Insurance Upgrades After Your Residence Is Burglarized

Set up a security plan if your home was recently burglarized. You can take some steps to minimize the risk of your possessions being stolen in the future. Review the guidelines below to improve security.

Points Of Entry

Assess your home’s doors and other points of entry. Purchase new locks if the ones that are currently used are outdated. Upgrading the locks could require you to modify your current home insurance policy.

Security Devices

Purchase security devices for your residence. Doorbell cameras, motion detectors, and automatic locking systems can be used to safeguard your residence against theft. Keep track of the upgrades you make. They should be reported to your insurance agent.

Changes in how you keep your residence secure can directly affect the type of home insurance policy you need.

Adequate Storage

Don’t keep valuables out in the open. Instead, decide upon a storage method that will improve the security of your items. If you choose to store your items at a storage facility, ensure that the rental you acquire has the security features you need.

Keep track of the location of all of your valuables. Typing up a list of the details can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim in the future.

Updated Insurance

Keep your homeowner’s insurance policy current. If you experience any changes in your circumstances, update your policy if necessary. Selling or buying items may require changes to be made to your policy.

Reach out to VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY

Contact an agent who serves Brooklyn, NY, at your earliest convenience. One of our agents, representing the Insurance Agency, will assist with insurance questions or modifications to your current policy.

Should I let my Brooklyn, NY home insurance agent know if I make home improvements?

When you originally purchased home insurance, your agent verified how much your Brooklyn, NY home was worth. Besides the home’s value, there was also a certain amount of protection for your belongings, such as your furniture, appliances, and personal items. If you are making home improvements, you may change the value of your home. You should speak with your VAC Insurance Agency before making any significant changes.

What Kinds Of Projects Could Change the Value Of Your Home?

Most of the time, a superficial change will not change your home value. While you can make your home more desirable by adding to its curb appeal, the actual value won’t change. Here are some of the kinds of changes that will change the value of your home:

  • A home addition, such as an extra room, will change your home’s description and value.
  • A modern renovation, such as when you upgrade your kitchen’s appliances and cabinets, will add to the value of your home.
  • You can add value by converting an attic or basement into a living space.

Some specific purchases can change the value of your home:

  • A new HVAC system can add to the value of your house, especially if you also update the ductwork while upgrading.
  • A new air conditioner adds value.

Make Sure Your Home Has the Protection It Needs

If anything were to happen to your Brooklyn, NY home, you would want to have the amount of protection you need to take care of repairs so you can move on without stress. If you would like to discuss the amount of protection you have on your home or have any questions about home insurance, please call VAC Insurance Agency today.

What new homeowners need to know about home insurance

At VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, we realize that home insurance is not one size fits all. Some of our new homeowners may not realize they have home insurance options. We make it our business to ensure they get the right policy for them and their home. 

Your liability coverage should be customized to your needs

You can choose the amount of liability coverage that you have on your home policy. It would be best to protect your assets, so that is where the amount should begin, keeping in mind all the things you might need when determining the necessary amount. 

You can choose what type of content coverage you want

Two types of content coverage are available. You can opt for replacement cost or current value. The item’s age is considered when determining value with the current value. 

Home insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Home insurance has exclusions, and some of them may surprise you. Flooding is not covered by home insurance. Termites and mold are also not covered. Earthquakes, sinkholes, mudslides, and landslides are not covered. 

You can add endorsements to your policy for additional coverage

You should have a jewelry endorsement if you have a lot of jewelry. If you have a coin collection, you should have an endorsement. 

Not all dogs are covered by your home insurance.

If you have a dog or dogs, you need to know that not all dogs are covered by home insurance. Some are considered too dangerous to cover. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure yours are covered. 

Contact VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY when you can choose your first home insurance or renew your present policy. 

Tips for making your home safer

For most people, homes are their safe place. To make sure that your home actually is a place that is safe both inside and out, there are some things you should do. At VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY, we contribute to making your home safer by helping you choose the home insurance that will provide just the right amount of protection. 

Security

Home security is something that people think about a lot these days. If you don’t already have a home security system, there has never been a better time. You have many affordable options that can allow you to feel safer while you are at home and away. Many of them can be installed by a homeowner in just a few minutes. Beyond that, your doors and windows have locks. Use them. 

Lighting

Lighting is important inside and outside of your home. Outside, having motion detection lights will make sure that you can see as you walk around, and you can also see any movement outside. Inside, it is equally important to ensure the stairs and hallways are well-lit and keep free of clutter to save you from a trip and fall injury. 

Fire

Fire is a significant safety hazard to your home. Ensure chimneys are kept clean and your furnace is cleaned every year. Change the batteries in your smoke detector every six months, and have a fire extinguisher that is easy to access. Do a safety drill with the family so everyone knows how to get out in a fire. 

In Brooklyn, NY, you can count on VAC Insurance Agency to provide the customer service needed to feel safe in your home. Give us a call to discuss your home insurance needs. 

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

Preparing your house for a storm in the Brooklyn, NY area can be a daunting task, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you and your family stay safe. Here are a few tips from us at VAC Insurance Agency to help you get ready.

Tips to prepare your house for a storm

1. Inspect Your Home

Before the storm hits, inspect your home for any potential sources of damage. Check for loose shingles, broken windows, and any other areas that could allow water to come into your home. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow away from your home. 

2. Secure Outdoor Items

Tie down or store any outdoor items, such as patio furniture and grills, that could be picked up by strong winds. Secure garbage cans with bungee cords or straps to keep them from becoming projectiles in high winds. 

3. Protect Windows

Install storm shutters on all exterior windows, or use pre-cut plywood to board up windows if shutters aren’t available. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to storms with high winds and hail. 

4. Stock Up On Supplies

Have plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items on hand in case the power goes out during the storm. Make sure all flashlights and radios have fresh batteries so you can stay informed about weather updates if the electricity goes out. 

Reach Out To Us

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well prepared for when severe weather strikes! For more tips, call us at VAC Insurance Agency today. We are proud to serve the Brooklyn, NY area and would be glad to answer all of your questions.

Your Most Valuable Asset Needs Protection with Home Insurance

Did you know that if you carry a mortgage on your home, it is necessary that you insure it with homeowners’ insurance? If you live in or near Brooklyn, NY, the VAC Insurance Agency can explain all the particulars.

Why Home Insurance?

The main reason for homeowners insurance is to protect the homeowner. You will be covered if your home is damaged in a weather event, fire, or any other covered event.

Another reason is that almost all lenders require that the property be insured for 100% of its replacement cost. Their main concern is making sure the home can be rebuilt in the event of a disaster. The insurance protects the lender’s financial interest in the property.

Homeowners’ insurance combines various personal insurance protections which include losses to the home, and its contents, loss of use, and liability insurance for accidents that occur on the property.

There are no state laws where homeowners’ insurance is required. But in the event your property is mortgage-free, it is still recommended that you carry an insurance policy.

If someone visits your home, falls, and is injured, the policy will pay for any medical expenses relative to the injury. If you have a dog and it decides to bite your neighbor, any legal expenses resulting from the bite will be covered. If you do not have insurance coverage, all associated costs will be paid by you out-of-pocket.

There are some things the policy will not typically cover:

  • Acts of war
  • Earthquakes
  • Floods
  • Infestations, including termites
  • Mold
  • Nuclear accidents
  • Sewer backup
  • Water damage

Contact Us Today

If you are a homeowner or are thinking about purchasing a home, make sure you have a policy in place prior to the purchase. Your mortgage company will want evidence of coverage prior to the closing. Contact the insurance professionals at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY today for a quote or an answer to any questions you may have.

Why Every Homeowner Needs Home Insurance

When you own a home, it is highly important that you protect it with a home insurance policy. It’s a good idea to have home insurance whether it’s required for you or not, though most people are required to have it by their lender or by their homeowner’s association. This insurance gives you valuable coverage that can protect your finances against a number of serious risks. To get your home insurance, give us a call now at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

Why Every Homeowner Needs Home Insurance

Home Protection

One of the most important ways that home insurance protects you is by giving your home protection against a wide range of damaging events. These often include things like accidents and certain disasters that can cause untold damage to your home. When a damaging incident does happen to your home, your home insurance can pay to get the repairs that are needed. The policy may even pay for you to live somewhere else while the repairs are being done if that is needed due to the home being unlivable. 

Item Protection

In addition to offering protection for your home, these policies also offer protection for your belongings. This protection may not seem that important, but just consider how much all of your items added together would be worth. It may be nearly as much as your home is worth. This protection is vital to have in case a damaging event causes serious damage to what you own. The policy can then pay for you to replace those items so that you can keep your standard of living. 

Protect Yourself With Home Insurance

It’s always smart to have this insurance if you’re a homeowner. To get a policy of your own, call us at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY to get started. 

5 Common Risks not Covered by Typical Home Insurance

If you have home insurance in Brooklyn, NY, you expect it to cover your building structure and the assets inside. Also, your insurance agent must have told you that home insurance covers you against liability claims and pays for additional living expenses when your home is deemed unlivable. While home insurance covers you against several things, it isn’t entirely faultless. Your home insurance has exclusions and limitations. If you buy standard home insurance from VAC Insurance Agency, it’s unlikely to cover the areas below: 

5 Common Risks not Covered by Typical Home Insurance

Flooding

Floods are the most common natural disaster in America. Unfortunately, basic home insurance doesn’t protect your home against flood damage. However, you can purchase flood insurance to protect your home against floods.

Earthquakes

Your typical home insurance is unlikely to cover earthquakes, landslides, and other earth movements. However, you can bolster your home insurance by purchasing earthquake insurance as an endorsement.

Pest and mold infestation

Your insurer will likely ignore any claim you make for damage caused by neglect or failure to maintain your home properly. If mold and pests damage your home, your insurer won’t consider any claim for such damage as you are supposed to take the necessary steps to mitigate these risks.

Risks surrounding your boat

Your home insurance is likely to cover your water vessel up to $1,000 if it’s stolen within your home and not a location far from your home. Furthermore, home insurance won’t cover liability claims when using your boat. If you want optimal protection for your boat, purchase boat insurance.

Sewer back-up

Clogged and broken sewer lines may cause internal flooding in your house. While sewer back-ups are common, your typical home insurance doesn’t cover the resulting damage.

Want to learn more about your home insurance policy in Brooklyn, NY? Please book an appointment with VAC Insurance Agency for more information.

Why You Need Home Insurance

Owning a home is a big responsibility, and part of that responsibility is to have a home insurance policy. If you have a mortgage, your lender likely requires you to have this coverage. However, even if it isn’t required for you, it’s important to have a home policy to help keep you financially protected. A home policy offers many different types of coverage for different incidents and situations. If you don’t have a home insurance policy, give us a call at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY.

House Protection

The protection of your house is one of the most important aspects of home insurance. This coverage offers protection for your home in case any of a number of covered incidents happen to your house. The incidents may be certain disasters, accidents or other things that can happen to damage a home. In case that should happen, it’s important to have this coverage in place to save you financially. The policy pays for repairs that have to be made to your home after a serious incident occurs, and it can pay to have the whole house rebuilt if needed. 

Item Protection

The items inside your house also need protection, and your home policy will do that. If something were to happen to ruin your belongings, your home insurance would pay for the items to be repaired or replaced. When you consider how much it would cost to replace what you have, it’s easy to see how valuable this coverage is. 

Get Protected by Home Insurance

If you own a home, make sure that it is always covered for as long as you own it. If you have questions about home policies or want to get started, give us a call at VAC Insurance Agency in Brooklyn, NY to find out more about it. 

Is Flood Insurance Included in Home Insurance?

VAC Insurance Agency offers many different types of insurance for residents of Brooklyn, NY and surrounding areas. Today we’ll be sharing some insight on the importance of flood insurance for homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and other dwelling areas. 

Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowners and renters policies in the state of New York and therefore needs to be purchased separately.  Floods do pose a threat to New Yorkers and should be treated as such. 

Many insurance agencies offer flood insurance without emphasizing its importance for homeowners, renters, and building owners – we are here to make sure you fully understand what flood insurance can provide you in the event that your home is affected by flooding. 

Flood insurance provides coverage if there’s any structural damage to your home, including water heaters, floor surfaces, and after flood cleanup. 

It’s simply not worth the risk to skip out on flood insurance when you live in an area that is at moderate or high risk for flooding. Getting caught without flood insurance, whether you own a home or you’re a renter, is a surefire way to risk paying out of pocket for the damage and repairs that water damage can cause. 

If you live in the Brooklyn, NY area and need a flood insurance policy that will protect your home and personal belongings, finding a qualified agent is your first step. The team at VAC Insurance Agency is here to help, and we’re backed by years of experience in purchasing insurance plans for families. 

We know each of our clients has individual needs, and we take pride in treating each one as our most important client. Don’t wade through the muddy waters of flood insurance alone. Contact us today!