Be sure to consider the most common events when purchasing your policy

If you’re a homeowner and you’re researching what type of Insurance is right for you, it’s a good idea to understand what kind of protection you’ll need most. While needs vary from home to home, there are certain events that arise more often than others and some that lead to costly repairs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common claims made on homeowner’s insurance:

Damage from wind and weather

Would you believe that more than 50 percent of the claims made each year are due to wind, hail, and other weather-related water damage? According to Claims Journal, the breakdown is 25 percent due to exterior wind damage, 15 percent due to hail, and 11 percent due to water damage. And if you live in Florida, your home’s exposure to things like hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, and other weather events that feature high winds can be quite high.

Plumbing disasters

A large portion of water damage stems from non-weather-related problems. Whether pipes burst or leak or appliances malfunction causing a flood, unexpected and large amounts of water can cause a lot of havoc. These types of events happen suddenly and often without warning, especially when pipes within the walls or under the floor fail. In Florida, claims for this type of damage average in excess of $6,000 each.

Burglary and theft

Also among the top causes of claims to homeowner’s policies are thefts inside the home or on the homeowner’s property. Stolen merchandise, damage to the home (broken doors and windows), and other theft related claims are not only common, they average thousands of dollars in loss for each occurrence.

Lightning

Thunderstorms and lightning can do more than force folks to stay indoors – they are also notorious for causing damage to homes. While a little bit of lightning is usually not an ordeal (especially if you live in Florida, where there are thunderstorms nearly every day in the summer), they can wreck your home’s electric lines and even cause a fire.

Floods

Floods that are non-plumbing related, like those that occur after days and days of rain, are responsible for a large portion of homeowner’s Insurance Claims each year. If you live near the coast or on any waterfront, you are most likely aware of the amount of damage that can be caused by flooding. These claims are not only very common, they are some of the most expensive, averaging over $13,000.

While you can never predict what will happen in or around your home that may result in damages or loss, everyone knows the value of planning ahead to protect your assets. And because your home is the biggest and most valuable investment you’ll ever make, having the right insurance is crucial, from your basic homeowners to flood and windstorm policies, depending on where you live. It’s best to do a review each year, go over all your coverage in detail, and to update your policy when you make changes, updates, or additions to your home or property.

To make sure you’re protected, get a no-obligation quote online or give us a call at 305-648-7070, and we’ll review your insurance needs and options.

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