How to Cover Common Gaps in Home Insurance

As a homeowner in Little Falls, MN, you have a lot to appreciate. At the same time, your home comes with several responsibilities. If you want to protect your home and ensure it’s covered in the case of the worst scenarios, then you need good home insurance. You likely already have some coverage, but it’s important to recognize common gaps in insurance coverage and how to deal with them. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. has a few tips to help with that.

Floods

Notoriously, floods are not covered by standard home insurance policies. If you live somewhere with significant flood risk, you might be eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which FEMA manages. Otherwise, you can add a flood policy to your insurance bundle. Do you need flood insurance in Little Falls? That depends on a few things, but you can get coverage that insures you against busted water pipes and other issues that are universal.

Valuables

Your personal belongings and valuables are often not covered by home policies either. Generally, a home policy will insure a fixed amount for all of your belongings, and in the case of catastrophic damage, that set amount is the payout. If you have jewelry or other valuables of note, you want to add coverage.

Some insurers will allow you to add valuables coverage to the home policy. Others will separate that coverage into an additional policy, but you can check for bundled rates to save money.

Liability

Home insurance comes with some liability coverage, but if you run a business from your home or have a lot to lose, that coverage might not be sufficient. You can add business liability insurance (if you’re running a business) or umbrella insurance to make up the difference. This ensures that you have sufficient coverage in the case of a legal contest.

There are plenty of different ways to construct policies that protect your home in Little Falls, MN. The easiest solution is to talk to Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. and get professional help perfecting your coverage.

Preparing for Blizzards

In 1991, Minnesota experienced the most catastrophic blizzard in its history, dubbed the Halloween Blizzard. The storm began on October 31st and raged for four days, ending on November 3rd. It dumped about two and a half feet of snow on MSP and more than three feet of snow on Duluth. Roads closed, and people became trapped in their homes.

Although that marks the worst blizzard in Minnesota’s history, every winter promises at least one major snow event, and proper preparation can prevent damage to your home and person. Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. can explain how to prepare your Little Falls, MN home for heavy snow.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Purchase a ready-made emergency kit from a local hardware or home improvement store. These kits provide a first aid kit, emergency blanket, a few meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), a flashlight, and batteries, and may include emergency flares.

Add to this kit your own medications and those of family members, plus added canned food and water.

Get Ready for Power Outages

Have on hand a few high-powered flashlights with rechargeable batteries or fresh batteries. Purchase a backup generator to keep the heat going while a storm continues. While most homes in Minnesota feature buck stoves or fireplaces, those heat sources can’t battle a four-day blizzard alone.

Small generators that can provide about 1200 watts of power cost less than $500. These devices come in solar, gas, and propane versions. Keep it outside; the gas and propane versions require an individual to replenish their fuel every few hours. You can keep the solar-type indoors and let its solar panels recharge by placing them in the window. The panels may sit on the roof with a permanently installed solar backup.

Contact Us

Let us help you protect your Little Falls, MN home. Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for home insurance, so you can repair your home after the blizzard without spending too much of your own money.

Tips for preparing your home for an emergency

Minnesota is an area where emergencies are not unknown. The weather can be unpredictable and between winter storms, tornados, and flooding, being prepared for an emergency is something that everyone needs to be aware of. In Little Falls, MN, residents count on Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. to have the products they need along with personal and friendly service. 

Losing your power is a normal part of most emergency conditions. When you don’t have power, that can affect your heating and cooling. It can also mean you have no water or sewer. Not to mention lights and power to run your appliances. A generator can provide the power you need. Generators run on gasoline or propane and, depending on the type and size, can run your entire home or can, at the very least, keep you warm and your food cold. 

Depending on the emergency, you should have plenty of bottled water. Many different types of emergencies can result in public water contamination. You also should have water to flush the toilet. This usually means filling the bathtub with water. 

If you have a propane grill, you have a way to cook. Having a propane camp stove can also be a blessing. Make sure you have canned and packaged food that doesn’t require refrigeration. 

Battery-operated lanterns can provide lighting, and candles add atmosphere, but they are also a fire hazard. LED lighting doesn’t require many small lanterns to keep your home lit and bright. Having a charging device like a Halo, you can keep your electronics charged, and the Halo can be recharged in your vehicle if needed. Once your cellphone, laptop, or tablet is charged, you can keep up to date on what is happening with repairs in the area. 

In Little Falls, MN, contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. to get a no-obligation quote for your home insurance. 

What every new homeowner should know about home insurance

For new homeowners, there are many concerns. Owning a home is a lot more than just paying a mortgage. It would be best if you protected your home and yourself from some of the perils that can happen. That is what home insurance covers, but most new homeowners aren’t experts at home insurance and may not know some important things about it. In Little Falls, MN, you can count on Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. to provide the expert service you need to make the right decision. 

You can choose your deductible.

The amount of deductible you choose does affect your rate. The higher the deductible, the lower your rate. But if you have trouble coming up with the money for a higher deductible, stick with a typical $500 or $1000. 

Your mortgage holder requires home insurance.

If you have a mortgage, you will need to have home insurance. If you don’t get it, your lender will, and it may not be the best rate or the best policy. It is advisable for you to choose your policy and to make sure you maintain it for the life of your loan. 

You have content choices.

Regarding covering your content, the total amount will be a percentage of your property coverage. Do you want to replace everything you own? Maybe not. You can choose to replace it at the current value. The other option is to replace it at the cost today. Some categories have limits, you may need to add a rider. 

Your policy has exclusions.

Not everything is covered. Read your policy carefully. Most policies exclude floods, owner neglect, termites, mold, earth movement, sewer backup, war, and nuclear accidents. 

Contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN when you need to get home insurance for your new home. 

What Doesn’t Home Insurance Cover?

Homeowner’s insurance is meant to protect your home if something happens to it. It can also protect your possessions and all of the things that you love so much. It will also cover medical bills if someone gets hurt while they are at your home. 

That being said, it doesn’t cover everything. Here are some things that standard homeowner insurance typically won’t cover. 

Earthquake damage isn’t typically covered. If you live in an area where earthquakes are common, you may want to add additional insurance to your policy. 

It also won’t cover floods. Flood damage can be quite costly, so you may want to add flood insurance to your policy, especially if you live in a flood zone. 

Your homeowners’ insurance may also not cover any water damage. This may include any problems that you may have with your septic system. 

It also won’t cover any problems that occur because you aren’t taking care of your home. If you don’t maintain your home, your damage may not be covered. Many plans don’t cover rust and mold damage, as well as general wear and tear that happens to a home over the years. 

Though your insurance should cover damage to your home, it probably won’t cover damage due to earthquakes or flooding. Because of this, you may want to add additional coverage, just in case. You also need to take care of your home. If you don’t, your insurance might not cover the repairs! 

If you want to make sure that you have enough coverage on your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN. 

Types of Homeowners’ Insurance

It can be very confusing when shopping around for homeowner’s insurance. You want to make sure that your home is protected, since it is the most expensive thing that you will ever own. 

So, what types of coverage is available with your homeowner’s policy. 

Coverage A covers the dwelling. This means that it will cover any damage that occurs to your home. It also covers any attached garages and fencing that is on your property. 

Coverage B is for other structures. This will pay for any damage to other structures on your property, like your garage and pool. 

Coverage C is for your personal property. This includes most things that you have in your home, such as your furniture and clothing. You will be covered if theft occurs and certain items are stolen. That being said, if you own things that are more expensive than most, you may want to look into getting some extra coverage. 

Coverage D covers loss of use. This will cover any costs for you to stay in a hotel or somewhere else if your home needs major renovations. 

Coverage E is for liability. This will protect you and your family if someone gets injured on your property. It will cover your legal expenses if you end up getting sued. 

Coverage F is for medical payments. Medical payments will cover the medical bills of anyone who is injured on your property. 

Since it can be confusing when it comes to buying homeowners insurance, you are going to want to talk to a professional about your options. You may need more insurance in some areas, depending on what you do in your home. 

To make sure that you are fully protected, contact us today at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. in Little Falls, MN. 

What’s the Best Home Insurance Policy for My MN Home?

For residents of Little Falls, MN, there may not be a more important investment in your life than your home. The team at Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. specializes in auto and home insurance, and they hold home insurance in high regard as one of the best ways to protect your life’s most crucial and valuable assets. 

Home insurance can be confusing, there’s no doubt about that. It’s important to work with an agent or team you can trust, who understands your lifestyle and needs and that makes educated and experienced recommendations for you and your family. 

To put it simply, you want your insurance coverage to be enough to rebuild your home exactly as it is today. Whether you’re affected by a fire or other natural disaster, dangerous weather, theft, or vandalism… the point of insurance is to protect you from these scenarios. We recommend making an inventory list of the valuables and other items in your home that are unique or expensive. It’s important to know the value of everything inside the home. 

With that comes more options. You can maintain basic liability coverage that protects you should another person become injured on your property. You can select coverage that protects the belongings inside the home, your personal property. This is an important choice for many families in Little Falls, MN – you can’t put a price on the valuables you’ve collected over the years, from jewelry and artwork, firearms, and more. Home insurance can protect those items you hold near to your heart. 

Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is here to help Minnesota residents to find the best home insurance policy. Contact us today and we’ll work with you to find exactly what you’re looking for. 

What Aspects Does Home Insurance Cover? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting a home is one of the celebrated milestones one can achieve in life. A home is also a place where you go back to after a long day and find calm. For these reasons, you need to protect it as much as you can from unexpected occurrences. The most effective way of doing this is by getting home insurance cover. At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., serving Little Falls, MN, we offer home insurance covers. We are ready to take you through our offers and give you sound advice to ensure maximum coverage of your home. 

Below are some of the most common that home insurance covers.

Home Structure Damage

Under this aspect, insurance covers the physical structure of a house against damages. For example, if a roof leak is caused by hail or a storm, the policy may pay for repairs. Some policies also cover damages caused by trees, as long as it’s not out of negligence.

Fire

Standard home insurance offers coverage against fires. Mostly, the covers include rebuilding the structure and replacing the possessions destroyed by the ordeal. Some even offer accommodation coverage during the rebuilding period. 

Plumbing Issues

Some companies cover plumbing issues that don’t arise out of maintenance negligence. Flood insurance may not be offered in a standard policy but may be available at an additional cost. 

Loss Of Personal Property

Some insurance properties offer cover for personal property such as computers, air conditioners, and television sets. They can also cover expensive possessions, including jewelry. Insurance companies usually have a limit on their extent of coverage. That’s why you should read the policy properly before taking it. 

A home is a costly investment that needs to be protected against unforeseen calamities. At Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. serving Little Falls, MN, we have various home insurance coverages you can choose from, according to your individual needs. Contact us to learn more.

How Often Should I Upgrade My Home Insurance Policy?

When you built or bought your Little Falls, MN home, you purchased home insurance. But since no catastrophe has hit, it’s easy to forget to update your home insurance plan. Reviewing your home insurance helps you avoid a nasty experience when filing a claim. According to Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc., you should at least update your home insurance every year. But if certain situations arise, you shouldn’t wait for a year to lapse because disaster can strike in between.

Why insurance review is important

Home insurance not only gives you peace of mind but also protects what you treasure in case the unexpected occurs. Having sufficient coverage cushions you financially when your valuables are damaged or lost through perils like fire, theft, hail, and many others. Besides, periodic insurance review helps your agent find whether you are eligible for discounts.

When should you upgrade your home insurance plan?

After buying home insurance, it shouldn’t be a “set and forget” purchase. When the below situations arise, you should talk to your insurance agent for a review.

  • You bought new valuables: During the year, you might buy things little by little that can accumulate to a significant value when added together. Leaving these additions out of your home insurance policy is a recipe for disaster when the unthinkable happens. Often, take an inventory count of your valuables from room to room and compare them with your insurance list. Any uncovered valuable item should be insured.
  • Changes in your family size: You got married? Did you become a foster parent? These changes should be reflected in your home insurance to cushion you against liabilities that may arise from your family members. 
  • Significant home improvements: Added an extra room? Remodeled your kitchen? Update your home insurance policy with these significant improvements for optimal coverage.

Are you unsure when you should update your home insurance in Little Falls, MN, and its environs? Please contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. for more information.

An Overview of Home Insurance

When it comes to home insurance, it will behoove you not only to get it but to also ensure you are properly covered. One of the first things you should do to ensure proper coverage is to get educated about home insurance especially for the state you live in. And even though most states have similarities when it comes to home insurance coverage, there are some differences that are imperative to pay attention to. And thus, if you live in the state of Minnesota, it is vital to get an overview of home insurance for this state and consult a reputable insurance agent. 

Types of Home Insurance

There are four basic types of home insurance, including property damage, medical liability, personal liability, and temporary living expenses. These types of home insurance are further divided into several other subtypes. The following includes the description of these types of home insurance: 

Property Damage

This type of insurance covers hail, wind, and fire damage. Also, most policies cover other perils, like explosion, vandalism, and theft. 

Temporary Living Expenses

This typically compensates for living somewhere temporarily if your property/house is unlivable due to severe damage. 

Personal Liability 

This type of coverage covers possible legal expenses from damage to other people’s property or injuries. 

Medical Liability

This type of coverage is for medical expenses for people with injuries received while on your property. 

Determine Proper Coverage

In addition to knowing the basic types of home insurance coverage, it is vital to know what home insurance policies usually do not cover. It is also important to know what can cause your policy from being renewed or canceled and what can affect your rates. Floods and some high-end items are typically not covered on home insurance policies. Also, you should create a home inventory and consult a reputable insurance agent to obtain an adequate home insurance policy for you.

Conclusion

For more information about home insurance in the state of Minnesota, contact Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. today. Located in Little Falls, MN, Hanneken Insurance Agency Inc. is not only highly trained and licensed, but they also have been providing insurance products to people in Little Falls, MN, and surrounding areas for over 30 years now. They will steer you in the right direction, so contact them today!