Common home insurance claims

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If you own a home in the Mount Prospect, IL, area, you probably have a homeowners insurance policy.

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. is proud to insure many of these homes. What are the most common claims that homeowners are likely to make about their homes?

Fire

Fire is a common claim, partly because it can be generated from many sources. Grills, furnaces, candles, fire pits, and malfunctioning heaters are common causes. So are kitchen cooking fires. Much of the damage caused by fire can result from smoke and water damage from putting out the fire.

Wind

Wind can damage roofing, knock down trees, and blow down fences. If you have an aging roof, it is important to keep it maintained.

Lightning

While damage from lightning can cause a fire, lightning can also cause expensive damage to electronics, major appliances, and even wiring.

Water Damage

Water damage from leaking roofs and burst pipes are common claims on home insurance policies. However, some damage from flooding or backed-up sewer pipes is not generally covered under a standard home insurance policy. Coverage may be secured under a separate endorsement, rider, or policy.

Liability

Homeowners should not overlook the critical importance of liability coverage. This covers claims for injuries or losses sustained by others for which you may be held responsible. Your policy’s liability coverage can not only cover claims or judgments but also those costs associated with legal proceedings.

Get a Home Insurance Quote in Mount Prospect

When did you last have a home insurance review or price quote? In the Mount Prospect, IL, area, homeowners are invited to contact us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. We will answer your questions and provide a price quote. Contact us today.

Which Drivers Need Umbrella Insurance?

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Are you a high-net-worth individual? Or are you otherwise at unusual risk of being sued? If the answer to either of these questions is "yes," you need umbrella insurance from Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, and all of the state.

You can think of umbrella insurance as protection for a rainy day. When aggressive lawyers become aware that you can pay a large settlement, they may pursue litigation if you are at fault in an accident, and even if you are not!

They will seek more than the limits of an ordinary personal auto policy. You will have to deal with legal fees, too. The same situation can apply if your pet injures a guest, if you accidentally start a fire, if a worker slips and falls on your entrance, and even if young people break into your backyard and injure themselves crawling over your fence.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

Generally speaking, if you have liquid assets of over $1 million or total assets of over $5 million, you need the extra protection umbrella insurance affords. You may also need umbrella insurance if a family member is a problem driver in repeated situations, if your pets are aggressive, if you give lots of parties, or if you maintain a shooting range.

Umbrella insurance can give you $5 million in protection or more. It can cover you anywhere in the world, not just in Mount Prospect, IL, and defend you outside the United States.

You don’t have to be rich to need umbrella insurance. Most farmers need umbrella coverage. Most professionals do, too. Let Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. ensure you have the enhanced coverage you need. Give us a call today!

Does Auto Insurance Always Include Collision?

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If you’re new to auto insurance or haven’t explored a multitude of options, you might not know that collision coverage is not always included in your policy. Here at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., we believe that auto insurance is essential, and adding collision coverage is vital to being fully protected on the road. We completely understand your need for all-rounded protection in Mount Prospect, IL.

Do All Auto Insurances include Collision coverage?

It’s crucial to remember that collision coverage is not a standard component in all insurance policies. Collisions can lead to substantial financial burdens, and insurance companies would generally charge higher premiums if they included collision coverage. This can challenge those with budget constraints, making auto insurance unaffordably expensive. Therefore, it is important to consider the financial implications of not having collision coverage.

Conversely, adding collision insurance may not be financially prudent, especially if the car’s value is low. For instance, replacing an older, less valuable vehicle might be more cost-effective than investing in collision insurance.

Why You Should Consider Collision Insurance

Even if you’re a safe driver, having collision insurance is a sensible choice. Circumstances like poor weather conditions or another driver’s recklessness can lead to accidents. In these scenarios, collision insurance provides critical coverage for significant damage costs.

Connect with our Illinois Insurance Agency

The decision to incorporate collision insurance ultimately lies with you. While some drivers may not see the need, here at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., we prioritize your safety and protection on the road. If you’re contemplating adding collision coverage to your existing auto insurance, please feel free to reach out to us at our Mount Prospect, IL, location.

3 Ways to Secure Your Condo When Traveling

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If you’re planning a long-term vacation or frequently traveling for your career, implementing robust security practices in your condo while away is a good idea. Here are three ways to secure your condo for peace of mind while traveling.

1. Install a Multi-Camera Security System

While you may have a traditional security system that alerts you when a door is opened, a security system with cameras can offer more secure surveillance. Cameras providing live feeds of your property will discourage thieves if they know they’ll be seen and their identity exposed. This system also helps you know when a housesitter comes by to check on your property, ensuring they are accountable.

2. Upgrade to Digital Locks

Thieves often look for a spare key to enter your condo. By installing a digital lock on your door, you can avoid leaving a spare key out, making it more difficult for someone to get into the home. You can also access these locks through an app when connected to Wi-Fi, allowing you to manage your home’s locking and unlocking if you are expecting maintenance or a house sitter.

3. Upgrade Your Windows

If you’ve purchased an older condo that already needs some renovations, upgrading the windows to more secure ones can protect your condo. These windows can withstand strong pressure and being hit, making them harder to break into. Additionally, consider having them tinted so outsiders can’t see into your condo.

If you live in the Mount Prospect, IL, area and need condo insurance, contact our team at Com-co Insurance Agency Inc. today for more information.

Three Ways to Improve the Landscaping Around Your Home

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As a homeowner, ensuring that your landscaping looks good and benefits your home is important. This can help with your property value and protect the foundation from an unkempt lawn. Below are three ways to improve the landscaping around your home. 

1. Make Your Plants Proportionate To The Home

Not all homes are the same size, so each home’s landscaping is different. When planting new plants around your home’s foundation, make sure you opt for proportionate plants. You don’t want flowers that are too small to see on a large house; you also don’t want bushes that will cover the house because they are too large. Opt for plants and shrubs that won’t grow beyond several feet high. This is also ideal for safety concerns. 

2. Line Your Walkways

If your home has a walkway leading to the door, make sure it is lined with plants to show where it starts and ends. This not only looks good for landscaping, but it also keeps guests in areas that are safe and out of the yard. It will complement any hardscaping you have on the property and help improve the yard’s cleanliness. If you have cement walkways and driveways, you’ll also want to give them a good powerwash before planting the flowers or shrubs. 

3. Add Lighting 

One of the best ways to emphasize all the work you’ve done to your landscaping is to add lighting throughout the property. You’ll want lights that are directed back onto the house and along any yard paths. This illuminates the area for visitors coming by at dark and helps deter anyone from sneaking onto the property. 

If you’re in the Mount Prospect, IL, area and you’re looking for a home insurance quote, contact our team at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. today for more information. 

Handling Property Damage Claims with Umbrella Insurance

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Umbrella insurance is supplemental insurance that can cover property damage from accidents, natural disasters, or other significant events around Mount Prospect, IL. It is essential to review your umbrella policy to understand its specific protections, including any exclusions or conditions.

Prompt Claim Reporting

In the event of property damage, report the incident to your primary insurance provider immediately. If the damage is extensive and you anticipate exceeding your primary policy limits, notify your umbrella insurance provider. Prompt reporting helps initiate the claims process quickly and ensures you meet any required deadlines.

Documenting the Damage

Thorough documentation is crucial for property damage claims. Photos and videos of the damaged property work best. You should also gather relevant receipts and keep records of repairs and communications with contractors. Comprehensive documentation supports your claim and assists the insurance adjusters in evaluating the extent of the damage.

Working with Adjusters

Insurance adjusters will assess the property damage to determine the compensation amount. Cooperate fully by providing all requested information and allowing them to inspect the property. Clear communication with adjusters from both your primary and umbrella insurance providers can help ensure an accurate assessment and expedite the claims process.

Managing Repairs and Expenses

Keep track of all repair costs and related expenses for reimbursements. Your umbrella policy may cover these costs once the primary policy limits are reached.

Maintaining Clear Communication

Keep the insurance company updated on the progress of repairs and any new developments that may arise. Respond immediately and avoid delays in the claims process.

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. Helps Guide You

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. will help guide you and show you how umbrella insurance can save you in the long haul. Our team covers the Mount Prospect, IL region. Get in touch with us today.

Three Essential Types of Protection in Your Home Insurance

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Home insurance provides several types of coverage in one policy. Several of these coverage types are important in different ways. All of these protection types are needed to ensure you’re well-protected against a wide range of risks you face as a homeowner. Call Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL to get your home insurance policy.

Dwelling Protection

Home insurance protects The house itself against a wide range of risks. These policies cover specific disasters and various types of accidents so that repairs can be paid for. Damage repairs to a home can be extremely expensive, and you need that coverage to pay for repairs after a damaging incident happens. 

Belongings Protection

The same kinds of incidents that cause damage to a home can ruin the belongings inside it. These items are covered by home insurance coverage for belongings. This protects you if some or all of your belongings are ruined, damaged, destroyed, etc. This can be vital coverage to have because of the high cost of replacing and repairing your items. The investment that you have in your belongings is a large one, and that investment needs protection. 

Liability Protection

Another type of coverage you need to protect yourself is liability coverage. This type of coverage is included in home policies to protect you in case someone gets injured in your house. If this happens, the policy can pay for the person’s medical bills instead of you paying for them. 

Get Home Insurance Today

If you need a home insurance policy, we’re here to help. Call us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL.

Insider Secrets: How to Choose the Best Auto Insurance Coverage for Your Mount Prospect Ride

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Residents of Mount Prospect, IL know all too well how quickly peaceful neighborhoods and bustling downtown districts can transform into a mix of snow, slush, salt, and ice. Such weather conditions can lead to car breakdowns, accidents, and unexpected expenses. Thankfully, the expert insurance advisors at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. are well-equipped to guide you toward your vehicle’s ideal auto insurance policy.

Navigating Traffic Risks in Mount Prospect

Driving in Mount Prospect comes with its own unique set of challenges. Even the most cautious Illinois drivers can be taken by surprise by inclement weather or sudden accidents. While the state’s minimum insurance policies can provide some protection in case of an at-fault accident, they don’t cover any damage to your vehicle or its contents or related expenses.

The seasoned locals understand that maintaining their vehicles in Mount Prospect involves investing in a comprehensive auto insurance policy. Such a policy covers your car, its contents, and any passengers, and it even adds coverage for emergency roadside assistance and towing.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance: More Than Weather Protection

Comprehensive auto insurance in Illinois provides more than just protection from weather-inflicted damage. It helps cover costs due to theft, vandalism, animal collisions, and other common perils that can cause considerable repair/replacement costs.

Approach Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. for the Best Auto Insurance Coverage

Our experienced and friendly professionals at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. are at hand to explain the diverse insurance coverage options to you. They provide custom quotes that account for crucial factors, such as how long you’ve been driving and your driving history.

Don’t risk getting stranded without adequate insurance when disaster strikes. Connect with the experienced professionals at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL, for a comprehensive auto insurance quote today!

Three Basic Differences Between Condo Insurance and Homeowners Insurance

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While there are several similarities between homeowner’s insurance and condo insurance (such as being required by a mortgage broker and protecting your financial investment), there are also significant differences. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., in Mount Prospect, IL, we strive to educate you on these differences.

Three Key Differences between Condominium and Homeowner Insurance

  • Condo insurance covers your property internally, from the walls inwards. Homeowner’s insurance extends to your structure, property, and even fencing and outbuildings.
  • Condo associations often necessitate insurance coverage, given that the condo’s value hinges substantially on the neighboring property’s condition.
  • It’s crucial to know what your association’s master’s policy covers. Assuming this can be risky. Always ensure you obtain a copy of the policy and have your condo insurance policy shaped to fill any potential gaps.

Reach Out to Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. for Clarity and a Quote

Individuals opt to purchase a condominium for various reasons, such as downsizing, transitioning to empty nesters, owning a vacation home, or as an investment. While home insurance experience may be preliminary for most, condo insurance presents its distinctions. If you reside in or around Mount Prospect, IL, and have questions about condo or homeowners insurance, contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. to secure a free review and price quote.

The Impact of Smart Home Technology on Home Insurance

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Adapting Home Insurance to Smart Homes

With smart home systems becoming more common, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. needs to adapt its services to accommodate these tech-enabled households better. Our goal is to provide tailored protection that aligns with homeowners’ utilization of smart technology like leak detection, smoke alarms, security cameras, and more.

Prevention Powered by Technology

With features like moisture sensors, CO monitors, and alarm systems, homeowners can reduce their exposure to certain risks like water damage, fires, thefts, and more. Because of this, integrating these devices may qualify homeowners for lower premiums.

Understanding Smart Home Insurance

In the event of a system failure that leads to costly damage, we clarify what the insurance would and would not cover. With the shifting landscape of claims in line with home automation advances, our guidance ensures you have peace of mind.

Contact Our Team Today

Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. is ready to assist with your smart home insurance needs in Mount Prospect, IL, and surrounding areas. Contact our team to discuss insurance options tailored to your home and pursuit of a high-tech lifestyle. We can answer your questions and help you get a quote.