Home insurance may not be mandatory in any state, but in hindsight, it is one of the essential policies that homeowners within Baton Rouge, LA can reap immense benefit from. From giving you peace of mind to keeping your loved ones safe against accidents that they cause, these are just some advantages that this policy provides. Below, Insurance & Financial Services Inc. takes you through other benefits you can expect from your home insurance cover.

Eases Your Mortgage Journey

Before you can sign up for your mortgage, numerous lenders require proof of insurance, as this assures them that their property is safe when disasters strike. Fortunately, home insurance comes with multiple coverage options, with examples being building property coverage that protects the structure of your home. Such a cover will often be enough for your mortgage, helping you get started on your homeownership journey without any delays.

Offers Protection Against Lawsuits

With the number of liability lawsuits being on the rise, property owners are not exempt from legal trials, requiring you to get the proper protection beforehand. This will especially come in handy if you regularly entertain family and friends or have employees within your residence. If, for instance, your friends get injured at your place or their property gets damaged, and you are sued, your legal fees could accrue to significant amounts, leaving you with a dent in your finances. Home insurance can help with this, ensuring you cover your legal costs and damages.

Protect Your Home and Possessions

Disasters can happen at any time and will often range from mild to severe occurrences. Whichever of these emergencies you are faced with, fixing your home and your contents could mean taking out significant savings to cover your repairs and replacements, funds which could have otherwise been used to cater to other family needs. Home insurance offers protection when covered perils arise, allowing you to get back on your feet in no time.

To enjoy the above benefits of home insurance, consider getting in touch with Insurance & Financial Services Inc. today. We understand that no two Baton Rouge, LA homes are the same; that is why we offer customized policies for homeowners looking to protect their investment.

It’s important to learn as much as you can about home insurance when you’re looking for a policy in Baton Rouge, LA. We sell home insurance policies in Louisiana at Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

The following are three things you might not be aware of regarding home insurance in Louisiana.

You can choose between actual cash value and replacement cost coverage.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to purchase an actual cash value or replacement cost policy. Replacement cost policies are best because they don’t involve lower coverage amounts depending on property depreciation. However, replacement cost policies also tend to be a little more costly than actual cash value policies. 

Liability coverage should be included in a standard policy.

One type of home insurance coverage it’s important to have is liability coverage. This type of coverage pays for the costs resulting from injuries that happen on your property to other parties. 

Liability coverage is important because it protects you from potentially costly lawsuit expenses. Pay attention to the liability coverage included on home insurance policies you’re interested in buying and make sure it’s adequate. 

A standard policy won’t include flood insurance coverage.

Probably one of the most important things to know is that your insurance policy probably won’t include flood coverage. You’ll have to purchase flood coverage separately. Insurance protection against flood damages is important in Louisiana where extreme weather events such as hurricanes can happen.

Do you have questions about home insurance options in Baton Rouge, LA? We’re here to help you find the answers you’re looking for at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. Contact us to inquire about our insurance policies. 

Inheriting a house after the loss of a loved one can be both financially beneficial and headache-inducing trying to navigate the murky waters of insurance and tax implications. For many, inheriting the home of their parents or another family member becomes their second residence – unless they need an immediate place to live. When it comes to insurance, the deceased person’s policy does not automatically continue offering coverage on the home for a couple of reasons. First, if you are not planning to live in the home as your primary residence then it is unlikely you will qualify for a traditional homeowner’s insurance policy. Generally speaking, if the home is unoccupied for more than 30 days at a time then a traditional insurance policy won’t fly.

If you do not plan to live in the inherited home then you’ll still want to have insurance because vacant homes can quickly become the target of vandals and thieves. In a situation like this, purchasing an unoccupied property policy will provide you with peace of mind that the home is safe and protected even if you aren’t there. If you decide to use the house to generate additional income through renting, you’ll need to have landlord insurance that not only protects your home from damage but also includes additional liability coverage to protect yourself should someone injure themselves while on your property. 

At Insurance & Financial Services Inc. in Baton Rouge, LA we recognize that homeowners insurance can be tricky – particularly after the loss of a loved one. In a time of great sadness and stress, our friendly and professional team will show immense empathy for your situation while helping answer all your questions to determine what type of policy is best for you. Give us a call today and learn more about how we can help you. 

In Baton Rouge, LA, your mortgage lender has some degree of say in your home insurance. They can require that you carry insurance until the loan is paid off, they can require that you carry a certain amount of home insurance protection, but they can’t tell you who to buy from.

That said, either your lender can decide on a home insurance provider if you allow them to, your lender can recommend a certain provider to you, and your lender can buy the policy themselves and add it to your mortgage payments if you do not carry home insurance. Experts will advise against all three of these options.

Your lender isn’t concerned with the premiums you’re going to be paying, they just need to know that you’re insured. They’re not going to be shopping around with your best interests at heart, they just need to check that box off of the list.

If you want a good rate on a good policy, you need to take matters into your own hands. Get in touch with us at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. for your Baton Rouge, LA home insurance needs. We can compare quotes and get you the protection you need.

If you allow your mortgage lender to handle it, chances are they have an insurance company they already work with, and that’s who they’re going to pick, whether or not it’s the best choice for you. This is a decision that you need to be hands-on about. The vast majority of mortgage lenders will require that you carry some form of home insurance, but you have the freedom to decide who to buy from, and that’s the freedom that you need to exercise.

At Insurance & Financial Services Inc. we work for you. Call us or get in touch through our website and let’s get you covered with a policy that meets your needs.

At Insurance & Financial Services Inc., we recommend that homeowners put adequate research into choosing the right home insurance policy for their needs. Homeowners need to know what features a good home insurance policy should have for both convenience and financial security.

The following are three important home insurance policy features that homeowners in Baton Rouge, LA might want to have on their policies:

Coverage for temporary living expenses

If your home becomes severely damaged as the result of a natural disaster, burglary, or another damaging event, you might not be able to live in it while it is repaired. However, you can get the costs of temporary living expenses for such situations covered if you add coverage for temporary living expenses to your policy. 

Automatic payments

A home insurance payment is a payment you need to make regularly for an extended period of time. If you forget to make a payment, your policy could potentially lapse so that damages to your home won’t be covered. This could lead to huge financial consequences.

However, many policies will offer an automatic payment feature. With such a feature, payments on your policy are automatically charged to your bank account so that you don’t have to remember them every month.

Coverage for damage to outbuildings

You can’t assume that standard home insurance will cover damage to outbuildings on your property. If your property includes outbuildings, you’re probably going to have to add on coverage to damage to these structures separately. 

Find the right policy for your home in Baton Rouge, LA by contacting us at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. and learning more about our insurance offerings. 

While buying, decorating, and preparing your new Baton Rouge, LA home, don’t forget about security. Home security is an important part of protecting your family, belongings, and investment. Use this security checklist from Insurance & Financial Services Inc. to ensure your property is well-protected at all times.

• Get a good insurance policy. Your homeowner’s insurance helps you pay for damage, loss, and physical injury on your property. Talk to the agents at Insurance & Financial Services Inc to customize a policy that fits your lifestyle.
• Think beyond the porch light. Install lights around your property to keep creepers from sneaking up on you. The most important areas to cover include windows, doors, and unattached storage areas.
• Make sure your home number is visible. If your house number isn’t clearly displayed, it can be tough for emergency services to find you. Remove foliage that might block the view from the street, paint your number on the side of your mailbox, or install a light over your front door to make the numbers stand out.
• Clear outside obstructions. Tackle cracked and crumbling cement, fix faulty pavement, and clear out any tangled brush that crosses walkways. This will help avoid accidental injury to those who walk around your property.
• Install and routinely inspect alarms. Fire and carbon monoxide monitors are important for keeping your family safe. Include a fire alarm in each bedroom to ensure everyone can hear if a problem occurs. Check the batteries and function of the alarm every 6 months.
• Anchor large furniture pieces. Your wooden display cabinets, couches, and other heavy furniture should be securely attached to the wall to keep them from falling over accidentally. 
• Change the locks. If your home isn’t brand new, someone else may have a set of keys to it. Get your locks changed to prevent unauthorized injury.

Need more ideas on keeping your Baton Rouge, LA home safe? Contact the experts at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. for more ideas.

Personal liability is a standard part of many homeowners insurance policies. It includes bodily injury and property damage for which you and others living in your house are responsible. Ask the experts at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. for more information on what’s included in your Baton Rouge, LA homeowners insurance. In the meantime, here’s more on how it protects you from personal liability.

What Is Personal Liability Insurance?

Personal liability insurance is available in most homeowners policies, and it covers the cost of lawsuits filed against you for accidentally injuring someone or damaging their property. It can be purchased in a stand-alone policy but is standard in homeowners, condo and renters insurance. Here’s a closer look at the two types of coverage.

Bodily Injury covers you when a mail carrier or contractor is injured on your property. The injured party may decide to sue you for medical bills and missed work. Thanks to personal liability insurance, you don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses, even if you’re legally liable.

Property Damage covers you in cases such as a tree that falls over in a storm, damaging your neighbor’s roof. Homeowners insurance with property damage coverage pays for the damages.

Bodily injury may cover you for events outside your home. For example, your dog could get loose and bite someone. Your homeowner’s insurance with personal liability would cover medical and legal fees if the person bitten takes you to court. On the other hand, your personal liability coverage doesn’t cover you in a car accident.

Contact Insurance & Financial Services Inc. with any questions on what else may be covered by your homeowner’s policy. Feel free to make an appointment for a free quote for your Baton Rouge, LA home.

 

Louisiana is a state where natural disasters are not uncommon. Residents of Baton Rouge, LA know that they need to take a good look at the coverage that is included with their homeowner’s policy and even more importantly, what isn’t covered. Insurance & Financial Services Inc. can help guide them and offer suggestions.

Flood

Flood is something that is of particular interest to people in low lying areas. Loss due to surface water, flooding from rivers, streams or the ocean and water that backs up through sewers or drains are not covered by homeowners insurance. Broken pipes may be covered as long as it is not determined that the cause was the result of negligence. National Flood insurance is available and should be purchased in addition to homeowners insurance to protect your home and property from damage.  

Earthquake

Earth movement is not covered by most homeowners insurance. What you may not realize is that a sinkhole is considered earth movement and is likely not covered under whatever homeowners policy you have. Sinkhole insurance is available if you want to protect your home.

Home sharing

With the rise of home sharing businesses like AirBNB it is important that any homeowner considering this option to check with their insurance company to find out if their property will be covered under their current policy. Damage and liability can both be issues.

Nuclear disaster and war

While both of these are likely to be rare occurrences, it is important to know that you will not have coverage from your homeowner’s policy.

If you live in the Baton Rouge, LA area you can confidently call on Insurance & Financial Services Inc. to help you to find the homeowner’s insurance policy that provides you with all the coverage that you need. They will also answer your questions about some things that are not covered.

When a resident of the Baton Rouge, LA region is in search of the best home insurance coverage, one of the primary areas of discussion is wind damage. Can a policy that is purchased from the experienced agents at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. provide the necessary coverage in this regard?

While the majority of home insurance policies do offer some form of coverage for wind damages, there are certain restrictions that are going to apply. All of these policies are not created equally. Dwelling coverage and personal property coverage must be considered at this time.

These are the two main types of protection that will keep a Baton Rouge home safe from potential wind damages. Dwelling coverage is purchased by those who are looking to protect the exterior of the home. Personal property damage insurance is geared towards the replacement of the home’s contents if they are damaged by a wind storm.

Tornadoes and hurricanes are not always covered, though. Home insurance policy holders that wish to cover the cost of repairs when hurricanes and tornadoes take place will need to read over their policy closely. For example, a home insurance policy that covers wind damages may not cover any damages that are caused by exposure to floods. 

Even though wind storms and floods tend to go in hand in hand, this does not mean that the policy offers unilateral coverage. Policies that cover flood damages as well must be purchased separately in most instances. 

Coverage limits are another common area of consideration. How much coverage has been put into place and will it provide the required assistance for the damages? This is another question that has to be answered. 

Baton Rouge, LA residents who are looking to learn more about the ins and outs of their home insurance policy should take the time to contact Insurance & Financial Services Inc, so that consultation can be scheduled. 

Have you ever compared notes with your neighbor and found out they paid less for the same thing you bought? It happens – grills, vehicles, or bikes for the kids. But, you can both save on your home owners insurance though by knowing what increases its costs.

Many of the items or amenities that add to your home’s value also add to its insurance, like a swimming pool. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pool. It does mean you should include protections that make it safer. It already costs enough to live in gorgeous Baton Rouge, LA. Read on to find out the things you can do to live more safely and reduce your costs in this blog from Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

What Affects Home Insurance

Your home owners insurance protects your house and its contents, plus covers you for liability if someone gets injured on your property. Many factors affect how easy it is to obtain adequate coverage and low premiums.

Around your home, owning a pool, trampoline or other dangerous recreational equipment affects your costs. You can install a fence around your pool, spa, or trampoline to ensure no one can surprise you with an unplanned visit without your permission and supervision. You can also outfit your pool with safety devices, such as floatation devices, life jackets, and life preservers.

If your home needs remodeling, especially if it includes outdated wiring, which enhances fire hazards, your costs go up. You can remodel your home which improves its livability, your resale value, and lowers monthly premiums.

Personally, your credit score affects your costs. You or your spouse, or both of you, can take on a part-time job to earn extra income to pay down credit cards and loans. This improves your credit score which will get reflected in your insurance premiums.

Broadly, your neighborhood’s crime rate affects your home insurance. You might think there’s nothing you can do about this, but you can form a neighborhood watch. You can also work with local police to train and form and volunteer neighborhood patrol. Spotting and reporting crimes immediately result in quick arrests. A police crackdown on a neighborhood led internally by its residents results in a lower crime rate.

Finally, the amount of coverage and your deductible comprise two deciding factors in your costs. If you can afford a higher deductible, the portion you pay out of pocket if you need to make a claim, you can lower your premium costs. Adding riders or additional coverage for expensive jewelry or electronics will also result in a cost increase.

Call or visit Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. to find out more about home owners insurance and ways to live better for less in Baton Rouge, LA. We want to help you get the most out of your home and your home insurance.