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August Vincent Insurance Agency

1145 Mitchell Ct, Suite 216
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Illinois Insurance Blog

Will homeowners insurance cover my home’s termite damage?

Homeowners insurance provides coverage for your home’s interior and exterior structure, all the structures on your property, and your personal items. Liability coverage is also a part of homeowners insurance. In essence, homeowners insurance is defined as many bundled policies in one, meant to cover a variety of different areas. However, there are certain circumstances that aren’t covered by homeowners’ insurance. The August Vincent Insurance Agency is invested in educating Crystal Lake, IL homeowners about homeowners insurance. 

What is homeowners’ insurance? 

Homeowners insurance is a collection of different types of coverage that fall under the same umbrella. For example, liability coverage covers damage to other people’s property as well as the injuries of others. Liability coverage is also a benefit of homeowners insurance. If you damage your neighbor’s mailbox or something falls on a guest while visiting your home, liability insurance will pay for medical care and the repair or replacement of your neighbor’s mailbox.

Will homeowners insurance cover my home’s termite damage?

No. Unfortunately, there are circumstances that aren’t covered by homeowners’ insurance. Termite damage is a problem that is not covered by homeowners’ insurance. Termite damage falls under negligence according to most homeowners’ policies. Termite damage is considered a preventable problem. It’s also considered a part of basic house maintenance. As a result, it’s preventable and not covered by homeowners’ insurance. There are other problems that aren’t covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies as well. Rodent damage isn’t covered by many homeowners’ insurance policies either. Although many circumstances are covered by homeowners insurance, there are situations that aren’t covered by homeowners insurance.

If you have questions about homeowners insurance, call us at August Vincent Insurance Agency in Crystal Lake, IL. We’d be happy to answer your questions. 

Keys to Keeping Our Homes Safe

We spend a great deal of time, effort, and expense on making our houses homes. From repairs to remodeling projects, our homes are also more than an investment, and at the August Vincent Insurance Agency, we help Crystal Lake, IL homeowners protect more than their homes.

Today, keeping our homes safe has never been easier. And the good news is there are many smart and practical ways to help protect what we have worked so hard to build.

Steps to Protect Your Home

What once used to be a privilege for only those who could afford it, the cost of protecting our homes today is now affordable for almost every homeowner. With advances in technology and home insurance plans tailored to fit the needs of homeowners, people can protect their homes without breaking the bank.

Alarm Systems

One of the most essential keys to protecting our home is getting an alarm system. Today, they make many different types of home alarm systems to protect our humble abodes that are both safe and affordable.

Surveillance

Much like alarm systems, the cost of surveillance systems to watch your property when you are away has become considerably more affordable. These systems can also be as complex or as simple as you wish.

Insurance

Not unlike home alarms, home insurance is another staple in how to keep your home safe. The key to finding the right home insurance often begins with finding a reputable, friendly, and established insurance agent.

Visit the August Vincent Insurance Agency for All Your Home Insurance Needs

We look forward to helping you find the right policy and plan to protect your home and everything that it means to you and your family. Proudly serving our Crystal Lake, IL friends and neighbors, we have home insurance solutions to protect what you care about most. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Three details you shouldn’t overlook when you buy a home insurance policy

There are a lot of important details that you need to decide on when you insure your home in Huntley, IL. At August Vincent Insurance Agency, we can help you make important decisions on home insurance policy details by answering your questions and providing you with needed information.

The following are three details you shouldn’t overlook when you buy a home insurance policy:

The deductible amount

You need to decide on a deductible amount for your policy. This is the amount you have to put toward your claim before your insurance policy will start paying. 

Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums. Home insurance policy deductibles can either be flat amounts or percentages of the total amount of coverage you get on a claim. 

Liability coverage maximums

Liability coverage on your home insurance policy pays for the costs of accidents that occur in your home that you’re liable for. It’s important to choose liability coverage maximums that are high enough to pay for the costs of any lawsuit you face. 

Actual cash value or replacement cost coverage

Your home insurance policy also covers your property itself by providing you with either actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. 

Actual cash value coverage covers you for the market value of your property at the time it is damaged. Replacement cost coverage will cover the cost of rebuilding your home without any depreciation in your home’s value being taken into account. 

Do you have questions about insuring your home?

Are you currently getting policy quotes to see which home insurance policy you should purchase? You can call us today at August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL to get a quote on a home insurance policy. 

Are There Different Types of Home Insurance Policies?

If you are looking to purchase a home insurance policy in the greater Huntley, IL area, August Vincent Insurance Agency can help you find the insurance product that offers you the best protection for your home. One of the questions that you may have is whether there are different types of home insurance policies available. 

Replacement Cost Homeowners Insurance Policy

One of the types of home insurance that is available is called replacement cost homeowners insurance. A replacement cost homeowners insurance pays your claim based on the cost of rebuilding or repairing what is damaged on the home or to the home after it was damaged or destroyed. This type of policy is perfect if you have materials that have increased as time has gone on or you do not want to worry about naturally increasing the actual cash value of your policy. 

Actual Cash Value Homeowners Insurance Policy

The second type of home insurance product that is on the market is actual cash value homeowners insurance policy. An actual cash value homeowners insurance policies pay out your claims based on the actual cash value of the items damaged, less any depreciation in your home. If you have high-end finishes that are rare and hard to find, and you are worried about being shorted by the insurance company for these items, an actual cash value policy may be the better fit for you. 

Contact Us Today

Here at August Vincent Insurance Agency, serving the greater Huntley, IL area, we can help you find the home insurance policy that is ideal for your home and your business needs. Reach out to us today to discuss whether replacement cost home insurance or actual cash value home insurance may be the ideal fit for your insurance needs. 

Confused about finding the right insurance for your IL home? Let us help

August Vincent Insurance Agency Huntley, IL is here for the residents of the state of Illinois. We can help you find the right home insurance policy that best meets your needs. With so many options available, it can feel next to impossible when it comes to finding the right one for your family. That’s why you can rely on us! Give us a call today and let us help.

Selecting the right policy to protect your IL home

When it comes to selecting the right policy to cover your IL home, the process can feel like a daunting one! There are so many options available, and so many different companies providing policies in our state, that it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed. The main areas of home insurance include liability, loss, and damage. You need protection in all three areas in order for a policy to be considered complete. 

If you entertain a lot, it may be a good idea to carry additional liability insurance. This is just one way that working with a local agent can help. Rather than try to figure everything out on your own, you can work with someone who has the knowledge and experience to help inform your decision. Finding the right home policy may take some time, but it is absolutely worth the effort needed!

We are here to help you!

Homeowners in Illinois can turn to the team at August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL for all of their insurance needs. We have the expertise that is needed to help our clients make the right decisions when it comes to insurance. We are here to help! Give us a call today to learn more about the home policy options that are available in our state.  

Home insurance FAQs

Most people don’t ever read their home insurance policy, and unless they need to file a claim, they rarely think about it at all. But it is important to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home and yourself. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL we make sure that all of our customers have the right home insurance at the best price possible. 

Home insurance FAQs

Is home insurance required if you don’t have a mortgage?

No, if you don’t have a mortgage, you are not required by law to have home insurance, but since it is one of the largest purchases you will ever make, it makes sense to insure it. 

Does my home insurance cover a dog?

It depends on the breed of your dog. Some breeds are considered dangerous and are not covered by home insurance. Check with your insurance agent to make sure that you have the coverage you need. 

Is jewelry covered by home insurance?

Jewelry is covered by home insurance but it has a very low limit. If you have more than just a small piece or two, you need to have separate jewelry coverage. 

Are floods covered by home insurance?

Floods are one of the exclusions to a typical home insurance policy. Flooding caused by a burst pipe is covered but surface water is not. You can, however, get a flood insurance policy from the NFIP. 

Is a home inventory necessary?

You didn’t need to have a home inventory but if your home is hit by a covered peril and you need to file a claim, you will be glad that you have one. You can provide it to the insurance company as proof of what was in your home before the peril hit. 

Contact August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL with all your insurance questions and needs. 

Creating and storing a home inventory

When you own a home, you face a lot of risks. Having home insurance helps you to mitigate some of the risks you face. Make sure you have the right amount of home insurance to cover everything you need. Of course, everyone hopes that they will never need to use their home insurance, but you will be glad to have a home inventory if you do. At  August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, we believe in customizing your home insurance to you and your home. Choosing the right amount of coverage protects everything you own. 

Home Insurance Facts

A home inventory will be your best friend when you file an insurance claim, so you must make it as detailed and clear as possible. 

Begin by getting a pen and pad and bringing your phone or camera. You will want to take many photos of each room, and be sure to include any of your more costly items. Try to have a plan. It will be a time-consuming operation, and you need to include everything and lots of details. 

Give names, brands, and serial numbers on anything where it is appropriate. If you have sales slips, receipts, or appraisals for the more expensive items, that will certainly help. 

Go room to room and don’t just list the obvious things, such as open closets and drawers. You want to include everything. Go up to the attic and down to the basement. Check the garage. 

Once you have collected all the information, attach the pictures and receipts and find a safe place to store the inventory. A good option for a backup is to take photos of the inventory and email them to yourself for storage in an email folder. You can also put the copies on the cloud. At the very least, fire and waterproof containers are a must. 

Give Us A Call

Contact  August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL with any questions about home insurance. 

 

Home Insurance Basics To Become Familiar With

August Vincent Insurance Agency serves the Huntley, IL community. We are an independent agency. We strive to help our clients find the coverage they need to protect their assets if an issue arises. We work closely with multiple carriers on the market. This allows us to cover our clients in multiple scenarios. We are confident that we can help you find the coverage you need to navigate life’s risks.

Home Insurance Basics

Owning a home is a significant achievement. Home insurance allows you to maximize your investment. The policy covers the structure of your Huntley IL property against possible damage. You are protected if your home is impacted by accidental fire or a natural disaster such as a tornado. If your home is completely totaled, home insurance covers the repairs. You can also add alternative living coverage. This helps you find another place to stay while your home is being fixed. Liability coverage protects you if a mistake occurs. Maybe a guest slips on a wet spot and suffers an injury. Perhaps you are doing some maintenance, and you accidentally damage your neighbor’s property. These are common scenarios where liability coverage can protect you. It covers the injured party’s medical treatment and protects you against possible legal action. If you have a trampoline on your property, consider adding extra liability coverage.

All of your personal items are covered if you are a victim of theft, or they are damaged due to a fire or natural disaster. You can add extra coverage to protect your assets if you have luxury items such as furs or antiques on your property.

August Vincent Insurance Agency Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.  

Things home insurance won’t cover

No matter where you live, there are risks that all homeowners face. You have made a major investment in buying your home. Protecting that investment is important. No home insurance will cover everything, but knowing what is not covered can help you make adjustments. Finding the right policy is easier if you have an independent insurance agent who can put your interests first. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL our agents work hard for you. With more than a decade of experience in the Quad Cities, we are familiar with the local market. 

Owner neglect

One of the easiest things to make adjustments for is owner neglect. Your insurance company expects you to maintain your home and if you don’t replace your roof and it leaks, well, it’s likely they won’t cover the damage caused by the leak. If you get termites, they won’t pay for the damage, you should get your place treated. 

Flooding

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters and cause millions in damage every year. Home insurance does not cover flooding. If you live in an area where there is a danger of flood damage, you need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. 

Earth Movement

Earth movement refers to things like earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes. None of these disasters are covered. Again, if it is a worry, you can purchase a separate policy. 

Sewer backup

The only thing more disturbing than having a sewer backup in your home is finding out that it is not covered by your home insurance. 

Identity theft

Expenses that may be incurred due to identity theft are generally not covered by your home insurance. You can purchase coverage for these kinds of expenses. 

When you are in the market for home insurance, contact August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL, to get a no-obligation quote. 

How often should I review my home insurance

Peace of mind is what home insurance is designed for.  Many things can happen that can damage your home and knowing you are covered for many of them is important. Things change in your life and around your home, and you may need to review the coverage you have. At August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL As independent agents, we can provide our clients with more choices which means better options and prices

When your home insurance renews, you will get a new copy of your coverage and on the front of it will be the declaration page. This page is the key to knowing what coverage you have.  When it arrives in your home, you should look it over and see if everything makes sense to you. If your premium has dramatically increased you may want to compare the figures to the previous year and see what has caused the increase. Your deductible is listed and also any riders you may have. 

If you have made any significant changes to your home, it is a good idea to discuss them with your agent. Certain upgrades may affect your policy. If you replace your roof, you may get a better rate. If you added a security system or any other safety equipment, it may also affect the rating of your policy which can affect your premium. 

If you have things like a pool, a trampoline, or a dog, you may want to look at the amount of liability coverage you have. It might be a good time to raise your limit.  All of these items are risky and raise the possibility of getting sued. you should review your home policy at least yearly. 

If you have home insurance needs, August Vincent Insurance Agency in Huntley, IL is here to offer you friendly and knowledgeable service. You can come into the office or give us a call.  

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