How Do You Determine the Cost to Rebuild Your Home for Home Insurance Purposes?

When purchasing or updating your home insurance, ensure you have enough coverage to cover the cost of rebuilding your home. That is often more than the cost of buying your home – a common misunderstanding for some people. It often costs more to rebuild your home, especially when the cost of lumber is increasing, or the cost of labor is growing. At LeapFrog Insurance, we help our San Antonio, TX clients choose home insurance policies that fit their specific needs.

Estimating Home Value

There are numerous ways to estimate the value of rebuilding your home. The most accurate method is to meet with a local contractor to discuss your concern. They will have the most up-to-date information about the cost of rebuilding your home because they spend every day within the industry calculating this information.

If you are not looking for a detailed estimate, you can also look at the new construction costs of a home within your community. Look for homes similar in size and features to your property, especially when it comes to any extras in your home or enhancements you have that could impact the cost of rebuilding. Your insurance agent can also offer some guidance based on the local market and the cost of rebuilding.

Get the Right Level of Protection in Place Today

No one wants to think about a home needing to be rebuilt, but it does occur, and often, the right home insurance policy can minimize your risks of financial loss. At LeapFrog, our home insurance for San Antonio, TX, property owners can help you to get the peace of mind you need. Reach out to us now to learn how we can help you.

Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid

There is a lot to think about when buying home insurance. Your home is likely one of your most significant investments, so you must insure it properly. Our LeapFrog Insurance team, serving the San Antonio, TX area, will work with you to structure an insurance plan that works for you.

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

Insurance buyers make some mistakes during the buying process and others after acquiring the policy, and you should avoid both. Common buying mistakes include:

  • Ignoring exclusions: Understanding what is and is not covered is essential. Flood and wind damage are standard exclusions, but you can experience significant losses by not adding these to your coverage.
  • Underinsuring belongings: Policyholders often underestimate the value of their possessions, particularly jewelry, art, and collectibles.
  • Underestimating liability: Accepting the minimum liability coverage can be risky. Consider umbrella insurance.
  • Misrepresentation: Honesty is your best policy. Failing to inform your agent about specific risks, like owning a trampoline or using your home as a short-term rental, can result in a lack of coverage when an accident occurs.
  • Failure to bundle and comparison shop: Working with one agent and provider to consolidate your policies can save money.

Mistakes that occur after the policy is in force include:

  • Underinsuring your home: Home improvements can increase your home’s value above the original policy’s replacement cost.
  • Failing to keep a home inventory: Regularly updating an inventory of your belongings and creating a simple mobile phone video is critical in the event of a loss.

Working with LeapFrog Insurance

Every client’s home insurance needs are unique. LeapFrog Insurance, which proudly serves San Antonio, TX, will work to understand your needs and structure an insurance plan that meets your needs and avoids common mistakes. Call or stop by today to discuss your insurance options.

Three Myths About Home Insurance You Need to Know About

At LeapFrog Insurance, serving the greater San Antonio, TX region, we have seen how myths can affect people’s decision-making process regarding purchasing home insurance. These myths may make people believe that they have all the coverage they need when they may need more coverage or different types of insurance products.

Here are three myths about home insurance you need to know if you want to purchase a home insurance policy. 

Homeowners Insurance Covers Every Type of Natural Event

One of the biggest myths surrounding home insurance is that home insurance covers every type of natural event. In most cases, home insurance excludes many types of natural events, such as flooding caused by heavy rains, rivers flowing over their banks, or earthquakes. You need a separate policy or an add-on policy to cover these types of events. 

Homeowners Insurance Covers Everything Stored in a Home

Another common myth about home insurance is that everything in your home is covered by homeowners insurance. If you have expensive items, such as fine art, collectible coins, or jewelry, your pieces may exceed the policy limits of your home insurance policy, and you may need separate coverage for those items. 

Homeowners’ Insurance Covers Tenants or Renters

The final myth surrounding home insurance policies is that these types of policies cover tenants or renters. They do not. Your renters or tenants need a renters insurance policy. Your policy will not extend to any renters or tenants in your home, regardless of whether they are renting a room or the entire house. 

As you look to purchase home insurance, it is essential to fully understand what is covered and what is excluded in a policy. Here at LeapFrog Insurance, serving the greater San Antonio, TX, our knowledgeable insurance agents can work with you to help you fully understand insurance policies and any exclusions they may have, allowing you to find the best insurance policy for your specific needs. Call us today to start the process of finding the right insurance policy. 

What are the Benefits of Home Insurance?

If you own a home or have looked into owning a home, you have probably come across the topic of home insurance. Home insurance is one of the few types of insurance people are most familiar with. You might have a little idea of what home insurance is, but do you know the benefits of having home insurance?

Top benefits of home insurance

Dwelling coverage

Homeowner’s insurance helps cover the inside and outside of the building. If something happens to your house, such as a natural disaster or a fire, dwelling insurance will cover the repair costs for your home.

Other structures coverage

If you have other structures on your property, such as a shed, fence, or detached garage, your insurance will cover it.

Loss of use coverage

Sometimes, things happen that make your house unusable for a period. When this happens, you need a place to stay. This is where the loss of use coverage comes in handy. It takes care of some of your living expenses while you wait for your house to become livable again.

Personal property coverage

Personal property refers to your belongings, including jewelry, electronics, furniture, appliances, and more. If your belongings get lost in a fire or stolen, your insurance can cover them up to a predetermined limit.

Liability coverage

Accidents happen. Liability insurance can come to the rescue if someone gets hurt on your property. It covers medical costs or damage to another person’s property. It also covers you in the event of a lawsuit.

Contact us

For more information about home insurance, contact us at LeapFrog Insurance in San Antonio, TX.

Does My Home Insurance Protect Against Floods in San Antonio, TX?

If you’re a homeowner in San Antonio, TX, you may wonder whether your home insurance protects against floods. The answer is maybe. Standard home insurance policies rarely cover flood damage. The water source usually determines whether your home insurance will cover the damage. Here’s what you need to know:

Homeowners Insurance and Floods

If a flood damages your home, your homeowner’s insurance will probably not cover the damage. That’s because most standard homeowner’s insurance policies exclude flood damage. However, if the source of the flooding is something other than water from outside your home, such as a broken pipe, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage.

What is a Flood?

A flood is a rise in water level that inundates usually dry land. Heavy rains, melting snow, hurricanes, and severe storms can cause flooding. When these events happen, the water can rise quickly and cause damage to your home.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your home and personal belongings from certain events, such as fire, theft, windstorms, and hail. Most policies also cover liability if someone is injured on your property.

Your LeapFrog Insurance agent can help you understand your policy and whether you need additional flood insurance.

How Do I Protect My Home From Flooding?

If you live in an area prone to flooding, purchase flood insurance. You can also purchase flood insurance even if you don’t live in a high-risk area. It protects your home and belongings from water damage caused by floods.

Do you have questions about your home insurance or flood insurance? We’re here to help you. Contact LeapFrog Insurance today.

What Are the Benefits of Home Insurance?

Homeowners often overlook the many benefits of home insurance. But it’s important to remember that your home is the single most significant investment you’ll ever make and should be protected from life’s uncertainties, like natural disasters and other property damage. Here are a few benefits of home insurance you should know about.

1. It Protects Your Main Dwelling

Your home insurance policy will protect your main dwelling in the event of a fire, burglary, or other covered property damage. This means you won’t have to worry about footing the bill for repairs out of your pocket. However, home insurance does not cover damage occasioned by negligence on your part, like a fire you started yourself.

2. It Protects Your Belongings

Your home insurance policy will also protect your belongings from damage or theft. This means you’ll be able to replace any lost or damaged items without dipping into your savings. Keep in mind that there is usually a limit to how much coverage your policy will provide, so be sure to read the fine print.

3. It Provides Liability Coverage

If someone is injured on your property, your home insurance policy will provide liability coverage to help protect you from any legal damages that may be awarded. This can be very important in the event of an accident, especially if someone is injured and requires medical attention.

4. It Covers Additional Living Expenses

If you are forced to evacuate your home due to a natural disaster or other covered events, your home insurance policy will cover additional living expenses. This means you’ll be able to live comfortably in a hotel or temporary housing while your home is repaired.

5. It Gives You Peace of Mind

Knowing you have home insurance can give you peace of mind if something goes wrong. Whether it’s a broken window or a stolen computer, you’ll know your policy will help cover the cost of repairs or replacements. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re protected financially in the event of an accident or disaster.

LeapFrog Insurance is a leading home insurance provider in San Antonio, TX. We are proud to offer our customers the many benefits of home insurance coverage. Contact us today to learn more about our policies and how we can help you protect your home.

 

 

Changes That Affect Home Insurance Needs

Change is inevitable. When it comes to home changes, it means you have to update your home insurance. One of the best ways to ensure that your home insurance is adequate is to talk to your insurance agent to spot gaps in your policy. For San Antonio, TX homeowners, most have made LeapFrog Insurance their preferred insurance agent because we always keep clients updated on home insurance needs. Today, we are looking at changes that mean you have to update your home insurance.

When you welcome a furry friend

Bringing a pet to your home is one of the most exciting in life. However, if your pet can bite, you need to update your home insurance. Why? A dangerous pet means that the risk of inflicting injuries to other people is high. As such, you need to increase the liability coverage of your policy to cover you when your pet misbehaves.

You have added jewelry

Inherited a diamond necklace from your grandma? Or perhaps you have an expensive engagement ring? Either way, you need to update your home insurance. Let’s explain the reason behind it. Your home insurance provides limited coverage to your jewelry. As such, you need a rider or endorsement to give maximum coverage to your high-priced assets.

Added a swimming pool

When the weather is hot and calm, floating in the backyard swimming pool might seem like the perfect way to crown your day. However, adding a swimming pool has insurance implications because it increases the risk of liability claims. If you have never considered umbrella insurance, it’s time to consider the thought now that you have a swimming pool.

Construction price changes

A spike in the local construction costs increases the replacement cost of your home. As such, don’t forget to buzz your insurance agent to update your policy.

Support when you need it

It can be confusing to decipher the changes that affect your home insurance policy. Luckily, if you are in San Antonio, TX, you can make LeapFrog Insurance your preferred insurance agent to help you navigate home insurance.

Why should I get home insurance in San Antonio?

The San Antonio, TX area is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. Along with this, there are great local amenities and a strong job market. This can make San Antonio a great place to buy a home and live. If you do buy a property here, you will want to make sure that you insure it properly. There continue to be many great reasons why you should get a home insurance plan here.

Insurance Protects Asset

A key reason why people should get home insurance here is that it can protect their assets. Anyone that is going to purchase a property in this area of Texas will be making a major investment. If you are going to purchase a property, you’ll want to know that it is covered. With a proper home insurance plan, you’re going to get the protection you need to mitigate the risk of damage due to fire, storm damage, vandalism, or other types of risks.

Comply with Insurance Requirements

You should also get a home insurance plan so you can stay in compliance with your insurance requirements. Most people that purchase a property will take out a mortgage and may also live within a home association. In either scenario, you will want to know that you have proper coverage and comply with insurance rules set forth. 

As you are looking for a home insurance plan in the San Antonio, TX area, it would be helpful to call the team at LeapFrog Insurance. If you do speak with LeapFrog Insurance you can learn more about your home insurance needs and options. Their personalized guidance will provide the support you need to choose a plan that is right for your situation and will properly protect your home. 

Who needs to have home insurance here?

The San Antonio, TX area continues to be a great place to purchase a home. This is a quickly growing city that offers a lot of opportunities and advantages to property owners. When you would like to buy a home here, you need to ensure that you get proper insurance for it. There are a couple of important reasons why people all over this area of Texas need to have home insurance. 

Insurance is a Requirement for Most Owners

A common reason that people in San Antonio will need to have home insurance coverage is that it is a requirement for most property owners. If you have purchased a home in the area, you could be required by a mortgage lender or home association to carry insurance. If you do not have this coverage, you could be out of compliance with your agreements and will face penalization.

Insurance Protects Property Owner

Having insurance would be a good investment even if you were not required to have it. When you have a property insurance policy, it will protect your home, which is also most people’s most valuable asset. Further, you are going to receive a liability policy that will be very helpful if you are ever subject to a claim. 

Property owners in the San Antonio, TX area are going to benefit greatly from having proper insurance in place. If you are looking for a new policy here, it would be a good idea to call LeapFrog Insurance. Picking an insurance policy for your car can seem quite complicated but LeapFrog Insurance can make the process much easier. The team here will take a careful and personalized approach when assessing your needs. This guidance and insight can then help you pick an ideal policy that will meet your needs. 

Hosting A Party, Do I Need To Tell My Insurer?

Different home insurers in San Antonio, TX will have different rules on when you’re supposed to inform them that you’re having a party, but as long as you follow the maximum occupancy and the fire code, you’ll have a hard time finding an insurer that simply doesn’t allow you to host a party or an insurer who lays down special stipulations for you to follow.

If you’re not sure where your insurer stands on the matter, you could read your policy back to front, or you could just go ahead and give them a call anyway.

The truth is that your insurer generally has your best interests in mind. If something goes wrong, they have to pay for it, so all they really want to do is help you to stay safe, and you’ll find that honesty is the best policy when dealing with your insurer.

If something goes wrong at your party and you need to file a claim, the worst that can happen if your insurer knows about it is, assuming those damages are not listed as an exclusion, anything. If you’re covered you’re covered. But if you were supposed to tell them you were hosting sixteen, twenty people for the Superbowl, and you neglected to inform your insurer, you might wind up having your claim denied.

This is usually the case. If the line seems blurry, you’ll always be happier you told your insurer.

If you’re still shopping around for a home insurer in San Antonio, TX, give LeapFrog Insurance a call. LeapFrog Insurance can connect you with the policy that you need to host a safe, fun party for your housewarming.