HOME INSURANCE
Information about Home Insurance
Homeowner’s coverage doesn’t have to be difficult to understand. A basic Statewide Homeowners Insurance Policy will cover the following:
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The structure of your home
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Replacement costs
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Personal possessions (up to a set limit)
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Living expenses in case of a disaster
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Liability
You can also add supplemental policies such as:
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Valuable Articles/Floater policies
(i.e. Jewelry Insurance)
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Flood policies
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Umbrella policies (additional liability)
What do you want your homeowners insurance to do?
You want it to protect you, right? And not to cost an arm and three legs, correct? And, if possible, you’d like it if you didn’t have to spend forever and a day finding it. At least that’s what all the people who’ve purchased their homeowners insurance through us have told me.
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We’ve been providing northern Chicago area home insurance for many years. And for as long I’ve been advising people to get their homeowners’ insurance from an independent insurance agent. It seems I’m biased, at first blush. But I’m not.
Independent agents work with many insurance companies. That means we’re better equipped to match you with the perfect home insurance policy for you. Not only that, but we can do it fast and, more importantly, for less than regular (captive) agents can.
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Up to 40% less. On most policies, that’s hundreds of dollars in savings.
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If you already know that you shouldn't buy your home insurance from the first insurance company or agency you come across, then you need to shop around.
If you’re like most people, however, you don’t know that independent insurance agents do the shopping around for you and that doesn’t cost you more. On the contrary, most people save.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Insurance
What is homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.
Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people. This includes damage caused by household pets.
Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility.
Why do you need homeowners insurance?
It is really all about protecting yourself financially if something unexpected happens to your home or possessions. That's important because chances are your home is likely one of your largest investments.
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If your home was destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you'd need money to repair or replace it.
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If a guest in your home is injured, liability protection and medical coverage help pay expenses.
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If you are a victim of theft and vandalism, it can reimburse you for your loss or pay for repairs.
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If you are still paying for your home, your lender will require insurance.
It is important to know that homeowners insurance is meant to cover unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. Ask your agent to talk about what is covered and be sure to read your policy so you know exactly what's included and what is not.
Things to consider and questions to ask your agent:
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How much will it cost to rebuild my house and replace my belongings if they are damaged or destroyed? (Ask your agent to talk you through your home's features and the things you own so you can make an informed decision about coverage.)
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Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
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What discounts are available? (Ask about multiple policy, security system and fire resistance discounts.)
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What's the process for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)
HOURS & LOCATION
Location
Statewide Insurance Agency of Skokie
8001 Lincoln Ave Suite 715
Skokie, IL 60077
Tel: 847-675-7714
Fax: 847-675-6851
Hours
Monday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 6:00pm