Following the flood, winds, and related damage from Hurricane Irene, Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company has made their suggestions regarding the best ways to ensure that homeowners are protecting themselves against scams from unscrupulous contractors. The suggestions made by the insurer include the following: • Don’t rush when making the choice for the right contractor – take your time and do your homework. • Obtain estimates from a number of contractors who are licensed and bonded. • Verify the contractors claims regarding their credentials through the use of the Better…
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Rates for homeowners insurance are on the rise
Homeowners insurance rates are expected to experience a notable increase following a year that has seen significant severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and where forecasts predict that the 2011 hurricane season will be more active than the average. In fact, in areas where the storms have been the most damaging, policyholders may find themselves paying up to 20 percent more to their insurers. Though some homeowners are counting on a lower increase because the value of their homes have decreased, it is important to recognize that it is not the market…
Read MoreNew insurance regulations for California homeowners take effect
Despite numerous challenges, a new set of regulations for California homeowners took effect on June 27, 2011. These changes were geared toward improving the standards and training processes for the replacement value estimations of a homeowner’s insurance should a disaster occur. At the same time, the controversial alterations are still being contested by two insurance trade associations. The new cost regulations include the following (California Code of Regulations Section 2695.183 (h)): • Conditions for outlining the requirements that involve the replacement cost and value estimates designed to improve comprehensiveness, consistency,…
Read MoreHome prices are down but insurance prices are up!
Insurance premiums will only take the structure and liability exposure into consideration It’s no secret, your home value is probably half of what it was five years ago, but you may wonder why your insurance premium is still going up. The cost to rebuild and/ or repair your home, supplies, labor, etc. have not gone down, according to industry experts. These components are what insurance premiums are based upon. In fact, insurance premiums will only take the structure and liability exposure into consideration – which maybe ticking upwards based on…
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