Home Insurance Basics

Published on

The Millstone Times January 2019

Imagine if everything inside your home (clothes, furniture, appliances, children’s toys, CDs, DVDs, etc.) suddenly vanished. How much do you think it would cost to replace those things if they were destroyed in a fire? What if a thief took just one valuable possession, like a laptop computer or stereo? If your home is not protected by insurance, where will you get the money to replace its contents – or a whole new home – if disaster strikes?

You are also at risk of being asked for money, or even sued, by someone claiming to have been physically or financially hurt by something you own, or something you’ve done. A stranger who falls on your front steps may blame you, claiming that you ignored a loose brick or a dangerous crack in the cement. Your next-door neighbor may demand money if your sewer pipe breaks, pouring waste water into his garden or home.

Even if you think you already have adequate insurance coverage for all these misfortunes, chances are you have no coverage at all for some other kinds of disasters. For example, did you know that ordinary home insurance policies won’t pay for anything that is damaged or destroyed in a flood?

Before buying a homeowner’s insurance policy, it is important to:

• Understand the way homeowner’s insurance works.
• Identify the kind of policy and coverage you really need.
• Avoid paying for coverage you don’t need.
• Compare policies from different companies to find the best values. • Protect yourself from improper sales practices.

Before contacting an insurer:

There are a few things you should know about how insurance companies work before you begin contacting companies. Insurance is sold either di- rectly by a company or through an agent or broker. A company that deals directly with its policyholders is referred to as a direct writer. Agents and brokers are referred to collectively as insurance producers and may repre- sent only one company or several.

When you first talk to an agent or company, you should be prepared to discuss your insurance needs and answer questions about your home or property. Have pertinent information, such as the size, age, and construc- tion type of your home ready beforehand. You should also prepare a list of any questions you wish to ask.

A homeowner’s insurance policy is a legal contract. It is written so that your rights and responsibilities (as well as those of the insurance company) are clearly stated. When you purchase homeowner’s insurance, you will receive a policy contract. Read the policy carefully, and make sure that you understand it. If you have any questions, contact your agent or insurance company for clarification. Keep your policy in a safe place and know the name of your insurance company in addition to your agent or broker.

THE FAIR PLAN

In New Jersey, consumers who are unsuccessful in obtaining coverage through a standard company may apply to the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association, known as the FAIR Plan. When a property is rejected by a standard company, the owner is advised of the FAIR Plan. A property owner may apply to the FAIR Plan directly or through any licensed agent. The plan insures homes, mobile homes, rental units, most commercial buildings and busi- ness property. The FAIR Plan provides basic property coverage but does not provide theft or personal liability coverage. Consider the FAIR Plan only if you cannot obtain insurance from any other source.

For more information about the FAIR Plan, contact:
NEW JERSEY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION 744 Broad Street, PO Box 32609 • Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 622-3838 • www.njiua.org

New Jersey law provides that any person who includes any Note: false or misleading information on an application for an insurance policy or on a claim is subject to criminal and civil penalties.