Whether you are purchasing insurance to cover a newly purchased home or reassessing and replacing the insurance coverage on an established North Carolina residence, an understanding of what is covered by your insurance policy can help you select your coverage and later claim your benefits if needed. North Carolina homeowners insurance policies are considered multi-peril policies that can be personalized to each homeowner’s needs. Basic policies cover damages that may occur to homes resulting from fire, vandalism, theft and other specified events. They also cover liability in the case of people getting injured on the homeowners’ properties under certain conditions.

Building and Liability Coverage

Dwelling coverage offers protection for your home and attached structures. Other structures may also be covered but are usually covered for a significantly lower amount than the primary residence unless you choose to pay a higher premium for fuller coverage. In general, personal property is covered under homeowners insurance – with a dollar limit and a restriction of only partial retribution on items that are particularly susceptible to damage. If your home becomes so damaged that conditions are unlivable, loss of use coverage can help you with living expenses incurred due to the damage. Finally, if homeowners or residents are held liable for people getting injured on their properties, homeowners insurance can cover the damages as deemed suitable under policy terms.

Supplemental Coverage Based on Your Risks and Assets

Some severe weather conditions and natural disasters are not included under basic homeowners insurance policies. Your home may be at risk for losses related to flooding, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides or other potentially damaging occurrences. A local independent agent can help you explore the risks associated with living in Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Durham, Chapel Hill and other North Carolina cities, so you can determine if purchasing supplemental coverage for your home is an appropriate choice for you.

The level of risk of theft occurring plus the property damage that results from homes being broken into can cause insurance rates to be high. Following these tips to prevent theft occurring at your Burlington, North Carolina, residence can protect your property and have the added benefit of lowering your insurance costs.

One way to reduce your risk of theft, which is commonly recognized by insurance providers as qualifying you for a reduced rate, is by installing a home alarm system. Consult your local independent agent to help you identify the insurance providers in your area that recognize alarms as items that significantly reduce your risk and therefore offer you a lower rate for having one in your home.

An alarm system can act as a theft deterrent, particularly when your system is public knowledge. An alarm can notify the authorities in case of a break-in, but it could also go far towards preventing thefts from happening in the first place. You may have noticed that some residences and businesses posts signs or display stickers that indicate that their building is protected by an alarm system. This can make their buildings appear much less welcoming to potential thieves. Ask your alarm company for signs or stickers and display them on your property to help prevent thieves from targeting your home in the first place.

By letting everyone know that you have a home alarm system protecting your Burlington, North Carolina, home, you create the appearance that your home is protected. Follow through by setting your alarm. And even if you don’t always set your alarm, keep up the appearance that you do. If you mention that you never set your alarm, word could get around and make robbing your home tempting to a would-be thief after all. Keep your home safe from theft by installing an alarm and creating the impression that your home is secure. Keeping valuable items out of sight and closing doors, windows and gates when not in use can also help keep your property safe.