When deciding about your insurance, it can be a balancing act deciding how much coverage to buy. Understandably, budgetary constraints may impact your coverage; however, it often doesn’t cost significantly more to get a higher protection limit or add an endorsement that broadens coverage. Few people will regret spending a little more for the extra coverage when a claim occurs, preventing a sizeable out-of-pocket expenditure.

Avoiding these common insurance mistakes will help ensure you have solid protection.

Underinsuring your home. Failing to insure your home at its replacement value is the biggest mistake a homeowner can make. The cost to rebuild a home is typically more than its market value and can fluctuate over time due to labor and building supply costs. If your home is significantly underinsured, you may need more funds to rebuild.

Not having extended replacement cost coverage. This optional coverage can pay to rebuild your home exactly as it was, even if the cost exceeds the estimated replacement cost of the house. The primary purpose is to protect you against sudden increases in materials or construction costs that can occur after a hurricane or other disaster. Depending on your policy, extended replacement costs can pay up to an additional 100% of your policy’s Dwelling Coverage limit.

Not considering building code change additional costs. Building codes change periodically. If your home is badly damaged, you may be required to rebuild to meet new building codes. A basic homeowner policy typically excludes these extra expenses. However, you can purchase an “ordinance or law endorsement” that pays a specified amount toward these costs.

Ignoring flood and earthquake coverage. Just because you don’t live along a river or in California doesn’t mean that you don’t need to seriously consider these coverages, which are excluded under a standard home policy.

Not buying renters insurance. If you rent (or cohabitate and don’t own the home you live in), a renters policy not only covers your possessions but also provides liability protection. It also covers additional living expenses if a fire or other covered situation requires that you move out temporarily.

Failing to have replacement cost on contents. Whether you rent or own, make sure your possessions are insured at the cost of replacing them with new comparable items. Otherwise, you’d only receive the depreciated value of your possessions, which is probably only a fraction of what it would cost you to replace them. Imagine having to replace everything, and you’ll quickly see why this is essential.

Purchasing only the most essential coverage. When unexpected accidents in life become a reality, having only basic coverage can still leave a significant financial burden on you. Paying for insurance coverage that doesn’t cover your needs isn’t helpful. Talk to your agent at Murphy Insurance about ways to manage your costs while having higher limits in the areas where the most significant risk exists, such as:

  • bodily injury to others
  • damage to others’ property
  • medical coverage
  • personal liability
  • underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage

Read Other Blog Posts

Apartment living room

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Taking a trip and exploring the world is fun, but leaving your home unoccupied has some risks.  Before departing, protect your property from accidents and criminals by considering the following precautions.
Male teen driver

5 Tips for Adding a Teen to Your Auto Policy

If your teen is approaching driving age, it may be time to start thinking about your plan for adding them to your auto insurance policy. Here are five tips to consider when adding a teen to your auto insurance policy.
Night driving

Understanding the Risks of Speeding

According to NHTSA data, speeding kills more than 12,000 people behind the wheel each year, contributing to nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what causes speeding and how to prevent it.
Mold

Keeping Mold Out of Your Home

Mold not only damages your property, but it can also cause serious health complications after long-term exposure. With this in mind, try these prevention tips to keep mold out of your home.
Burglary

Tips for Preventing Home Burglaries

As a homeowner, you must protect your property from various risks, such as burglaries. To limit your chances of becoming the victim of a home burglary, consider the following steps for daily life.
Ensuring Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wedding Insurance

Ensuring Peace of Mind: The Importance of Wedding Insurance

Protect your big day with wedding insurance coverage. Whether safeguarding your attire, ensuring vendor reliability, or providing peace of mind against unexpected mishaps, we've got you covered so you can focus on making memories that last a lifetime.
Spring Cleaning for your Insurance

Spring Cleaning for your Insurance

As you tackle spring cleaning tasks, consider reviewing your insurance policies for any necessary updates. Ensuring your coverage is current and aligned with your needs offers peace of mind as you welcome the warmer seasons ahead.
Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Auto Insurance

Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Auto Insurance

Overlooking errors on your auto insurance application can result in significant consequences. Providing inaccurate information may lead to higher premiums, policy cancellations, or inadequate coverage during accidents.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.