With a massive ice storm sweeping through the Midwest, 2021 did not start well for the insurance industry. Add the usual bout of hurricanes, wildfires, hail, and tornadoes along with the rising cost of building materials and labor, and 2021 was not a good year in our industry.
Read MoreIt's not uncommon for insurance agents to hear, "The previous owners of our home said their annual premium is $1000/year; why is ours so much higher?". There are a couple of reasons behind this, but the biggest culprit is YOU! Your consumer reports, your insurance history, your personal preferences, etc., affect your insurance rates. This is why insurance rates vary so much from person to person. It's also why lenders have a hard time accurately estimating your annual premium while estimating closing costs.
Read MoreAbout a year after my husband and I bought our first home, lightning struck a tree and knocked down a power line near our house. If you have ever owned a home, you have likely experienced a similar situation. In those moments, you might have the question, "Is this an insurance thing? Who should I call?"
Now, as an insurance agent, I get these calls often. More times than not, the calls are from first-time homebuyers, but there can be some scenarios that even seasoned homeowners, and admittedly myself, need to dig into deeper.
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