The endorsements you add to your home insurance coverage can offer you extra peace of mind and protection for your property. Basically, endorsements work like add-ons for your insurance. You can choose your insurance endorsements to meet your needs without paying for coverage you don’t want.
Think of homeowners insurance endorsements like customizations to a cheeseburger. Your cheeseburger already comes standard with a patty, choice of cheese, sauces of your choice and a bun. But you can also choose to add extra toppings like bacon, mushrooms, onion rings, etc. for a small added cost to make the cheeseburger exactly what you want.
Home insurance endorsements work the same way. While you’re already getting great home coverage, these add-ons can help you make your home insurance exactly what you’re looking for.
Here are three endorsements you may consider adding to your home insurance:
1. Concealed water damage
Homeowners insurance may cover water damage if it’s “sudden or caused by a covered peril in your policy” according to Policygenius. This is called sudden and accidental water damage in the industry. Damage from a burst pipe, an overflowing dishwasher or a washing machine that’s spilling over may be covered by your home insurance. However, Policygenius goes on to say, “damage due to natural flooding or neglect are generally never covered.” Instead, flood damage is covered by flood insurance.
Concealed water damage coverage, also known as hidden water damage coverage, is a home insurance endorsement. Just like the name says, it covers hidden water damage that could be a costly problem for homeowners. Concealed water damage coverage from Grange includes:
- Costs to remove and replace any part of your home damaged by accidental, continuous or repeated leaking water, steam, condensation, humidity or vapor. You may experience a slow home appliance leak over time and not even know it. This endorsement can help with the costs to repair and replace the appliance or damaged area.
- Costs to repair systems or appliances after concealed water damage. You may experience hidden water leaks inside your walls or ceiling. This endorsement can help replace drywall, pipes and other systems impacted by the damage.
With Grange, you can also choose from different coverage levels. Do you have questions about hidden water damage coverage? Talk to your Grange Independent Agent today for more information.
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2. Matching materials
Some replacements after a home insurance claim need matching materials to make the area look good as new. For example, let’s say your kitchen floor near the dishwasher is damaged after it overflowed. However, you can’t find an exact match for the kitchen flooring materials because the style was discontinued. What do you do?
Some carriers may offer matching coverage on home insurance, but it can vary case by case. However, several states have matching laws that require everything to match. Additionally, several states have what’s called a line of sight insurance law. This is another way carriers are required by law to offer coverage for replacing materials within a “line of sight” of a damaged area. Reach out to your agent for an up-to-date list of insurance matching states and line of sight insurance laws.
If you want matching material coverage, you can add a matching materials endorsement to your home insurance policy. Here’s how the matching materials endorsement from Grange works:
- If original materials to match existing materials aren’t available, this coverage pays for full replacement of roofing or siding with the closest in quality and type.
- It applies to damage to your primary dwelling or other structures insured on your policy. Items that aren’t covered include wooden shingles and mismatched materials that resulted from normal wear and tear or aging.
Learn more about the matching materials endorsement and different levels of coverage you can get when you contact your Grange Independent Agent.
3. Expanded Replacement Cost
You may see expanded replacement cost also referred to as extended replacement cost. As the name suggests, it’s an expansion or extension of coverage for the cost to replace a covered peril. According to Policygenuis, it typically “extends your dwelling coverage limit an additional 10% to 50%.” You may choose an expanded replacement cost endorsement for dwelling, personal property or roof replacement assistance.
A few reasons you may choose to get expanded replacement cost coverage:
- It’s a safeguard to avoid out-of-pocket costs if you experience home damage that exceeds your policy coverage limits.
- It’s extra protection in the event a natural disaster damages your home.
- It’s a safety net to make sure you have enough coverage during inflation periods.
Grange offers an additional 25% or 50% of coverage under the expanded replacement cost endorsement. Talk to your Grange Independent Agent for more information about your options for adding expanded replacement cost and other homeowners insurance endorsements to your home insurance.
References
Policygenius
Insurance.com
David Pope Insurance
Policygenius 2
Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact a local independent Grange agent for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational, or suggestion purposes and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Grange Insurance policies are underwritten by Grange Insurance Company, Trustgard Insurance Company, Grange Indemnity Insurance Company, Grange Insurance Company of Michigan and Grange Property & Casualty Insurance Company*. Not all companies are licensed in all states. *Not licensed in Pennsylvania.