Category: Home Insurance

Credit scores are used by most home insurers to determine the risk of insuring a home. If your credit score is low, you might have to pay higher premiums or even be denied coverage altogether. Your credit score is determined by a number of factors, such as how long you’ve had credit, and how difficult it is to obtain credit from various sources. 

If you want to better your credit score, you should make it a priority to reimburse your bills on time and maintain a low balance on any credit cards you have. Reducing hard inquiries on your report can also help. For expert advice, consult with Magic City Insurance Group LLC in Birmingham, AL.

Credit Scores’ Affect On Home Insurance Rates

You’re probably wondering how one piece of data can have such a large impact on your financial future. Well, it’s true — your credit score is the most important factor when it comes to getting a good deal on your home insurance. The average US homeowner has a credit score of around 640, which puts them in the “low-risk” category. 

Homeowners in this category have the best chance of getting the lowest rates when they are looking to renew their home insurance. Keep your credit utilization low by closing open accounts, and keeping your credit utilization below 30%. Be careful with new applications, as they may report your old credit history. And finally, keep your credit active. 

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Credit scores are used by insurance companies to determine your risk and how much you should pay for a policy. If you have a higher credit score, then you’re considered less of a risk to the insurance company and can expect to pay less for your home insurance premiums. If your credit score is low, your rates will also be higher because the insurance company sees you as a risk. For inquiries in Birmingham, AL, give us a call at Magic City Insurance Group LLC.

Owning a home is a huge responsibility. So many things can go wrong that could damage your home. It is vital that you read your home insurance policy. Some things are excluded from coverage. Once you know what the exclusions are you can have an alternative plan for coverage. At Magic City Insurance Group LLC in Birmingham, AL, we strive to educate and make sure our customers have the coverage they need. 

Sewer backup

As disgusting as it is to think about what a mess a sewer backup could cause, it is even worse to consider that mess not being covered by home insurance. If it makes you uneasy, you can get an endorsement that will cover you in the event it happens. 

Earth movement

Feeling the earth move under your feet? Not a good thing when it comes to home insurance. Almost all earth movements are not covered by traditional home insurance. That includes earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and sinkholes. However, if you feel that you are in danger of this happening, you can get a separate policy to cover whichever one might be a danger to you. 

Flooding

Flooding is probably what shocks most people when it isn’t covered by home insurance. By flooding, it means surface water. If one of your pipes breaks in the house, that will be covered by your policy. But the water from the ocean, a stream, or a river will not. You can, however, purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Owner neglect

As the owner, you are expected to maintain your home. This includes termites and mold, replacing your roof as needed, and any other maintenance that needs to be done. Damage that results from neglect won’t be covered. 

Contact Magic City Insurance Group LLC in Birmingham, AL when you are in the market for home insurance. 

A home inventory is one of those things that you don’t realize you need until it is too late. When you file a claim on your home insurance after a loss, depending on the type of loss, you may need to provide the insurance company with a list of what was lost. When you have just been traumatized by the damage, it is hard to even imagine what you had previous to the peril happening. At Magic City Insurance Group LLC in Birmingham, AL, we want to make sure that you understand why you need to have a home inventory. 

A home inventory is a list of all the contents of your home. It can be created in a variety of ways, but no matter what way you choose, it needs to be detailed and comprehensive. You can start with a pad and pencil, but be sure to have a way to take pictures of every room. 

Inventory one room at a time. List the obvious things you can see. In the case of electronics or appliances, give the brand, model, and serial number if available. Attach any sales slips or invoices that you have to back up the details. Open drawers, closets, and cabinets. Go through every room in your home and don’t forget the basement and attic. You should also include the garage and a shed if you have one, 

Take pictures of every room from different angles to include as much detail as possible. Once everything is complete, the inventory needs to be placed somewhere safe, preferably not in the home. If you have a safe deposit box that is good or in the Cloud. You need the inventory to be available if you need it. 

In Birmingham, AL, contact Magic City Insurance Group LLC when you need an independent insurance agent.