There’s nothing quite like the fresh air of spring especially in Indiana after the harsh winter weather has finally broken. As soon as you begin to notice the flowers pushing up, you’ll be ready to head outdoors to handle the cleaning up and perhaps a few bigger projects. What’s on your to-do list this year? Before you break ground for that new pool or invest heavily in a new retaining wall, you’ll want to learn more about what your home insurance covers (and doesn’t) so you can prepare.
Why Spring Means Projects
Did you happen to visit the Home and Outdoor Living Show this year? Many people visiting saw incredible projects – sky-high gazebos and spacious pools. That outdoor kitchen looked pretty impressive, too. Adding these to your home is a good idea if you want them, can afford them and can insure them. When you meet with our agents, we’ll happily give you advice on the implications that these projects have on your homeowner’s insurance plan. Here are a few examples.
Adding a Pool
The addition of a swimming pool can be fantastic, but it also comes with higher liability risks. While your home insurance will provide coverage for these items (within the limits of your policy), there’s also the need to inform your agent of a new pool structure. Because individuals can fall into a pool or be hurt while enjoying it, there’s a greater need for liability protection. Give us a call and inform us of your new pool or that you’ve expanded your current space.
Garden Sheds or Garages
If you are finally ready to add a new shed or garage to your home, you’ll most certainly add value to the home. Your home insurance policy may cover this type of structure, but you’ll need to inform us that the structure is present on the policy. We can update your policy to ensure you have enough coverage to protect these structures from fire and lightning strikes, for example.
Fencing and Decks
Decks and fencing are solid, permanent structures around your home. As a result, they are often a part of your home insurance policy’s coverage. Again, if you add a new fence or a deck, your agent needs to know about it to ensure your policy mentions it. If you are adding a valuable deck, for example, we’ll need to consider how much coverage you have for this structure. Most policies will provide 10% of your Coverage A – Dwelling to cover these structures. Our team will make sure that’s enough based on the value of the structure.
Heads Up – Your Policy May Not Cover It All
As you prepare for the warmer summer months in Fishers, you may be planning to have a few events in your backyard. You may also be hoping to enjoy more time outdoors. Adding flowers and trees, or even a bit of hardscaping to create a beautiful look is just fine. However, these structures, along with retaining walls, rocks, and fire pits, are not necessarily protected by your home insurance policy.
At the same time, if you are adding a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen of any type, be sure to let your agent know about these additions as well. They can add a bit more liability risk to your home.
Get the Information and Guidance You Need Now
Home insurance in Fishers, Indiana can cover most of the upgrades you plan to tackle this year. However, to make that possible, you should clue in your agents. Let our team help you to keep your property protected. Call us today with your questions.
