Do I Need Separate Insurance for My Backyard Shed?

If you’re planning to buy a shed or build one yourself, you’ll have to think about many things. You’ll need to decide where to build it, how much space it will take up, and what materials you’ll use. You might even want to add extra features, like a window or a door. But no matter how much research you do, one thing might be on your mind: what happens if your shed is damaged or destroyed?

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we’re here to help you protect your home and belongings, including your shed. If you have a shed on your property in Lynnwood, WA, read more to learn how we can help you protect it.

Understanding "Other Structures" Coverage

You might already know that your homeowner’s policy covers your home and the things inside it. But did you know that it also covers other structures on your property?

Most homeowner’s policies have an ‘other structures’ coverage covering the costs of repairing damage to structures other than your home. These can include fences, detached garages, and, yes, sheds.

This vital coverage protects your other structures from the perils affecting your home. For example, if a fire damages your shed, the insurer will pay to repair or replace it as if your home was damaged.

Other structures’ coverage limit is about 10% of your home’s dwelling coverage. However, this coverage can be higher or lower depending on the policy. You can find out more about this coverage by contacting your local Lynnwood, WA, insurance agent. Contact Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. today.

How to Get the Best out of Your Home Insurance Policy

How can you make the most of your home insurance? A few tweaks here and there can help you harness the power of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA, we are dedicated to educating our clients on insurance matters to ensure they make informed decisions when investing in insurance. Today, let’s help you get the best bang for your bucks regarding home insurance.

Know what your home insurance covers

You can’t get the best out of your policy if you don’t know what it covers. Typical home insurance covers the following areas:

  • Liability protection
  • Dwelling protection
  • Contents coverage
  • Loss of use

Please refer to your fine print or clarify with your insurance agent about the specific risks covered by your policy for better clarity.

Know your home insurance exclusions

It is essential to know what your home insurance covers. It’s also important to understand what your policy excludes. This way, your claim insurance will be smooth. Plus, it helps to understand “add-ons” you should consider to boost your home insurance. Typical home insurance doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, intentional damage, sewer backup, or normal wear and tear.

Review your home insurance policy periodically.

You should review your home insurance at least once every year. This ensures that your current needs are well-covered in your policy. However, sometimes you don’t have to wait for a year to lapse to sit with your insurance agent. If the below happens, talk to your insurer ASAP to adjust your policy:

  • Inclusion of a pet
  • Significant renovations
  • Changes in local building costs
  • Inclusion of a swimming pool or trampoline
  • Starting a home-based business

Were you looking for a trusted insurance agent in Lynnwood, WA? You can’t go wrong with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. Get in touch with us today to get the conversation started.

What Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover?

The truth is that it can be overwhelming when you are shopping for homeowners’ insurance. There are many different plans, all with their own prices. They all cover different things, for different amounts. 

That being said, most standard homeowners’ insurance will cover the same thing. These include: 

Damage due to fire and smoke. They will cover any damage to your home if you have a fire in your home. Even if you have smoke damage, they should cover that too. Some plans even cover damage due to wildfires. 

Damage from storms. Most plans cover storm damage, whether it is caused by severe thunderstorms, snow, or even ice storms. They will cover any damage caused by lightning, wind, or even hail. 

Damage to your roofs. Though a leaky roof doesn’t sound too bad, the truth is that it can cause substantial water damage. You may even find yourself dealing with mold and other unsafe living conditions. 

Plumbing issues. Most homeowners insurance will cover anything to do with plumbing. The most commonly cover issues that occur from frozen pipes. 

Electrical problems and power surges. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover electrical problems and power surges.

Damage caused by other people. Homeowners’ insurance policies often cover theft and vandalism. It will also help you replace your possessions if someone steals some of your things. Many plans will also cover damage that may occur due to riots or vandalism. 

It will also cover any liabilities. If someone gets injured on your property, you may be held liable. Your policy will cover any medical bills, as well as any legal fees if you are sued. 

If you want to make sure that you have the best policy, don’t hesitate to contact us at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc in Lynnwood, WA. 

Who should get home insurance in Washington?

Those that are in the Lynnwood, WA area are going to find that owning a home is a good long-term housing option. With owning a home, you are going to have a stable place to live and can enjoy the long-term advantages that come with property ownership. Along with buying a home, you also need to choose the right insurance plan. There are a few situations in which someone should get home insurance.

Intent to Comply with Requirements

The first situation in which someone will want to get a home insurance plan will come when they want to comply with insurance requirements. It is very common to finance a purchase of a home with a mortgage. If this is how you financed your home purchase, you will undoubtedly need to get an insurance plan for it to comply with your lender’s requirements. In many cases, they will require that you have your payments escrowed each month. 

Obtain Coverage for Assets

You also should get this coverage to ensure your assets are protected. When you buy a home, you will be making a major investment that you will want to enjoy for a long time. The best way you can do this is by getting a home insurance plan as it will offer you support if you incur a loss due to a fire, bad weather, or other challenging situation. This plan can also include a coverage provision for your personal assets.

As you are looking to get coverage in the Lynnwood, WA area, it would be helpful to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. The team with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc understands the complexities that come with home insurance. They can offer the support you need to build a plan and maintain proper coverage moving forward. 

Is home insurance needed in Lynwood?

Anyone that is in the Lynnwood, WA area will find that this can be a great place to put down roots and buy a home. As you are assessing your home purchase decision, you will always want to ensure that you have the right coverage in place. A great form of coverage that you could need for your property is home insurance. This type of protection could be needed for several reasons.

Coverage Protects Your Asset

A primary reason to get a home coverage plan in this area is so you can protect your asset. If you want to purchase a home, you can find that there are several risks that could lead to a loss including fire, vandalism, or other forms of accidents. With a home insurance plan, you will get the coverage needed to offset this risk.

Coverage is a Requirement

People also will need to have this coverage as it will likely be a requirement. Anyone that is going to purchase a home will consider taking out a mortgage. If you do finance your property, your mortgage lender will require that you carry proper insurance throughout the loan term. To stay in compliance with your loan agreement, you will need to continue to carry this coverage until the loan is repaid. 

Those that are looking to build long-term equity and have a consistent place to call home should consider buying their next home. As you are looking for a home in Lynnwood, WA, you should make sure you also get a good insurance plan. To ensure you choose the best plan for your situation, it would be wise for you to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. Those that work with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can get the support they need to choose an ideal policy. 

What to Look For in a Great Home Insurance Policy

Owning a good home in Lynnwood, WA is a dream of every person — after all, it’s a gateway to short-term and long-term financial success. Short-term, it unburdens you from incurring monthly rents, and long-term, it creates an “equity nest egg.” 

Since your home is a significant investment, it’s advisable to guard it against unpredicted perils by purchasing a home insurance policy. Whereas Washington does not require home insurance, this coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that your assets are as safe as you are. 

With this in mind, you may wonder what it takes to find the best home insurance policy. If this is your case, here is a brief guide by Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. 

Thinks About Your Home Contents

Before seeking a home insurance policy, you should evaluate the value of the contents of your new home. Avoid underestimating the value, as this can cause you to suffer financially when making claims. 

Check Claim History

You want to be 100% sure that the insurance company in question will settle your claims in case of perils. The best way to confirm this is by checking their claims history – it will give you a clue of what to expect.

Financial Strength of the Insuring Company

Don’t forget to consider the financial background of the insurance company in question. A company that’s likely to face financial constraints will probably cause you more suffering when making claims. 

Be Sure of the Details you Provide

Most insurance companies will require you to provide the correct details regarding the various aspects of your home when looking for insurance cover. Be sure to answer every question correctly, as wrong answers may see your claims being dishonored.

Buy home insurance in Lynnwood, WA today!

Unpredicted disasters like fire, hurricanes, lightning, and many others can cause extensive damages to your newly owned properties. However, with an excellent home insurance policy, you will get compensation for such damages. Don’t wait until it’s late — seek your home insurance policy by contacting Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. while you still have time. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Sinkholes?

In some states, home insurance providers may be required to cover "catastrophic ground collapse." But this isn’t the case in Lynnwood, WA.

In Washington, insurance companies generally will not cover your home in the event of sinkhole damage because the policy is written to cover the cost of rebuilding the home. With no land on which to build, that’s easier said than done.

You can have sinkhole protection added to your home insurance policy in any state. But it is worth considering whether that’s worth the effort and the cost.

If you live in a beach home, sinkhole protection might make sense. In Lynnwood WA, we do see sinkholes from time to time, but chances are they’re not a major threat on your property. We did see a rash of sinkholes opening up across Seattle some years ago, but for Washington residents, sinkholes simply aren’t as prevalent a problem as they are in, say, Florida or Texas.

Even so, if it’s a concern, it’s worth talking to your insurer about. We don’t exactly expect anything that’s covered to happen. We don’t expect riots, we don’t expect fires. But we have to be prepared. And that’s why we buy home insurance, to make sure that we’re protected against likely and unlikely events.

If you have any questions or if you’re looking to get covered in Lynnwood, WA, get in touch with Sound Choice Insurance Inc. Whether you’re looking for complete and total coverage against all sorts of hazards, or you just want something basic in case of burglary and fire damage, Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc is the sound choice when you want a good deal on a great policy.

First Time Homeowners Guide to Home Insurance

Purchasing your first home is one of the most pivotal moments in anyone’s life, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. From having to pick a mortgage lender, to do an inspection and appraisal, to the actual closing home buying is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Luckily for you, we can make that process a little bit easier by continuing to read our first-time homeowners guide to home insurance. 

Although home insurance isn’t mandated by states, it is going to be required by your lender if you are financing the house purchase with a mortgage. If you are purchasing your home in cash, homeowners insurance is not required, but it is highly recommended to protect your investment. When comparing policies, it is important to pay attention to your deductibles. When choosing a policy, keep in mind that whatever deductible amount you select for coverages like the personal property you must pay that first before your insurance kicks in. 

Additionally, you want to select a policy that has adequate liability and personal property coverage. Liability coverage protects you if another person is injured while on your property and you are found to be liable. You’ll want to have a liability limit that covers your total assets. Conversely, if you own expensive artwork or furniture than having higher coverage for personal property will help protect these items from loss. 

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. in Lynnwood, WA our talented and friendly team of insurance experts are ready and willing to assist in helping you find the perfect homeowners insurance policy for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our team members. 

Is It Time to Shop for New Home Insurance?

Your home is likely one of your largest investments financially, and it is definitely one of your most important investments emotionally. Your house is where you and your family spend time and make precious memories. You want to do everything you can to protect your home. One of the most important ways you can protect your home is by having sufficient home insurance. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc serving Lynnwood, WA we love helping our clients make sound insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about shopping for new home insurance. 

Why Should I Shop For New Insurance?

Most people think that if they have an insurance policy in place, then why should they ever shop around for a new one? The truth is circumstances change over time, and your insurance policy may not be reflecting those changes. When your policy is not updated periodically it can cause you to be spending money on things you may no longer require, or you may find yourself underinsured. Either way, this can put your home in a vulnerable position. 

When to Shop for New Home Insurance 

Home insurance needs will change along with your home. If you have made any major improvements to your home, this will increase the value of the home. When the value of the home is increased, the amount of insurance coverage must increase as well. If changes have been made to your home or property which would increase your risks of liability, your insurance policy should be updated to reflect this as well. In order to understand all of the ways your insurance needs may have changed, it is best to sit down with an insurance representative to discuss such changes. 

If you would like to learn more about home insurance, please call our staff today at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc, serving Lynnwood, WA. 

Why do I need home insurance?

Those that live in the Lynnwood, WA area should consider purchasing a home. When you own a home here, there are a lot of long-term benefits that come along with it. While you can benefit in the long run by having home insurance, you do need to make sure that your property protected with insurance. There are several reasons why insurance could be needed. 

Needed to Protect Home

A primary reason that you will need to get home insurance is that it can protect your valuable asset. A home is a very big investment that you need to protect as well as possible. With a home insurance policy, you are going have support if your home is damaged or you are a victim of theft or vandalism. Additionally, you can receive a liability protection policy that will protect you in the event you are found liable for an accident. 

Needed to Ensure Document Compliance

You will also need to get home insurance to stay in compliance with a variety of different obligations. A full home insurance policy is going to be required if you take out a mortgage to finance the purchase of the home or if you live in a condo association. It is important that you understand the home insurance rules that you have when selecting a new policy.

Those that are shopping for a home insurance policy in the Lynnwood, WA area need to carefully consider their personal needs and options. If you are going to get a new home, it would be a good idea for you to call Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. The team at Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc can give you all of the guidance and support that you need to pick a policy that offers you the right protection.