Forecasters report that, based on the latest information from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft, Tropical Storm Gustav is nearing Jamaica and sustained winds are now around 7o MPH. To the dismay of Gulf Coast homeowners, Gustav continues to strengthen and will probably make landfall somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico by the middle of next week.

It’s been only three years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, so homeowners have good reason to be wary of the oncoming storm. The Insurance Information Institute claims that Katrina did more damage than any other hurricane in history. Homeowners and business owners in those areas are still building back their homes and businesses that were devastated in the storm.  Some reporting that their insurance rates have gone up a whopping 300%!

In hopes to prevent any more damage to those areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, Local Gulf Coast Officials are already preparing homeowners in that region for hurricane precaution such as reviewing evacuation and safety information. What can you do to prepare? Homeowners concerned about the storm should read Hurricane Preparation Tips and pay attention to advisories on local news/weather stations.

Aside from Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna has also been reported off of the Cape Verde Islands.  This system is disorganized for now- but we will continue to monitor it and keep you posted.

HomeInsurance.com Agent

While it may still feel like summer outside, the Holidays are around the corner. If you are planning to host a Holiday Party this year- and serve alcohol in your  home- you might want to be sure you understand your responsibility and legal liability when it comes to serving alcohol.

Several states have passed laws called “Dram Shop Liability” laws.  These laws make it possible to hold homeowners who serve alcohol to an intoxicated or under-age customer responsible for damage or injury. These laws also make it possible for an injured person (such as a victim of a drunk driver) to sue the person who served the driver the alcohol.

Originally, the Dram Shop Liability laws were intended to apply to commercial establishments such as night clubs, bars, pubs, etc. However, “social hosts” also share the risk of liability for serving guests alcohol.
 
If you are hosting a holiday party:

1) Ask your home insurance agent about your liability  coverage and your risks as a homeowner. Enough liability insurance coverage is a must. In some cases “special event” coverage may be available that will cover both 2) liquor liability and other liability exposures specific to the event.
3) Consider hiring a bartender who is trained to recognize signs of intoxication and politely limit consumption.
4) Be sure you know who the designated drivers are and who will be doing the driving. 
5) Provide transportation for guests who need help getting home safely.

Your Agent at HomeInsurance.com

Just yesterday Travelers Insurance (one of our partners) announced a discount to those automobile owners who own a hybrid. Travelers has made a strong commitment to provide the right insurance solution for this growing segment for hybrid drivers. A recent comment from Lorie Kates, regional vice president, Travelers Personal Insurance states, “In addition to saving at the pump, hybrid drivers can also save on their car insurance.”

Did you know that you can apply for even more discounts when you ask your insurance agent to combine both your auto and your home insurance. Just recently, Home Insurance.com posted a recent article on the available discounts caterd to online shoppers looking for home insurance discounts.

Quick Note:
Even though you may not drive a hybrid car, your opportunities for extra savings with Home Insurance.com still exists. Check out the following articles to help you save more.

• Home Insurance Discounts- Do you qualify?
• Chicago is Hybrid Car Country, Study says
  City’s Love Affair with Hybrid Cars also has Insurance Upside

Thanks,
Home Insurance.com

T.D.,

Flood insurance rates are determined by the National Flood Insurance Program and are generally the same across the board. Home Insurance rates, however, are determined by independent insurance carriers and are calculated differently from one company to the next.  For example, some insurance carriers use a homeowners credit score to help determine their rate.  Also, most companies use your insurance history to determine what your claims history has been. Other factors include where your home is located, whether or not you have safety alarms/systems, the breeds of dog you own (if any), etc.

It’s best to ask the agent quoting you about your rate.  Often times there are discounts available that you may qualify for.  Read our brief list of home insurance discounts and see if you may eligible for saving some extra money on your home insurance.

Your Agent@HomeInsurance.com

Miguel,

As always, please contact your insurance agent for the specifics on your policy. However, feel free to use our feedback as a guide: While your policy will most likely not claim to cover hurricane damage, most standard home insurance will provide coverage for the damages that hurricane force wind, hail and lightening may cause. When interpreting a home insurance policy it is important to know that your policy covers damage caused by a specific peril (wind, hail, lightening) not by a specific storm system. So yes, while damages caused to your home during a hurricane will most likely be covered under a standard policy, you will find this coverage under the wind and hail portion of your policy.For more information about standard home insurance take a look at this article: Home Insurance 101.  It outlines what specifically is covered and not covered under a basic home insurance policy. 

Thanks for using HomeInsurance.com!

Often times consumer interpret words differently especially if you are referring to searching the web for particular articles or content to help supply you with the information you need. Here at HomeInsurance.com we refer to home and homeowners insurance as the same thing. Most of the time when you are distinguishing the difference between industry jargon and common language you can sometimes interpret the two words differently. For example, “homeowners insurance” is an insurance industry term when talking about the actual insurance coverage policy of a home. Although, “home insurance” means the same thing we tend to use it more because it is quick and to the point.

Since 1992, HomeInsurance.com has been specializing in “homeowners insurance.” In November of 2007, MyStateInsurance.com purchased HomeInsurance.com because the domain name says it all for us as a “home insurance” company. And of course it is what we do, we sell home insurance, we shop home insurance, and we provide home insurance coverage to all homeowners in the United States.  Remember, our home insurance shopping services is free for all homeowners in North America that need help finding more affordable home insurance rates.

Take advantage of our free service and compare your home insurance quotes online today!

Your Home Insurance Agents @ HomeInsurance.com!

NC homeowners who are currently insured with Farmers Insurance Group please take note: Beginning in November, non-renewal notices will be sent to all homeowners insurance customers. The company has announced that they will stop selling their home insurance product to all NC homeowners in September.

The move to pull out of all NC policies is a result of the state’s assessment process which assesses insurance companies if losses from a catastrophic event exceed the company’s financial capability.

Current Farmers customers need not distress!   HomeInsurance.com works with some of the top home insurance companies in the country to get you the best rate, and most comprehensive policies available.

Our partners include Travelers Insurance Company- voted A+ by A.M. Best and boasting over 150 years in the home insurance business. We also shop policies from Hartford, SafeCo and Foremost. Our partners rank as Fortune 100 and 500 companies and are known across the U.S. as leaders in the home insurance business.

At HomeInsurance.com, our agents are home insurance consultants who make finding the lowest rate for your home- their top priority.  We believe in finding you the best rate and matching you with a company that specifically suits your home insurance needs. 

Get your home insurance quote now and see how much you can save.  Our agents will qualify you for all eligible home insurance discounts and make sure you are saving the most money on your home insurance.

Your Agents at HomeInsurance.com

With all of the home insurance information out there on the web today- it is difficult to know what to believe.  We have created our website around the goal of being an objective resource center for homeowners across the country. You can rely on HomeInsurance.com for a behind the scenes look at homeowners insurance because we are not a home insurance company- we are home insurance consultants- here to shop for the consumer and find YOU the best rate available. 

Read about homeowners insurance and get vital tips on saving money and finding the best home insurance company. 

Your Agent at HomeInsurance.com

Over the past two months HomeInsurance.com has been running a home page survey to see how much homeowners really know about their home insurance coverage. Today, HomeInsurance.com launched a national press release on the actual home study. You can review the article on our press page.

 Study Shows: Homeowners Left in the Dark [August 18, 2008]

Your Home Insurance Agents!

Attention Iowa Homeowners!

Iowa Home Insurance is just one of top quality home insurance products we sell everyday.  Iowa homeowners typically pay $594 for home insurance each year.  At HomeInsurance.com, we save Iowa Homeowners up to 50% on their premiums! Contact one of our licensed Iowa Homeowners Insurance Agents today or fill out our quick quote form to get your low rate immediately. And rest assured, at HomeInsurance.com, we also provide some of the best coverage.  Partnering with companies like Travelers, SafeCo, Foremost and Hartford, we are able to offer Iowa homeowners the most comprehensive coverage so that they are well protected in the event of a loss. Get your Quote Now!

Your Agent at HomeInsurance.com