Winter in Hershey, PA can be a bit harsh on a home, and if folks don’t prepare for the things that a temperature change can impact, it can turn into big problems in the coldest part of the year. The most common problem tends to be the pipes, but a pipe burst is not the only problem that can occur. This is where winter prevention that is done regularly in the Fall can be both a headache saver as well as a big boost for how your Hershey, PA insurance provider treats you regarding your homeowner’s insurance. Here’s how, and the tips are really easy according to Options Insurance Agency:

• Got outdoor pipes that are exposed? Wrap them up with some insulation tape. Easily found at a hardware store, it gives just enough layer around the pipe to prevent freezing and pipe bursting as the water inside turns to expanding ice.
• Lots of ice on your roof typically? A simple copper heating wire net keeps the snow from piling up on your roof and the weight off. The wire is heating just enough to make the snow melt. It’s not hot, but the snow can’t build up due to the slight warmth.
• Clear your gutters. Jammed up gutters trap water, which can be heavy, causing the gutters to tear off. Clearing them out keeps the rainwater moving down and out, versus ruining your home.
• Speaking of gutters, run a simple chain from the top of the gutter to a simple rock pile at the bottom if there’s no downspout. Water will run down the chain, and the rocks prevent the drainage from damaging your cement or digging a hole from impact in the lawn.
• Turn your water off when gone on extended vacation. This avoids a water leak going for days because no one sees it at home.

To find out more tips or how to improve your insurance policy with your changes, call Options Insurance Agency. Our staff are experts in finding insurance discounts based on home improvements, and a simple email can save you a lot!

If you own a home in Hershey, PA, you should protect it with insurance coverage. Home insurance not only protects your structure but your personal belongings. A home insurance policy from Options Insurance Agency can protect you against theft, fire, storms, or other natural disasters. Here are some of the most important facts you should know about homeowner’s insurance.

Coverage

You can personalize a home insurance policy to meet your individual needs. If you own an expensive home, you may want higher limits on property damage to fully protect your investment. Valuable goods can be protected with additional coverage from an insurance rider. You can also choose the type of protection you want to match the risks you face where you live. The more coverage you have, the less you’ll pay out of pocket in the event of a disaster.

Deductible

You can choose the deductible on your home insurance policy. This is the amount you’ll pay before your insurance takes over. A high deductible reduces the price of your policy. You should have financial resources to pay that deductible, however, without it hurting your budget.  

Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost

When insuring your home and belongings, you can choose between actual cash value or replacement cost coverage. Actual cash value covers the cost of repairing your home or replacing goods after depreciation. With replacement cost, your insurer will cover the cost of replacing your home or goods without taking off depreciation. A policy with replacement cost coverage will cost more but could pay off big time in the event of a major loss.

Discounts

You can get discounts on your home insurance by bundling home and auto policies. Home upgrades that improve your security, plumbing, or electrical systems could also make you eligible for a discount on your policy.

To learn more facts about home insurance, contact Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA.

One of the most confusing situations a homeowner may find themselves in is having a flooded home. Some floods are caused by a leaking water heater, a broken appliance, frozen or burst pipes, or an overflowing pool or sink. These are covered by home insurance, but some situations are not covered. You may need a special coverage from an insurer like Options Insurance Agency in Hershey, PA for flood damage.

When doesn’t a home insurance policy cover flood damage?

The following are situations that your standard home insurer will not cover in case of flood damage:

Rising water from heavy rains or storm

Essentially, any flooding that’s caused by nature is not covered under your home insurance plan. Flood insurance is the only coverage that will protect personal belongings and appliances that are damaged due to floods, but it won’t cover the structure (floors or ceilings). Once you take out a flood plan, you still need to get coverage for protecting your possessions (home insurance).

Damage caused by unresolved maintenance problems

While your homeowner’s coverage will help with the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged possessions, the coverage will not protect you if the damage came from a maintenance issue that you had not resolved. Problems can include a continuous leak near a faucet or any other plumbing fixture.

Water backup from a drain or sewer

You won’t be covered by your homeowner’s policy when water backs up into your house via an outside drain or sewer. However, you can buy an additional water or sewer backup coverage that can help in this kind of event.

Although it’s important always to carry out routine home maintenance to prevent water damage, you need to have flood insurance coverage to protect your possessions in case of floods caused by nature. Contact Options Insurance Agency that serves the Hershey, PA area for more information and a quote.