San Antonio Home Insurance

San Antonio Home Insurance

San Antonio Home Insurance is a integral and necessary part of living in state that sees it's share of bad weather and natural disasters. Located right in the middle between the humid Texan gulf coast and the dry western Texas, San Antonio gets both rain storms and hail. Not to mention hurricanes and floods. This is also why Texas Home Insurance and San Antonio Home Insurance is often more expensive than home insurance elsewhere in the country. None the less San Antonio Home Insurance is a necessary evil associated with living in the otherwise very pleasant state of Texas.

San Antonio, has a long history of strength and celebration. Home of the Alamo, San Antonio is very different from the urban, busy cities of Houston or Dallas. San Antonio is a city that does it's own thing. Known for sites such as the Riverwalk and home to multiple NBA Champions, the San Antonio Spurs. Perhaps it is this mix of hard work and relaxation, that makes San Antonio such as pleasant place to live.

Not all San Antonio Home Insurance policies cover against these risks. In fact, even though many people assume so,  they are not aware that flood insurance is usually counted as a separate policy from home insurance. For San Antonio residents it is therefore extra important to understand which perils are covered under the Hazard Coverage.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about purchasing home insurance in San Antonio. Because of the risk factors mentioned above, it is vital to know exactly what you can expect to be covered against and what kind of policy you need.

In the usual homeowners insurance policy, there are 4 general types of coverage: Homeowner Dwelling And Personal Property, Liability, Medical Payments and Additional Home Living Expenses.

Home Dwelling and Personal Property Coverage

Home dwelling coverage consists of coverage for any structural damage to your home. If you have any added physical parts to the house, such as a shed, garage or home storage, then they are usually insured for 10% of the property insurance amount. Personal property insurance covers your personal effects such as furniture and clothes in case of theft or accidents. The amount covered in a homeowners property insurance is usually around 50% of your total home insurance policy limit. It is also possible to get other less extensive property coverage, for example of 10% of the total limit.

Personal Liability Coverage

Homeowners Insurance includes personal liability coverage towards accidents that happen on and off your home and property, as long as it does not involve automobiles. Coverage applies to you and your family members, including your dog and other pets. Liability covers both the cost of legal defense and eventual damage compensation that a court orders you to pay. An added benefit of the liability coverage included in the home insurance policy, is that there are no personal minimum amount that must be met before the insurance company pays out. A basic insurance policy limit for personal coverage is usually set at 100.000$ although you can request higher if you feel you are at a particular risk. This will usually increase the policy costs.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage covers medical bills that need to be paid because someone outside you household were injured at your property regardless of fault. In some circumstances, there may be limited coverage for expenses for which you were fully or partly responsible.

Additional Living Expenses

If your house is damaged to such a degree, that you must temporarily leave your home to stay in a motel or apartment, then additional living expenses coverage will reimburse the costs. This includes temporary increases in living expenses, usually for a period of up to 12 months. The usual policy pays up to 20% of the total insurance policy limit to cover additional living expenses.

Additional Coverage:

In addition to the above mentioned coverage, these are the most common additional coverage options available:

Debris Removal:

Covers some expenses associated with having debris moved from the property in case of accident, damage and natural occurrences, such as flooding or storms.

Trees, Plants and Shrubs:

Coverage for trees, plants and shrubs for up to 5% of the home value or 500$ pr. piece. Includes coverage against the most basic forms of damage such as vandalism, lightning, theft, fire and explosion.

Credit Card Coverage:

Coverage against unauthorized use of your credit card, up to 500$.

Identity Theft:

Coverage against expenses incurred because of misuse of your identity.

Mold:

Some home insurance policies include limited coverage from mold damage.

Perils insured against in a general San Antonio Home Insurance

In general there are three types of insurance forms available for home insurance in Texas: Standard Coverage, Extended Coverage and Special (All Risk) Coverage, also known as HO1,HO2 and HO3. A standard Texas insurance policy will generally protect your home against expenses from the following perils:

Lightning and Fire

Damages to Cars and Aircrafts from Earthquakes

Mischief and Vandalism

Theft

Explosions

Riots and Civil Unrest

Smoke

Windstorm, Hail and Hurricanes

Accidental Water Damage

An extensive coverage (HO2 and HO3) will include the above as well as:

Building and Home collapses

Freezing Damages

Water and Steam Damages Incurred From Plumbing and Water Heating

For all types, there are some general exclusions from coverage. These are events that will usually not be eligible for reimbursement of damages. They are:

Property Damage from Earthquakes

Vermin Infection (mice, rats, insects)

Termites

Freezing Damages While Your House Was Unoccupied (Except if you turned of water or turned on heating)

Wind or Hail Damage To Shrubs and Trees

Vacated Home Expenses (Expenses incurred while you were away from your home for over 60 days in a row)

Maintenance (Wear and Tear)

Water Seepage Damage.


Cost and Choosing Insurance Limits

Choosing the right limit for your home and property is important. You do not want to be under insured in case of accident, nor do you want to pay more than necessary. Here is how you can prepare yourself:

•    Make a list of all your belongings including receipt and value. This way you can better assess what limit you need.
•    Decide if you want full coverage or if you are prepared to bear some of the cost yourself in case of accidents.
•    Get a proper valuation of all your property assets.

In addition to the limits and specifics on your policy, there is a number of factors involved in determining the price of your policy:

Age Of Property

Most insurers will charge less for a new house or a newly renovated home.

Construction Type

Some insurers calculate premium based on the type of construction of your house.

Credit Card Risk

This is a basic hedge against default on premium payments

Deductible

Larger personal deductibles usually results in lower premiums.

In general it is important to educate yourself on the specifics of your insurance policy. Not all insurers will give you all the details, so before you sign any contract you should have read all the fine print. As with other investments, the general rule of thumb with insurance, is that the more risk you are willing to bear, the less the cost of the premium.

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