Homeowners Insureance

Home Owner Insurance Tips   by Greg Roy

Each year in the United States, over one million new homes are built. Nearly all of these new homes will be covered by a home owner insurance policy. With the boom in construction ahs come a boom in homeowner insurance. Since a myriad of options are available now, a property owner needs to be quite careful while purchasing a policy. There are several key points that should be considered to ensure that your policy provides adequate coverage.

Before you start shopping for a policy, decide the coverage amount that you need. Remember, the value of the land should not be included in the amount of the home owner insurance policy that you plan to purchase. In the event of a disaster, the insurance company will not replace the land, only everything on the land that has been damaged. your policy, therefore, need not include the value of the land.

Deductibles play a crucial role in choice of a policy. Deductible is the amount of damages a person needs to pay before the insurance company is responsible for the cost of replacement. Higher deductibles are instrumental in lowering the premium rates. Only you can decide the right deductible amount for your situation.

Never give false information to acquire the insurance policy. This can land you in serious trouble. The best practice is to be true while obtaining a price quote and applying for insurance. Wrong information can lead to not only incorrect price quotes, but also a denial of coverage based upon falsifying information. You certainly wouldn’t want your insurance company to deny your claim after your house has been destroyed by fire. Be honest, it will be worth it in the long run.

The price of the premium payments should not be the only factor in making your decision. Other factors such as the company’s financial ratings and stability, its reputation in the market, customer service record, complaint index and items covered matter as much as price. Make sure you investigate these fully.

Also check if the agent offering the policy is licensed or not. It is in your interest to purchase a policy from licensed companies and agents. If an agent is willing to break the law by selling insurance without a license, how much value is that agent to you in the future?

It can often be difficult for people who reside in a high-risk zone to acquire home owner insurance. High-risk zones include areas prone to floods, hurricanes and other natural calamities, as well as areas where the crime rate is excessive. To get home owner insurance in these areas the best solution is to talk to neighbors. Ask where they purchased their insurance. You’ll likely be able to find at least one good recommendation.

The majority of homeowner insurance policies cover personal items such as jewelry, fur, watches, silverware, valuable papers and securities etc. If you seek to have coverage apart from this, you’ll have to fill out a Personal Articles Form. Speak with your agent about the coverage that is already there and about what additions you may require.

It is always a good idea to evaluate your insurance needs when it is time to renew your homeowner insurance policy. Check your personal details in the policy and see if it meets your current needs. If you require more coverage for any reasons, such as expensive items you’ve purchased within the past year, ask your agent to get your policy changed accordingly. It is always worthwhile to keep your home owner insurance policy up-to-date.

Starting a Home Based Business By: Wendy Welninski 

Ever wondered what it would be like to be your own boss? Maybe you have thought about starting a home-based business. Have you explored the choices of having a way to make money doing something that you really enjoyed?

The Internet makes it so easy to search for ideas. If you simply type into a search bar “starting a home based business” or “online network marketing”, what will appear will make you realize that there is a whole new world out there!

Back in the early seventies when the idea first struck me, the home-based business giants were such things as Tupperware, Mary Kay, Amway, Avon to name just a few. Some of these required that you would go out to someone’s home and do a demonstration for a hostess and a group of her friends. Today the list has grown to include jewelry, baking dishes, baskets, bath products, the list is almost endless.

So where do you start? Well, you can start by taking a personal inventory. Ask yourself:

1. What are you passionate about? What is it that you really feel excites you? Is it working with the elderly or children? Or maybe you love fashion or animals. Maybe you are a life support coach.
2. What are your talents? Do you have strengths from prior business related experiences? Maybe you have good telephone and people skills. Maybe you are a well-organized person who can teach others how to be that way too.
3. Why do you want to start your own business? There must be something that fuels your desire. If your reason is strong enough it helps you to hang in there even if the times get tough.
4. How much will it cost to start a home-based business? Businesses vary enormously as to initial investment. Some may be as low as $39.95 while others may cost you thousands.
5. Where will you get the money to start your business? One way would be to look into grants for starting small businesses.
6. Are there tax benefits for having a home-based business? The government seems to be in favor of this type of business and you want to look into the legalities of claiming your home office. A dedicated space just for doing your business can mean a substantial deduction on your income taxes.
7. So give some thought to the size business you want and the amount of time and responsibility that it will encompass. Maybe pet sitting, catering, working with a nutritional company online, doing a home party plan demonstrating a product is what you have in mind.
8. Have you ever searched the web for “online network marketing”? These companies for a minimal startup fee can offer extensive training, providing you with a fantastic website of your own, and a team of support people.

Do a little research. If it is a product line that you are thinking of selling, try the products and ask yourself if it is a product that you believe in. What is the mission statement for this company and does it fit your belief system? What is the return policy and do they offer a money back guarantee and stand behind their products? A company with an excellent customer service team is to your benefit. So check that out because in the end you are the person that your customer expects to help them.

Your business may only cost $39.95 to start. But be sure that you treat it like the billion dollar business you want it to be. A new business takes time, energy, patience and above all for you to be teachable. Look for support and direction from those who have already done what it is that you are trying to do.

Starting your own home based business can be rewarding. Remember to seek guidance when needed and know that your potential is unlimited!