Home Insurance

What Makes Dwelling Fire Insurance Different from Homeowners Insurance?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Homeowners’ insurance is something most people are familiar with, but when you hear the term “dwelling fire insurance,” it might raise a few questions. While both policies offer protection for properties, they’re designed for wildly different situations. At Advantage Insurance Network, serving the greater Cincinnati, OH region, we help clients understand which type of coverage fits their unique needs.

What Is Dwelling Fire Insurance?

Despite what the name suggests, dwelling fire insurance covers much more than just fire damage. It’s a flexible policy that can protect a structure from risks like vandalism, wind, or hail. However, it’s primarily used for properties that aren’t owner-occupied, such as rental homes, vacation houses, or investment properties. This type of policy focuses on the structure itself, not the contents or personal belongings inside.

How Does It Differ from Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners’ insurance, on the other hand, is designed for your primary residence. It provides broader coverage—not just for the structure, but also for your personal belongings, liability protection, and sometimes even temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. It’s a more comprehensive option, but it’s typically not available for homes you don’t live in full-time.

If you’re a landlord or own a second home, a dwelling fire policy might be the right choice. It allows you to protect the building without paying for coverage you don’t need, such as personal property or owner’s liability.

Find the Right Coverage for Your Property

Choosing the right policy can make all the difference in protecting your investment. If you’re unsure which option is best for your situation, the team at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH is here to help. Contact us today to find the coverage that fits your needs.

Preparing Your Home for Floods

Posted on by AgentInsure

When you purchase a home, you’re making an investment that will impact your family’s lives for years to come. Many homeowners live in areas where their homes are vulnerable to flooding. If you live near Cincinnati, OH, and need flood insurance, our team at Advantage Insurance Network is here to help you protect your home. We’ve been serving clients in your area since 2003.

How to Prepare Your Home for Floods

No one wants to experience a flood, but if your home is in a flood risk zone, it’s important to prepare for the possibility. Start by taking pictures of all major appliances in your home. Consult a home contractor for tips on how to better protect your home’s construction against flooding. If you make changes to your home, report them to your insurance company, as these preventative measures may help lower your home insurance premiums.

Gather essential documents such as birth certificates, passports, medical records, insurance policies, and health records. Place these documents, along with your appliance pictures, in a watertight safety deposit container. If your home experiences a flood, contact your insurance company to report the event as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today for Assistance

Floods can happen to anyone, and it’s crucial to have the right protection in place. Our team at Advantage Insurance Network understands the importance of safeguarding your home and family from flood damage. Clients in the Cincinnati, OH area trust us to provide a variety of flood insurance policies tailored to their budgets and circumstances. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s find the right insurance solution for your needs.

Can I Switch Home Insurance at Any Time?

Posted on by AgentInsure

There could be various reasons why you might want to change your home insurance provider. Perhaps you’re dissatisfied with your current insurer, your insurance needs have changed, or you’ve found another more appealing company. You might also want to bundle multiple types of policies with the same insurer. Either way, knowing when you can change home insurance providers in Cincinnati, OH is important.

When to Switch

You have the option to switch to a different insurance carrier whenever you want. However, you may be penalized if you cancel your existing coverage before the policy term expires. Most home policies have one-year terms. Refer to the policy documents or contact your agent for more details. Using an independent insurance agency allows you to switch carriers without changing to a different agency.

It may be harder to switch home insurers when you have a claim that has yet to be approved or denied. Even if you’re able to change carriers during this process, you can’t transfer an open claim from one company to another. Your existing insurer will continue to evaluate the claim and make a decision.

Continuous Coverage

Because of the major risks involved, it’s wise to avoid going without home insurance for even a day. Make sure a new policy takes effect before your existing coverage ends. Never cancel a policy before you successfully acquire insurance from another company. You’ll probably need to tell the bank about your new policy if your house has a mortgage.

When you want to switch insurance carriers, the friendly and knowledgeable agents at Advantage Insurance Network can help. Our independent agency in Cincinnati, OH makes it easy to compare home policies from a range of trusted insurers and find an option that truly meets your needs. To get started today, call Advantage Insurance Network at 513-922-9460 or 855-572-4282 (toll-free).

Does Condo Insurance Cover Work-From-Home Businesses?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Home and condo insurance policies share many similarities but also have significant differences. Your condo association’s master policy insures the condo’s common areas and parts of your dwelling structure, depending on the policy. Standard condo policies cover your personal belongings and liabilities, similar to a home policy. However, they only cover a minimal amount of business-related assets. If you run a work-from-home business from your condo, you should discuss covering your business with your agent. The Advantage Insurance Network team, serving Cincinnati, OH, will gladly find the combination of condo and business insurance coverage that suits you.

Condo Insurance and Working from Home

Condo policies often cover only $2,500 in business assets, which may be sufficient for "side-hustle" businesses operating from home, but the policies do not cover other commercial risks. You should consider commercial insurance for your business if you:

  • Occasionally host suppliers, customers, or employees at the condo
  • Store business inventory or supplies in the condo
  • Could have the business interrupted or revenues lost if your condo suffers damage
  • Need Worker’s Compensation coverage
  • Have supplier, client, or employee records subject to cybercrime

There are multiple commercial insurance options. The best option for you depends on your business, but three common options are:

  • Business property rider for your condo policy (typically with $5,000 limits)
  • In-home business insurance for property, liability, and other elements (for businesses with revenues of $250,000 or less)
  • A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) provides a range of commercial insurance coverage for businesses with $250,000+ revenue

Working with the Advantage Insurance Network

The Advantage Insurance Network team proudly serves condo owners in Cincinnati, OH, and the vicinity. Call (513) 922-9460 or stop in today to discuss a personal and business insurance plan that fits your condo-based business.

Why Dwelling Fire Insurance can Make a Difference

Posted on by AgentInsure

For property managers, owners, and landlords, maintaining and protecting the properties you own and rent or lease is a full-time job. That’s why it’s beneficial to have dwelling fire insurance to protect your assets and property from the damage and loss that dwelling fires can cause. The more properties you own, manage, or rent, the greater the risks and concerns. That’s why property managers and owners in the greater Cincinnati, OH area rely on the experienced team at Advantage Insurance Network for their dwelling fire insurance needs.

The Importance of Dwelling Fire Insurance

Property managers often find themselves with vacant properties due to a lack of viable tenants or the time needed for remodeling or prepping a new unit. While the main concern is often the loss of revenue these empty properties cause, underlying concerns such as theft, vandalism, loiterers, and fires are also real potential problems. That’s why dwelling fire insurance can make a difference and why property managers and owners rely on the agents at Advantage Insurance Network for commercial insurance solutions to protect those vacant rental properties.

Insurance Solutions for Cincinnati, OH Property Owners and Managers

If you’re a property owner or landlord in the greater Cincinnati area and have questions or want to learn more about how dwelling fire insurance could help protect your properties, we can help. Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network to find out more and schedule an appointment for the protection your properties need and deserve.

The Role Your Agent Plays in Your Home Insurance Policy

Posted on by AgentInsure

Home is our place of refuge, comfort, and relaxation for many of us. It is where we spend much of our time, raise families, and find our roots. That is also why it makes sense to want to protect our homes and why so many Cincinnati, OH homeowners turn to the trusted, professional, and friendly team at the Advantage Insurance Network for all their home insurance questions, concerns, and needs. When it comes to protecting the place we call home, home insurance is often our best and first line of defense.

The Role Your Agent Plays in Your Home Insurance Policy

When it comes to the protection of your home that insurance can provide, from everything from theft and fires to flooding and even liability claims, your agent plays a major role. In addition to taking and filing your claim, your agent can also help with documentation, ensuring the most timely processing of your claim, and more.

Yes, home insurance is your home’s best and first line of defense, including your agent. This is also why working with a proven and reputable agency is vital when choosing a partner for all your home insurance needs.

Insurance Solutions for Cincinnati, OH Area Homeowners

If you own a home and live in the Cincinnati, OH, area, our experienced and knowledgeable team at the Advantage Insurance Network can help with all your home insurance needs. Do you have questions? Want to learn more about home insurance, or are you just shopping for information and rates? Contact us to find out more and schedule an appointment today for the home insurance solutions you need and deserve.

Home Coverage: Why Adding Dwelling Fire Insurance is a Must

Posted on by AgentInsure

Did you know many home insurance policies don’t cover dwelling fire coverage? It’s crucial to note that if you own rental properties, vacation homes, or other dwellings that aren’t your primary residence, they aren’t covered under your home’s fire insurance policy. You’ll need to purchase separate dwelling fire insurance to ensure they’re covered. If you’re located in Cincinnati, OH, our professionals at Advantage Insurance Network can help you understand dwelling fire insurance.

Is Dwelling Fire Insurance Necessary?

Dwelling fire insurance is essential if you have residences other than your primary home. The chances of a fire occurring are very low, but should it happen, you’ll want to know that you’re covered. However, potential risks are always present, and it’s vital to consider those factors.

Types of Dwelling Fire Coverage

Three main levels of dwelling fire coverage are available, each designed for certain types of fires. Property owners must choose an appropriate type of coverage to be compensated for when a fire occurs. Otherwise, they may find themselves paying out-of-pocket for damages.

Here are the three main types of dwelling fire coverage:

  • DP-1: Offers limited coverage for fire, lightning, and internal explosions.
  • DP-2: Covers fires resulting from wind, hail, vandalism, and external forces.
  • DP-3: This level provides comprehensive coverage, addressing all reasons mentioned above and more unless specifically excluded in the policy.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, it’s essential to consider the coverage level you need carefully. If you’re unsure which one to get for your property, a consultation with an insurance representative can help. Here at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, we aim to find the best policy that matches the policyholder’s needs. We look forward to discussing your options.

Insurance Coverage for Residential Garage Renovations

Posted on by AgentInsure

Completing residential garage renovations may require changes to your home insurance policy. Review some renovation categories that could influence your decision to have your insurance policy modified.

Structural Materials

The addition of structural materials will increase the value of your garage. New materials could also enhance the garage’s durability, possibly impacting the type of insurance coverage you need.

During the renovation process, prepare a list of the used materials. Knowing the value of the structural materials will help you decide on how much home insurance coverage you’ll need to protect the garage adequately.

Electrical Materials

Electrical materials may become damaged or stolen. If the materials being utilized for garage renovation are pricey, consider adding them to your home insurance policy.

The coverage will guard you against damages that are not your fault. If any of the electrical materials are stolen, your insurance coverage will compensate for their replacement.

Decorative Materials

Paint, trim pieces, and other decorative materials may be employed during the renovation process. All the upgrades will add value to the garage. Adding these materials to your insurance policy could prove to be a wise investment.

Use Value

Once the renovations are accomplished, you may utilize your garage for new purposes. Altering the layout of the garage could enable it to serve multiple functions. Because the garage will be more useful to you, you might want to equip the structure with more extensive insurance coverage.

Insurance Advice

Seek advice from one of our agents who serve Cincinnati, OH. An Advantage Insurance Network agent will recommend appropriate insurance for the garage renovations you plan on completing.

Dwelling Fire Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by AgentInsure

Dwelling fire insurance provides different coverage than traditional homeowner’s insurance. While they may sound similar, each is designed to cover different buildings under a set of varied circumstances. Our agents at Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, offer a short, comprehensive explanation.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance protects your primary residence and is designed to cover damage to your home and property should a disaster or unexpected event occur. These policies include fire damage coverage for any damage to a primary residence and its possessions. No one plans to have a fire, but getting this policy can be the difference between homelessness and shelter.

Dwelling Fire Insurance

Dwelling fire insurance doesn’t cover a primary residence. However, it covers homes you own but don’t reside in for the majority of the year. These are typically vacation homes, rental properties, and getaway destinations like cabins or cottages. Dwelling coverage policies cover expenses resulting from fire damage, including repairs or rebuilding if necessary. Also covered are attached structures like garages, porches, and decks.

When to Use Dwelling Fire Insurance

Several situations could be handled by dwelling situations that result from fires. These incidents are the most expensive to repair and can result in total destruction, which this invaluable coverage can alleviate. These insurance policies can be customized to suit your housing situation. Most clients’ properties fall under the categories including:

  • Owner Occupied
  • Secondary Residences
  • Investment Properties
  • Vacant Homes

Get Protection From Property Fires Today

Fires can ignite at any time and be attributed to several sources. However, they are typically very destructive, so get the coverage you need to protect your investment through Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, for greater peace of mind.

Your Residential Home Insurance Assessment

Posted on by AgentInsure

A home insurance assessment is occasionally conducted before an insurance policy is prepared. If your property will be assessed by an insurance representative, familiarize yourself with the preparations and steps that may be followed.

Purpose

An assessment aims to determine a property’s risk and the amount of work that may need to be performed if it eventually needs to be rebuilt. The insurance representative may inspect the home’s exterior and interior.

Preparations

A property owner should prepare their home for the assessment. The property should be clean and accessible. If there are a lot of items crowding hallways or other areas where the assessment will take place, these items should be temporarily moved to an alternate space. 

Exterior Assessment

During the assessment, which takes place outdoors, the insurance representative will inspect the land and home. They will note damage or weak materials that could pose a threat. If the property is located in a low-lying area, the representative may note this fact. 

Interior Assessment

The interior assessment will provide the representative with the condition of the living space. The inspector may assess the walls for signs of mold, determine if any pests are present, and inspect the HVAC system, plumbing materials, and other critical materials installed within a home.

Findings

The insurance representative will provide the property owner with a report of their findings, which will outline any problems that the property owner should address. 

Contact Advantage Insurance Network

Contact one of our agents who serve Cincinnati, OH. An Advantage Insurance Network representative will advise you about the home insurance coverage you need.