Owning a home for the first time involves a number of crucial decisions such as choosing the right neighborhood, deciding the number of bedrooms required, assessing the amount of property tax, earnest money, closing costs, etc. to be paid and more. However, one of the most important things for a new homeowner to consider is the right homeowner insurance policy i.e. a policy that fits the needs and is economically priced.

Here is a list of some tips to keep in mind when purchasing homeowner’s insurance for the first time:

• Navigate The Process: Educate yourself on the process involved in buying the insurance and understand the extent to which it will cover the structure of your home and the belongings therein. Enquire about the things that your home will be protected from e.g. fire, vandalism, theft, lightning, tornadoes, etc.
• Consider The Coverage: As a buyer of an insurance policy, it is your right to know what the policy covers. In most cases, a homeowner’s insurance policy covers expenses incurred on rebuilding a damaged home, replacement or repair of personal belongings, payment for medical expenses, legal defense and additional living expenses incurred due to “loss of use” of a home due to factors like a fire or tornado.
• Replacement Cost V/S Market Value: Replacement cost refers to the amount spent on rebuilding a home whereas market value covers the home’s current cash value. When shopping for an insurance policy, ensure that the replacement cost of your home can cover a loss completely. Look for a policy that covers the amount of replacement cost and not just the market value.
• Claims: Take a peek into the claims process of the insurance agency of your choice. Ask the agents about the claims processing timeS and who will be your point of contact.
• Online Quotes: Most insurance companies offer discounts based on different criteria. So, consider requesting an online quotation of desired coverage to have a clear idea of the cost.
• Consult An Expert: First time insurance buyers should consult an expert in the field to determine the right amount of insurance coverage based on the type of house, location/area and personal requirements. An expert can also help in gaining a deeper understanding of the insurance policy and suggest whether additional coverage is required.

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Insurance coverage refers to the amount of liability or risk covered by insurance services. There are a variety of insurance coverage for different types of protection from sudden and unforeseen eventualities. Examples of insurance coverage include homeowners insurance, motorcycle insurance, auto insurance and others.

Each type of insurance coverage is important in its own unique way based on the amount and kind of coverage provided. The following is a list of different types of insurance coverage and their importance:

• Auto Insurance: This is an insurance that is required by the law of most states for bodily injury and property damage liability, personal injury protection, covering the cost of a car in case of collision, comprehensive coverage and protection from uninsured or underinsured motorists.
• Homeowners Insurance: This insurance coverage is important for those who want to protect themselves against the cost of damage caused to building of their home and its attached structures. It also provides protection against financial losses caused by theft, additional living expenses, personal liability, medical payments coverage, etc.
• Renters Insurance: It is a form of insurance that covers the losses to personal property and liability claims in a rented apartment or home. A renters insurance covers the contents of your rented dwelling against perils such as fire and lightning, accidents, thefts, vandalism, riots, and windstorms. It also provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your rented home and files a lawsuit against you.
• RV Insurance: Owners of recreational vehicles require a comprehensive RV insurance coverage to be financially protected from the cost of treating injuries and repairing damages in case of an accident. Insurance coverages are offered for recreational vehicles including motor homes (classes A, B and C), motor coaches, camper vans and travel trainers. Coverage options include Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists, Medical Payments, Roadside Assistance, etc.
• Motorcycle Insurance: A motorcycle insurance provides financial protection in case of an accident or theft of your motorcycle. Factors including past driving record, credit history, driver’s place of residence, age, etc. determine the type of motorcycle insurance plan. Coverage options offered are Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability, Comprehensive and Collision, Custom Parts and Equipment, etc.
• Boat Insurance: A boat insurance covers you for loss, damage, theft or injury risks to your watercraft and its occupants. Insurance plans include options such as Roadside Assistance, On-Water Towing, Total Loss Replacement, and more. Specific coverage plans are also available like personal watercraft insurance, jet boat insurance, sailboat insurance, fishing boat insurance or house boat insurance.

Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a wide range of insurance plans including home insurance, motorcycle insurance, auto insurance, RV insurance and boat insurance. For further details on understanding the importance of different insurance coverages, visit 2705 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 101, Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at: (254) 526 – 0535.

Whether you are renting or have purchased a home, it is necessary to have an insurance coverage in both the scenarios. Both homeowners and renters insurance provide financial protection against any kind of property damage, legal liabilities, medical payments and other costs.

However, there are some basic differences between homeowners and renters insurance:

• Coverage: The main point differentiating a homeowners and renters insurance is that the coverage plan for a homeowners insurance covers the house in which the owner lives and any other building structure like a garage or a storage shed attached to it.  Whereas, a renters insurance does not cover the building. It provides coverage to the belongings of a tenant in a rental property.
• Cost: A homeowners insurance is understandably costly as it provides coverage for the entire structure of a house and the belongings therein. Renters insurance is more affordable as it covers belongings except dwelling coverage. The covered perils in both these insurance plans can also differ which in turns affects the cost of coverage.
• Coverage For Personal Property: For a renters insurance, personal property coverage is the most important as it is the main feature and a factor in determining the cost of the insurance. A standard homeowners insurance plan also provides coverage for personal property, but it is not the main driving feature.

• Buying An Insurance Plan: Both the property owners and the tenant should have extensive knowledge about the value of their possessions to ensure that the insurance provides enough coverage. For homeowners insurance, the dwelling coverage should be set at or above the replacement cost of the home. A homeowner can buy additional insurance to cover the replacement value of his belongings in the home. Personal property coverage for renters insurance should be sufficient to cover the value of their possessions. In case of damage caused by a covered peril, the insurance will reimburse the replacement cost of the possessions that have been damaged.

Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc. provides homeowners and renters insurance to its clients. The agency also offers a variety of other insurance plans. To know more about difference between homeowners and renters insurance, visit 2705 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 101, Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 526 – 0535.

There are many myths and misconceptions around the topic of home insurance. These myths if not cleared can result in unwanted costs in the form of overpaying for policies and not getting the right coverage. Buying a home insurance policy is the best way of protecting your home from natural disasters and factors like theft, floods etc. The following is a list of common myths surrounding home insurance.

1. Home Insurance Is Limited To My House Only - A home insurance policy covers your house, its contents, living expenses for an inhabitable house and personal liability exposures.
2. Covers The Market Value Of A House - A home insurance covers the rebuilding/replacement value of a house and not its market value.
3. Insurance For Older And Inexpensive Homes Is Cheaper - The home insurance of older homes is in fact more expensive as the chances of certain home systems to fail are higher.
4. Home Insurance Covers Damage By Termites And Insects - Most home insurance policies generally do not cover damages by termites and insects. You will have to inquire whether the policy you have chosen covers these factors.
5. A Home Insurance Covers The Costs Of Intentional Damage - No, it does not cover costs that ensue due to injuries or damages caused by an act which you initiated, such as a fight with someone. It only covers damage due to accidental and unintentional injury caused to someone on your property.
6. Home Insurance Covers Costs On Upgrading My House - A home insurance does not cover any cost associated with maintaining your house. It also does not cover damages caused to the house due to poor maintenance such as mold. It can only compensate you for expenses incurred in rebuilding it in case of damage due to an unforeseen event such as fire or theft.
7. Creating An Inventory List Of Your Possessions Is A Waste Of Time  - Homeowners insurance provides for personal property insurance and covers for the possessions within the house. So, it is important to create an inventory of all the valuable possessions in your home so that you can file a claim in case a loss arises.

For affordable home insurance in Killeen, TX, contact Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc. We are located at 2705 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 101, Killeen, Texas 76542. You can also call us at (254) 526 – 0535.

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Home renovations can be an incredible way to increase your home’s resale value and uplift its overall appearance. However making changes to your home and renovating it can have considerable effects on the homeowner’s insurance premiums. The key to lowering your insurance costs is to invest in refurbishments that lower your risk of weather related damage, accidents, robberies and fires to your home. If your home is less susceptible to these perils, you will have to pay much less premiums on your insurance policy.

Given here are some of the home renovations that can significantly lower your insurance costs:

• Roof: Investing in a new roof or repairing the existing one can help you reduce your premium amount, particularly for older houses. A lot of insurance companies make it a prerequisite for the homeowners to have a perfectly updated roof. This will help you save your house against any structural or weather damage.
• Electrical Wiring: This is also one of the major factors taken into account by the insurance companies while deciding the annual cost of the insurance policy. An outmoded and dilapidated wiring system can possibly lead to a fire breakout in the house. Thus, before getting homeowner’s insurance, make sure the electrical wiring in your house is safe and new. Old wiring can spark and short circuit which will incur very heavy costs. 
• Deadbolt Locks: Even a small modification such as installing deadbolt locks can save you a lot in your homeowner’s insurance premiums. These locks will protect your house against any unauthorized invasion and thus, reduce your chances of filing for a claim.
• Smoke Alarms and Indoor Sprinklers: They provide long term savings and security that puts your house on minimal risk of getting damaged due to fire.
• Alarm Systems: Insurance companies tend to give major discounts to home owners who have a monitored alarm system installed in their house. The alarm alerts at unauthorized entry into your house and ensures safety of you and your possessions.

If you want to get affordable homeowners insurance policy, contact Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc. We offer the best insurance policies to our clients that are perfectly tailored to their requirements. For more details, feel free to call at (254) 526 – 0535. You can also visit our office at 2705 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 101, Killeen, Texas 76542.

Buying a home is one of the most important investments that people makes in their life and the importance of having a home insurance should not be overlooked. Getting homeowners insurance is extremely important for ensuring protection of your property and having peace of mind. The policy can help you shield your finances from the unexpected costs of repurchase or rebuilding the property in case any damage occurs.

Here are a few benefits of getting a homeowner’s insurance:

• Financial Protection: The policy provides you coverage against any possible financial loss that you might have to bear in case there is any damage to the house. The replacement budget of the home is usually greater than the initial price of purchase and that too by a considerable margin. Homeowners insurance offers coverage that will help you recuperate from the loss and rebuild or replace any damaged property without hitting hard on your savings.
• Timely Recovery: Insurance claims help the families to initiate the rebuilding process faster thus facilitating them to move on in their lives. They can repurchase any lost property and begin for the replacement or repair of the damage much quickly. Apart from securing them financially, it also enhances their wellbeing by providing psychological contentment and reducing stress.
• Living Expenses: Homeowners insurance also provides for the living expenses of the family if they are compelled to live somewhere else in circumstances where the home becomes dilapidated. These costs usually include restaurant bills, hotel overheads and all other expense borne by you while staying out of the house.
• Liability Protection: It refers to the security against any potential lawsuits that can turn up because of the physical injuries suffered by your guests while they are in your property. Your home insurance policy can cover the legal costs and medical expenses if the person decides to file charges against you on a matter.

Thus homeowner’s insurance offers a lot of benefits and every homeowner must make sure that he has insured himself as well as his home from any sort of unforeseen damage or loss.

If you live in Copperas Cove and want to get affordable homeowners insurance policy, feel free to contact Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc., at (254) 547-238. You can also visit our office at 2707 East Hwy 190 Copperas Cove, Texas 76522.We offer the best policies to our clients that are perfectly tailored to their needs and requirements.

When you own any kind of property it is always a smart move to get insurance for it as it will keep you financially covered in case of damages or accidents. The process of buying a property is in itself a complex and long-winded one but one should not ignore the important aspect of getting a homeowner’s insurance. Before getting homeowners insurance there are a few things that you need to keep in mind and certain points that you must consider. Knowing about these important factors can ensure that you end up with the right insurance policy for your requirements.

• The need for homeowners insurance is a very palpable need which is present and relevant for all homeowners. For people who buy a property to live in there is need for coverage of personal property and valuables and for people who buy property to rent it out, there is need for coverage against damage. Getting homeowners insurance is not an option but a necessity as it ensures that your investment is safe.
• Before you decide on where to get your homeowners insurance from you should do some market research and look at different insurance companies. Insurance offers, extent of coverage and financial terms all vary with different insurance providers and you should make sure that you get the right deal for your property. You should always consider the pros and cons of an insurance policy and then make up your mind.
• Homeowners’ insurance policies have a few very specific components on offer, depending on the policies of the insurance company where you buy it from. When you zero in on a particular insurance offer you should make sure that it gives you basic coverage for property damage and for the most common kinds of problems you are likely to face. You should also look for special terms which cover incidents like theft, fire, natural disasters etc. If a particular item is not listed on your offer you might have to pay extra to include it in the policy.
• Always ensure that you can manage your finances properly throughout the period of the insurance. Take prior note of the monthly premium payments and also carefully consider the deductible amount for each claim, making sure that the amount is within your reach financially should the need to make a claim arise.

Homeowners insurance is vital for the security of your home and to safeguard your financial investment.  A standard homeowners insurance policy offers an array of coverage including coverage for the structure of your home, your belongings, liability protection and other expenses in case of an unfortunate incident. All your personal belongings and investment are secure with the appropriate homeowners insurance. Even if you are renting out your property to someone you still need homeowner insurance that covers any reimburses for the rent that you would have collected from your tenant in case of damages to the home. Here are some of the broad categories covered under a homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Structure of the house: The policy covers any repair or rebuilding expenses that maybe required in case of destruction or damage to property during fire, hailstorm, hurricane, lighting or any other disasters. The insurance also offers coverage for detachable structures such as tool shed, garage, etc and by discussing your needs with your insurance provider you can get more options and detailed coverage.
• Your personal belongings: The homeowner insurance plans often cover the personal belongings in the home including your clothes, furniture, personal and expensive items. To insure the expensive items to its appraised value, you should purchase personal property endorsement plan, which also includes coverage in case these items are lost. The standard homeowners insurance also covers trees, shrubs, and plants though it doesn’t cover damages due to disease.
• Additional living expenses: The homeowners insurance pays for any costs of living in case the current house in not livable. The house may get damaged due to fire, storm or any other insured disaster. In such case, the insurance covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other expenses incurred while your house is rebuilt. The coverage for additional living expenses varies from company to company and by paying an additional premium, you can have additional coverage.
• Liability protection: The home insurance covers any lawsuits for bodily injuries or property damage that occurs to any one at your home which also includes any injuries to your pet. Any damages to your neighbors due to your actions are also covered. The home insurance covers no-fault medical bills and the costs of defending you in court along with any court awards.

For more details on home owners insurance coverage, you can consult with agents at Shawn Camp Insurance Agency, Inc. You can call us at (254) 526-0535.