How to Protect Your Home from Theft: What Insurance Can Do for You

Nothing can make a homeowner feel more unsettled than coming home to find that their home has been burglarized. The feelings of vulnerability that this kind of event can trigger are indescribable. Your insurance representative at Robinson Insurance Group, LLC, serving Alabama, wants you to know that there are measures you can take to protect your home from theft, including ensuring you have the proper insurance protection.

Personal Property Coverage

Most standard home insurance policies include personal property coverage, which helps pay to replace stolen items. This can include electronics, jewelry, furniture, appliances, and other valuables taken during a theft. Coverage is usually based on either actual cash value or replacement cost. Knowing which type your policy offers is vital for understanding how much you can recover.

Coverage for Damage During a Break-In

Thieves often cause damage while entering your home, such as broken windows, forced doors, or vandalism. Home insurance can help cover the cost of these repairs under the ‘dwelling’ or ‘structure’ portion of your policy. If a detached garage or shed is damaged, that may be covered under "other structures."

Special Limits for Valuables

Some high-value items, such as fine art, collectibles, or expensive jewelry, may be subject to coverage limits. If you own valuables that exceed these limits, your insurer may offer the option to add scheduled personal property coverage for more comprehensive protection.

Filing a Claim

After a theft, report the incident to the police immediately and file a claim with your insurer. Document the stolen items with receipts, photos, or an inventory list to streamline the process.

While no one wants to imagine their home being targeted, insurance provides a financial safety net. Regularly reviewing your policy with the help of Robinson Insurance Group LLC, serving Alabama, helps ensure you’re as prepared as possible, not just with locks and alarms, but with solid protection if the unexpected does happen.

Do I Need Auto Insurance for a Leased Vehicle?

Leasing a brand-new vehicle has emerged as a popular choice for Alabama residents to enjoy a car with more features at an affordable price. Even though you don’t own the car or SUV, you’re still required to purchase insurance to drive it legally. Robinson Insurance Group LLC can help you understand your responsibilities regarding a leased vehicle when choosing an insurance policy.

Insurance Requirements Mandated by the State

Alabama mandates drivers to purchase a minimum amount of comprehensive, collision, and body liability insurance, regardless of whether they own or lease their vehicle. However, the company from which you lease the car may require you to purchase a higher amount of liability coverage. Ensure you know your lease provider’s requirements before shopping for an auto policy. The lessor may also require a specific deductible and gap insurance on your policy. Leased vehicles are generally more expensive and depreciate faster. These requirements often make a policy for a leased vehicle more costly. Consider adding gap insurance to your policy because if an accident totals your vehicle and you owe a significant amount on the lease, you could end up paying for the difference in cost between the value and the remaining lease amount.

Review the Lease Terms Before Purchasing Insurance

Terms differ among leasing companies, as does the coverage they may include in your lease payments. Some include gap insurance in your monthly lease payments, so reading the fine print can help you avoid paying for coverage you already have. Reading the fine print is also necessary to stay compliant with lease terms. Many companies require you to purchase full-coverage auto insurance when leasing one of their vehicles.

If you’re unsure about the difference between insurance requirements for a leased vehicle and one you own, Robinson Insurance Group LLC, serving Alabama residents, can assist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.