If this is your first time buying a home on the University Hills real estate market, there are a lot of things that you may not know about being a homeowner. One topic that you may not be knowledgeable about is home insurance. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions related to home insurance so you can learn the basics.

Do you need to buy home insurance before closing?

There is no law that requires you to take out an insurance policy on your home prior to closing. It is recommended that you obtain homeowners’ insurance as soon as possible if you are buying a home, but it does not technically need to be done before you move in.

How much does homeowners’ insurance cost?

Insurance rates depend on a number of factors, so it is difficult to calculate how much it will cost you. Some of the factors that will affect how much you have to pay include your credit score, age of the home, location of the home, value of a home, and how much coverage you want.

Why is it important to have homeowners’ insurance?

Homeowners’ insurance can protect you in the event that your home is damaged by a natural disaster such as a hurricane, hailstorm, or tornado. For example, if your roof is damaged by hail, your homeowners’ insurance should cover the cost of repairs. Most policies will also cover you if personal belongings inside your home are damaged.
 
Homeowners’ insurance will also protect you in the event that someone is injured while on your property. For instance, if someone falls and breaks his arm, the insurance company should pay for the victim’s legal fees, medical expenses, and more so you don’t have to get tangled up in a lawsuit.

Are all homeowners’ insurance policies the same?

If you’ve ever purchased health insurance before, you know that every policy offers different types of protections. The same can be said for homeowners’ insurance. It’s important to shop around and research the various types of coverage that you can get with different companies. This will help you choose a policy that is right for your home. Read 10 tips on how to choose homeowners’ insurance.

Do I need a separate insurance policy to protect all the assets in my home?

If you have high-value assets such as jewelry or artwork, you should insure them in case they are stolen or damaged. Many people ask whether high-value assets are covered by a homeowners’ insurance policy, but this is a difficult question to answer. In most cases, the value of these assets may be greater than the limits outlined in your policy. This means you will need to speak with your insurance company about purchasing additional coverage to make sure that everything in your home is protected.
 
Are you ready to buy a home in University Hills? Contact Elevation Realty to be connected to a team of experienced real estate experts ready to help you on your home buying or selling journey.