Home Protection
We often rely on our homes to protect us from the perils of the outside world, but what protects our homes? Whether the threat is a natural disaster or burglars, insects, or bacteria, there are a variety of potential dangers facing our homes each day. Take charge of keeping your home (and your family) safe with the help of the excellent Web sites we've included in this guide.
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A good homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy brings peace of mind from knowing you'll have help in the event your home is ever damaged. The sites in this section explain how homeowner’s insurance works, how to select the right coverage for your needs, and how to file an insurance claim should something happen to your home.
- To find insurance companies in your area, try an online directory like YellowPages.com or simply type "homeowner’s insurance" and the name of your state into a search engine.
- Don’t forget to check the legitimacy and record of an insurance company before you buy a policy. You can do this with just a few clicks at the Better Business Bureau Web site.
- The more familiar you are with your insurance policy, the better off you'll be in the event you ever need to file a claim. If there's something you don't understand on your policy, check with your agent or review the company's Web site to see if your questions are answered there.
To learn about insurance …
Insurance Information Institute
details how homeowner’s insurance works, discusses the standard components of a homeowner’s insurance policy, and explains whether policies cover damage caused by natural disasters and other situations. This site also helps you determine how much coverage you need and takes you through the steps of filing a homeowner’s insurance claim.
InsureMyHouse.com
also teaches the basics of homeowner’s insurance. The site features a "
Find an Agent"
section that sorts insurance agents by zip code in individual states. Be aware that some zip codes may not be covered.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
divides its insurance information into life stages: “Young Singles,” “Young Families,” “Established Families,” and “Empty Nesters.” Each of these life stages has a section on either renter’s or home insurance that addresses the special considerations that come with buying adequate coverage for a particular life stage. Look at the "Home" category for the life stage you are researching.
The Consumer Action Website
is a site from the Federal Citizen Information Center that offers advice for making sure your insurance policy includes the right coverage.
Move.com
presents “Tips for Reducing Your Homeowners Insurance Costs,” an article that teaches you how to save on your insurance rates.
If you need to file an insurance claim …
MSN Money
explains how the process of filing an insurance claim works, and offers some tips to help your claim move along quickly.
The New York Times
notes that some homeowners have experienced problems with their insurance companies after filing a claim, and discusses strategies for avoiding those problems.
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