How Do I Manage Getting Sued After a Homeowner’s Insurance Lapse?

Nothing can be more frustrating and stressful than being sued. While we can never predict when someone might bring a lawsuit against you, how you respond can make a big difference to your mental and financial health. However, if you’re being sued after a lapse in your Milford, PA, homeowner’s insurance, you might feel as if you’re out of options. Here are some tips for managing a lawsuit following a homeowner’s insurance lapse.

Contact Your Insurance Agency

While most insurance companies will deny a claim made while your homeowner’s insurance lapsed, you could be in luck. If it’s been less than a few weeks since your policy lapsed, you could possibly still be covered. Some insurance companies offer a grace period, which allows you to remain covered as long as you pay before this period ends. Even if you’re unsure how long it’s been, you should contact your insurance company to see if anything can be done. 

Maintain Coverage in the Future

While it won’t help you with any current lawsuits, ensuring your coverage never lapses in the future can prevent you from encountering such a problem again. 

As you can see, things could become stressful and costly if you’re sued and your homeowner’s insurance lapses. This is why it’s best to ensure constant coverage in case of the unexpected. If you’re a Milford, PA, resident and you’re looking for a new insurance provider, you may want to consider RH Worthington Group. At RH Worthington Group, we pride ourselves on our top-notch coverage and stellar licensed insurance agents. Contact us today for a quote and so we can get you started with reliable coverage for your home. 

My dog bit my neighbor. Will my homeowners’ insurance cover their medical care?

Homeowners Insurance: The Comprehensive Protection Plan

Homeowners insurance offers manifold benefits, protecting various aspects of your home, including items inside it and structures on the property. Due to its extensive coverage, determining the exact scope of your homeowners’ policy can be a tad challenging. Our team at RH Worthington Group, committed to serving the homeowners in Milford, PA, aims to address this with extensive policy guidance.

What do Homeowners’ Insurance Policies Cover?

Homeowners’ insurance is your shield against losses and liabilities arising from unforeseen events. It covers incidents like fires, burglaries, vandalism, and more. It is not limited to your home; it extends its coverage to other structures on your property.

Housing multiple branches of coverage under its umbrella, homeowners’ insurance compensates you for repairing, replacing, or rebuilding your home, should the need arise. Furthermore, it indemnifies you if an incident on your property harms others, potentially paying for their injuries or damaged property.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Medical Care Following a Dog Bite?

It might. If your homeowner’s policy includes the incident in its coverage, your insurance will cover your neighbors’ medical bills and damaged property. This would be covered under the liability portion of the homeowner’s insurance.

In addition to covering property and personal damages, homeowners’ insurance offers legal protection. It provides invaluable financial support in the event of a lawsuit.

Summing It Up

Homeowners insurance can be multifaceted and complex, but it offers many essential protections. Do not hesitate to contact us at RH Worthington Group with any questions about homeowners insurance. Our dedicated team will be delighted to help you understand your coverage options.

I Work From Home. Does That Change Home Insurance?

There are a lot of ways to make a living in Milford, PA, and these days, working from home is fairly common. If you’re in that group, you might not have considered how your work arrangement impacts your home insurance needs. That’s why we at RH Worthington Group made this little explainer for you.

What You Need To Know

Working from home comes in a lot of varieties, and the nature of how you work from home really determines the answer to this question. Let’s consider a scenario. Say you work as a paralegal, and you get a few work-from-home days a month where you don’t have to go to the office. On those days, you use your own devices to get the work done. You don’t have any special equipment or anything for the job. It’s just another day at home, but you’re doing remote work.

In this scenario, your home insurance doesn’t need to change at all, and that’s because the nature of your work is not changing your liabilities or assets. No one comes to your house for the sake of the business. You don’t hold onto any equipment or inventory for anyone. It’s straightforward, and many, many work-from-home positions fit this bill.

Still, there are other scenarios, and they can change your home insurance. Let’s consider scenario two, where you keep inventory at your house. A lot of sales positions might go this route. If you keep inventory at the house, that changes the assets that you need insured, and that could impact your home insurance.

A different work-from-home position might end up having everyone from the office piled around your dining room table to catch up on a big project. More than a few small law firms have gone this route over the years. In this case, you’re having people over for the sake of work, and that raises your liabilities.

Consult With Us

In either of these cases, you need to have a talk about your home insurance with your RH Worthington Group representative. You might need to increase the insurance on your Milford, PA, home. You might instead look at small business insurance plans. It’s very case-by-case, and that’s why a conversation goes a long way.

What Happens if My Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Lapses?

Buying a home is one of the most rewarding events in a person’s life. However, owning a home is a major responsibility, as there is a great deal of upkeep necessary to ensure your home remains in tip-top condition. One way to ensure this is to maintain a homeowner’s insurance policy, and keeping an active insurance policy is often required by lenders. Serving the Milford, PA area, RH Worthington Group is here to assist. But what happens if your homeowner’s insurance policy lapses?

Here is an overview:

You Could Pay Higher Rates in the Future

If you allow your homeowner’s insurance policy to lapse, then your lapse will be documented. Whenever you attempt to purchase a new policy in the future, you could pay higher rates because the insurance companies will have access to the documentation about your previous lapse. 

You Could Be Responsible for Paying for Damages Out of Pocket

Another consequence of allowing homeowner’s insurance to lapse is that your home will be unprotected. If a fire or other damage were to occur, then you would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. Also, if someone were to become injured while on your property and opted to sue, you would be responsible for paying for any damages with no assistance from the insurance company. 

Your Mortgager Could Purchase Insurance For You

In most cases, once a homeowner’s insurance policy lapses, the insurance company will automatically inform the lender. Depending on your lender, they could opt to purchase a replacement policy for the property, but at your expense. Allowing your mortgage company to purchase insurance coverage for your home will almost always be significantly more expensive than purchasing your own. 

Schedule A Consultation Today!

If you are seeking a new insurance provider in the Milford, PA area, then you should consider RH Worthington Group. We have been providing high-quality coverage to customers for years, and we’re prepared to provide you with that same great service. Give us a call today, and one of our licensed insurance agents can provide you with a quote and hopefully, get your new homeowner’s insurance policy started. 

The Basics of Pennsylvania Home Insurance, Explained

Purchasing a home in Pennsylvania is a significant investment, and protecting that investment is crucial. Homeowners insurance is designed to safeguard your home, belongings, and financial well-being in the event of unforeseen circumstances. RH Worthington Group serving the greater Milford, PA community is here to help you understand the basics of Pennsylvania home insurance.

Home Insurance Basics

Homeowners insurance typically covers four main areas: dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. Each of these components provides essential protection for different aspects of your home and life.

Dwelling coverage:

This covers the physical structure of your home and any attached structures, such as garages or decks. It protects your home against damage from various perils like fire, windstorms, hail, and vandalism. We can help you determine the right amount of coverage based on your home’s value and construction type.

Personal property coverage:

This covers the belongings inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing. In the event of theft, fire, or other covered perils, personal property coverage can help you replace or repair your possessions.

Liability coverage:

Liability protection covers you in case someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else’s property. It can help pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and property damage.

Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage:

If your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss, ALE can help pay for temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses during the repair or rebuilding process.

When selecting a home insurance policy, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and the potential risks unique to your area. The experts at the RH Worthington Group will work with you to customize a policy that meets your requirements and provides peace of mind.

We Are Here To Help!

Understanding the basics of Pennsylvania home insurance is vital in protecting your most valuable asset. RH Worthington Group in Milford, PA is committed to helping you navigate the process and find the right coverage. Visit us for more information and safeguard your home today.

Tips to prepare your house before a storm

RH Worthington Group has been serving Milford, PA area residents for all their home insurance needs. We understand the challenges that come when you own such a valuable asset. For example, no one ever wants to be caught in a storm without proper preparation. The same goes for our homes – we want to be sure they are ready for anything that comes their way.

Here are some tips to help you get your house in order before the next big storm hits:

1. Check your roof.

Before a storm hits, be sure to check your roof for any signs of damage or leaks that could cause damage once the weather worsens. If you notice any issues, be sure to get them fixed so that you’re not left with major repairs later on.

2. Stock up on supplies.

You should always have a basic emergency kit on hand, and this is especially necessary during storm season. Make sure you have enough food, water, medicines, and other supplies to last your family for at least 72 hours in case you are unable to leave your home.

3. Secure important items in your house.

During a big storm, it’s important to do what you can to protect your valuable possessions and keepsakes. This might mean securing furniture in place, making sure that expensive electronics are plugged into surge protectors, or even moving things to higher ground if you’re in an area prone to flooding.

4. Keep a weather radio on hand at all times.

This is one of the easiest and most important ways to stay on top of the weather during a big storm. A weather radio will allow you to keep up with any warnings, watches, or other major updates that may impact your area.

Get Home Insurance Today

Be sure to get or update your home insurance policy before a storm hits. For more tips on how to get ready for a storm, call RH Worthington Group today. We proudly serve the Milford, PA area.

What Should I Look For In A Home Insurance Policy?

You should be able to choose between three different alternatives when purchasing an insurance policy: the actual cash value, the replacement cost, and the assured or extended replacement cost. 

If you choose the option labeled "real cash value," you will be compensated for the amount of money according to the actual market worth of your home and belongings. For the right home insurance policy, check with RH Worthington Group in Milford, PA. 

Home Insurance Policy: What You Need To Know

If you choose the "replacement cost" option, you will be reimbursed for the amount it would cost to restore everything with brand new versions. If you have coverage with a greater deductible, your monthly payments (premiums) will be lower, whereas if you have a policy with a lower deductible, your monthly payments will be higher. 

Check out how many of their previous clients continue to use their services before deciding which company to partner with. Since referrals from friends and relatives are typically right, consider inquiring about the insurance firms that they would recommend to you via word-of-mouth. 

Regarding the potential for loss, house insurance firms assign considerable weight to the homeowner’s history of filing claims against their own policy, as well as claims pertaining to the insured property and the homeowner’s credit. When determining rates, a significant amount of weight is given to the number of claims made and their seriousness. This is especially true when there are several claims connected to the same issue, such as water leaks, wind storms, etc. 

Give Us A Call

If you decide to go with a plan that has a high deductible, you should ensure that you have enough funds to meet that deductible in case of a worst-case scenario. You should check on your finances before making a decision. For expert insurance advice, reach out to RH Worthington Group in Milford, PA.

3 Reasons To Look Over Home Insurance Policies Carefully

RH Worthington Group is an independent agency. We are committed to helping Milford, PA residents obtain the coverage they need to protect their assets. We offer our clients custom policies so that they can obtain coverage that fits their individual needs. We hope to establish a long-lasting relationship with you.

Reasons To Look Over your Home Insurance Policy

Your Milford, PA residence is a significant investment. You’ve likely worked hard to obtain such a valuable asset. Home insurance covers your property against potential damages. You are covered if your home suffers interior damage such as the walls or flooring. You are also covered if your home suffers damage to the exterior structure such as your roof. Most home insurance policies also cover any damage to detached structures such as a shed or garage. All of your prized possessions inside the home are covered if they are stolen or vandalized. Consider taking inventory, as that will make things easier if your personal items suffer damage. Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property. You are also covered if you accidentally damage your neighbor’s property. Be sure to look over your policy carefully to avoid potential issues.

Alternative Living Coverage

Alternative living coverage helps you find a temporary place to stay while your home is repaired. This coverage gives you peace of mind in the event that your home suffers serious damage.

Flood Damage

Your home insurance policy likely does not cover flood damage. Flood damage occurs when heavy rainfall or severe weather moves into the area and damages an entire section of a community. Flood damage differs from water damage, which may be drainage issues.

Luxury Items

If you have any fur or other luxury items at your property, be sure to amend your policy. That’s the only way to fully cover those items if they are damaged.  

RH Worthington Group Will Help You Protect Your Assets

Contact our office to learn more information about home insurance.

Is home insurance needed in Milford?

Those that are in Milford, PA will be able to choose from different housing choices. One great option is to purchase their own home, which will offer you a great long-term investment and a stable place to call home. When you are going to buy a home, you also need to get home insurance. This is needed for several reasons. 

Coverage is Needed to Comply with Lender Requirements

One of the reasons that home insurance will be needed is because it is a requirement set by mortgage lenders. When a mortgage lender provides you with a loan, they will want to know that their collateral for the loan is covered. A great way that this is done is by requiring all property owners to obtain a home insurance plan. In some cases, the lender may require that you have these payments escrowed on a monthly basis. 

Coverage Protects Your Home and Assets

Even if you are not required by a mortgage lender to carry home insurance, you should still consider it a necessity. Your home is a very important asset and one that you will want to have protected for a long time. If you get a proper home insurance plan, you are going to have the support you need to repair or rebuild it if you incur a loss or major damage. The plan also will give coverage support for your personal assets and give some personal liability protection.

There are a lot of great reasons to consider home insurance a necessity in the Milford, PA area. If you are looking for a plan here, the RH Worthington Group is a great team to speak with. RH Worthington Group can offer you any support that you need to evaluate your options and build an ideal plan. 

What a Homeowners Insurance Policy Provides

For the most part, homeowners insurance policies are customizable. You can select the cover you need for your Milford, PA home and choose not to include certain items. However, some things are standard elements included in basic homeowners insurance policies. 

Please continue reading to learn more about what a homeowners insurance policy provides you, and then give us a call at RH Worthington Group to learn how to customize your policy. 

Your Home

Most insurance policies cover the interior and exteriors of homes in the event of fire, lightning, vandalism, and other covered incidents. Additionally, freestanding structures, such as garages or sheds, may also be covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. Finally, most insurance policies offer coverage to pay for a hotel should your home be damaged to the point where it is unlivable. 

Personal Property

Items such as clothing, furniture, appliances, and other contents within your home are covered under your homeowners insurance policy. If needed, you can add “off-premises” coverage for storage units or other locations where you might be keeping the personal property. Additionally, some high-priced items may need extra coverage. Contact your insurance agent to determine how much of your personal property is covered.

Personal Liability

Homeowners insurance with liability coverage protects you when others become injured on your property. This clause includes pets, so should your dog bite someone, your insurance covers their medical expenses. Liability insurance also covers you in the event someone sues you for their injury at your home. 

There are many options available for your homeowner’s insurance policy in Milford, PA. You can easily customize it to include the coverage you need to protect your home, yourself, and your family. To learn more about standard homeowners insurance coverage and what is covered, give us a call at RH Worthington Group.