Home insurance can easily be one of the most costly expenses of home ownership in Arizona. If you have a mortgage, you are forced to cover the property to protect the bank’s investment. This type of insurance covers the buildings and your personal belongings. This is separate from title insurance that pays you, the consumer, in the event you lose the home through incorrect title searches.
Consumers also have the option of buying additional “riders” that are meant to cover losses of expensive clothing, furniture, electronics, and jewelry.
Some geographic areas fall within zones that require even more insurance such as flood insurance. Flood insurance comes in two types: mandatory and optional. If you live in a flood zone such as within a few miles of the coast, you will be required to have flood insurance. If you do experience a flood caused by a storm, only your flood insurance policy will cover your losses. If you don’t live in a flood zone it’s still a good idea to have flood insurance if you live within a reasonable distance from the official flood plain.
Each state has some type of agency or board of overseers that regulates Arizona’s insurance companies. These boards not only monitor insurance rates, they also act as an investigation force if you have a complaint about your insurance company. If you have a problem that you can’t resolve using the regular channels, contact your state’s agency and ask how to file a formal complaint. The board will do a preliminary investigation and keep you posted as it progresses.
Insurance is expensive. To reduce the overall costs you may consider opting for a higher default deductible. You can also reduce your estimated value for furniture. This is an area where many consumers tend to over purchase and over pay.
Choose select items based on their individual value – antiques, designer made, custom built, etc. You don’t need to insure that hall table.
When you buy your policy, make certain you are paying for a replacement cost policy. If you purchased your home for $200, 000 and it’s now worth over $400, 000, make sure that’s what you’ll get back.
If you ever have trouble getting a claim paid, or if you believe your insurance company should be paying more, hire a public adjuster. They will deal with the insurance company on your behalf. They understand the industry, they know the laws, and they will more than likely get what you deserve. They will even go back and renegotiate older claims that have already been paid.
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