Whether you’re a first-time homeowner in San Antonio, TX, or you’ve had insurance for years, it’s hard to know what is and isn’t covered by your home policy. One common question is whether detached garages are covered. The answer depends on your policy’s specifics and the coverage you have. Here’s what you need to know:

Liability Coverage 

Your liability coverage may cover any damage to your detached garage. This includes anything from someone slipping and falling on your property to significant physical damage from your dog getting trapped in it. Liability coverage will also help if there is an incident related to negligence on your part, such as failing to maintain the structure or not adequately keeping up with necessary repairs. 

Property Damage Coverage 

Property damage coverage helps protect against costs associated with repairing or rebuilding your detached garage due to weather damage or accidental destruction caused by incidents outside your control (such as a fire). Policies typically include this coverage in most home insurance policies but may need to be added as an endorsement depending on where you live and who insures the property. Check with an agent at Access Insurance Services for more information about this type of coverage for your detached garage.  

Personal Property Coverage 

Personal property coverage helps protect any items stored inside your detached garage from theft or destruction because of unexpected events, such as fire or windstorms. The typical policy includes protecting tools, lawn equipment, furniture, electronics, and other items in the structure. It rarely protects vehicles parked in the space—these need a separate policy (like auto insurance).

If you have questions about what kind of protection is available for your detached garage through a home insurance policy in San Antonio, TX, contact Access Insurance Services.

Many of our clients at Access Insurance Services are surprised to learn that their homeowners’ insurance in San Antonio, TX is based on the 80% rule. In short, this rule stipulates that your insurance should cover at least 80% of the replacement cost of your home.

How to Determine the Replacement Cost of Your Home

The first step in determining whether or not you have adequate coverage is to calculate the replacement cost of your home. This can be done by contacting a local builder or real estate agent and asking them for an estimate. Once you have an estimate, add 10-20% to account for any unforeseen costs that may arise during rebuilding.

For example, let’s say your home is estimated to cost $200,000 to rebuild. In this case, you would want to carry insurance that covers at least $220,000 – $240,000 of damage.

If your current coverage falls short of this amount, you’ll need to consider increasing your coverage or finding a new insurer who can provide you with the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

The 80% rule is essential when purchasing homeowners insurance in San Antonio, TX. By ensuring that your policy covers at least 80% of the replacement cost of your home, you can protect yourself from being underinsured in the event of a disaster. If you’re unsure whether your current policy meets this standard, we recommend contacting a local builder or real estate agent for an estimate of your home’s replacement cost. Then, add 10-20% and compare it to the amount of coverage provided by your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you have questions, contact Access Insurance Services about increasing your coverage.

Owning real estate in the San Antonio, TX area has continued to be a good investment. Having insurance is a good idea if you purchase your property in this state. There are various reasons why maintaining this coverage is a good option for any property owner. 

Protect Assets

A reason to have home insurance in this part of the state is to protect your assets. Owning a home is a considerable investment and an asset you want to ensure is protected. Further, you are bound to have various personal assets in your home. If you get a home insurance plan, it will give coverage for these assets. This can prove helpful if you experience various losses, including damages due to theft, fire, or vandalism. 

Comply with Obligations

Getting a home insurance policy is also a good idea as it will allow you to comply with various obligations. Most property owners will have taken out a mortgage when they purchase their home. If you buy a property using a mortgage, the lender will often require you to carry a home insurance plan and have your payments escrowed. With insurance, you will get the coverage needed to meet your lender’s requirements. 

If you want to be a property owner in the San Antonio, TX area, you will also want a proper home insurance policy. A lot of choices will come when selecting home insurance, and calling the team with Access Insurance Services can be helpful. The professionals with Access Insurance Services understand the importance of this coverage and can give the guidance you need to build the right plan.

Access Insurance Services is an independent agency. We strive to help our clients find the coverage they need to protect their assets. We have great working relationships with multiple carriers throughout San Antonio, TX. This allows us to offer versatile policies designed to meet both short term and long term needs.

How Fall Cleaning Impacts Home Insurance Policies

Your San Antonio, TX home is one of your most valuable assets. Home insurance is a layer of protection that covers you if a disaster arises. Home insurance covers the interior and exterior of your home against possible damage. All of your personal items inside the home are covered if someone steals or vandalizes things. Liability coverage is an important part of your policy. You are covered if you invite guests to your property, and they suffer an injury. Liability coverage also protects you if you cause damage to your neighbor’s property.

The fall is a popular time for people to perform regular maintenance on their home. Landscaping can help you avoid a potential liability dispute. Cut long tree branches that could possibly snap and cause damage to your property, as well as your neighbors. Check the condition of your pipes. If your pipes are starting to erode, that can cause major problems throughout your home. Replace deteriorating pipes to avoid potential water damage. Check your window panes. Faulty windows are vulnerable when inclement weather moves through the area. Texas is prone to sever weather, so you should work to minimize the threat a tornado damaging your home. It’s also a good idea to inspect the roof of your home.

Make sure that you have proper lighting. You want to avoid a possible situation where a mail worker gets injured on your property due to poor lighting and other possible hazards.

Access Insurance Services Will Help You Protect Your Investment

Visit our website to learn more information about home insurance.

Getting home insurance may not be mandatory for homeowners residing within San Antonio, TX, but it is still a crucial policy to have on hand to keep your property protected. In addition to this, numerous mortgage lenders require proof of insurance before you can get your funding, making it an essential part of your homeownership journey. Below, Access Insurance Services explains some tips to keep in mind when getting home insurance.

Understand What Is Included in Your Cover

The first step to getting home insurance is understanding items covered in your policy. Various covers protect different home items, with some examples being dwelling coverage for the structure of your home and content coverage that protects your personal belongings. In addition to this, each policy covers different perils such as disasters like hail, theft, and vandalism. Home insurance also has its restrictions, with examples of exclusions being perils such as flooding and earthquake. Due to these differences, ensure you understand your policy’s exclusions and inclusions.

Have an Inventory of Your Possessions

Home insurance will often rely on your possession’s total value for compensation when disasters emerge, providing you with repair and replacement costs. If your property is not adequately accounted for, you are likely to get insufficient coverage, leading to financial strain when you need to rebuild your property. To avoid this, have a detailed and accurate inventory of your possessions.  

Compare Your Options

As is the norm, numerous homebuyers will likely settle for the first provider they encounter, leaving out alternatives suited to their needs. To get quality home insurance that considers your property’s needs, explore the various options on the market. Take into account providers that prioritize your current and future home protection needs.

If you need customized home insurance suited to San Antonio, TX, call Access Insurance Services today to get started on your journey.

For people that live all over the San Antonio, TX area, owning a home can be a great long-term investment. Those that choose to purchase a home in this area of Texas will enjoy the long-term price appreciation and other ownership benefits. When you are going to purchase a home in this area of the state, you need to get insurance for it. There are a few reasons why you should get this coverage when you are in San Antonio.

You Want to Protect Home

A reason that people in this area of Texas need to get home insurance is that it can protect their home. A home is a very valuable asset that can make up a large portion of someone’s personal wealth. With a home insurance plan, you can protect this investment. With proper home insurance, you will get the coverage needed to repair or rebuild your property.

Coverage is Required

Another reason that you should get home insurance is that it is a requirement. Many people in Texas are required to have this protection. If you live in a home association or have taken out a mortgage, you will likely have insurance requirements. With a full home insurance plan, you can comply with these requirements. 

If you would like to get a home insurance plan in the San Antonio, TX area, it would always be a good idea to get guidance and support from someone that you can trust. The team with Access Insurance Services can help you assess your home insurance needs and pick a new insurance plan. Access Insurance Services is able to do this by answering your questions and building a policy that keeps you in compliance with your requirements and protects your home.

Have you ever read your home insurance policy? Have you ever checked out the exclusions listed on your policy? If you answered no to one or both of these questions, don’t be embarrassed, you are not alone. Most people never read their policy. It may come as a shock when a claim is filed what hazards aren’t covered. If you live in San Antonio, TX  or the surrounding area Access Insurance Services is locally owned and operated and committed to the highest customer service possible. 

Floods

Considering how prevalent floods are it’s shocking to realize home insurance doesn’t cover flooding caused by surface water. If you have a broken pipe that floods your home, that would be covered. But when it comes up from the ground, not so much. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you live in an area where flooding can be a problem, your mortgage holder may require that you purchase it. 

Earthquakes/mudslides/sinkholes

These are all considered earth movement and earth movement is not covered with a traditional home insurance policy. You can buy a separate insurance policy or an endorsement to give you the protection you need. 

Owner neglect

Insurance companies expect that as the owner of the home, you will maintain it. You are responsible for replacing an aging roof or crumbling walkway. If you end up with termite or carpenter ant damage, it is on you. As the homeowner, you should have gotten pest treatment. If neglect is noticed in an inspection, the insurance company can require you to make the repair or lose your insurance. 

Expensive art or jewelry

Your policy has limits on the amount it will pay for jewelry or art. You will only collect up to the limit of your policy. You need to increase the limit for adequate coverage. 

Contact Access Insurance Services in San Antonio, TX to discuss your home insurance requirements. 

San Antonio, TX is one of the largest and most populated cities in the country and state of Texas. This area continues to grow quickly, which provides a lot of opportunity for people professionally and could make it a great area to own a home. If you do purchase a home in this area of Texas, it is very important that you get a quality insurance policy. A home insurance policy can protect your San Antonio home in several different ways.

Insurance Protects Dwelling

One way that your home insurance policy will be able to protect your property is by providing you with coverage for your dwelling. If your home is ever damaged by a fire, bad weather, or another issue, the cost to remediate this could be significant. Fortunately, when you have home insurance, you will have the financial resources that are needed to repair or even fully replace your home.

Personal Asset Protection

Another way that your policy will protect you is by providing you with coverage for your personal assets. If you choose to purchase a home, you will want to ensure that your items under the roof are protected as well. A home insurance policy will include a provision for personal items including clothing, furniture, and other items that you own. 

As you are shopping for home insurance in the San Antonio, TX area, it would be a good idea for you to speak with the team at Access Insurance Services. There are a lot of very important decisions that need to be made when you are looking for home insurance. The team at Access Insurance Services will be able to answer all of your questions and ensure you continue to have the right type and level of coverage. 

Creating a video inventory is an ideal way to provide an accurate and up to date list of everything you own.  A good photo/video inventory will show the condition of each item as well as its model and serial number if there is one available. The agents of Access Insurance Services offer their services to residents of the San Antonio area.

Electronics

Include all of your electronics. The inventory should show all sides of each piece and include both the model and serial numbers. If possible include video footage of the item while it is turned on and being used. If the serial number is too small to see, write it down on a small piece of paper and set it beside the item so it is clearly visible.

Power Tools

Don’t forget to include all of the high dollar items you have in your garage. Power tools can be extremely expensive and some may be hard to replace. Putting them on your video inventory is a must. While you are out in your garage, remember to include other items as well. 

Antiques and Collectibles

Antiques and collectibles should also be included. If there is more than one item to a set, make sure to video each piece separately.

In San Antonio, TX, the agents at Access Insurance Services offer homeowners a variety of tips on how to perform an effective and thorough video inventory. Make contact with them at your earliest convenience to find out what items you should be including in your home inventory. With all their years of experience, they can provide reliable and sound advice to help you keep your home secure.

The San Antonio, TX area is a very large metro area that is continuing to grow. With a strong local economy, it can be a great area to own a home. When you are looking to purchase a home in this area, you need to make sure that you get the right insurance in place. There are several benefits that come when you get home insurance in the San Antonio area. 

Property Protection

One of the benefits of getting home insurance in this area is that you will get property protection. Your home could be the biggest asset that you ever own. Due to this, you need to make sure that it is properly covered by insurance. A home insurance policy can provide you with protection for your home as well as all of your personal belongings. 

Liability Protection

Another important form of coverage that you can get is liability protection. As a property owner, there is a certain level of risk you take on whenever you have a guest over. If they are injured while on your premises, you could be deemed liable. Due to this continued risk, you need to have a home insurance policy in place. This will help to ensure you are protected for liability if you are sued. 

If you do invest in your own home in San Antonio, TX, it is very important that you get a home insurance policy. If you are shopping for a new home insurance policy, you should contact us at Access Insurance Services to learn more about how we can help you to get into a great policy. Our team of insurance professionals at Access Insurance Services can review your particular situation and help you get into a policy that provides the right insurance for you and your home.