Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage & Leaks?

Spring is here and it's time to see how your roof weathered the winter. After sustaining months of low temperatures, snow, ice and harsh winds, it’s important to check your roof to prevent maintenance and liability issues down the road. Because spring is not without its own inclement weather, what started off as a minor issue could turn into major damage. Wind and hail are the most common causes of roof damage, affecting roughly 1 in 50 homeowners, with more than $10 billion in annual property loss, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements, but if it’s not properly cared for, your homeowners insurance may not cover a loss.

Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Roof Damage?

The dwelling coverage section of your homeowners insurance policy protects the structure of your home, including the roof, from perils such as wind, fire and hail damage. If your roof is damaged due to a hailstorm or heavy winds cause a tree to fall on your home, your dwelling coverage would cover the cost if you file a claim. If the damage occurs to an unattached structure on your property, such as a shed or detached garage, you may be covered by the “other structures protection.” Similarly, if the contents of your home or garage are damaged, “personal property coverage” would help to replace or repair them. 

Keep in mind that you will need to pay your deductible before your homeowners insurance kicks in to pay for repairs and loss. It’s also important to note that some homeowners policies have windstorm and hail exclusions, meaning damage from either would not be covered. You may consider a separate deductible applied to your homeowners policy to cover wind and hail damage. Wind and hail deductibles are typically anywhere from 1-10% of your dwelling coverage amount. Understand what your coverage limits are and talk to your insurance agent to develop a policy that fits your needs. 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Homeowners insurance will pay for a roof leak if it is caused by a covered peril. Examples of common insured risks include falling trees and limbs, windstorm, hail, issues caused by snow, ice or sleet as well as vandalism.

A leak and resulting damage will not be covered due to lack of maintenance, or wear and tear. A home insurance policy isn’t meant to be a maintenance policy and an insurer will expect the homeowner to be responsible with upkeep and repairs. Homeowners insurance policy are designed to cover damage that is sudden and accidental, rather than damage that accumulated over a number of years, such as an aging roof or unresolved maintenance issues. For example, if you experience a severe thunderstorm and your roof begins leaking, if it’s determined that the roof had been rotting for some time without being repaired, your insurer could conclude the damage was gradual and deny your claim.

Common policy exclusions that could cause a roof leak include:

• Neglect

• Mold, fungus, or wet rot

• Wear and tear, and deterioration

• Settling, shrinking, bulging or expanding

• Birds, vermin, rodents and insects 

Coverage is also limited for roofs older than 20 years old. They are typically insured at their actual cash value, meaning you’re only reimbursed for the roof’s value after 20+ years of depreciation.

Your insurer may deny a homeowners claim for the above reasons, which is why it’s important to conduct regular roof inspections. If you’re planning to buy a home, be sure to learn the roof’s age and condition, and address any issues before the sale is complete.

Protecting Your Roof and Home

As your roof ages and is impacted by severe weather, its ability to protect lessens. Manufacturers provide an estimated lifetime rating for roof shingles, but that’s under ideal circumstances, not actual conditions that typically occur in Ohio, like snow, hail and thunderstorms.

Aside from weather, there are other factors that can affect the lifetime of a roof shingle:

• improper installation

• improper ventilation

• slope of the roof

Here are six ways you can make sure your roof is in good shape and will protect your home:

• Inspect your roof regularly so you can be on the lookout for early signs of failure. Check for loose, missing or curling shingles; growing moss or algae; waves or ridges in the roof line that can indicate problems with the roof decking or framing.

• Clear any fallen branches or other debris, and don’t forget about gutters – built-up leaves and even animal nests should be removed.

• Keep trees trimmed to avoid leaves, branches, pods from falling on the roof and clogging up gutters.

• Check transition points in the roof for wear and tear. For example, where the roof meets the chimney or a skylight. This can easily create opportunities for water to enter the home.

• If you notice any area of concern, contact a roofing contractor to inspect and make necessary repairs. It’s best to leave roof repairs to professionals to prevent a more serious issue that could result in an entire roof replacement.

• Replace your roof when age or conditions indicate that it won’t be able to adequately protect your home. Replacing a roof can be expensive but it may be your only option if you want to avoid larger, and potentially even costlier repairs. Let your insurance agent know when you replace the roof so you can insure your home for the proper value.

Filing a Roof Replacement Claim

If your roof is damaged after a storm or other covered peril, here are steps to file a claim:

• Take photos of the roof and damage.

• Hire a contractor to make immediate repairs to prevent further damage to your roof and the inside of your home.

• Contact your insurance company to determine if the roof damage is covered.

• File an insurance claim with your insurer.

• Schedule an appointment with for your insurance company to inspect the damage. 

Questions about roof damage or filing a homeowners claim? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Damage Caused by Fallen Trees: Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Fallen trees or branches on a home are often the unfortunate result of severe storms and high winds. Whether a tree fell on your home or onto your neighbor’s, you’re probably left wondering, who is responsible for the damage? Let’s examine a few scenarios.

My Tree Damages My Property 

If a tree on your property falls and damages your home or related structure such as a detached garage, typically your homeowner’s insurance policy will kick in to cover the cost of repairs and cleanup of the property, after you pay your deductible. Covered perils generally include damage caused by wind, lightning or hail, i.e. acts of nature. 

The coverage limit you’ve selected for your homeowners insurance policy determines how much your insurance company will pay for the damage. You may have separate coverage limits for dwelling and other structures coverage. Dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs of your home if the damaged is caused by a covered peril. Other structures coverage helps pay for repairs or to replace structures on your property such as a fence, shed, gazebo or swimming pool.  

What Homeowners Insurance Won’t Cover 

Your homeowners insurance will not cover damage if a tree falls on your car; however, you may be able to file a claim if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs or replace your car if it’s damaged or totaled by falling objects, like a tree. This is optional coverage on your car insurance policy, unless you lease or finance your vehicle. In that case, your lender may have required you to purchase comprehensive coverage which would ensure you have insurance for this type of damage. If you file an insurance claim on your comprehensive coverage, be aware that your deductible and coverage limit will affect what you pay out of pocket.

If a tree falls and you don’t need any repairs, typically your homeowners insurance policy will not cover tree or debris removal, unless it creates a dangerous obstacle like blocking a driveway or road.

Your Neighbor’s Tree Damages Your Property

If your neighbor’s tree falls and damages your house or other structure due to a covered peril, this would be covered by your homeowners insurance policy (not your neighbor’s).

It’s important to note that there are instances where a tree falls and causes damage unrelated to Mother Nature, and insurance coverage may be handled differently. If the tree fell due to negligent upkeep – it was dead or diseased – you may have a case that your neighbor is responsible for the damage, and therefore, their insurance policy would pay. This can be difficult to prove unless you have documentation that you asked the neighbor to remove the dead/dying tree before it fell.

Another scenario is that your neighbor attempts to cut down a tree or large branches, and in the process, those fall on your house. If it can be proven your neighbor was negligent and didn’t take proper precautions, they could be held liable and forced to pay for damages.

My Tree Damaged My Neighbor’s Property

If your tree falls on your neighbor’s house, their insurance policy would cover the loss. So the general rule of thumb is, the owner of the damaged property will file the insurance claim. Your neighbor could decide to sue you to cover their deductible, in which case, your insurer would be required to defend you and investigate the claim. And similar to the above, if you were found negligent of caring for the tree, your insurance policy would have to cover the damage. 

Avoiding a Homeowners Insurance Claim 

The best way to minimize damage from your own trees is to properly care for them and prepare before extreme weather. If the tree appears to be diseased or dying, have it inspected by an arborist to determine if it needs to be removed. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you money in the long run. Poor maintenance will not be covered by homeowners insurance.

Of course, it’s also good to have a relationship with your neighbor and discuss any concerns before accidents and damage occur. 

Questions about homeowners insurance coverage or claims related to fallen trees? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 in Springfield, (937) 652-8492 in Urbana, or info@wtins.com.

Don’t Wait for a Tornado to Strike – Protect Your Family & Home With These Severe Weather Planning & Insurance Steps

Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio falls in March each year, but it’s important to stay alert throughout the spring into summer when tornados are most likely to occur.

Don’t wait for severe weather to strike – have a household plan in place now so you’re not caught off guard in the instance of a tornado or other disastrous storm. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing potential loss. Below are steps to take before, during and after a tornado.

Planning Before a Tornado Strikes

• Ensure your family knows the signs of a tornado. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes appear to be a funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar approaching. The sky often appears dark and greenish, and storms produce heavy rains, flash floods and hail.

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Meteorologists can often forecast when conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A WATCH means a tornado is possible; a WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon and you should take cover immediately. Don’t assume a watch won’t turn into a warning; take precautions and don’t risk your safety.

• Identify a safe place to gather in your home. Ideally an underground shelter with no windows – a basement, cellar or even an interior room at the lowest level of the house. Make sure everyone in your household understands to go to this designated area during a tornado. If you’re in a mobile home, find an alternative location you can go to such as a local emergency shelter.

• Learn about your workplace and children’s school emergency plans. Every building has a different plan of action. Talk to your child’s school or daycare and understand their emergency plan. You’ll feel much better if you know exactly where your child is during a storm.

• Create an emergency kit. Essential items to include: first aid kit, water and nonperishable food, manual can opener, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries and a whistle. If you have a baby or pets, keep in mind you’ll want to have diapers, formula and extra food on hand. If you require medications, try to keep extra prescriptions in your kit. Also consider keeping important documents here such as birth certificates, insurance policies, a household inventory and ownership certificates (cars, boat, etc.)

• Prepare your home. If a tornado is approaching and you have time, turn off utility switches and valves. Secure or bring inside anything that could be picked up by the wind. Close curtains and blinds to prevent shattered glass from flying.

• Practice your plan. Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home. Conduct a family tornado drill to ensure everyone understands the plan.

• Confirm your insurance coverage. Tornado losses will typically be covered under “windstorm peril” in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure you have adequate coverage and alert your insurance agent to any improvements, home inventory additions, etc.

What to Do During a Tornado

• Take immediate cover. Go to your designated safe room in your home or other shelter – remember to avoid areas with large glass windows or large open areas. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Listen to weather reports for storm updates.

• Further shield your body. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Put other materials around you such as blankets and large pieces of furniture.

• Don’t leave shelter until it’s safe to do so. The tornado may pass but can still produce high winds, flying debris and weak tree branches that can fall and cause injury. Tune in to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

Steps to Take After a Tornado

• If you are injured or trapped, don’t move. Cover your mouth with cloth to avoid breathing dust. If you have access to a phone, call or send a text. Otherwise, make noise by banging on a pipe or using a whistle.

• Continue listening to authorities for updated information. As previously mentioned, there can be continued severe weather following a tornado. Don’t go outside or move about until it has been cleared.

• Use extreme caution when assessing damage. Wear thick-soled shoes, pants, long sleeves and work gloves. Watch out for downed power lines and do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself.

• Take photographs/video of property damage. This will assist in filing an insurance claim and you should notify your insurance company of any storm-related losses as possible. Prevent further damage by covering up windows, putting a tarp over holes in your roof, etc.

Additional tornado safety resources:

American Red Cross Tornado Safety

Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Tornado Facts & Safety Tips

National Weather Service Tornado Safety

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Be Prepared for a Tornado

Questions about homeowner’s insurance coverage for tornadoes, flooding or other severe weather? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Creating a Home Inventory for Homeowner’s Insurance - Why You Should Do One Today

If your home and possessions were destroyed in a tornado, fire or other disaster, would you be able to remember everything you owned to file an insurance claim, or track down receipts for everything? For most of us, the answer is no. Spring is around the corner in Ohio, and unfortunately this brings tornado season and other severe weather that could be devastating in the worst-case scenario. It’s also the time of year for spring cleaning which means getting organized and ideally, creating a home inventory for insurance purposes.

A home inventory can be your best friend when you need to file a home insurance claim. Having an up-to-date list of your possessions with details such as the age and estimated value of each item will help settle your insurance claim faster, verify losses for your tax return and ensure you purchase the correct amount of homeowner’s insurance from the outset. The task of itemizing your personal property may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

What Your Home Inventory Should Include

• Start with big and valuable: Jewelry, major appliances, electronics, rugs and collectibles. If you have any items that are particularly valuable such as artwork or a fur coat, itemize those separately and check with your insurance agent to see if you need separate insurance coverage. Then you can move on to smaller items like clothing and books – no need to identify items individually, just the total number in each category, for example: 25 pairs of shoes and 10 pairs of pants. Tip: Start in a small room and work your way around the house so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

• Detailed descriptions: Describe each of the major items you’re recording with details such as where and when you bought it, what you paid, what condition it’s in, make and model, and any other details that would be important for a claim.

• Proof of value: Copies of sales receipts, estimated or appraisal value and purchase contracts will help settle the personal property portion of a loss. This is particularly important for valuable items. While there’s no physical value attached, you should also keep copies of financial and legal records with your home inventory to ensure these are replaced if there is ever a disaster.

• Don’t forget off-site or stored possessions: Items in a self-storage facility will be covered by your homeowner’s insurance and should be included in your inventory. Never put out the good China and have it stashed away in your basement? That should be documented as well.

How to Create a Home Inventory

There are a few methods to consider: pen and paper, spreadsheet, photos/videos saved to an external source (e.g. the cloud) or a home inventory app. There’s no right or wrong, but you should choose the one that will get you moving on this today, and you’ll keep organized and up to date.

• Pen and Paper: This is an inexpensive way to track your items and something you already have access to in your home. You can easily move from room to room documenting everything. However, this requires you to keep a hard copy on file and may not be the most effective list to hand over in the instance of a claim (how legible is your handwriting?).

• Spreadsheet: A spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Docs will keep you organized and makes it easy to add or delete items as needed. The main drawback is that spreadsheets aren’t very user friendly on phones or tablets, so you’ll need to carry your laptop with you as you record, or go back to your desktop computer. You can start with pen and paper, and then record it in a spreadsheet, but this creates a two-step process and reduces the chance you’ll take the time to start.

• Photos and Videos: Most of us rely on our mobile phones for just about everything and one more use can be your home inventory. You can quickly walk into each room and take photos and/or videos, but you’ll need to make sure you’re saving everything where it can’t be lost such as iCloud or a thumbdrive stashed in a fireproof safe—just don’t save it to your home computer hard drive. Too, you’ll still need to record all purchase/value details requiring a separate document or print the photos and write information on the back (another extra step).

• Inventory App: There are several advantages to using an app: easily add photos of the items and receipts, data is safely stored, and you can access from anywhere. You’ll have to type in details which can be a bit tedious but no more than writing down information or entering into a spreadsheet.

Once you’ve compiled your initial list, send it to your insurance agent to determine if you’ll need additional home insurance or renter’s coverage. However, creating a home inventory doesn’t stop there—be sure you’re regularly updating with new purchases and keeping your appraisals current. Make a habit to add items as soon as you get them, so receipts are handy.

Additional Home Disaster Tips

Now that you’re on your way to getting an inventory in place, it’s important to go beyond this and have a family action plan ready if a disaster strikes. Below are a few more things to think about:

• Have an emergency bag ready to go with essentials. If you wake up in the middle of the night to a house fire, you may be forced to run out the door with only the clothes on your back. If you have a bag close by (under your bed or in a nearby closet), you can hopefully grab that and have a few things that are important to you. It’s helpful to include insurance and other key contacts here if you don’t have them readily available otherwise.

• Plan for animal care. An insurance company will typically cover $5,000 for necessities and put you up in a hotel or apartment, but if the housing doesn’t take animals, you’ll need to board your furry friends or have other arrangements.

• Once you’re in a safe place, contact your insurer. Let them know what happened and where you can be reached. Do not return to your home until it’s safe to do so.

Questions about homeowner’s insurance or recovering from a disaster? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Super Bowl Parties and Social-Host Liability Laws – P.J. Miller Discusses Homeowner Insurance Coverage with InsuranceQuotes

Throwing a party on Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s most enduring social traditions. According to a report from Statista, it is the second-largest day for food and alcohol consumption behind Thanksgiving. But what happens when your partygoers have a little too much fun? The combination of food, alcohol, and fan passion can sometimes lead to unintended calamities, which can include everything from damaged personal possessions to drunk-driving accidents. In addition to knowing the legal ins and outs of throwing a Super Bowl party, hosts should also know what their insurance may or may not cover in the event of an accident, either in the home or after someone leaves.

What about accidents caused by those who are legally allowed to drink alcohol? In an interview with InsuranceQuotes, Partner P.J. Miller said this is where things “get a little stickier.”

“The first thing a host needs to check are his or her homeowner insurance liability limits, which typically fall between $100,000 and $300,000, although I would strongly urge all homeowners to carry $500,000 at a minimum,” he commented. “After considering the value of your home and other assets, consider increasing the liability limit well before hosting a large event like a Super Bowl party.

What’s more, homeowners can also purchase an umbrella policy, which offers additional financial protection if the host maxes out his or her standard liability limit.

“Homeowner policies—and hopefully the personal umbrella that you have—should provide ‘Host Liquor Liability,’ which means you didn’t sell the beer to your guests, you merely provided it,” said Miller. “Keep in mind that gross negligence can not only be an insurance claim, it can also carry with it some civil and criminal implications. A personal umbrella policy would offer broader coverage and would also give you coverage for renting a location to hold a party where the homeowner’s policy coverage would be very limited.”

Of course, there are myriad non-alcohol-related accidents that may arise before, during, or after a Super Bowl party, in which case Miller says a typical homeowner policy should provide adequate coverage.

“For example, someone might trip and fall on an icy sidewalk leading to your house, guests might choke on food, or there might be fights between guests resulting in broken items. Typically, homeowner policies offer some protection for these types of non-alcohol induced accidents, but you might want to carefully review your policy just to be sure.”

He added: “None of this should scare you off from hosting a party, but be sure to review your homeowner’s policy to understand what it will and will not cover in the instance of an accident.”

Read the full article at InsuranceQuotes.

Questions about your insurance liability when hosting a party? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

Hosting a Super Bowl Party? Understand the Xs and Os of Your Home Insurance First

Ben Galbreath

One of the biggest sporting events in the world is around the corner…naturally we’re talking about the Super Bowl. Whether your team is playing or not, chances are, you are either hosting or attending a party for the big game. While Super Bowl festivities are typically all fun and games, as an independent insurance agent, we have been conditioned to look for possible problems within every event to evaluate any potential loss and protect the assets you have worked so hard to build.

Potential Accidents at Super Bowl Parties

If you are planning to host a party, there are myriad potential accidents and occurrences that you need to keep in mind beyond your checklist of ordering pizzas, picking up ice and putting out plenty of chairs. For example: trip and falls on an icy sidewalk leading to your house, guests choking on food, fights between guests, pet bites, broken items, guests’ missing personal property. And probably the biggest item to think about is alcohol intake – are you providing an unlimited amount of alcohol? When should you cut-off guests and how can you ensure they’re taking a cab or Uber? What if they fall while intoxicated? You may be liable for any of these situations, and unfortunately, when it comes to friends and family, the loss usually gets nasty and harder to resolve; it also depends on the severity of the event.

Insurance Policies That Can Protect You

Typically, homeowner policies might offer some protection for the non-alcohol induced accidents mentioned above, but when it comes to the injuries, accidents of a non-motorized variety or the motorized kind, then things get a little stickier. Allowing someone to leave “after a few” is the misconception that it’s okay because, “they’re not drunk” (Note current advertising efforts: “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”)  Now you’ve put yourself in the same position of your favorite bartender, meaning, “How do I get this friend out of here, safely and politely?”  And you thought the Super Bowl was going to be fun and relaxing!

Homeowner policies (and hopefully the Personal Umbrella that you have) should provide “Host Liquor Liability,” meaning you didn’t sell the beer to your guests, you merely provided it. While designed for this very situation, keep in mind that gross negligence can not only be an insurance claim, it can also carry with it some civil and criminal implications. A Personal Umbrella policy would offer broader coverage and would also give you coverage for renting a location to hold a party where the homeowner’s policy coverage would be very limited.

Generally speaking, as the host, your liability is fairly broad when it comes to your exposure. If things transpire into a lawsuit, your coverage would respond depending on how the lawsuit was written. You will need to notify your insurance company as soon as you receive the paperwork, and to trigger your liability coverage, attorneys will need to be involved. Liability coverage could respond in the event of being served with a lawsuit and/or you are found liable for the loss within the limitation of coverage. The cost is paying an attorney to defend you. The attorneys are usually provided by your insurance company if coverage is going to respond.

In the event of a medical visit to the hospital from an event on your premium, medical payments could come into play to help the guest with their medical bills.

Take Precautions Before Your Super Bowl Party

The above shouldn’t scare you off from hosting a Super Bowl party, but be sure to review your homeowners policy to understand what will/will not be covered in the instance of an accident. It’s also a good idea to take precautions such as locking up your valuables, keeping pets in a separate room, hiring a bartender, offering to let guests stay over and/or calling for cabs and Ubers.

Questions about your homeowner’s insurance? Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com.

New Year's Resolutions - Protect Yourself in 2020 and Beyond

Happy New Year! It's time to set those resolutions for 2020 and we hope you consider the following to ensure peace of mind throughout the year. Download our app: https://bit.ly/2SHgQ9J

Ben Galbreath Discusses Wind Damage Insurance Coverage

Did you experience damage from high winds? Producer Ben Galbreath takes a look at common occurrences in Springfield, Ohio.

Contact us at 937-324-8492 to discuss coverage for wind damage.

Safeguarding Your College Student’s Valuables: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Insurance

Myles Trempe

As your child heads off to college, you’re likely talking to them about being safe and staying aware while living away from home. While personal safety is of utmost importance, you also need to consider protecting their high-value belongings like laptops, jewelry and watches, furniture and bicycles. Did you know that whether your college student lives on-campus or off-campus can determine if your homeowners insurance will cover them in the instance of an accident or theft?

On-Campus Insurance Coverage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, burglaries constitute approximately 50 percent of all on-campus crimes. There are steps your child can take to prevent theft, but in the unfortunate instance of a burglary, or any other type of loss, you should be aware of what is covered, or not.

Most homeowner policies will extend liability and personal property protection to a student while they live in a campus dorm room – this is considered “off premise” coverage.

Homeowners Insurance extends:

• Personal Liability – This covers the student if they hurt someone or cause damage to someone else's property. 

• Medical Payments to Others – If someone is injured in your son or daughter's dorm room. This coverage is typically included along with Liability coverage, but at a lesser amount.

• Personal Property Coverage – Standard homeowners insurance can pay for repair or replacement of your student’s personal property after a covered claim – theft, fire, vandalism etc.

There are typically limits to the amounts covered in the above, so be sure to review your homeowners policy to avoid any surprises.

Off-Campus Insurance Coverage

Off-campus housing or apartments may or may not be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. If no coverage is provided, a renter's policy is an inexpensive way to have personal liability coverage and protect personal belongings. If your child has a roommate, note that renters insurance will cover his or her possessions and any shared possessions (e.g. furniture) but it will not cover the roommate’s items.  

Regarding car insurance, if your student is leaving their car at home, notify your insurance agent as you may be eligible for a premium discount depending on how far away they move.

Preventing Theft and Damage at College

Whether your child lives on or off campus at college, there are precautions he or she can take to help prevent losses.

• Take inventory of valuables – Similar to taking inventory of the possessions in your home for potential insurance claims, it’s a good idea for your student to document the items they’re taking with them. Photos and descriptions will help ensure your claim is settled quickly in the event of a fire, theft or other loss.

• ID items – Engraving or permanently marking valuables such as laptops and phones makes it less likely thieves will want to steal, and can make it easier for police to track down stolen items.

• Purchase a small safe – If your child is taking jewelry, watches or other expensive possessions, it’s a good idea to keep these items in a safe, particularly in a dorm room where a roommate may have access to all of their valuables.

• Lock up valuables on the go – Your child will likely use a backpack to carry around their laptop and expensive school books, and it’s safe to assume they won’t always have an eye on it. A low-cost zipper lock could be an easy deterrent for would be thieves.   

Details and coverages vary so it’s best to consult with your local insurance agent to see how your insurance policy covers your child while away at school. Contact Wallace & Turner here or call us at 937-324-8492 to discuss coverage for your college student and send them off with peace of mind.

Flood Solutions: Insurance Against the #1 Natural Disaster

Flooding is the largest natural catastrophe and largest single event natural catastrophe that ever occurs, and only 7% of homeowners have flood insurance! Floods are not covered in your homeowners policy, but anyone can get the coverage as a supplement to their homeowners.

Flood insurance coverage to complement your homeowner policy.

We work with Cincinnati Insurance Company to offer Preferred Primary Flood or Excess Flood Endorsements as alternatives to insurance available from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Learn more about types of flood insurance, costs andwhy it’s important to have this coverage. Read How Much is Flood Insurance in Ohio?

Contact Wallace & Turner at (937) 324-8492 or info@wtins.com to discuss your options for flood coverage.