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710 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535

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Residential Security Enhancements and Their Bearing on Your Insurance Policy

Security enhancements may prevent theft, vandalism, and damage from the elements. Increasing the security that your property is equipped with could lessen your risk factor, resulting in changes to your insurance policy. 

Personal Assessment

Conduct a thorough inspection of the land and home that you own. Assess the points of entry that could lead to a burglary or an act of vandalism.

Keep track of weak points that could benefit from security enhancements. For example, a door with an inferior locking system should be recorded.

Your notes will guide you when shopping for installation security materials both on your land and within your residence.

Installation and Testing Processes

Have your new security equipment professionally installed and inspected. By hiring someone to complete these steps, you will be certain that all the equipment is working properly.

This will allow you to rely heavily on the enhancements without worrying about the equipment failing when you need it most.

Maintenance Essentials

Schedule times to inspect security equipment, calibrate materials that require this process, and replace worn-out materials. Completing routine maintenance will prevent mishaps that could lead to your property being stolen or damaged.

If you decide to pursue additional security enhancements to protect your land and home, have your home insurance policy modified to reflect your selected changes.

Contact South Risk Associates

You may still have some concerns about how security enhancements will affect the insurance coverage you need. If so, contact one of our Southern Risk Associates.

An agent who serves the Foley, AL, region will provide you with more insight into how security enhancements will affect your existing insurance coverage.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?

Homeowner’s insurance covers many different situations for homeowners. However, there are some situations that aren’t covered by a typical homeowners’ insurance policy. As a homeowner, it may be wise to familiarize yourself with the areas on non-coverage. Our team at Southern Risk Associates takes pride in educating Foley, AL homeowners on homeowners insurance.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

In short, homeowners insurance is designed to provide coverage for your home’s internal and outer structure, as well as the foundation, any other structures on your property, your personal belongings, and more. Homeowners insurance also provides protection from liability claims.

This means that if you damage someone else’s property or someone is injured on your property, the liability coverage that comes with your homeowner’s insurance will cover these incidents. If your dog bites your neighbor, your homeowner insurance may cover the medical expenses your neighbor may incur. Also, if you hit your neighbor’s mailbox, your homeowner’s insurance typically covers this too.

There are other situations where your homeowner’s insurance provides coverage as well. The guidelines and eligibility requirements are typically clearly outlined in your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?

Not everything that goes wrong with your home is covered by your homeowner’s policy. Some things are considered preventable and occur because of negligence, according to many insurance companies. Termite infestation is one such situation. Termites can be eradicated before they do significant damage. As a result, termite damage isn’t covered by a typical homeowners policy unless otherwise specified.

Looking for Insurance in Foley, AL?

If you have questions about homeowners insurance, call us at Southern Risk Associates. We’d be happy to help you explore your options.

How To Avoid Common Home Accidents

Your home should be a place of safety and security. It should provide a place of comfort, where you can relax, and where you and your family can be shielded from the outside world.

But when we’re in our homes, we are often less careful than we are when we’re outside. We might take more risks or be less vigilant about safety because we’re comfortable, leading to costly and sometimes deadly accidents. The experts at Southern Risk Associates want to keep Foley, AL safe at home, so we’ve put together this list of safety tips for you and your family. 

How To Avoid Common Home Accidents

Falls are responsible for more than half of fatal home accidents

Prevent falls by making sure the floor is well-maintained and free of clutter. Keep them dry. Use a sturdy step stool to reach high shelves or appliances. Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom and tub, especially for people with mobility issues.

Avoid fires by making sure electrical appliances are properly grounded

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room of your home. Install a carbon monoxide detector and ensure you know how to use it. Do not leave open flames unattended. Also, do not leave cooking food alone. Keep fire extinguishers accessible and test them regularly.

Young children are most likely poisoned by cleaning products and other toxic household chemicals

Keep cleaning products out of reach and keep them locked up. Do not store them in the same place as food or medications. Batteries need to be stored out of space as well.

Choking is the 4th leading cause of accidental death in America

Children need to be instructed to chew their food thoroughly before swallowing. Toys should be regularly checked for loose parts.

Contact Us Today

Accidents can happen anytime. Protect your family with a home insurance policy from Southern Risk Associates of Foley, AL.

It’s Summer: Does your home insurance cover HVAC breakdowns?

Never fear if your Foley, AL home’s air conditioning goes out during summer. Your homeowner’s insurance just might cover the damages, says Southern Risk Associates.

The standard homeowner’s policy covers HVAC breakdowns when caused by a named peril. Named perils to include fire, tornado, hurricane, lightning strikes, hail, etc. So, if during a storm, lighting took out your HVAC or damaged it, your home policy covers that. Call your insurance agent at Southern Risk Associates.

What if wear and tear caused the problem?

For any cause besides a named peril, you need an add-on to the standard home policy to cover the damages. Your insurance agent at Southern Risk Associates can help you add this necessary coverage. Without the add-on, you would need to cover the repairs yourself which could cost thousands.

If you do have an add-on already in place, call your insurance agent to start the claims process. You may have purchased an add-on with a deductible, so you need to pay your deductible before the insurance process begins. Your agent takes care of the rest once you file a claim and submit the paperwork that you paid the deductible amount.

Your home insurance can cover HVAC problems. You can also supplement it by purchasing a home warranty. These allow a specific maintenance schedule, and they cover the maintenance visits under a flat annual fee. Once you pay for your warranty for the year, your maintenance and some repairs are completely covered.

Contact Southern Risk Associates of Foley, AL to check whether your home policy has this coverage or if you need to purchase an add-on to help make sure your insurance policy covers the important things in life like cool air during Alabama summers.

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