How to Protect Your West Virginia House

Your home is one of the most important items that you possess. As a result, you want to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. You also don't want to have to pay too much. In West Virginia, there are a few things that you probably want to insure for, but might not have thought about. Here is some basic information about what you should know about protecting your dwelling in West Virginia.

The Basic Policy

Every standard policy will insure you against some basic hazards. When you think of coverage, you probably think about insuring the structure itself. You also want to make sure that you have enough protection to shelter any additional structures on your property, your personal property, and legal or medical bills that might occur if someone is injured on your property. You also want to make sure that you have enough loss of use coverage, in case your home is damaged and you have to rent another home for six months while your house is being repaired. You should review your plan every year.

Optional Protection

Flood insurance is not included in a typical plan. You will probably have to buy additional protection with the National Flood Insurance Program. You might think that you don't need it, but this state does get heavy rains resulting from the occasional hurricane, and melting snow could raise the rivers quite a bit. While this state is not known for its earthquakes, earthquake coverage is also not generally a part of your basic policy as well.

Saving on Your Premiums

There are many factors that affect your premiums that are beyond your control. The type of neighborhood you live in, how close the nearest fire station is, and how your home is constructed all affect your rate. You can do something about other aspects of your premium. One of the easiest way to save money is to shop around and get several quotes. Not all companies will charge the same person the same rates. You can also save money by improving your credit score. Installing burglar alarms or automatic sprinklers, or quitting smoking, could also improve your premiums. Raising your deductible lowers your costs as well.

Be Prepared for the Worst

You need to get prepared today in case disaster strikes and you need to make a claim. Would you be able to compose an inventory of everything you own, from memory, if your dwelling burned down? If not, you should put together a home inventory now. Write down everything that you own and take pictures. Make a copy and store it online, at a friend's house, or both. If you only keep one copy in your home, it could be destroyed when you need it the most. Like your insurance plan, you should review your inventory annually. We all acquire things and sell things on a regular basis. By keeping your inventory up-to-date, you will be able to produce the documentation that your representative will ask for if you ever have to file a claim.