Its often the case that every day that you look outside of your window, hoping and longing for spring, that it teases you. One portion of the week can be warm and sunny. The next, we have snow to worry about again. That’s why it is the ideal time right now to start planning spring projects. Getting some ideas and focusing on these topics could help you to get through the winter-is-almost-gone feelings. But, as you do, let your home insurance agent in on the process.
Spring Is About Your Yard
Many of our clients at Tolbert Tower Insurance have mentioned updating their landscaping. Things like adding a few trees for shade or beautiful, blooming flowers for color are all good things. These types of projects do not play a role in your home insurance rates. On the other hand, projects that are larger, such as fencing, decks, and garages, do. It’s a good idea to let us know what you are planning to do.
Insurance Matters – Why You Cannot Overlook It
It’s a mistake not to let your home insurance agent know about your new projects. We’ve seen this happen before. For example, a customer builds a garage to house a tool workshop. He doesn’t mention it to his insurance agency and, then, when there is the need to file a claim, the policy doesn’t offer enough protection. He loses money. And, that can be very serious when there is a liability risk.
When Should You Call?
To be clear, it is always possible to give your agent a call to discuss your project. We are happy to help you with any concerns you have. Here are some examples of when our team needs to know about the changes you are making.
You Are Adding a Pool, Fire Pit, or Outdoor Kitchen
These structures add value to your home. However, they also add risk. Pools, for example, are a common cause of drowning in some areas and it happens right in residential neighborhoods. Your fire pit or outdoor kitchen can lead to liability claims as well. It is important that we update your policy to reflect the presence of these structures on your property.
Garages, Sheds, and Decks
Many of our clients are taking advantage of low-interest rates on home improvement loans to add garages, sheds, new decks, or other structures around their home. This is a fantastic use of these loans. However, we need to make sure these structures are included in your policy. Here’s why.
Your home insurance policy often provides 10 percent of the coverage of your home for other structures on the property. A large garage or an expansive deck can easily eat away at this. In the case of a total loss, you may lose money here. To avoid that, our team needs to learn about the structure and its value. We can then mention the structure on your policy and adjust the coverage you have in some cases. Doing this takes just a few moments. However, it can safeguard your home and your investment long term.
Give Our Team a Call to Talk About Spring
We’re happy to chat with you about your home improvement projects. At Tolbert Tower Insurance, we know that spring is something most of us look forward to but know that it can be very challenging to plan for these bigger projects. Let us make it a bit easier. A quick call is all it takes to let us know what’s happening around your home.
