Category: Home Insurance

During the holiday season, families tend to gather together in homes. Making sure that everyone is safe is your job as the host. Family can run the gamut from newborns to the elderly. Making sure everyone has a great day and a safe holiday is a big order. In Iowa, you can count on our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. to make sure that one thing you won’t have to worry about is your home insurance.

Make sure the exterior of your home is well-lit and clear

People will be coming in and out of your home, and it needs to be a safe walk. Make sure everything is clear and well-lit. There may be weather to worry about depending on where you live, so be prepared.

Food safety

Food poisoning is one of the biggest dangers in your home during the holidays. It is tempting to thaw your turkey on the counter and then stuff it, which is risky at best. After serving food, it needs to be kept at temperature or refrigerated as soon as you are done eating. Avoid leaving it out to let everyone pick at the leftovers. If you are having eggnog, buy it pasteurized or buy eggs that are safe to eat raw.

Protect the pets

Poinsettias are beautiful, colorful, seasonal, and poisonous if your pets ingest them. If you must have them, they should be placed where no pets can get to them.

Protect the kids

What would the holidays be without the kids? Ensure that any medications or poisonous chemicals are under lock and key or high above the reach of adventurous little ones.

Iowa residents can count on our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team to provide the personalized service you deserve.

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., Servicing Iowa Home Insurance

In the state of Iowa, when you need the services of an independent insurance agent, you can count on our team at Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. to provide the personalized service you require. Buying a new home can be stressful, and learning all the things you need to know can be challenging. Our agents are here to help you decide what type of coverage you need.

Home Insurance Deductibles

When you file a claim on your home insurance, there will be a deductible. This amount is determined by you when you choose your policy. The higher the deductible, the lower the rate. However, keep in mind that you will pay the deductible on every claim; it is not a yearly deductible.

Limits on Home Insurance Coverage

It may feel safe to have home insurance, but while it does offer a lot of protection, there are quite a few exclusions. Traditional home insurance does not cover flooding, a major concern in many areas. It also does not cover any type of earth movement, including earthquakes, sinkholes, mud, and landslides. Additionally, homeowner neglect, such as infestations from termites and rodents, isn’t covered.

Choosing Your Personal Property Coverage

When it comes to personal property coverage, you have options. You can choose to cover your belongings for what they are worth today (current cash value) or what it would cost to replace them (replacement cost). It is less expensive to choose the current cash value, which accounts for depreciation.

Things That Increase Your Liability

Property features such as a dog, a trampoline, or a pool can increase your liability. Be sure to adjust your coverage amounts accordingly.

Contact the Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team in Iowa to discuss your home insurance needs with one of our insurance agents.

Home and condo insurance have many more similarities than differences. Both protect against unfortunate events such as damage to your living space or injuries to others that might occur there. Since a home or condo is generally among your most significant investments, it is critical to have insurance coverage that protects your assets financially. Our Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team, serving the State of Iowa, will work with you to structure a policy meeting your needs.

What Does Condo Insurance Cover?

Home and condo insurance have several common elements. Both protect your belongings and liabilities due to the following:

• accidental injuries and property damages caused by you or household members
• medical expenses when you or household members are responsible for injuries to others

The difference between home and condo insurance is how they cover the dwelling or building. Home insurance covers freestanding buildings, so home policies cover all parts of the building and grounds. Since condos are shared properties, the association’s insurance covers the common areas and some portions of the building.

Condo associations have master policies that are either "bare walls-in" or "all-in." "Bare walls-in" policies cover the building exterior and common areas, while your condo policy covers everything inside the walls of your condo. 

An "all-in" policy covers the building exterior and common areas as well as your interior walls, appliances, flooring, and lighting. Your condo insurance covers everything the condo master policy doesn’t handle, including all your belongings, so you must be aware of your association’s master policy coverage when acquiring condo insurance.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc

Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., serving Iowa, has deep experience providing home and condo insurance. Call or stop by today to structure a policy to meet your needs.

Remodeling or renovating can be an exciting opportunity to make a house become the home of your dreams. However, the home of your dreams is often among your most significant investments, so it is critical that you adequately protect that investment during and after a remodeling project. The Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc. team will happily work with you to properly structure home insurance coverage that meets your needs in Iowa.

The Impact of Remodeling and Renovating

A home insurance policy generally offers some protection during the remodeling process. Still, it is a good recommendation (and sometimes a requirement) that you advise your insurance agent of your plan before starting work to confirm your coverage. Consider acquiring an umbrella policy or extending your liability and medical coverage for damages, theft, or injuries during the project. 

A remodeled or renovated home often increases your home’s square footage and furnishings, adds higher-quality countertops or cabinets, or brings more valuable artwork or collectibles into your home, leading to the need to enhance your coverage.

Meanwhile, additions such as new pools or hot tubs make your home more enjoyable but are considered "attractive nuisances" that increase your risk. On the other hand, some renovations reduce your risk. Sprinkler and security systems, improved roofing, and updated heating, plumbing, and electrical systems can lessen your risk, decreasing premiums.

So, regardless of your planned changes, please consult with your agent to see how they may affect your home insurance coverage.

Working with Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc.

Each client has unique home insurance needs. Brown-Hurst Insurance Agency Inc., proudly serving the residents of Iowa, can help you avoid mistakes and protect your home and family against unforeseen events. Call or stop by today to discuss your condo insurance options.