{"id":12110,"date":"2022-10-05T06:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-05T12:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/?p=12110"},"modified":"2023-06-14T09:36:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T15:36:18","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-buying-home-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shieldagency.com\/blog\/a-beginners-guide-to-buying-home-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"A beginner’s guide to buying home insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shield Blog<\/a> | Home Insurance | Start A Quote Today!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home insurance isn\u2019t an <\/a>option <\/a>\u2014 it\u2019s a necessity. Nearly all mortgage lenders require borrowers to purchase homeowners insurance before financing a residential real estate transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FOX Business<\/a> | By Josephine Nesbit<\/a> | Published<\/strong> April 27, 2021 3:23 pm EDT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insurance can be complicated. Homeowners need to be prepared and make sure they are adequately insured. Here\u2019s a buyer’s guide for first-time homeowners<\/a> on the basics of home insurance and finding the plan that offers the right insurance coverage for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I look for when buying home insurance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buyers can adjust their insurance policy to fit their insurance coverage needs. When buying homeowners insurance, you should have enough coverage to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Rebuild your home<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Replace your personal belongings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Cover injuries and damages that occur on your property<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pay your living expenses if your house is uninhabitable<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What does home insurance cover?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here are the different types of coverage from a standard home insurance policy<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Dwelling <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Dwelling coverage helps rebuild or repair the home\u2019s structure if damaged by a covered event. Dwelling coverage should equal the cost to replace your home. This can be calculated by speaking with an insurance agent or an appraiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Personal property<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This applies to everything in your home besides the structure itself if your personal belongings are destroyed, vandalized, or stolen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You should have enough coverage to replace all of your belongings. This can be calculated by keeping a home inventory of everything you own and their actual cash value. More expensive items may also require additional coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Liability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Liability coverage covers you against lawsuits for injury or property damage caused by you, family members, or pets to other people. Common liability claims include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n