The Impact of Smart Home Technology on Home Insurance

In today’s fast-paced world, smart home technology has become increasingly popular, offering homeowners a wide range of benefits, from improved security to increased energy efficiency. At Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA, we understand the impact of innovative home technology on home insurance and the potential advantages it can offer to policyholders.

Smart home technology encompasses a variety of devices and systems designed to automate and enhance various aspects of daily living, such as security, lighting, and temperature control. This advanced technology can positively impact home insurance by potentially reducing the risk of property damage, theft, and other incidents that could lead to insurance claims. For example, an intelligent security system can help deter burglars, while a smart thermostat can prevent costly damage from frozen pipes.

Numerous insurance firms acknowledge the advantages of smart home technology, offering deductions or incentives to policyholders with such devices installed. Collaborating with an experienced agent at Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA, enhances your understanding of these potential discounts, enabling you to select a blend of coverage that aligns with your distinct homeowner needs.

Smart home technology is about enhancing convenience and efficiency in your daily life, potentially improving your home insurance coverage, and reducing your premiums. We encourage you to engage with our skilled team to gain a deeper understanding of how smart home technology influences home insurance and discover how Cordell Insurance can assist you in identifying the ideal policy in Baton Rouge, LA. With unwavering dedication, we aim to equip you with bespoke insurance strategies that ensure the safety and security of your household and loved ones in today’s technologically advanced era.

4 Keys Areas Covered by Home Insurance

If you have a home or are buying a home in Baton Rouge, LA, one thing you shouldn’t forget is home insurance. While owning a home involves a lot of things, home insurance should not be overlooked. Your entire investment could go down within the wink of an eye if an unthinkable event happened. Fortunately, investing in home insurance from Cordell Insurance can secure your hard-earned home and other areas in case of an unbelievable event.

Home insurance offers protection in many different ways. Let’s look at the areas home insurance covers.

Liability claims

Many things can happen within your premises, like guests being injured or destroyed properties. The cost of treatment or replacement could be huge if you pay from your pocket, not to mention legal fees if you get sued. Home insurance compensates you for such expenses.

Personal belongings

Personal belongings like clothes, furniture, and electronics don’t come cheap. When perils such as fire, theft, or vandalism occur, replacing or repairing these properties can cost you thousands of dollars. Luckily, your home insurance compensates for such incidences.

Home structure

Your dwelling place is probably the main reason most people buy home insurance. The policy rebuilds or repairs your home should a covered peril like fire destroys your home. Your home insurance will also cover the detached structures like a gazebo, fence, or garage.

Additional living expenses

The good thing about home insurance is that it provides you with a temporary living place if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event. For example, the insurance may put you in a hotel and cater for travel expenses.

 Home insurance in Baton Rouge, LA

Your home is a significant investment. Home insurance is, therefore, an investment that you should prioritize. Ready to purchase home insurance in Baton Rouge, LA, and its surrounding area? Get in touch with Cordell Insurance for a quote.

What home insurance options are available for Louisiana home owners?

In the state of Louisiana, it is not required by law that homeowners obtain an insurance policy to cover their property but it is recommended. If you still owe money on your home that you borrowed from a mortgage company, bank, or other lenders, more than likely your lender will require you to have a homeowners insurance policy to protect their investment in case the home is destroyed by a fire, hurricane, tornado, or other natural disasters.

Depending on the type of policy and the amount of coverage you want for your home, there are several options. One of the basic homeowner’s insurance coverages is dwelling protection which means that the structure of your home, which includes the house’s foundation and walls, is protected by insurance. This may also include outbuildings and other structures, such as a garage or even a deck, toolshed, and barns.

Personal property protection is also an option and will cover your personal belongings if you are the victim of a fire or other disaster. You can even obtain extended coverage that will cover items such as jewelry, watches, and rare paintings in addition to your clothing and household goods.

You should also have liability protection which means if someone who does not live with you is injured while visiting you on your property, their medical bills will be covered if you are found to be at fault for their injuries.

The amount of coverage you obtain and the number of deductibles involved will be ultimately left up to you but it helps to enlist the assistance of an experienced home insurance agent. Your agent will help create a policy that will provide you with the peace of mind and comfort in knowing that one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime is protected.

The insurance agents at  Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA has the knowledge and experience to assist you with all of your home insurance needs. Call for an appointment today!

Do You Have Gaps in Your Home Insurance?

Many homeowners purchase home insurance and then forget about it. Changes in your life or home, however, could affect your coverage. If you don’t review your policy annually, you could develop gaps in your coverage. By updating your home insurance with Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA annually, you can ensure you’re getting the protection you need. Here are some common gaps to watch out for in your home insurance.

Valuables

If you purchased or received costly gifts such as posh jewelry or high-end electronics over the last year, they may not be fully protected under your current property coverage due to limits on your standard homeowner’s policy.  You may need to get a rider to protect these gifts against theft or loss. Extra insurance protection for your valuables can save you thousands of dollars out-of-pocket in the event of a disaster.

Protection of Home Business

Homeowner’s insurance isn’t designed to protect home businesses. If you use expensive equipment for your business or store inventory at home, you run the risk of a financial loss if these are destroyed in a fire or other covered peril. A rider may provide some liability and property coverage but not enough to fully protect your assets. For full protection for your business investment, talk to your Cordell Insurance agent about a business owner’s insurance policy.

Floods and Earthquakes

Most standard home insurance policies don’t provide protection against floods or earthquakes. If you live in an area prone to flooding or earthquakes, ask your Cordell agent about flood or earthquake coverage to protect your home from these perils. You don’t want to be caught unprepared in the event of a flood or earthquake disaster.

For quality home insurance that fully protects your assets, contact Cordell Insurance, Baton Rouge, LA.

How do home insurance claims work

The question "how do home insurance claims work?" Is prevalent among homeowners in Baton Rouge, LA. Well, probably because many of us have been lucky enough to have safe homes, even after paying insurance premiums every month. Unfortunately, accidents can happen which may prompt you to fill a claim on your home insurance policy, and you probably don’t have an idea of how to go about it.

When you purchase your home insurance with Cordell Insurance, we make sure that the process is as comfortable as possible, because we know you already are messed up enough. There are three fundamental steps to filing a claim. They include:

1. Report the incident to the relevant home insurance provider. This is where you’re making a claim officially. You will be required to fill out a form either online or through a phone call and receive a claim number.

2. Your home insurance company will appoint a few claim adjusters who will come, asses the damage, prepare emergency repairs, and determine the amount the insurance company will compensate. This will depend on whether you want the repairs and replacements done or you will get the money and do it yourself.

3. Depending on the agreement you made, the company will send you a check or directly deposit the money to your bank account, and you’re good to go!

Note that if you’ve not reached your deductibles, the amount will be subtracted from the claim. Keep in mind that home insurance claims are unique for every claimer and there are other many factors that affect the whole process, as some companies have to conduct thorough investigations.

 Licensed agents from Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA can help you not only get the best coverages at reasonable rates but also make your claim procedure as easy as possible. For quotes or new policy, discussions call us or visit us today

How Home Insurance Protects your Assets in Baton Rouge, LA

Maybe you never liked the neighbors much in the first place but pulling the drapes and ignoring the door won’t protect you if one of them falls on your icy driveway and sues you for negligence. Even if you love your neighbors in Baton Rouge, LA, someone could get hurt at a backyard barbeque or be tripping over a rug on game night. Don’t become a hermit, take a look at your homeowner’s policy with your Cordell Insurance agent. In the meantime, here’s some great information to get you started.

How Home Insurance Protects Your Assets

Homeowner’s insurance can prevent you from losing your home, car or business in the event of a decision against you for an accident that occurred on your property and other insured events.

Home liability insurance covers more than your house and its contents. Via family liability insurance, standard in many policies, you can protect yourself from unintended injuries caused by you or a family member or pet.

Injuries on your property can result in expensive legal battles, and not just for mailman slipping on your a slippery step. Make sure your assets stay your assets by carrying the right insurance policy.

What Else is Covered?

Check with your insurance agent regarding specific coverage, but most policies include: 

  • Damage to the house, garage, sheds and other buildings
  • Loss of personal items such as furniture, caused by theft or damage
  • Living expenses for temporary quarters during repairs for a covered event Bodily injury and property damage due to your negligence
  • Pay for injuries to non-family member hurt on your property

Contact your Cordell Insurance representative today to make an appointment and get a quote from home insurance for your Baton Rouge, LA home.

 

How To Begin The Process Of A Home Insurance Claim

Having home insurance is an absolute must for homeowners. In the event of a covered incident, you can replace your home and any other covered items so you can get back to normal. In the event of a claim, it is important to know how to start the claims process and allow it to work quickly.

After A Covered Event

Immediately after a covered event, you should collect all of your documentation and bring it to your insurance agent immediately. Then, the insurance agent will begin collecting information to submit the claim to the parent insurance company. Once the information is submitted, it will be reviewed by the agency, and if any additional documentation is required, it will be requested. Make sure you know what information you will need initially to help expedite the claims process.

Things You May Need

Before you buy your insurance policy, you may want to give your agent photographs of your home and its covered assets for future claims. Having this information, along with purchase receipts helps the claims process go much more smoothly and makes the settlement faster. Ask your insurance agent about the information you need for a claim so you can be prepared if a covered event takes place. It is easier to handle a claim if you are prepared ahead of time. For more information about home insurance, call or stop by Baton Rouge, LA, Cordell Insurance. Our friendly and knowledgeable agents will help you prepare for a possible claim and guide you through the whole process. 

Don’t purchase home insurance coverage without understanding the claims process. We at Baton Rouge, LA, Cordell Insurance can get you covered and give you the information and tools you need to be prepared for a claim.

 

 

Is Your Patio Ready for Summer Fun?

With warm weather on the horizon, now’s a good time to prepare your patio for summer entertaining. A comfortable and attractive patio will make BBQ’s and summer parties that much more enjoyable for the whole family. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Clear and Clean

Clearing and cleaning are the first steps toward getting your patio back in shape for summer. Get rid of clutter that may have collected over winter, dust down furniture and sweep and mop flooring.  Look around to see if surrounding landscaping is in order. You may need to clear out weeds, prune trees and shrubs or replant your garden to spruce up the area. Surrounding your patio with beautiful plants and flowers will greatly enhance its decor.

Renovate Patio Furniture

Next, evaluate your patio furniture to see if it needs refurbishing or replacing. If your metal or wooden pieces are old and worn, a good paint job could give these items a more polished appearance. Power-washing teak furniture and applying tung oil will help bring out its beauty and preserve its finish. If you plan to use your patio extensively over the summer, you may want to invest in new furnishings and accessories to create the patio environment you desire.    

Prep Your Grill

Unpack your grill and set it up for the summer season, making sure you have all the grilling tools and supplies you need. Test your grill before organizing a BBQ or party to ensure it’s working properly.  

Before hosting summer events, take time to review your homeowner’s insurance to ensure you have the coverage you need.  Your Cordell Insurance agent in Baton Rouge, LA can help with any updates to your policy. Adequate insurance coverage from Cordell Insurance will protect your guests and home in Baton Rouge, LA against any eventuality.   

5 Tips to Preventing Major Home Accidents

Having home insurance from Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA ensures you and your family are well protected against accidents. By taking necessary precautions, however, you can create a safe home environment that makes accidents nearly impossible to happen. The following safety tips can help in preventing major home accidents.

Fire Safety

During winter, supervise the use of portable heaters to reduce the risk of fire. Replace real candles with LED operated ones and keep cigarette lighters and matches far from a child’s grasp. Never leave pots unattended on the stove as they could catch fire. Make sure all smoke detectors are working properly and keep a portable fire extinguisher handy to keep fires from spreading.    

Accidental Poisoning

Keep all medicines, chemical cleaners, and garden products out of a child’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. Label all medications and keep them stored in their original boxes. Store cosmetics and perfumes out of sight as they can pose a threat to small children if inhaled or swallowed.

Slips and Falls  

Keep your home free of clutter to avoid tripping and falling. Secure rugs and runners with tape or non-slip pads so they don’t slide about. Install a safety gate on staircases to protect small children from taking a tumble down the stairs.  

Bathroom Safety

Always supervise small children in the bathroom, especially when bathing. Keep water heater at 120 degrees F to avoid hot water scalding. Store electric appliances such as hair dryers, electric shavers, etc., out of reach of children. Install grab bars in bathtubs and showers to prevent slipping and falling.

Lighting

Make sure stairways have ample lighting for safe usage, especially at night. Install night lights in hallways, kitchen, and bathrooms to prevent unnecessary accidents in the dark.

For more accident prevention tips or information on home insurance coverage to protect your family, contact Cordell Insurance in Baton Rouge, LA.

First Time Homeowners in Baton Rouge: What You Need To Know

Homeowners insurance policies can be hard to understand, but as a first-time homebuyer, you are in a more difficult position; trying to find an insurance plan designed to protect your largest asset, without knowing the basics of what it covers. Being under-insured can leave you dangerously exposed when you need protection the most. Here’s what you need to know about homeowners insurance.

Is Homeowners Insurance Flood Insurance?

This is a common misunderstanding among Baton Rouge, LA first-time homebuyers. Homeowners insurance isn’t the same thing as flood insurance. Flood insurance will protect your residence and property against damage caused by water, such as flooding, snow melt, rain, etc. Homeowners insurance doesn’t offer protection for this event. If you happen to live in a flood zone, you will be required to carry flood insurance by your mortgage lender. The coverage is optional, but recommended, if you do not live in a flood zone.

What Are Limits and Deductibles?

A deductible is the amount of out-of-pocket money you will have to pay for an insurable incident. Your policy may have more than one. Your insurance policy won’t offer a benefit payment unless the amount of your claim exceeds the deductible.

Limits are the maximum amount of benefits stated in your policy that your insurance company will pay out in the event of a covered incident. They should reasonably cover the value of your home and possessions, as well as exposure to liability claims. To increase your limits, ask Cordell Insurance about adding an umbrella policy for extra coverage.

Is My Personal Property and Contents Covered?

In addition to providing financial reimbursement for damages and losses to your home, homeowners insurance also offers protection for the value of your home’s contents and your personal property. This includes furnishings, electronics, clothing, music purchases and intangible software. You may need to purchase additional coverage for jewelry, art or antiques.

What is Liability Coverage?

You may be responsible for paying damages such as medical expenses and lost income if someone is injured in your home or on your property, even if the injury wasn’t a result of intentional negligence on your part. Homeowners insurance offers protection from these liabilities so that you can relax and not worry about inviting people into your home.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance?

There are a variety of events and incidents which are and are not covered by each specific homeowners insurance policy. In order to determine which policy limits and deductibles are necessary to fully protect your new Baton Rouge, LA home, and to learn what types of incidents are insurable, contact our office today. At Cordell Insurance, we’ll help you arrive at the perfect amount of homeowners insurance coverage for your individual needs.