Common home insurance claims

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.

Three Ways to Improve the Landscaping Around Your Home

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. 

Three Essential Types of Protection in Your Home Insurance

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.

The Impact of Smart Home Technology on Home Insurance

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.

Three Reasons to Get Homeowners Insurance If You Don’t Have It

Homeowners insurance is an excellent investment for sure. A good homeowners insurance policy can protect your finances and help you recover after a covered event occurs. Most people have homeowners insurance because they’re required to have a policy by their mortgage lender.

However, if you paid for your house in cash or paid off your mortgage, you may be faced with choosing whether to get homeowners insurance. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, we’re happy to help you find a homeowners insurance policy that works for you. Here’s what to know about why you should get homeowners insurance.

1. Protect Your Savings When Repairing Your Home

Some disasters can cause tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to your home. For example, if your house burned down, you may have to spend all of your savings (and then some) to cover repairs. Your homeowner’s insurance can help you save that money by covering most of the repair cost after a covered event occurs.

2. You’ll Be Able to Rebuild After a Disaster

Would you have the money to rebuild if you lost your entire house in a fire? For many people, the answer to that question is no. Homeowners insurance can make rebuilding a possibility after a covered event destroys your house. 

3. Give You A Feeling of Security

It’s a scary feeling to know that if something happened to your home, you might not have the means to repair or rebuild. With Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. homeowners insurance, many homeowners feel peace of mind knowing their policy would help protect them from financial liability after a covered event occurs.

Contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, if you want homeowners insurance.

Are Other Structures on My Property Covered My Under Homeowners Policy?

Do you have a she-shed, separated garage or a distinct storage structure on your Mount Prospect, IL property? If so, it’s not unusual to wonder whether your basic structures are covered under homeowners insurance. There is an addendum called "other structure coverage that pays for repairs or replacement in certain situations. Structures damaged by a covered risk may be covered to help pay for repairs or replacement. Here are some considerations concerning structure coverage.

What Is Considered An Outdoor Structure?

When the winds kick up or a storm rolls through, your home itself is a primary concern. However, these weather conditions or other acts of nature can also damage outdoor implements such as:

  • Detached Garages
  • Fences
  • Gazebos & Pergolas
  • Fences
  • In-Ground Swimming Pools

If covered, these structures will fall under the "other structures" addendum in your policy, along with the same perils as your home. Ensure your policy covers theft, falling objects, fire, and vandalism.

How Much Does My Policy Cover for Other Structures

Other structure coverage is often based on a percentage of the coverage on the dwelling. For example, if you have $400,000 in home insurance coverage, other structures not attached to the home reimbursements are approximately $40,000. This is why it’s essential to review and update with Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. before making high-dollar additions. You’ll appreciate having this coverage in place should there be a loss.

Looking for Homeowners Insurance in Mount Prospect, IL?

We make ensuring that you have adequate coverage easy, and it all starts with a great real estate broker. Whether buying or selling, view the overall cost/savings, and our Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. agents will ensure your investments are adequately insured for your peace of mind. Contact us today!

Three Summer Time Risks To Your Home

During the summer, your home will face unique risks that you should be aware of. At Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, and the surrounding areas, we want to help homeowners be mindful of these risks so that they can make intelligent choices. Keep reading to learn about three summertime risks that could affect your home. 

Swimming Injuries 

If you have a pool on your property, summertime is prime time for water injuries. Pool injuries can include many different types of injuries, some mild and some severe. There are several steps you need to take as the property and pool owner to ensure these risks are minimal. You should install a fence around your pool to cut down on the risks of drowning or water injuries. You can also always insist that an adult is on watch anytime kids are in your pool. There should also be rules for those using your pool to reduce the chance of slip and fall injuries. 

Pest Infestations 

Bugs are most active during the summer, so there is an increased risk of pest infestation during this time. To prevent pest infestations, ensure your home and property are kept clean and clutter-free. Standing water should always be disposed of quickly, and pets should be regularly treated for fleas.

HVAC Problems 

When running the AC constantly during the summer, you risk system issues. To prevent problems with our AC unit this summer, be sure to schedule regular maintenance and tune-ups. 

If you’d like to learn about homeowners insurance, please get in touch with us at Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc., serving Mount Prospect, IL, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you. 

Five things you should know about home insurance

When looking for home insurance, there are many things you need to know to get the right insurance plan for you. Below are five things you should know about home insurance.

Decide how much coverage you need.

The amount of coverage you need depends on various factors. If you live in an area with a higher risk of damage, you will need more coverage than if you live somewhere that doesn’t. A person with a bigger house and more assets will need more coverage than someone with a smaller house. A good rule of thumb to determine the amount of coverage you need is to multiply the square footage by the cost of the materials it would take to rebuild your home.

Insurance is required by your lender.

Unlike auto insurance, most states don’t require you to have insurance on your home. You will still need home insurance if you have a mortgage. Most lenders require a homeowner to have insurance before you can sign on for a loan.

There are discounts available if you ask.

If you ask around, many insurance companies have discounts available. The available discounts depend on the location of your home and many other variables.

Read your policy carefully.

Not all insurance policies are created the same. Ensuring your policy has the right coverage for your home is vital. You might find that some things you thought were covered are not covered by your insurance. Most insurance companies will not cover flooding, earthquakes, or storms. Unfortunately, if your home is in a place where there is a higher chance of flooding, you will need to get separate insurance for flooding.

Standard coverage available

Some standard home insurance coverage options include the following:

  • Dwelling coverage
  • Other structures coverage
  • Personal belongings coverage
  • Liability coverage
  • Loss of use coverage

Contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc.

For more information about home insurance, contact us or visit Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc in Mount Prospect, IL.

Understanding What Types of Damage Home Insurance in Mount Prospect, IL Can Cover

Home insurance is essential for any homeowner. It protects from unexpected events that can cause severe damage to your home and its contents. But what damage does home insurance typically cover in Mount Prospect, IL? Let’s look at the different coverage you may find with Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. 

Natural Disasters 

The most common type of damage home insurance covers is natural disasters. This includes things like fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Generally speaking, most policies will cover any damages caused directly by these events. However, it’s important to note that certain conditions can affect how much coverage you receive—such as whether you live in an area prone to certain weather-related disasters. 

Theft and Vandalism 

Besides natural disasters, many home insurance policies provide coverage for theft and vandalism. If someone breaks into your house and steals something valuable (or causes intentional damage), your policy will help reimburse you for repairing or replacing the stolen item(s). 

Liability Coverage 

Another type of coverage offered by many home insurance policies is liability coverage. Liability coverage helps protect you from lawsuits related to accidents or injuries on your property—anything from a slip-and-fall accident to a dog bite incident. Depending on your policy, this coverage may extend beyond physical injury, including financial loss, because of another party’s negligence. 

A home insurance policy can cover many types of damage. Still, it’s important to remember that each approach is different and may offer different levels of coverage depending on where and how you live. If you want to learn more about what damage your home insurance can cover in the Mount Prospect, IL, area, contact Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc today for more information!

How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?

If you have a home insurance policy, you should buy a sufficient amount to ensure it comes to your rescue when disasters happen. It can be frustrating to find out you have insufficient coverage when filing a claim. So, how much home insurance is sufficient? It’s never always a straightforward answer because it differs from person to person. However, Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. in Mount Prospect, IL provides general guidelines to help you understand how much home insurance you need.

Meet your lender’s requirements

If your home is mortgage financed, your lender may require you to maintain a specific amount of home insurance. Most probably, the lender will insist the home insurance amount be equal to or more than the outstanding loan. While complying with your lender’s requirements, always know this is just a minimum requirement. Always stick your neck out for other home insurance policies.

How much dwelling and asset coverage is enough?

Always assume the worst-case scenario when insuring your building structure. How much would it cost to rebuild your home from scratch? That should be the value used to insure your home. Similarly, insure your assets, assuming an instance where they are all wiped out. However, prepare a home inventory to ensure none of your stuff is left out.

How much liability insurance is enough?

This is usually tricky because you never know the number of liabilities you will meet at any point. Most homeowners typically have liability coverage of $100,000. While this may seem sufficient, it’s likely to fall short when faced with significant liability claims. We always advise our clients to consider combined liability coverage of $300,000 and above. But if you need higher liability coverage, we advise you consider umbrella insurance.

Still not sure about the amount of home insurance required? If you are in Mount Prospect, IL, please call Com-Co Insurance Agency Inc. for tailor-made advice.