North Carolina Home Insurance From Marshall Insurance

North Carolina Homeowners Insurance:

North Carolina's online resource for NC Home Insurance. Whether you want to find about the standard NC Homeowners Insurance Forms, the standard NC Homeowners Insurance Coverages, the optional NC Homeowners Insurance Endorsements, or simply obtain a NC Home Insurance Quote.. you've come to the right place!

North Carolina Homeowner's Insurance is one of the most important types of insurance policies available. More than likely, your home is the largest investment you will ever make in your life. Finding and obtaining the right NC Homeowners Insurance Coverage is important. The fact is, you have numerous choices when deciding exactly how to protect your home. If you don't own a home, you still need some of the same protections as those who do. For those of you who rent, what would happen if all of your personal belongings were lost in a fire? This section of Marshall Insurance will help both the homeowner and the renter decide which NC Homeowners Insurance will best protect their respective investments.  We will detail the common "Homeowner Forms" available in North Carolina as well as some of the additional endorsements available.

View the Homeowners Form Chart Here

Charlotte NC Homeowners Rates Set to Rise 8.4% in 2013

NC State regulators and homeowners insurance companies reached a settlement that will allow overall statewide homeowners rates to increase an average of 7 percent beginning July 1, 2013. 

“It was better to settle at where we did than to take the risk that a hearing would have led to much different and costly results,” said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

Under the settlement, rates will increase by as little as 1 percent in some areas of the state, and as much as 19.8 percent in some beachfront areas of coastal counties. The industry had requested an average rate increase of 17.7 percent back in October that ranged from a high of 30 percent in parts of coastal counties to a low of 1.2 percent. 

Under the settlement announced Tuesday, rates in Durham and Raleigh will increase 2.8 percent, well below the 11.8 percent requested by the industry. Rates in Charlotte will increase 8.4 percent, just below the 8.5 percent filed in the rate request.

The largest rate increase – 19.8 percent – will be in the beach areas of Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. The beach areas of Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties also will see an increase of 17 percent. The areas farther inland in those coastal counties will see much smaller increases.

The settlement eliminates the need for a June hearing where the companies and Insurance Department staffers were scheduled to present arguments for and against the industry's October increase request.   Read more here

It's time to Spring Forward NC!

Don't forget to change your batteries in your smoke detectors!

Should You Make a Claim on Your NC Homeowner’s Insurance?

In the wake of one of the worst storms in centuries, many homeowners may be shocked to learn filing a claim on their insurance may actually hurt them over time.

Paying for the repairs out of pocket should be weighed against filing a claim. Too many claims in one year will send a red flag to your insurance company causing them concern and possibly canceling your policy. 

 

Every time a claim is made or even inquired about it goes into an industry database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE. This information is available to most insurance companies, making it harder for the consumer to obtain insurance from another company after being dropped.

Under federal law, you can get one free copy of your report every 12 months at ChoiceTrust. You can also look at claims made on specific properties. If you are considering purchasing a home, you should check its history. For a fee, you can obtain a“Home Seller’s Disclosure Report” detailing the insurance loss history of the home you are considering. Knowing this information before your purchase can help you decide if you are making an informed decision. Too many claims on a property, can affect the rates of your homeowner’s insurance even if the claims aren’t yours.

A Word about Adjusters

You should receive the same claims adjustment whether you use an independent or the insurance company’s claims adjuster. The adjuster is a licensed professional who is trained to find the source of damage. They report to the insurance company their findings and if the claim is legitimate. If you do not agree, you can dispute your claim with your insurance company.

 

At Marshall Insurance, we are here to help you with your insurance needs. As a long standing independent insurance agency, we are committed to helping our clients in not only finding the best rates but helping in times of need.

Charlotte NC Personal Jewelry Insurance

Ah, Valentine’s Day is near, and love is in the air. Well, love and a few other things, such as chocolates, romantic dinners, candy hearts that say “Be Mine” - and, of course, jewelry. It’s exciting to receive jewelry from a loved one — or to give it as a gift. Not to mention romantic. But if you’re lucky enough to have some new jewelry in your North Carolina home this Valentine’s Day, you should take a few minutes to think about something you probably don’t find exciting or romantic: insurance.   Don’t know where to turn?  Don’t worry.

At Marshall Insurance, we think it is exciting to help our customers protect what’s most important to them — so we’re ready to help and can answer all of your questions. Things to consider when insuring jewelry: You may need to purchase additional coverage. Your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry only up to set amounts. If the cost of replacing your jewelry exceeds that limit, you will want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

You can check your policy or call us at 704-684-0082. You might want to reconsider your deductible amounts. As always, this impacts your policy premium. It’s a good idea to take a look at your deductibles whenever you make a change to your policy.

Do you need an appraisal?  You may need to have an independent appraisal if the insurance company requires it or if you don’t know the value of your jewelry. Each item should be listed with a description and value on paper.

What kind of coverage is offered?  You’ll want to determine if items are covered no matter where they are, whether they’re in North Carolina, or on an international trip, and if the policy offers full replacement cost. You also should ask if you will be required to replace your jewelry if lost or stolen, or if you can simply keep the cash settlement. Pictures can be helpful.   Lost or stolen pieces of jewelry sometimes can be recreated if the jeweler has a good photograph to work from. Also a picture of a receipt is always good for any new purchases. Is the value of your jewelry mainly sentimental? Is an item irreplaceable? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” you might consider foregoing insurance. But please, talk to us before making that decision. That’s what we’re here for.

Of course, it’s important to store your jewelry securely when it’s not in use; a safe in your home or a safe-deposit box is best. We want your jewelry to be replaced if it’s lost or stolen, but we’d rather your sentimental and valuable pieces stay with you and your family for years to come. Here’s hoping your 2013 Valentine’s Day is full of fun and romance. And if there’s no jewelry involved, well, there’s always next year!

Contact Us!   For further questions and assistance, please contact Marshall Insurance at 704-684-0082, e-mail gary@marshallins.net or fill out our contact form.

It Pays to Bundle Your North Carolina Insurance

National Insurance Companies are beginning to ‘strongly encourage’ North Carolina customers to bundle their insurance needs, or face the possibility that they may be dropped. Most insurance companies are no longer writing just homeowners policies in North Carolina. To entice NC homeowners into purchasing policies, rates have been decreasing for years.

The losses suffered by insurance companies for these discounts has hit an all time high. To combat the losses, insurance companies are increasing their rates or getting rid of discounts. Even though there is that possibility that bundling may be a requirement in the future, there are many reasons it pays to do it.

1. Cost savings. Often you will find reduced premiums when you bundle, up to 30% for most people. Insurance companies offer a discounted rate for automobile insurance when you allow them to insure your home.

2. Efficient. You will only have to deal with one insurance company and one independent Agent. Having one independent Agent handle all of your needs is efficient.

3. Better protection and coverage. One independent Agent can make sure all of your assets are well protected. An informed Agent will be able to help you properly insure your home and automobiles.

4. Strength in numbers. Having bundled insurance will allow one independent Agent to help you if several of your assets are damaged in one incident.

5. Personal touch and understanding. Having a personal relationship with your independent Agent makes a huge difference in service. When you have a need, won’t you prefer to speak to someone who knows you and understands all of your assets? Bundling your insurance needs is easy and practical.

Contact us today at 704-684-0082 for help bundling all of your insurance needs or complete our online quote forms.

Consent to Rate Letter -North Carolina

Insurance rates in North Carolina can be confusing, especially when working with an online company. Using an independent insurance agent can help in navigating your way through these tough times in the insurance industry. As claims rise and underfunding prevails, the insurance companies are looking for new ways to increase their rates outside the scope of what is regulated by the state.

Each state is different in how it determines its rates. In North Carolina, for example, the insurance rates are set by the North Carolina Rate Bureau. The Bureau tells the insurance companies the maximum rates they can charge consumers for home and auto policies. Your insurance company can decide they want to charge you a higher rate depending on several factors. But, they can’t charge this additional rate without your consent.

Consent to Rate Letter

That’s where the “Consent to Rate” letter comes into play. If the insurance company deems you a high risk, a “Consent to Rate”letter will be mailed to you. The letter will basically ask you to give the insurance company permission to charge you rates on your policy that exceed the state maximums. When you sign and return this letter you are essentially giving the insurance company your permission to be charged rates higher than those established by your insurance commissioner. This letter can be held in your file until the insurance company deems it necessary to use.

Why the Higher Rates?

Why would your insurance company ask to charge you a higher rate? There are a few factors they consider before mailing the Consent to Rate letter. Insurance companies are singling out high risk insurers for numerous reasons:

-Your home is located in a storm area susceptible to tropical storm surges or hurricanes.

-Your insurance company deems you high risk because of numerous claims

-Some insurance companies are looking at your credit score to determine their risk in insuring you

Possible Rate Increases on the Horizon

North Carolina homeowners could see their first rate increase in four years as the state’s rating bureau demanded an average 17.7 percent increase in loss cost rates across the state. The North Carolina Rate Bureau filed for the rate increase on behalf of all property insurers. It would increase loss cost rates by 17.7 percent if approved. That figure includes a homeowners’ rate hike of 17.4 percent, a rental rate increase of 30 percent and a 29.5 percent increase in condominium coverage.

The rise of reinsurance is one of the several factors contributing to the rate increase, according to Rate Bureau General Manager Ray Evans. “The cost of reinsurance has increased by 65 percent since the last filing in 2008 and it is a challenge to fine adequate reinsurance,” said Evans. Evans also reasoned that insurers’ claims costs have risen due to the massive number of claims filed and severity of claims.

Recently, some consumer groups have spoken out against the proposed rate increases. The Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE), a consumer group representing the state’s coastal area, is against the proposed rate, claiming it unfairly penalizes coastal policyholders. BASE Governmental Affairs Director Tyler Newman argued that the disparity between rates in the inland counties and coastal counties is unwarranted.

For example, under the current filing, a home valued at $75,000 in the inland areas will see its premiums increase by as little as 1.2 percent, from $364 to $369. In the coastal areas, that increase is projected to be as high as 30 percent, adding more than $300 in additional cost for the same policy.

“It is the disparity of costs that is so disconcerting,” said Newman. “Everyone should pay the same for the same perils.”

The new rate filing is the first since lawmakers earlier this year took steps to improving the ratemaking process by giving policyholders more input. Under the law, the property insurance rate filing is open to the public, which will have 30 days to submit comments. Previously, the public was only allowed to make public comments in the event the insurance commissioner decided to hold a public hearing.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance released a statement saying that in addition to accepting written comments, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is planning to hold a public comment session on October 17. “This gives citizens a voice they haven’t had before,” said Newman,

In the event that Goodwin and the rate bureau cannot agree on a final rate, a public hearing will be held that will offer North Carolina residents another chance to voice their concerns. Under the new law, Goodwin will have the final say on rates as long as they don’t fall below existing rates and above what the industry is requesting.

Fire Safety and Prevention: Home Safety Tips

Fires are the leading cause of home injuries and death. Does your family have a plan if a fire started in your home?

Fire Safety
The best way to practice fire safety is to make sure one doesn’t break out in the first place. This means being aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Check all electrical appliances, cords and outlets. Make sure they are all in working condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs.
• Use caution with portable heaters. Never place one where a child or pet could accidentally knock it over, and keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects.
• Be careful in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Always practice safe cooking habits, such as turning pot handles to avoid being knocked over, and supervising children while cooking.
• Check the fireplace. It should be kept clean and covered with a screen to keep sparks contained. Burn only wood in a home fireplace and never leave a fire burning unattended.
• Beware of cigarettes. They are the number one cause of fire deaths in the U.S. Most are started when ashes or butts fall into couches or chairs, so use caution if you smoke in your home.
• Use candles safely. Keep them out of the reach of children, away from curtains and furniture, and extinguish them before you leave the room. Do not allow children to use candles when unsupervised by an adult.
• Be aware of holiday dangers. If you use a cut Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered daily, and inspect all lights yearly for worn or frayed cords.

Fire Prevention
Make your home fire safe by following these tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Use the smoke alarm’s test button to check it every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Have at least one working fire extinguisher in your home.
• Plan escape routes by determining at least two ways to escape from every room.
• Caution everyone to stay low to the floor while escaping and never open doors that are hot.
• Select a safe location outside your home where everyone should meet, and practice your escape plan at least twice a year so everyone knows it well.

North Carolina Insurance- Auto, Home & Life

If you're a North Carolina resident looking for insurance, you're in the right place.  We've compiled all the info you need to help you find home, auto, business and life insurance right here on this page. We recommend you read it over, visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance website and let us help you find the coverage you need today!

Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance protects you from monetary loss in the event of a car accident. Your insurance policy acts as a contract between you and your insurance company which says that in exchange for paying the premiums, your insurer will compensate you for any losses you suffer—as outlined in your policy.

The North Carolina Financial Responsibility Law requires all motorists to carry liability coverage, including the following:
◦$30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
◦$60,000 in bodily injury coverage for all persons involved in an accident
◦$25,000 in coverage for property damage
>> But these minimum requirements may not be enough to cover damages in the event of an accident.

Before purchasing insurance for your automobile, you will want to ask yourself:
◦How much property can I afford to lose if it is stolen or damaged?
◦How much would it cost to replace those items?
◦If I am sued by someone who was hurt because of my misconduct, could I pay my legal costs? How could I afford the damage awards to the victim?
Your answers to these questions will affect the amount of coverage you choose to buy.

When you set out to find the right insurance policy, your agent will consider these factors when determining your premiums:

◦Your Driving Record: Your driving record is the largest factor in determining your auto insurance premium. North Carolina assigns points to motorists with convictions or at-fault accidents, which ultimately increase rates.
◦Where You Live: Your location also plays a part in determining your rates. Living in an urban area increases the risk of accident or theft and may boost your rate, whereas living in a rural area will decrease these risks.
◦Type of Automobile: Insurers must estimate the likelihood of theft and cost to repair or replace your vehicle when determining your rates. The style of your vehicle may also increase your premium: sports cars are likely to warrant higher premiums than mini vans. ◦Mileage: Motorists driving greater distances (to work, for instance) are at greater risk for accident, and therefore may receive higher premiums.

Homeowners Insurance

Your home insurance policy protects your home from damage incurred in the course of living. In addition, it protects you from financial duress by paying for any bodily injury or property damage for which you are liable. In case of a claim against you, your insurer will act on your behalf by negotiating a settlement, defending you in court and paying any judgments against you. If you finance your home, the bank may require you to insure it for at least the amount of your home loan. However, most NC insurance policies require coverage of at least 80 percent of the home's replacement value.

Many types of homeowners policies are available, so examine offerings closely to determine which policy type best suits your needs. Most companies in this state offer the following types of coverage:
◦Special Form (HO-3)—covers a single-family dwelling or townhouse against all risks except those specifically excluded.
◦Homeowners Contents Broad Form (HO-4) —provides coverage for a renter's personal property, but not the building itself.
◦Homeowners Unit-Owner's Form (HO-6) —covers a condominium owner's personal property, as well as any portion of the building he or she owns.
◦Homeowners Modified Coverage Form (HO-8) —insures the structure of an older home based on actual cash value.

North Carolina homeowners insurance premiums can vary greatly.  Several factors influence how much your premium costs you. These include: ◦Type of construction: Your home's ability to withstand or minimize loss has an impact on your premium. In addition, frame houses usually cost more to insure than brick houses. ◦Age of your home: New homes may qualify for discounts. Some companies are hesitant to insure very old homes. ◦Location: Urban areas have higher crime rates than rural areas, and rural areas tend to have fewer resources for fire protection. Both of these issues can affect your premium. ◦Deductibles: The higher your deductible, or the amount you pay before the insurance company begins paying, the lower your premium. ◦Amount of coverage: The amount of home insurance you purchase helps determine premium rates. ◦Additional coverage: Any extra coverage or additional coverage types you add beyond required state minimums raises your premium.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a substantial investment in the lives of both you and your loved ones. Cost can be significant—but benefits can be crucial. Selecting the life insurance policy best suited to your needs requires four steps: deciding how much life insurance you need; how much you can afford to pay; the type of policy providing you the broadest, most-needed coverage; and the amounts various life insurance companies charge for that type of policy.

Life insurance is available in your state in three basic types:

◦Term life: Purchased for a specific time period. Benefits are paid only if you die while the policy is in effect. Generally cheaper than whole life insurance, and usually more practical for those who need a large amount of coverage. Premiums may change each time the policy is renewed. May be "convertible" to a whole life policy. Provides the most death protection for your money.
◦Whole life: Provides lifetime coverage and accumulates cash value over time. Premium rates remain stable as long as the policy is in effect. Can cost significantly more than term insurance.
◦Endowment: Pays you a predetermined sum of money if you live to a certain age. (If you die before then, the death benefit is paid to your beneficiary.) Cost is higher than for comparable amounts of whole life insurance. Provides the least amount of death protection for your dollar.

We can explain these characteristics further and help you determine which type of life insurance is appropriate for you. Meanwhile, follow these guidelines to ensure a comfortable purchasing experience and to best maintain your new life insurance policy:

North Carolina Flood Insurance

North Carolina Flood Insurance provides protection for destruction and financial devastation caused by floods in the greater Charlotte, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, and Mooresville, NC area. Although it may not seem like much even a few inches of water can cause serious damage; resulting in thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs.

Did you know that North Carolina home insurance does not cover floods?  Purchasing a NC flood insurance policy through Marshall Insurance can protect you. Although it may not seem as necessary as homeowners insurance, flood insurance is important if you want to keep your home safe and your possessions secure.

Flood coverage offers protection against losses that result from heavy and lengthy rain falls, storm surges, blocked storm drainage systems, snow melts, etc.

Different types of policies are available based on your property’s location and flood history:

• Standard NC Flood Insurance Policies- If you live in a community that participates in the NFIP, your building and its contents can be covered by a standard flood insurance policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established by the Federal Government to help communities who “voluntarily participate in the NFIP by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.” To be considered a flood, the waters must cover at least two acres or affect at least two properties. You must apply for building coverage and contents coverage separately if you choose to invest in a standard flood insurance policy.

• Preferred Risk Flood Insurance Policies- If your home or business is in a low or moderate risk zone, your building may qualify for a low-cost preferred risk policy. While you aren't required to purchase flood insurance in low-to-moderate risk areas, a preferred risk policy will protect your home and its contents if you are affected by a small flood or a larger flood that has extended into your low-risk area. In truth, many flood insurance claims occur in low-to-moderate risk areas.

Don't wait until it's too late. Contacting Marshall Insurance today will get you on the path to flood protection with an affordable and comprehensive NC flood insurance policy.

Link:  NC Floodplain Mapping Program

Insurance and Your Dog

Dog bites are no fun, especially if it was your dog that did the biting. You can be faced with a lawsuit and will need to defend your dog even if the bite was due to someone provoking your dog. Do you have insurance coverage for it? In a lot of cases, your homeowners insurance should cover damages like that. But there are some cases when it might not.

There are some breeds of dogs that are considered more aggressive and dangerous than other breeds in the insurance world. If you own a dog, it is important that you know if he will be covered or not if he bites someone. It is hard to defend a dog that falls into the aggressive category, so a lot of insurance companies have decided to consider them a higher risk. You may need to have increased limits of liability on your homeowners policy if you own a dog that is on the list.

The list is quite extensive and contains about 75 different breeds including Rottweilers, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes and American Bulldogs.  Talk with us to see if your carrier follows the list when determining what type of insurance we can offer you. Your current homeowners insurance may not be enough to protect you if your dog decides to bite someone – even if it was in defense of you, himself, or the household.

If you never mentioned your dog to us before, you will want to do it now. You don’t want to find out later that you will not be covered under your policy if something goes wrong. If your current policy isn’t enough, find out how to get more. Protect your dog and your finances by having the right insurance policy.   

5 Reasons You Should Get a Home Security System

You’ve been thinking about a home security system for some time, but you haven’t decided whether to make the commitment. On the one hand, you’d love the peace of mind it will provide. On the other, it could put a serious dent in your budget.

That said, it’s time to take a fresh look at some reasons you might want to install a system and pay the monthly monitoring fees. There’s also a reason why your system might end up costing you less than you might think.

Consider the following:

You can’t ignore the statistics

According to the FBI, a break-in occurs every 15 seconds in the U.S. The average loss from those incidents was $ 2,185. Those numbers could catch up with you sooner or later. A home security system will make it harder for criminals because the proper authorities will be notified at the first sign of an incident at your home. In the case of a home invasion, it is vital that you get help in a hurry.
But there’s another factor, too. Just having a security system sign in your yard and decals on your window, in many cases, will send criminals looking for the next house. They much prefer easy prey to a home with a security system.

What if criminals strike anyway?

There are two ways a security system can pay off in case burglars accept the challenge and break into your home. If your system has video surveillance, you’ll collect evidence that can be used by law enforcement agents to identify – and prosecute – the people that ransack your home and take your stuff.

The other way having a home security system can help is that some security providers have offers in which they will pay at least part of your deductible for your home insurance claim if your house is burglarized while the system is armed.

Systems don’t just prevent break-ins

Security systems don’t just protect you from break-ins. Many also have options to include sensors that detect smoke, carbon monoxide and other problems. Early warning of a fire can greatly reduce the damage you could suffer from a blaze. The carbon monoxide sensors can detect a menace that can affect your health with little or no warning. Many systems also have medical alert capacity in case you or an older relative suffers a problem.

Forget the creepiness factor

OK, this might seem a little Big Brother-like at first. But some security systems also allow you to monitor the comings and goings of people in your household. You’ll know when your ‘tween gets home from school. You can also tell when your teenager really got home on Friday night. All creepiness aside, this is important information for a parent.

A system can save you money

You’re convinced now that you need a system, but there is still the matter of the expense. However, buying a home security system actually could save you money elsewhere in your budget. Home insurance providers typically offer discounts for policyholders with monitored security systems. Will it offset the total cost of the system? No. But it will cut the price down enough that it could make a system fit within your price range.

Peace of mind is hard to quantify. But be sure to consider the question of buying a home security system from a number of perspectives before ruling it out.

Insurance Guide for Older Homes

Owning an older home can be a dream for many people. These homes were built in prime locations, contain larger rooms than many newer homes, and have loads of charm. But people who own homes 50 or 100 years old or more may find themselves running up against some nightmares with insurance that they didn’t bargain for when they fell in love with the house.

The majority of mortgage lenders require home owners to have home insurance as a condition of their mortgage, but older homes have many problems that make them a bigger risk to insure. Many times, elements of the house may be so worn out that insurance companies will refuse to insure the house without some repairs or replacements.
“Depending on the age of a home, most insurance company require the parts of the home to be updated,” says Brian Boak, an underwriter who has worked in personal insurance for 25 years and works for Singer Nelson Charlmers. “Depending on the company, if these are not updated, they may not insure the location due to the additional risk.”

Even if insurance companies don’t outright refuse to cover your home, insurance premiums for older homes can shoot through that outdated roof. With an older home comes an increased chance for damages caused by parts not functioning properly, and insurance companies don’t take on these risks without charging you more.

Replacement costs for homes that are considered antique or historic are also higher since specialized materials and labor are required to restore the home to historical accuracy.
A home inspection can help reveal the age of components of your home, whether you’ve just put in an offer or have lived in your home for years. Many insurers will perform their own inspections to determine if the home is insurable, particularly if the house has a high replacement cost.

“Some companies rely on their agent to provide the replacement cost; some companies hire an outside inspection service to do either an exterior inspection or a full interior inspection. Some companies do the inspections themselves,” Boak says. “The higher the replacement cost the more likely (and desired) that you will get a comprehensive inspection inside and out.”

Biggest problems for insuring older homes

Older homes across the country face many of the same problems that scare insurers away. Inspectors will be looking for these issues and fixing them will likely bring your premium down significantly.

• The roof: Roofs typically have a life expectancy of about 25 years, according to Boak, so if you have a roof older than that, your chance of a leak is greater. And with water damage being so serious, old roofs can be a sign to insurers that your premium should be raised.
• The electrical system: Most older homes were originally outfitted with small circuit breaker boxes. This combined with old fuses and old wiring can become a problem when faced with the demands of today’s home, Boak says. Air conditioning, electric heat, microwaves, and electric ovens and stoves weren’t used when the home was built, so the extra workload on the electrical system can increase the chance of a fire.
• The plumbing system: Besides plumbing problems being unpleasant to live with, they can also cause leaks and water damage. The invasive nature of repairing water damage makes old plumbing systems costly to insure.

Finding the right policy

If you care about preserving the original features of your home, you’ll want to make sure your policy will pay for the materials that are no longer standard.

Lath and plaster: Older homes often had walls of lath and plaster instead of sheetrock. “Depending on your insurance company they may not pay to replace your lath and plaster walls as they may say that sheetrock is equivalent (and less expensive for them),” Boak says. “Lath and plaster is much more expensive and if you want to keep your old home accurate, you want lath and plaster. Ask your broker what your company will do.”

Lumber measurements: Another consideration to make is your home’s lumber. Today, two-by-fours are actually only 1.5 by 3.5. If you have an old home with “full dimensional” lumber, Boak says, many insurance companies may want to replace it with the cheaper “equivalent,” but you’ll want the original dimensions if you’re trying to preserve the home’s accuracy.

Other added costs to consider are custom molding, solid core doors, and trim that must be custom-made. Anyone with a historic home should make sure they find a company who will insure them for the full replacement value for original features. “You want to make sure you have a true guaranteed replacement cost,” Boak says. “Many companies have replacement cost but it is capped at 20% or 25% above the insured value. You want a company that will rebuild the home exactly how it was with all the quality you had, regardless of the cost.”
Watch out for any cash value policies. These will only pay for what’s damaged including depreciation, so you could be covered for much, much less than you need or even realized with one of these policies.

Buying an old home

So what do you do if you’re house hunting and have fallen in love with an old house? Don’t rush into anything!

Call us before closing on your mortgage. By giving yourself and us time to shop around for home insurance before closing, we can work together to see what you can reasonably expect to pay in premiums, find the best prices, and maybe even stumble on some discounts. You may find that the replacement cost is going to be significantly higher than what you’re paying for the house and that the house isn’t affordable for you because of insurance costs.

Getting quotes from insurance companies will probably also help you find the problems with the house. If you find a few small problems during an inspection, you can budget for it. And if you discover that the whole electrical system and plumbing system need to be replaced, you can walk away.

If you do decide to go ahead with buying a house that needs repairs to make it insurable or bring down your premiums, consider asking the current owner to make the fixes. “If items are old and you are buying the home, you would either want to have the current owner discount the price of the home or update the items for these improvements you will need to make ,” Boak says. “Or expect to add that cost into your budget.”

Tips for home owners

If you already own an old house, you may worry about your insurer raising your premiums significantly or even dropping your coverage altogether. Many insurance companies change the status of your coverage if you file a big claim or several claims in a row. So if your roof gives out and you file a claim, you could be hurting your chances of continuing to be insured.

To avoid this problem, it’s best to try to stay ahead of all repairs and updates if you can. They can certainly be costly, so keep an eye out for warning signs of problems so you can choose what absolutely needs to be fixed first.

Roof: Roofs really aren’t made to last more than 20 or 25 years, but even younger roofs might need replacing. Check for several shingles lifting up, broken, or gone, and then go into your attic to see if you can see any pinholes of light or new water stains.
Electrical system: Look out for flickering lights when you turn on an appliance, switches and plates that are hot to the touch, two-prong outlets, burning plastic smell at switches and outlets, and improper fuses.
Plumbing system: Check out any exposed pipe in your house and look for discoloration, dimpling, stains, and flaking, which could mean your pipes are corroding. It’s a good idea to also look at the color of your water, especially after it’s been sitting in the pipes for a while — try filling your bathtub after a vacation. If it’s brown or yellow, there is probably rust in your pipes.

Old homes can be beautiful investments if you’re prepared to take care of them and keep them up to modern safety standards. If you don’t have the time and money to dedicate to updating your systems, you could find yourself buried under insurance premiums that may cost as much as the repairs in the long run.

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Phone: 704-684-0082

E-mail:  gary@marshallins.net

Website:  http://www.marshallins.net

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