“I asked for a simple quote; what’s with all the questions?”
This is often asked when a customer inquires for a quote. Sure, there are ways we can give you a quick quote with very little information. However, it goes without saying the more detailed your responses, the more accurate the quote will be. A good insurance broker asks questions to ensure you have the right coverage at the best price, and they do not make assumptions. Anyone can find out your home is 2400 square feet from public records. Still, a good home insurance broker will confirm the specific details such as ensuring the square footage, primary heat source, any updates to the exterior, when the last updates were done, the types of finishings, etc.
The questions we ask to lead us to compile the information into a calculator that evaluates the re-building value of your home. There certainly is no need to over-insure your home, yet on the other hand, you do not want to under-insure your home. Under-insuring your home can leave you with a co-insurance clause. The co-insurance clause encourages you to carry the appropriate amount of insurance in relation to the value of your home. If you look to save premium dollars by insuring less than the evaluated calculation, effectively, you become a coinsurer for any loss. This means that in the event of a claim, your policy will only respond to a percentage of the loss. A total loss circumstance can leave you with an unforeseen bank loan or high mortgage payments to replace your property and your contents.
When enduring such an unfortunate event as a loss due to fire or water damage, the last thing we, as your insurance broker, want you to worry about is debt because your policy did not fully cover you. By asking the questions we do, we insure your home to its correct value and then can quote you with a policy that guarantees your home will be fully covered in the event of a loss. In the end, it just comes down to being patient with your broker and answering all of our questions so we can provide you with the best possible coverage for your “one-of-a-kind” home.
Contact Us!
If you live in Alberta or British Columbia and are looking for Home Insurance, we are here to answer any questions you may have about our range of home insurance products and services. Contact us at 1.844.544.4663 and see for yourself what makes us Harbord – The Home Insurance People™!
