Category: Home Insurance

Home Insurance Coverage for Additional Structures on the Property

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Home insurance often extends beyond the main dwelling to cover additional structures on your property in and around Oshkosh, NE. These additional structures, referred to in many policies as "other structures," include buildings such as detached garages, sheds, fences, and gazebos. Understanding what your home insurance policy covers for these structures is crucial to ensure their protection in the event of damage or loss.

What Additional Structures Coverage Includes

Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for additional structures, typically providing a specific percentage of the primary dwelling coverage. For instance, if your home insurance policy offers $300,000 for the main residence, a 10% coverage may be set for other structures, giving you $30,000 in protection for these buildings.

This coverage typically protects against various perils, including fire, theft, vandalism, and specific weather-related damage like hail or lightning. If a covered event damages or destroys a detached garage, fence, or another qualifying structure, your home insurance will help cover the cost of repairs or replacement up to the policy limit. This coverage protects not only the main dwelling but also enhances the value and functionality of the entire property.

What Additional Structures Coverage Excludes

While home insurance protects other structures, it has some essential exclusions. Structures used for business purposes, such as a shed converted into a workshop or office, may not be covered unless you have additional business insurance. Additionally, damage caused by floods, earthquakes, or general wear and tear usually isn’t included in standard coverage, and you would need separate policies or endorsements for these risks.

Western Trails Insurance for A Better Understanding of Insurance

Western Trails Insurance provides comprehensive information on various aspects of insurance. Our agency serves locations in and near Oshkosh, NE. Call us today.

Does Home Insurance Cover Bicycles?

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Many people in the Oshkosh, NE, area own bicycles that they use to exercise, recreate, travel, or commute. Some of these bikes are quite valuable, making them difficult to replace if destroyed or stolen. One effective way to protect a bicycle is to obtain home insurance.

Bicycle Coverage

Homeowners’ policies treat bikes as personal property. This means they’re generally covered in the same situations as other belongings, such as theft, vandalism, and fire. Be sure to keep purchase receipts and write down some details about your bicycle. A photo could also prove useful if you need to file a claim.

Keep in mind that coverage limits may apply to the value of a bicycle or personal property in general. You might need to upgrade your coverage when you buy a high-end bike, especially if you own other highly valuable items. An insurance agent can determine if this is necessary.

Exceptions

Regular home insurance probably won’t cover damage inflicted by a bicycle crash, flooding, or an earthquake. You can’t make a claim when the bike is worth less than the policy’s deductible. If a mortgage lender purchases homeowners’ coverage for your house, it might not cover personal possessions.

Away From Home

Although it’s called home insurance, it can protect a bicycle in many different places. The policy will generally cover theft, liability, and certain other incidents while you’re riding or transporting a bike. This may help safeguard your assets if you accidentally harm another person in a bicycle accident.

Based in Oshkosh, NE, Western Trails Insurance serves homeowners throughout Nebraska and Colorado. Our independent agency works with more than 30 different carriers to provide customers with a wide range of options. If you’re looking for dependable home insurance, please call Western Trails Insurance at 308-772-1044 today.

Smart Tips Regarding Home Insurance

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Home insurance can potentially reimburse you for a variety of losses. A standard home insurance policy typically offers insurance coverage for the residence/non-attached building, personal property, liability coverage, plus a host of riders and add-ons to protect your possessions at home or when away. The insurance professionals at Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE offer this expert guidance on how to make the most of the cover you intend to buy or already possess.

Smart Tips Regarding Home Insurance

Before you commit to any one insurance policy, take the time to understand your options from a reputable insurance broker or provider and consider the following advice:

Understand The Policy’s Limitations & Exclusions. 

This requires that you don’t make assumptions about what is and what isn’t covered. This is important so you pay for the coverage you need and avoid paying for coverage you do not need.

Compare Apples-To-Apples. 

When comparing the cost of coverage, be sure you evaluate policies that offer the same coverage. It may be easiest to create a chart to compare each policy easily. In other words, just because a policy has a reduced premium fails to consider relevant coverage details – including the deductible for defined losses.

Ask About Deals For Bundled Policies & Safety Steps. 

Many insurers provide discounts – like installing an alarm system or better locks, or if the property is near a firehouse/hydrant. Additionally, discounts are available for those who bundle their policies, members of a professional organization, and even customer loyalty discounts.

Contact Us Today

If you live or work in the greater Oshkosh, NE area and are seeking additional information to evaluate your home insurance needs, contact Western Trails Insurance today.

Does Your Home Insurance Coverage Cover Leaking Roofs?

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As an Oshkosh, NE homeowner, you probably wonder if your home insurance covers leaking roofs. Roofs are a significant part of any house; they can cause many problems when they leak. Not only can you face costly repairs, but the water damage can also lead to mold in your home if not taken care of quickly. Our team of insurance experts at Western Trail Insurance is here to assist you with more information.

What Home Insurance Covers

Home insurance usually covers roof repairs and replacement due to unexpected damage caused by weather or accidents such as fire or vandalism. However, it typically does not cover damages due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. If you have an old roof that has been neglected for some time and starts leaking, your home insurance is unlikely to cover it.

Unexpected Damage Vs. Wear and Tear

It’s important to note that while most home insurance policies include roof coverage, the amount may vary depending on the type of policy you have chosen and what company it is from. Some companies may offer an additional range for certain roofs (e.g., metal or tile), while others might not provide any coverage for these materials. It is always best to check with your provider before signing up for a policy to know exactly what is covered and what isn’t.

Contact Us Today

If you need more information about whether your roof will be covered under your policy, contact Western Trail Insurance serving the greater Oshkosh, NE community Our knowledgeable agents can provide answers to all of your questions about home insurance coverage so that you can make sure you have the best policy for both yourself and your budget. Get in touch with us today!

You Don’t Own Your Home, Why Buy Renters Insurance?

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For most people in Oshkosh, NE, their home is their biggest investment. A place to raise a family, make memories, and build a future. So why would anyone rent?

There are plenty of reasons. Maybe you’re a young professional just starting out and not ready to commit to a 30-year mortgage. Maybe you’re retired and downsizing to simplify your life. Or maybe you’re not ready to settle down in one place yet. Whatever the reason, if you’re renting, you need to have renters insurance. Western Trail Insurance is here to help. 

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance is a type of insurance that covers your belongings in the event of damage or theft. It also provides liability coverage if someone experiences an injury while on your property. Renters insurance is an important safety net for anyone who doesn’t own their home.

Western Trail Insurance can help you find the right renters insurance policy for your needs and budget. We’ll work with you to understand your risks and ensure you have the coverage you need.

Why Do I Need Renters Insurance?

Your landlord’s insurance policy covers the building itself but does not cover your personal belongings. It could leave you with nothing if there’s a fire or theft. And if an injury occurs on your property, they could hold you liable. Renters insurance protects you from financial ruin in the event of a disaster.

How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?

The cost of renters insurance varies depending on your belongings’ value and the coverage you need.

Get The Right Coverage Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late to get renters insurance. Contact Western Trail Insurance today for more information about how we can help you protect your home and belongings in Oshkosh, NE.

Should I File a Homeowners Claim?

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Home insurance provides an extra level of protection should your house be damaged due to a covered incident, but knowing when to file a claim is almost as important as having the coverage. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to file a homeowners claim if you meet any of the circumstances outlined below:

The Repair or Replacement Costs Exceed Your Deductible

Similar to auto insurance and other insurance policies, your homeowner’s coverage includes a deductible. Let’s look at an example to understand how it works. Your home is damaged in a severe snowstorm leaving the roof destroyed and significant repairs needed. You get multiple estimates for the repairs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and have a deductible of $1,000. Given that the repairs are significantly higher than your deductibles, you should file a claim so you don’t have to pay more out of pocket than necessary.

It’s a Total Loss

If your house becomes inhospitable due to a fire or any other unthinkable disaster and needs to be entirely rebuilt, you’ll want to file a claim.

You Haven’t Filed a Claim in Three or More Years

When determining policy premiums and annual increases, insurance companies consider your claims history. Therefore, the more time that has passed between filing claims, the easier it will be for the claim to be processed and accepted. 

Buying a home can be stressful and at Western Trail Insurance in Oshkosh, NE we aim to make our part in that process as painless as possible. Consequently, we’re ready to answer any of your home insurance questions and help find you a policy that exceeds your expectations. 

Making your Nebraska home as safe as possible

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Making your Nebraska home as safe as possible lessens the chances you will have to file a claim against your home insurance policy. A history of claims can affect your premium. It makes good sense to do everything you can to make your home safe. Safety means removing or avoiding potential hazards, and if you follow a few common-sense tips, you can make your home a safer place. At Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we are there for you in the good times and in bad, and if you ever need to file a claim, we have your back. 

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against a home fire. They are designed to go off early, so you have time to escape from your home before the fire is fully engaged. Check your smoke detectors every month to make sure they are working and replace them every 10 years. 

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes more than 400 deaths in the United States every year, and more than 20,000 people end up in the emergency room. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and replace the batteries every spring and fall. 

Fireplace safety

Be sure to get your chimney cleaned every year before your first fire. Keep flammable material away from the fireplace and have a fire extinguisher close by. Never leave a fire burning when you go to sleep.

Remove Clutter

Falls are one of the main causes of injuries in the home. They account for more than 30% of all nonfatal home injuries. Clutter contributes to falls. Keep stairs and hallways clutter-free to improve home safety.  

At Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE, we know that having good home insurance contributes to a feeling of safety in your home. Let us help you find the coverage you need. Stop by our office or give us a call for a no-obligation quote.