Home Insurance: Take Stock of Your Home

Protect Your Biggest Investment with Phoenix Homeowners Insurance

A home purchase is one of the biggest investments that you will probably ever make, so it makes perfect sense to take steps to ensure its protection. Phoenix homeowners insurance is not hard to come by, and it is something that will no doubt be required by your mortgage company. On a personal note, it will provide you with a sense of security that your hard-earned investment is well-protected in the event of a tragedy.

“Befriend Your Home”: Learn its Key Elements and Secrets!

Before beginning your search for a home insurance company, compile some key information about your house. All you really need is a pen and paper. You’ll need the following information:

The address of the home, including the county
All of the residents in the home (including pets!)
The age and square footage of the home
The home’s flooring type (tile, carpet, hardwood, etc.)
The home’s distance from a fire hydrant and/or fire station
The type of roofing material, as well as the slope (such as gable or flat)
The foundation of the home (slab or raised)
Whether or not the home has a basement or an attic
Whether the home’s electrical, plumbing, and siding are original, or if there have been any renovations
Whether you have made any non-standard upgrades to the property

Of course, depending on which Phoenix home insurance company you choose, you may need all or just some of the above information, but it’s always better to be prepared than have to scramble around for information at the last minute!

Keep Tabs on all Your Prized Possessions

Keep the pen and paper handy, because your next “assignment” is to take a complete inventory of your belongings. This information is vital for your insurance company to adequately compensate you for any damage or loss. Pay particular attention to items of great monetary value, and note serial numbers where applicable. Photos, videos and purchase receipts can certainly come in handy when tracking your valuables. Update the list periodically, and designate a safe, easily accessible place in which to keep everything together, including copies of your insurance policy.

You’re Ready! Now Begin Your Quest for Home Protection

Once you have compiled all the necessary information, you’re ready to sort through the plethora of home insurance companies in Phoenix. Look for one that caters to your particular needs. This can be done the “old fashioned” way, via phone or in person, but nowadays, if you prefer, you can even obtain your insurance online!

Whichever method you choose, review quotes from several companies before making a final decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before committing to anything. Keep in mind that it’s your most valuable asset on the line here, and you want to find insurance that works for you!

Hope for the Best, but Prepare for the Worst!

There are some simple steps that you can take on your own to protect your home, and your insurance company will love you for it. You may even be rewarded with lower rates! In addition to waterproofing and fireproofing your home, be sure to maintain your plumbing and the electrical system. A quick trip to your local home improvement store can offer you a variety of simple protection options, such as:

Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and indoor sprinkler systems
Deadbolt locks
Burglar alarms
Reinforced strong doors
Security for windows (even unbreakable windows!)

Keep your insurance company updated on any changes that you make. Even a few minor upgrades might earn you a reduced rate.

Understand Your Policy before You Need It

Prepare for the worst-case scenario by getting to know your policy inside and out before you have to file an insurance claim! There’s nothing worse than scrambling about, trying to figure out (or perhaps even find) the terms and conditions of your policy in the face of an already stressful situation. If you ever do need to make a claim, try to focus and keep a cool head – it can work wonders when you are on the phone with your agent, trying to figure out what to do next.

Don’t Despair if a Claim is Inevitable

Don’t hesitate to make a claim when necessary. This is, after all, what you have been paying that home insurance company in Phoenix for! Assuming you have periodically reviewed your policy and kept up to date with your responsibilities, the process should be fairly easy. Assess the damage and contact your agent as soon as possible. Once the claim is filed, the matter is out of your hands for the most part. Take a deep breath and leave the rest to the insurance adjuster. After all, that’s what having adequate Phoenix homeowners insurance is all about!