Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Infestations?

Having the right home insurance coverage and preventing damage associated with pests is crucial for protecting your home and property. If you’re interested in acquiring top-quality home insurance, the professionals at Shell Insurance Agency are ready to assist the residents in and around Deer Park, TX.

Termite Damage

Quality home insurance is one of the best ways to protect your home. However, most insurance policies won’t cover damage due to a termite infestation. This is because insurance providers view termite damage as a preventable issue. The best way to prevent termite damage is to have regularly scheduled inspections and treatment.

Knowledgeable Agents 

Our team of professional insurance agents is highly skilled and knowledgeable. They can carefully assess your situation based on facts and potential needs in your individual case. From there, the agent can recommend compatible insurance policy options that benefit homeowners. Once a policy is chosen, the agent can assist with filing paperwork and documentation to help get the insurance policy in place immediately. If, at any time during the policy’s life, you need assistance with changes to the policy or even filing a claim, we are here to help.

Reach Out to Us 

Choosing the right coverage and understanding the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy is a priority. Our insurance agents are ready to assist you with finding and understanding your home insurance policy. Shell Insurance Agency is committed to providing exceptional customer service and insurance products they can rely on. Residents living in and around the Deer Park, TX, area are encouraged to call or stop by the office to schedule a consultation with one of our agents. Get the quality insurance coverage you need for a complete layer of protection and peace of mind.

Does Home Insurance Cover Mold?

Having adequate home insurance is essential for protecting you from losses associated with covered perils. There are many instances where your home could sustain damage and, as a result, develop mold. If you need quality home insurance, you can trust the professionals at Shell Insurance Agency, serving the residents around Deer Park, TX. 

Home Insurance Protection

Most home insurance policies protect the homeowner from incurring losses associated with mold due to a sudden accident or incident that wasn’t the homeowner’s fault. Before choosing a policy for your home, make sure you know the terms and conditions associated with mold coverage and similar points of interest. 

When you work with our team of experts, you can be assured that our agents will thoroughly explain any mold-related details or any other incidents needing clarification. We take the time to match our clients with suitable policy options to ensure they are completely protected. Not only do we help offer the right choices for insurance coverage, but we also assist with the submission of documents, policy changes, and any claim submissions. We are committed to offering our residents the best customer service out there. 

Reach Out Today

If you or someone you know is looking for top-quality home insurance, contact an agent at Shell Insurance Agency today. We proudly serve the residents in and around the Deer Park, TX, area. Find out how we can help provide a blanket of protection against risks such as mold and other related damage that threaten your home and health. We are ready to give you the support and answers you need for peace of mind. 

What every new homeowner should know about home insurance

Most new homeowners don’t have a lot of knowledge about home insurance. They count on their insurance agent to ensure they have the right coverage. At Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX, we get to know our customers so that we can offer you the right choice. 

You can choose the deductible amount that is right for you

Having a higher deductible can help make your home insurance more affordable. But, the amount you choose has to be reasonable for you to pay if you file a claim. The deductible is usually between $500 and $2000 but can go as high as $5,000. It is also important to know that the deductible is on every claim; it is not a yearly amount. 

Not everything is covered by home insurance.

Home insurance policies have exclusions, things that just aren’t covered. Some things not covered are:

  • Floods
  • Earth movement
  • Sewer backup
  • Wear and tear
  • Owner neglect 

Home riders you may want to add

Riders, also called endorsements, are additions to your policy that either expand the overage you already have or add excluded coverage. You should consider a jewelry rider if you have more than a small amount of jewelry. You need to provide an appraisal for valuable pieces. If you have antiques or expensive electronics, these also need an additional coverage rider. 

What type of coverage does home insurance provide?

Home insurance offers very important coverage for your home. Property insurance covers the basic structure and any attachments. Unattached garages, sheds, and casitas are also covered. The content of your home is covered. You have liability insurance coverage and loss of use protection which helps you have a place to stay if your home is damaged. 

Contact Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX if you have questions about home insurance.

Stay Protected With Home Insurance

It’s essential to keep your home protected from as many risks as possible, and home insurance can help you to do just that. This type of insurance comes with many types of coverage that lend you protection in different ways. When you own a home, keep a home policy to protect yourself. Call us at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to get started if you don’t have a home policy. 

Protection for the Home

The house you live in likely represents your most significant investment. It’s always a good idea to have that investment well-protected with home insurance. In most cases, homeowners must have home insurance from either their lender, association, or both. Even if neither applies to you, it’s never a good idea to be without home insurance. It can pay for the repairs needed after a serious event damages your home.

Protection for Your Possessions

When you have home insurance, it also protects your belongings. It gives you coverage for all your possessions on your property in case of a serious incident that destroys them. This is important coverage to have when you consider how much your things are worth and how much it would cost to replace them. 

Liability Protection

Another type of coverage in a home policy is protection for your liability for accidents. If someone had an accident on your property, this coverage could pay for the medical bills that result from that accident so that you won’t have to. 

Get Your Home Protection

It would help if you had a home insurance policy to protect your home, possessions, and finances. Call us today at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to get started with a policy of your own. 

Does My Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Outbuildings?

If you have a detached garage or a stand-alone shed in your backyard, you may be wondering if your standard homeowner’s insurance policy covers these outbuildings. Fortunately, most home insurance policies cover outbuildings that are separate or detached from the primary building.

Coverage Basics

If your property has a shed, gazebo, guest house, pool house, deck, or fence, these structures are called outbuildings and have the same insurance coverage as the primary home. However, it’s wise to check just how much protection these buildings have.

For example, if you have outbuildings on your property for business purposes, your primary home insurance policy may not cover any damage to these buildings. In some cases, you need to buy additional coverage for outbuildings you use for a business.

Know the Risks

Most standard home insurance policies cover damage for risks like theft, fire, or other named perils, including the risks to external structures. However, these buildings have the same coverage as the primary building. So, it’s essential to check how much coverage you have – especially if you have high-value structures on your property.

Examine Coverage B of Your Homeowners Policy

Coverage B of your home insurance policy details how much protection you have for detached structures. Knowing which outbuildings aren’t covered under your standard policy is also vital. For example, some policies don’t cover detached structures used for agricultural purposes. And, any outbuilding you use for rental purposes – like renting a guest house – might not have the same coverage as other detached structures.

Contact our team of insurance professionals today at Shell Insurance Agency in Deer Park, TX to find out more about outbuilding coverage on your standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

In today’s society, we can’t be sure about our homes’ safety. Crime rates are rising every day, and there’s so much on the news about theft and burglaries. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make your home safer. You can even take a step further and purchase home insurance. It protects your home from vandalism and theft, as well as other damages caused by unexpected events like fire, hail, and wind.

If you need home insurance in Deer Park, TX, Shell Insurance Agency can help you make the right choices that suit your needs.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

Secure Your Windows and Doors

If your home is equipped with old windows or doors, replace them. If you don’t want to do that, make sure they are locked properly before bedtime. Many burglaries occur through open doors and windows, so ensure all of them are locked. Keep window ladders away from your second-story windows too! If someone can get on the ladder then they can unlock your window and walk right in!

Buy a Security System

It’s expensive but it pays off. Burglars don’t like homes where there are security systems because it makes their jobs more difficult. It’s better to spend some money than none at all if you need this extra protection. You can also consider getting a guard dog. Yes, dogs fight off burglars.

Add Solid Doors and Fences

If you can afford it, consider replacing your doors with solid metal ones instead of those made out of glass or wood. They’re much stronger and harder to breakthrough. If you already have a wooden door, make sure there’s not a window on it either because that will make it easier for burglars to get in. A fence around your yard is also another good addition if you feel like security isn’t enough. It stops people from walking into your home without permission.

Secure Your Valuables

If someone knows where all the valuables are in your home, they more likely to steal them. Hide everything! Put your valuable items in a safe and if you have expensive jewelry, keep it locked up at all times. You can even buy heavy-duty jewelry boxes and keep them under your bed or inside the closet so no one finds them.

Connect With Your Neighbors

It’s always nice to be friends with those living around you. Having good relationships with your neighbors will benefit both of you as well as other people who live around you. If someone is eyeing their neighbor’s house, then they’ll come over and tell you about it instead of keeping quiet thinking that there’s nothing they can do about it because the person has lived there for years already.

These are some of the best practices to make your home safer. Purchasing home insurance gives you peace of mind that in case anything happens, you’ll be protected. Shell Insurance Agency serving Deer Park, TX provides home insurance policies to help owners cover their homes. Contact us today!

How To Choose Home Insurance

There are so many important little decisions that go into the purchase of a new home. If you have recently bought a house, one of your big choices will be home insurance. Finding a great deal on home insurance is vital to the long-term safety and security of your investment. At Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX, we make it easy to access accurate insurance information so that you can make confident insurance choices. Keep reading to learn more about home insurance. 

Why Purchase Home Insurance?

Your house will probably be one of the biggest investments you make during your life. Not only is this a big investment as far as money is concerned, but your home also carries with it a great deal of sentimental value as well. This is a place of safety and security for you and your family. Protecting that is very important. 

Home insurance will bring you the peace of mind of knowing that you will always have the resources available to provide your family with a safe place to call home. 

Many mortgage companies also require that you carry home insurance for the life of the loan. This is another important reason to purchase home insurance. 

How Much Insurance Do I Need?

In order to determine the amount of insurance you should purchase, it is a good idea to sit down with an insurance representative to talk about the value of your home and the value of your personal possessions as well. The amount of insurance needed will differ from family to family.

If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us at Shell Insurance Agency, serving Deer Park, TX. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best insurance products for your needs. 

How Much Home Coverage Do You Really Need?

When you own a home, home insurance is a given. What you need to ask yourself is “how much home insurance coverage do I really need?” The following tips from Shell Insurance Agency can be helpful in making wise decisions concerning home insurance coverage.  

What Home Insurance Covers

A typical home policy in Deer Park, TX covers the following:

  • Your home
  • Your belongings
  • Injuries or property damage from accidents on your property (liability protection)

Dwelling Coverage

Ideally, your dwelling coverage should be enough to replace your Deer Park, TX home if it’s totally destroyed by fire, tornado, hurricane, or other disasters. By assessing the current value of your home, you’ll have a better idea of how much dwelling coverage to buy. You should also take into account the cost of materials and labor to rebuild your home, garage, and other attached structures.

Personal Property Coverage

This coverage protects your personal property, which includes your clothes, sports gear, electronics, furniture, appliances, and other stuff. It should be enough to replace these goods if they’re stolen, vandalized, or destroyed in a disaster. By making a home inventory, you’ll have a better idea of what you own and the value of your property. This can help you determine how much property coverage to buy.

Liability Coverage

Liability is the coverage that protects you against accidents on your property by paying for a visitor’s medical or property damage costs. It also covers lawsuits if you’re sued for damages. The greater the risk of people having accidents on your property, the more liability coverage you should buy. In fact, we recommend Deer Park, TX homeowners purchase as much liability coverage as they can afford to protect their assets against serious mishaps that may occur in their home or yard.   

To learn more about home insurance coverage, call or visit Shell Insurance Agency.

Why It’s Important to Do a Home Inventory Before Getting Homeowner’s Insurance

Are you thinking about getting home insurance in the near future? Before you do so, you’ll want to conduct an inventory of what your home contains. Anything that’s in your home or on your property, in general, is considered to be personal property for insurance purposes. The insurance experts at the Shell Insurance Agency of the Deer Park, TX area can help you sort this out.

Why Complete a Home Inventory

It’s a good idea to make up a home inventory so that you can compare the value of your personal items to the contents limit that’s in your insurance policy. This way, you’ll know that you have adequate coverage to be able to replace items if they’re destroyed, lost, or stolen (as long as it’s considered to be a covered loss). You might use a video camera or a regular camera to record and describe what you have as you walk around your house.

Keep Receipts

It’s important to keep receipts with your list, especially if they’re for big-ticket items. This helps a great deal with the claims process.

Store the Inventory Documentation Offsite

Place your inventory list/video footage/photos somewhere besides your home. This way, if there’s a fire or some other damage to your property, you’ll still have your documentation.

Update Records as Often as Necessary

You should update your records any time that you purchase new valuables including furnishings. It can be easy to forget with the hectic pace of life, but it’s necessary for when you go to file a claim or you could risk not getting the coverage for the item(s).

On that note, even if you can’t complete your inventory list, it’s better to try to get as much as possible in your inventory with brand names, serial numbers, and descriptions.

Reach out to Shell Insurance Agency, serving the Deer Park, TX area. We’re happy to assist new and returning clients with their questions and concerns about valuables insurance.

Why you need home insurance in Texas

Buying a home in the Deer Park, TX area can be an excellent investment. While there are a lot of short-term and long-term benefits that come with owning a property here, it continues to be important that you protect it with insurance. There are several reasons why you need to get a home insurance policy in this area of Texas.

Provides Valuable Coverage

One of the main reasons that you should get a home insurance policy is that it can give you very valuable coverage. If you own a home, you need to protect the investment. When you have home insurance, you will receive the coverage you need to repair or rebuild your home following a fire or other calamity. It can also provide you with coverage for your personal assets and even offer personal liability insurance coverage.

A requirement for Most Owners

For those that own a home and have taken out a mortgage, having insurance is also an obligation. You will be required under the terms of your loan agreement to carry home insurance at all times. Most of the time, the lender will also escrow for payments monthly. Also, if you live in a home association, you will likely have insurance obligations in the condo association rules. 

There are a lot of reasons why you need to have home insurance in Texas. When you are trying to protect your Deer Park, TX home, it is crucial that you speak with an insurance team that is experienced and that you can trust. The team at the Shell Insurance Agency should be the first that you contact for your insurance needs. The Shell Insurance Agency can address any questions that you have and make sure that you and your home are adequately covered by insurance.