Questions About Utah Home Insurance

Utah Home Insurance is a necessity, something every property should have. If you have a mortgage, your lender will require coverage -- and if your home is mortgage-free than you should have coverage anyway.

But not all insurance coverage is alike. Policies and protections differ, and so do costs. In essence, you want the most protection for the least number of dollars.

Utah Home Insurance generally comes in standardized packages. For instance, the most basic form, HO-1, offers protections against such perils as fire, theft, and certain types of liability.

HO-2 is more comprehensive and includes protection against damage from broken pipes, the weight of ice and snow, and broken hot water heaters.

HO-3 gives more protection still: It generally includes just about everything and excludes only earth-shaking events such as earthquakes, floods, nuclear accidents, and wars.

To determine which policy is best for you, and to find out about other policies, make a list of valued possessions and the types of coverage you'd generally like to have -- and then sit down with an insurance broker to review what's included (and excluded) from each policy form and the other forms of coverage which may be available. You may find all the coverage you want in a general form, or you may determine that you need special coverage at extra cost.

Real estate brokers, attorneys, fee-only financial planners, and CPAs can recommend local Utah Home Insurance brokers. Once you have some names what questions should you ask? Here are a few to get you started:

Why should I buy Utah Home Insurance?

• Home Owners: To protect both your house and personal property.

• Tenants of Rental Properties: To protect your personal property.

• All Parties: For protection against liability for accidents that injure other people or damage their property.

Are deductible required, and if so, what are they?

Yes, most homeowners forms contain deductible provisions applicable to losses occurring under Section I (dwelling, appurtenant structure, unscheduled personal property, and additional living expenses). The type and amount of deductible varies by company. Deductible provisions do not apply to Section II losses (personal liability - bodily injury and property damage - and medical payments to others). Some companies offer an optional deductible applicable only to wind or hail losses. Most offer higher deductible options such as $500 or $1,000 at a reduced premium.

What property and perils are excluded from most homeowner policies?

Most homeowner policies provide coverage that does not apply to animals, birds, fish, automobiles and business property; for loss or damage caused by flood, surface water, water which backs up through sewers or drains, earth movement, nuclear damage, war, etc. Section II coverages (personal liability and medical payments) do not apply to the operation, ownership, use, etc., of any aircraft, automobile, recreational motor vehicle, water craft powered by more than 50 horsepower motor; bodily injury or physical damage caused by an intentional act of the insured. It must be noted that these are a mere sample of property and perils not covered. A complete review of your policy is the only way to determine what property is covered and what perils are insured against. Also, there are specific limits of coverage on property insured under the homeowner’s policy such as money, securities, water craft, theft of jewelry, silverware, and/or guns.

When can an insurance company cancel my Utah Home Insurance during the policy term?

• Generally, your policy can be cancelled for these reasons:

• Non-payment of premium;

• Material misrepresentation/Fraud;

• Conviction of a crime arising out of acts increasing the hazard insured against. (For example, conviction for illegal storage of fireworks);

• Discovery of willful or reckless acts or omissions by the insured increasing the hazard insured against. (For example, not getting a gas leak fixed);

• Physical changes in the property insured which result in the property becoming uninsurable. (For example, should the home become vacant for more than 60 consecutive days, a greater exposure to vandalism and damage is assumed to exist); and

• A determination by the Commissioner of Insurance that continuation of the policy would place the insurance company in violation of the law.

Peter Miller. “How to Buy Home Insurance.” Realtor.com. 6 Nov. 2009
[http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/insurance/how-to-buy-home-insurance.aspx].

State Department of Insurance. “Homeowners Insurance FAQs.” 6 Nov. 2009 [http://www.insureuonline.org/consumer_homeowners_faqs.htm].