Homeowners Insurance in Cranberry Township, PA
Investing in insurance is one of the most important steps you can take as a homeowner.
The right policy may provide extensive coverage for unexpected events like fire, theft or severe weather damage.
For example, if a storm damages your roof or your home is affected by vandalism or burglary, your insurance may help cover repair costs and replace lost items.
Without homeowners insurance, you could face significant financial challenges in recovering from such events.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Standard homeowners insurance policies may include the following coverages:
- Dwelling coverage may cover the structure of your home, including walls and built-in appliances, from damage caused by fire, hail, windstorms and other covered events.
- Personal property coverage may pay the cost of replacing your personal belongings such as appliances, books, clothes and sporting equipment if they’re damaged or stolen.
- Liability protection may provide financial assistance if you cause accidental injuries or property damage to others.
- Additional living expenses may pay for hotel stays, meals and other related expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damage.
- Other structures coverage may compensate for damage to unattached structures in your property such as fences, gazebos and sheds.
- Medical payments coverage may cover medical treatments if someone is injured on your property.
How Much Coverage Do I Need?
The amount of homeowners insurance you need depends on factors like your home’s value, the cost of rebuilding and your personal belongings. Getting enough coverage to rebuild your home in today’s market is essential.
Don’t forget to account for high-value items like art, jewelry or collectibles, which may need additional coverage.
How to Know You’re Properly Covered
Working with a qualified insurance professional, such as those at Dunton Insurance Agency, can offer invaluable insight into your coverage needs and ensure you’ve retained a sufficient policy. Additionally, you should understand the 80% rule, which requires you to have coverage up to at least 80% of your home’s replacement cost. Assessing possible liabilities and keeping a home inventory of your belongings can also help ensure you’ve accurately calculated your coverage needs.
Factors That Impact Your Rates in Pennsylvania
Homeowners insurance rates may be influenced by many factors. Specifically, carriers may often consider the following:
- Location
- Construction specifications (e.g., number of floors and construction materials used)
- Estimated rebuild cost
- Liabilities (e.g., children, pets and attractive nuisances)
- Credit scores
- Security features
- Claims history
- Policy details (e.g., deductibles, limits and endorsements)
Common Exclusions
While standard homeowners insurance policies may often offer valuable coverage, you may still need to account for certain coverage gaps. Consider the following common exclusions:
- Floods—Damage caused by external water is typically not covered by standard policies, necessitating purchase of additional insurance.
- Earthquakes—These natural disasters are generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance, but endorsements or separate policies may be available.
- Valuable belongings—While standard coverage usually includes some coverage for your possessions, such limits may be insufficient for particularly valuable items (e.g., jewelry and collectibles). Scheduled property coverage may be an advisable solution for this coverage gap.
- Wear and tear—Damage caused by gradual aging or deterioration, such as of your roof or plumbing systems, is typically not covered and may need to be paid out for of pocket.
Contact Us
At Dunton Insurance Agency, we specialize in helping Cranberry Township homeowners find affordable and reliable home insurance plans. Contact us today to get a personalized quote.