In addition to this loss, the family is now battling with the insurance company. The argument? Whether the insurance company will provide the coverage they bought so they can begin to rebuild their lives. We took the case and are currently in discussions with the insurance company. We investigated the details of this fire, the amount of loss felt by our clients and were able to help.

Homeowner Reminders

This case reminded our office of several tips for homeowners. Especially as we approach the holiday season. These thoughts may ease the difficulty in the event of a house fire. In fact, we hope some may help prevent serious loss and injury:

• Take pictures or video of every item worth $100 (or more) in every room of the house (include serial numbers) to strengthen potential insurance claims;
• Check/test fire alarms on a regular basis;
• Change fire alarm batteries as soon as they are getting low;
• Keep bar-b-que grills and supplies a safe distance from your home, including the charcoal for charcoal grills;
• Regularly maintain your chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves, etc.;
• Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible on every level of your home;
• Have a fire escape plan for your family and practice it with your children.

Keep Children Safe Through the Holidays and Beyond

Children are at high risk during a home fire. The homeowner reminders for parents that help reduce injuries and damage include: installing and testing smoke alarms, and ensuring fire extinguishers are working, as well as creating practicing family escape plans. More critical than anything else is teaching children fire safety rules. For example:

• Never play with matches or lighters;
• How to drop low to the ground if a fire alarm sounds;
• How to stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire;
• How to follow the fire escape plan. In an emergency, children should know how to get out and stay out;
• How to call 9-1-1 after they are safely outside. 

We hope that these reminders help keep your home and more importantly your family safe in the event of a house fire. (Click here for more Home Safety ideas). Family safety is always a first priority, Alaska. However, should such devastation strike and the insurance company deny coverage, give us a call. We are here to serve you and your family.

If the unthinkable happens, call Johnson Law at (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your homeowner insurance questions.

Johnson Law has been helping injured Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER, Alaska)

What Is Homeowner Insurance?

Primarily, Homeowner Insurance is financial protection if your home is accidentally damaged. Most Home policies cover five areas in case of an accident:

• The inside of your home;
• The outside of your home;
• Theft of personal property;
• Garages, sheds and other buildings on your property; and
• A person’s injury on your property.

Homeowner Insurance protects your investment: Even if you own your home outright, homeowner’s insurance is crucial for safeguarding your property from various risks, including fire, theft, and natural disasters. The Alaska Department of Commerce provides an comprehensive Consumer Guide to Homeowner Insurance.

Homeowner Insurance provides peace of mind: Beyond the financial aspect, homeowner’s insurance provides peace of mind, protecting you against unforeseen events. 

Are Homeowner Policies Required In Alaska?

Alaska, like most states, does not have a law mandating homeowner’s insurance. While Alaska does not mandate homeowner policies by state law, it is typically required by mortgage lenders. Even without a mortgage, it’s highly advisable to have homeowner’s insurance to protect your investment from potential damage or loss. 

What Does Homeowner Insurance Cover?

Homeowner policies cover costs after events such as fires and storms. Some key items covered by most policies include:

• Your home’s foundation, walls, and roof;
• Barns, tool sheds, and fences;
• Appliances, electronics, and furniture damaged by a covered event;
• Medical bills for a personal injury on your property; and
• Legal fees related to an accident or injury on your property.

Homeowner insurance may also cover expenses, such as hotel and meals if you are unable to live in your home after a covered event.

What Is Not Covered?

Many Homeowner policies have coverage limits. Most policies excludes residents. In other words, homeowner insurance does not cover the owner and family members. Read your policy carefully. For example, if you see your Home Insurance does not cover fire, ask your insurance company about fire coverage.

If you have questions about Homeowner Insurance, call your insurance sales agent. After reviewing your coverage, they will recommend the best coverages for your Alaska assets. Protect yourself and your family.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Alaska Department of Commerce; Chase; Lending Tree

Image Source: Alaska Department of Commerce

Types Of Homeowner Insurance Policies

There are different types of coverage under each kind of homeowner insurance policy. The two most common types of homeowner policies are HO-2 and HO-3. A HO-2 policy is a named-peril policy meaning the insurance covers specific events as defined in the policy. A HO-3 policy is an open-peril policy meaning the policy covers most events except exclusions the policy states.

A HO-5 policy is the broadest of types, covering both dwelling and personal property events, except the listed exclusions. The HO-5 type homeowner insurance policy is not as common as a HO-2 or HO-3 policy.

In addition to types of insurance, there are basic standards homeowner policies cover in many cases.

Standard Coverage

Reconstruction or repair of the home is standard for homeowner insurance policies. Policies normally include the yard and attached structures, like a garage. Some instances are not included, for example floods are generally a separate policy for specific properties. In many cases, coverage includes unattached structures. If you have an unattached garage, shed or barn check your policy for coverage.

Personal belongings coverage is separate for most homeowner insurance policies. Personal belongings, like furniture or clothing, falls under this type of coverage. Replacing personal items falls under this kind of coverage for events like fire or theft.

Liability homeowner insurance coverage protects people visiting your home and may apply if you accidentally hurt someone while away from your home. This coverage may apply in instances like a dog bite or someone falling while at your house.

Medical Payments coverage pays medical bills for people with injuries from an event. This coverage is in addition to liability coverage. Medical Payments coverage covers an injured person regardless of who is at fault.

If you are a homeowner, read your homeowner insurance policy and ask questions to understand it. If someone is injured on or off your property, provide a copy of your homeowner policy to your attorney. An experienced attorney can help you research your homeowners policy for coverage.

Homeowner Insurance

Homeowner insurance includes the structure, personal items, living expenses in an emergency and liability coverage. Different situations may trigger homeowner liability insurance, such as dog bites, slip and fall accidents or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is important to have liability coverage when owning a home not only so others have protection but so do you.

How Homeowner Insurance Protects You

If someone suffers an injury at your home, you can be held legally liable in some cases. Concerns include things like medical payments, wage loss, pain, suffering and disability. Additionally, if you are visiting someone else’s home and suffer injuries due to that person’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim under their homeowner insurance policy to help recover loss. If you suffer injuries at another person’s home, ask them about liability homeowner insurance.

This Blog is Part 4 of a 5 Part Series. Check these posts for information about Liability, U/UIM, Medical Payments, and Umbrella Insurance.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Secondary Sources: Insurance Information Institute; Nerd Wallet

Image Source: Pix Bay