by Anna Wagler, the Wagler Agency of AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
As we spend more time at home, many of us are “getting around” to those home projects we’ve put off. Making it more beautiful and more comfortable to quarantine as needed! If you are updating your home, like finishing your basement or installing a home office, make sure you update your insurance to include your investment and add discounts for newer or safer features.
Here are several upgrades that affect your home insurance.
Finished basement. Finishing a basement means more property and structure that needs to be covered by your insurance, so you’ll want to let your insurance company know of your addition in order to have the proper coverage amount.
Remember the flooding in March? Have you lost power this summer? You might want to consider adding sump pump failure and water backup coverage for your finished basement, too. If your sump pump system ever fails or the power goes out, water overflow may occur. And damage from this type of event isn’t typically covered by your standard home insurance policy. This may not be a big deal for a basement that’s not finished, but imagine if your new carpet, furniture, electronics and other features were destroyed. It could get expensive to cover the cost to repair or replace the damages.
Adding a home office. Many entrepreneurs think their home business is covered by their home insurance policy. If you’re a business owner working from home, you’ll want to add home business coverage to your insurance, which will extend the liability limits and coverages of your home insurance to your small business.
Remodeling the kitchen. A kitchen remodel is one of the most common home renovations — and one of the most expensive. But the money you’re putting into the remodel means your home’s value could boost significantly. You’ll want to make sure your home’s replacement cost is updated with your insurance company.
Installing a pool. Did you install a pool during the statewide shutdown? A swimming pool is great for friends and family to enjoy. Pools are costly and add a new liability to your yard. Make sure your insurance company knows about the addition!
Upgrades that discount your pricing. If you replace the electrical and plumbing systems in your older home, you could qualify for a renovated home discount. When you upgrade your roof, choosing impact resistant roofing to discount your insurance as well. Home security systems, like Frontpoint or Ring Video Doorbell, earn you a smart home discount. If you changed your cable contract and now have home security as part of your package, let your agent know! All are great ways to lower your home insurance cost!
As your biggest investment, it’s important to know your home is protected. You should be talking with your insurance agent yearly to make sure your coverages are right. If you don’t have an agent, give us a call (708)215-2472, or stop by our office at 140 N. LaGrange. We’d love to talk with you!
Anna and Philip Wagler are owners of the Wagler Agency and valued members of the La Grange Business Association. Their unique backgrounds, training and experience have prepared them well to help meet your insurance needs. Additionally, as residents of our community, they understand how important it is to be there for you – and build strong partnerships that help everyone succeed.