REVIEW YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY COVERAGE AND DISCOUNTS

We want to make sure that the cost to replace your home is correctly estimated. Review some of the factors that went into determining your estimated dwelling replacement cost and let us know if it we need to make changes. Our tool is updated periodically with cost data that reflect building costs at the time. For example, do we have the correct: 

• number of garages for each type (built-in has living space above, attached that has no living space above, and detached is a separate building), 
• number of bathrooms, 
• quality of each bathroom and kitchen, 
• roof style (common styles are Hip or Gable), roof material, or roof age,
• interior wall height,
• exterior wall types?

We've all recently heard about the astronomical rise in lumber prices in particular, and construction materials and labor in general. If you think the replacement cost estimate for your home ($/sq.ft) is insufficient based on the correct features entered, this optional BSREL coverage provides an additional 20% to the value of replacement cost in the event of a total loss. If you have a percentage deductible, it is based on the dwelling replacement cost and not the BSREL value. Please note that the cost to rebuild your home structure is lower than the cost to purchase your home. Yes, your neighbor's house might have sold for a lot more, but that purchase price includes the cost of the land and the general desirability of the area.

This optional coverage is available on roofs not older than 15 years. Allstate will replace your roof at the replacement cost at the time of a claim, not the lower depreciated value based on the age of the roof. This coverage saves you $$$ as claims that require roof replacement are commonplace in Texas, especially due to damage from hail or windstorms. If you would like to enable the RSEC coverage, please send me any information that shows when your roof was installed, e.g. sellers disclosure or roof installer receipts. 

Best practice is to have your roof installer complete and sign the certification form from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). You might qualify for better rates based on the age of the roof (the newer the better) and discounts based on the hail resistance class.

Water Backup is an optional coverage different from water damage.

Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) - Your renewal policy lists Items That May Need the Extra Protection. These are jewelry, cameras, art works, home-office equipment, and more. Contact us to learn more about your current coverage and getting adequate protection for your valuables. 

Is the correct mortgage company and loan number indicated on the policy? If you have are no longer paying your insurance premium through mortgage escrow, are the bills still going to the mortgage company instead of you? Contact us to ensure the correct account or payor is listed. Late payments can result in a costly loss of Responsible Payment discount described below.

Compare discounts you had last year and discounts in your renewal package.  Did you lose any discounts? 

If your multi-policy discount went away, contact us to quote your auto insurance as our rates do change and have been lowered recently. 

If your Responsible Payment discount went away, it's gone for the year and points to the lateness of a premium payment. Please make sure we have the correct payor information to send the bill - is it a mortgage company escrow, or do you no longer escrow your insurance premium? 

If you are making payments, make sure we are not sending bills to a mortgage company. Turn on Easy Pay before your renewal date for up to 5% discount (depending on the homeowner policy type). 

If your claim-free discount went away, this is gone for 5 years due to a non-catastrophic claim. A catastrophe claim is one that affects the area, like the Texas winter storm freeze, lightning, hail damage. The individual homeowner does not take a hit for catastrophe claims. You can protect the Claim-Free discount with the Enhanced Plan described below.

The hail-resistant roof discount requires you submit proof, such as a completed certification form indicating the class.

This is an optional coverage that offers claim forgiveness and has these three (3) features:

• Claim RateGuard saves the claim-free discount/rate hikes for 1 non-catastrophe claim in 5 years.
• Get $100 towards lowering your deductible every claim-free year, capped at $500. Works the same way as the deductible rewards of the auto policy Gold and Platinum plans.
• Get 5% cash back every claim-free year. After cashback, you can be paying as low as $2/month for the Enhanced Plan.