Category: Home Insurance

Homeowners trying to get homeowner insurance are faced with a choice of whether to get homeowner insurance from a captive or independent insurance agent. There are many benefits to getting homeowner insurance from an independent agent. At Gilead Insurance Agency, servicing Michigan and Ohio, we offer all the benefits that come from working with an independent insurance agency.

1. Independent Insurance Agents Can Shop Around

An independent insurance agent offers insurance products from multiple carriers. This means independent insurance agents can shop around to find the best insurance product for their clients. 

2. You Have More Choices When You Use An Independent Insurance Agent

When you use an independent insurance agent, you can choose the best policy from several insurance products. Having choices means that you can choose an insurance product that best meets your needs. It also helps ensure that you get the most for your money. If you’re not satisfied with your homeowner insurance policy, you can always switch later. 

3. Your Independent Insurance Agent Can Act In Your Best Interest

Captive insurance agents have limited insurance products to sell. This means that when a customer comes to them for a policy, the agent will recommend what they have, even if the policy is not a perfect match for what the homeowner wants. The independent insurance agent can shop to find what is closest to the homeowner’s needs.  

Have questions about how an independent insurance agent can help you? Call Gilead Insurance Agency, servicing Ohio and Michigan. We offer insurance products from a range of carriers to meet the needs of our clients. 

Michigan owners who buy homeowners insurance will enjoy coverage for specific perils like hail damage, theft, fire, and vandalism of the property and certain contents. However, there are a few surprising things these policies cover that our Gilead Insurance Agency explains here.

Unexpected Things Covered By Home Insurance

Coverage for Injuries Caused by Animals

Most standard home insurance policies have a certain level of personal liability coverage, which helps cover medical and legal expenses should your pet injure another party. This only covers non-occupants of the home, such as a neighbor, guest, or mail carrier.

Living Expenses After Covered Losses

Anything can happen at any time that may put you out of your home until repairs are completed. Should there be significant damage due to a covered claim that requires you to find temporary accommodations, standard loss of use coverage in your policy may cover all or part of those living expenses. This may include lodging, laundry fees, and pet boarding to name a few.

Damage to Outbuildings & Outdoor Furniture

There is typically a section called “other structures coverage” in a standard home insurance policy. This covers structures that are on the property but aren’t attached to the main home. Some examples include detached guest homes and garages, fences, sheds, and mailboxes. Coverage also may include reimbursement for outdoor furnishings and other installations on decks, patios, and docks you own.

Lawsuits

If you have children who have guests over or if you entertain frequently, there is a possibility of lawsuits should an accident occur on your property to a non-resident. Key contributors to such incidents include having high-risk installations like a sauna, hot tub, or trampoline. Your policy’s liability coverage can step in should you be found liable and can cover legal expenses and any payments to others ordered by a judgment.

Need More Info? 

Whether you need homeowners insurance or just want us to review your coverage, contact Gilead Insurance Agency in Michigan. If your policy is with another provider, our agents might be able to find you a better deal.