Home insurance is essential for every homeowner. Not only is it required for most homeowners, but it also gives you a lot of protection with different forms of coverage. If you’re about to buy a house or want to switch your home insurance, call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY. 

Protection for Your House

Home insurance has many types of coverage, but chief among them is protection for the house itself. This coverage is there in case a damaging event happens that requires repairs. Repairs can be costly, especially when there’s a lot of damage. Each home policy has a detailed look at which types of events, such as calamities and disasters, are covered by the policy. This coverage is a must for everyone who owns a home. 

Coverage for Possessions

Home insurance also covers the items that are inside your house. If the same type of incident destroys some of your belongings, the policy can pay to replace them. When you figure out the value of just one room full of items, it’s easy to see why replacing them would be so expensive. Imagine more than one room full of items being damaged and needing to be replaced. 

Liability Protection

Your liability for accidents on your property is another type of coverage in a home policy. If anyone had an accident on your property and got hurt, your home policy could pay for the bills that result from the injuries. This type of coverage is vital for protecting yourself financially, as accidents can always happen. 

Get Home Insurance in New York

When you need a home insurance policy, we can help. Call VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, to get started. 

Some people who buy homes are required to get home insurance, and some are not. Knowing whether you’re required to get home insurance when you buy is important for ensuring a smooth home purchase process.

Whether you need home insurance or just shopping because you know it’s best for you, VAC Insurance Agency servicing Brooklyn, NY can help. We help our customers find the right home insurance policies for their needs. 

Who Is Required to Get Home Insurance?

Generally speaking, people who are getting a loan to buy their homes are required to get home insurance. Mortgage lenders require proof of insurance before the loan will be funded. 

In addition, if you live in a home serviced by an HOA (homeowners association), you will most likely be required to get home insurance. If you’re paying for your home in cash and don’t live in an area that an HOA services, you will probably not be required to get home insurance.   

Why Get Home Insurance If It Isn’t Required?

Home insurance is there for you when you need it. After a covered event like a fire or vandalism, your home insurance can help you during the recovery process. Many homeowners don’t have the money to replace their homes if they are destroyed.

This is when home insurance becomes most valuable. For example, if your home is destroyed during a fire, your home insurance can be a valuable resource that can help you during the rebuilding process. 

At VAC Insurance Agency servicing Brooklyn, NY, we help homeowners find policies that make a difference when covered events occur. Call today to learn more about our insurance policies. 

Set up a security plan if your home was recently burglarized. You can take some steps to minimize the risk of your possessions being stolen in the future. Review the guidelines below to improve security.

Points Of Entry

Assess your home’s doors and other points of entry. Purchase new locks if the ones that are currently used are outdated. Upgrading the locks could require you to modify your current home insurance policy.

Security Devices

Purchase security devices for your residence. Doorbell cameras, motion detectors, and automatic locking systems can be used to safeguard your residence against theft. Keep track of the upgrades you make. They should be reported to your insurance agent.

Changes in how you keep your residence secure can directly affect the type of home insurance policy you need.

Adequate Storage

Don’t keep valuables out in the open. Instead, decide upon a storage method that will improve the security of your items. If you choose to store your items at a storage facility, ensure that the rental you acquire has the security features you need.

Keep track of the location of all of your valuables. Typing up a list of the details can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim in the future.

Updated Insurance

Keep your homeowner’s insurance policy current. If you experience any changes in your circumstances, update your policy if necessary. Selling or buying items may require changes to be made to your policy.

Reach out to VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY

Contact an agent who serves Brooklyn, NY, at your earliest convenience. One of our agents, representing the Insurance Agency, will assist with insurance questions or modifications to your current policy.

When you originally purchased home insurance, your agent verified how much your Brooklyn, NY home was worth. Besides the home’s value, there was also a certain amount of protection for your belongings, such as your furniture, appliances, and personal items. If you are making home improvements, you may change the value of your home. You should speak with your VAC Insurance Agency before making any significant changes.

What Kinds Of Projects Could Change the Value Of Your Home?

Most of the time, a superficial change will not change your home value. While you can make your home more desirable by adding to its curb appeal, the actual value won’t change. Here are some of the kinds of changes that will change the value of your home:

• A home addition, such as an extra room, will change your home’s description and value.
• A modern renovation, such as when you upgrade your kitchen’s appliances and cabinets, will add to the value of your home.
• You can add value by converting an attic or basement into a living space.

Some specific purchases can change the value of your home:

• A new HVAC system can add to the value of your house, especially if you also update the ductwork while upgrading.
• A new air conditioner adds value.

Make Sure Your Home Has the Protection It Needs

If anything were to happen to your Brooklyn, NY home, you would want to have the amount of protection you need to take care of repairs so you can move on without stress. If you would like to discuss the amount of protection you have on your home or have any questions about home insurance, please call VAC Insurance Agency today.

At VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, we realize that home insurance is not one size fits all. Some of our new homeowners may not realize they have home insurance options. We make it our business to ensure they get the right policy for them and their home. 

Your liability coverage should be customized to your needs

You can choose the amount of liability coverage that you have on your home policy. It would be best to protect your assets, so that is where the amount should begin, keeping in mind all the things you might need when determining the necessary amount. 

You can choose what type of content coverage you want

Two types of content coverage are available. You can opt for replacement cost or current value. The item’s age is considered when determining value with the current value. 

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Home insurance has exclusions, and some of them may surprise you. Flooding is not covered by home insurance. Termites and mold are also not covered. Earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, and landslides are not covered. 

You can add endorsements to your policy for additional coverage

You should have a jewelry endorsement if you have a lot of jewelry. If you have a coin collection, you should have an endorsement. 

Not all dogs are covered by your home insurance.

If you have a dog or dogs, you need to know that not all dogs are covered by home insurance. Some are considered too dangerous to cover. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure yours are covered. 

Contact VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY when you can choose your first home insurance or renew your present policy. 

For most people, homes are their safe place. To make sure that your home actually is a place that is safe both inside and out, there are some things you should do. At VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, we contribute to making your home safer by helping you choose the home insurance that will provide just the right amount of protection. 

Security

Home security is something that people think about a lot these days. If you don’t already have a home security system, there has never been a better time. You have many affordable options that can allow you to feel safer while you are at home and away. Many of them can be installed by a homeowner in just a few minutes. Beyond that, your doors and windows have locks. Use them. 

Lighting

Lighting is important inside and outside of your home. Outside, having motion detection lights will make sure that you can see as you walk around, and you can also see any movement outside. Inside, it is equally important to ensure the stairs and hallways are well-lit and keep free of clutter to save you from a trip and fall injury. 

Fire

Fire is a significant safety hazard to your home. Ensure chimneys are kept clean and your furnace is cleaned every year. Change the batteries in your smoke detector every six months, and have a fire extinguisher that is easy to access. Do a safety drill with the family so everyone knows how to get out in a fire. 

In Brooklyn, NY, you can count on VAC Insurance Agency to provide the customer service needed to feel safe in your home. Give us a call to discuss your home insurance needs. 

Preparing your house for a storm in the Brooklyn, NY area can be a daunting task, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you and your family stay safe. Here are a few tips from us at VAC Insurance Agency to help you get ready.

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

1. Inspect Your Home

Before the storm hits, inspect your home for any potential sources of damage. Check for loose shingles, broken windows, and any other areas that could allow water to come into your home. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow away from your home. 

2. Secure Outdoor Items

Tie down or store any outdoor items, such as patio furniture and grills, that could be picked up by strong winds. Secure garbage cans with bungee cords or straps to keep them from becoming projectiles in high winds. 

3. Protect Windows

Install storm shutters on all exterior windows, or use pre-cut plywood to board up windows if shutters aren’t available. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to storms with high winds and hail. 

4. Stock Up On Supplies

Have plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items on hand in case the power goes out during the storm. Make sure all flashlights and radios have fresh batteries so you can stay informed about weather updates if the electricity goes out. 

Reach Out To Us

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well prepared for when severe weather strikes! For more tips, call us at VAC Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the Brooklyn, NY area and would be glad to answer all of your questions.