Congratulations! You are purchasing a home after years of renting. While you are taking care of the paperwork, the budget etc., there is one more step you must complete. You need to switch from renters insurance to homeowners insurance. Why do you need to change policies?
Renters insurance is designed to cover the things you own within your rental unit in case of:
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A fire, no matter the source of ignition
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Water damage, often due to a pipe bursting
Your renters insurance probably included liability coverage as well to cover medical bills in case someone was injured while they were in your home. With renters insurance, if someone was injured on the property outside of your home, the landlord is usually held liable for such expenses. Your renters insurance might include protection for you in case you damage the property.
However, now that you are buying a home, you’ll need additional coverage. You need to insure the structure of the house itself, along with your property and liability risks.
Your homeowners insurance will cover your belongings and provide liability just like your renters insurance. But, it will also cover the cost of repairing or replacing the house if a covered event (such as the ones listed above) causes damage or destruction to your property.
Can’t wait to enjoy your new home? Live better with the peace of mind of knowing that your home and family are protected from a wide variety of damaging events.