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In the previous entries in this series, we’ve outline pretty much everything that there is to know about homeowners insurance – the terms of your policy, the different items that are protected under your policy, and the different steps that are taken in the event of an accident. In the concluding part of this series, we’ll tie up any loose ends by addressing the things that homeowners insurance DOESN’T cover, frequently asked questions, and how to file a claim:


Certain losses aren’t covered by homeowners insurance:
· Breakdowns in the home: most homeowners insurance policies do not cover basic maintenance repairs. Your coverage doesn’t serve as a substitute for having your heating, cooling and plumbing systems regularly serviced.
· Floods, earthquakes and water backup: typically, floods, earthquakes and water (sewer) backups are excluded from most homeowners insurance



 


However, there are optional coverages that may be purchased as add-ons to an Allstate policy*

•    Extended coverage on jewelry, watches and furs: Increases limits for jewelry, watches and furs
•    Scheduled Personal and Property: Increased limits for personal property such as jewelry, cameras, antiques, recreational equipment and more
•    Identity Theft Restoration: If your identity gets stolen, this coverage can help with legal work, phone calls and lost wages
•    Water Backup: Helps cover damage in your home from backed up drains or broken sump pumps
•    Increased coverage on business property: Protects items you’re keeping in your home as business samples or for sale

*coverages may not be available in all states and limits may vary


Filing a Claim
    You can file a claim in one of three ways:
        · Call 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
        · Log on to your account at Allstate.com
        · Call your local Allstate Agent

Then what?
The Allstate claim process will vary based on the extent of damage. Here’s the typical process:
Step 1: If needed, we can provide referrals for assistance with temporary repairs such as boarding up windows
Step 2: We’ll evaluate damages and prepare an estimate
Step 3: Your Allstate claim representative will go over your policy with you to explain which coverages and limits apply
Step 4: Where available, you can choose an Allstate-recommended repair vendor and have the workmanship guaranteed by the vendor. Or you can choose your own vendor.
Step 5: We wrap up your claim by answering any questions you may have an provide you with payment when appropriate


What to do in case of a catastrophe
A catastrophe can impact many homes in an area all at once. When this occurs, a dedicated Allstate team will be dispatched to the site to make sure your claim is handled as quickly as possible. Call 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676)

FAQ’s
What if I don’t have all the information to file a claim?
Calling Allstate as soon as possible can help speed up the claim process. Even if you don’t have all the information, you can always provide us with additional details later.

What else can I do to speed up the claim process?
Taking an inventory of your belongings before anything happens can be very useful in verifying what you have an what it’s worth. To help you, you can download free inventory software from Allstate.com/homeinventory

My repair person has found additional damage from the loss that wasn’t on the initial estimate. What do I do?
Once the repair process begins, further damages could be found. If this happens, call your Allstate claim representative, who will arrange to investigate the newly found damages. Sometimes there’s no need for us to physically inspect the damage and an additional payment, up to the policy limit , can be issued right away.

What if I don’t agree with the estimate I received?
When you disagree with our evaluation of damages, please contact your Allstate claim representative or your Allstate agent. Our commitment is to always settle claims as fairly as possible.

Why does the check I received from Allstate include the name of my mortgage holder?
If you have a mortgage on your property, the mortgage holder is usually included on your policy along with your name. Most mortgage companies require that claims payment checks include the name(s) of the mortgage holder(s). Simply contact your mortgage holder to find out how to obtain their endorsement on the check.



Related Articles
Homeowners Insurance Made Simple pt. 1
Homeowners Insurance Made Simple pt. 2
Homeowners Insurance Made Simple pt. 3


Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usgeologicalsurvey/2593473985/ | CC BY 2.0

In part 2 of our Homeowners Insurance Made Simple series, we discussed the various types of things that could be protected under a given homeowners insurance policy, and also talked about the manner in which personal belongings are covered. In part 3 of this series, we will go through the process of what happens in the event of a loss or accident within your home.



When filing a claim for a covered loss, you may be responsible for paying a set amount, called a deductible, to repair or replace any items that were damaged or stolen.



 

A couple other notes on deductibles:
· Not all coverages will have a deductible. However, a deductible will always apply to Allstate’s Dwelling, Other Structures and Personal Property coverages.
· The amount of any deductible will be shown on your Policy Declarations next to the coverage
· In most cases, you choose the deductible from a range of options. A higher deductible usually means a lower insurance premium.

In the event that an accident takes place in your home, Allstate homeowners insurance provides the following types of coverage to protect you in these situations:

Family Liability Protection can help protect you from financial loss if you’re legally obligated to pay for another person’s injuries or damage to another person’s property


 


 

Guest Medical Protection can help pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses if someone is injured in an accident on your property

 





Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lollaping/3605556868/ | CC BY 2.0

In part 1 of our “Homeowners Insurance Made Simple” series, we went through the general terms associated with any policy, and provided general definitions of the line items contained therein. In part 2, we will examine the different types of items within your home that are covered under your policy, as well as the conditions under which they are covered:



 


What things are protected by my policy?

Property: This section of your policy can be divided into two basic types of protection:

Dwelling: includes your home and structures such as a garage or deck that are attached to your home

Other Structures: include buildings such as a garage or storage shed that are separate from the house

Personal Property (see below): personal belongings, furniture and other contents

Family Liability Protection: protects you if someone sues you for damages after being injured on your property

Personal Property Protection covers the loss of your belongings, and can help you replace them if they’re stolen or damaged. If these belongings are stolen or damaged outside of your home, your homeowners insurance can help you replace them as well.

However, some categories of personal property coverage have a maximum dollar limit that Allstate will pay the policyholder in the event of damage or loss. There may also be a limit per single item within these categories as well.





 
Because the value of most of your belongings decreases over time, you are able to choose from two different options with regards to personal property coverage:

Actual Cash Value: your belongings are covered for their replacement cost minus depreciation. Depreciation is the decrease in the item’s value due to its age, condition or other factors
Reimbursement Provision: your belongings are covered for the amount it would take to replace them at the time of the claim (premiums typically are higher for this type of coverage)

· First, you are given a check for the Actual Cash Value of the item

· When you replace the item, Allstate will issue a separate check for the remaining amount needed to make the purchase

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/remaxgoldcoastmedia/1259821042/  | CC BY 2.0