Amherst Homeowners Insurance
With more than 3500 households, Amherst is a popular and thriving New Hampshire town. Nevertheless, homeowners in Amherst face the same risks as homeowners everywhere - damage from fires, storms, wind, theft and other unexpected events that can create a financial nightmare. Homeowners insurance from a local insurance agency, like HPM Insurance, can help protect your investment and help rebuild your home.
New Hampshire Homeowners Insurance
New Hampshire experiences some of the most diverse weather in the country with snow-and-ice filled winters, summer thunderstorms with the occasional tornado thrown in and other unpredictable weather events. The damage from these events can be extensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 1 in 15 insured homes has a claim each year so it really isn't a matter of if- it is a matter of when. Combine the risk of property damage with the uncertainty of a lawsuit, NH homeowners need to be concerned about protecting their property and assets. Homeowners insurance can not only give you peace-of-mind but also protect against catastrophic financial loss caused by a homeowner's loss.
Amherst Homeowners Insurance
New Hampshire home insurance can be divided into three main protections: your structures, your property, and your personal liability. These important coverages can protect you from a wide range of events that could cause significant financial loss such as:
- Fire
- Severe storm damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Personal lawsuits
Dwelling Coverage
Your main house structure, referred to as the dwelling, can be insured for an amount that would allow you to rebuild in case of a total loss, like a fire. This is referred to as the replacement cost, which is different than the purchase price (which would include land and other market factors.) If you are uncertain of this figure, many insurance companies can use a software that helps build the replacement cost figure of most standardized homes. If your home is unique or highly customized, you can always provide a professional appraisal, or the insurance company may send their own appraiser to help determine the proper amount of coverage.
Other Structures
Structures that are not attached to the dwelling, like a shed, barn, pool, and fence are considered "Other Structures". Most standard homeowners insurance policies automatically provide 10% of the dwelling limit to other structures. This is fine if you have a small shed or fence, but coverage may need to be increased if you have a barn, detached garage or pool.
Personal Property
Personal property typically refers to all the household contents you own, including furniture, personal electronics, clothing, appliances, etc. Many homeowner carriers provide 50% or more of the dwelling limit for personal property. It covers most personal possessions, but certain items have coverage limitations and may be better covered elsewhere. Speak with your agent or check your policy for details, but If you have jewelry, artwork, antiques, cameras, cash, silver, guns or other valuable or unique items - you may want to insure these items separately on your policy.
Liability Insurance
If an accident occurs either on or off your property, you may be sued for medical payments, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of income, etc. Liability insurance on a NH homeowners policy does not include any injury or damage resulting from a car accident, but can pay for incidents like a slip and fall in your driveway, your dog biting someone, your shopping cart getting away from you in a parking lot and hitting a new Porsche. The scenarios are endless but a key part of this coverage is that it also includes defense costs - which can sometimes be greater than the lawsuit itself.
Your personal lifestyle can increase the chances of a personal lawsuit so it is important to speak with a professional insurance agent to get advice on available coverage. If you have children, a pet, a swimming pool, participate in amateur sports, use social media or simply have means, you are a more likely a candidate for a lawsuit so want to be aware of the coverage options available.
The standard NH home insurance policy usually provides at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage with upwards of $500,000 to $1 million available. Though this is quite a jump in coverage, the cost typically isn't, as many companies charge less than $20 for an increase from $300,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage. Be sure you understand the cost of adequate coverage before choosing the limit that could protect all your assets.
Why HPM Insurance?
NH homeowners have many assets to protect. By working with a local insurance agent like HPM insurance, that is located right here in Amherst, you have professionals who are available to help you find the best coverage at a fair price. We have been protecting the citizens of Southern New Hampshire since 1860. We know home insurance. We have the experience to understand the risks associated with being a homeowner in New England and what you need to protect your home. We have convenient offices in both Amherst and Bedford.
Enter Your Zip Code above, call us at 603-673-1201 or email us at info@HPMinsurance.com and let the professionals at HPM Insurance help you protect your home.
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provision, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional.
