is limited in coverage and what is excluded from coverage. Often the homeowners policy can be modified to add needed coverages for an additional premium. However, here are situations where no coverage can be found,and while that may not be the answer you want, you need to be aware of such issues. This overview is provided as an overview of a typical homeowners policy but you must refer to the provisions found in your policy for the details of your coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply. If you have questions call us for answers or to schedule a review of all of your insurance policies.
A typical homeowners policy covers both dwelling and contents for various perils, including fire and theft. Also included are coverages for glass breakage and liability. A homeowner policy may also include coverage for personal articles and earthquake. There are also similar policies available for tenants and condominium/cooperative unit owners.
Most policies also have limitations on some items including (to name a few): Money, watercraft, trailers, jewelry, furs, silverware, firearms, or items used for business. Please be sure to ask us how to insure these items for the proper limit. Most homeowners policies are made up of the following coverages:
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College Students 101
Question: “Is a computer provided by my daughter’s school for use while she is attending covered for theft out of her locked room while she is out of the room? Toward the end of the school year, someone came through her suite mate’s room, through the bathroom, and into my daughter’s room and stole the computer she had signed out to her by the school. I just received a letter from the school stating that she had to pay $1,600 before she would be allowed to return to school. Does homeowner’s insurance normally pay for such losses? Do you have any idea why my agent would say this was not covered and it was the responsibility of the school?” [Read more…]