When it comes time to buy your first home, it is safe to say that you are going to have many questions running through your mind:
- Should I really be making this decision?
- Do I truly have enough money to buy a home?
- Am I getting a good deal?
- What types of extra expenses am I going to run into?
In addition to questions like these, there are other details that you have to focus on: such as buying the appropriate home insurance policy.
Here are three “truths” to become familiar with as you shop for home insurance coverage for your new home:
1. You are going to pay for coverage every month.
In addition to your mortgage and taxes, you are going to be responsible for paying for your premium on a monthly basis.
You may think that you can go without coverage, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a mortgage, you are going to be required by the lender to carry the proper level of insurance. In the future, if you own your home outright you are not required by law to purchase a policy. That being said, always having the proper level of coverage, even if it is not required, is a good idea.
Tip: compare quotes online to find an affordable policy that offers comprehensive coverage.
2. Bad things do happen
Why do I need home insurance, nothing bad will ever happen to me? This is what many people think, just before a tree hits their home or a burglar gains access while they are on vacation.
Simply put, bad things happen to good people. The best thing you can do is keep your home and valuables protected at all times by the right home insurance policy. If something bad does happen, you can be confident that you will receive compensation for your losses and/or damages.
3. Your agent is available to help
Don’t go into the process of buying home insurance with the thought that the agent is doing nothing more than trying to sell you a policy. Most professionals truly care about you as a consumer. They want you to get the right policy at the right price.
To ensure that you and the agent are on the same page, ask the following questions:
- What is the process that I need to follow if I am forced to make a claim?
- What types of changes can I make to my current quote to adjust the coverage and price?
- Are you and/or your company available to provide a high level of service in the future, should I have questions or need to file a claim?
By asking questions such as these, you will soon get a better feel for whether the agent is truly interested in your well being.
It is natural to be bogged down and confused when buying a home for the first time. Fortunately, there are professionals that you can rely on.
For example, your real estate agent can help ensure that you are getting the best deal on the price of your new home. Along with this, your insurance agent can walk you through the process of buying the right type of policy.
Don’t make the process of buying a home and insurance more confusing than it has to be. The three “truths” above should help you better understand your position and which steps you need to take as you move forward.