Everyone around the world has, like it or not, been spending an inordinate amount of time at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, because of government mandates, or just plain old concern. Being behind the four walls of our homes has many Americans evaluating their physical space, and ways to protect that space. According to Google, the search words “home improvement” are trending upwards, meaning more and more folks are turning to DIY home projects while hunkered down. But it’s not just organizing the attic and retiling the kitchen that we should be focusing on. Your home, as a whole, is quite possibly one of your biggest assets, so having a home insurance policy is definitely in your favor.
With a health pandemic on the rise, it’s scary to think about risks that are looming over your home, but accidents don’t stop for health pandemics, sadly. In fact, the more time you spend at home, the more wear and tear your house is undertaking. The risks of an accidental toilet-related flood, an unintentional candle fire, or unforeseen water backup are so much higher now, with the higher percentages of time being spent at home.
A good home insurance policy can be tailored to fit your exact needs. There are even “stranger” but useful policies, like the ability to add a policy for personal injury that covers even someone’s reputation in the event you’re sued for indirect damages because of social media, and other sites. With everyone spending more and more time online at home during the lockdown, it’s not a bad idea to be prepared for this exact situation. It may seem like a silly addition, but more and more lawsuits against cyberbullying, specifically involving minors, are happening these days, and parents can be held reliable for the financial implications of a guilty verdict.
Something a little more commonly heard of in a big city like San Antonio would be securing a specific policy covering water backup. Back-up damages as a result of a clogged drain, sewer, or sump pump are not considered flood insurance and are also considered different than “water overflow,” which is just clear water that has flooded the home. Water backup, specifically, is usually black or dark green and full of bacteria since it is just “used” toilet water that has backed up from the pipes into your home. Prepare yourself and your home for the correct coverage for a potentially “smelly” situation with the exact insurance you wish to be covered by. Your home sewage system is being tested more than it usually is, so don’t be caught in a bad spot when it’s too late.
You’ve probably heard of “Cul-de-sac Kid Clubs,” where neighborhood kids still practice social distancing and don’t touch each other, but still, get rid of pent-up sillies by playing in each other’s yards during the quarantine. If you’re the house with a trampoline or other fun piece of equipment that the neighborhood kids are enjoying, it’s best to get a miscellaneous coverage policy that you know covers this piece of equipment, as a lot of insurance companies exclude these pieces as part of a standard policy. With the piece of equipment on your property, you could be held liable for any damages that occur, so get covered.
In case you missed it: “Cyber Liability Insurance for a Digital World” outlines cyber liability insurance policies that are helping business owners stay afloat during the quarantine while adjusting to a world even more digital than ever. In the meantime, stay safe, and call our agents for details about our policies that can help you rest a little easier.
