Page 3 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Summer 2019

INSURANCE SERVICES
House Hunting? Here are some things to consider
Spring is finally here and now that it’s here maybe you’re looking to buy a home just like millions across the country are doing. There are many things to think about when purchasing a home, taxes, schools, crime rate. So location, location, location is not the only factor. At the end of it all, it's the most expensive thing you will likely own so understanding the financial responsibilities is essential.
Here are some things to consider before house hunting.
Check your credit rating
This one might sound obvious, but not only will you get a better mortgage interest rate, this also will affect your insurance score. An insurance score is similar to your credit score; Almost all insurance companies use them and the better your score, the better your insurance rate.
Protect yourself with a renters insurance policy
For about $15 a month you can obtain coverage that protects you and your “stuff ” from a multitude of events. So while you are still living in that rental unit, make sure you’re covered against things like your neighbor deciding to fry a turkey in his living room and it burns down your apartment complex. Most companies give you a deep discount on your auto insurance by having a renters policy with them as well.
Location of the fire department
Houses that are located near fire departments usually cost less to insure. This also holds true for homes that have a hydrant nearby.
Age of the home
A stately, older home can be quite beautiful, but ornate features like plaster walls, ceiling molding
and wooden floors might be costly
to replace and can raise the cost
of insurance. Also, plumbing and electrical systems can become unsafe with age. If you are considering buying an older home, find out how much it will cost to update these features and factor that into the cost of ownership.
Condition of the roof
A new roof matters to insurers
and keeps you and your family
safer. Make sure to check the roof's
condition.
Swimming pool or another unique
feature
If the house has a swimming pool, hot tub or other special feature, you should have more liability insurance. You also should purchase an umbrella liability policy to provide added protection in the event someone gets injured on your property and decides to sue.
Get the house inspected
approved. Accompany the inspector to make sure he or she is thorough and makes sure to:
• Check the general condition of the home
• Look for water damage, termites and other types of infestation
• Review the electrical system, plumbing, septic tank and water heater
• Show you where potential problems might develop • Suggest important upgrades or replacements
If the inspector raises questions, your insurance company might as well.
Estimate maintenance costs
Routine maintenance is your responsibility as a homeowner so be sure to factor these costs into the overall price of owning the home. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover losses caused by failure to care for your home correctly. Call or visit your insurance professionals at AAA Insurance
Don’t wait until the last minute to think about homeowners insurance and don’t be shy about asking for estimates on more than one house. Ask if the house will qualify and get an estimate of the premium. The sooner you speak with one of our insurance professionals, the smoother the process will be.
Visit us online at AAA.com/insurance or call us at 866-222-0937.
AAA Insurance is provided through Club Insurance Services LLC, which offer products through AAA-affiliated companies and non- affiliated companies.
Cheryl Lant
Saratoga
518-831-1870
Josh Cseh
Schenectady
518-831-1871
Ken Perinsky
Vestal
607-338-1199
Toni Tuttle
Halfmoon
518-831-1867
Patrick Kowalczyk
Queensbury
518-824-3808
Dennis Horton
Amsterdam
518-831-1869
Denise Graham
Vestal
607-333-3100
Sarah Ashline
Plattsburgh
518-314-1619
Jeff Houghton
Saratoga
518-831-1864
We can handle all
your insurance needs Auto • Home • Boat • RV • Motorcycle • & more
As a member of AAA, you could save hundreds of dollars
Call today to learn how you may be able to save with
your AAA discount.
SUMMER 2019
Contact AAA Insurance for your free insurance checkup: 1-866-222-0937 or log on to AAA.com/Insurance
AAA Insurance is provided through Club Insurance Services LLC, which offer products through AAA-affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies.
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