Homeowners insurance

[Zelatore]

It's about time to change our homeowners policy.

Currently we are with Kemper, but they've been sold to Wells Fargo. No agents, just a call center somewhere in the Midwest with a 2 hour time difference. Heck, we had an appointment to talk to a person this morning about making changes but they didn't answer and we just got routed to Joe Anybody in the phone bank after holding for 10 min. They in turn said they couldn't get anybody on their line to give us quotes for the changes we wanted.

We've never filed a claim or used our homeowners policy, but earlier this year my truck was broken into and I lost about $4500 in tools and supplies. They wouldn't cover it because although we've been together for about 15 years and have lived together in is house since we bought it 10 odd years ago, we're not actually married.

So one of the things we wanted to discuss today with the 'agent' was how to make sure 'my' things (like any married couple, we share finances...how do you define 'mine' vs 'hers'?) we're covered. Sounds like the short answer is - they won't

To the the question: who would you recommend for homeowners insurance? Fwiw, we're located in NorCal.

 

[mikeyr]

Sounds like its time to get married...honest its not that bad.

I have never heard of this kind of stuff. What if the house burns down, do they only rebuild "his" or "hers" half and leave the other half burned ? You pay for insurance and I can't believe that your marital status would have any consideration AFTER you can prove that the stuff was paid for and yours, maybe you would be reimbursed for the saw because it was yours and she would get the money for the hammer because she paid it to give it to you, but in the end everything should have been covered, that ***** if that is not the way it worked out for you.

So back to my original suggestion, its not bad a thing to get married

 

[09 Road King]

Make sure both of your names are on the policy.

 

[weadjust]

Tell the agent to add your name to the policy as an additional insured.

 

[justanengineer]

What was their justification for denying the claim? Even if its her house/her insurance, and the vehicle is yours/your insurance, its still parked in her driveway so theyre responsible. I wouldve called my lawyer the minute they said no.

As to your question, if either of you were ever in the military or have a living relative that served, get out the discharge and get with USAA.

 

[cburnscrx]

My wife and I lived together before we got married and she bought a house. She just had me added to the insurance policy.

 

[duneslider]

Or could you get a renters policy?

Or was this a case of them not covering the tools because they were your work tools and the policy doesn't cover commercial tools. I know my Home policy won't cover my work tools even if they are in the garage of my own house. I have to carry a rider on my business coverage to cover my tools. And even then, they cover them at a pro-rated rate so basically all my tools are worth next to nothing after a few years. So, in the end I just self-insure the tools, ie. shoot people that try to steal them or buy new ones if they get stolen.

If it was your GF policy, the tools wouldn't be her personal property and if the tools were associated with a business they wouldn't be her property or your property so why would the Home policy have to cover them? Insurance is a slippery business, they will slip right out of just about anything.

 

[Kevin54]

Damn, that sounds screwed up. I would think that if you aren't married, it shouldn't make a difference. But it sounds like they are wanting to use the excuse that if it was stolen out of the truck it is covered under Homeowners and not falling under Comprehensive on the truck.

The bad thing is that once they make up their mind, it's usually very hard to get them to change it. So it's time to set down and get your name and her name on things so both are covered.

I don't know how Nationwide works in a case like yours, but I have been with them since '93 and have never had one problem with them and have filed multiple home claims and auto claims. The only time they balked somewhat was on wind damage on our front roof. They wanted to only replace what had come loose in wind damage because of the age of the roof. They finally settled on replacing the complete front of the house which I was fine with as the back was only a few years old anyways.

 

[info2x]

Ok I get that her insurance might not cover your stuff, but shouldn't your auto insurance pick up some of it?

I personally have USAA and it's been fine but I haven't had a homeowners claim so it's tough to really say.

As with any insurance policy ask what kinds of things you need special riders for, tools, computers, electronics, gun, ect... may all require special coverage under your homeowners policy or they will only cover 1000 which may not be enough for your needs.

Unless a place has a great phone center its tough to beat a local agent. Even if it's a few extra bucks when you need them and they can come and look at things I imagine it's a big help.

 

[skyking]

Insurance is risk management. I carried Ins for years and always got it up the **** when I needed them. I stopped INS. in the early 90's and save thousands each year (5 properties).

 

[Angelfire]

USAA (if eligible) and don't look back.

 

[CNGsaves]

I've saved hundreds of dollars per year switching from State Farm to AAA (ie for 2 vehicles and house).

Look up your nearest AAA office and go get quotes on all your cars and house together in one package. The price of AAA membership for peace of mind and free towing, etc. will be more than paid for with savings.

I even upgraded one vehicle to full coverage from liability only and still saved hundreds overall.

Best savings is when you pay full year upfront, but savings were SUBSTANTIAL. Give them a try, won't hurt to get a quote.

Now is retrospect, looks like "learning lesson" was expensive on your quasi-married situation. Be sure to get both names on everything (insurance wise) and good luck on rest of future plans!

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I know all policies are different etc...but I was always under the impression that Homeowners only covered the Home, contents and items used in its maintenance (tractors, tools, etc)...they wont cover snowmobiles, boats, ATV's, cars, trucks, or anything touching them. So from my understanding, what happened to you wouldnt be a homeowners claim at all...its a vehicle insurance claim.
If they broke into the garage and stole your tools, homeowners would have covered...the break into the truck, auto policy covers.

I've got my Camaro stored at my parents place...hasnt been on the road in 12 years, if ANYTHING happens to it, i'm SOL because its not insured via auto policy and thusly not covered in any way. If someone breaks into my dad's shop, busts the door in, steals the welder and drives away with my car...homeowners will fix the door, replace the welder and say "have a nice day".....if I had 500 bucks of snap on hammers stored on the front seat of the car..TFB for me.

 

[AV tinker er]

Most people are underinsured when it comes to home owners. It is much better to get a higher deductible (which will lower your premiums) and get more coverage (which will raise your premium. SO you will probably pay around the same amount for more coverage. It takes $200+ per sq ft to remodel after a disaster.

 

[Zelatore]

Been away from the computer for a while - some follow-up:

The truck was parked at our marina; we had both ridden down together planning to spend the weekend on the boat doing some work.

When I found the broken window and missing contents about 6:30 the next morning I tried to file a report with the Oakland PD. Nothing doing - go to the website and fill out a form. OK, it's Oakland...nobody died, so they aren't particularly interested. Even though the thief left the crappy wood chisel they used to break the window behind.

After contacting the police, next call was to my auto insurance (Geico). Again - struck out. They only claim things actually attached to the vehicle. Had they torn up my bed cover, they would cover that. Had they taken the (stock) stereo, that would be claimable. In this case, all they offered was to cover the window replacement. But at $500 deductible there was reason to even start a claim since the window was only a couple hundred bucks. They suggested talking to my homeowner's insurance.

Since we don't have an agent, we tried the 800 number and went a few rounds of phone tag. Eventually they made it difficult enough, asking for date of purchase, location, and receipt for every item (so they could pro-rate, I'm sure), plus asking for proof of 'his' or 'hers' for each, and also insinuated that our rate would go up (but couldn't tell us how much when asked) if we did have a claim, we eventually realized that even if we fought long enough to get a pay-out it wouldn't be enough to off-set the rise in our premium.

Michele (my girlfriend, although we often call each other wife/husband to strangers instead of trying to explain the exact situation) had set up a phone appointment today with an 'agent' to see about two things: getting me added to the policy (we really had no idea 'my' stuff wasn't covered...we've been together longer than half the married couples we know and it never occurred to us as we don't really keep everything separate) and to see about adding flood coverage to the house since they are de-certifying our levee and the mortgage requires it. The 'agent' wasn't there when we called; twice. So we ended up on hold waiting for the next available person. That person tried to help but after another 5 minutes or so on hold she said she couldn't get anybody to answer on her end either. I'm guessing she's not actually an agent and isn't authorized to do much more than tell you if you have a bill due. She did basically say she didn't think there was any way they would cover 'my' stuff other than to add me as a renter, but of course couldn't tell us any specifics or pricing on that or the flood coverage.

So now we're looking for a new company. One with a local agent. Frankly, we don't often use insurance and aren't particularly savvy about it, so a local agent is worth a few extra bucks to us...assuming they actually know their product and are honest about it's pros and cons.

And as Paul Harvey used to say, 'and now you know the REST of the story'

 

[Zelatore]

BTW, I see recommendations for State Farm and AAA. Will look into these as I know they both have local agents. We may be able to combine my auto/bike policies for a reasonable deal. She no longer carries an auto policy as she drives a company car.

No military in our families, so no USAA option for us.

 

[Modifieddriver]

USAA. no question the best company to go with if you qualify.

 

[dsprint2000]

Hmmmm..... surprised they have not updated their contract definitions for 'domestic partner' which would have covered you. I would advise to call an independent agent in your area rather than a direct insurance writer (Allstate, State Farm, Farmers) as the independent agent will/should have access to several companies (such as Safeco, Allied, Travelers, Hartford, Mercury.....). That way, you can obtain several quotes with just one call. Best to have both of you as named insured on all policies as well.

BTW - insurance professional for 25+ years....

David

 

[spotco2]

I agree with finding a local agent instead of just calling an 800 number for your insurance. Your relationship with your agent will be reflected on any issues that you ever have arise with your policy or coverage.

In other words, find someone that you can talk things over with face to face and be friendly with them as much as possible. These local agents make a living off keeping their clients somewhat satisfied and some will go out of their way to do so.

Ask around, neighbors, friends, workmates, etc and find out who everyone else is using and if they are happy. Cheapest is never best when it comes to insurance.

 

[jhelrey]

I'll tell you this... I am not married but the GF and I own a house together. I have two cars and toys, she has a car and a toy. We each had to get an umbrella policy since we are not married. We did this so we are both covered in every instance. If not, double covered in some. Added about $100 a year to insurance for each of us.

Sounds like you need a better agent. I love mine! I can call her, visit her, etc. whenever needed.

 

[PT Doc]

Insurance is risk management. I carried Ins for years and always got it up the **** when I needed them. I stopped INS. in the early 90's and save thousands each year (5 properties).

So the assumption must be be that you can cover any loss that comes your way and still come out ahead?

 

[coachrick]

I would advise to call an independent agent in your area rather than a direct insurance writer (Allstate, State Farm, Farmers) as the independent agent will/should have access to several companies (such as Safeco, Allied, Travelers, Hartford, Mercury.....). That way, you can obtain several quotes with just one call. Best to have both of you as named insured on all policies as well.

BTW - insurance professional for 25+ years....

David

This is the way we have bought insurance for over a decade. When moving to Texas, we contacted a large independent agency who did the shopping for us. Best combo of coverage and premium was with The Hartford. I followed the general recommendation of re-visiting our coverage after two years(by having the independent agency do an evaluation) and found some savings and better coverage with Kemper. Two years later, Kemper was still on top, so we stayed with them. The 'Kemper lady' in Dallas helped us with our first auto claim(first ever as a married couple) last summer, even contacting the rental company to remove our card as a 'hold' for coverage after I rented the car on the weekend without mentioning Kemper to the rental company. She went so far as to call ME when we were approaching the 30-day rental limit to see if we needed to light a fire under the repair shop or if she needed to work her magic to get us another week or so.(I figured 30 days would be 'it'.)

I will say The Hartford put out $29k for a new roof and other hail damage; but their rates went up significantly across the board in central Texas. Thus the switch to Kemper and we've been happy for almost three years.

On a side note, we were inundated with 'offers' from insurance companies over a 3-4 week period. Not sure why. Farmers sent us two quotes(different agents)...over $200 difference for the same coverage??? THEN, Farmers sent out an unsolicited quote in an envelope declaring "If you're paying more than $*** for Homeowners' Insurance, you're paying TOO MUCH!!! The quote inside was $150 HIGHER than the figure on the envelope!!! I'm gonna send that one to Jay Leno

 

[steve308]

Multiple types of home policies: HO A / HO B are named perils and are widely used in the Texas market. They may only cover the home to 80% of the replacement value and you need to know what is excluded (like theft off premises) B's are better than A's. HO 3 policies are the most widely used and in most cases home is insured to a determined reconstruction cost and many companies put an additional reserve up to 50% of the posted dwelling coverage. Person property is for the most part a % of the home value 50-75%. Flood is a FEMA policy. Earthquake, sewer back up need additional endorsement as does jewelry and business use items. Know what you’re buying - ask questions. Price difference in same policy is agents’ commissions! If not married, must list as additional insured. GEICO represents multiple companies. Use code 135499 for a quote.

 

[Zelatore]

I'll tell you this... I am not married but the GF and I own a house together. I have two cars and toys, she has a car and a toy. We each had to get an umbrella policy since we are not married. We did this so we are both covered in every instance. If not, double covered in some. Added about $100 a year to insurance for each of us.

Sounds like you need a better agent. I love mine! I can call her, visit her, etc. whenever needed.

Correction: I need AN AGENT.

I do agree though, somebody to actually sit down with face to face and get an answer instead of just an 800 number.

 

[Zelatore]

Hmmmm..... surprised they have not updated their contract definitions for 'domestic partner' which would have covered you. I would advise to call an independent agent in your area rather than a direct insurance writer (Allstate, State Farm, Farmers) as the independent agent will/should have access to several companies (such as Safeco, Allied, Travelers, Hartford, Mercury.....). That way, you can obtain several quotes with just one call. Best to have both of you as named insured on all policies as well.

BTW - insurance professional for 25+ years....

David

Funny you mentioned the 'domestic partner' thing. I've always felt a little sympathy for the gay community over the marriage issue as I pretty much deal with the same problems they do even just because we're in a long term relationship but not actually married.

She's on her way home now. I'll discuss an independent agent this afternoon. After I get done playing with my new vise.

 

[STANIMAL]

Dont you have common laws in California ?

 

[steve308]

"We each had to get an umbrella policy since we are not married. We did this so we are both covered in every instance. If not, double covered in some. Added about $100 a year to insurance for each of us."

Please be aware that an "umbrella policy" is only an extension of your liability coverage.

 

[skyking]

So the assumption must be be that you can cover any loss that comes your way and still come out ahead?

Exactly. I certainly never did with insurance. Life is a crapshoot !

 

[SteveCh]

Since a few months back, we have no homeowners ins. Farmers doubled our premium after the past few yr. of raising it every year (wildfires in Colorado, even the governor warned of increases in rates for the foreseeable future). We have never had a claim ( home owner since 1985). I shopped...one co. through Geico rejected us because we don't have "central heat" in our cottage. And so on. One other co. said they limit policy holders to four dogs, how many did we have and I answered three. They said goodbye, we really only allow two but so many lie to us we tell you four to try for an honest answer.

I simply dropped it and we are no longer covered. I am barely working and doubled premiums for the same coverage is a non-starter. I realise we will likely not ever find coverage again and for certain we won't find affordable coverage.

 

[Zelatore]

Dont you have common laws in California ?

No. Many people think we do; I've had them tell me we are married under common law; but CA does not recognize such a thing.

As for not having ANY homeowner's insurance, well, I can understand the idea but I'm a little leery. I do only carry minimum on some vehicles that aren't worth much and I know I could afford to walk away from if they were damaged. And true, we've never had a homeowner's claim (and the one time we tried we found it not worth it). And for a while I had no health insurance as I don't have company insurance and finding something on my own is brutally expensive.

But still....I'd be much more comfortable just having a very high deductible and eating any minor (or even not so minor) claims but still paying some premiums just to be protected from liability. There are too many people who could do something stupid that could come after you. Example, when we moved to our current home there was a tree house in the back yard. One day a neighbor's kid came by and asked if he could play in it and I said sure if your parents come watch you. But later I was thinking 'what if the kid came over and climbed up without my knowing...and fell?' Heck, even if the parents were present and a kid took a fall, if they wanted to be a$$holes about it they could likely still sue me. What if the UPS man trips on my front porch steps bringing me a package? What if one of my trees drops a limb on a neighbor's house?

Lots of possible ways to have your pooch well and truly screwed if you don't at least have some for of liabilitly protection. So we'll pay up, even if we don't use it. I suspect most folks feel the same.

 

[jhelrey]

"We each had to get an umbrella policy since we are not married. We did this so we are both covered in every instance. If not, double covered in some. Added about $100 a year to insurance for each of us."

Please be aware that an "umbrella policy" is only an extension of your liability coverage.

I know... I was using it as an example because of them not being married, etc.

 

[dtt454]

i didnt read everyone elses responses, but i just went through this a few months ago, ive always had big name insurance companies before, anyways i went to dave ramsey's website and got his recommendation for local insurance. it was an independent agent that represents several different companies, he came out and sat down with me and talked to me about what i want, and he made some suggestions, never pushy, and came up with a few options for me, i was quite impressed. thats where i would go in the future no question.

 

[dtt454]

oh ill also add they ended up saving me quite a bit over what i was paying with the big name company.

 

[dsprint2000]

I would never advocate going without insurance. Please try to get at least minimum insurance coverage to protect yourself and your property, as well as future earnings (in case of a 'bad one'). Also, many people reject or carry very low uninsured/underinsured motorist limits. WHY???? That coverage protects YOU in case the knucklehead that hits you is not insured correctly. It also does not hurt to have an Umbrella policy. Make sure it is a true umbrella and not just an excess policy. An excess policy will only go over the underlying liability you have and nothing else. A 'true' umbrella will cover you when your underlying coverage will not.

As liberal as CA is, they do not have a common law marriage rule. You have to actually file 'domestic partner' paperwork to be recognized by the State. A lot of companies have included domestic partner in their contract - basically says a couple not married, but share in the welfare and duties of the household, but not a roommate scenario.

ps.... GEICO is a direct writer and does not represent different companies.

David

 

[SteveCh]

I have Geico for our autos. When I was looking into their homeowner coverage, they told me they took clients' info and shopped around looking for a co. willing to offer coverage. In my case, they contacted me with the results from three companies. They said they put out the info and then get back to the homeowner with the top three responses as to price, etc. then the customer can make a choice. In my case, it did not matter as none of the three would ultimately offer us coverage.

 

[steve308]

ps.... GEICO is a direct writer and does not represent different companies

GEICO is not a direct writer / GEICO is the agency for the homeowners policies as written by majors such as Travelers - Liberty Mutual - Homesite etc.., They are very conservative in the underwriting / claims / losses / # and breed of dogs / pools trampolines etc.., but in some areas they can check up to seven companies. A number of Car Insurance companies use this partnership business model. Some times they can help, sometimes they can't. It's only a phone call to find out.

 

[DelmarvaJK]

I love USAA, hands down fantastic customer service! My parents have had them for over 35 years and I've had them for over 13 years now... Couldn't ask for a better company! (Obviously you have to have a family member in the armed forces)