Fall is a busy time for many homeowners. Between yard work, school activities, changing weather, and getting ready for the holidays, reviewing your insurance policy may not be at the top of your list.

However, taking a few minutes to look over your homeowners insurance can be worthwhile, especially if anything about your home or belongings has changed during the year.

Here are a few things to consider before fall turns into winter.

Have You Made Any Updates to Your Home?

Maybe you remodeled your kitchen, finished your basement, added a deck, replaced major features, or completed another home improvement project.

Updates like these can affect the estimated cost to repair or rebuild your home. Let your insurance agent know about significant changes so they can help determine whether your policy information needs to be updated.

It is better to ask questions now than to discover after a loss that important information was outdated.

Have You Purchased New Belongings?

Over the course of a year, it is easy to accumulate new furniture, electronics, appliances, tools, jewelry, and other belongings.

Take a moment to think about any significant purchases you have made. Review how your policy covers personal belongings and whether special limits apply to certain categories of property.

Keeping photos, receipts, and an updated home inventory can also help you document what you own.

Do You Understand Your Home’s Rebuilding Cost?

One common misunderstanding about homeowners insurance is the difference between a home’s market value and the estimated cost to rebuild it.

Market value reflects what a home might sell for. Rebuilding cost estimates the expense of reconstructing the home, including labor, materials, and its specific features. These amounts are not necessarily the same.

Ask your insurance agent how your dwelling coverage limit was determined and whether changes to your home should be considered.

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Deductible?

Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for under the applicable policy terms when a covered loss occurs.

Make sure you understand the deductible that applies to your home. Some policies may have different deductibles for certain types of losses.

It is also worth reviewing whether your current deductible is an amount you could reasonably manage if you needed to file a claim.

Are There Any Coverage Questions You Have Been Putting Off?

If you have ever wondered whether your policy covers roof damage, water backup, certain belongings, or additional living expenses after a covered loss, now is a good time to ask.

Coverage depends on your specific policy, including its limits, exclusions, endorsements, and conditions. An insurance review gives you an opportunity to understand those details and ask about options that may be available.

A Review Does Not Automatically Mean You Need More Insurance

The goal of an insurance review is not simply to increase your coverage. It is to make sure you understand what you currently have and whether it still fits your needs.

Sometimes your existing policy may be appropriate. Other times, changes to your home or circumstances may be worth discussing.

Either way, you deserve to understand your coverage before you need to use it.

Take a Few Minutes for Your Home Insurance This Fall

As you prepare your home for colder weather, add an insurance review to your fall checklist. Gather information about renovations, new purchases, or other changes, and make a list of any questions you have.

At SBJW Insurance, we believe insurance should make sense before you buy it. We are happy to help you review your current coverage and talk through your questions in plain language.

Ready for a second opinion on your home insurance?

Contact SBJW Insurance for a free local insurance review.

📞 217-214-6814
✉️ sara@sbjwinsurance.us

Coverage availability and terms vary by policy and insurer. A review does not guarantee coverage or a change in premium.