A solid home insurance policy is one of the best ways to ensure you always have the resources to provide a safe place to live for you and your family. However, even more important is preventing disaster risks in the first place. At Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help clients make great choices concerning their homes and safety. Keep reading to learn about the top three fire risks to your home. 

Outdated Wiring 

Older homes with outdated wiring are at an increased risk for fires. Over time the protective coverings on wires can start to wear away. Pests and rodents can also compromise these protective coverings as well. When these protective coverings are compromised, it can lead to sparking and fires. If you have an older home, you should have the wiring evaluated by an electrician for safety. You should also have major electrical components, such as outlets and breaker boxes evaluated as well to ensure they are up to code and in safe working order. 

Unsafe Practices 

Another risk to your home would be unsafe practices or behaviors involving fire or heat. This can include flicking cigarette butts into the yard or trash, leaving candles unattended, poor fireplace safety, improper use of space heaters and electric blankets, and more. Everyone in your home must be well-versed in safe practices concerning these topics and anything involving fire or heat. 

Outdated Heating Systems, Including Fireplaces 

Another considerable fire risk is the heating system of your home. When systems are outdated, your home is put at risk. This includes fireplaces that are not built to modern codes or fireplaces that are not kept properly cleaned. If you have an older heating system, consider upgrades to keep your home safe. 

If you would like to learn about our home insurance services, please contact us at Advantage Insurance Network, serving Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas. 

You probably know the basics of home insurance coverage. However, you may be surprised by some of the things your home insurance policy could cover. Advantage Insurance Network in Cincinnati, OH, offers home insurance policies. We can explain the top six unexpected things covered by home insurance coverage. 

1. Falling Objects

Standard home insurance policies cover falling objects. This includes asteroids and space debris. It also covers "blue ice," which is toilet water flushed from airplanes. 

2. Damage due to Religious Phenonemon 

Damage from religious phenomena is unlikely, but you are covered under your homeowner’s policy. For example, if you have a religious statue that suddenly begins releasing blood or water, and this damages your walls or floor, you are covered. 

3. Damage from Wild Animals 

If a wild animal damages your home, you are covered. For example, if a grizzly bear breaks your window looking for a snack, your policy will cover the damages. 

It’s important to note that wild animals apply to animals that are not considered domesticated and aren’t your pet. 

4. Drone Damage 

Drones have become popular in recent years. However, they can cause damage to other’s property or person.

For example, if you fly your drone into your neighbor’s car, the liability portion of your homeowner’s policy will cover the cost of repairs. 

5. Spoiled Food

If a power outage costs you the food in your fridge, your homeowner’s policy can cover the cost of replacing the food. Most policies offer up to $500 to replace spoiled food items due to a power outage. 

6. Dog Bites 

Dog bites make up about 30% of homeowner’s liability claims. If your puppy bites someone on your property, the policy will cover their medical expenses and civil liability judgments up to the coverage limit.

However, some policies exclude certain dog breeds because they are thought to have a higher risk of aggression. Before getting a dog, you should make sure that you are covered.

Home Insurance with Advantage Insurance Network

Advantage Insurance Network offers home insurance and other policies in Cincinnati, OH. If you need a home policy or would like to know exactly what is covered in your policy, contact us today. 

You need to purchase condo insurance if you live in a condo in Cincinnati, OH. We can help you meet your condo insurance needs at Advantage Insurance Network.

Unfortunately, Ohio condo owners sometimes make assumptions about condo insurance that are not accurate. The following are four things that you shouldn’t assume about condo insurance. 

You don’t need condo insurance if you have HOA insurance coverage.

HOA insurance coverage will cover the overall structure of the building in which your condo is located.

It’s essential for you to realize that your HOA insurance coverage won’t cover you for what goes on within your individual unit. That’s why you need condo insurance even if you carry HOA insurance coverage. 

A condo insurance policy will cover you for any natural disaster damage.

Condo insurance will only cover you for certain types of natural disaster damage. A standard condo insurance policy won’t usually cover you for flood damage. In many cases, a standard condo insurance policy also won’t cover you for earthquake damage. 

Condo insurance only protects you financially regarding damage to your property.

In addition to protecting your property, condo insurance protects you regarding liability expenses. It’s essential that you don’t underestimate how expensive liability costs can be if you get sued after an injury that occurs within your condo unit. 

It’scostlye to purchase condo insurance.

You shouldn’t worry that condo insurance will be unaffordably expensive. If you shop around, you should find that it’s possible to acquire condo insurance at an affordable cost. 

Contact us at Advantage Insurance Network if you’re in need of a quote on a condo insurance policy. We’re happy to help you adequately insure your condo in Cincinnati, OH. 

You might think that you’ll only need the minimum dwelling fire insurance since you rent each apartment or flat in the building you own. Still, Advantage Insurance Network would like to suggest a few riders to add to your policy that will help you when the inevitable happens. We can help you customize your policy to protect your real estate investment.

What Typical Dwelling Policies Include

Your renters each carry renter’s insurance as long as you require it in your lease. Their policy only protects their belongings and liability.

Your dwelling policy protects the structure of the building from various perils, including fire, tornado, hail, snowstorm and ice damage, etc. It also offers you liability coverage. The riders you can add increase your coverage to include changes in the home and unexpected municipal issues.

Building code coverage

If your building starts in an up-to-code state, your dwelling coverage pays to repair your damaged house, so it returns to its original state if you file a covered claim. If your home is in a state that’s not up to code, you’ll need to pay the difference out of your pocket – unless you add this rider to your policy. With building code coverage, your insurance pays the extra for you to meet local building codes.

Water backup coverage

Water backup coverage doesn’t cover floods; it covers when the sewer backs up, a drain backs up, or a sump pump fails to function. It covers the damage from the water back up and the clean-up costs.

Identity theft restoration coverage

Although you don’t reside at a home you rent to others, you may occasionally get mail there. That leaves you open to identity theft. Adding ID theft coverage means your policy covers the cost of restoring your identity. With this rider in place, the insurance company reimburses you for legal fees, document mailing costs, and lost wages when you file a valid claim.

Construction/Renovation coverage

A temporary rider for construction or renovation covers your home when you make changes to it to increase curb appeal or remodel the interior. The coverage only lasts while the home undergoes the project.

Contact Advantage Insurance Network

Contact Advantage Insurance Network serving Cincinnati, OH for a dwelling fire insurance review. Let us help you determine which riders best serve your situation and update your policy so you stay fully covered.

If you live in Cincinnati, you know we’re no strangers to severe weather. From flash flooding to the more traditional long-term flooding, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. But what does flood insurance cover? Let’s look.

What Does Flood Insurance in Ohio Cover?

Flood insurance covers the physical structure of your home and any personal belongings damaged by flooding. This can include things like furniture, clothing, and appliances. It’s essential to keep in mind that there are limits to what is covered.

Flood insurance will also typically cover any repairs to your home because of flooding. This can include things like drywall, flooring, and electrical work. Again, it’s important to remember that there may be limits to what is covered. Your Advantage Insurance Network agent can help you understand what is and isn’t covered under your policy.

What Isn’t Covered by Flood Insurance?

While flood insurance will cover some of the damage caused by flooding, there are some things it doesn’t. For example, flood insurance rarely covers the cost of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable because of flooding. Most policies don’t cover the cost of landscaping or other external features, like pools or decks.

It’s also important to remember that flood insurance has a waiting period before it goes into effect. This waiting period is typically 30 days from purchase. So if you’re in the middle of a storm and need coverage immediately, flood insurance probably doesn’t help you out.

Flooding is always possible here in Cincinnati, OH, so it’s essential to be prepared. While flood insurance won’t cover everything, it can help you recover financially if flooding damages your home or belongings. If you’re considering purchasing flood insurance, talk to an independent insurance agent at Advantage Insurance Network, who can help you find the right policy for your needs.