Home insurance is not usually on that to-do list for the spring months, but it is necessary to let our team help you with your needs. It’s no longer necessary to stay cooped up at the rec center – spring means that summer is almost here. As we wait for more days to move into the 50’s and 60’s and away from the cold winter days, you may be working on a list of things to do around the yard this year. As you do, let our insurance team at Frydach Insurance offer some advice.
Freshening Up the Yard?
Have you been to the garden centers yet? There are some that have started to pull out the beautiful flowers and trees. Though it’s too soon to start planting, it isn’t too soon to start planning. For projects like the following, there’s no need to contact our offices. If you make a significant investment in your home, though, give us a call so we can update your file to increase its value. But for projects like these, you don’t have to worry about insurance:
- Adding more plants
- Installing raised flower beds
- Adding a tree or two
- Investing in hardscaping such as retaining walls or rocks
Adding More Structures
On the other hand, many homeowners are also thinking about storage and function. If you live on acreage, you may be hoping to add a garden shed to increase your storage. If you are tired of the pesky neighbors, you may be thinking about fencing. It is our job to help make sure your home insurance policy represents your home specifically.
Your home insurance policy is made up of two main components. Coverage A – Dwellings, which covers your home itself, and Coverage B- Other Structures, which includes garages and other structures on your property not attached to the home. Most often, the value of Coverage B is 10 percent of the value of Coverage A. However; if this is not enough, we can make adjustments. As you plan for your home’s upgrades, be sure your investments do not overcome this value. If they do, our team will help you to make adjustments.
When is this likely to happen?
You’re Adding a Garage or Shed
The addition of a new garden shed or garage adds a significant amount of value to your home. It may be exactly what you need to get organized. However, these are valuable structures. Your home insurance should cover them. Give our team a call and let us know about them. We’ll be sure they are specifically listed in your policy.
You’re Adding a Deck or Fencing
Again, these are valuable investments. Not all decks, fences, porches, or other hard structures like this will increase your insurance needs. This depends on the size and the overall value of the investment. Let our team help you know the difference.
You’re Adding a Pool
Inground pools (or pools of any type) can be valuable investments. They also add some liability risk to your home. Our team needs to make sure your new pool is listed on your policy. Otherwise, you may not have coverage if someone sues you due to a pool injury. We encourage you to talk to us before you talk to the swimming pool installers.
At Frydach Insurance, we know that everyone is all about getting outdoors as soon as that spring weather breaks. We’ll see you at the garden shops ourselves! Let us help you to keep your home’s policy up to date no matter what changes you make.
