If you are not properly insured in your home against flood damages, a flood could wipe out everything you own. Unfortunately, flood insurance is not included as a standard type of coverage in typical homeowner’s insurance policies, so it needs to be bought separately. 

Those who are in the process of buying flood insurance need to avoid a few severe mistakes to make sure that their property is adequately and efficiently protected against flood damages.

Being unaware of flood probabilities for your property

In order to determine the importance of flood insurance and how much coverage you need, you should be aware of how likely it is that you will experience a flood at your property. 

You can get some help in figuring out your flood risk by using flood zone maps. Learn how to read these maps. The higher your flood risk is, the lower you’ll want your deductible to be and the more coverage you’ll want.

You can also gauge your flood risk by discussing it with neighbors in your community.

Being unaware of the National Flood Insurance Program

If you live in an area where flooding is likely, you may be able to purchase a lower-cost flood insurance policy with the help of the National Flood Insurance Program. This program offers government-subsidized flood insurance coverage for homeowners who are located in high-risk areas. 

Overlooking important coverage types

You need your flood insurance to cover both repair/replacement costs and clean-up costs. You should be aware of the fact that clean-up costs can be among the largest expenses when it comes to flood damage, so check your clean-up cost coverage amounts and make sure they’re high enough. 

Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network if you are a homeowner in Cincinnati, OH who is in need of flood insurance coverage. We’ll be happy to answer your questions or make insurance recommendations for your household. 

There are a number of threats that could compromise the safety of your Cincinnati, OH home. A customized insurance policy from Advantage Insurance Network is the best way to protect your property from the most likely problems. Dwelling fire insurance is a policy that pays out funds for damages done to the structure of your buildings. What exactly does this coverage provide?

• Dwelling fire insurance concentrates on the dwelling itself. That means the walls, foundations, flooring, and other elements that are essential to the structural integrity of the unit. It may or may not include plumbing, electrical wiring, or other utility assets.
• Dwelling fire insurance typically does not cover personal belongings or items that are stored in the damaged building. For this reason, dwelling insurance is not recommended for those who are currently living on the insured property.
• These policies can be expanded to cover other potential problems like smoke, explosions, and weather-related damage. Like most policies, only the perils specifically named in the contract are covered. Talk to an insurance agent to ensure all of your concerns are met.
• Due to the lack of coverage on items that are stored in and on the property, dwelling fire insurance doesn’t make a good primary protection policy for residence. However, landlords and those with vacant properties can protect their financial interests with these policies. Any renters on the property should be encouraged to buy their own renter’s insurance policies.

Is dwelling fire insurance the solution for your Cincinnati, OH property? Contact the agents at Advantage Insurance Network for a personalized assessment of your insurance needs.

Protecting your home with sufficient homeowner’s insurance is crucial to your home investment. Your homeowner insurance needs will change over time. This is especially true if you have recently completed a renovation on your home. The folks at Advantage Insurance Network strive to make sure your family has the best insurance coverage possible. Keep reading to learn why you should update your homeowner’s coverage after a renovation in Cincinnati, OH and surrounding areas. 

Increased Value

After a home renovation, your home’s value could possibly change. This will affect the types and amounts of coverage you will need. The renovation you have just completed was an investment into your home, and your homeowner’s policy is a way to protect that investment. 

The Size of Your Home Has Increased

Sometimes a renovation will expand the size of your home. If this is the case, then it is imperative that you update your insurance policy to reflect the new dimensions of your home. 

Your Home Now Has New Features

If your renovations added new features to your home, such as extra bathrooms, a swimming pool or other features, you will want to understand how this can affect your homeowner’s insurance. The best way to find out what changes need to be made to your policy is to speak with a trained insurance specialist at Advantage Insurance network. 

If your home is not adequately insured after your renovation, you could find yourself insufficiently covered in the event of damage. The best way to protect your new investment is to update your policy after speaking with a specialist. The Advantage Insurance Network is now serving the Cincinnati, OH area as well as surrounding areas. We would love to help you with your homeowner’s insurance questions today. Please give us a call. 

When you are looking for insurance coverage for your Cincinnati, OH area home, you may not be sure exactly what you should be asking for. You also may not be completely sure what you are getting when you purchase a particular type of policy. That is where Advantage Insurance Network can help. Having a trusted company to work with makes a difference, and can get you on the right track to having a proper policy. But what is really covered by dwelling fire insurance? Here is what you need to know.

Dwelling Fire Insurance Covers Serious Property Damage

Issues like fires, some types of vandalism, certain types of explosions, and more could be covered by a fire insurance policy. It depends on exactly what type of policy you purchase, as some policies will specifically include or exclude certain things. If you have certain issues that you want to be covered for your Cincinnati, OH home, you will want to ask about those when you get your policy. That way you can be sure the insurance coverage you get protects you from everything that you are concerned about with your home.

Working With a Trusted Agent Means Getting Quality Coverage

If you really want to get quality dwelling fire insurance that meets your needs, contact us today at Advantage Insurance Network. We can offer you everything you need in order to choose a policy that works for you. Talking to a professional about your insurance needs is the first step toward getting coverage that gives you peace of mind. We want to be the agency that offers that to you, and we will be happy to answer all your insurance questions. Let us show you quotes and options, so you can choose a policy and make an informed decision.

Buying a new home can be a satisfying adventure. When you finally find the one that you have been looking for, you’ll want to feel safe. Purchasing a security system is the first step in making sure your family is protected from outside dangers, such as burglaries, fires, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. The Advantage Insurance Network independent agents in Cincinnati, OH can help you decide which security systems is right for you and which will help lower your insurance rates.

Types of Home Security Systems

The most basic type of alarm system is called a local alarm. It is not monitored. If someone breaks into your home, there is no monitoring system that will notify the authorities. The second type of system is a wired system. This type includes a monitoring company who continuously monitors your system. When one of the alarms are tripped, the company will contact you and then emergency personnel if you need help.

Upgrading to a Smart Home

If you decide to upgrade to smart home security, you will need to find a home security company that offers options for smart home security. A smart home system can be local or unmonitored as well as monitored. The system that you choose will depend on your home’s needs. Security systems usually include a security panel and sensors for your doors and windows. If you’re adding smart security to your home security solutions it can come with live security feeds through your smartphone, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, and keyless entry for your house and garage doors. You can also include smart lights in your plan.

Stop by Advantage Insurance Network where the independent insurance agents in Cincinnati, OH can offer you information about securing homeowners insurance.

Buying flood insurance may be required based on where you live in Ohio. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy won’t protect you if there’s a flood. By conducting a home inventory, you value all of your belongings properly. There are various riders that can be obtained on a flood policy, providing you with the higher value protection that you need in Cincinnati, OH.

At Advantage Insurance Network, we can guide you through a home inventory. This way, you can identify all of the furniture, paintings, and other valuables, room by room.

Include Everything

You may not realize just how much you have in your home until you complete an inventory. If your home is by a flood, you want the insurance company to pay to replace as much as possible. If you forget to add the value of the furniture that you have in the basement or the art hanging on the wall in the bedroom, you may not get enough from the claim.

Establish Values

One of the hardest things in a home inventory is to attach values to everything. Consider what the replacement value on things would be. If you have original invoices from furniture or appraisals on high-value items, it can make it easier. Our insurance agents can also help you with valuations. If you have higher valued items than what a traditional policy would credit you for, we can show you what the options are to include more coverage. This way, if something ever does happen, you know that everything is covered.

Many homeowners don’t take the time to conduct a home inventory, putting themselves at risk. When you get a policy for the first time, we recommend an inventory to be done so that you are better protected.

Contact us at Fuhriman Insurance Agency today for help with obtaining a flood insurance policy in Cincinnati, OH. Once you have completed a home inventory, it makes it easier to get a more comprehensive quote on flood insurance.

 

If you own a building, you may be required to carry dwelling fire insurance. Here at Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH area, we are often asked how dwelling fire insurance differs from homeowners or condo insurance policies. Here is what you need to know about the differences between them.

How Does Dwelling Fire Insurance Differ From Homeowners or Condo Insurance Policies?

If you own a dwelling building, such as a condo building or an apartment building, dwelling fire insurance is ideal for you. Dwelling fire insurance covers the structure of the entire building. On the flip side, homeowners or condo insurance policies are designed to cover a single structure and the belongings inside. 

A dwelling fire insurance policy does not cover any belongings inside. All of the tenants or residents that live inside of your building should have their own condo, homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect their belongings in the event of a fire. Your dwelling fire insurance policy does not cover their belongings, nor does it cover your belongings if you own a unit in the building. It simply covers the building itself. 

If you own a building with dwellings in it, and you want to protect the investment you made in the building, dwelling fire insurance can protect you in the event a fire breaks out. There are many factors that affect the price of a dwelling insurance policy, and as such, you should always take the time to get multiple quotes before settling on a dwelling fire insurance policy. If you are located in the greater Cincinnati, OH area, and are looking to obtain quotes for dwelling fire insurance, contact Advantage Insurance Network. They can help you find the right policy for your building at an affordable price. 

Do you love to spend time on your boat in the waterways, lakes and ponds of Cincinnati, OH? If so, there’s no question that you also need to put time and effort into protecting the boat you have invested in. One of the best ways for you to do this is by purchasing a boaters insurance policy with the help of Advantage Insurance Network. If you are ready to make this purchase, be sure to use the tips found here.

Compare Quotes

When it is time to purchase boaters insurance, be sure you take some time to compare quotes. In most cases, an agency will provide a quote to you at no charge. This means that you can get several quotes and compare them to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Bundle

Another important step in the process of purchasing boaters insurance is to consider bundling the policies. The fact is, if you already use an insurance company for homeowners insurance or car insurance, they can also provide you with this new policy. When you bundle your policies, you will be able to save a significant amount of money on premiums.

Work with a Reputable Agent

Another important step is to find and use the services of a reputable insurance agent when purchasing boaters insurance. They will be able to help you get a policy that meets your needs and your budget. In the long run, you will be glad that you used the services of a professional.

When it comes to buying boater’s insurance in Cincinnati, OH, there are more than a few factors that you have to consider. If you need help or guidance along the way, then consider using the services of Advantage Insurance Network serving the Cincinnati area and who can help you find the policy that best suits your needs.

Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH wants you to fully understand your motorcycle insurance so you don’t experience any surprises if damage occurs to your bike. Many people don’t realize that insurance doesn’t cover customizations made after you obtain the insurance policy unless you specifically update the policy.

Modifying a Motorcycle Policy

When you buy insurance, you’re buying a policy to cover the motorcycle as it is at the time of purchase. Your agent bases your policy premiums on the value of your motorcycle at that time. So, any changes you make to the bike after obtaining the coverage you need to add to the policy or they won’t receive coverage.

Chopper Insurance

Some customizations completely alter the bike. A motorcycle that has undergone so many modifications that its design and shape have been altered receives the name “chopper.” A chopper generally features a long front fork and a low rear end. It may lack rear suspension. If you chopped your bike after purchasing motorcycle insurance, you need a different policy altogether. Ask us about chopper insurance. These bikes have their own policy type.

How the Policy Types Differ

Motorcycle insurance bases its premiums on factory standard models. An agent can consult a blue book to determine repair or replacement value.

Choppers require a custom policy because they’re custom bikes, sometimes altered from a factory model, sometimes built from a kit. No factory standard exists for a chopper. The agent cannot consult a blue book for a value for a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Choppers require an independent appraisal to determine actual value. The chopper policy provides custom coverage for a custom bike.

Before you can insure it, you’ll need to have the bike pass inspection by your state’s Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicles Bureau. Some states also require an annual safety test.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network of Cincinnati, OH to learn whether your bike needs a standard motorcycle policy or a chopper policy. We can help you obtain reliable coverage for your ride.

This blog looks at how installing a home security system can lower home insurance premiums while keeping the home owner safer. Insurance companies like Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH favor ways of mitigating loss, a fancy way of saying preventing it. That leads them to offer discounts to those who take steps to prevent loss at their home.

You probably know that a smoke detector and fire extinguisher lower your home insurance costs. You can also lower your costs by installing a security system. Whether wired or wireless, a monitored home security system can produce a significant discount in home insurance premiums.

Add a home security system can also mean adding home automation. This also contributes to lower premiums. The installed sensors don’t just control the lights or temperature. They detect leaks of water or natural gas. This early detection adds a layer of protection by sending alerts to the homeowner’s mobile device when any home aspect veers from normal settings. This allows the homeowner to identify problems before they become claims. Leak detection sensors let them phone a plumber after remotely shutting down the water at the home.

It also adds to the home’s safety by offering safety aspects like being able to turn on the porch lights before you enter the driveway or having them automatically turn on at a specified time. You can unlock doors remotely, as well, which reduces your family’s vulnerability time.

If you live in a gated community, adding the security system saves you even more. The gate access adds an extra barrier of protection.

Join your neighborhood homeowners’ association (HOA). Its neighborhood watch adds to the security aspect of your home.

Call or come by Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH to learn more home improvements that can save you money. We can help you have a safer and more affordable home.